The Business Coaching Scam Why Most Coaches, Consultants, and Fractional Executives Are Failing Their Clients
Eric Whitmoyer
Business Strategist | Assisting Business Owners to Start, Grow, Scale, & Exit Their Business | Recruiting A Team of Coaches, Consultants, & Fractional Execs to join our Billion Dollar Mission to Impact Small Business
If you’re a business coach, consultant, or fractional executive, here’s a hard truth:
Many professionals in our industry are failing their clients.
Not because coaching, consulting, or fractional leadership isn’t valuable—but because too many people are offering advice they’ve never tested in real businesses.
The result?
Disappointed clients, failed businesses, and a growing reputation problem in our industry.
If you want to be a coach, consultant, or fractional executive who actually delivers results, you need to operate differently.
Let’s break down the common mistakes ruining this industry and how you can stand out as a real expert who transforms businesses.
The Business Coaching Boom—Why Anyone Can Call Themselves a Coach or Consultant
The business coaching and consulting industry is worth over $15 billion—and growing fast. But the problem is barrier to entry is low.
If you’re a coach, consultant, or fractional executive, your reputation depends on being different and providing real results.
Here’s how you can avoid falling into the trap of generic, ineffective coaching.
The Five Biggest Mistakes Coaches, Consultants, and Fractional Executives Make
If you want to stand out as a real expert, stop making these mistakes:
1. Selling Big Promises Without a Clear Process
?? Many coaches and consultants claim they can help businesses “scale to 7-figures” or “double revenue in 6 months”—but can’t explain HOW they’ll get there.
?? They rely on generic motivation instead of a structured, data-driven strategy.
? Instead, be specific. Outline a clear step-by-step plan backed by real business insights.
2. Coaching Without Real Business Experience
?? Too many professionals give business advice but have never built or run a business themselves.
?? Clients don’t need theory. They need battle-tested strategies from someone who’s been there.
? Instead, build your credibility. If you haven’t scaled or exited a business before, work alongside experienced mentors or gain hands-on industry experience before coaching others.
3. Prioritizing Sales Over Client Results
?? Many coaches and consultants focus more on selling high-ticket programs than actually helping their clients grow.
?? If every session ends with a sales pitch for another course or upsell, you’re not coaching—you’re just selling.
? Instead, put results first. A strong coach, consultant, or fractional executive delivers massive value before asking for more money.
4. Using a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
?? Some coaches simply hand clients a cookie-cutter template, regurgitated content they read somewhere, or provide insights gained from a webinar they attended and call it coaching.
?? But no two businesses are exactly alike—so no single solution will work for everyone.
? Instead, tailor your approach. Successful coaches take time to understand each business’s unique challenges before offering solutions.
5. Lacking Real Case Studies and Success Stories
?? If a coach, consultant, or fractional executive can’t point to specific client wins, how can they prove their expertise?
?? Generic testimonials like "This coach changed my life!" don’t build credibility.
? Instead, track your client success stories. Collect real data, revenue growth percentages, and tangible results that prove your value.
How to Become a Coach, Consultant, or Fractional Executive That Actually Delivers Results
Want to build a thriving, high-impact practice? Follow these core principles:
? Develop Real-World Business Experience
? Provide Actionable Strategies, Not Just Mindset Talk
Mindset is important—but it won’t fix broken marketing, strained cash flow, or ineffective operations.
Great coaches provide actionable frameworks that help clients increase sales, optimize systems, and improve leadership.
? Listen First, Sell Later
If your first instinct is to sell your program before diagnosing the client’s needs, you’re in the wrong business.
The best coaches, consultants, and fractional executives:
? Build a Structured, Proven Process
Don’t just “wing it.” The most successful professionals use proven methodologies and a structured approach.
Develop a repeatable system that helps clients achieve real, measurable results. In the beginning when I identified multiple clients with similar challenges, that I had little experience with, I built strategies that I then tested on my own business or with clients without pay before offering it as a "paid" solution.
How to Establish Yourself as a Credible Business Coach, Consultant, or Fractional Executive
Before taking on high-paying clients, make sure you:
? Have a track record of business success (scaling, turning around, or growing businesses).
? Can provide detailed case studies showcasing past results.
? Have a structured, repeatable coaching framework that delivers real impact.
? Offer value before asking for money—whether through free consultations or deep-dive discovery calls.
? Continue learning and improving—stay ahead of industry trends and refine your approach.
Final Thoughts
Being a business coach, consultant, or fractional executive is a huge responsibility. Clients trust you to help them achieve their business goals—don’t take that lightly.
The best professionals deliver real results, not just motivation.
If you want to build a coaching, consulting, or fractional executive practice that stands out—focus on expertise, real-world experience, and client success.
To Your Success,
Eric T. Whitmoyer | Founder & CEO | My Biz Coaches
P.S. Want to build a thriving coaching or consulting business that actually delivers results?
?? Schedule A Call with our team to learn how we help coaches, consultants, and fractional executives create businesses built on real expertise, not empty hype.
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The insights shared in "Biz Coaches Edge" are crucial for anyone in the coaching and consulting space. It's essential to prioritize real-world experience and actionable strategies over generic advice. By focusing on tailored solutions and proven methodologies, we can truly empower our clients to achieve their goals. Let's engage in this important conversation—how do you ensure your coaching practice delivers tangible results?