Business Coach vs. Business Consultant. Which Should You Invest In?

What does a business coach do?

A business coach helps a business grow over a long-term arrangement. Coaches possess diverse skills and work closely with a business owner to provide guidance in multiple areas. They aim to bring out the best in you, your team and your business. Business coaches are effective in identifying issues, defining attainable goals, implementing new strategies and can help a faltering business back to its feet.

 

What does a business consultant do?

A business consultant is an expert that is often enlisted to help a business owner solve a specific problem over a short period of time. Consultants use their expert knowledge to effectively identify and find solutions. They offer insights and create change where needed in a pre-existing business structure. Working almost autonomously across the business, they are driven towards project-oriented results.

 

Business Coach vs. Business Consultant

Business Coaches…

• Offer long-term guidance to help you develop your expertise, resolve problems and move the business forward.
• Work primarily on a one-to-one basis with you to develop your knowledge and skills as a business owner.
• Collaborate with you to create a defined strategy for your business, this is especially useful for growing businesses with ambitious leaders.
• Develop interpersonal dynamics to help your employees hit targets, perform effectively and create an overall positive work culture.
• Require commitment and time so they can work with you closely.

Business consultants…

• Offer short-term guidance using their own expertise to resolve a problem.
• Work with multiple people across the business to execute necessary actions.
• Put a clear structure and strategy in place for you to follow.
• Make themselves accountable for results and outcomes taking pressure away from you.
• Don’t focus on interpersonal dynamics, instead focus on achieving results.

Do not require too much time or commitment from you.

 

Which do you need for a successful business?

There is no right or wrong answer.

The majority of business owners will require outside help from time-to-time establish a successful business.

New business owners will benefit from business coaching due to the wide-reaching support offered in terms of development.

If you are in need of expert assistance, a business consultant with specialist skills can help.

There are times when you could benefit from utilising both services such as when you need project-specific help but also would like coaching to define long-term goals. Angelina Bell’s business coaching brings in specialist consultants as and when required to address such scenarios for business owners.

 

3 key considerations to help you decide which to invest in.

Do You Need An Expert Or An Enabler?

A coach will work closely with you and enable you to reach your goals.

A consultant uses their own expertise to reach goals for you.

Do You Need Long-Term Or Short-Term Help?

A coach is more suitable for long-term guidance and will work with you across multiple areas during this time.

A consultant works on a short-term basis to achieve results fast, usually focusing on one main area.

What Is Your Work Style?

A coach continuously works alongside you and will expect you to deliver results.

A consultant is assigned with a task and delivers the results for you.