Is Business Coaching Worth It? What NZ Business Owners Need to Know

by Sean Foster | July 17, 2025 | Business Coaching

New Zealand entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to business coaching to help them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. But is business coaching really worth it? The answer is not so straightforward! In this article, we debunk common misconceptions, explore the real value of coaching including some of the risks, and help you determine whether it's the right move for your business.

Common Misconceptions About Business Coaching

Starting business coaching can feel like a big step, and for many, it’s a decision filled with hesitation. It’s natural to be cautious, especially when you're unsure of the return or worry it might just become another cost in your business. And like any worthwhile investment, it begins with confidence in your decision-making. Ask yourself: what are your current perceptions or past experiences with coaching? Are they based on facts or assumptions that need rethinking? Some may believe coaching is only for struggling businesses, or that it’s too expensive, or only relevant for big corporations. But these are common myths that often hold people back from real growth.

In reality, business coaching in NZ is a valuable tool for most businesses of all sizes and stages, offering tailored guidance that helps business owners work smarter, not harder. And just for clarity: In larger sized businesses or corporations, business coaching is usually replaced by Executive Coaching and Personal Development Coaching. The lesson from this is: It’s all about improving the individual so that they are more effective in their role in the business, which by default usually entails personal development as well.

If you’ve experienced the value of an effective business coaching or personal coaching session, you’ll likely recognise this universal truth: the results in your business are driven by the decisions and actions of the people in it, starting with you. The clearer your thinking, the stronger your leadership, and the more decisive your actions, the greater the impact on your business performance. Whether through personal growth or professional development, effective coaching helps unlock clarity and confidence, leading to longer-term success.

What Does a Business Coach Actually Do?

A business coach wears multiple hats and needs to be effective in mentoring, business strategy, leadership and being that solid accountability partner. Their primary role is to:

• Help clarify your vision and goals
• Develop actionable strategies that align to your vision and goals
• Strengthen leadership and management skills
• Improve financial literacy and decision-making
• Foster staff engagement and company culture

Business coaching and mentoring combine practical advice with personal development, ensuring you’re equipped to lead your business effectively.

Top Reasons NZ Business Owners Invest in Coaching

As much as I would like to say that more and more New Zealand business owners are using a business coach, there are no available metrics to actually prove this 🙁. This leaves only one option for you to experience the tangible benefits of working with a business coach. I.e. try it!

From my experience, most of my clients engage in a business coach for some or all of the following reasons:

1. Clarity and Focus: Effective coaches help distil complex issues into clear priorities.
2. Increased Profitability: By optimising operations and improving financial management, coaching often leads to better bottom-line results.
3. Work-Life Balance: Many coaches assist owners in creating systems that reduce overwhelm and burnout.
4. Innovation and Growth: Business coaches encourage forward-thinking strategies that fuel sustainable growth.
5. Culture and Team: The larger the team, the greater the chance of leveraging positive results, and equally the opposite applies. Good coaches result in great company cultures and team players.

Stories from the Field: How Kiwi Businesses Have Transformed

Across New Zealand, countless SMEs have transformed their operations through effective business coaching and business mentoring. From family-run businesses in Auckland to innovative start-ups in Wellington, coaching has helped:

• Turn struggling ventures into profitable enterprises
• Launch new products or services successfully
• Implement open-book management to foster transparency and trust
• Regain the lost passion for one’s business. Passion is key, and as a result of the stresses of daily business life, it often whittles away leaving your business to feeling like a chore and a noose around your neck. That’s sad, but very prevalent.

If you hop over to my landing page you can see some client testimonials. Every business owner sees value in different parts of the coaching that may be relevant to them at that specific time. After all, business ownership is really just a journey.

For a broader perspective on how coaching supports business success, have a look at this report. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global authority in the coaching world.

These success stories highlight the practical impact coaching can have on real businesses.

Warning Signs You May Need a Business Coach

Consider seeking business coaching NZ if you:

• Feel stuck or overwhelmed by your business challenges
• Struggle to maintain work-life balance
• Experience flat or declining revenue, profitability or cash-flow
• Have difficulty managing or motivating your team
• Need a strategic partner to help you grow

These signs suggest that expert guidance could help you move forward with confidence.

And speaking from personal experience, another major sign that indicates you will benefit from coaching is if you feel lonely in your business. When I was running my business, despite the fact that I had an effective business partner, an open-door policy, and busy staff, I felt lonely in my business. We know that this is not the reality, it is simply the weight of the decision making, the consequences of those decisions and not having a true accountability partner, creates this feeling of being ‘lonely in one’s business.’

Choosing the Right Fit: What to Look for in a Business Coach

Not all business coaching and mentoring services are created equal. When choosing a coach, consider:

• Experience and Credentials: Look for a coach with a proven track record.
  
• Industry Knowledge: A coach familiar with your sector can provide more targeted advice, but be aware that advice and coaching are two different aspects. A good coach can help you irrespective of their experience in your sector. They are after all effective in improving your and your team’s effectiveness. Advice, based on real-world experience is valuable, although with today’s AI this is becoming increasingly available at no cost.
  
• Approach and Compatibility: Ensure their coaching style aligns with your values and learning preferences. The acid test here should be on their ability to get you to deliver results, and sometimes this makes for uncomfortableness. Don’t measure your compatibility on how you measure this with your friends.
  
• Testimonials and Case Studies: Real client stories can give you insight into their effectiveness.

Start Your Business Transformation

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, business coaching could be the catalyst you need. Whether you’re based in Auckland, Wellington, or anywhere else in New Zealand, working with the right coach can help you achieve clarity, growth, and balance.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn how business coaching NZ can transform your business journey.