Ever Use A Internet Business Coach?

[Pjman]

I've been build sites since 1998. I have done well over the years.

I'm kinda at a sticking point. I outsource everything, but I could use a set of fresh eyes on my operation.

Has anyone ever used a business coach, with any success?

I think to myself that if these people were any good, wouldn't they just do it themselves? I see all of these seedy names of coaches on the web and it stops me from pulling the trigger on getting a coach.

[explorador]

Pjman: Has anyone ever used a business coach, with any success?

I'm on the same page with the same question. Been building sites for a long time, the old school WebmasterWorld kind, sites that last, with traffic, original content, etc. Different than your case I do not outsource, but I do not understand the business coach concept, or specially the "internet guru" persona. It seems the only way to find out is to pay them and try, but I'm not willing to do it because it's based on promises, it's expensive and my background means a big obstacle because I don't believe in it.
It's like magic. Here on WebmasterWorld forum years ago a lot of posts appeared with no info, just said on whatever you posted "there is space for improvement blah blah", and pointing they had dozens of websites with millions of visits per week, with gazillion dollars per month and knowing the secrets to anything and everything. There were (and still are a few) members with great experience who posted great advice, or pointed people on the right track giving clues (no info or details). Their post had technical info, they posted CONTENT. But the others... you could count 100 posts, and 90 of them were the same, sounded to me as people trying to sell sugar and water.

wouldn't they just do it themselves? now back to the core of the topic (coaches), yes. I'm really ignorant on this, I see people talking about big business (even in person) but I see no proof, they also "manage" people websites (with little roi to my knowledge) but they have no website, no nothing. Just like the old marketing and business managers on the old company I worked for (they claimed to be gurus) yet not a single one had a company or personal business. It tells me their business and abilities is get people to pay them, not actually build stuff.

[engine]

I have used a business coach over 25-years ago.

The reason why was to find out if "the experienced person" could add to my own thinking. They did in one respect, but in many others i discovered we were already doing things correctly. There was one aspect that did make a difference and it gave us a new focus for the business. It's easy to keep on keeping on, and sometimes a new set of eyes can help see new, or different ways of doing things.

The key thing to remember is that you can never stop learning.

One other point: Sometimes, it's good to be reminded of the routine things which may have slipped. It's similar to a car driver that's been driving for many years and they've got into their ways of driving which perhaps are cutting corners, looking in the mirror less frequently, not indicating at junctions, etc. Training will help refresh. But, in addition, if there are any new rules of the road, such as signs, road markings, and regulations, or efficient driving tips, the coach, if any good, will introduce them to the driver. Without that input the driver would still get to the destination, but may use more fuel, may not recognise the new signs, or not realise there's a new speed limit, etc.

Careful choice of the correct coach for the requirement is key to the success. For example, if you want to drive a truck, you'd not choose a coach that's a racing driver.

[tangor]

Back in the "old daze" we called these folks efficiency experts. Sometimes they can help a troubled company/operation. Most of the time they get in the way. There's nothing wrong with listening to their pitch to see if there just MIGHT be something they can address, but vet them very thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

As noted above, these folks are generally snake oil salespersons.

[engine]

I'd add, this expert seemed to have wide-ranging knowledge, and brought an idea we'd not thought of to the table. The only criticism I could find was that, to me, he was irritating, however, I could overlook that because of the objective.

Consider what's the worst that can happen: You lost some time and money. On the other hand, you could learn something new.

Do your research and due diligence just as if it were a new employee.

[tangor]

Consider what's the worst that can happen: You lost some time and money. On the other hand, you could learn something new.

Or be sent down the rabbit hole and end up with a SE penalty. I repeat, most of these efficiency experts, coaches, etc, generally sell snake oil.

[engine]

Or be sent down the rabbit hole and end up with a SE penalty. I repeat, most of these efficiency experts, coaches, etc, generally sell snake oil.

Exactly why I said to carry out due diligence. ;)