Jackie Zach
September 8, 2024
In this podcast, hosts Jackie Zach and Mike McKay emphasize the critical role of coaching for business owners. They argue that coaching has evolved into a significant competitive advantage, with 15% of the population now engaging in it, a substantial increase from just 3% a decade ago. Coaching enables business owners to achieve better results, sharpen their competitive edge, and improve both their leadership skills and emotional consistency.
Drawing parallels between business owners and athletes or children in sports, the hosts highlight that coaching is vital for personal and professional growth. They stress that to excel in their fields, business owners should view coaching as an essential investment in their performance and overall well-being, contributing to both success and life balance.
Want a competitive advantage and want a coach? Take advantage of a complimentary business strategy session to discover the opportunities in your business! https://actioncoachwi.com/podcast-ask-a-question-complimentary-session/
Podcast Transcript:
Mike McKay: Welcome to the Tough Love for Business podcast. I’m Mike McKay, here with my co-host, Jackie Zach, and today we’re asking, “Who is coaching you?” So, Jackie, who’s coaching you right now?
Jackie Zach: Well, right now, it’s you.
Mike: That might not be good.
Jackie: Actually, I like your coaching style. You’re direct, and it helps me get to where I need to be. As coaches, both of us believe in the value of coaching. So, if you’re a coach and don’t have a coach, you’re going against your own beliefs. For me, coaching is a competitive advantage.
Mike: The coaching industry has evolved a lot over the years I’ve been in it. Back when I started, only about 3% of people sought coaching. Now, that number has grown to around 15%. So, if you think you don’t need coaching or input from others, that’s fine. But keep in mind that 15% of your competitors are getting coached and coming after you. Having high-level experts on your team makes it easier to succeed in business. Whether you invest in coaching or just get advice from your friends at the bar, you’re still being coached—the question is whether it’s intentional.
Jackie: And is it focused?
Mike: Exactly. Are you being lazy and just going with the flow because others are struggling, so you feel okay? Most people, the 85% who aren’t seeking coaching, think, “As long as others are struggling as much or more than I am, I’m fine.” But the 15% who are getting coached are asking, “How do I get an edge?”
Jackie: And coaching is a gift. It’s a gift to yourself as a business owner, and to your team. If you want to reward yourself and gain a competitive edge, what’s stopping you from getting a coach? A coach is a competitive advantage—bottom line.
Mike: Absolutely. We can give countless examples: the best surgeons, top CEOs, and even your biggest competitors are likely getting coached. You can ask them who their coach is, and you’ll see. Professional athletes, even amateurs, all get coached. No one runs a marathon without being part of a running club or getting some coaching. Business is tough, and without guidance, you might take longer and hit more roadblocks.
Jackie: My nephew coaches kids in baseball, specifically hitting. That’s all he focuses on, and his players improve. Many go on to do great things, even become professionals. So, if kids are getting coached, and businesses are so vital to our communities and families, why wouldn’t business owners also get coached to perform at their best?
Mike: It’s interesting—no one would send their kid off to play soccer without a coach. Organized sports always have someone paying attention to the players. Yet, in business, which is likely the most important game you’re playing because it affects your income and peace of mind, many don’t seek coaching. A lot of our clients aren’t just focused on making more money; they’re after freedom, calmness, and emotional stability. They want to handle challenges without overreacting. Coaching brings all these benefits. We focus on money because, at the end of the day, if you’re not making money, business is tough—way tougher if you’re not doing the right things to be profitable.
Jackie: As coaches, we offer an outside perspective. We’re not caught up in the day-to-day details of your business, so we can ask the right questions, hold you accountable to your goals, and help you grow as a leader, business owner, and individual. Coaches push you out of your comfort zone, and when you expand that zone, it keeps growing. Just like coaching helps kids gain confidence, improve technique, and develop the right mindset, it does the same for business owners.
Mike: It’s uncomfortable. I’ve been taking golf lessons for years, working on my hip turn. Every time, my coach shows me the correct position, and I think, “This feels wrong.” But he says, “Is it wrong, or is it just different?” It’s my physical comfort zone, and breaking out of it is tough. The same goes for your mental comfort zone—it’s not wrong, just different. Without guidance, it’s really hard to make changes. The lessons are recorded on video, which used to be hard to watch, but now I can see the proper setup and hip turn. My stats show how much my game has improved, and it doesn’t feel wrong anymore—it feels right. I often wonder how interesting it would be to videotape some of our clients during the day. Are they showing up as leaders and business owners? Are they doing the right things?
Jackie: Exactly. If you want to be the best and lead a championship team, give yourself the gift of coaching. It’s a gift you deserve. Remember, you’re professional business owners.