Coaches seem to be everywhere these days. All kinds of coaches -- business coaches, life coaches, relationship coaches, pregnancy coaches, nutritional coaches, you name it. All of them offer personalized motivation and techniques based on your needs. And all of them may seem like something we just can't afford right now.

When it comes to business coaching, I beg to differ. I started with my business coach through a barter deal because I thought it was something I really didn't want to spend money on. I've since signed up and paid for six more months of coaching. It's that good.

There are a couple of different types of business coaches that I've come across. One is the more nuts & bolts kind -- the kind that will help you launch a new idea, write a business plan, get set up legally, develop marketing strategies, etc. This type would be just as good an investment as the type I hired, depending on your needs. (A Denver area coach of this type is Dan at Collaboration Lab.)

Since a one person graphic design business is relatively straightforward in the nuts & bolts department, my coach is the type that tackles issues like time management, client relationships, communication issues and work/life balance issues.  We meet or talk on the phone once a week for an hour to discuss things and she gives me exercises in between sessions. (Jan Hoath of Expeditious Consulting is my phenomenal coach.)

I can't begin to describe the changes that have occurred in my relationship to my business, myself and my clients. I feel like a different person than I was before I started. My business is up, my confidence is up and my ability to take things on without fear and worry is huge. I can honestly say it is well worth the time and money spent.

Just like a personal trainer, coaches not only give you advice and exercises to do, but keep you motivated to get them done. And like a therapist, they listen to your problems but also help you find out what it is you really want out of your business. You CAN have it exactly how you want it.  And that's worth every penny.