Business Coaching and Business Consulting may seem similar at first glance, but there are key differences between the two. In order to help you decide what you need, or to simply define the difference, let’s explore each on their own.
What is Business Consulting?
Business Consultants are typically hired to provide recommendations and implement solutions to specific problems. They are usually brought in for a short-term project and paid for their expertise and knowledge in a particular area.
In some cases, business consulting is done in a one-time one-on-one session. A specific plan is presented with its recommendations, and business owners are left to use this information as they see fit.
The alternative is hiring a business consultant to be present while implementing the plan. This way, they can offer guidance and support along the way. But this usually means that once the plan is in place, and their expertise has been shared, the relationship concludes.
What is Business Coaching?
Business coaches work closely with their clients over an extended period to help them improve their skills, strategies, and processes. It’s an ongoing relationship that only ends if the business owner decides not to use business coaching services any longer.
Business Coaches provide guidance, support, and accountability to help their clients achieve their goals and reach their full potential. This goes beyond making a specific plan, and beyond only focusing on one specific area to improve.
Similar to consultants, business coaches do provide solutions or recommendations; specifically, they help their clients identify their strengths and weaknesses. From there, they help to develop problem-solving skills to create solutions that work for their unique situations.
These skills are developed by their clients and can be used long after your engagement with the business coach has terminated. Business coaches focus on personal and professional development, helping their clients develop the skills and mindset to succeed in both their business and personal lives.
Coaches work with clients to create action plans, set goals, and hold them accountable for following through on their commitments. They also provide emotional support and encouragement, which can be especially helpful during challenging times.
Business Coaching vs Business Consulting
While consultants focus on solving specific problems, business coaches work with their clients to improve overall skills, strategies, and processes. When it comes to considering which approach is more appropriate, ask yourself these questions:
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- Is your need short-term or long-term?
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- Do you need help in one specific area or various areas?
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- Would you benefit more from implementing a specialized plan, or working with someone that can help you continuously develop all skills?
Business coaches offer direction, assistance, and responsibility, concentrating on personal and professional growth. This approach aids clients in attaining accomplishment and satisfaction in all life aspects, during and well beyond the coaching contract period. So the bottom line is unless business consulting is appropriate to your current need, you could benefit from business coaching instead.
If you live in Eastern Ontario and are ready to unleash your full potential working with a Business Coach, consider Coach Kevin. Want to see if you’re a good fit for each other first? Sign up for the FREE Coaching Fit Assessment by email.