If you are a small- to medium-sized business owner, you most likely prefer to do your own thing. But going at it alone is not always the best idea. There comes a time when you need an expert opinion to ensure that you and your business reach their full potential. That's where hiring a business coach can be a smart move.

In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we present some examples to show how hiring a coach can make your business more successful.

1. Get Unstuck And Find Motivation. Without a doubt the best thing a business coach can do for your business is get you unstuck. As a business owner, you can frequently get in your own way, and spend a lot of time "in your head." A business coach can pull you out of the funk.

No matter how much self-motivation you might have, sometimes it's nearly impossible to keep going. That outside push from a coach is what you need to get moving and get going. Even if it's a confirmation of what you were already thinking, a coach can give you that extra jolt of accountability.

2. Challenge You To Try New Things. As an introvert who runs an online business, I can very quickly become enthralled in my own ideas and goals. This is a comfortable place because I can stay at home in my office all day "creating" and leave the outside world where it is. If you're anything like me, you know how hard it is to step outside your comfort zone and meet new people or try new things. This is one of best things about having a coach on your side. This person will give you a gentle push to explore outside your ideas more, while giving you that tough love that helps you not to quit.

3. Increase Your Creativity And Income. A coach will give you the courage to get out of your own way, so you can charge what you're worth, start a line of products to make more money or increase your prices. A coach also creates a safe place for you to hash out ideas, test theories and ensure you showcase your work properly.

4. Find Support And Encouragement. You'll be amazed at the things you can accomplish when you have someone who believes in what you're doing. Having a support system around you or hearing a few words of encouragement can lift your spirits when you're down. A coach will be right there with you the whole time, helping you take that next step towards success.

5. Identify Strengths And Weaknesses. It's easy to think that we know ourselves really well, and understand our likes and dislikes. But when it comes to bringing out the hidden talents and deep desires, you'll likely surprise yourself. It often takes an outside perspective of someone who knows you really well to tell it like it is. A coach can identify patterns and help you exploit your strengths while bolstering your weaknesses.

Source: Carrie Smith is a financial writer and founder of The Client Connection, a matchmaking service for clients and freelancers who want to avoid job boards and instead build quality businesses. In 2013 she quit her full-time accounting job and now works as a full-time business consultant and writer.