Do I need a business coach? (A conundrum)

Throughout my business endeavors and networking I have seen astounding growth in the coaching business. I feel the business coach is the new "consultant 2.0". I am not here to argue the relevance within the industry of business / personal coaching, but I would like to ask if I should pay for it.

I have been debating this industry and seriously wondering if people actually pay for this service. Keep in mind the only experience I have with a business coach is a seminar I sat through; I have no personal experience with a business coach. In other words, I am incapable of seeing value simply because I have not given it a try.

Now I am sure you are ready to comment on this saying, "But Justin, you have had a business coach your entire life! You benefited from coaches during Soccer, Work, and School! How could you argue the value?" I agree with you, and that is exactly the point I am making. Read on...

I do believe what the business coach offers is 100% needed and I have several business mentor's right now. This being said, what is the difference between a business coach and a mentor? Is the only difference between a business coach and a mentor being that one is paid and one is not?

I have found that people in general want you to seek advice from them. If you simply ask for help and advice they will gladly help you out. I know I do the same thing for people that ask me advice. (Andy Drish recently spoke on asking for advice) Is this a free business coach? Is it wrong to ask for this help? Should I pay them? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.