How to Design a Plan to Start Life Coaching
A life coach partners with clients to assist them in making positive life changes. Coaches focus on exploring the goals, needs and wants of the individual. A coach's role is to help each client bring their dreams to fruition. The coaching relationship is co-active, meaning both parties are involved in making the process work. Trust is a key element in life coaching. To experience a successful career, a life coach must be trustworthy, a dedicated listener and possess a sincere desire to help people reach their goals.
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Instructions
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Understand that the first item to incorporate in your plan should be a budget. Training is required. There are many schools like The Coach Training Alliance that offer certified training programs. Courses range in price. Research several training organizations to hone in on the appropriate dollar amount for your budget.
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Select the right school. Research schools by talking to other coaches to get further insight on specific training packages. Sign up for free orientation classes to test drive the program before enrolling.
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Plan your office. Coaching should be done in a private serene environment. Many coaches work out of their homes. Design a floor plan to accommodate your work area and seating for clients. If you do not intend to work out of a home office, plan to research renting office space. Check with the city you live in to see if a business license is required.
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Design a marketing plan. Once you have completed your training, it will be necessary to market yourself and begin attracting clients. If you require assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration has free online marketing training.
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Map out your website. If you cannot build it yourself, hire someone to create it for you. Take ownership of creating the verbiage for your site. This should not be a webmaster task. Peruse the websites of other life coaches to get an idea of what should be included. If you do not have a professional head shot, add that to your list. It is important to have a picture that portrays professionalism.
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Work on a publicity package. Plan to order business cards and other promotional material. You will need a press release to send to local publications when you launch your business. Write these items into your plan.
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Polish your public speaking skills. Many coaches accept speaking engagements. Delivering motivational speeches within the community will help bolster your publicity campaign. List organizations where you might be accepted as a speaker.
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Improve your writing skills. If you are not a proficient writer, consider taking a course. Your website should include blogs. Compile a list of subjects clients would find helpful and of interest.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Woman with headset image by Principal from Fotolia.com
