When I first started my online business, I had no idea it would grow into what it is today. Together with my co-founder Sarah, we’ve launched over 15 summits, added more than 100,000 leads to our email list, and made multiple six-figure earnings every year – all while doing it completely online.
I know what it takes to go from an idea to a thriving coaching business. And one thing I can tell you for sure: business coaching is one of the most rewarding paths you can take. It allows you to create a real impact by helping people grow their businesses and coaching them through the tough decisions that come with it.
If you want to learn how to become a business coach, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, sharing what I’ve learned along the way. I’ll even cover the tough questions like what it takes to become a great business coach and whether you need a degree or certification (spoiler: not always).
This isn’t just theory – it’s real-world advice that’s helped us scale our business and live life on our own terms.
And if we have what it takes to build a successful business, so do you.
Table of Contents
What is a Business Coach
Being a business coach involves guiding people through the process of growing and scaling their businesses. You coach clients to make smart decisions, solve problems, and create systems that work for them. While you’re not the one building their business, you’re there to show them the steps, provide support, and keep them on track.
The role of a business coach
A business coach helps clients gain clarity, improve their decision-making, and push past barriers holding them back. You’ll work with entrepreneurs and executives and assist business owners looking to grow or improve their operations.
Your role is to help them focus on the bigger picture. You’ll aid them to avoid getting stuck in the weeds and instead give attention to key areas for growth, like marketing, sales, and scaling their operations. It’s about providing a mix of support and challenging clients to push to their next level.
What a business coach does
As a business coach, you’ll be doing a lot of different things. You’ll provide strategic advice, offer practical tips, and sometimes act as a sounding board for new business ideas. You’ll guide clients through tough decisions, help them manage the risks, and give them the tools to improve their leadership, marketing, and sales skills.
The key difference between business coaching and mentoring is that coaching is more about asking the right questions to help your client find their own solutions rather than giving direct advice or offering a one-size-fits-all approach. You’ll teach your clients to think critically about their business goals and make the best decisions for them.
Your coaching sessions might include:
- Helping them identify goals and create a plan to reach them.
- Teaching new skills or strategies (marketing, sales, productivity).
- Holding them accountable for taking action.
- Challenging limiting beliefs or habits that are holding them back.
- Providing support when they face obstacles or tough decisions.
It’s about making sure they have what they need to succeed, both mentally and practically.
Who needs a business coach?
Entrepreneurs or business owners who want to grow their businesses faster and more efficiently can benefit from a business coach. But there are specific types of people who get the most value from coaching:
- Entrepreneurs who feel stuck: If you’ve hit a wall and aren’t sure where to go next, a business coach can help you break through it and chart a clear path forward.
- Business owners looking to scale: If you’re already doing well but want to take your business to the next stage, a coach can help you develop the strategies and systems you need to scale without falling apart under pressure.
- Leaders and managers: If someone is in a leadership role and wants to be more effective in managing a team, boosting morale, and leading by example, a business coach can help sharpen their leadership skills.
- Coaches and consultants: People in the coaching or consulting world themselves often turn to a business coach to help them fine-tune their offers, grow their client base, or improve their sales process.
- Anyone looking for more focus and clarity: Business owners often struggle with too many ideas and not enough execution. A coach can help them focus on what truly matters and guide them toward the right actions.
How to Become a Business Coach
There’s no one way to become a business coach. You have to find your unique approach, continue to build on your own experience, and make sure you’re ready to help others succeed in their businesses. Coaching can be one of the most rewarding careers you’ll ever have if you’re passionate about business and want to help entrepreneurs and business owners.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Get clear on your coaching niche
Before you even think about starting your coaching business, you need to figure out where you can add the most value. It’s tempting to try to be everything to everyone, but to stand out and attract clients, you need to focus on a specific niche.
Think about your skills and experiences. What industries or business types do you have the most knowledge in? Is it marketing? Operations? Leadership?
For example, if you’ve spent years in digital marketing, focus on helping entrepreneurs build strong online brands. If you’ve worked in operations management, you could help businesses optimize their systems and processes. Get specific – this clarity helps clients immediately see why you’re the best person to help them.
When I first got started in this line of work, it wasn’t because I woke up one day thinking, “I’ll be a coach.” It was actually the result of people reaching out, asking for help. Between 2015 and 2018, I was running summits, and I kept getting emails asking, “How are you doing this? I want to run one, too!”
That’s when I launched my first course, Virtual Summit Academy. It was a $2,000 program teaching people how to generate visibility and leads through summits. For two years, hundreds of students went through the course. Then came the next wave of requests – students wanting more personalized guidance.
