What Makes a Great Business Coach?

Coaching is its own skillset. It’s not just about sharing your experience or giving advice. It’s about guiding people to figure out their own path—and that takes practice, training, and a whole lot of intentionality. So, let’s talk about what actually makes a coach great. 

Business Ownership vs. Coaching Skills 

Owning a business teaches you a lot. You’ve been in the trenches, made tough calls, and celebrated the wins. But coaching isn’t about saying, “Here’s how I did it, so you should do it too.” It’s about helping others uncover what works for them. And that’s a skill set business ownership doesn’t always provide. 

The Essential Skills of a Great Coach   

If you’re looking to coach—or work with one—here are the skills that separate the great coaches from the rest:

Active Listening  

A great coach doesn’t just hear words; they’re tuned into what’s being said (and not said). They’re fully present, paying attention to the message behind the words without jumping in with their own ideas. 

Not Jumping in with Answers  

It’s tempting to give solutions, especially when you’ve “been there.” But great coaches resist that urge. Instead, they ask questions that help clients figure out their own answers, building confidence along the way.

Using a Framework  

Coaching isn’t just winging it. A good framework keeps conversations on track and focused, making sure clients are moving toward real progress. This is especially true in small business coaching, where tailored strategies can make all the difference.

Reading Between the Lines  

Words only tell part of the story. A great coach picks up on what’s not being said—the fears, doubts, or frustrations hiding behind the words.

Paying Attention to Body Language  

Sometimes, it’s not what someone says but how they say it. A nervous fidget, slumped shoulders, or even a forced smile can say a lot about what’s really going on.

Helping with Fear and Mindset  

Fear and limiting beliefs can hold people back in big ways. A great coach knows how to help clients work through those roadblocks so they can move forward with clarity and courage.

Getting Certified  

Let’s be real—certification isn’t the only path to being a good coach, but it shows commitment. It also equips coaches with proven tools and techniques to serve their clients better. Business coaching services that include certified professionals often deliver the best results.

Staying Curious  

Coaching isn’t about surface-level fixes. Great coaches dig deep, asking the right questions to uncover what’s really driving their clients and what they truly want. For small business owners, this curiosity can reveal hidden opportunities to improve business health.

Tracking Progress  

Coaching is an ongoing journey. Keeping track of progress helps clients stay accountable, recognize their wins, and keep the momentum going. Whether it’s small business coaching or executive-level guidance, progress tracking is key to success.

Knowing When to Push and When to Support  

Great coaches know when to cheer you on, when to challenge you, and when to deliver some tough love. And sometimes, they know when it’s time to step back and let the relationship end. 

Why Great Coaching Matters  

At its core, coaching isn’t just about hitting goals. It’s about transformation—helping clients shift their mindset, overcome obstacles, and step into their full potential. A great coach creates a space where clients can discover solutions, take intentional action, and grow into the best version of themselves. For small business owners, business coaching strategies like these can be game-changing. 

Final Thoughts  

So, does being a business owner automatically make you a good coach? Not exactly. The best coaches invest in their own growth—learning the skills, frameworks, and emotional intelligence it takes to really help others. 

If you’re thinking about becoming a coach, training and certification are worth it. And if you’re looking for a coach, find someone who has both the experience and the tools to guide you effectively. Because at the end of the day, a great coach doesn’t just help you change your business—they help you transform your life and elevate your business health. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?   

If you’re ready to invest in your business and personal growth, we’d love to help. Our business coaching services are designed to help small business owners like you improve business health, develop tailored strategies, and achieve lasting success. Let’s work together to take your business to the next level. Reach out today to schedule a 15 minute call with Kendra learn more about how our small business coaching can make a difference!