Business Coaching for Startups

Are you a startup founder? Do you struggle with actually knowing where to start? Do you want to create a business startup that is sustainable, enjoyable and profitable? If the answer is yes, then I'd like to help. I'm Robin, and I'm a business coach for startups.

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Working for yourself is like you’ve won the lottery.

You have all the privileges you dreamt of, getting to the office after 9 am, taking holidays whenever you feel like, taking risks and accepting challenges.Every day brings something new, a new task, a new challenge and new requirements.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

Well, It Doesn’t Start Out Quite Like This…

You have to be patient and you have to put more effort than you would in a regular 9-5 job.

If you’re a start-up and you feel like you’re going nowhere, there are a lot of questions that may come to mind;

  • What am I doing?
  • Is there a point?
  • Shall I just give up?

You are not seeing any progress and you feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, you begin to enter the “Shall I just give up?” phase, without knowing how far you have come and not feeling that your business has any value.

You quit, and you return to you regular 9-5 life.

Stuck in the Startup Cycle? You’re Not Alone

It’s a familiar story: the initial excitement wears off, and suddenly you’re faced with obstacles that Google can’t fix and motivational quotes can’t budge. It’s easy for your commitment to start slipping. Maybe you find yourself missing deadlines or avoiding the tough tasks. You start asking if any of this is worth it.

This isn’t just you, it’s a common pitfall. Many founders struggle to stay accountable and motivated when progress feels slow or invisible. The key is to break down your journey into smaller, achievable milestones and actually celebrate those tiny wins. Every bit of progress counts, even if it doesn’t feel like a parade-worthy moment. Sometimes, you need to pause and look back at how far you’ve come, rather than only focusing on the mountain ahead.

Another big hurdle is misalignment, either within your own goals or between you and anyone who’s meant to be helping you. If you’re not clear on what you want, or if your vision keeps clashing with your team (or your coach), frustration sets in fast. Open communication, yes, even the awkward kind, is essential. Regular check-ins, honest feedback, and revisiting your original “why” can help keep everyone rowing in the same direction.

Building a business isn’t just about slogging through hard work; it’s about creating an environment where resilience and persistence are valued, where setbacks are normal, and where the occasional victory dance is encouraged. This is what keeps you moving forward, even when it feels like you’re standing still.

But How To Avoid This?

You need a guide, a guru, someone who you can ask all the questions.

A Business Coach is your guide!

Battling Commitment Issues in the Startup Jungle

So, how do you actually turbocharge your startup’s commitment and keep that fire burning (instead of fizzling out midway through your founding saga)? This is where your business coach does their best Gandalf impression, waving the staff and keeping everyone moving through tough terrain.

Here’s how a great coach tackles commitment woes:

  • Accountability, Baby: First up, coaches don’t just hand you a to-do list. They check in, challenge you, and cheer you on, making sure you don’t conveniently “forget” those hairy tasks. Regular check-ins are like that friendly-but-annoying workout partner who won’t let you skip leg day.
  • Tiny, Tasty Milestones: Big goals are inspiring, but let’s face it, they can also be overwhelming. Good coaches break them down into snack-sized wins. Every time you reach one, there’s a little celebration, think gold stars, or that post-pitch burger at Five Guys.
  • Fail-Forward Attitude: Coaches help turn setbacks into stories for tomorrow’s TED Talk, not reasons to bail. Open conversations about what’s not working helps everyone get back on track faster.
  • Building Trust: All of this only works if you trust each other. A coach worth their salt creates a space where you can admit you don’t know it all, vent about challenges, and brainstorm like you’re in a Silicon Valley coffee shop.
  • Resilience Training: At the end of the day, the goal is toughness. Coaches teach you to get up one more time than you’re knocked down. Grit is non-negotiable.

So, if you’re worried about falling off the commitment wagon, don’t go it alone, lean on your guide. That’s what they’re there for.

What Is Business Coaching?

