What does a business coach do?

What does a business coach do? A business coach acts as a strategic advisor, accountability partner, and SME growth expert. They help business owners improve performance, make better decisions, and achieve both business and personal goals. Through structured sessions and real-world insight, a coach provides clarity, challenge, and support, turning ambition into action.

Whether you're facing growth challenges, struggling with time management, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, a business coach can offer support that’s practical, personal, and grounded in experience.

But what does that actually look like in practice? Let’s break it down.

1. A Business Coach Helps You Think Differently

At its core, business coaching is about helping you see what you can’t see alone.

Coaches bring a wealth of business knowledge to the table. This isn’t theoretical, it’s real-world, hands-on insight from years of experience running businesses, mentoring others, and staying current with industry trends.

Adrian Wing, Managing Director of KCA Ltd & Extreme Designs, puts it this way:

I realise that when times are hard, I need to be at my best and my TAB Board have helped me get my ‘mojo’ back. They show empathy, understanding and importantly hold me accountable to things I say I’ll do! TAB made a great difference to me when I needed to make some tough decisions for our office structure. I’m pleased that we have implemented changes and have a new streamlined and dynamic environment which I’d have struggled to achieve on my own.

Adrian Wing

Managing Director of KCA Ltd & Extreme Designs

2. Business Coaches Facilitate Strategic Planning

Coaching isn’t just about conversation; it’s about clarity and action. That’s why TAB coaches are also strategic advisors. They help business owners create structured and achievable plans that support their long-term goals—whether that’s growing a team, improving profitability or preparing for exit.

Using tools like our Business Builder’s Blueprint, our TAB coaches guide their members through everything from defining KPIs to identifying opportunities and managing risk.

These strategic planning sessions give business owners more control, more focus, and a roadmap they believe in.

Watch the video below to find out more about our strategic planning tool.

3. A Trusted Advisor and Accountability Partner

Coaching also brings a crucial element that many business owners miss: accountability.

As a business owner, it’s easy to be pulled in a hundred directions. A business coach helps you stay aligned with your priorities, not by telling you what to do, but by challenging your thinking, keeping you focused, and holding you accountable to the plans you set.

Daisy Whitehouse, Managing Director of Down at the Social, reflects on this kind of partnership with Paul Winterbottom, her TAB coach:

Paul helps me get my head straight on a regular basis.He is the person that holds me accountable, helps me deal with road blocks and often makes the insurmountable seem quite straightforward when I really need it. I love being on a TAB board because it provides so much support and a business routine to keep me on top of jobs that can so easily get pushed back and back when the day to day gets in the way. Paul is supportive, knowledgable, a font of knowledge when it comes to books and business support and always keen to help. Since I started working with him I have made huge improvements to the business and the way I work and I know this will continue. I would recommend Paul and TAB to anyone running a business that needs someone to advise, bounce ideas off or just listen.

Daisy Whitehouse

Managing Director of Down at the Social

And this experience isn’t unique. In our 2024 Member Survey, the vast majority of TAB members reported that their coach helped them achieve greater focus, confidence, and clarity. Business coaching works, not just for your bottom line, but also for your personal growth.

4. It’s Not Just About Business Growth—It’s About You

Many business owners come to coaching for business results, but they stay because it improves their quality of life.

Good business coaches understand that your business is just one part of the picture. They’ll help you align your personal ambitions with your business vision and support you in building a company that works for you, not the other way around.

The result? Greater confidence, better decisions, and a more fulfilling journey as a business owner.

Real Stories: The Impact of Coaching

Coaching isn’t a theory; it’s something business owners experience in real, measurable ways. Here are just a few examples of how TAB coaches have helped members navigate challenges, unlock growth, and regain focus:

• Jim Liptrot: When his business hit a plateau, Jim turned to his TAB coach and board for fresh insight. With their help, he restructured operations and developed into a more resilient and confident leader.

• Sheri Irons: Sheri credits her TAB coach with helping her grow in confidence, improve her work-life balance, and build a business that reflects her personal values.

• Matt Hamlin: For Matt, having a coach meant gaining the discipline to work on the business, not just in it, ultimately leading to faster, more focused growth.

• George Goss: George describes his TAB coach as a vital sounding board who’s helped him think more strategically, stay accountable, and feel less alone in his leadership journey.

What Next?

If you’re looking for a coach who understands the challenges of running a business—and who will support and challenge you to reach your goals—book a free Discovery Call with your local TAB coach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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