Coach, Mentor, or Advisor, What Do You Really Need?

If you're a photographer who's feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure how to grow your business, you are not alone. At some point, nearly every experienced creative hits a wall. You’ve poured your energy into building something real, and now you're wondering, "WHAT DO I DO NEXT"? Maybe you're thinking about getting help.  That is great!  But who can you trust when there are so many "coaches" online?  It is overwhelming.

The truth is, the coaching world is noisy. Everywhere you turn, someone’s calling themselves a coach.  Even if they’ve never actually built a successful business themselves. It’s frustrating, and honestly? A little dangerous. 

What I have found is that most people are not coaches.  They fall into the advising category.  There is a distinct difference between a coach, mentor, and advisor and as someone who might be looking for help with your business, it is important that you know the difference, even if they don't. 

This post breaks down the real differences between a coach, mentor, and advisor.  I want you to be able to make an informed decision about the kind of help you need.  It needs to support your values, vision, and maybe most importantly, your bank account. Whether you need mindset shifts, step-by-step strategies, or trusted guidance from someone who’s been in your shoes, you deserve the right kind of help from someone qualified to give it.

So what kind of help do you really need?

Let’s break it down.

What Does a Photography Business Coach Do?

A business coach helps you set goals, make a plan, and stay accountable. They don’t necessarily tell you what to do, but they ask the right questions to help you figure it out. Think of a coach as a supportive partner who helps you focus, find clarity, and take consistent action. 

When a coach is helpful:

• You're spinning your wheels and not making progress

• You want clear goals and accountability

• You’re struggling with confidence or mindset blocks

A coach is not someone who sells you a step-by-step roadmap outlining exactly what to do to build your business.  

Let me say that again.  A coach IS NOT someone who sells you a step-by-step roadmap outlining what to do in your business.  

You might be scratching your head thinking, "Isn't that exactly what a coach does?"  Not in the world of business.  Yet, SOOOOO many people are selling step-by-step frameworks and calling themselves coaches.  

That is what I mean, if the people selling the education don't understand what they are, that is a problem.  

When I act as a coach to my students, we are usually covering the hidden issues that are slowing things down. We aren't dealing with step-by-step instructions of how to start an email list, we are dealing with the thoughts that are stopping you from taking action, the negative ideas that swirl around in our head and how to stop them.  My Coaching helps people with the mental game more than the everyday tasks of running a business.

What Can a Mentor Offer You?

A mentor is someone who’s walked the path before you. They’ve built a successful photography business and are willing to share what worked (and what didn’t). A mentor relationship is usually more casual, often unpaid, and built on mutual respect. It’s not always easy to find the right mentor, but when you do, it can be a powerful source of guidance and encouragement.

When a mentor is helpful:

• You want insight from someone who’s “been there”

• You need perspective and long-term support

• You’re looking for a connection within the photography industry

Notice how a mentor is NOT PAID, they offer help because they have been in your shoes and want to pay it forward.  I love helping established photographers in this way.  A simple phone call and connection that is usually more personal because we have an established relationship.  We have gone past the teacher/student dynamic, and they are more of my counterparts in business.  The conversations we have are different and the help can be more of a two-way street.

Why Hire a Photography Business Advisor?

An advisor is like a consultant.  They are someone with deep expertise in a specific area, like pricing strategy, contracts, or SEO. Advisors tell you exactly what to do (and sometimes how to do it). This is perfect for photographers who know they need help in one specific area and don’t want to waste time guessing.

When an advisor is helpful:

• You need immediate, expert-level advice

• You’re rebranding, hiring, or scaling up

• You want to avoid costly mistakes

I often tell people who are more experienced in business that they do not need a coach or mentor, what they really need is an advisor who can help in one particular area. 

People contact me all the time asking for help in areas like Email marketing, SEO strategy, Event Logisitics, Employee management, etc. . . They are coming to me because I have seen success in certain areas and they know that I can help them avoid headaches and see success.  In this scenario, I act as an advisor.

So… Which One Do You Need?

• If you feel unmotivated, overwhelmed, or unsure of your direction → start with a coach

• If you want to learn from someone who’s built a business like yours → seek out a mentor

• If you have a specific issue like pricing, systems, or contracts → hire an advisor 

The great things is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.  I wouldn't even recommend that you do that. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart business move. Every successful photographer has had support along the way, and you deserve that too.

You're Not Alone

If your business isn’t growing the way you hoped, don’t beat yourself up. Building a sustainable photography business takes more than talent.  It is a combination of strategy, creativity, and many times, the right person in your corner. Whether you need a coach, mentor, or advisor, just know this: the help you’re looking for is right here.  It could be the thing that changes everything.

Need help for your business and you aren't sure where to start or what kind of help you need?  Schedule a quick call with me and let me help you sort it out so you can move confidently toward finding the solutions you are looking for.  I don't work with just anyone and trust me, if I can't help you, I am not going to try and sell you on an expensive 10-session package.  I want to see you succeed, and if I can't help you do that, I will refer you to one of my friends who can.

I am always cheering for you!

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