Now That You've Decided to Become an Entrepreneur or Boost Your Career, Is Coach Next?

Okay, so maybe you've been pushed into making a decision about starting a business or new career. Better yet, maybe you have an opportunity to turn a passion into an entrepreneurship. Or maybe you've been downsized, outsourced, laid off, offered early retirement or just looking at what is happening to those around you and, because of what you see, you want to be in control of your financial and career decisions. You know who you are. Your ranks include teachers, professors, mechanics, factory workers, retailers, you name it. There are jobs lost or threatened in big numbers across the country and throughout the economic fabric. That, unfortunately, is the way our economy is today and in each of those scenarios, a coach can be a vital part of the success of your new venture.

So here you are and for whatever the reason, you have decided what you want to do and are looking for the way to implement that decision. You may have already left your job or may just be in the planning stages. Rest assured there are plenty of resources out there for you.

Why Go It Alone?

Whether you're in business for yourself or trying to create a successful career, you can do it alone, but is it prudent to do so? The fact is, you need others working with you, others working alongside you, others working behind you. Nowhere is "no man is an island" more applicable than for the entrepreneur. Finding a mentor or hiring a professional coach is an excellent means to gain consistent feedback when growing a successful business or developing a stable and lucrative career.

Just as "it takes a village to raise a child," it takes support, nurturing and feeding to build your "empire."

Business coaching is one of the easiest ways to make an impact on the development of your business. Professional coaching will keep you focused, help you formulate and solidify your goals, keep you accountable and, best of all, insure that you're not alone.

We often say we want a business, but util you are focused, and I mean laser sharp focused, you will achieve mediocre success at best. No one reading the article is looking for mediocrity; not in your own enterprise whether that enterprise is product or service oriented, not in your career. And those who have chosen writing as their enterprise? Make no mistake, unless you want to starve, this is your business. You, too, need coaching, need mentoring, maybe even more than others because writing is usually such a solitary endeavor.

Coaches and mentors are your sounding board, but first let's look at ways most people starting out go about getting support. 1)They turn to family. Well, family is often the source that will discourage you the most. Their mantra quite often is "get a real job that pays." 2)Friends don't fall far from family. Occasionally, the friend is truly in your corner and will be a sounding board, will support you in your endeavors and give really sound advice. If you have such a friend, count yourself lucky. But then, if you think about it, it's a heavy burden to lay on a family or a friend to ask them to give you advice in areas that they have not experience in. 3)Co-workers are not viable sources of support. They have their own agendas. Overall, if you approach others for support and advice about your business, you are usually, unfortunately, going to get "the crabs in a barrel" affect.

Mentoring is one way to obtain the support of others who have already encountered the obstacles you may be facing in getting your business started or as you build your career. A good mentor will give guidance when you need it and share the knowledge he or she has gained throughout their own career. Mentors are all around you. Look at someone you admire, someone who has the attributes that you would like to acquire. Enlisting their help can be as simple as stepping up and asking for it. Chances are the prospective mentor will be flattered, and because you have chosen well, they will tell you whether they have the time to assist you with your dream.

Why Choose a Coach?

A coach, on the other hand, is in business to see that you succeed. A coach is knowledgable in a variety of areas and if there is a gap in that knowledge, a good coach will get the answers for you or point you in the right direction.

If you have the right coach, that coach can also connect you with others who are like minded. There is power in interacting with others who think as you do, others who are also building their empire or powering up their careers. They are almost always a source of positive energy because it is generally the positive who step out and create real success. They believe in themselves and their product or services.

Always remember, you are the definer of your success. The coach is in your corner to remind you of that definition so that you remain on track to realize that success.

Effective coaching can be accessed one on one or in a group process. Often it is a combination of the two that is effective. Hearing the voices of others who may be experiencing the same issues or successes can be helpful in your ultimate success.

Coaches and coaching networks are all around you. Networks can even be found online. Women About Biz at www.womenaboutbiz.com is one such network that gives all the advantages of coaching and mentoring. By taking advantage of Women About Biz you not only have the opportunity to access sound coaching, you also have access to a network of nearly 4,000 women (I'm one of them) who are motivated to see their businesses and their careers soar. Whether your enterprise is focused on writing or catering, dentistry or fitness products, getting organized or interior decorating, Women About Biz gives access to coaching and much more, including a weekly talk radio show with topics ranging from procrastination to personal development and funding for your business.

While I have focused on a network for women to help them grow their business, coaching and mentoring is not just for women. Men benefit from a sounding board that is interested in thier success.

So, in the end, you can succeed at entrepreneurship, you can fulfill your dream(s). After all you're intelligent, you're industrial, you're determined. In fact, you have all those attributes that point to success, but why go at it alone? Why not enlist the support of others to help make your road to success a bit easier, a bit smoother? Why not consider taking advantage of the skills offered by a qualified coach. Most important of all, make it a priority to seek the support that works best for you and your endeavors. The only result can be SUCCESS!

To find out more about Women About Biz, visit http://www.womenaboutbiz.com/