Sunday, 21 February 2010

8 Secrets Every New Coach Should Know

Picture this: You're a new coach, fresh out of a reputable coach-training program and ready to start your chosen career. You feel proud of your recent accomplishments and can't wait to take the coaching world by storm!


The problem is, as excited as you are about embarking on your new life's journey, one thing seems to be standing in your way: promoting and marketing your coaching services. The mere thought fills you with dread. Starting a new venture is a daunting process, and you don't know what to do, or where to begin.

The good news is, help is on the way. Here, 8 surefire ways to kick-start your coaching career, and set your coaching wheels in motion...

1. Define your target audience

Most new coaches don't have a clear vision of who, exactly, they want to coach. Men? Women? Singles? Couples? Divorcees? Gen Xers? Empty-nesters? Retirees? The pool of potential clients seems vast - and extremely overwhelming

Therefore, the first and most obvious question you need to ask yourself is: Who is your ideal client? Or, Who do you want to coach?

For instance, just as a corporate coach is not looking to attract poets, painters, dancers and novelists, a life and personal coach might not be a good fit for a venture capitalist or CEO. Simply put, if the shoe doesn't fit - don't wear it.

Once you're able to more narrowly define your ideal client base, you'll feel a lot less pressure to "Coach the world," so to speak. You'll know which clients you're naturally attracted to, and those you're not. Follow your energy, and see where it leads.

2. Project a professional image

Most new coaches make the same mistake: Instead of seeing themselves as the polished, professionals they are, they project a down-home, New Age-y image that doesn't promote the confidence needed to make it in the competitive world of coaching.

That's not to say that you need to change yourself or your core beliefs in order to fit a particular mold or image. Not at all. Being authentic as a coach - and as an individual, for that matter - is absolutely vital.

What does need to happen, however, is for you to start seeing yourself as a viable brand; a coach who has something of value to offer. And the best way to get this message across is via your promotional materials - business cards, brochures (if you feel the need) and, above all, a professional, eye-catching and easy-to-navigate website.

Although many new coaches are intimidated by the thought of having their own website, don't be. Not only do websites build credibility, they give you a chance to spread your message farther and wider than you could by brochures, networking or word-of-mouth alone.

3. Publish or perish

Another way to get your coaching message across is by publishing articles, generating a newsletter and/or writing a blog. Some coaches do all three (I do), while others prefer to take on just one at a time.

Even if you think you can't write your way out of a paper bag, keep in mind that your message is valuable and needs to be heard by potential clients. So why not give it a shot? Not only will being a published author give your credibility a high-octane boost, it will establish you as an expert in your particular area of expertise.

If you're a career coach, for instance, you might want to write an article about the most effective way to conduct a job search; if your specialty is midlife coaching, you might want to write about financial or pre-retirement planning. The point is, pick a topic you feel comfortable writing about, and go for it.

Once you've got a finished product you're proud of, submit your article to a reputable online article directory, such as EzineArticles.com or articledashboard.com. There, your article will be seen by potential clients around the globe. Clearly, it's a win-win situation.

4. Market authentically

All successful coaches have one thing in common: They're aware of their strengths and weaknesses, but they focus on their strengths. This is especially good to know when it comes to promoting and marketing your coaching services.

If, for example, you have a dynamic, outgoing personality and love to schmooze, then public speaking and face-to-face networking is a perfect platform for you. If, on the other hand, you're they shy and retiring type who prefers written communication, you're best bet is to transmit your message via articles, a newsletter or blog, online groups or chat rooms.

Work from a strengths perspective and you'll go farther, faster.

5. Get organized

No man - or coach, as the case may be - is an island. That's why it's important not to isolate yourself in your own coaching bubble, especially when you're just starting out. Even if group activities aren't your thing, being part of a community of like-minded coaches can expand your horizons, enrich your experience as a coach, and help build the enthusiasm needed to be a strong, engaged professional.

One way to get involved is by joining a coaching circle or professional organization. The International Coach Federation (ICF), the largest organization for business and personal coaches, with other 13,000 in 80 countries, offers a listing of chapters in your area.

Once you try out a meeting or two, you may want to consider becoming a member - or even becoming an ICF-credentialed coach.