That’s when, in 2020, we launched our group coaching program. The takeaway? You don’t always need to have everything figured out from the start. Sometimes, your niche finds you. Pay attention to what people are asking for and be willing to adapt.
Step 2: Gain business experience
To coach others, you need practical experience. This doesn’t mean running a multi-million dollar business, but you should have a solid understanding of how business works. This can be from running your own business, freelancing, or working in leadership roles.
The goal is to develop a track record of success in the real world so that when you do start coaching, you can share relevant, actionable advice. Your experience will give you credibility and build trust with your clients.
If you’re already an expert in your field but lack hands-on experience, don’t worry. You can gain practical skills by volunteering, taking on small projects, or getting involved with a business in a coaching or advisory role.
Step 3: Develop strong communication skills
Coaching is all about helping people, and to do that effectively, you need to be a strong communicator. This doesn’t just mean being able to talk at length about a topic – it means listening to your clients, understanding their needs, then guiding them through solutions.
Developing your communication skills is key to building strong relationships with your clients. A business coach understands not only the practical steps a client should take but also the emotional side of business, like managing stress, overcoming doubts, and staying motivated.
Some ways to improve your communication:
- Practice active listening. Focus on what your client says, not just how you respond.
- Learn to ask powerful questions. Great coaching is about helping clients come to their own conclusions.
- Be clear and concise. Skip the jargon and overly complex explanations. Keep it simple.
If communication doesn’t come naturally, don’t worry. You can improve it with practice, training, and experience.
Step 4: Learn the basics of business coaching
It’s necessary to understand the theory behind business coaching before you start working with clients. Study coaching techniques, tools, and frameworks like GROW or SMART goals. You’ll want to know how to create coaching plans, what questions to ask, track progress, and manage different types of clients.
It’s also worth remembering that business coaching isn’t just about teaching clients how to make money – it’s about helping them build sustainable businesses that align with their values.
Step 5: Build a personal brand and network
Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world, and as a business coach, you need to build one that reflects your expertise, values, and personality. Your brand will help attract clients who resonate with you and your coaching style.
Start creating content that shows your knowledge and experience through social media, blogs, or podcasts. Build an online presence where your ideal clients hang out and share insights to help them succeed.
Networking is just as important. Surround yourself with coaches, business owners, and entrepreneurs. Attend events, join online communities, and build relationships with people who can help you grow your business. The more visible you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to connect with potential clients.
Step 6: Start offering business coaching to clients
Once you’re through steps one to five, it’s time to start offering your business coaching services. This can feel intimidating at first, but the best way to get started is simply to start.
You don’t need to wait until you have a full client list before offering coaching. Start with a few clients. Use those first few sessions to test your coaching process and get feedback. With more experience, you can start charging higher rates, expand your offerings, and take on more clients.
Start with what you know. If you have a background in marketing, begin by offering marketing strategy sessions. If you’re skilled in operations, offer help in streamlining business systems. Get a feel for what your clients need, then scale your services as your confidence and demand grow.
Remember, every business coach started somewhere. Focus on providing value, and the rest will follow.
What Do You Need to Be a Business Coach?
Becoming a business coach isn’t just about knowing business theory – it’s about having the right skills, qualities, and tools.
Core skills every business coach needs
As a business coach, your job is to help people make smarter business decisions, solve problems, and reach their goals. To do that, you need a few core skills as a business coach:
- Problem-solving: Business owners will turn to you when they hit a roadblock. You need to be able to quickly assess the situation and offer clear, actionable situations.
- Strategic thinking: Business coaches help clients build long-term plans and systems. You must understand business models, marketing strategies, and financial planning.
- Communication: You need to be able to explain complex ideas in a digestible way. This means mastering the art of asking the right questions and providing clear, concise feedback.
- Coaching techniques: It’s not just about telling people what to do – it’s about guiding them to make their own decisions and helping them take action. A good coach knows when to push and when to listen.
Personal qualities that set successful coaches apart
You can have all the business knowledge in the world, but it’s the personal qualities you bring that’ll really set you apart, such as:
- Empathy: Business coaching is often about more than just the numbers – it’s about understanding your client’s challenges and mindset. You need to put yourself in their shoes to help them navigate tough decisions.
- Patience: Growth takes time. You’ll often work with clients who want quick fixes, but being able to guide them through the process, step-by-step, is crucial.
- Confidence: Clients will look to you for guidance, and if you don’t show confidence in your expertise, they won’t either. Believe in your knowledge and the value you provide.
- Curiosity: No matter how experienced you are, the business world is always changing. A successful coach is always learning and finding ways to improve.
