Drawing from 13 years building multiple seven-figure businesses, here’s the case for why solopreneurs should consider hiring a business coach.
The Cost Question
While coaching involves financial investment, reframe it as expense versus opportunity cost. Poor decisions made without guidance can cost more in money and time than coaching fees themselves.
However, don’t go into debt for coaching. First exhaust free resources available on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn before investing.
The Core Problem
Solopreneurs typically make all business decisions alone without peers to brainstorm with.
Many service-based entrepreneurs, designers, consultants, coaches, personal trainers, excel in their craft but lack business training. You may be the best designer in the world but still need support with business functions.
Key Benefits of Business Coaching
Strategic Planning
A coach helps develop comprehensive business plans that identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats while challenging ambitious goals.
Objective Decision-Making
Coaches provide neutral perspective when emotional attachment clouds judgment. Coaching helps balance rapid growth with sustainable scaling.
Specialized Expertise
Effective coaches offer complementary skills in areas like sales, marketing, and operational excellence.
Accountability
Regular check-ins keep solopreneurs focused on long-term objectives while remaining flexible for immediate business needs.
Network Access
Experienced coaches provide valuable introductions to service providers and potential collaborators, shortcutting research time.
Selecting the Right Coach
Start with clear written goals, then assess potential coaches based on:
- Direct experience building similar businesses
- Demonstrated expertise in areas where support is needed
- Personal rapport and mutual enthusiasm
Fit matters both ways. Coaches should decline engagements where they cannot deliver optimal value.
The Bottom Line
Not every business is immediately ready for coaching. But high performers benefit from external guidance to accelerate progress and avoid costly mistakes.
The question isn’t whether you can afford coaching. It’s whether you can afford to keep making decisions alone.