There’s nothing more frustrating than getting your hopes up about a coach or mentor, only to realise, a few sessions in, that they are not what you expected.

In your quest to improve your business, career, or personal growth, you’ve decided to save time by learning directly from someone who has gone ahead and can show you the ropes. But your hopes are cut short, and you may be spending the time that you initially planned to save.

The energy may be off. Maybe their style doesn’t suit you. Or maybe what they delivered fell far short of what they promised. But by then, you’ve already committed. You’ve spent the money. You’ve carved out the time. And now, you’re left with a sinking feeling that this decision might have been the wrong one.

If it would make you feel better, you should know that this is a common experience; one that often starts with good intentions and ends with regret. Not because you didn’t try, but because you didn’t have the full picture before saying yes to that coach’s proposal.

That’s why reading reviews before selecting a coach or mentor is more than just ‘doing your research’. It is protecting your investment; the investment of your money, your time, and most importantly, your growth.

Reviews let you hear from real people who’ve been in your shoes. People who can tell you what worked, what didn’t, and whether that coach is actually as transformational as they claim to be.

And with platforms like Parrot, finding those honest experiences is easier than ever. Before you commit to the next big-name or shiny offer, take a moment to listen to the voices that have already been there.

Always have this in mind: when it comes to choosing a guide for your journey, clarity is everything.

What you gain by reading reviews before choosing a Coach or Mentor

 

1. Real experiences from real people that give you real insight

When considering a coach or mentor, what you see on the surface is often the best version of their brand. They put up curated posts, glowing testimonials, and polished promises on their websites and social media profiles. But behind every program or coaching style is a lived experience by a real human, and that’s what reviews show you.

Real reviews give you access to the real stories. They tell you how the coach communicates, whether they show up consistently, how they handle feedback, and if they deliver on what they promise.

Maybe someone raved about how their mindset shifted after just two sessions. Or maybe someone else shared how the coach was always late and barely responsive between meetings. Both experiences matter. And when you see enough of them, you see a pattern, which could either be good or bad.

It’s through these real, unfiltered reviews that you can decide if someone’s coaching style fits your personality, goals, and expectations. It’s not about finding a perfect coach or mentor. It is about finding if all of their methods would suit you. 

Reading reviews doesn’t just inform your buying decision; it empowers it.

2. You get to avoid costly mistakes

Coaching and mentorship aren’t always cheap. And beyond the financial investment, you’re also investing your time, energy, and trust. When things don’t go as expected, the cost isn’t just money lost. You also lose momentum and confidence, and your progress is somewhat delayed.

More often than not, people sign up for a program because it sounds right or because the coach is the rave of the moment, only to realize later that it wasn’t what they truly needed. And by then, they are already committed to a 6-week program or a monthly retainer they can’t easily walk away from.

Real reviews from real people help you pause before you make such a commitment. They highlight red flags that aren’t visible on a sales page, like unclear communication, overpromising, or lack of support. They also reveal whether that coach truly delivers value, even beyond what they advertise.

When you take out time to read reviews, you reduce the risk of regret. You step into that mentorship space with more clarity and fewer blind spots. And that makes all the difference.

3. You find a Mentor who matches your goals

Not every coach is right for every journey. That’s why it is important to find someone who aligns with your specific goals, stage, and personality.

Someone transitioning careers might need a different kind of support than someone scaling a business. A creative looking for direction might not thrive under a coach who’s all strategy and no empathy. And that’s where reviews help: they give you context.

Through detailed reviews, you get to see what kind of clients a coach typically works with, the kind of results they help people achieve, and how they approach challenges. 

You deserve a mentor who understands where you’re coming from and where you’re trying to go. Reviews help you find a match that is not just based on hype, but on alignment with your personal goals.

4. You hear the voice of the community

There’s something powerful about hearing directly from real people who’ve already walked the path you’re considering. Reviews are raw, honest and human. They also remind you that you’re not alone in trying to make a good buying decision.

We are now in a world where coaching is booming and everyone has a personal brand, so, the community feedback is your compass. While testimonials are often curated, reviews come with a fuller story. Honest reviews tell you what went well, what could’ve been better, and whether the journey was truly worth it.

When you read enough of these shared experiences, you start to see the truth behind the image. The overly polished coach with surface-level delivery? You’ll know. The quiet mentor who’s changing lives under the radar? You’ll find them too.

Platforms like Parrot make it easier to access this collective wisdom. Instead of guessing or relying on sales tactics and marketing strategies, you’re guided by the real voices of members of a community that’s been there, done that, and is willing to help you get it right.

5. You build confidence before you commit

Choosing a coach or mentor is a big step, and it comes with a mix of hope and hesitation. You want to grow. You want results. But you also want to be sure of the decision you are making.

Reviews help you bridge that gap. They replace guesswork with clarity and fear with reassurance. When you read about others who started where you are, worked with a coach, and came out better for it, something shifts. You begin to feel more certain, more prepared, and more confident.

All of this is not because you are expecting perfection, but rather, it is about making informed buying decisions. It is about knowing how cold the water is before stepping foot into it. Your confidence grows when you have a clear picture of what to expect, both the good and the not-so-good.

Whether you’re investing ₦50K or ₦500K, confidence shouldn’t come after the first session–it should come before you ever make that payment. That’s the power of reading reviews first. 

What Happens When You Don’t Read Reviews Before Selecting a Coach or Mentor

You might get lucky, but more often, you end up learning the hard way. Without reviews, you’re basing your decision on surface-level information. You’re relying on marketing, not real experience. That’s how people end up with coaches who overpromise and underdeliver, programs that feel generic, or mentors whose style just doesn’t click. 

Here’s what could happen when you don’t read reviews before committing: 

1. You invest in the wrong fit.
The coach might be brilliant, but might not be for you. Maybe their style is too rigid, too laid-back, or too focused on a goal that isn’t yours. Without reviews, you won’t know if their approach matches your learning style or your needs.

2. You waste time and money.
A mismatched coach can delay your progress and drain your energy. You could spend weeks or months trying to make something work that was never right to begin with. That’s time you could have spent growing with the right support.

3. You walk away discouraged.
A bad coaching experience can shake your confidence. It might make you question your goals or feel like mentorship doesn’t work for you at all, when the truth is that you just didn’t have the full picture before choosing.

Reading reviews won’t guarantee perfection, but it will drastically reduce avoidable disappointment. It gives you a clearer lens so you’re not stepping in blind. It puts real stories in front of you so you can decide with clarity, not guesswork.

Start Reading Reviews with Parrot!

Before you sign up for that course, pay that mentor, or show up in that class, take a moment to hear from those who’ve been there. Let their stories guide your next step.

With Parrot, you don’t have to rely on guesswork or gut feelings alone. You get real, honest, detailed reviews from real people who’ve worked with the coaches and mentors you’re considering.

Start exploring reviews on Parrot today. Download the App on Google play store and App Store. Let experience guide you.