How to find the right business coach?

What can a business coach help with?

A business coach can provide the guidance and support needed to break through plateaus or avoid costly missteps. I’ve seen coaches help with everything from refining pricing strategies to navigating tricky staffing issues. A coach brings fresh eyes to a business and challenges assumptions that might be holding it back.

Most importantly, a business coach acts as an accountability partner. If you set goals but don’t have anyone to check in with, progress can stall. With a coach, it’s much harder to ignore those plans and targets. Good coaches also help identify opportunities you may not see, such as untapped markets, overlooked processes, or misaligned pricing.

Where to find a business coach

I started by asking other business owners in my network who they used and trusted. Referrals are powerful. If a coach has helped someone you admire, that’s a great sign. But don’t stop there.

You can also explore coaching directories like The Entourage, ActionCoach, and Business Coaching Australia. LinkedIn and local business meetups often reveal hidden gems, too. Look for someone who understands your industry and the challenges specific to small business.

Some platforms even match coaches to your goals. Sites like Clarity.fm and GrowthMentor can connect you with experienced professionals in your niche.

How to select the right business coach

The right coach needs to be more than a cheerleader. I always look for someone who asks tough questions and digs deep. You want a coach who listens, but also one who challenges you. Experience counts, but so does alignment of values and communication style.

During an initial consultation, I check whether the coach understands my business and asks smart, probing questions. A good coach should have a structured process and be crystal clear about how they work. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or case studies, and make sure there’s mutual respect and trust.

Can anyone be a business coach?

Technically, yes. But in reality, not everyone should be. I’ve encountered plenty of self-proclaimed coaches who lacked experience or a proven track record. That’s why due diligence is essential.

Some of the best coaches have owned businesses themselves. Others have deep expertise in finance, sales, or operations. What matters is that they have walked the path and can guide you with credibility and care. You should also check for relevant certifications from organisations such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which sets professional standards.

How much does a business coach cost?

Costs vary depending on experience, location, and engagement type. Some coaches charge by the hour, while others offer packages or ongoing retainers. I’ve seen prices range from $150 to $500 per hour, with premium programs running into the thousands per month.

Don’t just look at the price tag, though. I always weigh the cost against the value of the outcomes. A coach who helps me grow revenue, reduce stress, or reclaim time is often worth every cent. Some government-funded programs and grants—like those offered through Business Victoria—even provide subsidised access to business coaching.

What type of business coaches are there?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. I’ve come across several types of coaches, each specialising in different areas:

• Startup coaches – Ideal for those in the early stages of launching a business
• Growth coaches – Focused on scaling operations, hiring, and revenue expansion
• Financial coaches – Help manage cash flow, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability
• Mindset coaches – Useful when confidence, clarity, or mental resilience is needed
• Niche coaches – Cater to specific industries like hospitality, e-commerce, or trades

Choose someone who fits your current stage, not just your long-term aspirations. If you're juggling multiple challenges, a generalist might help. But for specific bottlenecks, a niche expert can fast-track progress.

Do you need a business coach?

Not every founder needs one, but I can honestly say that working with a coach helped me avoid burnout and make smarter decisions. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to focus next, then it’s probably time.

A good coach won’t do the work for you—but they will push you, guide you, and keep you accountable. And that can make a massive difference to your results. For solo founders or new entrepreneurs, that outside perspective can bring instant clarity.

How Thriday acts as your financial coach

Many business owners think coaching is limited to goal-setting and leadership. But your finances tell the real story of how your business is performing. That’s where Thriday comes in.

Thriday isn’t just accounting software—it’s your automated financial coach. It replaces manual bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and tax calculations with intelligent automation. Here’s how it helps:

• Real-time tracking – See your income, expenses, and cash flow without lifting a finger
• Smart categorisation – Transactions are auto-categorised using AI for BAS and tax reporting
• Tax predictions – Know how much to set aside for your next tax bill, based on actual data
• Profit insights – Understand which products, services, or clients are making you money
• Invoicing and payments – Send professional invoices and get paid faster
• BAS and tax lodgment – Lodge directly from Thriday.

If your coach helps with vision and strategy, Thriday helps with data and execution. With everything automated in the background, you can make confident financial decisions based on facts.

Finding the right business coach is one of the smartest moves a small business owner can make. Just like choosing the right accounting software, it sets the foundation for sustainable growth. For managing money, tracking expenses, and simplifying tax, use Thriday it's the simple way to manage your finances.