How To Get a Plumbing Business Coach on a Tight Budget?
“Man, this water heater job was a nightmare,” Mike muttered, slamming the van door.
“Heck yeah,” Replied Dave. “But hey, at least we wrapped it up. By the way, have you thought about hiring that business coach I mentioned?”
Mike scoffed. “A coach? Do you mean like those guys on YouTube who tell you to meditate in your truck between jobs? No.”
Dave replied, “Not those kinds of coaches. A real plumbing business coach. Someone who understands how tough it is to manage the overall business. I found one on a budget.”
Mike raised an eyebrow. “A coach on a tight budget? Now you’ve got my attention.” Dave nodded smilingly.
If you can relate to Mike and looking for a plumbing business coach on a budget, then this guide is for you. Here we’ll break down the 5 ways you can get a coach without spending much. So, buckle up, as this is going to be an informative and fun ride!
Who is a Business Coach?
You’re tackling a leaky pipe, and no matter how much you tighten, seal, or adjust, the water keeps dripping. Frustrating, right? Now, think about your plumbing business. Are there any leaks you can’t fix—like getting more customers or managing cash flow?
That’s where a business coach comes in.
A business coach is like a personal trainer and works on your business’s health. They help you identify weak spots, strengthen your strategies, and set achievable goals. They bring expertise in business management and develop solutions specifically to your plumbing business needs.
The good thing is, that they won’t tell you what to do—they’ll help you do it in a way that works for your business.
How Can Your Plumbing Business Benefit from a Business Coach?
According to a study by MetrixGlobal, executive coaching delivers 788% ROI (return on investment). This substantial ROI highlights the potential benefits a business coach can bring to your plumbing enterprise.
Let’s see some of the benefits:
1. See Business’s Blind Spots
You’re so entangled in daily operations that it’s easy to miss the small (or big) business issues. In this situation, a business coach acts like a flashlight, shining light on those blind spots you can’t see yourself. We are talking about outdated pricing strategies, inefficient scheduling, or marketing strategies.
Here’s the best part: a coach brings experience from working with other businesses like yours. So, they’ve seen these blind spots before and know exactly how to address them.
2. Get New Business Ideas
When it comes to running your business, it’s easy to fall into a routine, sticking to what you’ve always done because it works.
Here’s the thing: working isn’t the same as growing. A business coach brings a fresh perspective and introduces you to new ideas that you might not have considered before. For example:
- Simplifying business operations by using software for plumbing businesses.
- Introducing subscription-based maintenance plans for consistent income.
- Offering eco-friendly plumbing solutions.
Don’t get us wrong, these aren’t just random suggestions—they’re proven strategies that have worked for other plumbing businesses.
3. Meet Goals
A business coach helps you clarify your goals, break them into manageable steps, and hold you accountable for achieving them. A coach works with you to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that fit your business vision.
They also help you map out actionable steps, so you’re not just dreaming big but actively working towards those dreams. In addition, they do regular check-ins to ensure you’re staying on course.
5 Ways to Get a Plumbing Business Coach on a Tight Budget
There’s a great quote we liked from Grant Cardone in the book, The 10x Rule: “It’s not about resources, it’s about resourcefulness”.
A business coach isn’t just for multimillion-dollar corporations. Even as a small plumbing business owner, you can find affordable (and sometimes even free!) ways to get the guidance you need. The key is knowing where to look and how to make the most of the opportunities around you.
So, let’s explore five practical, budget-friendly ways to connect with a business coach.
1. Consider Group Coaching
Group coaching is a budget-friendly way to access expert advice while networking with other plumbing business owners who face similar challenges. Instead of paying for one-on-one sessions, you join a small group led by a business coach, splitting the cost with others.
The best part? Group coaching doesn’t just save you money; it also gives you fresh perspectives from other business owners. Someone else in the group might have already solved the exact problem you’re struggling with.
2. Look for the ROI
Hiring a business coach, even on a budget, isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment. And like any smart plumber evaluating tools, you should focus on the return on investment (ROI) a coach can deliver. A good business coach will help you save time, manage operations, and boost profits, often paying for themselves in the process.
For example, you invested in a coach who helps you identify underperforming services. The result could be higher revenue. You see, even a small improvement can have a huge impact on your bottom line.
3. Research Grants
Many government agencies, local business associations, and industry organizations offer grants to support small businesses. These funds can often be used to cover costs like business coaching or training programs.
You can start by researching grants available for small businesses in your region. Websites like Grants.gov (for the US), Canada.ca (for Canada), or your local small business development center can provide valuable leads.
Many of these grants require an application detailing how the funds will be used, so you need to be specific about how a coach will help you grow your plumbing business.
4. Tap into Online Communities
Sometimes, the best advice comes from those who’ve been in your shoes. Online communities and forums for plumbing businesses can be a goldmine for connecting with experienced professionals who offer coaching or mentorship at a lower cost or even for free.
You can check Facebook Groups, Reddit, and LinkedIn host communities where plumbers and other service-based business owners share tips, strategies, and recommendations. Some coaches even participate in these groups, offering free webinars, advice, or discounted services to members.
5. Explore Local Networking Events
Local networking events, trade shows, and business expos aren’t just to hand out business cards—they’re also great places to connect with experienced professionals who offer coaching.
Many business coaches attend these events to offer free sessions, workshops, or discounted packages as part of their outreach.
You might even come across free mentorship programs sponsored by local business associations or economic development organizations.
Final Thoughts
The truth is hiring a business coach may feel like a luxury, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make for your plumbing business. As we mentioned above, you don’t need to spend lavishly, you can get a business coach for free even.
If you like the idea of a business coach, fortunately, you don’t need to go to Tahiti to find one. Tangent Consulting has years of experience working with plumbing businesses as a business coach.
PS If you are reading this, it means you can have access to our free consultation for your plumbing business. Avail this for free today before we change our mind 😉
FAQs
What are the start-up costs for a small plumbing business?
Generally, startup costs range from $10,000 to $50,000 for a small plumbing business. The exact amount depends on your location and scale of operations.
What are plumbing service businesses’ expenses?
Common expenses for a plumbing business include tools, vehicle maintenance, fuel, licensing, insurance, marketing, business/accounting software, office supplies, and employee wages.
What type of plumbing makes the most money?
Specialized fields like commercial plumbing and industrial piping tend to earn more due to higher demand.
