Fractional COO vs Business Coach
The difference between advice and execution
A business coach helps you think differently. A fractional COO does the work. Most growing businesses need execution, not more advice.
The Core Difference
"Here's what you should do and why. Now go do it."
"Here's what needs to happen. I'll make it happen."
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Fractional COO | Business Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Executes operations work | Provides guidance and accountability |
| Monthly Cost | $2,500-$7,500 | $500-$3,000 ✓ |
| Time in Your Business | 10-20 hours/week actually working ✓ | 2-4 hours/month of calls |
| Who Does the Work | The fractional COO ✓ | You |
| Systems & Processes | Builds and implements them ✓ | Tells you what to build |
| Team Management | Runs meetings, manages people ✓ | Advises on management |
| Personal Growth | Indirect (you learn by working together) | Direct focus on your development ✓ |
| Mindset Work | Not the focus | Core offering ✓ |
Choose Fractional COO When...
- You know what needs to happen but can't get it done
- Operations is eating your time and energy
- You need someone to BUILD systems, not just recommend them
- Your team needs day-to-day leadership
- You're stuck in the weeds and need to get out
- Execution is the bottleneck, not ideas
Choose Business Coach When...
- You need help clarifying your vision and goals
- Mindset and leadership growth is the priority
- You have execution capacity but lack direction
- You want accountability and a thinking partner
- Personal development will unlock business growth
- You're early-stage and figuring things out
Real Talk
Most business owners we meet have had coaches. Some have had many coaches. The coaching helped them think bigger — but the business still feels chaotic.
That's because advice doesn't scale operations. Someone has to do the work. If you don't have that person, you stay stuck no matter how clear your vision is.
Coaches are great for the right problems. But if you're drowning in operational chaos, you don't need someone to help you think about it differently. You need someone to fix it.
Common Questions
Can I have both a coach and a fractional COO?
Yes, and some business owners do. The coach works on YOU (mindset, leadership, decision-making). The fractional COO works on the BUSINESS (operations, systems, execution). They serve different purposes and can complement each other.
I've worked with coaches before and nothing changed. Why?
Coaching only works if you implement. Many business owners get great insights from coaches but lack the time, skills, or support to execute. If that sounds familiar, you might need execution help (fractional COO) more than more advice.
My coach recommended I hire a COO. Should I?
That's a good sign your coach recognizes you need execution capacity. A fractional COO is often the right first step — you get the help without the $200K+ commitment of a full-time hire.
What if I'm not sure which I need?
Ask yourself: Is my problem that I don't know what to do? (Coach might help.) Or is my problem that I know what to do but can't get it done? (Fractional COO is probably the answer.)
Let's Talk About What's Actually Stuck
Book a free call. We'll figure out together whether you need coaching, operations help, or something else entirely.