{"id":24267,"date":"2020-02-17T18:55:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T02:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/?p=24267"},"modified":"2020-08-27T13:36:39","modified_gmt":"2020-08-27T21:36:39","slug":"can-i-be-a-life-coach-without-certification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/can-i-be-a-life-coach-without-certification\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I be a Life Coach Without Certification? What Coaching Schools Don\u2019t Want You to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/become-a-life-coach-without-waiting-for-national-coaching-certification\/\">Do life coaches need to be certified?<\/a><\/strong>\u201d is one of the most common questions asked by those considering becoming a life coach.&nbsp; Everyone inside and outside the industry seems to have an opinion on it. So here\u2019s my take on the age old question&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Can you be a life coach without certification?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Yes.&nbsp; You can be a life coach without a certification.&nbsp; There are currently no existing regulations that you are required to meet before you can call yourself a life coach.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That doesn\u2019t mean you can just fall out of bed and automatically be qualified to be a life coach\u2026 just because you have life experience.&nbsp; Whether you can be a life coach without certification depends on a couple of key things I cover below, and in this video:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840\" height=\"472.5\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dbQBLf6XdFI\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll also discuss:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=100s\">01:40<\/a> How to Become a Life Coach Without Certification<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=463s\">07:43<\/a> Life Coach Certification Costs (Is it Worth the Money?)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=632s\">10:32<\/a> What Education Is Needed to Become a Coach?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=682s\">11:22<\/a> Legal Requirements For Life Coaching<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=713s\">11:53<\/a> Does a Life Coach Need a Business License?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=748s\">12:28<\/a> How Can You Be Confident or Credible If You\u2019re Not Certified?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=961s\">16:01<\/a> Is Coaching a Real Career?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dbQBLf6XdFI&amp;t=1020s\">17:00<\/a> What\u2019s the Best Way to Get Started as a Life Coach?<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to skip forward to any of these topics, you can click on the (above) time codes to skip to that part of the video.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Become a Life Coach Without Certification<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First we need to draw a distinction between becoming a life coach and starting a life coaching business\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/VENN-DIAGRAM-COACHING-BUSINESS-VS-LIFE-COACH.jpg\" alt=\"Being a Life Coach VS Running a Coaching Business -- 2 Different Things\" class=\"wp-image-24295\" width=\"761\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/VENN-DIAGRAM-COACHING-BUSINESS-VS-LIFE-COACH.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/VENN-DIAGRAM-COACHING-BUSINESS-VS-LIFE-COACH-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/VENN-DIAGRAM-COACHING-BUSINESS-VS-LIFE-COACH-768x427.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/VENN-DIAGRAM-COACHING-BUSINESS-VS-LIFE-COACH-640x356.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px\" \/><figcaption><em>Being a Life Coach VS Running a Coaching Business &#8212; 2 Different Things<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Becoming a life coach<\/strong> doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you\u2019re running a coaching business (perhaps you have a job coaching, or you\u2019re currently coaching for free).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a life coach, you\u2019ve got to \u2018do\u2019 and \u2018be\u2019 a few things:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re likely already doing the basics of coaching without the formal title.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>You\u2019ve got to love helping people<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (and you probably do, or you wouldn\u2019t be reading this).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I was the 6 year old that the 8 year olds used to ask for advice.&nbsp; If you\u2019re like me, people already seek you out to discuss challenges they are facing in their life.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>You\u2019ve got to have coaching skills.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/coachfederation.org\/\">International Coach Federation<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says the skills it takes to become a life coach are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compassion<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People Skills<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creativity<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Problem-solving<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goal-setting<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progress Management<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond that, you should be good at <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/active-listening-an-essential-skill-for-professional-life-coaches\/\">listening and asking questions to help someone discover<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what they want<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what is preventing them from getting it<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what they must change to accomplish what they want<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8230;and then be able to <\/span><b>set up a structure to support the change<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the core responsibilities of a life coach.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re \u2018that person\u2019, then I\u2019d consider you a life coach (with or without certification)!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, if that\u2019s all you\u2019re doing, people probably wouldn\u2019t consider you a life coach, unless you treat it like a profession, rather than just a hobby.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/whats-the-difference.jpg\" alt=\"What's the difference between a life coach who's certified versus a life coach who isn't?