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.

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. Owner David Campbell’s services include executive and business coaching, training and assessment, as well as program and project management. He works with small business, corporate organisations and government.
David also runs DDK Campbell Consulting. He is an Independent Certified Coach, Teacher and Speaker with The John Maxwell Team, the largest coaching company in the world. He is also a certified DISC Consultant (dominance, influence, steadiness and conscientious).
Business and executive coaching sessions are held at a mutually convenient location, or by phone, Skype or Facetime, with David always respecting confidentiality and intellectual property.
David is a co-author in The Change 7, a book series exploring powerful thought-provoking insights from 10 inspiring co-authors that take readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal change.
In addition to coaching, David is a professional speaker, trainer and mentor, helping businesses and individuals explore ways to achieve greater success. DDK Campbell Consulting also offers celebrant services.
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.
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.
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.
DIPAC and Associates
DIPAC Business Coaching is a business consultancy based in Canberra. Its team of business coaches works with people from all walks of life, so they can be strategic, engage in lateral thinking and develop unstoppable mind sets. The consultancy’s menu of services includes business coaching, executive coaching, entrepreneur coaching and life coaching. DIPAC and Associates is a member of the International Coaching Federation. Owner Darleen Barton is the author of seven books.
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
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