How can you find a good coach?

As an independent professional, you will have to do a lot on your own: administration, finding assignments or networking, all without colleagues. There is no one to tell you that something is going well or could be better. While you do need such a coach, especially in the early days of your entrepreneurship.

Why a coach?

A coach can be valuable: he or she can show you how things are really going and what could be improved. As a self-employed person you are on your own, so there is a risk that you might miss something or do the wrong thing without realizing it. From time to time it is also nice to share your thoughts or spar with someone about your business. So it is important to have a coach, but where do you find one?

What kind of coach?

Before you start looking, you need to be clear to yourself what you need. When you are just starting out and have no experience as an entrepreneur, an entrepreneurial coach can come in handy. He or she will teach you the ropes and share his or her experience. If you are already an experienced freelancer then a sparring partner is more helpful. Someone who lets you take a critical look at yourself and ensures that you work more efficiently.

Training

Anyone can call themselves a coach, so pay close attention. See if the coach you choose also has a solid education. What is his or her background and work experience, how many years of experience does the coach have and do you know anyone who has experience with him or her? Ask in your network or with (former) colleagues. Everyone knows someone who once used a coach. Word of mouth in this case is the best way to find a coach that suits you.

Click

Important in choosing a good coach is whether a certain click develops between you as a client and the coach. You can't make that a hard criterion at screening. Every person is different. So do not go directly with someone, but first meet once and also meet with several coaches. Does it click? Fine. If not, keep looking.