\" class=\"wp-image-24309\" width=\"723\" height=\"408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/whats-the-difference.jpg 952w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/whats-the-difference-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/whats-the-difference-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/whats-the-difference-640x362.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px\" \/><figcaption><em>What&#8217;s the difference between a life coach who&#8217;s certified versus a life coach who isn&#8217;t?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s the difference between becoming a life coach WITH a certification versus WITHOUT a certification?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ANSWER:&nbsp; The Certification<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can become a life coach who happens to be certified, or you could become a life coach who isn&#8217;t certified\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The certification is the only difference&#8230;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do You Need Certification for Life Coaching?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NO<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThen, why get certified as a life coach, Kris?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lot of new coaches think the biggest reason they should get certified before they start coaching is because they believe it will make clients \u2018fall out of the sky\u2019\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/magic-certification-line3.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24297\" width=\"794\" height=\"447\"\/><figcaption>Do you really think all the clients are waiting on the other side of the &#8216;magic certification line&#8217;?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ve talked to new coaches who are deluded to the point of believing that certification is a magic line, that, if they cross it, everyone will automatically hire them\u2026 because now they have a certificate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many coaching schools feed into this incorrect thinking because it fits our culture of \u201cyou have to go to college, and get a degree, and then you can get a good job because now you\u2019ll be qualified.\u201d&nbsp; This cultural bias for \u2018education first\u2019 makes it easy to get aspiring coaches to buy their certification programs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Something tells me that these \u2018certification factories\u2019 aren\u2019t worried if after they already have the new coaches money, the new coach discovers there is a far greater requirement than just a certificate to make coaching their full time profession (learning sales and marketing skills).&nbsp; These schools aren\u2019t concerned that some coaches may not be willing to do what it takes, or that they wouldn\u2019t have gotten into the profession at all if they knew that up front.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>The Certification Reality<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saying you need a certification for life coaching is a disservice to new coaches.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because it\u2019s an unrealistic expectation that will disappoint a new coach when they realize that a piece of paper (or letters after your name) doesn\u2019t convince a human being to trust you enough to give you their hard earned money, or let you be a catalyst to help them create the future of their dreams.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Coaching: Selling The Invisible<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coaching is INVISIBLE\u2026 a SERVICE.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A certification doesn\u2019t change the fact that life coaching is not a \u2018worldly object\u2019 that you can show people the same way you might display your new house, or a nice watch, or a new car.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It requires blind faith for a new client to enter a relationship they don\u2019t understand (coaching) until they experience it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coaching is an EXPERIENCE\u2026&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An experience that clients can\u2019t tell their friends about without potentially appearing like there is something wrong with them.&nbsp; The fear is that your client\u2019s friends say\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s wrong with you that you need a coach?\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you that you need a coach?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An experience where they may face the ugly parts of themselves that they aren\u2019t proud of.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/MIRROR.jpg\" alt=\"Sometimes, in coaching, your client will face ugly parts of themselves.\" class=\"wp-image-24310\" width=\"419\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/MIRROR.jpg 649w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/MIRROR-264x300.jpg 264w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/MIRROR-640x727.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px\" \/><figcaption><em>Sometimes, in coaching, your client will face ugly parts of themselves.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An experience where they\u2019ll push themselves to do things they don\u2019t really feel like doing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think that you can create that kind of experience for your coaching client without developing a deep, personal, emotional connection with them\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A \u2018coaching connection\u2019 is a connection you can\u2019t build by attempting to appeal to a client\u2019s logic alone\u2026 by showing them a piece of paper, or the letters after your name.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Claiming that a coach can create a deep enough connection with a new client through a piece of paper, or website alone&#8230; is an irresponsible falsehood, and a disservice to new coaches.&nbsp; Yet, this very falsehood has become a common obstacle that will get in the way of many new coaches&#8217; success.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>The Confidence Myth<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another myth new coaches often believe is that having a certification will make them confident in their coaching.&nbsp; I\u2019ll address that feeling later in this article.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Certifications: From The Coaching Client\u2019s Standpoint<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your client doesn&#8217;t care where you went to school.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your clients have no idea which coaching certifications matter (or if they matter at all).