10 Things to Look for in a Business Coach

As discussed in our previous blog, a coach can be a valuable asset to your business. Since the early 2000s this industry has had an explosion with many coaches to choose from. However, the caliber of coaching and the effectiveness of their training can vary widely. Also, the type of coaching they provide can vary as well.

When evaluating a coach, consider these 10 key attributes:

1. Experience and Expertise:

A good coach should have a track record of success and relevant experience. Their knowledge should be broad enough to understand your challenges but specific enough to guide you toward practical solutions.

2. Empathy and Active Listening:

Coaching is about understanding where a client is and helping them get to where they want to go. A great coach listens actively and responds with empathy. However, the coach does not coddle them and will be honest.

3. Accountability and Support:

The best coaches don’t just provide advice—they hold clients accountable. They help keep clients on track with goals and provide encouragement when things get tough.

4. Commitment to Your Best Interests:

Consider whether the coach is invested in your long-term success and whether they prioritize building a lasting relationship over short-term gains. My approach is to foster long-lasting relationships with my clients, with an average client relationship spanning 6 years, and with our longest-standing client having been with us for over a decade.

5. Adaptability

A great coach adapts to different learning styles and personalities. A good coach will not be wedded to a single methodology. They need to have the ability to approach a problem in several ways, because no two clients are the same, so a good coach will personalize their approach to fit the needs of the individual.

6. Confidence and Trustworthiness

Clients should feel confident in their coach’s ability to lead them to success. Trust is foundational—coaches should be reliable, ethical, and consistent in their approach. It’s always good to look at a coach's track record and talk to current clients.

7. Results-Oriented:

The coach should focus on achieving tangible outcomes. Whether it's improving sales, refining business strategies, or helping with mindset, a great coach is focused on real progress.

8. Patience and Perseverance:

Change takes time, and a great coach understands that growth doesn’t happen overnight. They’re patient but also persistent and consistent, helping clients keep pushing even when progress feels slow.

9. Continuous Growth:

A good coach believes in lifelong learning and strives to stay ahead of trends, tools, and strategies that can benefit their clients. They should be committed to their own growth as much as they are to helping their clients grow.

10. Connect to You:

In the process of finding a coach, you will come across some that will look good on paper, but the key is in interviewing them. Check with yourself as you are talking to them: Is what they’re saying connecting with you? Does it line up with your values? Can you see yourself listening to them and following their coaching? Are their experiences similar to yours? Have they walked a path similar to yours? Listen keenly, both to what they are saying and non-verbal cues as well.

In summary, the right coach should not only possess a deep understanding of business and career dynamics but also demonstrate a personalized approach to addressing your specific challenges, with a proven history of facilitating business growth and a genuine commitment to your long-term success. Ultimately, the true measure of a coach's worth is their ability to deliver tangible results for their clients.