Starting a business requires many skills - the first and, most important, is the ability to be the boss, the decision maker, the visionary, the leader who others will follow. Once the business is up and running, growing that business demands an entrepreneur that is willing to take risks to keep the business moving forward.

Many entrepreneurs don't realize that the startup stage is actually the easiest in business. The excitement of building something new is intoxicating for the entrepreneur, her followers, and the community where the company will reside. But once established, a business requires continued seeding of ideas as well as money to be taken seriously by its customers, competitors and admirers. Did you ever wonder why the 5 year anniversary of a business is so important? The fact is most businesses never make it to 5 years, but those that do have a greater likelihood of success to continue operating to 10 years and more. So, should you hire a business coach?

I've developed 7 questions that every entrepreneur should ask herself in order to answer this question:

(1) Do I work more "in" my business than "on" my business?

In other words, do you find your days filled with a "to do" list that quite honestly any one else could accomplish, but you like being in control of doing it yourself?

(2) Do I need a clear plan for my business today, six months from now and one year from now?

Do you have a current business plan, marketing plan, and revenue plan that maps out where the business is and where it is going? Are you sure that the decisions you are making each day add value to the plan rather than defeat it.

(3) Do I feel overworked, overwhelmed, and sometimes even burnt out from my business?

Do you wish you could just shut the doors and go home some days? Do you feel as though the passion you had when you began the business has been sucked out of you?

(4) Do I need to develop systems and processes for my business so that if I am unable to work someone else can operate the company?

No one likes to believe that they are dispensable, but if you want to build a successful business you better have an exit plan.

(5) Do I want to be viewed as a leader by my employees, my team of advisors or board, my vendors and my customers?

People like to work with and follow winners. Strong leadership and communication skills are critical if you are to be seen as a leader.

(6) Have I lost sight of who I am as a person - at home and/or at work?

In other words, do you constantly find yourself thinking about work when you are at home and home when you are at work? Do you find it almost impossible to live in the moment as you feel guilty for how you balance your time and energy?

(7) Do I wish I had someone to talk to who understands what I'm going through? Someone who has been there and has the experience to give me feedback on what I'm thinking about and dealing with?

It is true that the number one issue for women entrepreneurs is the feeling of isolation. It is difficult to be responsible for all the decisions necessary to operate a small business and be able to take risks every day in order to succeed. Do you wish you had someone to talk to who wouldn't judge you or try and tell you what to do?

If you answer YES to these seven questions you owe it to yourself to talk to a business coach to learn if business coaching is for you. Don't try to go it alone --- asking for help is the answer to every successful person in business today.