Why Hire a Business Coach? The Truth About Getting External Help

Understand what business coaches do and be better equipped to make a decision on whether business coaching is the best fit for you and your business.

Are you struggling to take your business to the next level? 

Do you feel like you are stuck at a glass ceiling and cannot push through? 

If so, you may be considering hiring a business coach.

You may have also heard some negative things about business coaches, and now you are wondering if hiring one is really worth the risk and investment. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the truth about getting external help and why you should or should not hire a business coach. At ActionCOACH, we have seen the positive impact that coaching can have on businesses, but we’ve also seen the negative impact it can have not only on the business but on the owner as well.

After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what business coaches do and be better equipped to make a decision that is the best fit for you and your business.

Prefer video content? We have you covered, take a look at the video below.

When to consider hiring a business coach:

Hiring a business coach is not something that every business owner needs to do straight away. However, there are certain times when it can be beneficial to seek external help. If you are experiencing any of the following pain points, it may be time to consider hiring a business coach:

• You are struggling to achieve your goals: If you have set goals for your business, but you are struggling to achieve them, a business coach can help you to develop a plan of action that will get you on track.
  
  
• You are feeling overwhelmed: If you are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of running a business, a coach can help you to identify the areas that need attention and develop strategies to tackle them.
  
  
• You are lacking direction: If you are feeling like your business is lacking direction, a coach can help you to develop a clear vision and set goals that will help you to achieve it.
  
  
  

What do business coaches really do?

There are many misconceptions about what business coaches do. It is especially important to understand the difference between coaching and a mentor as these two services differ quite dramatically. You also need to understand what to expect from a coach before hiring one.

Here are some of the key things that a business coach can do for you...

Results over everything else:

One of the main things that a business coach can help you with is achieving results. A coach will work with you to identify your goals and develop a plan of action that will help you to achieve them. They will help you to stay focused on your goals and hold you accountable for your progress. A coach will help you to develop the skills and mindset that you need to achieve your goals and build a successful business.

Accountability and motivation for achieving results:

Accountability is key when it comes to achieving results, and a business coach can provide you with the accountability that you need. They will hold you accountable for your progress and motivate you to keep going when things get tough. A coach will also provide you with the support and encouragement that you need to stay on track and achieve your goals.

Developing customised strategies:

Every business is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving success. A business coach will work with you to develop a customised strategy that is tailored to the specific needs of your business. They will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies that will help you to capitalise on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses.

At ActionCOACH, we offer business owners a free business assessment designed to give you a specific area of focus for your business growth. 

Business coaching in action: 4 real-world case studies

The best way to understand the impact that business coaching can have is to see it in action. Here are some examples of real-world results and outcomes that stemming from business coaching, not just from ActionCOACH but other business coaching professionals too:

Case Study 1 | Google

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, hired Silicon Valley coach Bill Campbell in 2004 to help him navigate the challenges of leading one of the world's most innovative and fast-paced companies. 

Campbell helped Schmidt develop his leadership skills, build strong relationships with his team, and create a culture of transparency and accountability at Google. Schmidt's coaching with Campbell resulted in impressive growth for Google, with revenue growing from $86 million to over $37 billion and the company's market capitalisation increasing from $10 billion to over $200 billion. 

Schmidt credits Campbell with helping him become a better leader and says that having a coach is the single most important thing a CEO can do.

Case Study 2 | Magnetic Copy

Emma Greer's venture, Magnetic Copy, faced initial hurdles of imbalanced work and uncertain clients. Seeking improvement, she engaged with ActionCOACH's coaching sessions after being inspired by a client's success. Through strategic guidance, Emma redefined her business outlook, setting ambitious goals and boosting her confidence. The results were significant: she increased prices, attracting more clients and achieving her busiest months. In just nine months, Magnetic Copy's projected turnover surged from £18,000 to £50,000. Emma's future vision includes expanding her team and collaborations. This case study highlights how ActionCOACH's coaching transformed Magnetic Copy, leading to remarkable growth and a balanced work-life approach.

“I’ve now put my prices up twice since working with ActionCOACH, and it’s completely transformed my confidence as a business owner. I thought upping my prices would deter clients, but it’s done the opposite. Prior to working with ActionCOACH, January 2022 was the quietest month I’d had, yet January 2023 was the best and busiest month I’d ever had in business to that point. I was also fully booked for April – a compound effect from working with ActionCOACH.”

Emma’s full case study can be found in our resource library here.

Case Study 3 | INDSS

Sheri Irons, Commercial Director of INDSS, harnessed the expertise of The Alternative Board (TAB) to drive remarkable growth. Joining TAB North Chilterns and Oxford in 2022, Sheri's strategic decisions, guided by monthly meetings and peer insights, fueled INDSS's success. The company's investments in CRM software, hiring a CRM manager, and implementing quarterly strategic meetings led to impressive results, including a £2.5M turnover and winning major contracts. Sheri's newfound confidence, long-term exit plan, and peer collaboration showcase the transformative power of TAB's partnership in accelerating business growth and success.

You can learn more about TAB and other UK-based Business Coaching companies in our article -  “The 5 Best Business Growth Coaching Companies in the UK

Case Study 4 | Sportsafe UK

 Sportsafe UK, a sports equipment service and maintenance company founded by Jon Neill in 1997, underwent a remarkable transformation.  Facing challenges in growth, control, and culture, Jon sought help from ActionCOACH in 2009, leading to a journey of re-education and restructuring. The coaching process enabled a shift from an uncontrolled growth trajectory to a strategic, customer-focused approach.  By embracing innovation, redefining job roles, and nurturing a positive work culture, Sportsafe UK achieved substantial growth. With over 18,000 repeat customers and an £8 million + turnover compared to the initial £45,000 when Jon first started coaching, the case exemplifies the power of foundational change, leadership development, and continual improvement in business success.

Are you ready to hire a business coach in your business? 

Hiring a business coach can be a valuable investment for business owners who are looking to accelerate their growth, identify and solve problems, and achieve their goals. A coach can provide an outside perspective, hold you accountable, and help you to develop customised strategies that are tailored to your specific needs.

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of what business coaches do and whether hiring one is the right decision for you. If you are still unsure, take a look at ‘how to choose the right business coach for you: A step-by-step guide’. This will provide you with tips on researching, evaluating and making a decision on choosing the right coach. 

Want to see some real-life case studies? Take a look at some of our client case studies below and discover more about what your business coaching journey could look like.