I've started offering business coaching in addition to consulting, and I'm enjoying it, immensely.

But I'm trying to come up with some bright-line distinctions between the two activities, and it's not that easy.

Here are some possibilities:

(1) Consultants are more likely to be subject area specialists, and coaches, generalists.

(2) Consultants are more likely to have advanced degrees and professional certifications.

(3) Consultants are more likely to be retained to perform the details of a particular assignment. For example, if you're developing a telemarketing unit, they'll directly engage in staffing and training, and temporarily manage the unit. Coaches will explain what to do, observe you doing it, and provide feedback and tips.

(4) Coaches tend to be long-term advisors who you retain for long periods of time, and consultants are quick-fix artists, who invest a shorter, more intensive amount of time with you.

(5) Coaches are concerned with helping the whole person, not just his functioning in a specific role in the company. Therefore, they may alternate between discussing life goals and business goals, or assist in helping the client to integrate the two.

(6) Consultants are expected and allowed to charge more money for their services.

(7) Consultants travel farther and more often to assignments.

(8) Small businesses hire coaches, while Fortune 1000 firms hire consultants.

Granted, some of these distinctions are over-generalizations, but I think they're still in the ballpark.

I am freer when I think I'm coaching. The other day, for instance, after a session with a client, I asked, "How do you feel?"

I monitored his answer, verbally and nonverbally, and he lit up. "I feel great; I'm excited!"

As a consultant I don't think I ever asked that question as a way of summarizing my work with a client; and it's hard to recall when I elicited that sort of personal reaction, as well.

As I discover more of these distinctions, I'll let you know!