I’ll be honest – imposter syndrome held me back for years. Yes, we’d been running successful summits, but when it came to teaching others how to do it, I wasn’t sure if I was the expert. I even considered bringing in outside experts to take the lead. But the demand was there, and people were asking me for help.
Eventually, I realized it wasn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It was about sharing what I know and helping others achieve results. If you’re feeling like you’re not ready yet, take a moment to ask yourself: Are people already coming to me for help? If the answer is yes – you’re ready.
Tools and resources to support your business coaching practice
A successful business coach doesn’t just rely on knowledge – they also use the right tools and resources to support their practice. Here are a few to consider:
- Coaching frameworks: These models help you structure your coaching sessions. Popular models include the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) or the SMART goal system (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Time management tools: As a coach, you’ll juggle multiple clients and deadlines. Use tools like Calendly or Google Calendar to stay organized and keep everything on track.
- Client management software: Tools like ClickUp, HubSpot, or Salesforce can help you manage client communications, track progress, and monitor each session.
- Learning resources: Stay updated with business books, podcasts, webinars, and online courses. These will keep you sharp and help you provide the most relevant advice to your clients.
How to Become a Business Coach Without a Degree
A degree isn’t necessary to become a successful business coach. In fact, many of the best coaches don’t have formal qualifications in coaching or business. What really matters is your experience and the value you can offer.
Why a degree isn’t necessary
In the coaching world, results speak louder than a degree. A business coach with ten years of hands-on experience can often provide more practical insights than someone who’s spent four years studying theory in a classroom. What matters is your ability to help clients solve real-world problems.
Clients hire coaches for their expertise, not their qualifications. If you’ve built businesses, turned them around, or achieved significant success in a specific area of business, that experience is worth more than any piece of paper.
How to build credibility and trust without a degree
Trust is the foundation of any coaching relationship, and you can build your coaching business without a degree. Here’s how:
- Show results: Your clients want proof that you can help them achieve their goals. Start by working with a few clients and document your successes. Case studies and testimonials are powerful credibility-builders.
- Invest in continuous learning: Even without a formal degree, you can build credibility by continually learning and growing. Take courses, attend virtual workshops, and stay on top of industry trends to show you’re committed to your craft.
- Be transparent: Honesty goes a long way. Don’t pretend to be an expert in every area – focus on your strengths and show clients how your unique experiences can help them.
How to Become a Certified Business Coach
If you’re serious about becoming a business coach, getting certified can help you stand out and add credibility to your services. Here’s a quick look at how to go about it.
Certification options available for business coaches
There are several reputable business coach certification programs out there. Some of the top choices include:
- International Coach Federation (ICF): The ICF offers certification through an accredited coaching program and is one of the most respected coaching bodies worldwide.
- Center for Coaching Certification (CCC): The CCC is more specific to business coaching and covers everything from core coaching skills to tools for business coaching.
- Transformation Edge Coaching & Consulting: This program offers business coach training focused on personal and professional transformation. The curriculum emphasizes both coaching techniques and tools, combined with strategies for leadership, team development, and personal growth, to help clients reach their full potential.
- Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC): The WABC offers a global certification program that provides coaches with the credibility and tools needed to build a successful coaching practice. They focus on high standards of ethics, skills, and knowledge, offering a structured approach to becoming a certified business coach.
Each certification has its own cost, time commitment, and requirements, so choose a certification that fits your goals.
How to choose the right certification program
When choosing your business coach certification, think about these key factors:
- Your coaching focus: Do you want to help small businesses, entrepreneurs, or executives? Pick a certification that aligns with your business coaching niche.
- Industry recognition: Make sure the coach training you choose is well-regarded in the industry. The more recognized it is, the better your credibility will be.
- Cost and time: Some business coaching programs take years and a hefty investment. Weigh the benefits against the time and money you’ll commit.
- Learning style: Some coach trainings are self-paced, while others have a set schedule. Choose what works best for your learning style.
The benefits of certification for business coaches
While you don’t necessarily need a certification, some clear advantages of getting certified include:
- Credibility: A recognized certification can make you look more professional and trustworthy in the eyes of potential clients.
- Skills development: Certification programs often teach you new techniques, tools, and effective business coaching methodologies, which can make you a better coach overall.
- Networking opportunities: Many certification programs offer access to exclusive networks of other coaches, which can help you find new clients and opportunities.
- Confidence: When you go through coach training, it can boost your confidence and help you feel more prepared when working with clients.
How Much Does a Business Coach Make?
Your income as a business coach will vary greatly based on your experience, niche, and the types of services you offer. It’s also worth noting that location and your client base play a big role in determining how much you can make.
