How to Train to Be a Motivational Coach

Although you might never see the kind of success of motivational gurus like Tony Robbins and Pat Croce, becoming a motivational coach can earn you a surprising amount of money while you positively impact people's lives. It's still possible to become a successful motivational coach based on your own success as an athlete, businessperson or speaker. However, the field of personal coaching is opening more and more to people with specific training and certification in personal motivation.

Instructions

1. Watch videos of famous and successful motivational speakers such as Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Dan Clark and Tony Alessandra. Read books written by these individuals. Continue to observe the leaders in your field as you receive more specific training.

2. Take courses in psychology and business if you're still in high school or college. You don't have to get a degree in these fields, but the more you know about them, the faster you will be able to master the techniques of motivational coaching.

3. Volunteer at a local high school or college to help coach a team. It doesn't matter what kind of team. If you're good at chess, coach the chess team. If you're a former linebacker, help out the football team. If you're an academic, tutor students. Coaching experience is the best way to become good at coaching.

4. Find a mentor, preferably somebody who is already a successful motivational coach. Have the mentor motivate you through the rough ground of starting your coaching business. Learning by observation is one of the best ways to improve your skills as a coach.

5. Enroll in a coach-training certification course. These professional courses give you the letters after your name that you'll need to attract the best clients. These courses typically take eight to 12 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• You're more likely to attract clients from proof of your success than from traditional advertising. If you can write a book or perform speaking engagements, those activities can generate fans who will approach you for coaching.

• Not all coach-training programs are legitimate education opportunities. Some prey on gullible people who want to get into this lucrative, and seemingly easy, field. Look into complaints and reviews of any coaching program before you commit to tuition.

References

• "The Four Hour Work Week"; Tim Ferriss; 2008
• Big Speak: Motivational Speakers
• Coach Training Alliance: Certification Programs