If you are anything like me you think that the word “coach” is extremely overused. Everyone you know that has a little bit of knowledge in one area considers themselves to be a coach. For many people, they add the word “coach” on the end of their title or said “coaching” to their list of services and instantly their prices go up. Sometimes it’s truly justifiable but other times, meh… they are just using the catchword of the day.
So as you read the title of this I know you have to think, “Oh boy. Here we go. Somebody is trying to be extra fancy.” But really this time I’m not. I’ve had a couple of accountability partners in my day and even been in a few virtual and non-virtual accountability groups. And most of my experiences are the same. I meet some wonderful people. I may even do business with them. Created some amazing bonds. But…. We’d start off great in the beginning with checking in but as the weeks turned into months, the motivation would start to the fade. The communication would begin to tall off and… projects weren’t completed.
There is a distinct difference between an accountability partner and an accountability coach.
Accountability partners can be defined as someone who simply helps you keep a commitment. You call or meet face to face once a week, once a month or whatever the arrangement is and you tell them where you are with things, they give you a pep talk or two if you need it to keep you motivated and then you do the same in return for them.
Accountability coaches almost serve as a project manager of sorts by doing the following:
- Help you create a plan to reach your goal or honor the commitment you have made for yourself. If you don’t have a plan as to how you are going to make it to the finish line, you will never get there.
- Help you find the necessary tools and resources to help you reach your goals. Through your weekly or bi-weekly or monthly check-ins, your coach will be able to identify areas, where you need, may need more assistance and should be able to point you in the right direct direction.
- Help prevent procrastination. Just simply knowing you have to check in with someone and provide an update on where you stand can make all of the difference. Having deadlines will ensure that you reach your goals on time.
- Help keep you motivated. Your accountability coach wants to see you succeed. As business owners themselves (often solopreneurs), they understand what it feels like when you hit a wall of frustration and don’t want to move forward. Your coach will be your personal motivational coach and cheerleader when you need it the most.
After reading that I bet you are thinking “Where do I sign up for one of those?” Normally I don’t toot my own horn in these blog posts, but today is a little different. I am an accountability coach. So whenever you are ready to work with someone who will be completely invested in your success, shoot me a message directly at Twanna@virtualempress.net.
Happy Planning!
