Business Coach, Mentor – What’s the difference? We asked three successful Latinas to share their perspectives.
Claudia Schabel of Schabel Solutions speaking at the Latina Business Excellence Summit in 2024. Photo by Tatiana Peña / JEFAS Magazine
Discover expert perspectives on business coaching and mentoring from successful Latinas. Learn how to maximize these relationships for business growth.
Adriana Contreras runs a beauty salon in Iowa City and is a certified bilingual business coach for ActionCOACH Campus.
Mayra de Catalan has had a long career with major banks and lenders, earned a master’s degree in statistics, and is a graduate of the Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines.
Claudia Schabel launched her DEI-focused consulting and strategic planning company based on over 30 years of experience in the business world.
What is a business coach?
CS: “A business coach is a type of consultant – someone who provides a different perspective on the business and has expertise in helping other business owners achieve their goals while navigating the complexities of running and growing a business.”
AC: “A business diagnostic for your business. We look into all aspects of your business to determine where you’ll need help. See what works and what doesn’t; help you read financial analytics to keep track of sales goals, employee attraction and on-boarding.”
What is a mentor?
MdC: “Individuals whose experience, expertise, and values align with your career goals.”
How are business coaches and mentors different?
CS: “Business coaching is a goal-oriented process that assists in identifying and achieving specific business goals and objectives – for a fee. It involves structured conversations, skill enhancement, and performance improvement strategies.
Mentoring is a more holistic and relationship-based approach. A mentor, ideally possessing extensive experience, provides wisdom and insights to support the mentee’s overall development. The mentor-mentee relationship typically focuses on general personal and professional growth.”
AC: “A business coach is an investment. However, the coach keeps the business owner accountable and there will be success if the business owner wants it.”
MdC: “Mentorship is not just about professional guidance; it’s also about building a meaningful relationship.”
What should an entrepreneur look for in a business coach?
Adriana Contreras runs a beauty salon in Iowa City and is a certified bilingual business coach for ActionCOACH Campus.
AC: “Have you ever put together a puzzle, one of those 1,000-piece puzzles with a complicated background? Imagine that puzzle is your business. Every so often we are faced with a puzzle piece that we just cannot put together. That’s where Coach Adriana steps in. I have the ability to look over the whole puzzle, and direct you to the right puzzle piece!”
CS: “Some business coaches teach business skills, while others serve as partners in achieving success in the business. A coach guides you to make the right choices. The key benefits vary.
- Business coaches teach you more efficient ways of getting something done. My first business coaching program was focused on teaching a group of business owners the secret sauce for quickly creating a mailing list for potential leads.
- Business coaches can help create a sense of community which is helpful if you are used to working with a team. My transition from working as part of a team to working on my own was a difficult change for me. Having a group of business owners gave me a sense of community.
- Business coaches help you understand what is happening in the marketplace. They work with other business owners and have a strong sense for trends in your industry. In other words, they can help you validate your experiences or challenge you to do things differently to succeed.
You can find a business coach online or via a referral from someone you trust.
Selecting a coach is personal. In my opinion, the coach must be aligned with your ethics and financial means to achieve the outcomes you seek.”
Where can entrepreneurs find mentors?
MdC: “A common struggle I found was the difficulty in finding mentors like me within my industry. Limited representation and access to professional networks pose barriers to identifying suitable mentors. To overcome this challenge, look for mentors within affinity groups, professional associations, or online communities tailored to Latina professionals. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to potential mentors through networking events, LinkedIn, or mutual connections. I enjoyed building relationships with leaders that were in a place I could see myself in the future.”
How can entrepreneurs maximize their investment in business coaching?
AC: “I learned that working on my business more than in my business will help me run it a lot better. I started seeing changes in my salon just by dedicating more time to the business side of it.”
CS: “The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a coach is to have clarity on the goals you want to achieve. A lack of clarity could lead to contracting services you don’t need.
The U.S. has over 60,000 businesses specializing in business coaching. There are plenty of business coaches out there. Be thoughtful about how to make your investment work for you and be diligent in selecting a coach or a program that fits your needs.
Make sure you implement what you learn. Otherwise, your investment may not achieve the return on investment that you seek.”
How can one maximize a mentor relationship?
Mayra de Catalan has had a long career with major banks and lenders, earned a master’s degree in statistics
MdC: “Effective mentorship is a two-way street, requiring active engagement and commitment from both parties. Some strategies that have helped me to maximize the value of a mentoring relationship were:
Clearly Define Goals: Take time to clarify your career objectives and areas where you seek guidance. Clear goals will help guide your discussions and ensure that your mentorship experience is focused and productive.
Be Proactive and Prepared: Many times, I took the initiative scheduling meetings and initiating conversations with my mentor. Come prepared to each session with specific questions or topics to discuss. Articulate why you admire their work and why you believe they would be a valuable mentor. Highlight specific skills or experience you hope to learn from them.
Actively Seek Feedback: Be open to receiving constructive feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth. [Ask about] your performance, skills, and areas for improvement. One of my mentors is harsh at times, but I appreciate his honest feedback because it helps me grow.
Build a Relationship: Get to know your mentor on a personal level and foster trust and rapport. [It] will enhance the effectiveness of your mentoring experience.”
Words of advice for anyone looking to enhance their business with business coaching or a mentor?
CS: “There is no doubt that a business coach can really help business owners navigate the unknown and help us find our footing with confidence.”
MdC: “Approach potential mentors with sincerity and respect for their time and expertise. Express genuine interest in establishing a mentorship relationship based on mutual respect and shared goals. After initiating contact with a potential mentor, be sure to follow up promptly and express gratitude for their time and consideration. Be on time. A simple thank-you note can go a long way in nurturing the relationship.”
AC: “I started my salon when I was 21 and still at home. As years went by and I grew, I knew that I had to invest to better my business. Even though having a business coach is an investment, I see it as an asset to my growing business.”
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