When you compare the two of these words, by definition, they really are not all that different. A coach is a person who teaches or trains an athlete, performer, members of a sports team, or a person how to play a game or lessons in a particular subject. A consultant is a person who gives professional advice or services to companies for a fee.

I would think that most would agree that both charge a fee; so really then, why do we call ourselves coaches, consultants, and is one better than the other?

It is my opinion, like so many things in the world of life or business, that products and services are packaged and named to appeal to different audiences. I know that some of my clients want to seek out coaching to improve their lives; either personally or professionally, and if it is personally, they wouldn’t think of searching out the word consultant online to find a professional to help them since they may only associate the title consultant with business. And others, especially some corporations, only want to work with consultants because they think of coaches as only motivational, inspirational, or rah-rah type of individuals that will pump up themselves or their employees, leaving them needing more of their services after a short period of time. Consulting, to them, signifies Results. I know that from a marketing perspective, businesses list both of these types of services for the mere fact of appealing to both audiences.

Although I can not speak for all coaches or consultants; I can speak for myself. Since, I teach actual, lifelong, tangible tools and skills to people and corporations to increase their confidence whether it be personally or professionally so that they may take more strategic Actions and achieve the ultimate Results they are seeking; I am by definition – BOTH – A Coach and Consultant.

Either way you slice it or dice it, in my opinion, if you are only giving advice and NOT teaching your clients how to play the game or giving them skills and tools to play the game more effectively, you are not a very good consultant. I believe both go hand in hand. Now that doesn’t mean that a consultant should be the ‘Jack of all trades’ but they should then surround themselves with other professionals that can finish the job with them. Or take a different approach. Do not take on a consulting role or job if you can not give advice AND training. Anyone that has contacted me regarding coaching or consulting knows that I interview them as much as they interview me to ensure that we are on the same page and the outcomes they seek, I am Confident I can assist them with. As a successful coach and consultant, it is my company and my name on the line. You only have one reputation and biting off more than you can chew is never worth it.

What to look for in a successful coach and consultant:

1) Do they host an interview with you to determine your needs before accepting the job?
2) Are they willing to help direct you, even if they are not the ones that would end up working with you?
3) When they see things in the media that may pertain to your business, whether it is part of their current contract or not, do they share it with you?
4) Are you CONFIDENT they are seeking what is best for the longevitiy of you, your company, and the Results you want?
5) Do they give you tangible skills and tools that can be shared and re-taught as you or your company grows or do they make you dependent on them only?

A successful coach and consultant will advise, teach, train, and lead by example. Always.