To wonder are business coaches worth the cost?

[onlyoranges]

I am starting a new business towards the end of the year. I have 25 years experience in the role but it never did include anything to do with the business side of things, which is clearly vital now I am branching out on my own. I’m used to working in a team and being on my own seems overwhelming. Would it be reasonable to hire a business coach or are they of little benefit? Has anyone used one? How did you find the experience?

They can be great if you find the right one. Finding someone with the skills is the tricky part as a lot of so called business coaches are focused on positivity and making you feel good which has its place but probably isn't what you need at this time.

If you can find a good accountant who is a business advisor too that would be a good place to start. Otherwise something like The Girls Mean Business would be good to look at as she has loads of practical guides and support for starting out on your own.

If you happen to be in the south east I may be able to point you in the direction of assistance too.

I do this for new businesses and would recommend that if you are starting out, see if your local authority or local business centre offer any new business start up programmes- they often offer some mentoring hours that you can use to get specific advice..

Where abouts in the UK are you ?

A friend hired a business coach who specialises in people in her industry. She was worth every penny.

They can be helpful, but I'd suggest that doing some business start up training, free mentoring and joining some kind of online (Facebook?) and offline communities of other business owners are really helpful. If you can find a buddy as well, a positive acquaintance or friend that also runs their own business that can help with sharing tips and reflecting on what's working and what isn't. I think all this sits alongside coaching, and I have been coached and coach others in my role.