To choose a business coach near me, assess outcomes and fit; then confirm cadence and commercial terms. Use a discovery call to test how the coach will lift revenue and margin and free up your time. Ask for a 90‑day scorecard before you commit. Then book an Alignment Consultation and check local availability through the locator.
If you are new to coaching, the sections below show what to look for and how to measure ROI in the first 90 days, so you hire with confidence and move fast. We use a 90‑day planning cadence because ActionCOACH GrowthCLUB runs on quarterly planning, and execution systems such as EOS and OKRs also follow a quarterly rhythm. This cadence helps you track measurable progress each quarter.
What should I look for in a business coach near me?
Choose a coach based on outcomes and fit; confirm cadence and terms with a 90‑day scorecard.
When you search for business coach near me you signal you are ready to act. Use the criteria below to compare local coaches and pick a partner who can move your numbers in your area.
What’s the difference between a business coach, a consultant, and a mentor?
A business coach drives execution and accountability, a consultant delivers specific solutions, and a mentor offers guidance from experience.
A small business coach helps SMEs build repeatable routines that drive revenue and profit. The best coaching relationships include clear goals and weekly or fortnightly accountability, with visible movement on the KPIs that matter to you. Explore typical coaching formats in our Programs.
The ActionCOACH Coach‑Fit Framework
Use these five filters to compare coaches. Score each one from 0 to 2. A total of 8 or more signals a strong fit.
1) Results and proof
Ask for revenue and profit examples, plus one growth indicator such as lead generation or team performance. Look for client scorecards or case studies that show before‑and‑after metrics. You can start with our Success Stories to see how coaching translates into results.
2) Strategic and personal fit
Strong coaching fits your market and your operating pace. Discuss your stage and model, and your market context; share your leadership style. Leave the call with a clear sense that the coach understands your constraints and can challenge you constructively. If you lead a management team, consider an executive business coach with experience working directly with leadership teams.
3) Cadence and accountability
Agree how often you will meet and what you will review. Weekly or fortnightly sessions work well for most SMEs. Insist on a running action log and a simple scorecard so you can see progress immediately. If you are comparing a business coach near me, choose a cadence you can sustain and a scorecard you will use each week.
4) Method and tools
Ask how the coach will plan the quarter and track delivery. Request a sample planning sheet and a KPI template and discuss the meeting rhythm. Consistent tools help your team follow through. Our Learning Center offers a preview of the habits and models you will use.
5) Commercial terms and value
Clarify pricing and notice periods, plus any option to pause or upgrade. If you want a benchmark first, review business coaching cost and pricing. Confirm what success looks like by day 90, then measure against it.
Check local availability now: use the locator to find a business coach near me and compare options in your area.
Questions to ask on the discovery call
Use these questions to test fit and working method. Score each answer from 0 to 2.
- What results do clients usually see in the first 90 days and how do you measure them?
- How will you tailor the plan to my stage and model in the first quarter?
- What will we review in each session and who on my team should join?
- Which tools will we use for planning and tracking, and can I see examples?
- How do you handle stalls or missed commitments?
- What will success look like by day 90 and what happens if we miss it?
Add your scores. Ten or more suggests a strong fit. If you score below eight, ask more questions or continue your search. If weekly delivery stalls, ask the coach to show how they will reset priorities and re‑sequence actions in the next session.
What red flags should I avoid when hiring a business coach?
Avoid coaches who cannot explain their method, will not set measurable targets, refuse references, or will not provide a written 90-day plan and review rhythm.
How do I measure ROI from a business coach in the first 90 days?
Track three metrics weekly: pipeline value and conversion rate, plus one efficiency measure such as gross margin or cash days, against a baseline.
Use a short scorecard. Pick a small set of metrics, set baselines, then review them at the same time each week. You should see momentum week by week.
Start with an Alignment Consultation: map your goals and design a 90‑day plan that suits your business. Book here Alignment Consultation.
Where can I find a vetted business coach near me?
The ActionCOACH locator lets you compare coaches in your area by availability and focus. Filter by industry where helpful and ask for references at your stage. Begin your search here: Find a Business Coach Near Me.
How do I choose a business coach near me (step-by-step)?
Define outcomes and shortlist two or three local coaches. Run discovery calls with a scorecard, confirm terms, and start with a 90-day plan plus a mid-point review.
- Define outcomes for the next quarter and the next year.
- Shortlist two or three coaches in your area through the locator.
- Run discovery calls using the questions above and score each answer.
- Ask for a sample plan and a scorecard. Check how you will meet and review progress.
- Confirm pricing, notice period, and an exit path if the fit is not right.
- Start with a 90‑day plan and a mid‑point review after six weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a business coach worth it?
With a weekly or fortnightly cadence and a KPI scorecard, most owners can quantify progress within the first quarter. The return depends on focus and follow‑through.
How long before I see results from business coaching?
Many owners see movement within the first four to six weeks, with clearer gains by day 90.
What qualifications matter for a business coach?
Look for formal training in coaching frameworks and a proven delivery method. References and client scorecards say more than titles.
How much does business coaching cost?
Prices vary by program and cadence. Review our guide to business coaching cost and pricing, then compare that with the outcomes you want.
Next steps in finding your business coach
If you want an outcome‑driven business coach near me, start with a short call and a clear scorecard. Book an Alignment Consultation or check local availability through the Find a Business Coach Near Me locator.