Coaching vs. Consulting: Which One Does Your Business Actually Need?

Let’s clear something up: coaching and consulting are not the same thing. It's kind of like confusing a personal trainer with a surgeon. One helps you do the pushups—you still have to sweat. The other comes in, does the heavy lifting (literally), and then hands you the bill. In business, a consultant usually tells you what’s wrong, gives you a fancy report, and maybe even fixes it for you. A coach, on the other hand, works alongside you, asking questions, guiding your thinking, and helping you grow into the kind of leader who can fix it yourself—and prevent it next time.

So, which one do you need? If your business is broken and you need fast answers—like yesterday—a consultant might be the right call. But if you're looking to grow long-term, improve decision-making, and build a stronger team (without handing over control), a coach is your go-to. Think of it this way: a consultant gives you the fish. A coach teaches you how to fish, then sticks around to help you catch the big ones. Plus, coaches rarely smell like fish.

Coaching vs. Consulting: Which One Does Your Business Actually Need?

At the end of the day, both can be useful—but for different reasons. If you’re tired of reading thick reports that collect dust, and you're ready to take ownership, grow your skills, and build a business that doesn’t fall apart when you're on vacation, coaching is probably what you need. If you're still not sure, hey—I know a pretty good coach you could talk to. (Spoiler: it’s me.)