How do you stay sharp as a small business coach or mentor?

I've found getting feedback from the client at these times has been helpful. - Before the process - During the process - After the process The information collected each stage has given better insights rather than getting it at the end of the process.

I call it the chill-professional blend! As a small business coach, I try to stay sharp with a zen approach. Balancing ambitious goals with sanity intact is key. I set clear work-life boundaries, valuing family time and self-care, including meditation, my elliptical, peppermint mochas, and Netflix. In my business realm, connecting with my community is like hanging out with friends. Personalized client service is my secret sauce—I delve into dreams and quirks. A well-structured schedule is my daily compass. I exude a chill but professional coaching style, harmonizing together to give the best of me to family, friends, and clients. They get to experience my energy and expertise while I savor a life of professional chill. You can do the same.

Regions recently offered an opportunity to engage in a peer mentoring group with other associates from across the company. The sessions have been inspiring and encouraging. It is always great to be able to interact with people you would normally never cross paths with. Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. There’s no comfort in the growth zone and no growth in the comfort zone.

Recently attended a breakfast meeting to learn more about employment laws for small business. Great content presented by an attorney. It helped me see the benefit of recommending that small businesses seek out professional advice about HR issues- even if they don’t hire somebody full time. Go to a seminar, take notes and network with other attendees.

Participating in Q&A panels is also a great way to stay abreast of the latest information and tools. - Questions from the audience - Knowledge for the other panelist

In my experience the best investment in your business is investing in yourself. Hiring a coach/mentor who has gone before you, at least 2 steps ahead of you, that is genuinely interested in your success will share what they did, what they learned, and what not to do so you can move forward and learn from their mistakes, fails, misses, and challenges. My best coach regularly pulled back the curtain and shared everything. Coaches who do not may not have your best interest or growth at heart.

My best advice for one who wants to become a better business coach or mentor is this: (1) Always tell the truth no matter what! Let your word be your bond. When you do the respect meter goes to the top! (2) Always share by doing or helping your clients with their task at hand! this shared response will cement a bond of trust that they can rely on you for help and support no matter what! (3) Encourage feedback on what is working and what is not working! this encourage them to not only trust your judgement but theirs as well! Always reward the clients with compliments and praise on a job well done when it is required! (4) always encourage new ideas and suggestions from the clients! no Idea is to small or too big to be considered!

Celebrate every win regardless of how big or small they may seem. Make a point of rewarding yourself for the achievements. The hardest question a coach has to answer when they share their wins is how or how are you going to celebrate that.

Network! More people means more stories, more characters, more expectations, more ideas, more thoughts. Engage with more and more people every day. Understand different perspectives. It will help to keep us updated, understand more about everything. Ultimately it helps for self improvement as well as to guide others in various possible ways.

It’s Essential to effectively discuss nuances for a particular project and bring it to leadership. This creates a space for ongoing training support and mentorship. Many coaches and mentors shy away from having those difficult conversations and it creates a culture of sloppy leadership.