Average salary of a business coach
Your earnings as a business coach will depend on factors like experience, niche, and the services you offer – but there’s potential to scale your income with the right strategies.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
- The average salary for a business coach in the United States is $61,418 per year.
- Business coaches typically earn between $38,000 and $97,000 annually.
- The top 10% of business coaches can earn $172,000 or more per year.
- Many business coaches who offer high-ticket services or run large programs can earn much more, potentially reaching over $200,000 annually.
Factors that influence a business coach’s earnings
A lot of factors come into play when it comes to how much you can earn as a business coach. Here are a few things that make a big difference:
- Experience: More experienced coaches charge higher rates. The more proven results you can show, the more you can demand.
- Niche: Specializing in a specific area like executive coaching, startups, or niche industries can allow you to set higher rates.
- Location: Coaches in larger cities or regions with higher living costs tend to charge more, but you can also set premium rates if you’re running a virtual business.
- Marketing and branding: How well you market and build your brand authority plays a massive role in how much you can earn. Coaches who position themselves as experts in their field often have a steady stream of high-ticket clients.
- Business model: Group coaching, online courses, and high-ticket one-on-one sessions can all impact your earnings. Offering packages or retainer services can also help you secure more predictable income.
How to increase your earnings as a business coach
Here are a few practical business strategies that worked for me to boost my earnings and how they can work for you, too:
- Increase your rates: As you gain experience and results, your rates should increase, too. With the right offers, clients will happily pay higher prices if they know they’re getting real value. In my case, I’ve launched everything from $27 courses to $30,000 coaching programs.
- Specialize: Focusing on a specific niche helps you build a reputation as the go-to expert in your field. Specializing also makes it easier to attract the right clients willing to pay premium prices.
- Offer high-ticket programs: High-ticket coaching is one of the quickest ways to earn more, especially if you have a proven process to help your clients succeed. When I created programs like Predictable Income Freedom, they helped me scale my income and reach more people.
- Develop online products: Beyond one-on-one coaching, develop courses or group coaching programs that can scale. This allows you to work with more clients without burning out.
- Explore your network: Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful. Build your network, ask for testimonials, and partner with other professionals to increase your visibility.
How to Start a Business Coaching Business
Starting your business coaching business is like setting up for a match – you need a plan, the right tools, and a game strategy. Here’s where it all begins:
Create a solid business plan
When Sarah and I started this journey, having a plan made all the difference. Sure, having a partner helped quite a lot, but the truth is most coaches start solo. And that’s okay. What matters most is having a clear roadmap.
Looking back, one of the biggest reasons for my success was knowing exactly who I wanted to help and how I could serve them. My plan wasn’t just about setting goals or figuring out logistics – it was about showing up as a real, relatable person who understands our audience’s struggles. That authenticity is what builds trust.
A solid business plan is your foundation. It outlines your goals, target market, services, pricing, and marketing strategy. Without one, you’re just winging it. With one, you’re setting yourself up to hit your targets and build a business that works for you and your clients.
So, before you take your first step, take the time to get your plan in place. It’s not just about what you want to achieve – it’s about how you’ll get there and how you’ll connect with the people who need your guidance the most.
Define your target market
Figure out who you’re coaching. Are you working with small business owners, startups, corporate executives? The clearer you are on your ideal client, the easier it will be to create a tailored offering and marketing message. The more specific you get, the more you’ll attract the right people.
Set up your coaching infrastructure
Pick a business name, get the right tech tools (like scheduling and payment systems), and define your workflow. A streamlined setup makes everything run smoother and look more professional.
Market your business coaching services
You need to get the word out. Use content marketing, social media, and networking to promote your coaching services. Start by offering valuable content for free, like blog posts or social media tips. Once you’ve built a following, you can pitch your paid services. Paid ads, partnerships, LinkedIn, and email marketing can also help you widen your reach.
Scale your coaching practice
Once you’ve got the basics down and a few clients under your belt, it’s time to scale. This could mean launching group coaching programs, selling digital products, or running bigger events.
For me, hosting virtual summits and turning them into evergreen products allowed me to scale up quickly without having to work more hours. Find ways to leverage your time and reach more people with the same amount of effort.
Now It’s Time To Take Action
Starting a business coaching practice is a journey, and it takes time and effort. But with the right plan and the right mindset, it’s absolutely possible to create a business that not only supports you financially but also gives you the freedom to live life and work on your terms. And once you get things rolling, the rewards – both personal and professional – are well worth the work you put in.
If you’re ready to learn how to become a business coach and fast-track your path to success, grab the online coaching business blueprint to help you build the skills, strategy, and systems you need to attract clients, increase your income, and grow your impact.
At Entrepreneurs HQ, we can help you turn your vision into a profitable reality.