Wondering if one-on-one coaching is right for you?
We’ll be the first to admit – the power of 1-1 coaching support can be deeply transformative.
There’s something incredibly special about having another human being who’s been in your shoes hold space for you, help you work through obstacles, and advise you as you work towards your goals.
But just because one-on-one coaching is a fantastic option when it comes to business support doesn’t mean it’s the only option.
The coaching industry has exploded in recent years, and with its growth, we’ve seen a ton of new coaching models on the scene. From group coaching programs to masterminds, to masterclasses, memberships, and more – there are so many ways to get the support you need in your life and business.
So how can you know if you should go with one-on-one coaching or another option?
Ask yourself these questions to figure out the best path forward for you!
First things first: what IS one-on-one coaching?
The word “coach” gets thrown around a lot these days, but what exactly does it mean?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as:
Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership.
Coaching differs from consulting or mentorship in it’s less about telling the client what to do through step-by-step plans or strategies, and more about helping the client overcome blocks and obstacles and uncover a solution that lies within them.
Coaching is more of a collaborative process that focuses heavily on asking the right questions and helping illuminate the struggles and limiting beliefs that might be keeping clients stuck.
Is one-on-one coaching in your budget?
First things first, let’s talk about the elephant in the room…cost.
We’ve all had a moment like this in our business.
You find a coach online and almost immediately, you’re obsessed!
Their content draws you in, they’re giving out value bombs left, right, and center, and you almost feel like you could be besties.
You go to check out their 1-1 coaching packages…
Only to realize they’re WAY out of your budget.
The reality is, that paying for individualized support in the online space is going to cost you a pretty penny.
With the ability to leverage 1-many models, your favorite coaches and mentors are putting a high price tag on clients on 1-1 support. Their time, energy, and attention are devoted solely to you and your business for however many hours, and it’s going to cost you.
Many 1-1 coaching packages are thousands of dollars if not even tens of thousands a month.
If you’re in the beginning stages of your business, or you’re limited on funds, you might want to choose a more accessible option like a group coaching program or workshop.
Are you looking for community?
Many entrepreneurs *think* they need one-on-one coaching, when in fact, they’re yearning for community.
- They want a sounding board when they have a bad day
- They want to celebrate their wins with others
- They want to network and build relationships with other people doing similar things
If you have a feeling that you might be hungry for community, you might want to consider redirecting your funds from 1-1 coaching to a group coaching program, mastermind group, or membership community.
If you’re doing a group coaching program, be sure to pay close attention to how community is prioritized within the program.
Do they have an active Facebook community? Do they have weekly calls with other members? Opportunities to co-work or connect with others in the program?
And if you’re looking for an accessible place to connect with other experts in the online space, develop your referral network, and get access to exclusive community events, consider joining our verified business directory and community for coaches and service pros, Crème de la Crème.
Are you looking for support on a sensitive topic?
On the other hand, a group coaching program might *not* be for you if you’re looking to work through sensitive, private issues, or if you’re not comfortable sharing in a group environment.
With one-on-one coaching, you’ll be in a private container with just you and your coach. If you feel you need this privacy in order to truly open up, be vulnerable and work through what’s holding you back, you may want to stick to private coaching.
There are some people that just not be comfortable chatting in a group setting about certain topics. Maybe you’re looking for relationship coaching, support around finances, help with your health, or even fertility.
If you want to pass on opening up about these things around others, we get it! On the other hand, others might get added value by connecting with others going through the same issues – and even feel less alone.
Think about how you’re wired and what makes the most sense for you.
Are you looking for tactical support – or mentorship?
When thinking about whether 1-1 coaching is right for you, you want to ask yourself what kind of support you’re specifically looking for.
Some people are looking for a strategy to accomplish a very specific goal…for example, growing their business on Pinterest, hiring their first employee, or hosting a summit.
If your goal is mostly tactical, and you’re looking for a step-by-step plan from someone who’s there before, a group coaching program or even a self-paced digital course would probably be your best bet!
You could even consider a 90-minute session with a consultant if you want customized, strategic advice on a certain business goal.
But if on the other hand, there is a mental and emotional piece involved with your goal, you might want to hire a one-on-one as they’re specifically trained to help you overcome mindset obstacles!
Ask yourself….
Do you want ongoing support, mentorship, accountability, a sounding board, or somebody to help you through whatever blocks you might be experiencing? Those blocks could be related to your finances, confidence, relationships, your mindset, or more.
Or are you more seeking out information and strategy on how to implement something tactical?
Your answer will help you determine if 1-1 coaching is right for you!
Do you have time to implement?
One important consideration when hiring a business coach is your time.
Especially if you’re hiring a coach, say, for business, they’re not necessarily going to be taking things off your plate. If anything, they might even be giving you MORE to do.
Yes, they’ll save you time in the long run – because you won’t have to take the DIY route and figure everything out yourself.
But in the short run, you might find yourself even more bogged down with the items you need to implement for your coaching program.
Attending coaching calls, doing homework in between sessions, implementing the advice your coach gives you…it can be a lot!
Which is why you need to be honest with yourself about the amount of time you have to show up for your coaching container.
If you’re in a season of your life where you just know you’re incredibly limited with your time, your funds might be better used somewhere else. You could take the thousands you’re investing in coaching every month and invest them into a team member or agency that will implement (and sometimes even strategize) for you.
Think honestly about what type of support makes sense for the current season of your life, and invest accordingly. Don’t commit to a coaching program that you know you don’t have the time and energy to truly show up for.
Looking for a service provider to take some work off your plate? Be sure to browse our business directory of verified service providers that offer next-level business support. Check out Crème de la Crème here.
Do you need ongoing support or a quick solution?
Continuing on the theme of time, it’s important to carefully consider the time commitment when signing up with a 1-1 coach. Every coach is different, but often, one-on-one coaching packages can range from three, six, or even twelve months.
Ask yourself if you would benefit from long-term, ongoing support in your life or business…or if rather, you’re looking for a quick solution.
Again, if you are looking for tactical support on a specific issue in your business, you might want to hire a consultant for a one-off session.
If you are looking to go deep, and need additional support with mindset, but you’re not ready to commit to a long-term package, there are other options.
Many coaches now offer intensives or VIP days to give their clients high-level service, without the time commitment.
Hiring a 1-1 coach isn’t a decision to take lightly! By taking the time to ask yourself these questions, you can make sure the investment is right for you, so you get the best results possible.
Want more support about working with coaches? Read the following posts!
How To Vet A Coach or Service Provider Before Investing
Mastermind vs. Group Coaching Program: What’s The Difference Anyway?
Don’t Forget These 13 Must-Have Clauses in Your Coaching Contract
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*The information presented in this blog post is for educational & informational purposes only. This should not be a substitute for customized legal advice from a licensed professional in a private setting. If you need legal advice, please consult with an attorney. This is not a law firm.
