Hold your horses – before you start a coaching business you should take some time to see if coaching is right for you. Do you have what it takes to be a coach? Are you willing in invest the time needed to thoroughly learn the skills needed to become a coach?

Coaching is Hot

Coaching has been around for quite some time, but only in the last decade or so has it become hot. The coaching industry is big and it is growing both in the United States and around the world. Here are a few reasons why:

• More coaches mean more access for clients.
• There is more available information about coaching – awareness is increasing.
• People are beginning to see that coaching works.
• People are looking to become coaches because it offers freedom – freedom to achieve and dream.
• More people are looking to become coaches because it offers a way to make a living and help others at the same time.
• There is a coach for almost anything – you name it and someone is probably coaching it!
• Coaching is increasingly viewed as a profession – similar to lawyers, doctors, psychiatrists, etc.

What to do Before You Start a Coaching Business

Here are a few things to do before you jump into the coaching business. Starting a coaching business isn’t for everyone and this checklist of tasks will help you decide if coaching is the best gig for you.

• Who are you? A little self-analysis goes a long way. What are your strengths and abilities? What are your weaknesses? What traits do you have that fit well with the coaching profession? Start a list of all your traits and abilities and then find a few good articles on what it takes to be a coach – compare your list with what the authors say makes a good coach.
• Where are you? Are you at the right spot in life where you can devote time, energy, and money into starting a business. When you start a coaching business, even part time, you must be ready to devote the proper resources to making that business a success.
• Do you have a strong work ethic? Starting and operating a business is not easy. Are you ready for the challenge? Ready to work your butt off?
• Get trained and certified. Find a reputable coach training program that fits your needs and budget. Learn all you can about coaching and get your certification. You don’t have to be certified before you start a coaching business, but it is recommended, especially as the coaching profession become more competitive.

The Last Word on Starting a Coaching Practice

If you are truly interested in coaching, the first thing you should do before you start a coaching business, and you can do it right now, is gather some information about coaching. Buy a couple books from an online seller and take the time to read a diverse collection of articles online.

Spending $20 or so on books and spending a few hours perusing the Internet for information on the profession will give you some valuable insight into what it takes to be a coach and operate a coaching business.

By the way… you’re invited to claim your FREE step-by-step “30-Days to Become a Coach” video toolkit. Just go HERE now to get your 30-day coaching blueprint videos.

Fred Philips
Business Coach
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