Become a Life Coach – Do You Really Want to Be a Coach?
As a life coach of some years standing, I am frequently emailed by folk with queries about turning into a life coach, so I have lately put together a regular newsletter with information about the kinds of considerations which I believe you should take into account before you try to launch yourself into a training career.
This article gives an introduction to some of the initial issues that it could be worth you bearing in mind if you are thinking of being a personal coach.
My first tip would be that you consider your motivation for wanting to become a coach. Well, my experience and that know is that you can make a fair living from it, but like any other business turning into a life coach takes time, effort and persistence.
On the other hand, if your primary incentive is to help people to make changes in their life or to deal with categorical strains or stresses or problems in career or relations, then I might inspire you to explore further. For most coaches the best rewards are in providing a useful supportive service to people and seeing the benefits that training can bring. The personal satisfaction in being able to help folk achieve and set personal goals is what makes training worthwhile.
My 2nd tip is to give careful thought to the coaching that is acceptable for you. There are a great number of coach coaching suppliers offering courses out there for folk desiring to be life coaches. If you have experience already in a related pro area,eg counselling or psychology, then you’re sure to have different coaching desires from someone that is completely new to this kind of work.
Make a catalogue of what you need and need to get out of a coach coaching course (or any other course in a specialist coaching field that you feel is relevant to you ). Look at a variety of different possible options.
My 3rd tip is for those that are intending to line up their own life training practice instead of to work as an employee for an organisation. If you do not have experience of making your own business then this could be an area you need to focus as much time on as learning specific training talents. Do you have ideas about how you’re going to market your training business successfully? Have you worked out how many clients you will need and what rates you may charge for training sessions in order to make the profit you need to support a fair lifestyle? Are you familiar with any legal needs about managing a company, submitting tax returns etc? If you aren’t yet sure about these and other aspects of a business then either check the coach coaching courses you are considering teach these talents and areas of knowledge or else work out another plan for how you will find out about them.
