Is Business Coaching an Investment or Expense? Find Out!
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Mar 27
- 10 min read
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Is Business Coaching a Pricey Indulgence or Your Smartest Investment? Let's Talk Real Value.
Okay, let’s have a proper kitchen-table chat, shall we? You, me, a cuppa (or maybe something stronger if it’s thatthat kind of day – it’s always wine o’clock somewhere, right?). The topic? Business coaching. And more specifically, the price tag that often comes with it. I’ve been there, staring at an investment figure that makes your stomach do a little flip, wondering, "Is this truly worth it? Can I reallyreally afford this right now?"
As a fellow entrepreneur, a CEO, & a mum to four (yes, four – the beautiful chaos is very real in our house, complete with two rather opinionated Miniature Pinscher dogs, Cappuccino & her hyper daughter Espresso, often adding their two pence!), I get it. Every penny counts, especially when you're pouring your heart, soul, & probably a fair bit of your savings into your business dream. The thought of adding another 'expense' can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned, through my own winding journey – from selling sweets in the playground, to navigating the corporate world, to doing my MBA at Cranfield while juggling a young family, & now pursuing my PhD alongside raising my little ones (yes, sometimes it feels like I’m trying to decipher toddler language while simultaneously decoding academic theory!): true business coaching isn’t an expense. It’s one of the most strategic investments you can make in your business’s future, & in your own growth as a leader. Finding the right business coachbusiness coach can seem expensive, however.
So, let’s pull back the curtain, demystify those coaching costs, & reframe how we think about investing in the support that can genuinely catapult us forward.
Beyond the Price Tag: Why Business Coaching is Your Most Strategic Investment, Not an Expense
When we’re starting out, or even when we’re looking to scale, it’s easy to see coaching as a luxury. Something for ‘later’, when the money is rolling in more consistently. But what if I told you that the right coaching, at the right time, is often the very thing that getsgets the money rolling in, helps you scale sustainably, & crucially, helps you build a business that doesn’t burn you out but actually fuelsfuels your life?
I remember when I decided to do my MBA. The fees were significant, a huge consideration, especially with a young family. It felt like a massive outlay. But looking back, the clarity, the strategic thinking, the network, & the confidence it gave me to step fully into my own entrepreneurial path? That was an investment that has paid dividends tenfold, not just financially, but in the quality of my life & the impact I can now make. It wasn't just about a qualification; it was about unlocking a new level of thinking & possibility. I'll admit, I even made a mistake whilewhile I was being coached. I was so focused on shiny object syndrome, jumping from one marketing tactic to another, that I wasn't truly present for my clients. It took my coach pointing out that I was acting like a "hyperactive puppy" (Espresso definitely came to mind!) to see that I needed to slow down, focus, & truly listen to their needs. Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to see what's right in front of you! And to be truly honest, I'm working through that very thing, even now, as I try to focus on my PhD research while I keep having inspiration for more and more new Femmeprenista offerings - my coach helps me stay on the right path and not over commit.
High-quality business coaching works in a similar way. It’s not just about a few helpful tips; it’s about:
Igniting Growth: Getting expert guidance to navigate new territory, whether it's launching, finding your first clients, or scaling to new heights.
Developing Your Leadership: Stepping into your role as the confident, visionary leader your business needs. This is about sharpening your focus, building resilience, & making decisions from a place of power, not panic.
Sustainable Scaling: Moving beyond the hustle & grind to build systems & strategies that allow your business to grow without you being the bottleneck, ensuring you don't sacrifice your well-being in the process.
True Work-Life Integration: Crafting a business that genuinely supports the life you want to live, allowing you to be present for your family & pursue your passions without constant guilt or overwhelm. This is about prioritising your own energy so you can show up fully.
Decoding the "Cost": What Really Goes into Coaching Fees?
So, why do coaching fees vary so much? It’s not arbitrary. Just like when you hire a specialist solicitor or an experienced accountant, you’re investing in a specific level of expertise, experience, & anticipated results. Here are some of the key factors that influence business coachingbusiness coaching costs:
Coach's Expertise & Experience: How many years have they been coaching? What’s their own track record in business? Do they have specialised knowledge in your industry or area of need (e.g., AI integration, marketing for service providers, scaling e-commerce)? My own journey through corporate marketing, various startups, an MBA, & now my PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship all feed into the expertise I bring.
Depth & Breadth of the Program: Is it a one-off strategy session, a short group course, or an intensive, long-term 1:1 partnership? Comprehensive programs that offer a deep dive & ongoing support will naturally command a higher investment.
Level of Support & Access: Will you have direct access to your coach? Are there group calls, a private community, workbooks, templates, or other resources included? The more personalised & high-touch the support, the higher the value.
Specialisation & Niche: Coaches who specialise in a particular area (e.g., launch strategy for course creators, leadership for female CEOs) often charge more because their expertise is highly focused & typically yields faster, more targeted results for that specific audience.
Proven Results & Testimonials: A coach with a strong portfolio of client successes & glowing testimonials has demonstrated their ability to deliver tangible outcomes. This proof of impact is a significant factor in their pricing.
Understanding these elements helps you see beyond the number & assess whether the potential value aligns with your business stage & specific goals, whether you're a Foundation Builder just laying the groundwork, a Scaling Leader ready to expand your reach & systems, or a Visionary Leader focused on legacy & exponential growth.
The Real ROI: Unpacking the True Value of a Great Business Coach
The return on investment from business coachingbusiness coaching isn't just measured in pounds & pence (though that’s often a very welcome outcome!). The true value is multifaceted & deeply transformational.
And it's not just me saying that; the International Coaching Federation (ICF) found that clients reported a median ROI of 7x their initial investment in coaching. Now, that's something to think about!
