Business Coaching or Business Consulting?

Business Coaching or Business Consulting? Which One is Right for You?

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you are facing in your business right now? How do you plan to address them?

When it comes to improving your business, there are several routes you can take. Two popular options are working with a business coach or a business consultant. Both aim to help you identify areas for improvement and take your business to the next level.

However, the way they approach this goal can be quite different. This post will explore the differences between coaching and consulting and help you determine the best fit for your business.

What is Business Coaching?

Business coaching is a personal relationship where a coach will help you identify the challenges within your business and support you in overcoming them. They will provide direction and guidance to help you become a better leader, business owner, or employer. The coach may work with you on improving your time management skills, team building and recruitment, the financial acumen of your business, sales and marketing, and growth plans.

The best coaches focus on developing people, not just fixing problems.

Business coaching is a long-term commitment that involves regular sessions, either one-on-one or in a group setting. The coach will ask questions, help you explore options and possibilities, and support you in finding the answers. They will also hold you accountable and work collaboratively to help you achieve your business and lifestyle goals.

 

What Will a Business Coach Do? 

Coaching is not simply about providing answers. Great coaches support their clients in discovering their own solutions.

A coach will spend time getting to know their client. They will ask powerful questions and actively listen to the response. They will learn their client’s behavioural styles and motivations. They will help explore options and possibilities, support the client in finding answers and give them clarity and focus.

They will hold the client accountable and work collaboratively to help them achieve their business and lifestyle goals.

A business coach and client relationship is usually long-term and can be one-to-one or in a group setting.

“The best coaches are those who have the player as the centre of everything they do. They put the player first and know that every player is different, with their own individual personalities, and that you cannot treat them all the same.” Sir Alex Ferguson

What is Consulting?

Generally, a consultant would be expected to find the answers to a problem. In other words, to provide specific advice to address a particular issue in a short time frame. Consulting can provide expertise within a whole business or organisation; a consultant tends to be a specialist in a subject matter related to the client’s industry.

Consultants help identify problems, provide solutions with advice or training, and focus on fixing specific issues on a project basis and in a shorter time frame. As this arrangement tends to be problem-focused, a consultant will tell you what to do. They will offer advice and solutions, given that they are usually an expert in your industry.

What Will a Consultant Do? 

This arrangement tends to be problem-focused; a consultant will tell a client what to do. They will offer advice and solutions because they are usually experts in the client’s industry. They will concentrate on fixing a specific problem, on a project basis and in a shorter time frame.

Business Coaching or Consulting: Which One is Right for You?

Now that we’ve explored the differences between coaching and consulting, let’s delve deeper into which is right for you.

Business Coaching is Ideal if:

1. You’re looking for personal support: Coaching is a personal relationship that focuses on your individual needs. It provides a supportive environment where you can openly discuss your challenges and aspirations.
2. You want a long-term commitment: Business coaching is a long-term commitment that involves regular sessions. If you’re looking for ongoing support, coaching is a good choice.
3. You’re willing to work collaboratively: Coaches work collaboratively with their clients to achieve their goals. If you’re willing to work together with your coach, you’ll get the most out of the coaching relationship.
4. You want to develop your leadership skills: Coaches help you develop your leadership skills, which can benefit your business in the long run.

Consulting is Ideal if:

1. You’re looking for quick solutions: Consulting is ideal if you have a specific problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Consultants work on a project basis and focus on fixing specific issues.
2. You want an objective view: Consultants provide an objective view of your business and can identify problems you may not have noticed.
3. You need industry-specific expertise: Consultants are usually experts in a particular subject matter related to your industry. If you need specialised expertise, consulting is a good choice.
4. You’re looking for a short-term commitment: If you’re looking for a short-term commitment, consulting is ideal. Consultants work on a project basis and focus on fixing specific issues in a shorter time frame.

Coaching or Consulting: You Decide 

When deciding whether to hire a coach or a consultant, it can be helpful to think about your specific challenges and the support you need.

Choosing between business coaching and consulting depends on your individual needs and the goals you want to achieve. Business coaching is ideal if you want ongoing support, want to develop your leadership skills and are willing to work collaboratively with your coach. On the other hand, consulting is ideal if you have a specific problem that needs to be addressed quickly, requires specialised expertise, or are looking for a short-term commitment.

In the end, it’s important to remember that both coaching and consulting can have a significant impact on your business. The key is to choose the option that aligns with your goals, preferences and budget.

If the change you want is for personal and individual support – to improve the overall success of your business, you may prefer to hire a coach. If your problem is industry specific and a one-off issue that you need an industry expert to tell you the answer and give you a solution, then hiring a consultant could be the best option for you.

If you’d like to see how ActionCOACH Cheltenham are supporting their clients with business coaching, you can read their testimonials here.

Want to hear what our clients say about their experience of business coaching?  Watch these videos!

Got more questions about business coaching?

Read our other blog here – Is Business Coaching For Me?