Why would a entrepreneur consider hiring a business coach? Why would a woman entrepreneur, specifically, require business coaching? These are questions I hear every day and as a business coach feel very competent in providing the answer.

One of my first question to women entrepreneurs is what do you see when you look in the mirror? Is there a self-confident, decision-maker looking back at you? Is she ready to make decisions that will keep her business moving forward? Is she able to verbalized her goals, develop plans, admit what her challenges are and commit to a detailed timeline? Does she grasp the importance of understanding the financial data of her business and prepared to learn every detail?

In my experience, as a business coach and, more specifically, as a woman entrepreneur, women experience the feeling of isolation where men do not. Women entrepreneurs are still somewhat of an enigma in our society. I know how strange that sounds as there are plenty of women entrepreneurs around us, but for the most part they stay rather quiet while walking among us.

The reason, I believe that is women don't believe they should mix their personal and professional life. Of course, men have been doing exactly this since the beginning of time and therefore don't suffer from this strange affliction called isolation.

Let me give you an example as I know you have witnessed this as much as I have. On the soccer field, at the fitness club, and even at the department store, men have the ability to discuss anything that pops into their head - sports, business or even food. Women, on the other hand, keep their conversation to the topic of the moment. Compartmentalizing everything in our lives, we (women) think we are sharing, when in fact we are isolating.

But, let's get back to the topic of needing a business coach. Why should women's propensity for separating their business and personal life affect their ability to operate a business?

Because when we feel the need to hold back the discussion of what is on our mind from those in our lives, it becomes difficult to find anyone to talk with about our business issues. I know many women entrepreneurs who turn to their lawyers for business advice that would be much better handled by a business coach. Lawyers are available to protect you from making the wrong decision from a legal perspective. Their advice may not always be in your best interest from other perspectives.

The most important thing a business coach will provide is to make you accountable. If you aren't accountable to your goals you will never be successful. In order to make it into the second year of business, the first year must prove the feasibility of your business. In other words, if all things go as planned and you are still losing money your business plan is flawed and a business coach will help you either (1) create a feasible plan, or (2) cut your losses and close the business before more bloodletting occurs.

Yes, sometimes it takes a business coach to tell you what you don't want to hear - you don't have a business only a hobby - because it will never make money.

On the brighter side of business coaching, a coach will also be there to listen as you vent about the 3 most talked about subjects: employees, customers, and cash! Every entrepreneur needs to be able to vent from time to time and clearly NOT to her employees or customers and DEFINITELY NOT to her significant other - that is a terrible mistake!

Rolling over in the middle of the night to rant about your business to that guy sleeping next to you will not make you a better entrepreneur - NEVER ever.

Finally, the greatest gift a business coach will give you is the feedback you need to be the leader you were meant to be in your own business. (S)he will question why you want to do what you want to do in so many ways that you will know absolutely for sure that you are ready to commit to advancing your business to the next level.

Business coaching services costs vary, but be sure you get clear on them upfront. You shouldn't need to sign up for a long program. The best coaching comes from building a relationship with your coach and that only happens when you feel comfortable developing it at your own pace.

I offer a 30 minute complimentary call with all potential coaching clients. If you want to give business coaching a try, email me at vicki@vickidonlan.com to schedule a call.

But whatever you do - don't go it alone - isolation is for prisoners not for women entrepreneurs!