1. A great business coach should have a strong background in business.  This should include a business degree (a MBA would be a bonus) as well as experience running a small business.  They should know what it is like to stand in your shoes.

2. A terrific business coach should be confident in the business setting.  If a business coach has solid experience and has developed a good head for business, s/he should be confident working with small business owners and be able to speak their language.

3. A reputable business coach should have a high degree of ethics.  A business owner needs input from someone with solid moral character.  This will assure the advice the business coach provides will be above board and in the business owner’s best interest thus insuring they will make the right decisions for their organization.

4. A great business coach is results-focused.  S/he should help create focus and direction for both you and your business.  They should set SMART goals with you and help you attain these goals through mentoring.  These goals might include: getting more clients, better understanding your financials, becoming a better leader, improving company culture and morale, offering superior customer service…whatever the case may be.

5. A good business coach is analytical and loves solving problems.  S/he needs to have an strong overall understanding of business growth strategies and tactics. They must truly enjoy business and thrive on making their clients more successful.

6. A highly regarded business coach should have a solid track record.  They should be able to provide you with impressive case studies as well as glowing testimonials from their current and past clients.

So here are six traits you should be looking for in your future business coach.  If you speak with one that has all six traits, hire them.  They will do wonders for both you and your business.

Here are my top 10 reasons for hiring a business coach:

1. Help owners and CEO’s clarify their vision and goals

2. Identify and then put into action: what’s working, what’s not working, what’s missing and what’s next

3. Create a culture of accountability

4. Show you how to accomplish more by working less

5. Improve communications throughout the entire organization

6. Build teams and employee morale

7. Improve workplace productivity and performance

8. Retain employees and reduce employee turnover

9. Create a sustainable competitive advantage for your company

10. Generate substantial increases in sales and profitability

So here are 10 great reasons for hiring a business coach.  If hiring a business coach intrigues you please give me a call so we can discuss if working with a business coach makes sense for you.