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Finding a Coach for Your Life

They can help you be more productive, and increase your chance of success

by April Mims, Career Coach  |  1266 views  |  4 comments  |        Rate this now! 

Another criterion for selecting a coach is certification. Although coaches tend to enter this industry because of their natural coaching abilities, he or she should have attended some type of coach training, preferably related to their niche. There are many different levels and types of certification. Ideally, a coach should also belong to a coaching organization such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the International Association of Coaches (IAC). These organizations are meant to regulate, support, and promote the industry and to hold coaches to ethical standards.

Many coaches often have websites, blogs, or newsletters. This is a great way to become familiar with a coach without a commitment.

How much does coaching cost?

Coaching prices vary greatly depending on the level of experience and expertise of the coach. The important thing to consider is that coaching is an investment in yourself. Many coaches work with clients for short periods of time, around three to six months. It is generally recommended that clients work with a coach for at least three months to begin seeing measurable results.

If you have thought about hiring a coach or are interested in seeing if you might benefit from working with a coach, there are many online coaching directories. Both the ICF and IAC websites contain directories listing member coaches. Find one or two that offer free sample sessions and contact them. This could be the first step on the road to achieving even greater things in your life!

About the Author

April Mims is a career coach specializing in helping clients achieve work/life balance. To learn more or subscribe to The Nexus Connection newsletter, visit www.nexuscoachingpartners.com.

Read more by April Mims, Career Coach

Leave a comment

4 comments so far...

  • Nataly - I'd love to give you a sample session if you're interested in trying it (or anyone else that might be curious about coaching).

    There are many, many coaches that offer a free session to see if the relationship is a good fit (both for them and for you). I would recommend talking to at least a couple of different coaches and finding one that you are comfortable with.

    I'll admit that I was a skeptic too!

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by April Mims, Career Coach on 11th January 2008

  • I've never had a coach, but it's been on my list of things to try for years. I need to get around to it. A friend had a great experience and while I am a skeptic, I need to get over it!

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nataly on 10th January 2008

  • Relaxnsmile - I'm glad to hear that you had such great results with a coach. I hear stories like that quite frequently, even from people that were a little skeptical about hiring a coach.

    I've had similar results with coaching. Coaches are great for helping you get "unstuck" and moving forward toward your goals. My coach helped me unleash my creativity and get the ideas flowing and was a great source of support as I got my business started.

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by April Mims, Career Coach on 10th January 2008

  • A personal coach helped me get through a rough patch of procrastination in my dissertation...he also turned me on to the "Clean Sweep" program which has helped me many times over!!

    Flag as inappropriate Posted by relaxnsmile on 9th January 2008

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