014: 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Business Coach (So You Don’t Waste Your Money)

Ever felt like you just set your money on fire after hiring a business coach?

If you’ve ever handed over your hard-earned cash to someone who promised to change your business—but all you got was fluff, vague advice, and no real strategy—you’re not alone.

I see this happen way too often in the online space. The coaching industry is completely unregulated, which means anyone can slap the word “coach” on their Instagram bio and start selling high-ticket programs without the experience to back it up.

Hiring the right coach can skyrocket your business growth. Hiring the wrong one? Well, that’s an expensive lesson you don’t want to learn the hard way.

So, before you invest, let’s talk about the seven questions you NEED to ask before hiring a business coach—so you don’t end up stuck in another sales funnel.

1. What’s Your Business Background?

This is the #1 red flag detector. Just because someone is great at marketing doesn’t mean they actually understand business.

Ask about their real-world experience beyond their own coaching business. Have they built or run businesses outside of selling coaching programs? Do they have a background in business strategy, financial management, or scaling companies? If all they can point to is their success in selling to other coaches, that’s a sign to dig deeper.

2. Have You Run a Business Other Than Your Coaching Business?

Running your own business is one thing. Knowing how to grow other people’s businesses is another.

Many online “celebrity coaches” built their businesses based on privilege and personal success, not by helping others achieve results. If a coach can’t prove they’ve successfully guided other businesses to growth, that’s a major red flag.

3. Who Trained You, and Who Do You Admire?

Many online coaches were trained by other online coaches, which means they’re just repeating the same tactics they were taught—whether or not those tactics actually work.

Ask: Who shaped their approach? Do they have education, mentorship, or real-world experience with business strategy, ethical marketing, or financial sustainability? Or do they just follow the latest online trends?

If their biggest influences are known for high-pressure sales and questionable tactics, you can expect the same from them.

4. What Tangible Results Will I Get from Working with You?

If you’re investing in a coach, you need more than mindset shifts—you need real, measurable results.

Before signing on, ask:

• What will I physically walk away with? (Strategies, frameworks, marketing plans?)

• What kind of growth have past clients seen?

• Can you show me success stories from businesses similar to mine?

Vague promises like “you’ll feel more aligned” or “step into your next level” aren’t enough. You should be able to measure your progress, whether that’s increased revenue, better lead conversion, or a streamlined offer.

5. Why Are You Different from Other Coaches?

A great coach should know exactly why they stand out.

If their answer is something generic like “I care about my clients” or “I’m passionate about business,” that’s not enough. They should be able to articulate their unique value, their methodology, and why their approach gets results.

If they can’t explain what sets them apart, they probably won’t be able to help you stand out in your own industry either.

6. Why Do You Care About My Success?

A coach who truly cares about your success will take the time to understand your business, your challenges, and your goals. They’ll see themselves as partners in your success, not just someone selling a program.

If a coach only talks about their own success—and never asks about yours—that’s a major red flag.

7. How Much Time Do I Get with You Directly?

Many programs promise “high-touch coaching” but only offer five-minute hot seat calls or massive group Zooms where you’re lucky to get a question answered.

Before you invest, ask:

• How much 1:1 access do I actually get?

• Are there direct coaching calls, or is it just pre-recorded content?

• Will I get personal feedback on my business, or is everything done in a group setting?

The amount of time you get with a coach is a direct reflection of how invested they are in your success. If you’re paying premium prices, you should get premium support.

Final Thoughts: Before You Invest in a Business Coach…

Hiring a business coach can be one of the best investments you make—or one of the most expensive mistakes. By asking these seven questions, you’ll be able to separate the real experts from the ones who are just great at selling.

And if you’re looking for a coach who doesn’t believe in fluff, hype, or high-pressure tactics, I break this down even further in my latest podcast episode. Click here to listen: yourpodcastlink.com

Need real business strategy, high-touch mentorship, and personalized support? Legacy, my 12-month group coaching program, is open for applications. If you’re serious about scaling your business, head to yourwebsite.com/legacy to apply.

🎧 Hit play on the episode now and make your next coaching investment a smart one!