6. Create an ideal coaching environment

Even if most of the coaching you do is over the phone, you'll want to make sure that you have a comfortable, professional-looking workspace to ply your trade. If space is an issue, a comfy corner of your living room or bedroom can always suffice.

If you meet clients in person, you might consider sharing office space with a few other coaches, in order to keep costs down. Sure, it's tempting to meet clients at Starbucks, and many coaches do. But keep in mind that not all clients feel comfortable in a public place. Not only can it be extremely noisy, you run the risk of having someone at the next table listen in - even if they seem absorbed in the latest John Grisham novel or are typing furiously on their MacBook.

Remember, confidentiality is key, and it's important that your clients know that your commitment to the ethics of the profession - ie., respecting their privacy - is firmly in place.

7. Don't settle for less

Just as coaching in a local Starbucks is tempting for a new coach, so is taking anyone who'll pay you. Having a check in your hand feels good, and it can make you feel validated as a coach. But sometimes it's better to have the right clients - not just any clients.

So, how can you get the "right" clients, you ask? One way is by choosing a coaching niche and reaching out to those in that specific group. For example, one of my colleagues is a spirituality coach and targets only those who are on a spiritual journey or one kind or another. Another coach I know is a creativity coach and works exclusively with those in the creative- and performance-arts fields.

If you don't feel ready or able to pick a niche, that's OK too. Not all coaches niche themselves, especially when they're starting out. In fact, many coaches generalists (look at Tony Robbins). As long as you select clients for the right reasons (i.e., they excite and interest you in some significant way), you're headed in a positive direction.

8. Charge what you're worth.

One of the biggest mistakes new coaches make is to set their fees too low. Because they lack "real" experience, they don't feel as if they have a right to charge the going rate. As a result, these coaches charge below market value and end up suffering the consequences.

Not only does under-charging undermine your confidence as a coach, it sends a confusing signal to potential clients. How good can you be if your prices are so low?

That's not to say that you have to charge top dollar as soon as you start out. You need clients, after all. Just don't feel as if you have to be start in the bargain basement of coaching rates. Charge what you feel your services are worth, and see what happens. You can always adjust your rates - up or down - after you get a better feel for the market.

Melissa Roske, ACC, founder of Wheels in Motion Coaching (http://www.WheelsinMotionCoaching.com), is a New York University-trained Life and Personal Coach, committed to helping clients to realize their potential and to successfully attain their goals. Certified by the International Coach Federation (ICF), Melissa is also an internationally published author, advice columnist and relationships advisor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Roske

Saturday, 20 February 2010

Traits of A Life Coach

If you're seriously thinking about getting started in life coaching or business coaching, take a few minutes to do this personal inventory.


Like every professions, being a great at coaching requires a certain set of personal traits and capabilities. While it's possible to cultivate these traits over time, as a general rule it's easier to be successful at something when you have the right 'wiring'.

Here's a list of 10 of the top traits great coaches have. These are foundational traits and apply equally to coaches in life coaching, business coaching, executive coaching, and relationship coaching alike.

Take a few minutes and rate yourself on each of them using a scale of 1 to 10 (1 means you're very weak in this area).

The Top 10 Traits of Great Coaches

Coaches love people - Coaching is a profession for people who love people. Coaches who succeed over the long haul are motivated by helping others grow. The truth is, most would still be 'coaching' even if they weren't being paid for it.

Coaches are great listeners - Listening is one of the cornerstone coaching skills. And we're not talking about just listening to what the other person is saying. In coaching, how they're saying it is as important as what they're saying. And sometimes, what they're not saying is the most important thing of all.

Coaches are in touch with others' emotions - regardless of whether you're interested in business coaching, executive coaching, relationship coaching, or life coaching, emotions are involved. To be effective, you need to have yourself together and be able to be responsible for your own emotions while helping others work through theirs. You need to have a high level of emotional intelligence.

Coaches are patient - as much as we want clients to move forward fast, the truth is everyone moves at his or her own pace. Some clients will climb Mount Everest in an afternoon and be ready for the next challenge by tomorrow morning. Others may take months - even years - to take a few small but meaningful steps forward. As a coach, you need to be patient and continue to champion your clients regardless of how fast they are or aren't moving.

