Business consultant advises you, a business coach guides you.
  • Business consultant or business coach? Four differences to help you decide which is right for you.

    December 31, 2018

    coaching

    Business growth: what’s suitable for your organization: a business coach or a business consultant?

    By Maureen McCabe

    You know you need outside expertise for continued business and organizational growth, but whom do you hire: a business coach or a business consultant, and how do you ensure you get the right one? Both can deliver similar step-change improvements for your performance as the leader/owner of your organization. Each takes a different approach and requires extra contribution from you and your team. Below are differences in their roles to help you determine if you need a coach or consultant. Learn the top must-ask interview questions to ensure you hire the right firm.

    Key Difference #1: Roles

    The key is to decide if YOU want to be an integral player in the development and implementation of the solution. Work with a business consultant if you want an expert to lead the thinking, propose, and implement a solution. If you want to be closely involved in developing and implementing the solution, work with a business coach.

    Key Difference #2: How They Work

    A business consultant will assess the situation, develop a possible solution, and implement the solution. They do most of the work, supported by you/your team.

    A coach will help you assess the situation, work with you to develop a solution and support you through implementation, challenging you to deliver the best result. You and your team do the majority of the work.

    Also, a business consultant will be accountable to you for delivering results. A coach will hold YOU responsible for completing the work.

    Key Difference #3: Experience

    An effective business consultant will bring experience both in your industry and in solving the same or similar challenges.

    An effective coach may not have experience in your industry, as they bring a valuable perspective from other industries. However, they should have experience with the same or similar challenges to provide perspective on the solutions you develop.

    Key Difference #4: Scope of Challenge

    A consultant with a defined scope and end date is ideal for a specific challenge. A coach works well when the challenges are unclear and the timeline may be undefined. They work with you, and additional opportunities for improvement may be identified that they can assist with.

    To confuse the issue, many coaches will consult if requested, and many business consultants take a coach approach to their work. It is a spectrum, not an absolute.

    The Bottom-line

    A business consultant advises you, and a business coach guides you. The McCabe Marketing team provides marketing consulting services and business coaching. Learn how we can help by booking a free consultation.

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