Having a business coach — someone who offers expertise you don’t have and help you navigate challenges and goals — is crucial. Having a so-called ‘guru’? Not so much.

Throughout their careers as gym owners and tech leaders, Nick and Dan collectively have had 10 business coaches — and they know it’s impossible to see the ROI of a coach until you’ve worked with the right one.

In this week’s episode, they explore what makes a great mentor, the warning signs of bad advice, and how to find the right fit for your business needs. From student-coach ratios to gut instincts, they share actionable tips and personal insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and thrive under expert guidance.

Want a checklist of for interviewing a potential coach? Or want some guidance on whether you’re making the right decision? Shoot Dan and Nick an email: podcast@pushpress.com

Timestamps:

[:18] Why are business coaches important?

[1:31] Dan and Nick’s personal experiences with business coaches

[3:44] Canned advice is worthless

[5:20] You need to get value quickly

[6:09] Talk to critics of your potential coach

[7:58] Student-to-coach ratios matter

[9:36] Get the right coach for your current needs

[11:30] Match coaching style to your needs

[12:59] Don’t focus on vanity metrics

[14:03] Ask about their failures

[16:24] Check the coach’s pedigree

[17:48] Trust your gut