How Can You Help a Client Build Resilience as a Business Coach?
In the quest to forge stronger businesses capable of withstanding challenges, we've gathered insights from eight esteemed Business Coaches and CEOs. They share strategies ranging from reconnecting with your business 'Why' to focusing on process and accountability, offering a wealth of advice for building resilience in the face of adversity.
- Reconnect With Your Business 'Why'
- Boost Confidence and Team Support
- Create Digital Courses for Resilience
- Formulate Plans to Overcome Roadblocks
- View Setbacks as Stepping-Stones
- Encourage Self-Solution Through Role Models
- Rebuild Confidence With Easier Goals
- Focus on Process and Accountability
Reconnect With Your Business 'Why'
I had a client who felt overwhelmed with all the things he had to do to meet his goal. My response was to reconnect him with the reason why he started his business in the first place. What was his mission? What change did he want to effect? Within days, he came back to me with an extensive and nicely designed presentation outlining his entire business. He felt renewed and excited again. I've seen this time and again—whenever people face challenges, glancing back to their underlying 'why' can give them the power to break through whatever they're dealing with in the moment.
Boost Confidence and Team Support
When a young startup client was criticized by their product team for lacking detailed management skills, I first let them express their frustrations and even cry during our call. This emotional release was crucial. My main goal was to boost their confidence rather than overload them with technical advice. I emphasized that at the startup phase, adaptability is more important than perfect product-team organization. I also stressed the importance of having a supportive team, advising that unsupportive members should be considered for replacement to maintain a healthy working environment and protect the leader's vision. This approach helped reinforce their leadership and resilience.
Create Digital Courses for Resilience
I remember a time recently when I worked with a therapist who was on the brink of burnout, losing her enthusiasm for a profession she once loved.
Initially skeptical about venturing into digital realms, she was intrigued by my approach, which promised not just financial gain but a revitalization of her professional life.
I guided her through the process of creating an online course, drawing on her extensive experience in holistic mental health practices.
From concept to launch, I emphasized the importance of self-care strategies, a critical aspect often neglected by busy professionals. As her course began to gain traction, not only did her financial situation improve, but her daily stress significantly decreased. The fewer face-to-face sessions allowed her more time to focus on her own well-being, helping to rebuild her resilience in the mental health work.
This newfound freedom wasn't just about having more time—it transformed her life, giving her space to enrich herself and contribute back to the community. My role extended beyond preventing burnout; I empowered her to generate passive income through digital wellness programs and expand her practice online, setting her on a path to become a pioneer of change and resilience in the therapy field.
Formulate Plans to Overcome Roadblocks
Once you know what their hurdles are, together you can formulate a plan to overcome the roadblock. By setting up repeatable steps to identify the issue and how to solve it, the client is on their way to being able to solve the next issue on their own. Each time the client overcomes something, they start to build resilience and their ability to do this on their own. Asking them to discuss the last issue they overcame and celebrate the win reinforces their abilities.
View Setbacks as Stepping-Stones
As a Business Coach, I've supported the coaches I work with in bouncing back from tough times by sharing that setbacks are just stepping-stones to success. Every stumble in your business journey offers valuable lessons to apply in your next attempt. The most successful entrepreneurs learn fast, stay persistent, and don't quit. It's important to take the lessons and skills gained from each setback, make necessary adjustments, and dive back in. Additionally, I offer personalized coaching to navigate specific challenges by breaking down the step-by-steps to make the journey easier and build their confidence along the way.
Encourage Self-Solution Through Role Models
Recently, a potential client called me, looking for advice. He said he wanted a coach who had gone through the exact same issues he was going through—a coach who would tell him what to do. It was obvious he was depleted, dejected, and defeated. During the course of our conversation, the client referenced "important mentors in my life," including Tony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, and Jim Rohn. I seized this opportunity to help the client tap into his strengths and problem-solve on his own. I asked him what Jim Rohn would do if Rohn were in his shoes. Silence ensued. Silence persisted. Then a sigh. I suggested we stop our session so he could think about his answer. We agreed to talk again in 45 minutes. When we reconnected, he talked for five minutes about what Jim Rohn would do. A key component in that conversation was that Jim Rohn would have a six-month plan. I seized that statement and suggested the client invest the next two hours and develop a modest framework for a six-month plan. He agreed, and when we reconnected a few hours later, he had a solid plan for three months. "Good enough—good start," I said. After we discussed the plan, I asked him what he had learned. He rattled off a bunch of stuff but did not hit on the learning I hoped he would, so I asked him directly, "Who had the answers to your problem?" "I did," he said. "Did I give you the answers?" I asked. "No," he replied. "Did the ghost of Jim Rohn give you the answers?" "No," he replied. And then I asked him once more, switching the verb tense, "Who has the answers?" "I do."
Rebuild Confidence With Easier Goals
As a recruiter, I sometimes bring in a business coach when a candidate is flailing. There is nothing more depressing than repeated rejection, and losing confidence can turn exponential. The worse you feel, the worse you do.
Recently, my business coach associate had an interesting suggestion. Their idea? Apply to a few roles for which the worker was overqualified.
While it wasn't something I'd typically recommend, in this case, it really worked. A few affirmative responses reminded the worker of their value.
It's a little funny, actually. Aiming high is the usual advice, but in this case, aiming low for a few weeks helped them rebuild their confidence.
We were back on track, and with their self-esteem restored, they were able to ace a future interview and land their dream role.
Focus on Process and Accountability
As a Mortgage Advisor, we often work with Realtors to help them grow their business. The catch is they need to genuinely be coachable. The first step is understanding that success is a team sport. Resilience comes from focusing on the process. An accountability partner is the insurance policy for better results. Not getting results? What needs to change? Then make the change. Stop getting ready to get ready! Everyone is in sales. Make your calls.
