Business Consultant vs. Business Coach

[Blurock]

Good point Dave. I have found TFSA, Chamber of Commerce, our informal networking group, and just talking to other business owners very informative.

You get to know what is happening in your industry and target market and can learn a lot about best practices in other businesses. Talking to other people keeps you at the edge and is sometimes more valuable than a consultant with his own pre-set ideas about your business. Although a good consultant can guide you to an appropriate solution (NB. Guide and not force).

Just sitting in your cave and believing that you know everything is a sure way to stagnation.

[roryf]

I have a family friend that I visit from time to time, not because my business is battling but rather because I need outside perspective and I value his input.These chats are informal but have given me huge insight into my business and have taken my business much further than I could have done by myself!

[Blurock]

I don't think it is a difference between business consultant and business coach. Both job are informative. Because i have personally experience it.

Although many people call themselves consultants these days, I believe a consultant is a specialist in a specific field. Your accountant or auditor can give you advice on tax structures etc. You may hire an HR consultant who is and expert on labour law or people management. A marketing or advertising expert may advise on increasing sales and gaining market share. These consultants should all be specialists in their field with the appropriate qualifications and experience to be of any value to a business. Some consultants even specialise in certain industries.

A business coach on the other hand is more of a generalist who covers all aspects of the business. He should also have the necessary training, but he does not specialise in only one aspect of the business. A business coach may also be a mentor who has had experience in his own business which may be of assistance to an entrepreneur.

Both have a role to play and one has to decide whether you want to just learn more about business and be a better manager or do you want to address and fix a specific problem.

[Basment Dweller]

Input is correct.

I was involved in business similar to Action Coach so have some experience with this.

Business coaches ask a specific line of questions that elicit the solution out of the coachee regarding mental blocks and business problems.

A consultant designs and furnishes the consultee with a blueprint solution that solves a specific problem.

Consultants normally take a retainer and get paid a bonus percentage on the money that was raised as result of the solution. And coaches normally charge per session around R2000 including follow up phone calls over a period of months.