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You could make up a \u201cRSDQ\u201d certification in the place of an ICF Certification, and most of your clients wouldn\u2019t know the difference\u2026&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2026not because they are ignorant, but because they don\u2019t see a certification as a sign of coaching competence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They don\u2019t even know what coaching is.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how would they know what makes a \u201cqualified\u201d coach?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How would they know whether or not a coach is UNQUALIFIED?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clients will have to see coaching from you, feel it coaching with you, experience coaching with you\u2026 for the vast majority of them to believe in your qualifications or worth to them as a coach.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In all my years of coaching (since 2007) I have NEVER been asked by a potential client (in a sample strategy session) if I\u2019m certified.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8230;AND, I didn\u2019t get ONE single certification until I had been coaching full time for 3 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few valid situations where it may make sense for you to get a certification<\/span>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan on coaching full time for a corporation.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ll be coaching executives or performing government coaching contracts, or doing corporate coaching for a fortune 100 company.&nbsp; These are certainly some coaching clients that will highly value your ICF Certification.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to learn a specific coaching skill (or you just like to take courses), and, as a side effect of learning that skill, you get a certification.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If coaching is a hobby that you want to use with friends, or in volunteer work, and you have no intention of financial profit.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve already got a successful coaching business, you\u2019re committed to being in the profession for a long time, and you plan to pair advanced coaching skills with your clients in the real world\u2026 to achieve the outcome of mastery of all the skills of coaching.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life Coach Certification Cost (Is it Worth The Money?)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many coach certification programs cost from $5,000 to $10,000 (or more) for a certification.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An aspiring life coach may feel this is a worthy investment, since life coaches can make a significant income if they treat it as a profession (rather than just as a hobby, as we will get into a little bit later).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>The Point of Certification<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But what\u2019s the point of certification for a new coach?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are TWO valuable points to getting certified as a life coach before or during the start of your career:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get a title (or some letters) after your name.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn a basic coaching method to follow.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel the cost of a life coach certification is worth the money in your case, then invest in a coach certification that is approved by ICF (or International Coach Federation).&nbsp; If that\u2019s of interest to you, <\/span><b>contact us<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and we can help you meet the requirements to qualify with significantly reduced tuition costs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coachcertificationtraining.com\/credentialing-webinar\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ICF-WEBINAR.jpg\" alt=\"During the webinar, I\u2019ll cover how you can gain an ICF Credential in a matter of months. Click HERE now to attend the webinar.)\" class=\"wp-image-24312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ICF-WEBINAR.jpg 800w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ICF-WEBINAR-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ICF-WEBINAR-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ICF-WEBINAR-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption><em>During the webinar, I\u2019ll cover how you can gain an ICF Credential in a matter of months.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/coachcertificationtraining.com\/credentialing-webinar\"><strong>Click HERE now to attend the webinar<\/strong><\/a>.)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>ICF offers three levels of coach credentials:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Associate Certified Coach:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Achieving this level requires at least 60 hours of training and 100 hours of coaching experience.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Professional Certified Coach:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This credential requires at least 125 hours of training and 500 hours of coaching experience.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Master Certified Coach:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This highest credential requires at least 200 hours of training and 2,500 hours of coaching experience.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ICF also requires you complete 40 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years to maintain your certification.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The majority of those coaching hours MUST be paid coaching hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you were planning on avoiding learning how to get paying clients until after you were certified\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s NOT going to happen (at least with ICF).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DON\u2019T MISS THIS POINT:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Getting paying coaching clients is REQUIRED if you want to get an ICF Credential.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, a lot of aspiring coaches pursue certification because they believe it will help them avoid having to learn sales and marketing skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A big mistake.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Getting paying coaching clients is REQUIRED if you want to get an ICF Credential.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another big mistake new coaches make is thinking that paying for your coach certification is the only important expense you\u2019ll need to consider when getting started as a coach.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are two other major expenses of time and money that you&#8217;ll need to consider to support your goal of becoming a successful life coach\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The real question is\u2026&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>How important are these expenses compared to certification?