Article by
Sam Millunchick
Posted on
November 22, 2024
Article by
Sam Millunchick
Posted on
November 22, 2024
Hey there, startup champion. You've taken a big step by acknowledging your communication skills might need some polish. Whether your pitches are putting investors to sleep or your team meetings feel like they're running on fumes, you're in the right place. Let's make sure you nail the next steps.
If a coach's website looks like a game of corporate buzzword bingo, steer clear. You need someone who can teach clear communication, not someone who thinks "synergize" belongs in everyday conversation.
Avoid: Websites that require a thesaurus to decipher.
Look for: Coaches who use simple, direct language. If their message is crystal clear, you're on the right track.
Theory's great, but real-world experience is golden. You wouldn't trust a skydiving instructor who's never jumped, right? Same goes for communication coaches.
Avoid: Coaches whose only experience is teaching others to communicate.
Look for: Those who've given high-stakes presentations, handled tough interviews, or managed corporate communications. Bonus if they know your industry.
Your startup is unique, and your training should be too. If a coach tries to sell you a pre-packaged program without understanding your challenges, show them the exit.
Avoid: Rigid, step-by-step programs they claim work for everyone.
Look for: They take time to understand your situation before proposing a plan.
Look for coaches who can point to specific outcomes they've achieved for clients. "Improved communication skills" is about as useful as "increased synergy."
Avoid: Vague promises without specific examples.
Look for: Case studies or testimonials highlighting tangible improvements, like "Helped client secure $2 million in funding after refining their pitch."
You wouldn't learn salsa from a drill sergeant, would you? Make sure your coach's style meshes with how you learn best.
Avoid: Inflexibility or dismissing your concerns about their methods.
Look for: Adaptability and willingness to adjust their approach to suit your needs.
If your coach isn't pushing you out of your comfort zone, they're not doing their job. But there's a difference between constructive criticism and being a jerk.
Avoid: Coaches who are too nice (never giving critical feedback) or too harsh (leaving you demoralized).
Look for: Specific, actionable feedback that's both honest and constructive. You should feel challenged, not attacked.
Your communication skills need to translate across various mediums. If your coach thinks Zoom is just a sound a race car makes, they might not be equipped for the digital landscape.
Avoid: Unfamiliarity or dismissiveness of digital communication platforms.
Look for: Comfort with and advice on both in-person and digital communication strategies.
If your potential coach can't hold a conversation without boring you, how can they teach you to be engaging?
Avoid: Coaches with lackluster communication skills - boring, unclear, or prone to rambling.
Look for: Articulate, engaging coaches who practice what they preach.
The communication landscape is always evolving. Your coach should evolve with it.
Avoid: Still teaching strategies from 20 years ago, resistant to new ideas.
Look for: Stays current with latest communication trends and research, always refining their skills.
You'll spend a lot of time with this person, potentially in uncomfortable moments as you work on weak spots. Make sure you click.
Avoid: Coaches you don't feel comfortable around or dread meeting.
Look for: Someone who challenges but supports you, with mutual respect and good rapport.
A great communications coach isn't just teaching you to speak – they're teaching you to be heard. They're equipping you to turn ideas into action, vision into reality, and your startup into a success story.
Don't settle for style over substance. Don't be swayed by fancy certificates or social media clout. Look for someone who walks the talk, challenges you to improve, and demonstrates real results.
Great communication isn't about impressing people with big words. It's about connecting, persuading, and leading.
With the right coach, you'll transform your communication from a liability into your secret weapon. You'll become the founder everyone wants to hear, the leader your team rallies behind, and the visionary investors bet on.
Book a free 30-minute strategy session with me.
I guarantee it’ll be the most productive half-hour you've had in years. We’ll dig into your specific challenges and you’ll leave with actionable tips you can use right away.
In the startup world, the best communicator often wins. Make sure that's you.
As a rabbi to business leaders, I guide you beyond strategy and outcomes to reconnect with clarity, purpose, and alignment.