<< back to the podcast overview
142. Understanding the Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring – And How They Can Help Your Photography Business
Ever wondered what the difference is and how having a mentor or a coach could benefit your photography business? Let’s break it down.
The Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring
First off, let’s make the distinction clear. Coaching and mentoring might seem similar, but they aren’t the same.
Mentoring
I consider myself a mentor. When I mentor my photography clients, we work closely over the long term. I offer lots of guidance and advice based on my own experiences. We talk about strategies, structures, and ways to handle different business situations. Essentially, I share what I’ve learned to help others grow.
Coaching
Coaching is a bit different. While I’m still studying coaching to incorporate it into my practice, I can tell you that it involves more asking questions. It’s about helping someone find their own solutions, rather than giving them answers. This can sometimes be more powerful because figuring things out on your own with support can lead to deeper learning.
Why You Might Need a Mentor or Coach
You might feel stuck in your business, focusing on what isn’t working. That’s where a mentor or coach comes in. They can see new opportunities, help handle challenges, and reframe obstacles as potential growth points. Whether you’re struggling with pricing, client management, or just feeling a bit lost, having someone by your side to offer support and solutions can make a huge difference. As a mentor, I aim to find solutions and help my clients see things in a new light.
Benefits of Investing in a Coach or Mentor
Investing in a mentor or coach can feel overwhelming initially, especially financially. But, it’s essential to focus on the long-term benefits. Yes, you might see immediate positive changes, but the most significant gains come over time. For example, I’ve created a lifetime calculator. If you sign up for a discovery call with me, we can see what it would take for your investment to be worth it. Knowing this can make the leap to investing in mentoring or coaching feel more secure. Spending money on mentoring or coaching usually makes you work harder. You start associating value with action, leading to greater accountability and better outcomes.
How to Be Coachable
Even the best coach or mentor can’t help if you’re not engaging with the advice. You need to take responsibility for the path you’re on.
It’s up to you to apply the advice and make changes. No one can do that for you. You might need to adjust your business model or marketing strategy, but you decide what’s best for your growth.
Make sure you’re clear about what you need. If you’re struggling with something specific, bring it to your mentor or coach’s attention. They can’t read your mind, and it’s their job to help.
Be open to feedback.
Sometimes, what you hear might be challenging. Maybe your pricing structure isn’t sustainable, or your website needs work. Look at this feedback as opportunities to improve, rather than criticism.
Transformation takes time.
Stay committed and keep an eye on your goals. Track your progress by comparing where you were a few years ago to where you are now. It could be feedback from clients, your portfolio, or your revenue. This helps you see the long-term changes and improvements.
Finding the Right mentor or coach
Not all mentors or coaches are right for everyone. You need to find someone you align with, someone who shares your values and with whom you have good chemistry. If you’re constantly fighting their advice, it won’t work out. If this sounds like what you need, don’t hesitate to sign up for a discovery call with me. Let’s see if we’re a good fit and discuss how I can help you reach your goals.
Want more?
Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business.
Apply for membership in the Sustainable Photography Program
hi, I’m ingvild
This podcast is all about education and inspiration for photographers. A sustainable business is profitable and lasting. Instead of short-term wins you want to make sure you’re doing things that matter. Both to yourself, and to create the business you want. The goal of this podcast is that it will help you build and structure your business around your life, instead of the other way around.
related episodes
-
164. Why You Shouldn’t Try to Be a Fit for Everyone (And How to Attract Your Dream Clients)
If you’ve ever customized offers for clients only to have them ghost you or say your prices are too high, you’re not alone. Many…
-
163. Capturing Life as It Is: The Art of Documentary Photography with Gøril Sætre
Documentary photography is about capturing life as it truly unfolds—unscripted, unpolished, and beautifully authentic. It’s a storytelling approach that focuses on real emotions, genuine…
-
162. What to Do When Bookings Are Low (& You’re Feeling Defeated)
Running a photography business—like any creative venture—comes with natural highs and lows. Slow seasons can feel discouraging, but they’re completely normal, and you’re not…
-
161. How Photographers and Videographers Can Work Seamlessly Together with Renate and Manuel Madsen
Creating a seamless experience for couples on their wedding day requires more than just technical skill—it’s about collaboration, balance, and understanding the unique dynamics…
-
160. A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Sustainable Photography Business
Feeling inspired to turn photography into a career but unsure where to start? Whether you’re just getting started or know someone beginning their journey,…
-
159. Streamlining Your Photography Business with Melissa Rich
Running a successful photography business means more than just capturing stunning images. It’s about balancing creativity with the operational side of things—a challenge many…
