Before contracting a coach, it is advisible to get familiar with other ways of assistance. A coach is not a dab hand able to fix all worries, and it is useful to distinguish coaching from different and certainly very useful and effective services. Read the tips below to decide what is best for you.


A: I need someone with great professional experience in my field of work. I am expecting him to be more knowledgeable and wise, give me advice and be a role model. I would like to have long discussions with this person about my work and other areas. Am I supposed to look for a coach?
B: No, what you need is a mentor. You are looking for mentoring services.

A: I feel uncomfortable and dissatisfied with my life. I need guidance and advice on what to do. Am I supposed to look for a coach?
B: No, what you need is a counsellor. You are looking for counselling services and remedial approach.

A: I suffer from mental pain. I want to free myself from the discomfort and understand the source of my distress. Am I supposed to look for a coach?
B: No, what you need is therapy. You are looking for a therapist to get away from the pain and work with you past experience.  

A: I want to learn new selling techniques and how to influence people. I need an expert, some study and immediate results. Am I supposed to look for a coach?
B: No, what you need is a trainer. You are looking for a training to improve your skills and knowledge. You may join a course and work in a larger group.

A: I need someone to solve my business problems and help me develop the business as a whole. I want someone to deal with some specific parts of my organisation without involving the personnel. Am I supposed to look for a coach?