Kim Vella is one of Canberra's most recommended business coaches. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
You operate a business and want to take it to the next level. You want to transform your business from where it is right now into what it could be.
This is when a great business coach can be invaluable. A professional and experienced business coach will support you to step outside your business to gain new perspectives. They’ll enable you to determine critical next steps for business growth and profit. They’ll also make your business journey from ordinary to extraordinary easier and quicker.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a business coach, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great business coach?
Choosing the right business coach can help fast-track strengthening your business. It’s important to understand that a business coach isn’t a business consultant or mentor who are there to give you advice. The role of a great business coach is to ask you the right questions and position you to decide for yourself where to take your business, and how.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a business coach.
- Experienced. You’ll want a business coach who has the right type and depth of experience. Drawing on this will give you confidence in the future of your business.
- Qualified. The business coaching industry is unregulated. However, that shouldn’t stop you from selecting a coach who has the right education and even a certificate of coaching. You can also look for one who belongs a professional organisation.
- Dedicated and ethical. You’ll want a business coach who has your business at heart. This is a coach who is on board with you and dedicated. You’ll also want a business coach who respects confidentiality and intellectual property.
- Well priced. The cost for a business coach varies depending on the type and depth of problem you’ll be solving. Some business coaches charge a package rate for a series of sessions. Others charge an hourly rate. Some hold group business coaching sessions.
- Personable with rapport. You’ll want a business coach you feel comfortable with, especially because you’ll likely be working together for more than one session. You’ll want good rapport and connection. If you’re not comfortable, talk to the coach about your concerns. If you can’t resolve them, move on.
The best business coaches in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Kim Vella Coaching
Canberra-based Kim Vella Coaching (KVC) has a proven executive training system that empowers individuals to advance their careers and organisations to cultivate resilient, insightful leaders.
Founder Dr Kim Vella brings more than three decades of expertise to local leadership development, honed through her own senior executive experience in the Australian Public Service.
Kim's long list of accreditations include a PhD in Sociology, former senior positions within the APS and ICF (International Coaching Federation), accreditations in workplace coaching, conversational and emotional intelligence, smart collaboration and team management systems.
Kim's work with major government departments, regulators, tech companies, private firms and executives has been instrumental in building KVC's reputation in Canberra and beyond. She is celebrated by clients for her practical and engaging coaching style, prioritising real-world solutions above all else.
KVC uses a combination of formal workshops, one-on-one instruction, group sessions and team building to enhance leadership, collaboration and workplace efficiency.
The team provides tailored support from day one, using evidence-based tools grounded in social science. Clients learn how to drive team performance, collaborate with other leaders and continually innovate.
"Kim put me at ease from the moment we first met, encouraging open conversations about all aspects of my career and life plan," Kelly from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says in her testimony.
"The short, medium and long-term planning was easy and highlighted where my focus for the future should be, and the steps to fulfilling my goals. Kim is a very experienced coach with practical knowledge, and tools to encourage and engage clients to bring out their best."
Amanda Horne
Amanda Horne is an accredited organisational coach, executive coach and facilitator. Drawing from 35 years of experience, Amanda brings a collaborative, respectful and supportive style to her services. She encourages clients to engage safely in reflective conversations which leads to learning, exploration, insights, enhanced perspectives, new behaviours, greater well-being and improved performance. Amanda works closely with clients to design coaching and facilitation services and programs that are adaptable, flexible and tailored.
State Your Business
State Your Business is a specialist coaching, mentoring and consulting service with more than 30 years' experience helping clients succeed. With a vast range of experience working for public and private sector clients, State Your Business customises support to help clients transform by renewing their thinking.
Business Coach Canberra
Performance and effectiveness coach Jim O’Connor supports businesses to excel and operate at the top of their games. Jim helps new and existing businesses transition from good to exceptional. After an initial consultation, Jim develops a plan based on and tailored to individual businesses. This enables businesses to improve on the areas that matter most and see real change quickly. With executive coaching in Canberra, Jim supports businesses to take leadership and managing skills to the next level.
Canberra Business Coaching
Canberra Business Coaching specialises in supporting small businesses to clarify vision. It works alongside each business to enhance organisational skills and operate so they meet that vision. Owners and coaches Michael and Fran Mallon help business thrive, not just survive. Michael is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. He is also an accredited Trainer and Assessor, and an accredited MBTI® Assessor. Canberra Business Coaching operates in the ACT, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Yass, Cooma and surrounds.
If you’re looking for more information on ways you can improve your business, you might like our articles on the best business advisors, best management consulting firms and best tax accountants Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with business coaches in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the business coaches listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a business coach?
A business coach helps you improve your business, grow your business and solve business issues. They do so by asking pertinent questions to help you make decisions for yourself on future steps to get your business to the next level.
Is a business coach the same as a mentor or business consultant?
No. Mentors and business consultants provide advice on what you should do with your business. The role of a business coach, on the other hand, is to ask you questions and facilitate transforming your business. They do so with the underlying belief that you have the answer in your head. They’re there to help you draw answers out.
How much does it cost to have a business coach?
Many variables are involved in determining the price of business coaching. Variables include the type of issue and the number of sessions you need with your business coach. Variables can also include the depth and complexity of the issues at hand. They can also include the size and type of your business. It’s best to talk to your business quote to get an idea of price.
Is business coaching a regulated industry?
In Australia, business coaching isn’t regulated. Having said that, some business coaches have undergone significant training. They may also belong to a professional association like the International Coaching Federation. Some coaches are also qualified DISC consultants. The best business coaches take their own professional development seriously, so they’re always at the top of their game.
How do I choose the best business coach?
You’ll want to consider several factors when choosing a business coach. One factor is their type and depth of experience. Another is rapport, since you’ll want to “connect” with your business coach. You’ll want encouragement and support so you get the most out of your sessions. Yet another factor is approach, with many businesses wanting a tailored plan, not an “off-the-shelf” plan. You might also want to check cost.
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