Continuing with the list of questions that you should ask any business consultant, business trainer or business coach before you agree to any course of business training, don't forget to ask these questions.
4) What do other people think of the businesss consultant, business trainer or business coach’s performance?
No worthwhile, experienced professional will mind giving you references that you can check and/or providing testimonials.
5) Does the business trainer, business coach or business consultant have an axe to grind?
For instance, she or he may be affiliated with or sponsored by a particular company. If so, the affiliation or sponsorship may slant the person’s presentation in a way that’s unacceptable to you or turn into a parade of products that you don’t want to buy.
6) If it’s possible, meet with the business consultant, business trainer or business coach you're considering hiring and personally evaluate him or her.
Look for the following in your face-to-face meeting:
- Is she organized?
- Does she act in a professional manner?
- Does he have course outlines or materials to share with you or is he able to suggest a course design or session goals for your specific needs that seems reasonable?
- Does he or she present a clear learning plan and answer your questions about the learning situation, style, and delivery to your satisfaction?
- Does the learning plan include evaluation?
- Do you find the business trainer, business consultant or business coach personable and knowledgeable?
- If you have staff that will be trained, do you think they will enjoy learning from this person?
You obviously can’t meet with someone who’s providing online instruction or coaching from a remote location, but you can still at least question him or her about his approach to the business training and form an impression of how organized and personable he or she is.
7) Finally, get it in writing.
If you sign up for a course or seminar, you’ll get a receipt. If you’re hiring a business trainer, business coach or business consultant for personalized learning, you should get a copy of a contract that specifies the learning or training to be delivered, how and when the services will be delivered, and the price of the services. I write up a Personalized Learning Plan for clients; that way we’re both clear about our expectations before we proceed.
Acquiring new skills and knowledge is what keeps us sharp and allows us to grow our small businesses and our selves. But just like any other product, you have to be a savvy consumer to get the most out of a learning experience. Don’t be disappointed or dissatisfied; optimize the outcome by taking the time to find the business consultant, business trainer or business coach that best fits your needs.