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>MAJOR EXPENSE #1 &#8211; BUSINESS EDUCATION:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first expense is business education.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without the proper sales, marketing, and business education, it&#8217;s highly unlikely that you&#8217;ll ever become a successful coach, no matter how skilled a coach you are.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019m going to explain the details on business education for coaches (and on mentors) at the end of this article when we talk about exactly how to get started.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>MAJOR EXPENSE #2 &#8211; BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The second expense is business development.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;re going to need to spend thousands of hours, and, chances are, thousands of dollars on developing your business over time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I\u2019ll also explain the details of these business development expenses (along with developing your website) at the end of this article as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Coaching Schools Don\u2019t Want You to Know<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lot of coaches (because of the misconceptions we\u2019ve covered so far) spend all their&nbsp;time and money getting a certification, thinking it will get them clients. Then they don\u2019t have the time or money to learn the business, sales, and marketing skills that REALLY matter in a coaching business.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/BROKE-1.gif\" alt=\"Don't waste all your money, or go broke to get certified...\" class=\"wp-image-24317\" width=\"785\" height=\"441\"\/><figcaption><em>Don&#8217;t waste all your money, or go broke to get certified&#8230;<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And worse\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have to get a \u201cday job\u201d.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What a tragedy!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t let this happen to you!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Education Is Needed to Become a Coach?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All or some of the following is fundamental education needed to become a coach.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand how to listen and guide someone through the process of coaching \u2013 like a safari tour guide.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be an expert, or be willing to do the research to become more of an expert &#8212; to solve a difficult problem your clients need your help to solve.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find much of the education you could need to become a coach through reading a thorough success book on a key life topic such as&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finances<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goal Setting<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationships&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, help your clients execute the ideas in that book\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/learn-by-reading-1024x577.jpg\" alt=\"You can build your coaching expertise through READING BOOKS...\" class=\"wp-image-24313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/learn-by-reading-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/learn-by-reading-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/learn-by-reading-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/learn-by-reading-640x361.jpg 640w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/learn-by-reading.jpg 1436w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption><em>You can build your coaching expertise through READING BOOKS&#8230;<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">THAT ALONE could be enough to help your coaching clients produce profound results.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coaching is about helping your client execute on success principles in specific areas of their life.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep things simple.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At times, filling their head with more and more knowledge will actually distract them from what they must focus on to improve their results.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legal Requirements For Life Coaching<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As long as you don\u2019t claim to heal illnesses (like a licensed healthcare professional does) there are no legal requirements for life coaching.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel your client may have an illness, then suggest they seek out a licensed professional to address it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In life coaching we don\u2019t diagnose sickness and treat it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We take already healthy people and we help them get better.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our focus is today, and the future with our clients, not to focus on the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does a Life Coach Need a Business License?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, no.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A life coach does not need a business license.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s always a good idea to check with your local city hall to be sure.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, you may want to consider speaking to your CPA to determine what business structure you will use for tax purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDo I need a brick and mortar location for my coaching business?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NO.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You do not need a brick and mortar location.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most life coaches start working out of their homes using their cell phone.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t need to meet people for coaching sessions in person.&nbsp; You can do it over the phone, or video conferencing easily, and clients usually love it (not to mention that you can coach people all over the world).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping your coaching business lean and agile will make it easier to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Can I Be Confident or Credible If I\u2019m Not Certified?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confidence refers to how well you believe you can accomplish a particular task or goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>How can you be confident if you\u2019re not certified?