Finding Your Guide Beyond The Grind

Every entrepreneur, every ambitious employee, and every solopreneur gets to a point where they feel stuck. We've been grinding for a while, we’re putting in the hours, but the numbers ain't numbering. We assume the problem is something obvious we need more money for marketing, we need a better website, we need to do more. But what if we're wrong?

The truth is, sometimes the bleed in the business is not where we think it is. We may be focused on attracting new clients when the real issue is retention because the quality of what we're providing is lacking. Pouring more money into marketing when there are holes in the bucket is a sure way to fail and waste your time. This is where the crucial decision comes in: Do you need a business coach or a business advisor?

We define a coach like a sports coach. They may not be the best at playing the game, but they are great at developing you. A business coach understands your industry and helps tweak what you're doing to make you better. They are focused on the individual, able to unlock your potential by asking the right questions to pull greatness out of you. They are your accountability partner, helping with mindset shifts and execution. A coach is result driven and helps with holistic growth, like balancing your family and work life. This is for the person who feels they have hit a plateau and are ready to take a leap.

An advisor, on the other hand, is someone who advises the business itself. They are more focused on the business as a whole. They've already been through what you're going through, so they use their experience to help you navigate the complexity of your business. The way we see it, an advisor is for the early-stage entrepreneur. They are the ones who can tell you, "maybe run this play, don't run that play," because you've already got the mental toughness and skill set, but you need a guide.

But what if you feel you need one, but you can’t afford it? It is what it is. The first step is to redefine what you're looking for. The person who is right for you might not be the most expensive or the most famous. They might not even be on Google. Instead of looking for a name on a list, look for someone who aligns with your purpose and can connect with you. The power is in networking, in getting out there and speaking to people. We’ve found that when we've had conversations with day-to-day experts in their fields, they've taught us things we would have never even thought to ask about.

Sometimes you think you need a paid coach when what you actually need is a mentor. We talked about this before, your parents are your mentors. They can teach you so much, but they can't create a plan for you to do something they haven't done. A coach, however, can. They say, “I don’t care what you're doing, you're trying to go from here to here, and I know how to get here”. A mentor gives you gems when you ask; a coach is teaching you regardless.

This journey requires a mindset shift. The fear you feel as an entrepreneur is what keeps you honest and doing your due diligence. A coach or an advisor helps you navigate that fear. We all get coaches for one thing: we want to be better. Whether you need someone to help you get more efficient with your time or to help you unlock the potential of your business, the right guide is waiting to help you take that next leap.

The distinction between a coach and an advisor is clear: one helps you, the individual, while the other helps your business. Knowing which one you need at different stages is crucial for strategic navigation. Don't be afraid to seek help, even if you think you can’t afford it. The right guidance is often found by letting go of hubris and simply talking to people.

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Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/-W130PRsD9M.