What is Business Coaching?

Business coaching is a collaborative partnership between a coach and a business owner or leader. The goal is simple: help you get from where you are to where you want to be. But unlike consulting, where someone tells you what to do, coaching helps you develop the skills and clarity to figure it out yourself.

A coach asks questions, challenges assumptions, provides accountability, and supports you through the messy middle of growth. They're not there to run your business - they're there to help you become a better leader so you can run it more effectively.

How Coaching Differs From Consulting

People often confuse coaching with consulting. Here's the difference:

A consultant diagnoses problems and provides solutions. They bring expertise and tell you what to do.

A coach helps you develop your own capacity to solve problems. They ask questions, offer perspective, and hold you accountable - but the answers come from you.

Both have value. Consulting works when you need specific technical expertise. Coaching works when you need to grow as a leader, make better decisions, or get unstuck from patterns that aren't serving you.

Types of Business Coaching

Not all coaching is the same. iPEC Coaching breaks down the key distinctions between different coaching types based on who they serve and what they focus on.

Business Coaching

Business coaching focuses on entrepreneurs, small business owners, and growing companies. It tends to be action-oriented - helping you optimize processes, build systems, grow revenue, and scale your operations.

If you're running a small business and want to work ON your business instead of just IN it, business coaching is probably what you need.

Executive Coaching

Executive coaching is tailored to C-suite leaders and senior executives in larger organizations. It goes deeper into personal and professional development - values, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and influence.

The ripple effects of executive coaching extend throughout an organization. When leaders grow, their teams grow with them.

Leadership Coaching

According to the Center for Creative Leadership, professional leadership coaching is one of the most effective tools for leadership development. It builds self-awareness and supports transformational change.

Leadership coaching helps you access your full potential as a leader - not just to hit business metrics, but to inspire and develop the people around you.

Team Coaching

Team coaching works with groups rather than individuals. A team coach helps build trust, improve communication, resolve conflict, and align everyone around shared goals.

This is particularly valuable during transitions - new leadership, organizational changes, or when a team is struggling to work together effectively.

Performance Coaching

Performance coaching targets specific skills or outcomes - public speaking, executive presence, time management, or hitting particular KPIs. It's focused and measurable.

Which Type is Right for You?

The right type of coaching depends on where you are and what you need:

Choose business coaching if:

• You're a small business owner looking to grow
• You need help with strategy, systems, or operations
• You want someone to help you work on the business, not just in it

Choose executive coaching if:

• You're a senior leader in a larger organization
• You want to develop your leadership presence and influence
• You're navigating complex organizational dynamics

Choose leadership coaching if:

• You want to become a better leader for your team
• You're focused on developing others, not just achieving results
• You want to create a culture where people can find their brilliance

Choose team coaching if:

• Your team is struggling with communication or trust
• You're going through a transition or change
• You want to improve how your leadership team works together

What to Expect From Coaching

Good coaching relationships typically include:

• Regular sessions - usually weekly or biweekly
• Goal setting - clear outcomes you're working toward
• Accountability - checking in on commitments you've made
• Challenge - questions that push your thinking
• Support - someone in your corner when things get hard

Coaching isn't a quick fix. Real growth takes time. Most coaching engagements run at least 3-6 months, and many leaders work with coaches for years.

Finding the Right Fit

The most important factor in coaching success is the relationship. You need someone you trust, someone who challenges you, and someone whose style works for you.

Before committing, have a real conversation. Ask about their approach. Share what you're struggling with. See if it feels like someone you could be honest with - because coaching only works when you're willing to be vulnerable about what's not working.

Let's Build Brilliance Together

At Mayo Biz Coaching & Consulting, we believe coaching is about partnership. We listen first, understand your unique situation, and then work collaboratively to help you and your team find your brilliance.

If you're curious whether coaching might help, let's talk. We offer a free consultation - no pressure, just an honest conversation about where you are and where you want to go.