What it Really Takes to Become a Life Coach

More and more people want to become a life coach or business coach these days.nnYou too may be caught up in the excitement of how rewarding a career as a coach could be both professionally and financially. The only problem is you be may be overlooking the realities of what is involved in starting a coaching business.nnThere are 5 keys areas in understanding the truth about what it takes to become a coach:nn 1. Understand what coaching is and how it works.n 2. Be sure coaching is the right career for you.n 3. Make an informed decision about coach training and certification.n 4. Learn how to build and maintain a successful coaching business.n 5. Take action.nn1. Understand what coaching is and how it worksnnWhen you first heard about professional coaching you probably associated it with sports coaching or therapy. While professional coaching is similar to these professions there are some key differences.nnAccording to the International Coach Federation (ICF), which is the largest non-profit association of professional and business coaches in the world:nn"Coaching is an ongoing relationship which focuses on clients taking action toward the realization of their visions, goals or desires."nnClients hire coaches to resolve a challenge or to get support to attain a desired result. Your job as a coach is to support the client to be successful. Coaches do this by asking questions and listening. At times a coach may also put on a mentoring or consulting hat and give suggestions, especially if they have an expertise in the topic.nnCoaching usually occurs over the phone, although it can also occur in person for a higher fee. Many coaches offer additional free email access and/or laser telephone coaching of 5-10 minutes in length between sessions on an as-needed basis.nn2. Is coaching the right career for you?nnYou may be thinking, sounds like an easy way to make $100+ an hour.nnMaking a career change, training, and starting a new business can be scary. It takes time, money and effort.nnResearch the profession thoroughly. Compare your skills with the competencies needed to be an effective coach. The more information you have, the more confident you will be about your decision.nn3. Make an informed decision about coach training and certification.nnTo enhance your effectiveness and confidence with potential clients consider adding specific coaching skills to your toolbox. Clients invest in your coaching services because they want to get results. Imagine hiring a personal trainer with no specialized training in weight training! Injuries can result.nnAs of June 2007, I found over 150 coaching training organizations. About a third of these organizations offer an accredited coach training program. The majority do not. Plus tuition fees range from range from $3,900 to $10,000+ US. nnBefore committing the time and money to a training program you want to make sure you pick the best training program or course for you. nn4. Learn how to build and maintain a successful coaching business.nnIt’s important to realize that coaching is a business. Most coaches are self-employed. It could take 3-18+ months to create a full coaching practice.nnMarketing is the key to getting the word out about your coaching business. If you’re serious about building a coaching business you must learn about marketing, sales and how to operate a business. Some coach training programs include modules on this and some do not.nn5. Take ActionnnAsk yourself:nnWhat do I need to know in order to decide if becoming a coach is the right career move for me?nnAction creates momentum. Do your research before becoming a coach. It may seem overwhelming at first, so schedule small blocks of time. Talk to coaches. Find out what it’s really like to be a coach.nnA career in coaching can be very rewarding personally, professionally and financially. Do yourself a favour and do the research before jumping.