Coaches are curious - Curiosity is another one of those cornerstone skills. And all great coaches have curiosity in abundance. They're curious about all aspects of their clients' lives and manage to maintain that curiosity over time.

Coaches are confident - Each new client requires you to go into the unknown. They have different problems and challenges, and you need to believe you can help them with whatever comes up. Clients are starving for clarity and direction in their lives, and you can't provide either one if you don't have confidence in yourself or your abilities.

Coaches are able to focus - In a coaching session, it's easy for clients to lose themselves in the jungle of their thoughts and feelings. As a coach, your job is to keep on bringing them back to seeing the forest through the trees. Your job is to keep reminding them of who they are and of where they're going.

Coaches are open-minded and non-judgmental - Coaching clients come in every shape and color. Even if your coaching niche is very targeted (for example, Christian Life Coaching), you're still going to find that your clients don't see the world the same way that you do, or have the same values. It's critical that you be able to keep an open mind and accept them for who they are.

Coaches put others before themselves - To be effective as a coach, you need to be able to put others before yourself - at least during your client work. This is not a profession for narcissists or the self-absorbed.

Coaches aren't afraid to tell the truth - Regardless of whether you're a life coach or a business coach, you're going to need to say things to clients that make you and them uncomfortable. Sometimes you'll have to give real and raw feedback and run the risk of losing them as a client.

As you read through the list, how did you score yourself? Did you give yourself any "1"s? How about "10"s?

Take a few minutes to look through the list again and tell yourself the truth. Is coaching a natural fit for you? How much personal work for you to succeed at it?

While it's not impossible to succeed in a profession you're not naturally wired for, it's usually easier to succeed in a profession that fits with your natural abilities, your passions, and that gives the world something it's demanding.

Lawrence Mortenson is a no-nonsense speaker, trainer, consultant, and coach. He helps executives, business owners, coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs grow profitable businesses through smart strategy, good management, and solid marketing.

Learn about Lawrence's book for beginning coaches The Truth About the Business of Coaching (Tao of Business Press) or visit his website at http://www.lawrencemortenson.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Mortenson

Tuesday, 16 February 2010

Life Coaching - What Are the Benefits of Life Coaching?

Life Coaching is a very powerful process that has many benefits in many areas of life. Your health, income, confidence, relationships, career or business can be profoundly impacted by engaging in the process.


All of the Benefits of Life Coaching are far too numerous to go over in this article. Here are a few of the most important ones.

Getting focused on what you want. Often times, you really want something but aren't even doing anything about getting it. When you focus on what you want, you attract more of it into your life.

Getting clear about why you want, what you want. What is your motivation? Sometimes, when you get really straight with yourself you realize you can get what you want in much different ways than what you originally thought. When you get clear about this, you have a very powerful motivation.

Make a plan on how to get what you want. Something very magical happens when we put pen to paper and write out a plan. The universe starts to conspire in your favor. When you have a master plan to achieve what you want then you can focus on taking one small step after another.

Bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Ultimately the end goal is for you to achieve your goal! You will have to look at "who you are being" and take appropriate action to have what you want.

Be lovingly supported when you are stretched beyond your comfort zone. Let's face it. It is usually fear that stops you in having what you want. It can be scary to be outside of your comfort zone. And, what you want is usually outside of your comfort zone or else you would most likely already have it. So, it takes courage to take action outside of your comfort zone. A good life coach can coach you through the fear into action from a very powerful place.

Increase your confidence and improve your self esteem. As you overcome fear and take action outside your comfort zone, you will build confidence in yourself. Also, as a result you will increase your self esteem.

If you have a big goal you want to achieve and are coachable, you can benefit from having a life coach.

Are You Ready To Close The Gap Between Where You Are And Where You Want To Be? Pamela Catey, MA "The FunLightenment Coach" Invites You To Stop Struggling And Add Speed And Power In Achieving Your Goals! Check Out The FunLightenment Group L.I.F.E. Coaching Program by Clicking Here http://www.funlightenment.com/groupcoaching.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_L_Catey

Claim your free coaching session with me today ........ email me on clare_pfp@btinternet.com

Monday, 15 February 2010

The Meaning of Life Coaching

Understanding about life and meeting the everyday challenges that pop up are normally possible to deal with, however what about those extra ordinary ideas of achieving more of being more and having more. It's those goals that need the stimulating support and step by step motivation of a professional life coach.


