How To Choose A Life
Or Business Coach

As a profession, coaching is quite young, but it’s growing quickly. And as the demand for coaches grows, so does the supply. In fact the whole profession is undergoing a bit of a boom right now because more and more people are finding significant value from working with a coach.

However in any fast growing profession there are challenges. One challenge professional coaching faces is the large number of people jumping on the bandwagon and calling themselves coaches without formal training or relevant experience.

So to ensure you are among the over 98% of all coaching clients who are completely satisfied with their coaching, here are some suggestions to help you choose a great coach:

  • Talk to several life or business coaches and find one you have a rapport with. Does the coach listen well? Do you feel they clearly understand what you want to achieve through the coaching?
  • Choose someone that is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and is therefore governed by professional practice and ethics guidelines. This is important. The ICF is the governing body of professional coaches. .
  • Ensure your coach has completed advanced training, and become certified, at one or more ICF accredited schools. There are hundreds and hundreds of coaching schools popping up. Some of these are good, many are not.
  • Choose a coach that has sufficient experience. How long have they been coaching? Do they do it on a full time or part time basis? And if you are looking for specific help on various career or business agendas, make sure your coach has the relevant business background.
  • Have potential coaches spell out what services they deliver, and what the total cost of those services will be. Also, what sort of commitment does the coach ask for? Some coaches ask for a commitment of 3 months or more, but stay away from long-term-pay-in-advance contracts. (In my practice I suggest clients make a mental commitment for 3 months, but I do not require any contract.)

Ready To Choose A Coach?

If you would like to learn more about how to choose a life coach, feel free to e-mail me at steve@acoach4u.com and I would be happy to answer any questions and give you a free, no obligation, coaching demonstration.

Links To Help Choose A Coach

The following are a few links that may be of use to you.

ICF Life and Business Coach Master Certified Coach ICF Life and Business Coach past president Certified Professional Coach Better Business Bureau recommended Business Coach