Business coaching for startups is the process of helping entrepreneurs and even professionals, grow and stabilise their business by expanding their knowledge and skills.

When you think of a Business Coach, what comes to mind?

A middle-aged motivational speaker, sat in a conference room sipping a cold cup of coffee, rambling on about how ‘Small Business Coaching can help transform your life and career’.

Business Coaches are VERY different!

A Business Coach will help you get from where you are now to where you want to be.

But it doesn’t stop there. The process often kicks off with in-depth goal-setting and action planning. You’ll work side by side with your coach to identify clear, achievable objectives, think of these as the signposts on your roadmap from where you are now to where you want to be. Together, you’ll break down your big ambitions into practical milestones and actionable tasks, all tailored to your vision and the unique challenges your startup faces.

This structured approach doesn’t just keep you motivated; it gives you a focused, step-by-step plan so you’re not just dreaming big, but actually moving forward, one milestone at a time.

Your Business Coach will help you first understand what you really want out of this whole thing. Your Coach will then help you set your goals, making a business strategy and help to create an ideal consumer and target market.

Your Coach already knows what comes next (they have done this before), so don’t get too nervous.

Why Does Your Coach’s Experience Matter?

Let’s be honest, choosing a coach who “gets it” makes all the difference. If your business coach has worked with entrepreneurs in shoes just like yours (muddy, mismatched, sometimes running at full sprint!), they’re not just sharing abstract theories plucked out of the latest Harvard Business Review. They’ve actually seen the mistakes, messes, and small wins that come with your stage of the journey.

A coach who has supported founders in your field or growth stage:

  • Knows the common pitfalls and how to side-step them (think shortcut, not scenic route through the pain).
  • Shares stories, examples, and quick fixes that actually work for businesses like yours, no generic waffle about “synergy” or “thinking outside the box.”
  • Tailors their advice for your situation, rather than dishing out cookie-cutter solutions that belong in someone else’s playbook.

It’s the difference between having a tour guide who’s trekked the Amazon versus someone who’s skimmed the brochure at the airport lounge. You want the one who’s been there, gotten muddy, and emerged with a tip or two (like which bugs not to eat).

A coach like this won’t just sympathise. They’ll offer actionable feedback and encouragement, delivered in a way that resonates with where you are right now, setting you up for better, faster, more confident progress.

The Power of Personal Connection in Coaching

Let’s be honest, a great coaching relationship is built on more than just business plans and productivity hacks. The real magic happens when there’s a genuine personal connection between you and your coach. Why? Because when you feel understood and actually heard, you’re far more likely to open up about what’s really going on, your ambitions, your roadblocks, even the embarrassing mistakes you wouldn’t want to admit over coffee at Pret.

It’s this trust and openness that takes coaching from a tick-box exercise to something genuinely transformational. A coach who takes the time to understand your personality, values, and unique quirks can tailor their advice so it actually fits into your world (not just into a generic blueprint they give every client). The result? More honest conversations, faster breakthroughs, and a feeling that you’re working with a partner, not just ticking off another “self-development” meeting on your calendar.

On the flipside, if that personal connection is missing, coaching sessions can quickly become mechanical and, frankly, a bit pointless. Without rapport, it’s easy to hold back or stay on the surface, and any advice given just doesn’t land in the same way. In short, it’s a bit like trying to get career advice from Siri, technically correct, but totally lacking in nuance or real empathy.

Business Coaches hold coaching sessions, talks, publish/post content, have eLearning programmes or videos.

A business coach focuses on:

The Real Difference: Good vs. Bad Coaches With Industry Experience

So, what actually separates a great coach from a not-so-great one when it comes to industry experience?

A good business coach doesn’t just fill the room with jargon or war stories from their “glory days” in the sector. Instead, they use their knowledge to craft solutions that fit your unique situation. They’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves and help you tackle the thorny specifics that are tripping you up, whether it’s wrangling your first client like a pro or finally understanding that line between “networking” and “awkwardly chasing LinkedIn connections.”