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>You\u2019ll only get confident by practicing coaching, and doing coaching for clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s especially important for your confidence and credibility to be paid for coaching as soon as possible.<\/span><\/i>&#8220;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s especially important for your confidence and credibility to be paid for coaching as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if your clients are only paying you a very small fee, it\u2019s a critical part of their \u2018buy in\u2019 of you and the coaching relationship.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s their way of saying \u201cI believe I\u2019m going to get results.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2026which is huge to help you build confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What new coaches are REALLY wondering when they say they want to feel confident?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They need more self esteem.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They need more self love.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re really wondering if they are good enough.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re really wondering if they are worthy enough to get paid.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They\u2019re really wondering if they are worthy enough to lead people bravely forward in their lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think this might be you&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You ARE enough!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve ALWAYS been enough, you can\u2019t DO anything to be MORE enough, just like you can\u2019t pour more water in a glass after it\u2019s full.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/water-overflowing.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24301\" width=\"674\" height=\"379\"\/><figcaption>You&#8217;re already FULL<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It just OVERFLOWS\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t ALREADY see your worth, getting a certification will only be like chasing your tail.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you get your certification, you still won\u2019t be confident.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There will always be \u2018one more thing\u2019 you\u2019ll need to learn, or \u2018one more course\u2019 you\u2019ll need to take before you\u2019re \u201cready.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t coach, then you\u2019ll NEVER be confident.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a confident coach, you must coach BEFORE you feel ready.<\/span><\/i>&#8220;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a confident coach, you must coach BEFORE you feel ready.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isn\u2019t that what you\u2019ll be helping your clients do\u2026 taking action BEFORE they think they\u2019re ready?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2026and so that\u2019s what you must do.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>How can you be credible if you\u2019re not certified?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credibility is in the eye of your market.<\/span><\/li><li>Credibility is inside the relationship and trust you build with your clients.<\/li><li>Credibility is gained by ringing the bell of the inner truth your clients know in their hearts\u2026<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2026Credibility is about THOSE things MUCH more than it is about what letters are after your name.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clients care if you understand them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clients care if you\u2019re able to help them solve their problems.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can show that kind of credibility through testimonials or by showing them that you can do what they find difficult to do.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>PROOF Testimonials Work<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s an example that\u2019ll show you how testimonials create credibility\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine you have a brain tumor.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s not the fun part of this exercise, but seriously, try this on and it\u2019ll make sense.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have a brain tumor, and you have to have surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have two surgeons to choose from.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"954\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ivy-league-vs-well-practiced-doctor.jpg\" alt=\"Just like choosing a Doctor, choosing a coach is a matter of credibility.\" class=\"wp-image-24314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ivy-league-vs-well-practiced-doctor.jpg 954w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ivy-league-vs-well-practiced-doctor-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ivy-league-vs-well-practiced-doctor-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ivy-league-vs-well-practiced-doctor-640x359.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 954px) 100vw, 954px\" \/><figcaption><em>Just like choosing a Doctor, choosing a coach is a matter of credibility.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One surgeon is a fresh graduate from the top of their class\u2026 an ivy league school.&nbsp; There\u2019s no finer education and credentials available than theirs when it comes to working with brain tumors.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other choice is a surgeon who has an excellent track record in handling brain tumors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have tons of real world testimonials from patients saying that they&#8217;re a phenomenal surgeon.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which doctor do you pick?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The one that just graduated from the ivy league school with the best education?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The doctor that\u2019s got 5,000 successful brain surgeries (as proven by those testimonials)?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Nobody really cares where you went to school.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, you\u2019re going to pick the experienced brain surgeon\u2026 the one that has tons of testimonials, and has a track record of success.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coaching is JUST LIKE THAT.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nobody really cares where you went to school.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They care that you\u2019ve shown in some way that you can solve their problem.