What ending up in a coyote preserve taught me about trust.
I was nearly an episode of CSI: Detroit.
I'd just wrapped up a beautiful spring sunset kayaking ride with my date before heading back to his place.
We raced to take the kayaks off the top of his car before sunset, and I was looking forward to going inside and warming up, when Sam asked, "Want to come with me to take the dog to the park?"
His snack-sized caramel doodle wagged her tail at me.
The park was just at the end of his street, so I said, "Sure, let's do it."
We got in his car and he started driving the opposite direction.
"Where are we headed?"
"The park - it's this way."
Ten minutes later, we arrived at a county park.
This is not where I expected to be.
The last car was just driving out of the parking lot and the stars were beginning to appear against the night sky.
He started walking down the trail, and I was confused about where we were headed.
Was there a dog park down the path?
"Sam - how long is this trail?"
"About two miles."
Excuse me, but what is happening here?
I had no way to get home without him, so I followed him on the trail.
Tripping over roots and rocks, still in my swimming shoes from kayaking, I was concerned for my safety and couldn't, for the life of me, figure out why he was taking me on an unpaved trail, in a deserted park.
I'd known Sam for a while, so I didn't think he was going to cut me up (I mean, the thought did cross my mind).
We were about 3/4 of the way through the trail when I saw a big sign ahead:
WARNING: WILD COYOTE PRESERVE
WALK TRAIL AT YOUR OWN RISK
(cue the record screeching to a halt)
EXCUSE ME - what?!
I've been walking on this trail, being dangled around like a delicious coyote snack, along with Sam's pint-sized furball?
I'm sorry, but what in the CSI:Detroit did I just walk through?
What I realized later, is that Sam was more interested in doing what he wanted, than considering my safety and well-being.
This relates to a larger issue - who is guiding you?
When you're looking for a business coach, do they know the trail ahead?
If you are going to find yourself out in the wilderness without a map, do they know the terrain?
Did they load you up with the gear to be successful?
Do they have your back or are they leading you down a path to becoming coyote meat?!
Here's what I suggest you look for when hiring your next coach:
They've done what you want to do: I've run a successful marketing consultancy working with some of the largest brands such as GE, Intel and Twitter, since 2013.
They aren't shooting from the hip: I use a systematic approach, curated to your unique needs, that has helped over 1 million service-based businesses get booked solid.
They get results: From a 105% increase in revenue in six weeks, to hitting $200k a year (and lots in between), my clients get results working with me.
They jive with your personality: Some coaches take a soft and gentle approach, others are like a velvet hammer. Some like to joke, others are down to business. Assuming they've met the previous criteria, finding a coach who matches your personality is going to help you be even more successful.
If you feel like you're tripping through the woods (and in your own proverbial coyote preserve wondering how to get out) and would like to explore working with me, learn more about how I help consultants.
Laura Khalil helps consultants and creatives work only with clients they love and double their revenue. See how easy it can be to double your revenue in the next five minutes. She has consulted for some of the world’s most recognizable brands on marketing including GE, Intel and Twitter. She is host the Top 125 Apple Podcast, Brave by Design. She is a frequent speaker to audiences on personal branding, bravery and clear communication. She’s spoken at WeWork, Paylocity, Creative Mornings, Zingtrain and more.
