What If I Chose The Wrong Coach?

Amy Atherton • August 20, 2025

The #1 Fear About Hiring a Coach (And How to Avoid It)

It’s one of the biggest fears I hear from business owners when they’re considering coaching: “What if I choose the wrong coach?”

And honestly, I get it. Coaching is an investment — not just in money, but in your time, energy, and trust.


A bad match can feel like wasted money, missed opportunities, or worse… a bad taste that turns you off coaching entirely. The truth is — there are a lot of coaches out there. And not all of them are created equal. Some are incredible and will help you achieve breakthroughs you didn’t think were possible. Others… not so much.


So how do you make sure you land in the first camp? You do your homework upfront.

1. Take Advantage of Free Consultations

Most reputable coaches, including ActionCOACH, offer a complimentary session before you commit. This isn’t just a sales pitch — it’s your chance to interview them. Pay attention to how they listen, the questions they ask, and whether their style resonates with you.

2. Ask Lots of Questions

Good coaching is highly personalized.  Ask them how they’ve helped businesses like yours. Ask questions to ensure the coach understands your vision. Ask what results you can reasonably expect — and what they expect from you in return.

3. Check References and Testimonials

If a coach can’t connect you with past clients or show case studies, that’s a red flag. Hearing directly from other business owners gives you a clear sense of how the coach works in the real world. ActionCOACH coaches come with vetted methodologies fine-tuned over 32 years. Our network of coaches spans 87 countries. 

Bottom line: The fear of picking the wrong coach is real, but it’s also avoidable. By taking a little time upfront to vet your coach, you can almost guarantee a strong, productive partnership.

And when you find the right coach?
The ROI — in results, clarity, and confidence — makes that initial due diligence more than worth it.

If you’re ready to explore what the right coaching relationship could do for your business, let’s talk.

5 Traits of the Best Business Coaches (Before You Hire One, Read This)

By Amy Atherton • August 24, 2025
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.

5 Reasons Business Coaching is Worth Every Penny

By Amy Atherton • August 24, 2025
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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