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>\u201cBut, Kris, I don\u2019t know a lot of great \u2018coaching techniques\u2019&#8230;\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We can help you with that, but you\u2019ve got to coach.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve got to start.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve got to stay in momentum.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coaches COACH.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019re coaches.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s what we do.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We coach.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re not COACHING, you\u2019re NOT A COACH.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>I<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">f you\u2019re not COACHING, you\u2019re NOT A COACH.<\/span><\/i>&#8220;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We call this a \u2018coaching practice\u2019 for a reason.&nbsp; You\u2019re going to need to continue to practice to grow your skill set.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep coaching.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get the help you need.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, whatever you do, don\u2019t stop.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t wait.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because if you stop, you\u2019re less likely to start again.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go out and make a difference for people.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They need you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s someone out there right now that is looking to connect with you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re the RIGHT COACH with the RIGHT VOICE that they need to hear RIGHT NOW.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The coaching connection that they are going to have is going to be with YOU.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">YOU\u2019RE THE ONE that\u2019ll make a difference FOR THEM.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And, they\u2019re the one that\u2019s waiting for YOU because you\u2019ll be a great fit together.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, go out there and HELP PEOPLE.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll be able to build the rest later.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Life Coaching a Real Career?&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you might be asking if \u201cthis life coaching thing is a real career?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I can see why you\u2019d ask that.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you really talk on the phone and get paid?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is coaching as a profession really any different than just being a good friend?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">YES, it is.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A great coach is usually the only person in your life that is NOT trying to get something from you for themselves (other than their coaching fee, of course).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Can you really talk on the phone and get paid?&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A recent <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/coachfederation.org\/app\/uploads\/2017\/12\/064GlobalCoachingStudyExecutiveSummary2008.pdf\">ICF study, conducted by Pricewaterhousecoopers<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from a group of over 6,000 coaches, found that the average salary of a full time coach was just over $82,000, and part time coaches made $26,000.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life coaching over the last 10 years consecutively has been <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/realbusiness.co.uk\/female-coaching-industry-uk\/\">the second fastest growing industry in the world<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> according to <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/realbusiness.co.uk\/female-coaching-industry-uk\/\">realbusiness.co.uk<\/a><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, yes, life coaching is a REAL career.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Life coaching is a growing industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have an opportunity to make a good living and lifestyle for you and your family while doing something that helps people\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2026AND is fulfilling for you\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8230;IF you\u2019re treat it like a true profession, and not just a hobby.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is the Best Way to Get Started as a Life Coach?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coaches ask me all the time \u201cWhat\u2019s the best way to get started as a life coach?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2026and there&#8217;s no \u2018right way\u2019 to get started\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2026but, in my experience, these three steps are the most important actions that you can take to get started as a life coach (and it&#8217;s usually best to do them in this order)&#8230; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>STEP ONE:&nbsp; Start talking to real breathing human beings with problems, and help them by giving them one time \u2018sample sessions\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If they can fog a mirror\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230;and they\u2019re mentally and physically healthy enough\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230;coach them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lot of coaches will wait until they get certified before they\u2019ll even work with a single client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>There&#8217;s no \u2018right way\u2019 to get started\u2026&#8221;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only difference between them and you\u2026 is you\u2019ll start coaching right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s what I did.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I started out doing a ton of coaching, right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My clients were normal people with problems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was GREAT for me, because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>I got a lot of experience.<\/li><li>I got testimonials.<\/li><li>I got paying clients.<\/li><li>I got to sharpen my skills.