I try to write articles that will be of help to the business owner and I believe this one will, too. It may sound a little self serving at times because, after all, I am a business coach. However, I get many questions and there is some confusion as to what makes a good business coach.

Almost every life, fitness and spiritual coach out there who has at least one business person as a client has now attached the "Business Coach" moniker to their list of services. Are they really business coaches? Maybe some are. But most of them are life, fitness or spiritual coaches with a business client. And believe me there is a difference. Another area of confusion are the sales consultants or marketing experts or leadership counselors that are now calling themselves business coaches. After all sales, marketing and leadership are a huge part of your business. And don't get me wrong, some of these are great business coaches with strong areas of expertise. Others are great sales people or marketing people and lack the expertise to help in other important areas.

So be careful when choosing a business coach. Spend some time finding out about the person and ask questions. See if there is rapport. See if the person you are seeking as a coach understands the entire business process. Read what he or she has written. Try and understand their philosophies on business.

In my opinion a good "Business Coach" should have a well rounded background in all areas of the business process. That's why generalists, or General Managers, make good business coaches. A General Manager who has been in different business situations like turnaround, high growth, startup, etc will have experience in planning and strategic goal setting, financial management, leadership and team building as well as sales, marketing and customer service. There is way more to a successful business than sales. Personally, I and other good coaches work with our clients on 7 areas of business focus that, if mastered, will go a long way to insuring a long term successful operation.

Mike Shannon is the owner of Shamrock Business Coaching, a coaching practice that helps business owners increase profits. You can visit Shamrock Business Coaching on the web at: http://www.ShamrockCoaching.com.

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