“Want to take your business to the next level? Hire a coach” This is something I hear all the time and with good reason.
Business coaches can be extremely valuable and I’ve hired two different coaches to break into specific niches before. It was a bit pricey, but it was definitely worth the investment.
However, when you’re just starting out and you have a low budget, it can be difficult to find the money to invest in a business coach. There are still other ways to propel your business forward. Here are some alternatives you can take.
Read Free Information Online
There is so much free information and content online that you can access to improve your business and learn about new strategies. If you follow someone who’s very influential but you can’t afford to hire them as a coach yet, you can read their blog posts, listen to their podcast, sign up for their email list, or even attend their free webinars.
While you won’t receive the personalized attention and service that you would receive working one-on-one with someone, but you’ll still gain value.
Book a 30-60 Minute Phone Call
Sometimes you need a successful brainstorming session to get out of a rough patch. If you’re stuck on something or need advice from a professional, you can always book a 30-60 minute phone call with a business coach to gain clarity on any issues you’re experienced or get answers to some of your most pressing questions.
Lots of professionals have opt-ins on their site that allow you to ‘pick their brain’ by scheduling a one-time coaching call with them.
This is a quick way to get some of the results you’re seeking without having to pay regularly for a coach.
Take a Course
I love signing up for online courses. Good courses are well laid out, and offer specific strategies and actionable tips to implement.
Online courses range in price, but sometimes they go on sale (especially in the beginning stages) so if someone you admire professionally is releasing a course that could help you improve your business, it could be more cost-efficient than hiring them as a coach.
Exchange a Service for Coaching
This option may work better if you actually know the person you want to become your coach in some capacity. If you have a product or service you can barter with, you may be able to ask for discounted or free coaching sessions.
For example, since I’m a writer, I might leverage a few articles per month for a coaching session with someone if they have a blog and need help putting engaging content up.
This method might not always work, but it’s worth asking long as you’re not overstepping any boundaries.
Summary: Seek Value by More Affordable Means
Most business coaches are amazing, and well worth the price. However, realistically that doesn’t mean everyone can afford to hire one especially if they are just starting out.
Plus, coaching requires a ton of work and effort on your end since you have to take action and implement everything you’re learning.
If you don’t think you’re ready or can’t afford a business coach at this time, consider some of the alternatives mentioned above so you can still improve the success of your business while sticking to your budget.
