The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
A coach will provide many things during this process, such as:
a) Access to ideas the client may already hold, but is not yet aware of.
By viewing the situation from a different perspective, the coach is able to lead the client in an exploration of ideas that he/she may not have previously considered.
b) Clarity around what the client actually wants.
What does it look like? In which country? How many? How often? How would you feel?
c) A sounding board for new ideas.
Providing a safe place to suggest new ideas is an essential aspect of the coach’s role, in that this encourages the client to step beyond their current situation, unlocking a world of new, unexplored potential.
d) Support in big decision making.
Encouragement in walking new paths is essential to build the courage to continue beyond the safety of what is known. The coach can help the client grow and develop their own individual strategies and solutions.
Put what you most want people on the planet to know into a 30-minute speech. Call your local Rotary, Lions and Apex Clubs – in fact any clubs in your area – and offer to speak at their regular meetings. While it can be very scary at first, get five of these under your belt, and you’ll start to worry less about how you look and more about what kind of impact you can make. Plus – it’s great for getting clients.
The following is an excerpt from the book Get Paid For Who You Are.
Until you’re clear on your target market, it’s too easy to wander aimlessly, wanting to help, but unable to. it’s like trying to run with your shoelaces tied together. When you are clear on who you want to help — your “target market” — you’ll want to tell everyone who’ll listen and forge ahead with energy.
a target market or niche is the group of people you’ve decided to help. You can narrow it down in lots of cool ways, including age, income, where they live, occupation, or what they need. a target market is very specific and helps you to focus your marketing efforts. Without it you can get too scattered to succeed.
Many people ask, “Why do i need a target market? Why can’t i offer my services to everyone?” after all, why would anyone want to turn away customers? it can feel limiting.
However, choosing a niche or group of people to focus on doesn’t keep you from working with other people outside of your niche. You’re still allowed to work with others when they come to you. Surprisingly, it increases the number of people who come to you because you’re more attractive; you’re clear, focused, working with the right clients and happy. More importantly, it makes it so much easier for the right clients to find you!
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
When asked to speak at a corporation, there’s no harm in trying for a fee.
Rule of thumb: whoever mentions money first loses. When asked how much one charges, ask what the budget is. This gives you an opportunity to see what they are charging and if you are willing to speak for that. When calling a service group or organization one can always ask what the budget is for speakers. Many have honorariums that they provide to speakers.
If they are not forthcoming, and you have to mention an amount, something like $150 or $200 is reasonable to start with, moving up to $500 when you’re well known and have a killer speech. And it’s up to $10,000 when you really get up there, and are doing keynotes at national conferences.
But initially, if you just want the gigs for clients, experience, a testimonial, and a chance at some paid work, then still ask for a fee — but negotiate down as far as zero if you have to. “Well, because I’m going to get A, B, C out of it — I’d be willing to do a freebie.”
Sometimes you can ramp the fee up a little by offering a coaching session or package to senior staff.
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
You do not need to be accredited to begin coaching. At the time of this writing I know of no country which requires certification. However, long term, I believe it’s important for your career and for the profession of coaching.
A good reason to get certified is because you believe in the philosophy of the training school you choose. And, because you want to continually improve your coaching skills.
A bad reason to get certified is because you think that will get you more clients or in some way make you ‘worthy’ as a coach. My experience has been that it does neither. It might look good on the wall and it feels good to be able to say it – but in coaching two hundred clients, I think ONE asked me if I was certified. Don’t try and use it as a crutch – you don’t need it.
Ironically, the International Coach Federation requires at least 250 paid coaching hours under your belt before you get to their first certification level (ACC). So you’ll need to become confident coaching without the crutch of certification – which I think is a good thing. Use it to support your coaching; don’t rely on it.
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
Here are ten great reasons to become a coach:
1. Continual personal growth
2. Your personal development is tax deductible!
3. Contribute to people/the world and see concrete results
4. Work from home (no travel!)
5. Flexible hours (you choose them)
6. Earn a good income – good coaches get paid well
7. VERY low overhead
8. Options to expand into many fields including speaking, seminars, and book writing
9. Excitement of running your own business: choosing your own niches and marketing channels (e.g. radio interviews), creating your own web site etc.
10. Can work while overseas, on the ski slopes, or at the beach (seriously, I’ve done it).
