| I get asked this question often, and it's confusing | | | | the business owner are paying for that time while |
| because some people use the terms | | | | he or she learns what you already know for the |
| interchangeably. | | | | most part. |
| The best way I can describe the difference is to | | | | A business coach uses proven tools and |
| explain what I do with my clients. | | | | processes to facilitate the outcome by using your |
| A consultant is hired to study a process or | | | | internal knowledge and challenging you and your |
| specific issue within the company, whether it's | | | | staff to defend your assumptions and directions. |
| cycle time reduction, cash flow, or whatever. He | | | | An experienced business coach will use his or her |
| of she comes into the business, conducts | | | | knowledge gained from other markets or |
| interviews with the appropriate staff, and learns | | | | industries to lead you toward new and different |
| how the process is being completed now. The | | | | ways of looking at your business. This is usually |
| consultant then looks at what the outcome is | | | | much faster and less expensive. In addition the |
| expected to be, compares it to what it is now, | | | | solution to the problem or the development of |
| and develops recommendations. | | | | the strategic plan is yours, you own it and you've |
| A business coach on the other hand does not | | | | developed it with outside help. It's not something |
| take the time necessary to become a subject | | | | that is presented to you in a formal document |
| matter expert. He or she believes that the | | | | and left with you as someone else's solution. |
| company management knows more about their | | | | I do both coaching and consulting depending upon |
| business that he or she will be able to learn in a | | | | the application and the problem. If the business |
| reasonable amount of time. The business coach | | | | doesn't have the knowledge internally I, or one of |
| facilitates a process that brings the management | | | | the members of my network will help them |
| team together to solve the problem or issue. | | | | develop it. I till try to facilitate ownership of the |
| Which way is better? A consultant is actually | | | | solution to insure better execution. |
| better if the problem is new to the business and | | | | For things like strategic planning, diversification, |
| the expertise, skills or experience doesn't exist | | | | improving bottom line profits I take a coaching |
| within a business. An example would be perhaps | | | | role. I use the knowledge available internally and |
| converting to a Lean Manufacturing System | | | | provide my experience and tools to help them |
| where outside guidance is needed for initial | | | | look at things differently and to develop custom |
| development and training. Hiring a consultant for a | | | | solutions that are right for their organization. |
| general business issue or strategic planning is | | | | Be careful when choosing with a coach or |
| perhaps not the best way to go. The consultant | | | | consultant. It's relatively easy to get business |
| will need to take the time to study your market; | | | | cards printed and call your self one or the other. |
| your industry, your product and depending on the | | | | Look for background and a solid track record. |
| complexity this could take a lot of time. You as | | | | |