Here’s what to look for:

  • Practical Application: Great coaches translate their experience into practical, step-by-step advice, no vague motivational fluff, just actionable insights you can actually use.
  • Adaptability: They tune in to your needs, your market, and your goals. If something isn’t working, they don’t just repeat the same tired advice, they help you pivot.
  • Relevant Support: Instead of merely reciting what worked in the past, they ask questions, listen carefully, and tailor strategies to your startup’s challenges (and your personality).

Meanwhile, a coach who just “has experience” but can’t connect it to your world is a bit like a driving instructor who can’t remember which pedal is the brake, technically present, but not particularly useful.

You want someone who moves you forward, not just someone who’s been in the car before.

The Different Types of Startup Coaches

Alright, let’s demystify the world of startup coaching a bit. Not all coaches are created equal, and depending on where you’re at in your journey, you’ll find a variety of players ready to help you grow your business, sharpen your edge, or simply keep you sane.

Let’s break down some of the most common types you’ll encounter:

  • Paid Business Coach: The classic, think of this as your dedicated business sidekick (minus the superhero capes, unfortunately). They’ll give you 1:1 attention, challenge your thinking, hold you accountable, and guide you through business strategies tailored specifically to your needs. Yes, you pay for this, but the right coach can help you reveal blind spots, improve your decision-making skills, and turbocharge your progress.
  • Mentors: These are your wise sages, folks with a bit more mileage on the entrepreneurial clock. They don’t usually charge for their time; instead, they share hard-won lessons, cheer you on, and offer that all-important “been there, made that mistake” perspective. Sometimes the sessions are formal, sometimes they happen over coffee. Either way, a good mentor is worth their weight in flat whites.
  • Angel Investors: Think of angels as startup fairy godparents with checkbooks. Not only can they provide funding, but many also come loaded with advice and networks that open doors. Angels can help you avoid the early-stage potholes, especially if you’re looking to scale fast.
  • Venture Capital Firms: When you’re ready to go big or go home, VCs are the folks who provide major investment, in exchange for equity. Along with money, you’ll often get strategic advice, introductions, and potential collaborations. Just be prepared for tougher questions and bigger ambitions!
  • Peer-to-Peer Coaching: Sometimes the best support comes from fellow founders who are in the thick of it too. In these relationships, you swap advice, feedback, and encouragement. It’s all about shared learning, mutual accountability, and not feeling so alone when things get tricky.
  • Industry-Specific Coaches: If your field has its own quirks (looking at you, fintech and healthtech founders), seek out coaches with deep sector expertise. They know the unique challenges and trends you’ll face, and can help you sidestep industry-specific pitfalls.
  • Accelerators and Incubators: These programs can take you from “just an idea” or “early MVP” to something that’s investor-ready. Incubators are the nurturing types, offering long-term support and space to grow. Accelerators put your business into bootcamp mode, intense mentoring, workshops, and sometimes funding, usually over a set few months.

Remember, there’s no single “right” answer, the best support often comes from a healthy mix of these expert allies.

Business Coaches hold coaching sessions, talks, publish/post content, have eLearning programmes or videos.

How Virtual Coaching Platforms Empower Remote Startup Mentoring

Thanks to modern technology, getting support for your startup doesn’t have to mean flying across the globe or squeezing into crowded seminar rooms. Virtual coaching platforms have seriously changed the game for budding entrepreneurs.

How do they work their magic? For a start, these platforms connect you with experienced coaches and mentors from anywhere in the world, no passport required! With tools like Growth Mentor or MentorCam, you can join live video sessions, instant chats, or even interactive workshops from the comfort of your kitchen table (or your favourite coffee spot).

Some of the perks include:

  • Real-time feedback: Bounce ideas off mentors at the click of a button, no waiting weeks for a meeting.
  • Personalised support: Many platforms use smart matching to pair you with mentors who understand your unique challenges.
  • Flexible scheduling: Book calls or submit questions at times that actually work for you, not just standard office hours.

