Do you think there are benefits of working with a business coach?
Why have you resisted working with one in the past?
If a business coach can't quantify the benefits for you then they are obviously not the coach for you. A coach is a catalyst to help you achieve your goals faster and with less resistance, to challenge your beliefs and patterns of thinking and help you make decisions and move forward with confidence in your business.
This being said, getting results comes down to your willingness to keep your commitments, implement the agreed upon strategies and put the effort in. Coaching is not a magic pill, however it is essential for any business or sporting professional who wants to perform at the top of their game.
The very fact that you asked this question Ben makes it's answer glaringly obvious!
Find a good one with great credentials (and a little grey hair), make certain you keep away from any franchised perorations that push a coaching formula.
Jef Lippiatt, Owner at Startup Chucktown
Jeremy is absolutely right, even the best coach can't get you to success if you are unwilling to put in the time and effort to follow through on their suggestions. Also, be willing to challenge them back if you feel strongly about something (but be professional). Additionally, let them know that if it doesn't work out you will try their suggestion. However, this should be the exception to the rule (as a coach will not want to work with you long term if you constantly ignore their advice).