Small business coaches use their expertise and experience to support small business owners achieve better results.  They’re like a partner in the business, providing valuable insights, information and strategic advice to help business owners recognise their strengths and weaknesses.  They can also formulate and implement their business plans.

Business coaches can help small business owners grow in a variety of ways by providing advice, strategic analysis and feedback.  They can help small businesses maximise their productivity and become more successful.  A business coach can most definitely be worth it, but the trick is finding the right fit for your organisation.

Think of a business coach as an experienced, supportive mentor who gives you personalised advice and insights to help you build your business and achieve greater success.  They’ll help you define and implement your strategic goals and they’ll support you as you work to realise your vision.

There’s no set fee for hiring a business coach.  There are a lot of variables such as the scale and scope of the task, whether coaching is one-on-one or in a group environment and the skills and experience of the business coach themselves.  Typically, the hourly rate for a business coach in Australia ranges from $170 - $500, while the fee for an executive business coach can be significantly higher.  Some business coaches charge an annual fixed fee depending on the terms of the contract.

Generally, a small business coach will have owned their own business in the past and can therefore use their talents and experience to help other entrepreneurs achieve their goals.  A good business coach will have strong business skills as well as strong interpersonal and coaching skills.  They also need to be a good listener, a good communicator and a careful investigator as well as be highly motivated to make your business more profitable.

You need a business coach if you could do with some expert advice and assistance in clarifying your vision and establishing a path towards meeting your goals.  If you’re new to the world of small businesses, a business coach can be an invaluable asset in determining your success.

Good starting points for a business coach are industry experience, a strong business acumen and a passion for helping others to achieve their potential.  However, as coaching is a specialist skill, it is recommended that you complete some formal training.