5 Traits of the Best Business Coaches (Before You Hire One, Read This)
Amy Atherton • August 24, 2025
The best business coaches share a handful of traits that separate them from the pack. If you’re considering coaching, use this as your checklist.
Let’s face it — anyone can call themselves a “coach” these days. But when you’re investing serious time and money, you don’t need just any coach. You need the right coach.
1. Extensive Real-World Experience
Theory alone won’t grow your business. The best coaches have been in the trenches — they’ve led teams, managed growth, and faced the same challenges you’re up against. They may not have built a business identical to yours, but the skills and lessons they’ve mastered are highly transferable. That outside perspective is often what helps you see solutions you’d miss on your own — practical advice grounded in experience, not just theory.
2. Business Acumen You Can Trust
A strong coach understands how a healthy, thriving business should actually run. From financials to systems to strategy, they bring a 360° view that helps you spot blind spots and avoid costly mistakes.
3. Great Listening Skills
The best coaches don’t just talk. They listen. They ask questions you hadn’t thought of, hear what’s behind your words, and help you see issues more clearly. Sometimes the breakthrough comes not from what they say — but from what they help you realize.
4. Accountability That Drives Results
A good coach won’t let you drift. They’ll hold you accountable to your goals and push you beyond “good intentions.” That gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge can be the difference between staying stuck and hitting the next level.
5. A Track Record of Results
At the end of the day, results matter. Look for testimonials, case studies, and proven wins. Great coaches don’t just inspire — they help clients build measurable success.
Final Thought
The best business coaches combine wisdom, empathy, and accountability to help you achieve results you couldn’t reach alone. At ActionCOACH, we hold ourselves to these standards because coaching isn’t just about advice — it’s about transformation.
Business coaching is about making your business into a valuable asset that runs smoothly, with or without you. You'll Gain Clarity in Your Business A coach will help you get clear on your roadmap for your business and keep you accountable to the action steps. You'll learn how to take your time back and have a healthy work life balance. Learn new skills. A coach can help identify skills you or your team needs and suggest tools and systems to move you and your team forward. Confidence and Peace of Mind Once you have your roadmap and your coach holds you accountable you have confidence in your business, so you rest peacefully at night. Your business will be transferable. ActionCOACH Dane County had 7 business that sold in 2022-2023
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