What a Business Owner at OnePlusWe wishes they had known before entering Coaching
Hector wishes someone had explained the true difference between coaching and advising earlier in career, realizing the importance of "helping people find the answers for themselves" instead of simply giving advice, and also wishes someone had emphasized how much effort goes into finding clients for a service-based business, but also that "you can make it fun" by focusing on the enjoyment of connecting with people.
Coaching, Client Acquisition, Service Industry, Professional Development, Self-Employment
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Hector J Bordas
CEO/Founder
OnePlusWe -- self employed
University of So. Ca & Cal. State, Long Beach
Biology & Related Sciences, Engineering - Civil
Coaching, Speaking & Writing
Consulting
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Coaching is about helping people find their own answers, not advising or mentoring them.
2. Finding clients in any service-based business requires significant effort.
3. Building relationships and enjoying interactions with people can make the work of finding clients more enjoyable.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
Okay, that's a really good question. It may relate back to the last question. I guess I started working with people one-on-one when I was in the corporate world.
At the time, I thought I was coaching them, but what I was really doing was advising, which is different. When I went through a certification process to learn what coaching is really about, it changed my mind. Coaching isn't about advising, consulting, or mentoring; it's about helping people find their own answers.
That was fascinating, and I wish I'd known it earlier because I could have started practicing real coaching years sooner. So that's one thing.
I believe that in all businesses, where you're providing a service and finding clients, it's a lot of work. You can make it difficult on yourself, or you can make it fun. For me, it's fun when I get to talk to people.