Business coaching is about one thing: getting you from where you are now to where you want to be faster than you’d manage on your own. It’s part mentor, part accountability partner and part kick up the arse, which all come together to help you succeed.
Before 2020 (no prizes for guessing what significant global event happened that year), most people assumed coaching meant sitting in an office, face-to-face, with a notebook and coffee in hand. But when we were all forced to become Zoom experts, it became obvious pretty quickly that it’s easy to do a lot of the things we did in a physical space in a virtual space. Online coaching went from a niche option to a mainstream one, with entrepreneurs all over the world realising they could get world-class guidance without stepping out of their front door.
But here’s the big question: can online coaching match, or even beat, the results you’d get in person?
In this article, I’m going to explore whether online business coaching is as effective as in-person coaching. I’ll cover how:
- Business coaching aims to expedite reaching your goals, serving as a mentor and accountability partner.
- Online coaching has become a mainstream option, offering convenience and access to global experts without leaving home.
- Online coaching can match the effectiveness of traditional in-person coaching.
What is Online Business Coaching?
Online business coaching works just like traditional coaching, except instead of meeting in person, you meet via video calls, messaging apps or online platforms. You’ll typically connect using tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. This can be one-on-one in a private coaching session or in a group setting. The most personalised online business coaching sessions are primarily one-on-one, as this lets you get into the nitty-gritty and keep things focused on you and your business.
Depending on the coach’s style, you might also have access to shared workspaces, goal trackers, online training modules and instant feedback through email or messaging. It’s the same focus on clarity, strategy and accountability, just delivered digitally.
Key Benefits of Online Coaching
There are many benefits to having an online business coach. Here are a few of the biggies.
Flexibility in Scheduling
You can book sessions around your business and personal life. No long commutes, no fixed geography. Whether you’re at home, in the office or halfway around the world, you can still get your session in.
Access to Global Experts
In the past, you were stuck with whoever was nearby. Now, you can work with the best coach for your needs, even if they’re 5,000 miles away. Want an example? I’m in Dubai, but work with entrepreneurs and business owners in the UK, USA, Asia and beyond.
Lower Costs
No travel, no venue hire, no extra overheads. Coaches can pass those savings on, making high-quality coaching more affordable. A study actually revealed that online coaching tends to cost around 23% less than in-person coaching.
Comfort of Your Own Space
Some people open up more in familiar surroundings. Being at home or in your own office can help you think more clearly, speak honestly and focus on the work without the small talk or awkward waiting rooms.
Common Myths About Online Coaching
If you’ve heard something negative about online coaching, then there’s a good chance it’s a myth. Here are some of the most common misconceptions I’ve come across:
‘It’s Less Personal’
Definitely not. If anything good came out of the pandemic, it’s that we learnt that people can still connect exceptionally well online. And a good coach will still build trust and connection through video just as they would in person. In fact, online coaching often means more touchpoints, like quick messages, check-ins and shared notes between sessions.
‘You Can’t Read Body Language Online’
With high-quality video and decent lighting, you can see facial expressions and gestures clearly. Plus, skilled coaches adapt to picking up tone of voice, micro-reactions and digital cues.
‘It’s Less Effective Than In-Person’
Any type of training, whether in-person or virtual, can be good or bad depending on the coach. Great coaches know how to engage in any setting, and the key is to make sure you partner with a coach who’s used to delivering online sessions. Plus, the convenience means fewer cancellations and more consistency, which boosts results.
‘You Won’t Stay Accountable’
If anything, accountability can be stronger online. Coaches can track progress through shared documents, set automated reminders and jump on quick follow-up calls without waiting for a monthly in-person meeting.
The advantages and challenges of in-person and online coaching
Sometimes in-person coaching works for you. Sometimes online coaching works for you. If you’re still on the fence, here are the advantages and challenges of each.
Advantages of In-Person Coaching
When you’re in the same room as your coach, there’s an energy you can’t quite replicate online. You pick up on subtle cues, you can read the mood and you can feel the atmosphere. In-person coaching often feels immersive. You’re away from your usual environment, free from day-to-day distractions and you can fully focus on the session. Plus, hands-on exercises, workshops and brainstorming can flow more naturally face-to-face.
Challenges of In-Person Coaching
Of course, in-person coaching isn’t always practical. You’ve got to factor in travel time, travel costs and sometimes overnight stays if your coach is based far away. That also means less flexibility. Rescheduling can be a headache. And unless you’re willing to travel internationally, your choice of coaches is limited to those you can physically meet. This is usually the single biggest challenge when it comes to meeting physically with a business coach – it’s highly unlikely the perfect coach for you is based just around the corner.
Advantages of Online Coaching
Online coaching opens up your world. You’re no longer limited to local expertise. You can work with the best coaches anywhere in the world without leaving your desk. Sessions are easier to schedule, costs are often lower and you can join from a place where you feel comfortable and at ease. Tools like video calls, shared documents and instant messaging keep the conversation flowing between sessions, so support doesn’t stop when the call ends.
Challenges of Online Coaching
Tech issues can derail a session if your internet drops out or your microphone plays up. Some people miss the physical presence and body language cues that come more naturally in person. And if you’re working across time zones, finding a slot that works for both you and your coach can take some juggling.
Which Format is Right for You?
The right choice depends on your budget, location, learning style, time availability and goals. If you value global access, lower costs and convenience, online is probably for you. If you want maximum face-to-face interaction and hands-on activities, in-person may suit you better.
For many entrepreneurs, a hybrid model may work best. A mix of online sessions for regular check-ins and accountability, with occasional in-person deep dives, gives them the best of both worlds.
How to Get the Most Out of Online Business Coaching
An online business coach can deliver incredible results, but only if you show up prepared and ready to engage. Unlike in-person sessions, you don’t have the benefit of a physical setting to keep you focused, so it’s on you to create the right conditions for success. Here’s how to make the most of every session:
- Prepare in advance: Don’t turn up hoping inspiration will strike. Before each session, take 10 or 15 minutes to list your key questions, challenges or wins since the last call. Having a clear agenda means your coach can give you targeted advice and actionable next steps.
- Get your tech sorted: A poor connection can kill the momentum. Make sure your internet connection is reliable, use a headset for clearer sound and make sure your camera and lighting allow your coach to see you clearly. It’s a small detail that helps you build a stronger rapport.
- Set clear goals: Define what success means for you, whether it’s hitting revenue targets, improving leadership skills or streamlining operations. Share these with your coach so they can tailor their guidance and track your progress against these benchmarks.
- Engage fully: Treat online coaching like an in-person meeting. Keep your camera on, maintain eye contact and silence distractions (aka, don’t keep looking at your phone). The more present you are, the more value you’ll take away.
The Key Takeaways
- Online coaching boasts flexibility, global accessibility and cost savings but requires reliable tech and personal discipline to maximise effectiveness.
- In-person coaching offers immersive experiences and unique energy but can lack flexibility and accessibility.
- The optimal choice depends on your budget, location, learning preferences and goals, with a hybrid model offering the benefits of both formats.
What Are You Waiting For? Start Your Coaching Journey Today
Online business coaching isn’t a watered-down version of the ‘real thing’. It is the real thing. Whether it’s more effective than in-person depends on your needs, discipline and choice of coach.
For many entrepreneurs, the convenience, global access and lower costs make it the smart choice. For others, nothing beats shaking hands, sitting across a table and brainstorming face-to-face.
Either way, the coach you choose matters more than the medium you use. If you want straight-talking, results-driven business coaching without the fluff, you know where to find me.