Living a balanced life is only half the battle of achieving a relative level of control of life. The other half is all about tapping into ones' potential to self-develop as an individual.

This is where a professional life coach is able to help.

A Life Can Coach Really Help

A debate that has historically popped up is that a coach needs to have experienced exactly or at least very similar to what a clients' challenge could be in order to help the client break through their current belief system and then formulate new habits for the desired outcome.

That line of thinking is incorrect, by that I mean that a fully trained personal development person does not have to have lived through a situation similar or the same as a client in order to work with them, that would be mentoring. Nor does such an individual need to be a rocket scientist to coach a rocket scientist, but rather the helper needs to have undergone a professional life coaching training that includes result orientated models that encourage the client to think for him/her self along the lines of seeing a bigger picture, even of thinking of outside the box and thought provoking techniques and tools to aid the client clarify their goal and develop a plan of action.

Engaging the services of such a fully trained person is a perfect opportunity for the client to turn their day dreams into reality.

What is Life Coaching?

Over the years I have been asked 'What does a Life Coach do?' The answer is simple and incorporates all of the following;

A life coach will only work with a client who is prepared to commit to the responsibility of taking their lifestyle to the next level as therapy and consulting are not part of professional life coaching.

Listening to a client who wants to aspire to lift their lifestyle to the next level is a main role of a professional coach.

Undergoing training and then utilising what is learned, i.e. coaching models, tools and techniques to assist a client to where they want to be.

Working from the present, that's the here and now is where the coach begins the process.

Boosting client motivation and keeping them inspired, are what helps the client to excel forward.

Acknowledging that yesterday is history and explains this to the client.

Keeping client confidentiality and respecting that personal history is the sum total of what has brought the client to where they are today.

Effective coaching techniques are part of the remit to help the client remain focused.

A life coach intuitively debriefs with the client.

Working with the client along a pathway of discovery is all part of the productive journey.

Partnership on goal achievement is also part of working with a client.

Coaching the client towards personal insight and recognition of those insights are part of the personal development process.

Success for a life coach happens when the client acknowledges their own success.

A life coach acquires self-development skills that are portable.

My reasons above are only the tip of the iceberg regarding professional life coaching and the subtle differences of this amazing results orientated line of work.

In short life coaching works when applied correctly by both the life coach and the client.


PaTrisha-Anne Todd, LCSi. Author. Cosmic Soul Coach Consultant to entrepreneurs and show business celebrities. http://www.lcsi-education.com for training and coaching.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=PaTrisha-Anne_Todd

Sunday, 14 February 2010

Why Would You Need Coaching

How’s Life?


Wanting to change something in your life?
Want more of something?
Tolerating too much?
Want to switch careers?
Want to improve your current career?
Looking for a bigger goal/challenge?
Do you have the desire to achieve something faster?
Bored?
Feel something is missing?
Feel you need some outside input?
Strugging with financial difficulties?
Have trouble in your relationships?

Are you:

An Executive
A Manager
CEO
Housewife/Househusband
A Professional
Entrepreneur
Small Business Owner
Unemployed

It doesn't matter who you are or what you do for a living, coaching can help you and if you have answered yes to any of the above then Coaching will be for you.

Coaching is a really effective way to help you get from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow. Through facilitation, support, motivation and objectivity, I can help you release your potential and achieve your dreams.

Don’t settle for what you already have. Don’t excuse the non-achievement of lifelong goals with many of the reasons we use on a daily basis like, “I’m too busy, I haven’t got the money. I’m too old/young, I don’t know where to start”.

Are you happy to settle for the life you have now or do you want something better for you, your family or even your business?

I would like to extend an invitation to you to receive a FREE 30 minute Coaching session to look at one particular goal or issue you may have today.

If this isn’t for you right now (and I can’t believe for one minute there isn’t something in your life you would like to change or improve) then do you know anyone else who wants to make changes to their life? Know anyone who could do with a little more support right now? Anyone who reads self-help books and would just love to experience a FREE Coaching session?

Contact me urgently for more information