Coaching and consulting are both powerful tools in business but it’s important to understand the difference and when to use them.

Coaching is a method of drawing answers from the business owner whereas consulting informs the business and tells them what to do. Coaching helps you to find answers and solve problems on your own, while consulting often gives you a specific solution to a specific problem.

A coach can help you develop new skills and strategies and work towards your goals. They provide guidance and assistance on all aspects of running the business. Coaches typically work one-to-one and offer a level of support that is difficult to find elsewhere. More information can be found here: or you could go directly to a
Cheltenham business coach.

Consultants more commonly work with the entire team and bring a specific area of expertise. Your consultant will be an expert in their field and their purpose is to offer best-practice solutions. This may involve detailed plans, training or completing a task.

Key differences:

Consultants solve problems for the business, coaches enable individuals to solve problems.

Consultants will address issues directly related to the business, coaches can assist with more personal business-related problems such as confidence or fear.

Consultants analyse data to determine what needs to be done, coaches nurture individuals to encourage growth.

Consultants are usually short-term additions to the team, coaches typically work with businesses much longer to achieve long-term results.

How to determine which you need

If you require long-term support and guidance and a diverse skill set, then a coach is the best option. You can look for one who specialises in certain areas if you require guidance on a specific set of problems. Or perhaps you might just need a coach local to your area – for example, a Cheltenham business coach.

If you require an immediate solution to a short-term issue or a specific area of expertise that your team lacks, then a consultant is a better fit. Many businesses choose to use both for different purposes.