Coaching is a fairly new phenomenon in business. Over the past twenty years, however, it has become a thriving industry. I, myself, am a coach, mentor and trainer. It isn't uncommon to function in these roles separately or in a combined role, but it is important that people understand the difference.

Small business owners generally seek out a coach or mentor when something isn't working for them. Many times, they feel they are working too much and purchased a job versus building a business. They want to understand why they aren't enjoying the freedom they thought being a business owner would bring.

I often recommend that business owners seek out the counsel of a mentor, a coach and a mastermind group. I'll address mastermind groups in a future article, but know that they are a small group of like-minded, goal-oriented people who get together routinely, in person or by phone, to network and brainstorm steps to success. Most commonly, they meet no less than monthly, sometimes more frequently.

Mentors should have many years of business experience because they will work with you on the long view of your business and personal dreams. A great mentor has many connections to introduce you to and new ideas and concepts that you might not be aware of. Finding a mentor who you want to model yourself after can be extremely important. While you may talk to your coach weekly, you generally meet with a mentor much less often to touch base.

A mentor will have conversations with you about important relationships and how you might improve them (your boss, your clients). They let you know what's worked for them in the past and what has not. They can help you spot, from a distance, the potential pitfalls you might face in business. They can do all of this because of the experience they have and position they hold.

When I coach, it is much more specific and interactive than when I mentor a client. Coaching involves setting short-term goals with your clients, holding them accountable for achieving them and staying in frequent contact about results and struggles. Most coaches meet with their clients weekly, usually be phone and pre-set a commitment of time which is generally at least several months in length.

Sometimes a coach or mentor acts as a trainer. A trainer's role is to teach you a specific skill like setting up a Wordpress blog or web site. Coaches and mentors often act as trainers as part of their role but not usually the other way around.

Coaches and mentors often need their own coaching and mentoring (or training) and are quick to seek it out. They understand that working with someone more experienced or with a specific skill set and coaching ability can take their own performance to the next level. Seeking out a coach and mentor to work with is a commitment to yourself, your family, your business and personal dreams.