Understanding the difference between a business coach and a consultant is crucial for entrepreneurs seeking tailored support. This article explores the unique roles of each professional, helping you decide which aligns best with your business needs and goals.
I’m not surprised if you are confused because the lines can blur sometimes.
What Is a Business Coach?
A business coach helps you discover your strengths, set meaningful goals, and unlock your potential. They focus on guiding you through self-discovery, motivation, and accountability, enabling you to find your own solutions and grow both personally and professionally. It’s all about the inner work and recognising the power you have from within. So with guidance you will find the right path to take.
Key Roles of a Business Coach:
- Encourages personal and professional development
- Helps you clarify your vision and goals
- Holds you accountable to your commitments
- Supports mindset shifts and overcoming obstacles
What Is a Business Consultant?
A business consultant provides expert advice, solutions, and strategies based on their experience. They analyse your current business situation and offer specific recommendations or implement plans to improve performance or solve challenges. Often the consultant will explain solutions step by step, passing on training and sometimes templates to try.
Key Roles of a Business Consultant:
- Focuses on practical and immediate business results
- Offers industry-specific expertise
- Diagnoses problems and provides solutions
- Develops and implements business strategies
Business Coach vs. Consultant: Which Do You Need?
If you’re looking for guidance to help you find your own answers, a business coach might be the best fit. If you require expert advice and strategic action, a business consultant could be more suitable.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
Choosing the right professional support can significantly impact your business growth and satisfaction. Knowing whether you need a coach’s encouragement or a consultant’s expertise helps you invest wisely and get the results you want.
Am I a Business Consultant or Coach?
When I first launched my consultancy service, I shared with my business coach that I didn’t feel like what I was doing fit the typical definition of coaching. I knew my approach was different. So, I took a step back and really reflected on how I help my clients.
With over 22 years of business experience and 20 years mentoring and training wedding planners, it became clear that my support focuses on practical, hands-on guidance, including:
- Identifying ideal clients
- Creating effective marketing solutions
- Providing ready-to-use business templates
- Developing business strategy
- Improving sales and profitability
- Setting actionable goals
- Scaling and growing businesses
- Diversifying revenue streams
- Offering wedding industry-specific advice and training
Because of this, I identify as a business consultant, not a coach. Given my background, it wouldn’t feel right to simply sit back and let clients find their own solutions—I’m here to roll up my sleeves and work closely with each 1:1 client, diving deep into the nitty-gritty of their business structure to deliver tailored, actionable solutions.
However in my marketing I use both “coach” and “consultant” as the former tracks better for my SEO!
However, I do also coach!
Ok so yes I am a business consultant, that is my primary function. Providing strategy and solutions. Working closely with my clients to transform their business. But there is no escaping the fact I do also coach my clients. So what does this mean? Part of business success is having a positive mindset and confidence, so sometimes with my clients I’ll notice it is necessary to start on the coaching so we can move forward. Common themes I help with are:
- Visualising their success
- Subconscious mind
- Imposter syndrome
- Confidence building
- Limiting beliefs
- Understanding the bigger picture, what do they really want (not what they think they should want)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between a business coach and a consultant?
A: A business coach facilitates your personal growth and decision-making, while a consultant provides expert advice and actionable solutions.
Q: Can one person be both a coach and consultant?
A: Yes, many professionals combine coaching and consulting to offer customised support depending on the client’s needs. I will switch between the two depending on what my client needs that day.
Q: How do I know which one to hire?
A: Consider whether you want to develop your own problem-solving skills (coach) or prefer someone to analyse and guide your business directly (consultant).
I hope this helps clarify the difference between a business coach or consultant? If you would like to talk to me about your business why not book a call below.
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Editor Note: Article originally published in 2021, updated in June 2025
