The nuances between coach and consultant are subtle, but there is a distinct difference between the two. The most basic definition is that a consultant helps with systems and processes, a coach helps with behavior. Both help with skills, just a different set of skills.
Now comes the real question – what difference does it make? I mean, to be fair, there are many coach consultants, people who specialize in both aspects of advice and training.
If you’re looking for strategy, planning and problem solving for your business, i.e. a business plan, business model, marketing plan, marketing techniques, project management – then a consultant is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you need to focus on personal development, clarity, eliminating self-sabotaging behavior, empowering yourself – well then you are looking for a coach.
A consultant teaches skills and advocates systems, processes, and/or software to create change within the business itself. A coach focuses on helping you find the answers within you, creating good habits to further yourself both personally and professionally.
Now that we know the difference between a coach and a consultant, can you see why you will likely need BOTH? Most of my clients are solopreneurs, small business owners (yes, this includes speakers, authors, and coaches – these are all businesses) which means they ARE their business. If you hire a consultant to help you with a marketing strategy or a business growth plan, that’s only half of the equation. Since you are the business, you also need to spend time developing and working on YOU.
It doesn’t matter what type of business you are in, there is always room for improvement and growth, both personally and professionally. If you’re not utilizing a coach-consultant, why?
Obviously, we here at Create 2 Sell preach outsourcing – outsource the tasks that you do not want to do, that you are not an expert in, or that take away from your revenue-generating time. However, we can’t stress enough how important it is to outsource the right tasks to the right kind of expert – take the time to get the right people on board and save yourself money, time, and headaches in the future. If we’re not the right expert for a task, we will not only let the client know up front, but we will help them find the expert they really need. After all, our success depends upon your success!
Until next time … to your success!
Paige Jackson
Create 2 Sell