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Coach or Consultant: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Business

As a successful business owner, you may face new challenges going from a place of stability to sustainable and scalable growth. You might be:
As a successful business owner, you may face new challenges going from a place of stability to sustainable and scalable growth. You might be:
  • Unsure of what the next steps are toward your goals 
  • Want to develop a plan of action but are not sure how
  • Struggling to see the big picture for your business
  • Needing more people/resources to keep up with demand
When you’re not sure what your next move is or you’re facing challenges that require additional support, it’s time to upgrade to a new problem-solving method. A business coach, consultant, or a hybrid like Wizehire partner Robyn Koenig can help make sure you’re a part of the 55% of small businesses that make it. She has 20 years of experience helping corporate, non-profit, and small business owners clarify their direction and take intentional action toward their next stage of growth According to a survey conducted by the International Coach Federation (ICF), working with a business coach or consultant can increase your profit margin by 46%, but each offers different benefits to your business. How do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll cover:
  • Coaching vs. consulting
  • How to decide which type of support you need 
  • What to know before you get started

Coaching vs. Consulting

A coach works with a business owner to help you uncover your own solutions, improve your mindset, and understand what might be getting in the way of your success.  A consultant collaborates with a business owner by providing suggestions, ideas, insights, and resources to help you take your business where you want it to go. Each professional serves a unique purpose and can also be combined to provide a hybrid approach, as Robyn does. Here’s a breakdown of what each type of support looks like:  
WHAT THEY DO COACH  CONSULTANT
Assists in personal development
Creates a roadmap for your overall business goals
Gives specific advice, ideas, and suggestions for improvements
Shifts mindset and removes the fear of success and failure
Helps you understand what to focus on and what’s not important 
Builds strong functional systems and mitigates risk
Highlights key areas of opportunity for your business and team
Gets clarity on your vision for your business
Acts as your accountability partner
*Coaches and consultants may operate individually or exist on a team as part of a larger organization.

Which type of support do you need?

Now that you know what coaching and consultants can do, how do you decide which one is right for you Robyn’s advice is to start by focusing on where you want your business to be a year from now and work backward so you can build a bridge toward success! Here are some factors to keep in mind:
  • Progress has slowed: Has it been a while since your business moved toward your goals? Do you feel that you aren’t progressing as quickly as you want to the next stage, or that you aren’t using your time as effectively as you should? 
  • Direction seems unclear: Is your best-selling product or service not the staple of your business? Are you noticing an opening in the market that you know you can fulfill but don’t know how to pivot the business? 
  • You’re feeling overwhelmed: Do you see gaps in your system that you can’t personally fill – such as struggling to hire the right people or keeping things organized? 
  • An adverse event has occurred: Have you suffered a personal loss, experienced a change in financial status, or something else* affecting your ability to strategize? *Don’t miss Robyn Koenig’s Facebook Live discussion on this topic!

How to select the right coach or consultant for your business 

Hiring a coach or a consultant is an investment and may be just what you’ve been looking for to create powerful change in your life and your business.   Here are some tips for how to make that crucial choice:
  • Look for accreditation (i.e., certified professional coach, CPC) 
  • Interview them (ask what they value — make sure their values align with yours)
  • Reach out to recent clients and ask about their experience 
  • Check to see if the coach/consultant works in your industry or has a background in the areas you are looking to gain insight on
Robyn recommends focusing on what parts of your business need attention. Then, work with your consultant or coach to determine how to make it happen. It’s okay not to have all of the answers. Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself!

Are you ready to get started on the next step in your business’s journey?

As Robyn explains, “You’re not stuck….you’re at the front door of opportunity.” Investing in a business coach or consultant is investing in your future success. It’s ensuring that your special edge doesn’t go dull, and that you are keeping yourself in the game, and at the forefront, so your business can continue to grow and thrive.  Find the right expert to work with you and your business. Wizehire partners with trusted business coaches and consultants who provide guidance to take your business to the next level.  You can check out Wizehire’s vetted Service Partner directory to find your ideal business coach or consultant match.  You can also check out Robyn Koneig at https://www.robynkoenig.com/

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