This means you get tailored advice, accountability, and even a bit of cheerleading, exactly when you need it. Remote startup mentoring through these virtual channels breaks down the old barriers, making expert coaching more accessible, efficient, and, dare I say it, a lot less intimidating.

A business coach focuses on:

  • Setting you up to be more comfortable in sourcing new customers.
  • Helping you develop and understand your own business.
  • Helping you gain confidence in your specific area.

How Industry-Specific Coaching Tackles Unique Sector Challenges

Not all businesses are created equal, what works in healthcare may be a total flop in tech, and vice versa. That’s where industry-specific coaching comes in.

Imagine you’re running a fintech startup. Your challenges won’t look anything like the ones facing a small design agency or a retail shop. Industry-specific coaches are seasoned pros who have spent years (sometimes decades) working in your field. They're the folks who know the jargon, understand the regulations, and have already seen the pitfalls and opportunities unique to your industry.

Here’s how this focus pays off:

  • Tailored Solutions: Industry coaches don’t hand out generic advice. They help you untangle the actual problems you face, things like compliance in finance, GDPR in tech, or supply chain issues in manufacturing.
  • Current Insights: Who else is as plugged into the latest trends and disruptions in your sector as someone who’s made it their business? These coaches point out the shifts that you need to stay ahead of (think: regulatory changes, hot new tech, or market saturation).
  • Practical Experience: You benefit from real-world, battle-tested strategies, with less trial-and-error on your end.
  • Competitive Edge: By addressing sector-specific challenges with someone who’s “been there, done that,” you’re more likely to outpace competitors who rely on one-size-fits-all advice.

Simply put, industry-specific coaching arms you with insights, strategies, and support tailored for the exact world you’re operating in. This way, your business isn’t just surviving the unique storms of your sector,it’s learning to dance in the rain.

What is Peer-to-Peer Coaching?

If you’re picturing two CEOs in designer suits trading battle stories, think again. Peer-to-peer coaching is a more down-to-earth, roll-up-your-sleeves approach, think fellow founders, startup teams, or budding entrepreneurs simply helping each other navigate the wild maze that is launching a business.

Instead of a classic top-down dynamic with one person “in charge,” this style of coaching is all about equals guiding each other. Imagine you and another founder sitting over a cup of (probably cold) coffee, swapping feedback, sharing hard-won lessons from yesterday’s pitch, or bouncing ideas on how to tackle tomorrow’s challenge. It’s a mutual exchange, everyone brings something to the table.

But why does this really matter for startups?

  • Instant Feedback: You don’t have to wait months for a wise guru to drop pearls of wisdom. Your peers are right in the trenches with you, ready to call out blind spots or spark new ideas.
  • Accountability: It’s a lot harder to slack off when your peers are expecting updates. You push each other to grow, stretch, and stick with your goals.
  • Collective Wisdom: Everyone wrestles with similar hurdles (hello, cash flow nightmares and customer acquisition headaches!). Peer coaching lets you tap into shared experiences and solutions.
  • Low Barrier, High Value: No need for a massive training budget, just a bit of time, some humility, and a willingness to learn.

In short, peer-to-peer coaching creates a safe space for learning and experimenting, making it a secret weapon for scrappy startups and ambitious founders looking to level up, no stale conference room required.

You’re probably asking yourself, why do I need a Business Coach?

You cannot gain all these skills by yourself. Even if you do it will be time-consuming. But why can’t you just gain this knowledge through books or through media?

Because you will face challenges unique to you and your business, the market changes so rapidly, your product/service might be in a high demand one month, but face losing the next.

How do you combat this?

A Business Coach has had plenty of experience and can help you plan strategies to get you back to being, a thriving business.

How Angel Investors and Venture Capital Companies Fuel Startup Coaching and Growth

Now, you might be wondering, “Who else is on my side as I try to grow my business?” Let's talk about two major players you’ve probably heard about over endless cups of bad conference coffee: angel investors and venture capital companies. But they’re not just figures in entrepreneurial folklore, they’re genuine catalysts in helping coaching-based startups like yours make the leap to the next level.

