There's no denying that the coaching and mentoring industry has gone bigger over the last couple of years. That's because individuals and businesses are already acknowledging the benefits of a coaching program, whether it's life, business, or executive coaching. It's sad, however, that there are also a few bad apples in this business. These people are greedy and they sell overpriced yet poor quality programs.
If you're keen on getting an executive coach to help you run and grow your business, how can you make sure you're dealing with the right person? Below are some tips you should follow:
1. Tainted History
This is a no-brainer. Before you hire a coach or mentor, the first thing you need to do is gather information about that person, and the most efficient way to do this is to do an online search. Check out the legal history of your potential coach before signing an agreement with them or purchasing their product.
2. Repackaged Information
What many of us don't realize is that many of the things you can learn from an expensive coaching program are available at bookstores for not more than $100. You need to be extra careful especially with the big name mentors because their popularity tends to overshadow the low value of their programs.
3. Aggressive Sales Tactics
The sales practices used by coaches should not be the same to those of marketing firms. A legit career or executive coach will usually offer sample sessions so that you can get an idea of what you may get out of the program. If you come across a mentor who uses very aggressive sales tactics that will require you to pay upfront, consider this a red flag.
4. Contractual Obligations
As mentioned earlier, legitimate coaches do not usually require up-front payment for their services. If a coaching company asks for a lump-sum payment and requires that you sign a contract with them before even starting the program, you're clearly dealing with a marketing company. Again, you want a coach who will give you a chance to get a feel of the coaching program before requiring you to pay.
5. Refund Policy
You want a coaching organization that will allow you to get a refund if you end up unhappy with the program. If there's no refund policy in the program you're being offered, chances are they just want to get your money.
Business coaching is one of the best investments you can make for your business. However, this can be a disaster if you don't spend time and effort searching for a legitimate and experienced coach. Remember the tips above to protect yourself from fraud.