Business Coaching vs. Business Consulting
Knowing the Difference:
Let's face it, whether you're managing a team, leading a organization, or simply working your way up the career ladder, navigating the business world effectively can be challenging. And if you are an entrepreneur, starting or running a small business, it can be downright at times. At some time or another throughout your professional career, you may find yourself seeking guidance, advice or support, perhaps in the form of a business coach or consultant.
As a certified Business Coach, I want to share with you the importance of recognizing and understanding the important differences between a business coach and a business consultant. Both have their distinct advantages – and knowing the characteristics of each, along with when to use them, can make a real impact in your career, profession or business.
In this article, we are going to address the key differences between a business coach and business consultant, highlighting the advantages of each practitioner and knowing when to use them. Although this guidance will be beneficial for everyone.
If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, then this is definitely for you!
Understanding the difference
At first glance, it is hard to discern what makes these experts so distinct, but the reality is that they each have very unique skillsets to support your business aims. Although they can appear very similar, the key difference is the approach these practitioners take in supporting you.
Below you'll find the main differences between each one.
The Business Coach
Generally speaking, a business coach is someone who helps you in defining your business goals, vision and strategy. They have deep experience and knowledge of the business world, enabling them to support you through challenges, highlight knowledge gaps and seek opportunities that business owners may not be able to see themselves. Their ultimate goal is to support your growth and success, in alignment with your personal goals.
Some key characteristics of a business coach include:
they offer guidance-based expertise
they are focused on you – the individual
they ask lots of questions to prompt you towards the answers
they are forward-facing to help you set goals for the future
they work alongside you as a trusted supporter
The Business Consultant
By subtle contrast, a business consultant is considered a subject matter expert in a specific area or field, that can provide professional advice and processes to assist you in meeting your business goals, vision and strategy. They are usually process-driven and rely on data, analytics and tools to provide solutions that a business owner may not have prior knowledge of. Their ultimate goal is to drive your business to measurable success, in alignment with your business goals.
Some key characteristics of a business coach include:
they offer solutions-based expertise
they are focused on the entity – the business
they have the answers and solutions to your questions
they focus on the here and now of your business execution
they work for you as a trusted advisor
One of the best ways to remember the key difference, shared by fellow business coach, Robin Waite, is that: "coaching is 'done with you' and consulting is 'done for you'. Put plainly, one works with you towards your goals and the other actions them on your behalf.
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about how to identify when to use each.
Identifying your needs
When deciding to hire someone to support you and your business, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of what support you need and why you are looking for it. The biggest mistake I see small business owners make is thinking that what works for one, works for all. Why is this a mistake? It's simple:
Your business needs and goals are unique.
the traditional cookie cutter approach may not work for you.
It is important to evaluate your needs before jumping head-first into engaging the support of a business coach or consultant. Are you looking for assistance with a particular area of your business, or do you need a more rounded level of support? These examples below help to give you an idea of when to use a business coach vs. a business consultant:
Are you looking for support in developing your core business identity based on your value system and business aspirations? -- Use a business coach
Do you need help understanding where your challenges and opportunities are? -- Use a business coach
Do you need help creating a marketing and communication strategy? -- Use a business consultant
Are you seeking personal growth that resonates with your business strategy? -- Use a business coach
Are you in need of expertise to assist you with product placement and market pricing? -- Use a business consultant
Do you need help with running an area of your business that you are not familiar with? -- Use a business consultant
By identifying the type of support you need for your business, you will exponentially increase the compatibility of your chosen practitioner's support, ultimately enhancing the success of your business goals through their expertise and leadership.
When to use a Shining Compass Business Coach
Now that we've identified the main differences between a business coach and business consultant, as well as how to identify your specific needs, you may be left wondering: "When is the time is right to work with a business coach?" The short answer is: there's no such thing as a good or bad time! Business coaching is designed to support you throughout your career, no matter where you are on your journey. However, there may be key moments or crossroads throughout your working life where working with a professional business coach could be hugely beneficial.
These areas could include:
seeking guidance in career or business decisions
finding direction for tuning into your inner compass
looking for ways to evolve or grow your business
requiring support to illuminate barriers or obstacles from your career or business trajectory
benefiting from support and advice concerning challenging business matters
needing accountability to help keep you on track
removing limiting beliefs that hold you back from success
assistance with defining vision, strategy and goal-setting
gaining confidence to propel you on the road to career success
balancing business responsibilities with your personal goals and work-life balance
optimizing your potential for abundance and business longevity
If any of this resonates with you, then perhaps it's time for you to take the leap and connect with a business coach today!
Shining Compass offers experienced coaching for individuals, solo entrepreneurs, family business owners and community groups seeking to develop business strategy, overcome challenges or cultivate a more fulfilling and authentic vocation.
To get started with Shining Compass Business Coaching, follow the simple steps below:
Book a free 15-minute discovery call with Shining Compass. We offer global online coaching, so location is no problem – just find a time that works for you!
During our discovery call, we will get to know each other to see if we are a good fit
If we match, select your preferred coaching option and schedule a time with your Shining Compass coach
Payments are accepted via credit card directly at time of booking