More Than Just Money: The Tangible & Intangible Returns
Crystal Clarity & Strategic Direction: One of the most immediate benefits is cutting through the fog of overwhelm. A great coach helps you gain laser-like clarity on your vision, your ideal client, your offers, & the strategic roadmap to get you where you want to go. I’ve seen so many brilliant women, myself included in the early days, get stuck in a loop of "what ifs" & "should Is." Coaching provides that external perspective & expert guidance to carve a clear path forward, helping you to really focus your energy where it matters most.
Unshakeable Accountability & Accelerated Action: Let’s be honest, it’s easy to let things slide when you’re only accountable to yourself, especially when you’re juggling a million things (hello, school runs, client work, & trying to remember if I fed the dogs!). A coach is your dedicated accountability partner, helping you set meaningful goals & crucially, ensuring you follow through. This massively accelerates your progress.
Mindset Mastery & Soaring Confidence: This is HUGE. So many of us battle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear of visibility, or that pesky "mummy guilt" that whispers we’re not doing enough. A skilled coach helps you identify & reframe these limiting beliefs, build unshakeable self-belief, & step into your power as the incredible leader you are. Imagine overcoming that hesitation to raise your prices, or confidently sharing your message with the world – that’s the kind of transformation we’re talking about. It’s about understanding that your mindset is the engine of your business. This starts with recognizing those limiting beliefs & taking small, consistent steps to challenge them. Try writing down three things you're truly great at, & read them every morning to silence the inner critic. Femme:Connect can show you more about our holistic approach to this kind of empowerment.
Efficient Systems & Streamlined Processes: A coach can help you implement robust, intelligent systems for everything from client onboarding to marketing automation (perhaps even leveraging smart AI tools to make things incredibly efficient!). This isn't just about being organised; it’s about building a business that can scale without you being chained to your desk 24/7. It’s about creating flow, so you can focus on your genius zone. Our Business Flourish Framework page delves into how these integrated systems contribute to overall business health & your personal well-being.
Sustainable Growth & Genuine Work-Life Integration: The goal isn’t just to build a big business; it’s to build a business that supports a life you love. Coaching helps you achieve sustainable growth strategies that prevent burnout & allow you to integrate your work with your family life & personal well-being, ensuring your business energises rather than drains you.
The Cost of NotNot Investing: A Perspective Shift
Sometimes, it’s helpful to flip the question. What’s the cost of notnot investing in the right support?
Wasted Time & Money: Months, even years, spent on trial-&-error, chasing shiny objects, or making costly mistakes that an experienced coach could have helped you avoid.
Missed Opportunities: How many potential clients or growth avenues are you missing because you lack the clarity, confidence, or strategy to seize them?
Burnout & Stagnation: Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, & on the verge of giving up because you’re trying to do it all alone. I’ve certainly felt that way in previous corporate roles where I was just a "cog in the wheel," & it’s a feeling I wouldn’t wish on any entrepreneur.
Slower Progress: Your journey might be significantly slower & more arduous without the accelerated learning curve & strategic shortcuts that good coaching provides.
Navigating Coaching Packages & Pricing: Making an Informed Choice for YourYour Business
Okay, so you’re starting to see the value. But how do you choose? Coaching comes in many flavours:
Hourly rates or one-off intensives: Good for specific, targeted problem-solving.
Packages: A set number of sessions focused on a particular outcome.
Group Programmes: Often more affordable, offering community support alongside expert guidance. These are brilliant for connecting with peers who truly ‘get it’.
Long-term 1:1 Retainers/Partnerships: The highest level of investment, offering deep, personalised, ongoing strategic support.
The key is to align the investment with your current business stage & your most pressing goals.
If you're a Foundation Builder needing to validate your idea, nail your niche, & create a solid action plan, an entry-level program like our Spark Program might be the perfect fit to build that crucial groundwork before making larger investments. Our Spark program helps you to gain crystal clarity on your ideal client & validate your offer, setting you up for success.
If you're a Scaling Leader looking to attract premium clients consistently, implement sophisticated systems, & grow sustainably, then more intensive 1:1 coaching would be a strategic move.
And if you're a Visionary Leader aiming for exponential growth & legacy building, an executive-level strategic partnership is what you’d be looking for.
Before you invest, ask yourself:
What is my biggest challenge right now?
What specific outcome do I want to achieve from business coachingbusiness coaching?
What level of support do I realistically need & have the capacity for?
Does this coach’s approach, values, & expertise resonate with me & my business?
& when you speak to potential coaches, don’t be afraid to ask them tough questions about their experience, their process, & how they measure success for their clients. Trust your intuition, but also do your due diligence. After all, this is about finding a true partner in your growth. If you're curious about how we tailor support for different stages, our Work With Us page gives an overview of Femmeprenista’s offerings.
Taking Ownership of Your Growth: You Are Worth the Investment
Ultimately, investing in business coachingbusiness coaching is an act of taking profound personal responsibility for your growth & the success of your venture. It’s a declaration that you believe in your vision, you value your time, & you are committed to building something truly impactful.
You, your dreams, & your business are absolutely worth investing in. The right coaching isn't just about learning new strategies; it’s about unlocking your potential, fast-tracking your journey, & building a business that not only thrives financially but also enriches your life & allows you to make the difference you’re here to make.
So, instead of asking "Can I afford this?", perhaps the better question is, "Can I afford notnot to invest in the support that will help me achieve my biggest goals, faster & with more joy?"
Before making any investments, it's important to brainstorm 3 specific areas in your business where business coachingbusiness coaching could provide the most value.
If you're ready to explore how strategic support can transform your entrepreneurial journey, I invite you to take a look at our signature 6-month 1:1 coaching accelerator, Momentum Coaching, specifically designed for scaling leaders.
Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Investing in yourself is the most powerful move you can make.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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