Angel Investors: More Than Just Capital

Think of angel investors as entrepreneurial fairy godparents (minus the magic wand, but with much better business sense). These are experienced individuals who step in at those critical early stages when traditional funding is hard to come by. But here’s the twist, they’re not just cheque-writers.

Angel investors can provide:

  • One-on-one mentorship: Direct advice from someone who’s been through the highs and lows of business, tailored to your unique vision.
  • Valuable networks: Access to industry contacts, potential partners, and expert guidance you simply won’t find in your average business book.
  • Strategic insight: Tips on avoiding common pitfalls and navigating the tricky paths of growth.

In short, an angel investor who believes in your business is a massive confidence boost, and a practical advantage.

Venture Capital Companies: Scaling the Ambitions

If angel investors are fairy godparents, venture capital companies are more like all-star sports coaches with a bit more at stake. These firms come aboard when your startup is showing real potential to scale, and they drive even bigger ambitions.

How do they help?

  • Substantial investment: Funding for rapid growth, often far beyond what angels provide.
  • Expert teams: Access to specialists in marketing, operations, technology, and law, basically, an advisory dream team.
  • Industry connections: Partnerships, media exposure, and introductions that accelerate your business journey.
  • Operational support: Structures, systems, and frameworks to professionalise your startup so you’re ready for the big league.

Combined, both angel investors and VCs become pivotal in guiding coaching startups, not just with cash, but with the kind of sharp, actionable coaching that can turn a tiny spark into a thriving enterprise.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Business Coach?

Investing in business coach is your loyalty towards your business and your time. Consider of hiring a business coach for your start-up if:

  1. You lack self-confidence: – Confidence in business is like liquid gold. Being supported by a great coach will give you the confidence to go into major situations, dealing with crises, or handling conflict.
  2. You don’t know how to work well, within your specific market: – Business Coaches run exercises around personality and leadership. In your business journey, you will meet many different personalities, this can help understand how to change the way you work with different people.
  3. You aren’t getting the results you’d hoped for: – Coaches can help you by asking the questions you aren’t asking yourself, why didn’t is work? How can you change it to make it work?

Business coaching is a secret recipe to boost up your start-up business.

What Does "Pay It Forward" Mean in Startup Mentoring?

Let’s talk about “paying it forward”, and yes, unlike the movie, there’s no dramatic rain-soaked music or tearful classroom scenes required.

“Pay it forward” in the world of startup mentoring is all about experienced business owners giving back. Instead of keeping their hard-earned wisdom locked away, they freely share their insights, lessons learned, and practical chances (sometimes even funding!) with early-stage founders who are still navigating their own entrepreneurial mazes.

But why do it? Because almost every successful entrepreneur has had someone help them, whether it was sage-like advice over a coffee at Pret, a mentor in the next LinkedIn message, or simply someone telling them what not to do after a catastrophic product demo. It’s a cycle: those who benefited from guidance, now help the next generation avoid the same potholes.

Here’s how “pay it forward” plays out in startup mentoring:

  • Mentoring budding founders: Seasoned entrepreneurs offer advice, answer tough questions, and often challenge your thinking (in the nicest possible way).
  • Sharing resources: Whether it’s access to a helpful contact, a crash course in Google Analytics, or a trusted accountant, the hand gets extended.
  • Collaborative culture: This spirit of sharing doesn’t just help the individual; it builds a stronger, more resilient business community, think of the camaraderie you find at events like London Tech Week or at your local coworking space.

So, the next time you hear “pay it forward,” remember: it’s how the startup world keeps the wheels turning and the ideas thriving. Today’s startup founder becomes tomorrow’s mentor, quietly fueling the cycle of innovation, without ever breaking into a Hollywood monologue.

How We Can Help

Not sure which services are right for you? Just book a call with Robin and he'll help you figure it out