Hi Jef, A great question. Most business owners who come to see me for coaching are ready to change. The already have awareness that what they are currently doing is not working or they could be doing it even better.With marketing clients, at times, yes changing the way they see the way marketing works is often an initial (but small) hurdle. Seeing marketing as an investment rather than a cost once they understand their customers lifetime value is often a first step.My style is very 'educational' so while I may be pointing out a new way of doing things, I am also explaining the logic of it. This takes away a lot of the fear around change.Cheers, Lisa

Implementation is the most important component of any coaching program, but usually the most challenging. Usually the owners agree with the actions in the program, but constraints of time, discipline and money can so easily get in the way. To overcome this problem, I am very proactive, help them out when needed and keep the projects short and very specific.

It can't be overlooked, one of the biggest challenges working with small businesses is getting paid!

Usually my clients are motivated and ready to take action so there's no challenge and we see results very quickly.
Occasionally there's someone who finds it hard to take advice, As they feel like it's a failure on their part that they weren't doing it themselves. We need to work through this block first.
But I find the biggest challenge is usually the time people commit to following through on the actions following a session. I can give all the advice they're looking for but if they don't act on it, we don't see results (as quickly). 

Helping them manage 'the gap'.

Often there are two very quick realisations when coaching a business owner.

The first one is that what they think is the end result is often not what it ends up being.

The second one is where they actually (reality) are now.

Then they realise the gap and what is going to be needed to close/reduce it.

That's where the genius of great coaching lies.

Knowing - Doing - Being

Don't just think, REthink.

Greg

 

When people have done things a certain way for a long time they can be resistent to change.  Only when they trust in the process and do the work required will they see the change they desire. Thanks @Jef Lippiatt @Jessica Osborn @Lisa Ormenyessy @Warren Harmer

I was a mentor for at least 12 startups globally and the worst thing I got was being blamed for the advice I gave. 

The other worst feeling is mentoring those who don't want to help themselves. Thus, my condition of mentoring is I only help those who are willing to help themselves.

@Maya Zack and @Minessa Konecky , keen to read your insights on this one!