If you’ve ever wondered whether hiring a business coach is worth the investment, you’re not alone – it’s one of the most common questions I hear as a business coach in London.
The truth is, business coaching has transformed thousands of businesses across the UK, but many people still aren’t clear on what we actually do or how we create such remarkable results.
What Exactly Does a Business Coach Do?
A business coach is your strategic partner who helps you identify obstacles, create actionable plans, and achieve your business goals faster than you could on your own. Think of us as your business GPS – we help you navigate from where you are to where you want to be.
Here’s what business coaching involves:
- Strategic planning and goal setting to clarify your vision and create a roadmap
- Problem-solving sessions to tackle specific challenges you’re facing
- Accountability partnerships to ensure you follow through on commitments
- Skills development in areas like leadership, communication, and decision-making
- An objective perspective from someone outside your business who can see blind spots
- Support and encouragement during challenging times
Unlike consultants who tell you what to do, business coaches ask powerful questions that help you discover your own solutions. This approach ensures the strategies you implement are authentic to your business and leadership style.
What Does a Business Coach Do All Day?
You might be curious about how business coaches spend their time. As someone who’s been coaching entrepreneurs for over two decades, let me give you an inside look at a typical day:
Client Coaching Sessions (40-50% of time)
- One-on-one strategy sessions with business owners
- Group coaching calls for masterminds or programmes
- Workshop facilitation for leadership teams
- Progress review meetings to track goal achievement
Session Preparation and Follow-up (20-25% of time)
- Reviewing client progress and preparing targeted questions
- Creating customised resources and action plans
- Sending follow-up emails with session summaries and homework
- Researching industry-specific challenges clients face
Business Development and Marketing (15-20% of time)
- Content creation to share insights and attract new clients
- Networking at business events and professional associations
- Speaking at conferences or hosting webinars
- Building relationships with other professionals for referrals
Continuous Learning and Development (10-15% of time)
- Staying current with business trends and coaching methodologies
- Attending training programmes and industry conferences
- Reading business books and research studies
- Participating in coaching supervision or peer groups
The reality is, being a business coach means wearing multiple hats – we’re part strategist, part mentor, part accountability partner, and part cheerleader.
Is It Worth Investing in a Business Coach?
This is probably the most important question you’re asking, and the answer is a resounding yes – but only if you choose the right coach and commit to the process!
The Return on Investment is Remarkable
Studies consistently show that business coaching delivers exceptional ROI:
- 788% return on investment according to research from Manchester Inc
- 70% improvement in work performance for coached executives
- 86% of companies report they recouped their coaching investment and more
But let me share what I’ve witnessed firsthand. In my practice, I’ve seen clients:
- Double their revenue within 12 months of starting coaching
- Successfully navigate business scaling challenges that previously felt overwhelming
- Build stronger leadership teams and company cultures
- Make better strategic decisions under pressure
When Business Coaching is Most Valuable
Business coaching delivers the greatest value when you’re experiencing:
- Growth plateaus where you feel stuck despite your best efforts
- Leadership challenges as your team expands
- Strategic confusion about which direction to take your business
- Work-life imbalance that’s affecting your wellbeing and performance
- Decision fatigue from constantly putting out fires
If you’re recognising early warning signs you need a business coach, acting sooner rather than later typically yields better results.
The Hidden Costs of Going It Alone
What many entrepreneurs don’t realise is the opportunity cost of not having a coach:
- Time wasted on trial-and-error approaches
- Revenue lost from poor strategic decisions
- Stress and burnout from feeling isolated in leadership
- Missed opportunities due to lack of clarity or confidence
- Team turnover from ineffective leadership
When you factor in these hidden costs, business coaching often pays for itself through avoided mistakes alone.
What Is the Difference Between a Business Coach and Advisor?
This is an excellent question because the terms are often confused, yet they represent quite different approaches:
Business Coach
- Asks questions to help you find your own solutions
- Focuses on your development as a leader and decision-maker
- Provides ongoing support and accountability over time
- Works on mindset and behaviour alongside strategy
- Empowers you to become more self-sufficient
Business Advisor
- Provides expert advice based on their industry experience
- Offers specific recommendations for particular challenges
- May work on projects with defined start and end dates
- Focuses primarily on business strategy and operations
- Brings external expertise to supplement your knowledge
Think of it this way: A business advisor is like a GPS that tells you exactly which route to take, whilst a business coach is like a driving instructor who helps you become a better driver so you can navigate any route confidently.
