CoachStart - Inner Firewalking

Your Coaching Service – The Details

The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.

Remember that most people have never worked with a coach before. In fact a coaching ‘structure’ is probably new to them (and you!).

You don’t have a coaching service they can buy, until you have the details. You need something they can get their mind around – wrap their arms around – so they can buy it or commit to it.

Is there a minimum commitment? How long are the sessions? Face-to-face or via phone? Is e-mail support provided? Are results guaranteed? What will be expected of me? What can I count on the coach for? What are your coaching hours? Are there any bonuses you provide? Are you available in between sessions? Do I have to pay in advance? What forms of payment do you accept? What if I want to stop half way? What if I want to miss or postpone a session?

Once you have answers to these questions, you have a coaching service. At this point you will have something your potential clients can say YES to, when you invite them at the end of an Exploratory Session.

Public Speaking Exercise

The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.

Exercise:

Imagine you will die at midnight tonight.

Your friends and family have been invited to come to a great hall to hear you share what you have learned, that you wish to pass on to others.

At 9pm you walk onto the stage. You look around at their smiling, loving faces. They are listening, ready to soak up what you have to pass on.

You have 30 minutes to speak. Write down what you say to them, that it may be passed on from generation to generation.

Introduction:

– Tell them what you are going to tell them

– Include what gives you credibility to speak on the topic, and WHY you left home to come and speak on it

Main Section:

– Tell them what you want to tell them

– Point, story illustrating point, point

Conclusion:

– Tell them what you told them

– Reiterate why it’s important

– Possibly let them know briefly what you do and how you can help them

– Consider leaving them with an action they can take; perhaps invite them to email you the results.

Questions:

– (Optional 5-10 minutes)

What To Include in Your Biography

The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.

Here is a list of things you might consider including in your biography:

Your passion to help people
The way in which you have already been helping people (e.g., unofficial coaching, mentoring, shoulder to lean on, teaching, training, managing)
Specifically WHAT you provide for people
Your successes (e.g., promotion, career, financially, health, relationship/marriage)
Your adventures (e.g., climbing a mountain, travel to different countries)
Challenges that you have overcome (e.g. divorce, a death, bankruptcy, health issue)
Anything unique or interesting (e.g., scuba dive)
What you love; what you hate (e.g., kids, flowery e-mail signatures, poetry)
Your training (e.g., communication, corporate experience, people skills, self-study such as books and courses, business, any diplomas or degrees or certificates that are relevant or show you have accomplished something, or on-the-job training)
Membership of any relevant associations e.g., National Speakers Association, International Coach Federation, Toastmasters, Chamber of Commerce, any volunteer positions on industry committees
Any current coach training course you are undertaking.

Two to three paragraphs should suffice. Don’t include anything that does not give you credibility or a reason why you might be a good coach for them i.e., keep every word relevant. Two powerful lines are better than half a page of waffle. Oh – and of course keep it honest! For example, no saying “Gina coaches executives from major organisations” until you have at least one, or “Bill is a professional speaker” if you’re not yet. As always, you decide what is authentic and what isn’t.

The Results of Working with a Coach

The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.

67% of clients saw an increase in self- awareness as a primary result of the coaching process, with 62% setting better goals, a more balanced life received by 60%, and lower stress levels in 57% of the clients.

52% of the clients used the opportunity as a means of self-discovery, and 52% to build self-confidence. 43% wanted to improve the quality of their life, 39% to improve communication skills, 35% to complete specific projects.

33% used a coach to improve their health and/or fitness level, 33% to improve aspects of their personal or professional relationships, and 31% use a coach to have more fun in life.

Finding Testimonials

The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.

Here are three possible sources for your initial testimonials:

Your Friends and Colleagues

Given you want to become a certified coach; chances are you have already helped people in your past. Obvious roles are where you have mentored someone, managed someone, counseled someone, or simply given a friend support, encouragement, or advice which really helped to move them forward. Don’t you think it’s likely this friend or colleague would be happy to support you by jotting down how you helped them? Even better, offer a coaching session so they become one of your very first coaching clients…

Your Very First Coaching Clients

This is not rocket science <smile>. Call a friend and say, “Hey — I need some testimonials. I’ll coach you for a month for free on XXXXX. All you need to do is give me an honest couple of paragraphs at the end on how it was for you”.

Past Clients

Financial planners, teachers, consultants, therapists and trainers are examples of people who may be able to get testimonials from their past or current client base. It will most likely not mention coaching, but “Thank you Jan, for helping me get my finances in order,” or “Thank you John, for your help with my relationship — you’ve certainly made a difference,” are very powerful statements.

Confidence Tip: Change your Perspective

The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.

When we wear the hat of “coach”, we often feel like we’re supposed to be some kind of guru — all-knowing, all-wise, having all the answers to people’s problems. The biggest fear is usually: What if I don’t know what to say? What if I can’t help and I look silly? This is a common perspective we automatically create or come from.

So change it! Reframe your perspective to something that empowers you. How about: “We’re going to view this session as an exploration. I’m not here as some kind of guru to tell you what to do. The goal is to help YOU get clear on what you really want, and the best way forward.”

Now doesn’t that feel better?