10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Small-Business Coach
 

Running a business can be deeply gratifying, but also incredibly lonely at times. You’re building something that matters—but some days, it feels like no one else really gets the pressure you’re under. You’re the one everyone looks to for answers, but who do you lean on when the decisions get heavy?

That’s when wise leaders start thinking about finding a business coach—someone who can help you cut through the noise, think more clearly, and stay accountable to the hard things that actually move the needle.

But here’s the challenge: Not every coach is a good fit. And not every coach is really coaching. Before you hire a business coach, you need to understand what real coaching looks like and what to ask before signing on.

So, let’s walk through what to look for in a small-business coach—and the essential business coaching questions to ask to make the right call.

What Is the Role of a Business Coach?

A business coach, sometimes called an executive coach or a leadership coach, isn’t a therapist, mentor or consultant—or even a teacher. They’re a neutral third-party who helps you talk through challenges, gain clarity, and remove barriers standing in your way.

You probably thought running a business sounded fun—until you realized it would actually run you. Discover the EntreLeadership System—the small-business road map that takes the guesswork out of growth.

The best ones don’t take the wheel. They help you steer, listening and guiding you toward the results you’re after. In other words, great coaches don’t give you all the answers—they help you find them. A business coach’s main job is to help you:

• Get clear on your goals and create a plan for the future you want
• Reach your full potential as a leader
• Remove the internal roadblocks holding you back from creating that future

You might think you need a specific type of business coach for entrepreneurs to really make progress. But a great coach doesn’t have to come from your exact world to make a big impact. The same goes if you think you need a business coach for small business. Your coach doesn’t need to specialize in a certain size or type of business. They need proven expertise, clear results and a real focus on you.

Top Business Coaching Questions to Ask

Now that you know what a business coach actually does, let’s talk about how to find the right one. The process takes time, and that’s okay. You may need to interview a few before you find the one you really click with. Look for a coach you can be open and honest with because real progress starts when you’re willing to get real.

These business coaching questions will help you get clear on what you want, evaluate potential coaches, and decide whether the relationship is a good fit.

Ask Yourself First

Before you ever get on a call with someone you’re considering as a coach, take time to reflect honestly.

1. What’s my current stage of business, and what outcome do I want to achieve?
2. How willing am I to invest in my own development?
3. Will I make time to work on my business and myself?
4. Am I open to accountability and honest feedback?
5. Do I want a coach or a consultant? (A consultant gives you answers. A coach asks questions that help you discover your own.)

Ask the Coach

When you’re certain you want a coach, not a consultant, you’re ready to start the vetting process. These top questions to ask a potential business coach will help you uncover how they work and whether they’re right for you:

1. Do you have professional coaching experience?Remember: It’s okay if they haven’t worked in your industry—great coaches coach people, not fields.
2. What assessments or tools do you use?Some coaches use behavioral or leadership assessments to accelerate insight.
3. What does a six-month or yearlong coaching relationship look like?Get clarity on session frequency, format and structure.
4. What should I expect from coaching with you?This helps you visualize the journey and understand their communication style. They should have a clear rhythm for sessions, accountability and follow-up.
5. What does it take to get the most out of this experience?Our EntreLeadership^® coaches say it comes down to courage, humility and discipline.
6. What’s the investment, and what should I expect in return?A great coach is an investment in growth, not just a line item in your budget. Know the time commitment, deliverables and the kind of ROI you can reasonably expect.
7. What’s your coaching philosophy?Look for someone who believes the client is capable, resourceful and responsible for their own growth.
8. How do you measure success?A good coach will talk about progress, milestones and transformation—not just feelings.
9. Can you share client results or testimonials?Ask for examples that show real change.
10. What happens if I’m not seeing results?The best coaches will address this with transparency and structure.

Keep in mind, the right business coaching questions act as your filter to separate real professionals from the pretenders. But asking good questions is just the start. You still need to know how to find the right coach, check their credibility, and make sure the investment actually pays off.

"The advice and the accountability that [coaches] give on certain situations need to pay for themselves. You should be increasing your revenue, decreasing expenses, lowering your anxiety and your stress level, increasing your delegation and the quality of the operation.” — Dave Ramsey, Founder and CEO of Ramsey Solutions

How to Find the Right Business Coach

Next, we’ll walk through the steps to take before you sign on the dotted line—from knowing where to find a coach to spotting red flags before they cost you.

Step 1: Do your research and get recommendations.

With your goals and coaching questions in hand, it’s time to start your search. Here are a few practical ways to find a small-business coach who fits your needs:

• Referrals: Ask trusted business owners who they’ve worked with.
• Professional networks: Look for coaches through reputable organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
• Leadership and business development programs: Many leaders find success through programs like EntreLeadership’s business coaching, which offers both one-on-one and group coaching.
• Local business groups: Check your chamber of commerce or entrepreneur networks.

Step 2: Watch for red flags.

As you ask questions and compare options, be cautious if a coach:

• Promises instant success or a specific dollar amount of growth
• Has no clear process or measurable accountability
• Talks more than they listen
• Can’t provide training credentials or testimonials
• Avoids answering tough business coaching questions

If something feels off, it probably is. Keep looking until you find someone who listens deeply and challenges you to grow.

Step 3: Decide, commit and do the work.

Once you’ve found the right fit, commit fully. Real change takes root when you trust the coaching process and give it everything you’ve got.Clarify expectations about:

• Session cadence
• Goals and metrics
• Communication between sessions

And remember, hiring a coach isn’t a magic fix—it’s a partnership. The best results happen when you take ownership of your growth and apply what you’re learning.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right coach isn’t about luck—it’s about clarity and intention. Get clear on what you want. Ask smart business coaching questions. Look for real experience and a proven process.

Then it’s time to get to work and reap the rewards.

 

FAQs About Business Coaching

How do I find a business coach who’s right for me?

Start by identifying your goals and budget, then look for certified coaches focused on your growth.

What should I look for in a business coach?

Look for proper training, client testimonials, clear structure and a process built on accountability and measurable progress.

Do I need industry-specific experience in a coach?

No. Great coaches coach you, not your industry. They help you think more clearly and make better decisions.

How much does it cost to hire a business coach?

Rates vary, but expect to invest several thousand dollars for a six-month or yearlong commitment. The right coach should deliver ROI through growth, clarity and better leadership.

What are the best business coaching questions to ask before hiring?

Ask about their experience, philosophy, process, accountability methods and how they measure results. These questions to ask a potential business coach will reveal whether they’re the right fit for your goals.