Many successful entrepreneurs benefit from both – advisors for specific expertise and coaches for ongoing development and accountability.
What Should I Expect From a Business Coach?
If you’re considering hiring a business coach, here’s what you should expect from a professional coaching relationship:
Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
- Comprehensive review of your current business situation
- Clarification of your vision and objectives
- Identification of key challenges and opportunities
- Creation of a tailored coaching plan with measurable outcomes
Regular Coaching Sessions
- Structured conversations focused on your priorities
- Powerful questions that challenge your thinking
- Tools and frameworks to support your decision-making
- Action planning with clear next steps
Accountability and Progress Tracking
- Regular check-ins on commitments you’ve made
- Honest feedback about your progress and areas for improvement
- Adjustment of strategies based on results and changing circumstances
- Celebration of wins and learning from setbacks
Ongoing Support Between Sessions
- Access to your coach for urgent questions or decisions
- Resources and tools relevant to your specific challenges
- Introductions to relevant contacts in their network
- Follow-up on action items and commitments
What you shouldn’t expect is for your coach to do the work for you or make decisions on your behalf. Great coaching empowers you to become a more effective leader and decision-maker.
Qualities of an Effective Business Coach
When choosing a business coach, look for someone who demonstrates:
- Relevant business experience in growing and scaling companies
- Professional coaching qualifications from recognised bodies
- Strong communication skills and the ability to ask insightful questions
- Industry knowledge
relevant to your sector or challenges - Proven track record of client results and testimonials
- Personal alignment with your values and working style
The Business Coaching Process: What Actually Happens
Let me walk you through what typically happens in a business coaching relationship:
Phase 1: Foundation Setting (Sessions 1-3)
- Deep dive into your business, goals, and challenges
- Assessment of your leadership style and strengths
- Creation of a coaching agreement and success metrics
- Initial strategic planning and priority setting
Phase 2: Implementation and Growth (Sessions 4-10)
- Regular progress reviews and strategy refinement
- Skill development in key areas like decision-making under pressure
- Problem-solving sessions for specific challenges
- Networking strategy development and relationship building
Phase 3: Mastery and Independence (Sessions 10+)
- Advanced strategic planning and long-term vision work
- Leadership development for managing larger teams
- Systems creation for sustainable growth
- Preparation for your next level of business development
Success Stories: Real Results From Business Coaching
Let me share some examples of what business coaching can achieve:
Sarah, Tech Startup Founder: Doubled her team size and tripled revenue in 18 months after learning to delegate effectively and build systems for growth.
James, Manufacturing Business Owner: Overcame a major cash flow crisis and restructured his business model, resulting in 40% profit margin improvements.
Emma, Professional Services: Successfully transitioned from solo practitioner to agency owner with 12 staff members, whilst maintaining work-life balance.
These aren’t exceptional cases – they’re typical results when entrepreneurs commit to the coaching process and implement what they learn.
Is Business Coaching Right for You?
Business coaching is most effective for entrepreneurs who:
- Are committed to growth and willing to challenge themselves
- Value outside perspective and accountability
- Have the resources to invest in their development
- Are open to changing their approach when current methods aren’t working
- Want to accelerate their progress rather than figuring everything out alone
If you’re a female entrepreneur in London or considering attending networking events to grow your business, coaching can provide the strategic foundation to make these investments more effective.
Taking Your Next Step
The question isn’t whether business coaching works – the evidence is overwhelming that it does. The question is whether you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business’s future.
If you’re experiencing any of the challenges we’ve discussed, or you’re simply ready to accelerate your business growth, now is the perfect time to explore professional business coaching.
As a business coach with over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, I’ve seen the transformative power of strategic coaching partnerships. The businesses that thrive aren’t necessarily the ones with the best ideas – they’re the ones with leaders who continuously invest in their own development.
Ready to discover what business coaching could do for your enterprise? Let’s have a conversation about your goals and challenges, and explore whether coaching is the right next step for your business journey.
