Do you feel stuck and overwhelmed with the marketing, sales, or systems aspects of your business? Do you have a strong vision for, but it feels difficult to get there because your never-ending to-do list is bogging you down? If so, you're absolutely not alone. Sooooo many small business owners feel the same way.

When you really don’t know where to turn (because your friends and family just don’t get it), and you need expert advice, a business coach is likely the missing piece to getting you back on track with your vision.

But, the obvious issue is that there are countless business coaches and dozens of different session-types and coaching package options. So how do you find the right fit for your unique business’s needs?

In this post, I’ll dive deep into small business coaching options to help you explore the benefits of working with a coach. I'll guide you through selecting the right coaching package for your business, right now in the stage you're at (getting a coach when you launch is very different from when you’re scaling past $100k).

*Pro-tip: Bookmark this post and keep it in your back pocket for when you’re ready to hire a coach!

Business growth coaching is a smart investment for entrepreneurs at literally every business size. With a coach, you can hit marketing goals you simply couldn’t achieve alone, get 24/7 support and guidance as you make difficult and often confusing business decisions, and get much-needed accountability to propel your business forward. 

Let's have a look in more detail at some of the benefits of working with a small business coach:

• Make Expert Decisions: With their years of expertise across industries, a coach can help you set and track the right goals, metrics, and KPIs, and help you develop specific, achievable actions to move you forward in tangible week-by-week progress. 

• Save Time & Money: A coach can help you avoid costly mistakes, subscriptions, and unnecessary marketing expenses and help you discover the areas where your business can really improve. They can even provide the tools and resources needed to make those improvements.

• Increase Productivity: A coach can help you streamline your business processes, get organized and free up time so that you can focus on what you do best and make more income with less effort.

• Reduced Stress: It never seems like a priority until it’s the biggest priority, but mental health is hugely important as an entreprenuer. A business coach can help you manage your expectations and stress, and provide much-needed support and encouragement along the way so you never feel alone. 

Typically business coaches will offer three ways to work with them: single one-to-one sessions or intensives, fixed-duration packages like 3 month and 6 month coaching packages, and monthly retainers that include ongoing access and support. 

In this post we’ll focus on the latter two, the packages and retainers, because they’re the most pricey, hard to choose between, and yet are the most common way for small business owners to work with a coach since they allow for enough time to actually see business progress.

As you read, it may be helpful to reference the business coaching packages we offer at Worth The Journey to compare and contrast.

When it comes to business coaching services, there's no one-size-fits-all, because there’s no one type of business. So, you’ve got to weigh the available options against your unique needs, for example if you’re launching your business you probably want to go with a 3-month or 6-month coaching package to make sure you get support the whole way through launch.

But if you’ve been running your business for a couple years and want to uplevel your ongoing marketing, a coaching retainer is your best bet because it’ll allow you ongoing strategy and feedback as you set up a complete marketing strategy which takes several months to get right but doesn’t have a fixed timeline.

Also it’s worth noting that different coaches have different ways to bill their packages, or different topics they specialze in, for example,  “marketing coaching services” or a “brand coaching package”. Before you make the purchase, always learn about the details of what your coach is trained in. For example on our website we’ve detailed out the areas you can focus on with business coach Noé.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Goals

Take a moment to list out your business goals and challenges. I always recommend getting as specific as you can so you know exactly the kind of help you need.

Step 2: Assess the Depth of Support

Based on your list, evaluate the level of support you think you’ll need. Do you have a launch deadline coming up in 3 months? Are you trying to build long-term marketing like SEO and social media? Do you need someone who can keep you accountable and answer your questions on a weekly basis? Determine whether you need expert advice, strategic guidance, or comprehensive assistance to optimize your business operations.

Step 3: Choose Your Coaching Duration

Consult the detailed sections below to see which package or timeframe aligns most with your goals and desired pace of progress. Short-term coaching packages offer a focused and intensive approach over three months, medium-term options provide a sustained and consistent level of support over six months, and monthly retainers are more flexible, but come at a higher rate.

Step 4: Find Your Perfect Match

Finally, select a coach who not only specializes in the areas you seek to improve, but who also has the right coaching framework for you. Look for a professional with relevant expertise, industry knowledge, and a proven track record of success. A well-aligned coach can make you seriously rocket forward in progress you couldn’t do alone.

Remember, understanding your coaching needs is the first step towards clarity in your decision.

3-month coaching packages are a great option for small businesses that looking for a focused and intensive approach to growth. In just three months, you can work with a coach to:

• Develop a clear plan for your business. This includes defining your goals, identifying your target market, and creating a marketing and sales strategy.

• Set and track goals. Your coach will help you set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) and track your progress over time.

• Make measurable progress. With the help of your coach, you'll be able to make measurable progress towards your goals. This could include increasing sales, growing your customer base, or improving your website traffic.

Examples of what you can achieve in a 3-month coaching package include creating a solid business plan, improving sales skills, managing time better, and communicating effectively.

So, if you're ready to get focused support, make fast progress, and reach achievable goals, a 3-month coaching package is the way to go.

6-month coaching packages are ideal for small businesses that are looking for sustained and consistent support. Over the course of six months, you'll have access to your coach on a regular basis to get help with everything from marketing and sales to operations and strategy.

Here are some of the things you can work on with a coach during a 6-month coaching package:

• Developing your marketing and sales strategy. This includes creating content and generating leads.

• Improving your operations. This includes streamlining your processes, managing your inventory, and hiring and or outsourcing work.

• Building your brand. This includes creating a strong visual identity, developing a unique voice, and positioning yourself as an expert in your industry.

Through the extended duration of this coaching package, you'll have the opportunity to establish a meaningful connection with your coach. This collaborative partnership fosters trust, ensuring a more effective and productive coaching experience. The extended timeframe maximizes the potential for significant outcomes.

Monthly coaching retainers are a flexible option for small businesses that need ongoing support. With a monthly retainer, you can work with your coach on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to get help with whatever your business needs at the moment.

Here are some of the things you can work on with a coach on a monthly basis:

• Getting feedback on your marketing and sales strategy. This includes getting feedback on your content, ads, and lead generation efforts.

• Getting help with specific challenges. This could include anything from dealing with a difficult customer to launching a new product.

• Getting support and motivation. Having a coach to talk to can be a great way to stay motivated and on track.

Monthly coaching retainers can be a great way to get started with business coaching. If you're not sure if you're ready for a longer-term coaching package, a monthly retainer lets you test the waters to see if coaching is right for you.

The secret lies in maximizing your active participation and engagement throughout the coaching period. It's not just about showing up; it's about diving in headfirst. 

When you approach each session with enthusiasm and a hunger for growth your coach can help you soar. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new strategies your coach recommends. Share your goals, challenges, and progress openly to ensure personalized guidance. And remember to take advantage of the valuable resources and tools provided.

This is your opportunity to fast-track your progress. With your active involvement, you can make serious progress!

So, here's the deal: choosing the perfect small business coaching package can be a game-changer for your business. It’s not just another business expense, it can be the growth you’ve been waiting for for years.

It's all about finding a coach who’s the right fit and a package that fits your needs. Start by thinking about your goals and how much time you can commit. If you have big goals that require a major transformation, go for the 6-month package. If you’ve got a narrow timeline or upcoming launch deadline, the 3-month option might be a better fit. If you want to get as much as possible in a short timeframe, a monthly retainer is for you.

The important thing is to take the next step and get started with a coach who specializes in what you need. Get involved, be open to trying new strategies, and make the most of the resources and tools provided. This is your chance to supercharge your business growth and reach a new level.