Ep. 45 - How to Choose the Right Coach or Mentor for your Business
How to Choose the Right Coach or Mentor for your Business
The truth about finding the right coach for your business? It’s not about chasing the biggest name or the flashiest results. It’s about alignment. Clarity. And finding someone who truly understands the season of business you’re in — and knows how to help you navigate what’s next.
For years, Rhea built her photography business from the ground up, learning through trial and error, investing in coaches (some who were wildly helpful and others who... not so much), and eventually scaling to six figures and beyond. Now, as a creative business coach herself, Rhea is pulling back the curtain on what it actually takes to find the right mentor that can help you get out of your own way, increase your income, and build a business that feels aligned and sustainable.
In today’s episode, Rhea is sharing the exact framework she uses to choose the right coach for each season of growth — and how to avoid the overpriced programs and empty promises that leave so many creatives feeling stuck and frustrated. If you're ready to make more aligned investments, get the support you actually need, and finally start seeing results in your business, this conversation is for you.
What You Will Learn:
- (0:27) Ray's journey from photography hobbyist to full-time entrepreneur
- (1:33) How getting fired twice led to her full-time photography business
- (2:38) The emotional rollercoaster of investing in coaches—good and bad
- (4:49) The importance of clarity in what you want to work on with a coach
- (5:51) Key areas photographers often need coaching in: marketing, posing, lighting, and business development
- (7:41) How different seasons of business growth require different types of coaches
- (10:17) How Ray helps photographers scale to six figures and beyond
Standout Quotes:
- "I've had amazing coaches. I've had subpar coaches. I've had coach hurt. But all of it taught me something." (3:28)
- "Get clear on what you want to work on. You can't work on everything at once. Master one thing and then move on." (5:17)
- "I didn't want to be the Walmart of photography. I wanted to be the Nordstrom—good quality and worth the investment." (7:52)
- "Great coaches have absolutely changed my life. And now I get to be that for other photographers." (4:19)
- "Elevate is about creating consistent high four to five-figure months and scaling to six figures and beyond." (10:22)
Ready to Turn Pro?
Join From Hobbyist to Pro 2.0, kicking off April 2nd, for a 5-week live coaching experience where you'll learn:
✅ Strategic marketing
✅ Consistent content creation
✅ Pricing with confidence
✅ Client management systems
✅ Building a sustainable business model
Spots are limited. Secure yours today here: https://fhtp.rheawhitney.com/
Stay Connected
Learn more about me here: https://rheawhitney.com/
Follow me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/RheaWhitney/
Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RheaWhitneyPhotography
