What's the Difference Between a Small Business Mentor and a Coach?

While some people still think of coaches in only sports term, business coaching has become a sought after discipline. As a small business mentor, coach and trainer, I often support business owners and entrepreneurs in developing and achieving a greater vision for themselves. However, sometimes the terminology on the various roles is confusing so let's do some clarifying.

Many small business owners are disappointed to find that they've simply created themselves a 24/7 job instead of the freedom they anticipated. This is often when they seek me out for coaching and/or mentoring. We work together to discover how to streamline systems and develop a perspective that will support their personal dreams.

When a small business owner turns to me for help, I generally recommend a combination of coaching, mentoring and a mastermind group. I'll have an upcoming article on mastermind groups but, for now, let's just understand them as a very small group (no more than 8) of goal-oriented, like-minded individuals who want to brainstorm and work together on creating success. They usually meet at least monthly, sometimes in person or just by phone.

Small business mentors should have many years of business experience because they will work with you on the long view of your business and personal dreams. A great mentor has many connections to introduce you to and new ideas and concepts that you might not be aware of. Finding a mentor who you want to model yourself after can be extremely important. While you may talk to your coach weekly, you generally meet with a mentor much less often to touch base.

You and your mentor are likely to discuss critical relationships with your boss or clients and how to improve them. They can point out potential issues ahead of time and let you know what's been effective for them. Because of their wealth of experience, they are able to help you map a long-term career or business plan.

Coaches take the micro-view of your business and personal vision and helps you in a more specific and interactive way. They hold you accountable for short-term goals that you set together and help you reduce procrastination and make a plan for dealing with stumbling blocks. A coach meets with clients frequently, usually by phone, for a required period of time, usually no less than several months.

When someone is acting as a trainer, they are charged with teaching you a specific skill. When I work with someone in a training role, I may be teaching them how to set up a website or Twitter account. However, always keep in mind that coaches and mentors often act as trainers part of the time.

Everyone needs that extra push some of the time from someone with greater life and business experience. Coaches and mentors are often involved in mastermind groups and/or have their own coach or mentor. By working with these goal-oriented leaders, you can increase your own chances of personal success. A coach will help you define what success means to you, in business and life, and help you steer your course to achieving it.

by Steven Schlagel

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