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.
Why can a CEO work 80 hours a week on a passion project and feel energized, but 40 hours on a meaningless task feels draining? The answer lies in Purpose . Research shows that connecting work to a higher Mission is one of the strongest buffers against burnout. If you are worried about the mental health of your leadership team, look at your Mission statement first. The "Why" Matters More Than the "What" "Quiet quitting" and executive burnout often stem from a sense of futility. Weak Mission: "We want to increase Q3 profits." (High stress, low fulfillment). Strong Mission: "We exist to save our home planet." (Patagonia). (High effort, high fulfillment). Leadership Resilience For a CEO, the Mission is the fuel tank. When times get tough, profit goals won't keep you warm. Only a deep belief in why you exist can sustain your wellbeing through a crisis.
A toxic work environment is rarely intentional. It usually grows in the vacuum of a clear Vision. When people don't know where the company is going, they become territorial, political, and anxious. For leadership, solving this isn't just about HR policies; it's about painting a clear picture of the future. A shared Vision is a cornerstone of psychological safety. Uncertainty vs. Wellbeing Human beings crave certainty. In the absence of a clear Vision: Employees worry about their job security. Managers hoard information. CEOs feel isolated. This environment destroys wellbeing. However, when the Vision ("The Summit") is clear, the team focuses on the climb rather than fighting each other. The "Mars Group" Therapy Running a visioning exercise (like the "Mars Group" framework) is surprisingly therapeutic. It allows the team to detach from daily stressors and reconnect with why they do the work. It shifts the collective mindset from "survival mode" to "creation mode." A clear Vision doesn't just drive profit; it lowers cortisol. It unifies the tribe and makes the workplace a safer space to be.
The average CEO makes thousands of decisions a week. By 3:00 PM, "decision fatigue" sets in, leading to poor judgment, irritability, and declining wellbeing. The most effective way to protect your mental health isn't a vacation; it's a decision-making filter. That is exactly what a strong Mission statement provides. The Mission as a Filter A well-crafted Mission statement allows you to automate decisions. Does this opportunity fit our Mission? No? Discard it immediately. (Zero mental energy used). Yes? Explore it. Without this filter, every decision—big or small—requires deep cognitive processing. This leads to brain fog and the feeling of being "always on." Protecting Your "Head Space" Leadership is about allocating resources, and your most precious resource is your attention. A clear Mission empowers your team to make decisions without you. Before: "Boss, should we do this?" (Stress on you). After: "I declined this because it didn't fit our Mission." (Peace for you).