10 business skills that counselors and coaches should know
Erica Kesse
Here are the top 10 business skills that counselors and coaches should know to build a profitable business:

- Business acumen. This refers to the knowledge and understanding of business principles and practices. Counselors and coaches need to understand how to run a business, including how to manage finances, market their services, and build relationships with clients.
- Marketing and sales. Counselors and coaches need to be able to market and sell their services in order to attract clients. They need to understand how to create effective marketing materials, build relationships with referral sources, and close deals.
- Technology skills. Counselors and coaches need to be familiar with the latest technology in order to provide effective services. They need to be able to use video conferencing, online platforms, and other tools to connect with clients and deliver their services.
- Client service. Counselors and coaches need to be able to provide excellent client service in order to keep clients coming back. They need to be able to listen to clients' concerns, provide support, and help them achieve their goals.
- Communication skills. Counselors and coaches need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, other professionals, and the public. They need to be able to speak clearly, listen actively, and write persuasively.
- Organizational skills. Counselors and coaches need to be able to organize their time and their work in order to be efficient and effective. They need to be able to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and keep track of important information.
- Teamwork skills. Counselors and coaches often work with other professionals, such as therapists, case managers, and social workers. They need to be able to work effectively as part of a team in order to provide the best possible care to their clients.
- Problem-solving skills. Counselors and coaches need to be able to identify and solve problems in order to help their clients achieve their goals. They need to be able to think critically, come up with creative solutions, and implement those solutions.
- Stress management. Counselors and coaches work with clients who are dealing with a variety of stressors. They need to be able to manage their own stress in order to be effective in their work.
- Self-care. Counselors and coaches need to take care of themselves in order to be able to provide effective care to their clients. They need to make sure they are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
By developing these skills, counselors and coaches can build a profitable business that provides essential services to their clients.

In the high-stakes world of startups, "doing" is the ultimate currency. We reward the CEO who has the fastest answer, the most aggressive pivot, and the 80-hour work week. But there is a silent, often overlooked skill that separates the leaders who scale from those who burn out: the ability to hold space. The Fixer Trap Most startup CEOs are natural-born fixers. When a VP comes to you with a mental health struggle or a product flaw, your instinct is to jump in with a solution. You want to "add value." But when you rush to fix, you unintentionally shut down the room. You signal that discomfort is a problem to be eradicated rather than a data point to be explored. Holding space isn't passive—it’s an active leadership discipline. It is the process of providing a "container" where your team feels safe enough to be stuck, wrong, or overwhelmed without being judged or immediately corrected. The ROI of Silence Research suggests that leaders who can stay present without rushing to closure build deeper trust and higher emotional intelligence within their teams Henley Leadership . This isn't just "soft" stuff; it's about staying in your prefrontal cortex—the seat of strategic thought—rather than reacting from your amygdala. Actionable Framework: The O.P.E.N. Method Observe: Notice the energy in the room. Is it "crunchy" or tense? Don't ignore it. Pause: Count to five before responding. Give the other person the "gift of the gap." Embody: Ground yourself. Uncross your arms, maintain eye contact, and drop your shoulders. Your calm is contagious. No-Fixing: Ask, "Do you need me to listen, or do you need me to lead right now?" Startups fail because of people, not just products. If you can’t hold space for the human complexity of your team, you won’t be able to hold the weight of a billion-dollar company. If you’re ready to master the mental game of leadership, book a consultation to see how executive coaching can sharpen your presence.


