Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Business Coach
Hiring a business coach can be a pivotal decision that transforms the way you grow and lead your business. A great coach doesn’t just give advice-they provide structure, accountability, and strategies that accelerate your growth while keeping you aligned with your values.
But not all coaches are the same. Some specialize in mindset, others in systems, while others act more like consultants.
This is exactly why you need to ask smart questions upfront. By learning about their experience, coaching style, and client results, you’ll quickly see if they’re the right fit for your business journey.
Here are the top 10 questions to ask before hiring a business coach, explained in detail.
1. What Are Your Business and Coaching Credentials?
Credentials matter-but not just in the academic sense. You want to know if your potential coach has walked the path you’re on.
Ask questions like:
Have they successfully built or scaled a business of their own?
Do they hold a professional coaching certification (such as ICF)?
How long have they been coaching entrepreneurs?
What industries or business models do they specialize in?
For example, if you’re a service provider hoping to launch an online program, a coach who’s helped others build and scale digital courses will be far more effective than someone who’s only worked with corporate executives.
A coach with both real-world entrepreneurial experience and coaching training often brings the perfect balance of strategy and support.
Want to Know Why Hiring a Business Coach in Australia Is a Smart Investment
2. What Is Your Coaching Philosophy & Method?
Every coach has a style and a framework. Some coaches are more directive-telling you exactly what to do step by step-while others are facilitative, helping you uncover your own answers through questioning.
Why does this matter? Because if you’re someone who thrives on structure and action plans, you’ll likely feel frustrated with a coach who only focuses on reflection.
Conversely, if you want a safe space to think bigger and challenge your mindset, a purely tactical coach may feel too rigid.
Ask them:
Do you have a structured framework or proven formula?
Do you combine mindset and strategy, or focus on one?
How do you balance accountability with flexibility?
3. What Transformations Have You Helped Clients Achieve?
Testimonials and case studies are powerful indicators of a coach’s effectiveness.
Look for specifics:
Have they helped clients grow revenue, land clients faster, or improve their lifestyle?
Do they have examples of people in situations similar to yours?
A good coach won’t just talk about vague “success”-they’ll share measurable outcomes and real stories.
4. Do You Work with Clients Like Me?
Not all coaching is one-size-fits-all. If you’re a solopreneur just starting out, you’ll have very different needs from a 7-figure founder hiring their fifth team member.
Ask them:
Who is your ideal client?
Do you primarily work with startups, established businesses, or scaling entrepreneurs?
Do you specialize in my industry or business model?
For example, if you’re a business coach, you may want someone who has experience with client-based businesses.
The Level Up Formula is designed specifically for coaches looking to consistently attract clients without complicated marketing funnels.
5. What’s Your Availability and Level of Access?
It’s important to clarify how much access you’ll get. Some coaches provide 24/7 Voxer or WhatsApp support, while others stick to weekly calls.
Ask:
How often do we meet? Weekly, biweekly, or monthly?
Can I contact you between sessions if I have urgent questions?
Do you provide one-on-one coaching, or group sessions?
Learn here How to Find a Business Coach That Actually Gets You Results
6. How Do You Handle Challenges and Failures?
Every business journey has roadblocks. The real test of a coach isn’t how they help you when things are going well-but how they show up when things are tough.
Ask them:
What’s a time you failed in your own business, and how did you bounce back?
How do you support clients through setbacks or plateaus?
Do you offer mindset support alongside strategy?
The Level Up Formula provides best business consulting to help coaches and entrepreneurs scale their businesses without burnout. This means you’re not left guessing-you get a clear roadmap that balances systems, marketing, and mindset.
7. What Structure or Tools Do You Provide?
Coaching is most effective when paired with frameworks, resources, and actionable tools. Otherwise, it risks becoming just “nice conversations.”
Ask:
Do you provide templates, SOPs, or checklists?
Are there systems or software included in the program?
Will I leave with concrete assets, not just ideas?
8. What Are Your Values and Coaching Style?
Values alignment is crucial because your coach will influence your mindset and decision-making.
Ask yourself:
Do their values align with mine (e.g., balance, freedom, impact)?
Do they emphasize hustle, or do they believe in sustainable success?
If your coach pushes you toward values that don’t resonate (e.g., aggressive growth when you care about lifestyle freedom), you’ll eventually feel stuck.
9. How Do You Measure and Track Progress?
Without tracking, you won’t know if the coaching is paying off. Progress can be measured in revenue, systems, mindset shifts, or lifestyle changes.
Ask them:
How will we set goals and milestones?
Do you provide tools to track progress?
A coach who tracks metrics and outcomes ensures that you’re getting a measurable return on your investment.
10. Can I Speak to a Past or Current Client?
Finally, nothing beats hearing from someone who has worked with the coach. References provide an unfiltered look at what it’s like to be in their program.
Ask:
Can I speak directly to one of your past clients?
Do you have video testimonials or case studies?
How long have clients stayed with you (an indicator of satisfaction)?
Coaches who are confident in their results won’t hesitate to connect you with a reference.
Ready to Hire a Business Coach?
If you’re in search of a business coach who truly understands growth strategies, contact with The Level Up Formula, who specialises in business consulting.
With expert business consulting and personalized support, we guide entrepreneurs in scaling faster, building confidence, and creating sustainable success
Hiring a business coach is a big decision-but also one that can accelerate your growth dramatically if you choose wisely. The right coach will not only help you increase revenue but also build a business that feels aligned with your values and lifestyle.
By asking these questions, you’ll gain clarity on whether a coach is the right partner for your journey.
