Hey everyone, I’ve been exploring the topic of business coaching, especially for small business owners like myself, and wanted to share what I’ve gathered—both good and bad.

From what I’ve seen, experiences with business coaches vary a lot. Some people have had amazing results, particularly when working with coaches who’ve actually run successful businesses themselves. We're talking 10+ years of ownership, managing teams, and being well-versed in finance, strategy, marketing, and operations.

But on the flip side, there’s a worrying trend: a growing number of so-called "coaches" who haven’t run a single successful business. Some have no track record at all, and yet they charge a premium. One user even described it as a “coaching pyramid scheme,” where coaches are teaching other coaches how to coach more coaches. Sounds crazy—but not that far off.

Here are a few solid takeaways from those who've been through it:

• A real business coach should have proven experience—not just in coaching, but in actually building and running businesses.

• Consultants might sometimes be a better option, especially if they specialize in your field.

• Do your homework. Check their references. See if the businesses they’ve worked with are thriving.

• A good coach isn’t there just to cheer you on. They’re there to help you dig into what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve every part of your business.

• Price often reflects quality in this space. A coach charging $100 an hour with no history might not be offering real value. Many successful ones charge upwards of $1,000—but they usually bring the goods to back it up.

Also, some mentioned that joining a mastermind group could offer more insights and value for less cost. You get multiple perspectives and learn alongside other business owners—which could be more practical than one-on-one coaching in some cases.

If you’re thinking about hiring a coach, I’d say go for it only if they come highly recommended, have verifiable success stories, and seem aligned with your goals. And of course—double-check their background before you invest a dime.

Would love to hear if any of you here have worked with a coach—good or bad—and what the impact was on your business.

All the very best.