Is Business Coaching the Right Career for You?

In North America’s ever-changing economy, we are seeing an alarming trend that hasn’t happened for decades: Mid and Senior-level professionals wondering “What now?” So many have been left out in the cold due to restructuring, downsizing and bankruptcy; and in this fast paced life, so many are ready for a change. A stellar option for those considering a career change is business coaching.

Business Coaching is a career that has really taken off in the past two years. Why? Because there are so many people starting again. Starting their own businesses and trying to do for themselves what their employers couldn’t do for them: balance and success.

What is Business Coaching?
Business Coaching is known by many names: business consulting, executive coaching, mentor, etc. These are fancy terms for a strategist. This is a position for people that have 10-15 years of experience in Mid or Senior-level management; experienced professionals who want to share their knowledge with others that would like to succeed in the same areas.

To become a successful mentor, consider that you should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Marketing /Communications
• Sales
• Operations
• Entrepreneurship
• Law
• Management
• Human Relations or Internal Communications
• Consulting

Business Consultants should be very experienced professionals and should be certified by a reputable business coach training program.

Who Needs a Business Coach?
All business owners, operators and managers should consider a business consultant, especially if they are researching how to start a small business, or trying to get their company off the ground.

Mentors or business coaches can offer many services to these companies and can answer tough questions and help find the right strategies and tools to navigate the tough corporate road ahead.

As a business coach you can help organizations:

• Find competent, fresh employees
• Gain time management skills (at home or in the office)
• Construct new business models
• Stay ahead of their increased competition
• Calculate exit strategies and train new managers
• Become more successful financially

Why Business Coaching?
The trend in business : life balance is on an upswing as professionals realize that life doesn’t stop for work. Professions like mentoring offer many perks. When you become a business coach, you are a freelance professional so to speak, able to make your own hours and schedule and create the life you desire. This career is perfect for those who love to create and expand people’s business opportunities, including their own. The ability to collaborate and strategize with those business owners or managers that are in need of some sound planning and advice will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking for the keys to success.