Running a business is a lot like steering a ship through unpredictable waters. Some days, you’re gliding smoothly. Other days, you’re battling storms, trying to keep everything afloat. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of “almost-but-not-quite,” you might need a business coach. The right coach doesn’t just throw you a life raft; they teach you how to navigate, so you’re not constantly bailing water out of your boat. But how do you know it’s time to bring one in? And once you do, how do you find someone who isn’t just selling hype but actually understands your business? Let’s get into it.

You’re Drowning in Decisions (and Not Making Progress)

Every entrepreneur hits decision fatigue at some point. Maybe you’re debating whether to scale, launch a new product, or even pivot entirely. You spend hours weighing the pros and cons, but instead of moving forward, you’re paralyzed. A good business coach helps clear that fog. They challenge your thinking, ask the tough questions, and help you see the bigger picture so you’re not stuck second-guessing every move.

Your Business Feels Like a Hamster Wheel

You’re putting in the hours, grinding every day, but your business is just… stuck. The revenue isn’t growing, your client list looks the same as last year, and no matter how hard you work, nothing seems to change. This is where an outside perspective becomes invaluable. A coach helps you pinpoint what’s keeping you stagnant—whether it’s pricing, marketing, operations, or mindset—and pushes you to break past the plateau.

You Know What to Do, But You’re Not Doing It

Sometimes, the problem isn’t knowledge; it’s execution. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, maybe even taken a few online courses. You know what needs to happen, but for some reason, you’re not pulling the trigger. A coach acts as an accountability partner, making sure you’re not just collecting information but actually implementing it. They keep you focused, call you out on excuses, and make sure you’re not just busy, but productive.

You Feel Like You’re Running Your Business Alone

Even if you have a team, being at the top can feel isolating. You’re the one making the tough calls, carrying the pressure, and trying to keep everything moving. Sometimes, you just need someone who gets it—someone who isn’t an employee, a friend, or a family member, but a mentor who can offer unbiased guidance. A business coach provides that outside perspective without the emotional baggage, helping you stay clear-headed when things get tough.

You’re Struggling to Scale

What got you here won’t necessarily get you to the next level. Maybe your systems are breaking under growth, or you’re too involved in day-to-day operations to focus on strategy. A great business coach helps you identify the bottlenecks, build scalable processes, and step into the role of CEO rather than just another worker in your business. They shift your focus from surviving to thriving.

Sharing Essential Documents with Your Business Coach

When working with a business coach, transparency is key, and that means sharing critical documents like your business plan, financial records, and performance reports. Providing these insights allows your coach to assess your current position, identify gaps, and develop strategies tailored to your needs. Using PDFs ensures that the formatting and content remain consistent across different devices and operating systems, preventing any discrepancies in how information is displayed. Additionally, merging PDF documents into a single file streamlines sharing and accessibility, keeping everything organized for more productive coaching sessions.

How to Find the Right Business Coach

Not all business coaches are created equal, and a bad one can waste your time and money. Look for someone with real-world experience, not just a fancy Instagram page. Ask for testimonials, case studies, or even references. Have a conversation before committing—do they ask insightful questions, or do they just pitch you? Most importantly, find someone who aligns with your values and communication style. The best coach isn’t just knowledgeable; they make you feel challenged, supported, and ready to take action.

The right business coach won’t just tell you what you want to hear; they’ll tell you what you need to hear. They’ll help you move past roadblocks, shift your mindset, and create a clear path forward. If any of these signs resonated with you, it might be time to stop spinning your wheels and start getting the guidance you need. Because let’s be real—there’s no award for struggling alone.