It Amazes Me That Most Entrepreneurs Give Up on Their Business Without Seeking a Coach
It amazes me that so many entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners walk away from their businesses without ever seeking professional help. The decision to shut down, sell, or pivot a business is often one of the most life-altering choices a person can make. Yet, only a minority of business owners facing serious challenges ever consult a business coach.
Truth be told, seeking a business coach is no guarantee that your company will thrive—or even survive. Some people have told me that coaching sessions left them more confused than confident. Others say their coaches pushed cookie-cutter advice that didn’t fit their unique challenges. And while most business coaches mean well, not all are qualified or effective.
That’s why I want to offer some guidelines you should consider before you invest time, energy, and money into working with a business coach.
1. Make Sure Your Coach Is Actually Trained in Business Coaching
Too many people call themselves business coaches just because they’ve run a business—or even just read a few business books. Real coaching requires training in systems thinking, decision-making frameworks, leadership development, and strategic planning. It’s not just about motivation or mindset (though those matter too). Ask what kind of training your coach has had, what industries they’ve worked in, and what kinds of clients they typically help. Be direct. It’s your future on the line.
2. Your Coach Should Be Biased Toward Solutions, Not Exit Strategies
A good coach doesn’t see struggle and immediately advise you to sell the company, downsize dramatically, or find a corporate job. Struggles are part of business. What matters is whether your coach sees possibility—whether they help you find new strategies, better systems, or renewed focus. Ask them directly: “At what point do you think a business is beyond saving?” Their answer will tell you a lot about how committed they are to helping you build, not bail.
3. The Relationship Should Feel Respectful and Collaborative
If you feel like your coach doesn’t understand your challenges—or worse, talks down to you—walk away. The right coach will make you feel understood, challenged, and empowered. They won’t pick sides between you and your business partner, nor will they project their own values onto your goals. If something doesn’t sit right in a session, say so. A good coach will listen and adapt. If they don’t, find one who will.
4. Beware of One-Size-Fits-All Advice
No two businesses are the same. What worked for a SaaS startup in Silicon Valley may not apply to your boutique retail store or local service company. If a coach insists there’s only one right way to grow, market, or lead—be cautious. A great business coach asks questions before offering answers and tailors their guidance to your business model, stage, and personality.
5. Coaches Don’t Know When to Quit—And That’s a Good Thing
Coaches are not oracles. They don’t have the power to know whether you should shut down your business or stick it out. If your coach says things like “You’re not cut out for this,” or “Maybe you should just give up,” that’s not coaching—that’s projection. Their job is to help you explore your options, challenge your thinking, and support your decision-making—not make the decision for you.
6. Set Concrete Goals Early
Don’t spend six months in coaching talking in circles. Within the first few sessions, you and your coach should define clear, measurable goals—whether that’s increasing revenue, improving team performance, building systems, or preparing for a new launch. If you don’t see meaningful traction within a few sessions, raise the concern. Coaching without direction is just expensive chatting.
7. Focus on the Future, Not Just the Past
While it can be helpful to reflect on your past decisions or failures, you don’t need to psychoanalyze your childhood to fix your pricing model. Business coaching should be forward-facing. If your coach is constantly asking you to dwell on old mistakes instead of helping you build new strategies, suggest a more proactive approach. The best coaches are solution-focused and action-oriented.
8. Most Business Problems Are Solvable
Yes, some markets are hard. Yes, competition is fierce. But business is, at its core, a problem-solving game. With the right guidance, most challenges can be overcome. Don’t work with someone who makes you feel like your situation is hopeless. Human beings—and business owners—are capable of incredible transformation when properly supported.
9. Trust Your Instincts
If you feel energized, focused, and clearer after your coaching sessions, you’re probably in good hands. If you feel drained, dismissed, or confused—you’re probably not. Don’t waste your time or money on someone who isn’t moving you forward. Trust your gut. You’ll know when it’s working.
10. The Best Coaches Come From Referrals
The coaching industry is largely unregulated, which means word-of-mouth is gold. Ask other entrepreneurs who they’ve worked with. Don’t be afraid to admit you need support—everyone does. You’d be surprised how many successful business owners credit the right coach for helping them break through.
So don’t give up on your business. And don’t give up on coaching—just give up on bad coaching.
You be the judge. The right business coach can help you rediscover clarity, confidence, and momentum—and that might make all the difference.
Here’s to breakthrough, not burnout.