The best coaching tips on how to coach outside your niche are simple. If your coaching style leans more toward the consultant model, you may have some difficulty working with clients outside your niche. On the other hand, you may hold the coach’s philosophy that says your job as a coach is about asking the right questions. That way your client can find his own answers and you don’t need such in depth knowledge about the niche. In either case, you will find these coaching tips very helpful when you are outside your own comfort zone.

Rapport Is Rapport Is Rapport

No matter your niche or style of coaching, rapport is basic to success. So how do you gain rapport? Use the techniques of matching the tonality, tempo and pacing of your speech to your client’s speech. In person, humans mirror body language to build rapport with someone else. When you coach on the phone, matching the tone, rhythm and speed of your client’s speech is the equivalent. Your client will feel like you understand him if your voice is matching his. By matching, you will be reflecting back to him the emotional state his voice is showing, and niche will be irrelevant.

It’s The Commonalities That Matter Most

If you were to read through my previous blog posts, you would see that I often say “It doesn’t matter what type of coaching you do……” An important tip: most of the techniques we use and the outcomes we support are the same no matter what the niche. Self esteem, handling limiting beliefs, motivation and accountability—niche doesn’t matter. Just do a great job, and every client will benefit.

Coaching Tips On Language

When you know that your client has goals relating to a niche that isn’t your primary niche, take the time to learn at least a few relevant key words and concepts. Wikipedia is a great resource. It’s fine to ask for clarification when you don’t understand a particular term, but you will feel more comfortable if you understand the basics.

One of the all time best coaching tips is that you must be comfortable for your client to be comfortable. He may have to deal with things that are difficult for him–that is often what coaching entails. But inside your niche or out, your confidence and comfort are what will help your client succeed.

By the way… you’re invited to claim your FREE step-by-step “Life Coaching Business Blueprint” video toolkit. Just go HERE now to get your life coaching business blueprint videos.

Dorine G Kramer
JTS Advisors Strategy and Accountability Coach