Do I Really Need a Business Coach, or Can I Just Figure It Out Myself?

by Sean Foster | August 7, 2025  | Business Coaching

If you've ever asked yourself this question, you're not alone. It’s one of the most common thoughts New Zealand business owners have when they hit a sticking point.

And the short answer: No, you don’t need a business coach, or business advisor or even a business consultant. But, there is a but 😏…

Your hesitation could be about costs or your time. These are valid concerns, afterall, business and life is made up of constraints, but my experience has shown that the real hesitation lies deeper.

Very often it’s about pride, independence, and the belief that as the owner, you should be able to sort it all out yourself.
You started this business. You built it from scratch. You’ve problem-solved your way through countless issues already. So why would you need someone else to tell you how to run it?

Here’s the truth: a Business Coach isn’t there to tell you how to run your business. They’re there to help you make better decisions, faster, with more clarity and less burnout. A good business coach will also have practical experience in your, or related industry, so when searching for a NZ business coach ensure you can relate to them and their experience.

Why We Resist Asking for Help

There’s an unspoken mindset a lot of Kiwi business owners carry: “If I ask for help, it means I’m not cut out for this.” And along with that ‘No. 8 wire mentality’, we tend to be problem solvers.

Most landscaping businesses in New Zealand face a highly competitive environment with many other companies offering similar services. Given this reality, does it really make sense to take on the challenges of competition alone? Working with a landscaping business coach or advisor can give you the advantage, helping you stand out, plan effectively, and improve your business systems so you can thrive—even in a crowded market.

Every top performer, whether in sport, business, or any high-stakes field, has someone in their corner. Not because they’re weak, but because they want to be sharper. Many New Zealand business owners wonder if a coach is worth the investment. According to Forbes, “a seasoned coach can help accelerate success by guiding entrepreneurs through potential pitfalls and offering solutions based on firsthand experiences”.

You Don’t Need Another Expert

You are no doubt already highly skilled in landscaping. You’ve read the books, listened to podcasts, worked your way through the industry, and just ‘done-it’. The challenge isn’t information or your direct landscaping skills. It’s the application of running a performance-based business.

What a business coach does is help you apply the right strategies to your business, your team, and your goals. They hold up the mirror so you can see clearly, act confidently, and cut through the noise.

What Happens When You Go It Alone

Going solo works, until it doesn’t. You might get stuck in patterns that feel productive but don’t really move the needle. You might chase growth that doesn’t align with what you actually want. Or you might keep firefighting every issue without ever fixing the root cause.

And worse, you may burn out trying to carry it all yourself.

What a Business Coach in NZ Actually Does

• Helps you see what you can’t when you're deep in the day-to-day
• Gives you structure and accountability
• Offers clarity when everything feels messy
• Challenges your assumptions without pushing an agenda
• Supports your goals, not theirs

The Cost of Figuring It Out Alone

Yes, you could figure it out, after all that is what you have been doing thus far. You’re smart, determined, and experienced, and now you have AI as well. In fact, if you search, you will quickly find out that the world has extreme ‘information overload’. Unfortunately more information rarely solves the issue.

The real question is: how long will it take going alone? How much energy will it drain, and what could it cost you in the meantime? We refer to this as the Opportunity Cost. In business, it refers to the benefit or profit you miss out on by choosing one option over another, such as spending time on one project instead of another that could have delivered a higher return.

Getting support doesn’t make you less of a leader. It makes you a stronger one.

Related Article: What to Expect in Your First 90 Days with a Business Coach in Auckland

Ready to See What You’re Missing?

Having a business coach is not essential. But if you're ready for more clarity, stronger decisions, and a business that doesn't rest entirely on your shoulders, it might be the smartest move you make. And to get back to that opportunity cost, which is really the way of answer this question, then here is a practical exercise for you to perform.

If you are unsure of exactly what you are needing from a business coach in NZ, then interview a few. This will help you consolidate your thinking of what areas in your business really need your attention, and you will get a good idea if you could work with that person. Next estimate what improvement could be achieved in your business, for example: Could you improve profitability of margin contribution by say 10%? How does that improvement compare to the cost of hiring them?

But bare in mind that the immediate return of a business coach goes far beyond the dollars and cents. Also consider your peace of mind and the long-term benefit as a result of your improvement in strategic thinking and leadership skills.

Contact us to explore what coaching could look like for your business.

The following are some frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) regarding business coaching in NZ:

1. What is business coaching and how does it work?

Business coaching is a structured, goal-oriented partnership where an experienced coach helps business owners or leaders improve performance, solve challenges, and achieve their goals. A business coach works with you through regular sessions, focusing on areas like strategy, leadership, marketing, and personal development. The coach provides accountability, fresh insights, and practical strategies to help you run your business more effectively and reach measurable results.

This article unpacks exactly what a business coach in New Zealand does; shedding light on the practical ways they support owners behind the scenes, from clarifying direction to lifting the load of decision-making.

2. Why should I hire a business coach for my business?

Hiring a business coach gives you external perspective, proven business strategies, and the accountability needed to accelerate growth. Just as top athletes work with coaches to reach their potential, business owners benefit from expert support to overcome obstacles, improve decision-making, build confidence, and strengthen leadership skills. A business coach isn’t there to run your business for you, but to help you clarify your vision, set actionable goals, and stay focused for long-term success.

3. What are the main benefits of business coaching?

Business coaching delivers tangible benefits such as increased revenue, higher productivity, improved leadership, better team dynamics, and more structured business processes. Research shows that businesses using a coach often experience faster growth, better work-life balance, and improved employee engagement. Coaches can also help identify blind spots and provide new solutions to persistent business challenges.

4. Is business coaching worth the investment?

Yes, business coaching is widely considered a valuable investment by business owners around the world. Studies indicate strong returns in profitability, personal satisfaction, and business sustainability. Business coaching services are tailored to your unique needs, so the ROI often extends beyond immediate financial gains, encompassing long-term strategic growth and personal development as a business leader.

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

5. How do I choose the right business coach?

When searching for the best business coach for your needs, look for a coach with a proven track record, practical experience relevant to your challenges, and a coaching style that matches your personality and goals. Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your objectives, ask about their approach, and ensure they communicate clearly and support your growth. Reading independent reviews, testimonials, and checking credentials such as professional coach certifications can help you make an informed decision.

If you are ready to explore further you can book a complimentary discovery meeting with Sean here.