Business coaching: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What business coaching is

Business coaching is a series of sessions with an experienced coach who advises owners and managers on strategy, operations, team and growth. The coach sets goals, assigns next steps and checks progress.

Signs you need it

  • Revenue has stalled or profit is thin even though you are busy
  • You are doing everything yourself and cannot step away
  • You are hiring your first team members and unsure how to lead them
  • You want a plan for the next year and no one to test it with
  • Systems and processes live in your head and not on paper

What the pro does

  • An intake reviewing your business model, numbers and goals
  • Naming the top priorities and setting targets for the next quarter
  • Regular sessions to review results and decide next steps
  • Help building processes, roles or a hiring plan
  • A review of what worked and a plan for continuing on your own

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Coach's experience in your industry
  • Session length and frequency
  • Length of the engagement
  • In person or video
  • Group or one on one
  • Included resources such as templates

What a written quote should spell out

  • Session length, schedule and total length of the engagement
  • What you will receive, such as templates or reviews
  • Cancellation and refund terms
  • What you are expected to do between sessions
  • How progress is measured

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What businesses have you run or coached?
  • How do you set goals and track results?
  • Can I speak with a past client?
  • What do you need from me each week?
  • What is outside your scope, such as legal or tax advice?
  • How do we end the engagement?

Red flags

  • Guaranteed revenue or growth
  • Pressure to sign a long contract before the first call
  • Vague answers about their own business experience
  • Selling you software or services as part of coaching
  • Claims to have secret formulas

What you can do yourself

You can review your books, write down your processes and set quarterly goals on your own, and many owners start there. A coach adds outside experience and accountability, especially when you hit a ceiling.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to offer coaching, so ask about training, any certification and how to verify it with the issuer, and ask for a client reference. For legal, tax or accounting questions, ask for a licensed professional.

Business coaching questions

Can a coach guarantee growth?

No. A coach guides decisions but results depend on you and the market.

How is coaching different from consulting?

Coaches guide you to do the work; consultants often do it for you. Ask how they work.

How long should coaching last?

Ask for a plan with milestones and an end date.

Should I check references?

Yes. Ask for a past client in a similar business.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer business coaching remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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