Business Coaches: Guides to Great(er) Success

Are you a business owner or are you considering starting a business? What is your vision for your business? What are your business goals and how do you plan to start reaching these goals? Are you willing to invest your time and money into your growth? Would you like to maximize your personal and financial potential?

Owning a business is exciting! Your business is likely something that you are knowledgeable and passionate about; something that you are very interested in and have the expertise to help others; or something that you think will be a great investment opportunity. Perks may include the ability to set your own schedule and make your own decisions, and the opportunity to choose where and with whom you work.

At the same time, owning a business has its share of challenges. Even if you are in a partnership, you are responsible for (almost) everything. Until you hire someone else, you are not only the expert in the business itself, but you are also responsible for accounting, marketing, legal, human resources, insurance, etc. Without the proper support, owning a business can be overwhelming!

This is where a business coach can come in – and potentially be the greatest investment for your career or business! A study by Metrix Global LLC showed these statistics about the return on investment from working with a business coach:

• 67% of business owners and executives said it improved their teamwork;

• 61% of people said it increased their job satisfaction;

• 53% of business owners and executives said it increased productivity; and

• 22% of companies said it increased profitability.

Here are some ways a business coach can help business owners, entrepreneurs, and business professionals:

• Share actionable feedback, personalized advice, and growth plans.

• Provide expert coaching through fact-based analysis, open communication, decisive decision making, and focused action.

• Act as a mentor and accountability partner.

• Clarify the vision of the business (or individual) and how the vision fits with personal goals.

• Challenge individuals to develop strengths and identify and work on weaknesses.

• Facilitate the efforts for taking a business from where it is to where (and what) the owner wants the business to be.  

• Assist with what is important to change and what is important to not change.

Following are specific ways that you can benefit from working with a business coach:

• Increased job performance, productivity, and confidence

• Understanding of what success looks like and the steps needed to succeed

• Development of decision-making skills

• Accountability and growth

• Foundation for a balanced life (designed by you!)

• Strategies to financially plan and earn more money

Qualifications for business coaches

Business coaching is not regulated, so anyone can use the title “Business Coach.” Additionally, there aren’t specific degrees, levels of education, or required licenses. However, work experience is crucial for business coaches as well as taking advantage of professional clinics and training opportunities.

That being said, it is highly recommended that business coaches have an accredited business coaching qualification. The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the International Coach Federation (ICF) offer accredited business coaching courses. After completing the course and passing an exam, a diploma or certificate is awarded to the participant. When choosing a business coach, if may be imperative to you to work with an accredited, experienced professional.

Certain personal attributes of business coaches can be equally as important as work experience and/or coaching qualifications. A business coach should possess strong interpersonal skills, and excel at creating and building relationships. A successful business coach is a strong leader, an excellent communicator, and highly organized. A business coach should enjoy helping others, supporting progress, and celebrating success.

Are you ready to take the next step?

If you are ready to move forward – or are entertaining the idea of having a conversation – with a business coach, please contact me. I specialize in working with small businesses and startups and would be happy to talk with you and offer a referral for business coach.

Good luck with your business, your growth, and ultimately, your success! I’d enjoy hearing about your experience working with a business coach.