We all know accountability is key when it comes to a successful business. But what is an accountability coach? And even more important, do you need one? Let’s dive in.

Simply put, an accountability coach is someone who leads you to clarity on the direction you want to take action toward in your business, helps you stay on track with your goals, and provides guidance to ensure you’re making progress in your business and getting results.

AKA, the exact same things a business coach does.

Understanding Your Business Needs

The first step in understanding what a business or accountability coach does is (and whether they can help you) is understanding where you are in your business and what you need in order to grow. This is the first place where I see so many entrepreneurs get stuck. 

Either you’re:

1. Rocking it in your business and see massive results coming in – but are overwhelmed, burned out, or dread sitting down at your desk day to day…

2. Love what you do, but are looking for more growth in your bottom line…

3. Or some combination of the two.

Not in one of those places? Excellent, a business coach might not be the right call for you right now! But if you do fit into one of these three areas, getting help with accountability and strategy is likely going to benefit you.

Every time I work with a client, I start by sitting down and gaining real clarity around what areas of their operations and marketing they’re excelling in and what areas could use some attention. We build a strong foundation together (no more trying random marketing tactics to see what works) to really evaluate how you can find growth in your business.

Building Strategy and Taking Action

This is where accountability really comes into play. Any good accountability or business coach knows that if you have someone to answer to when working toward a goal, you’re significantly more likely to accomplish tasks and follow through on their commitments. 

In fact, a 2024 report by Zipdo notes that 70% of those who work with a business coach note improved work performance. And companies who invest in coaching see productivity rates that are 88% higher than those that do not.

There’s a few main reasons why working with a business coach provides such a strong sense of accountability. Not only do coaches offer objective perspectives and insights you might not see when deeply immersed in the day-to-day of your work, but they are also able to bring in personalized strategies tailored to your specific business needs.

So think of it this way: While taking a course, listening to a podcast, or reading a business book can provide education around how to accomplish something, as a business coach I take those strategies and look at the big picture to see what will work for you as an individual – and then give you the steps to take to make it a reality.

I take into account your unique goals, vision, services, audience, industry, personality, and energetic design so you stop wasting precious time and energy doing work that doesn’t serve you, and focus instead on strategies that get results.

And yes, a huge part of this lies in holding you accountable. Just like an accountability coach, I’m here to make sure you stay on track in your day-to-day work, focusing your energy on tasks that actually move your business forward. I’m there to be the person you have to answer to when you don't get things done...and the one to motivate you to do them in the first place.

How Business Coaching Packages Hold You Accountable

When it comes to working with a business or accountability coach, it’s important to pay attention to how they format their packages, how much access to the coach you receive, and whether or not a coach has a proven track record of experience and results. Different types of coaching packages are more or less likely to get you where you want to go and evaluating them accordingly will help you find the best option for you.

Consider the different types of coaching small business owners can choose. Some are long or short term, some are one-on-one or in group/mastermind settings. Some you work with a coach directly, others you might have overall strategy decided by a coach but work with one of their employees. When working with a coach, here are my recommendations:

Regular Meetings and Accountability:
No matter what type of program a client chooses to work with me in, I always put a premium on making sure we talk either weekly or every other week. Why? While it’s my goal to save you time and energy, having a regular meeting time allows me to be able to strategize, hold you accountable, and keep my eye on forward movement. Take these stats from a business study to understand the power of an accountability coach even further.

Probability of achieving a goal based on these actions:

• Having an idea or goal: 10% likely to complete the goal

• Consciously deciding that you will do it: 25%

• Deciding when you will do it: 40%

• Planning how to do it: 50%

• Committing to someone that you will do it: 65%

• Having a specific accountability appointment with someone you’ve committed to: 95%

Long-Term Programs:
While it may seem less intimidating or scary to work with a business coach in a short term setting, packages with a minimum of six months are more likely to get actual results. Longer-term commitments offer sustained support and accountability, and allow a coach to provide deeper, more meaningful strategy that is backed by data. AKA lasting transformation and growth.

One-on-One Coaching V. Masterminds:
While both types of business coaching programs allow personalized attention and support tailored specifically to your business, I generally give clients this advice when deciding between the two. One-on-one business coaching is for those who want dedicated time with a coach on their own, while the mastermind thrives at adding the collective wisdom, experience, and support of other business entrepreneurs. There is no wrong answer between these formats. As long as the coach has a proven track record and is experienced, both can get you results.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, working with an accountability coach (AKA business coach) can be a game-changer for your business. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s the right time to invest, consider this: If you're serious about taking your business to the next level, investing in a coaching package could be the catalyst you need for transformative growth. 

Ask yourself: Am I looking to scale, increase my income, climb out of a place of burnout, or ready to love my business again? Am I ready to have real clarity, looking for a strategy I feel confident in, want to feel motivated to take consistent action, and find real results? If so, then working with a business coach could be the solution you've been searching for.

And when you’re ready, here are three ways I can help you:

• Start your journey with free business resources.

• Get support, accountability, and community in a business coaching mastermind.

• Take the next step with one-on-one business coaching.