A business consultant usually tells you what to do, or does it for you. A business coach works alongside you so you make the changes yourself and keep the skills. A mentor is someone further along who shares their experience, usually informally. Which you need depends on what you're missing: expertise, follow-through or perspective. Many owners benefit from a mix.
The short version
- Consultant: brings specialist expertise to solve a specific problem, and tells you what to do or does it for you. Best when you need a job done that you don't have the skills for.
- Coach: works alongside you, asks the hard questions and holds you to account, so you make the changes and keep the skills. Best when you know roughly what needs to happen but it isn't getting done.
- Mentor: someone who has been where you are and shares their experience, often informally. Best for perspective and big decisions.
When you need a consultant
- You need specialist knowledge you don't have, such as setting up a new system or a one-off technical project.
- The job has a clear start and end.
- You'd rather it was done for you than learn it yourself.
When you need a coach
- You know the business could do more, but growth has stalled.
- You have ideas but struggle to turn them into a plan and see it through.
- You want someone outside the business to challenge your thinking and keep you accountable.
- You want to build skills that stay with you.
When you need a mentor
- You're facing a big decision and want to hear from someone who's made it before.
- You want a sounding board over the long term rather than a set programme.
A peer group can give you some of this too. See why every business owner needs a peer group.
How I work
I do a bit of both. I bring the plan and the systems, as a consultant would, then work alongside you and hold you to it, as a coach does.
The 90-Day Plan is a short, one-off sprint: a 4-hour strategic audit, a week-by-week plan for the next 90 days and three check-in calls. Signature Coaching is ongoing one-to-one support in 90-day blocks. If you're already working with another coach, consultant or mentor, that's fine.
Questions to ask before you hire anyone
- Have they run a business themselves? As I've said before, I don't think you can coach business owners if you haven't been there and done it yourself.
- Can they show real results? Look for reviews and case studies you can check.
- How will they measure progress? You should know what success looks like before you start.
- What does it cost, and can you stop if it isn't working? See how much a business coach costs in the UK.
- Do you get on with them? It only works with trust, because you'll be telling them a lot about yourself and your business.
Frequently asked questions
Is a business coach worth it? It can be, if you're ready to act. A good coach should help you get clear on what to do and make sure it gets done. Weigh the cost against what being stuck is costing you.
Can a coach also be a consultant? Yes. Many coaches, including me, do a bit of both: bringing a plan and systems, then helping you put them in place.
Not sure which you need?
Book a free strategy call. We'll find the biggest thing holding your business back, and if I'm not the right fit, I'll say so.