This is such an interesting topic for discussion and yes you might think I may be a little biased considering the fact that I do class myself as a coach, mentor and all round arse kicker.

But I know that I had the exact same question when I was building my first business. I worked relentlessly building a business from scratch for 7 years before I decided it was time to get some outside help.

The irony of that help was that six months later I closed my business.

I know what you are thinking - 'well there you go that didn't work did it' ...but actually it worked on so many levels that I still find it difficult to explain.

The business mentor that came and worked with me opened my eyes to what I really wanted. For the first time I was having to think about it in detail. I was so used to focusing all my energy on helping others, the clients, the young people, the staff , my family and friends that I realised that I never spent any time working on me.

I had so many breakthroughs about the things that had been holding me back. It pains me in one way to think how different things could have been for my first business had I got this kind of support earlier.

The business mentor felt like he had failed me because I decided to close the business, but that was far from the truth. He changed my life and opened up my eyes to what was actually possible for me.

So when I started this online business I run now there was no doubt in my mind that I needed the right support to make sure I made it happen. The pressure was one. I had returned to working full time for somebody else (not an easy thing to do after running your own company) and I knew that I had to build a business that, not only did I love, but also one that would make me money and give me the freedom that I craved for. I knew I could do it but I also knew I needed someone outside my social circles and family that would push me.

I got to stalking different coaches online and found ones that would suit me and had also built what I wanted to build. I found her. And it changed everything. I have since worked with five different coaches all providing me with different things I have needed for my business to grow.

So back to the question 'Do I need a coach to be successful in business?' the answer for me was YES. To decide whether that is the same answer for you, consider these points?

Are you good at keeping yourself focused or do you tend to drift off and procrastinate at any opportunity?
Do you like to find excuses (whether real or not) to avoid doing the scary things you know will make all the difference?
Do you excel with reporting back and sharing your achievements with others?
Do you like to be challenged?
Do you struggle to ask for help?
Do you want to get to your goal faster?

If you answer YES to the above then I would urge you to consider hiring a coach or mentor. For me hiring a coach changed everything. It has definitely, and continues to, make me more successful in business and I don't think I will ever be without one as self development is too important to me not to invest in.

I have invested in the right people and sometimes ones that weren't right for me - but I would never see that as wasted money - more look to what I have learnt from that and work even harder to make it back. And the right coach will help you do that ten times over.

If coaching is something that you are thinking about and you are at the stage where you are ready to start to make this all happen for you too then reach out to me. I love to hear from ambitious women like you. But most of all ....don't give up and get support if you need it - it will save you lots of time and heartache in the long term.

**Gemma Stow works with female entrepreneurs who are introverts or want more confidence and are ready to take themselves and their business to the next level. To find their fierce and take that all important action. As well as private coaching, she runs a membership called Club Fierce that gives that personal touch to women who are looking for support, accountability and an environment that breeds self belief. More info HERE. Or join her FREE community The F Movement **