Hiring a Personal or Business Life Coach

What Coaching Involves and Finding the Right Coach For You

Apr 6, 2008

Executive and personal coaching helps you to identify and set new goals at home and work. This article explains what it involves, cost, and how to find a certified coach.

Life coaching involves having a regular conversation with a coach, during which you discuss areas of your life that you want to change. Unlike counselling, which analyses your past, life coaching looks at your current situation and sets goals for the future. "The reason for having a life coach is to help you live your life to the full," says life coach Pam Richardson, author of The Life Coach. "It’s about keeping a sound work/life balance, about owning your own life." It is a practical and forward-thinking way to get a new perspective on your life.

Is Life Coaching For Me?

Ask yourself the following questions; if you find yourself answering negatively, these may be areas you could work on with coaching:

What Do Life Coaching Sessions Involve?

Sessions usually take place by phone and last around 30 minutes. You lead the conversation by talking about issues or problems and your coach will ask questions, make suggestions and set you tasks/homework. "I wouldn’t be suggesting, advising, teaching or telling a client what to do," says Pam. "Instead, I may ask questions that people may not have thought of asking themselves. I believe that answers lie within the person and that coaching is a dynamic conversation between a coach and a person who wants to fulfil their true potential."

Prepare for your first session by making a list of areas you’d like to work on. Write a vision of your ‘dream life’ – nail it down. Is there a dream job? Are you more focused on a happy home life? What do you want to achieve this year? This gives your coach something to work with and helps to focus your mind.

How To Find The Right Life Coach

The most important thing is having a good rapport with your coach. "Effective listening skills are an essential quality," says Pam. "Empathy, intuition and curiosity help, so look for these qualities too." Coaching in the UK isn’t regulated so find a coach who is a member of a respected professional organisation such as the International Coach Federation. Ask where they trained, how they keep their knowledge up-to-date and what they’ve learned from their own coach. "Once you’ve chosen one, set up a regular date and time to talk," advises Carolyn Matheson, master life coach and founding director of People Work Best.

You can also hire industry-specific life coaches - for example, a coach who has a background in media and journalism, and has industry contacts you can draw from. Think about your outcomes and what kind of knowledge and contacts you need to drive your business forward.

How Much Does Life Coaching Cost?

Most coaches offer a free 30-minute trial session to see if you can work together. Individual costs vary and may be offered on a sliding scale according to your income. An average is between £100-£400 per month for a 30-minute session once a week. Most coaches ask for a minimum of three months’ coaching to see results.

Personal and Business Coaching is a practical, forward-thinking way of identifying and achieving your goals. The right coach is a invaluable support network, particularly if you are setting up a business on your own. Take the time to find a coach that you gel with, and feel motivated by - and take advantage of the free half-hour sessions most coaches offer to see if they have the skills and knowledge you need. You should feel raring to go and positive after the call.

Online Life Coaching and Resources

Dress For Success - International charity offering help with interview preparation, career mentoring and workshops, and financial assistance with interview clothing.

Be Your Own Life Coach: How to Take Control of Your Life and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams, Fiona Harrold, Mobius Books, 2001.

The copyright of the article Hiring a Personal or Business Life Coach in Personal Development is owned by Nicci Talbot. Permission to republish Hiring a Personal or Business Life Coach in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.