convinced that the biggest challenge most of them face is mental. Seriously, I do not believe most coaches struggle because of a lack of knowledge available about the business or marketing side of coaching. These days there are so many books, courses, videos, etc. that any reasonably motivated coach could learn all they need to build a successful business. The biggest roadblock to most coaches’ ultimate success is their inability to move past the ubiquitous distractions, doubts, limiting thoughts and conditioned behaviours that keep them thinking and feeling that they are not ready or worthy to succeed as a coach. This of course is quite ironic, in that we coaches are so well trained in helping others get past their inner critics. However, our knowledge on this topic simply does not make us immune to the very same challenges our clients face. If you are serious about succeeding as a coach, do not appease your doubt and fears and for heaven’s sake do not put your gremlin in charge of your marketing program. In summary, the success, freedom and independence you seek in your coaching practice is always just beyond your current comfort zone. Get well trained, put the time into building your business, get the support you need (if you cannot afford a coach full time, set up a coaching circle with some colleagues), manage your stress (stress makes reactive, distracted, cowards out of us all), and get out there and share your gifts with the world.
Steve Mitten is an award winning Master Certified Coach, a Past President of The International Coach Federation, a yogi and a long-time student of developmental and positive psychology, myth and the wisdom traditions. He enjoys doing transformational coaching work with individuals, leaders and business owners. Steve is also an expert on the marketing of coaching services, a frequent presenter at coaching conferences, and the author of Marketing Essentials for Coaches. His main website is acoach4u.com.
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Coaching World |
November 2012
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