Experiences of a New CoachWritten by David Wood
Experiences of a New Coach Body of Article The following interview is with Estelle Gibbons, of Western Australia, who had been coaching for approximately eight months at time of this interview, and worked with me for first three. How did you get started as a life coach? I had always had an interest in this field, but had no idea how to channel my energy. Then one day I happened across "Life Coaching" on www, scanned a few web sites, and whilst reading David's site, something clicked. A week later, I took a free Introductory Session for CoachStart™ Program, and haven't looked back since! When did you start with clients? Within one month of starting with CoachStart Program. What does your typical day look like? A typical day starts with a dawn run along beach with my dog. After that fantastic start, I check my email, catch up with any correspondence, and then rest of my morning is spent doing "brain work" (I think better in mornings!) It is during this time that I am most creative, so I work on developing programs and exercises to suit particular clients, as well as potential clients. Mostly I coach in afternoons and early evenings - Thursdays and Fridays. That leaves rest of week free - I still do some work in my "old" profession, although now it's because I want to, not because I need to...the ideal way to work!!! What does your practice look like? Clients? Revenue? At moment, I am working with 14 clients - although several weeks ago, I peaked at 17. As well as working with individual clients, I have extended into working with large businesses to improve staff morale and have developed an agreement with a local health club, to help their clients achieve their goals. This particular arrangement is proving to be an almost unlimited referral source - and to date, all parties are simply having a ball! At moment, I charge $200 + GST for a month of coaching, although this fee is negotiable (either way!) Thus I'm currently earning about $3,000 per month in revenue, working 2 to 3 days per week. What do you enjoy most about coaching? I LOVE feeling when a client makes a breakthrough and they can't wait to share it with you. At end of those sessions, in particular, I get off phone, and jump around and yell very loudly (I'm just a tad more restrained on phone). How many jobs can you do when you are a vehicle for good things, to extent that you are in this one??? It's times like this that I realise just how utterly blessed I am to be walking this path. Do you have a specialty area? Because of my relative "newness" to profession, I have not yet focused on a particular specialty. At moment, I feel like I am growing in all directions, and it would be detrimental to focus on one particular area. However, with time and experience, I'm sure I'll fall into a particular niche. Who knows what future holds? What has been your experience of CoachStart™ Program? The CoachStart Program has turned my world upside down...and given it a shake for good measure! The program/David not only allowed me to get my coaching business up and running, but it also led me to a whole new level in my personal life. The skills that I have learned are skills for life - I think I'll be rereading my journal from that time in 40 years and saying "Ooh yes, that's what I need to change in this situation..."
| | The Secret to a Thriving PracticeWritten by David Wood
The Secret to a Thriving Practice Body of Article Are you busy building a web site? Would you say brochures are answer? Business cards? Advertising? Many coaches you try this route in beginning, only grow their practice very, very slowly. They do what all marketing books say. But why isn't their business booming? I'm going to give you answer right here in this article. The Vicious Cycle 99% of coaches lack confidence. And rightly so! It can be very daunting to put on hat of 'coach' and offer to change people's lives. Building a web site or designing a brochure are great down track. But while you're still scared to coach - you'll subconsciously find a way of turning away clients. Here's vicious cycle: Having little or no clients which means no exp'erience, which leads to a reluctance to extend invitation for trial sessions, which leads to no clients, which leads to no exp'erience, and so on. The Secret The answer is quite simple - forget money, forget your pride, and get your experience up - no matter what it takes. And fastest way to do that? "Coach 50 Clients!". Free, paid, 1 session, 1 week, 3 months - I don't care. Just get those initial sessions. As I explain in depth in my speech, choose your target list of likely prospects, craft an invitation that feels comfortable you, and do your initial, exploratory sessions - yes, with 50 people! Each client, fee or no f'ee, 3 months or 30 minutes, is "gold" to you. And I'll tell you why... What Every Client (or Practice Client) Gives You •the feeling you are really a coach, not a fraud •a practice that looks busier •the potential for more referrals •free training •more and more confidence with each client •possible revenue, either right away or down track •a testimonial Starting Out! It's O.K. to be nervous when you are starting out, but do those sessions anyway. The next ones will seem easier. So, coach a lot! Even if you are doing sessions for free, you will be gaining confidence and practice to allow yourself to start charging for your work. You will see how you are helping others. You will be able to convince yourself of importance of coaching in people's lives.
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