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2026And I discovered how coaching is in the real world with people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It made me a much better coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do what I did:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay in momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coach people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>STEP TWO:&nbsp; Hire a mentor.&nbsp; Learn sales and marketing skills.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While getting certified may help you get certain types of clients, nothing you do will help you become successful as a life coach if you don&#8217;t know how to run the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business education is absolutely required if you don&#8217;t know what you&#8217;re doing when it comes to marketing, selling, and delivering professional services to others in a way that allows your business to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sales and marketing education can be quite expensive, requiring Investments in the multiple thousands of dollars (if you want the most effective education).&nbsp; That said, you may be able to get away with reading a few of the right books to help you get your coaching business \u2018ball rolling\u2019 before you perfect your business development process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>USING MENTORS AND COACHES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s likely way more valuable to invest in a mentor, or to apprentice with another coach, so you can really learn the business from the inside out, versus getting a certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s lots of certified coaches who don&#8217;t know what they&#8217;re doing because they missed this step.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;d invest many times over in my mentors and coaches before I&#8217;d ever get my first certification in order to be successful in this business.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you can see exactly how an already successful coach is producing their results, it\u2019s priceless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because you can copy their methods and reap many of the same rewards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>I&#8217;d invest many times over in my mentors and coaches before I&#8217;d ever get my first certification in order to be successful in this business.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mentor will also help you to perform at the level necessary to reach the success you want to experience, despite the fact that there\u2019s no way you could know the nuances of how to reach it on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mentor will help a new coach know how much energy is required to be successful, and what strategy a new coach ought to put that energy into\u2026 so they reach their coaching business goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mentor will save a new coach a lot of time and mistakes trying to \u2018figure it out on their own\u2019 or reading a bunch of conflicting information on the internet\u2026 not knowing the correct guidance to believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>STEP THREE:&nbsp; Sell and market.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick a niche:&nbsp; Seek out people that know they already have the problem you want to solve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Schedule MORE one time free sample sessions (yes, more of this\u2026 again):&nbsp; Then invite prospective clients to hire you to coach them<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deliver your coaching:&nbsp; Once you have paying clients, the journey isn\u2019t over, of course\u2026 COACH THEM!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Execute daily discipline:&nbsp; As a professional business owner, it takes daily routines, hard work, and facing challenges to continue your businesses success.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focus on CASH generation:&nbsp; Gary Vee likes to say \u201cCash is oxygen\u201d.&nbsp; So do things every day that generate CASH, including joining networking groups, building your social media and web presence, and putting in the day-to-day work involved in starting, building, and growing your business to six figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>COACHING WEBSITE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you choose to build your coaching Business Online, you&#8217;ll have to build a website, which likely includes some level of investment in hosting, design, tech education and tools, etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These costs will likely range between $500 to tens of thousands of dollars on the high end.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>STEP FOUR:&nbsp; Learn coaching skills (may include certification).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting educated as a coach does NOT need to include certifications.&nbsp; Just GET EDUCATED and learn the skills you\u2019ll need to be an effective coach.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some do say, \u201cGet certified in case the industry becomes regulated so you can be grandfathered in.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One problem with that thinking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t have any clients, you\u2019ll go out of business before you get certified.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>There is no RIGHT WAY to coach.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Kristoffer Thompson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another problem is the DOGMA that follows many certifications\u2026 It insinuates there is only one \u2018proper\u2019 way to coach people.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WRONG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no RIGHT WAY to coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first rule of coaching is there are no rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s called a coaching \u2018practice\u2019 for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coaching industry is constantly evolving, and every situation has nuances that will require you to adapt to each client.&nbsp; Booksmarts are great, but there will always be a level of street smarts that you will need to help the client in front of you that no certification will be able to teach you\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8230;only experience can teach these lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hope that you took some great value out of this discussion around whether or not you really need a certification in order to practice as a life coach!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What\u2019s YOUR opinion?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do YOU think you can be a successful life coach that makes a good living AND makes a difference for clients without having a certification?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019d love to hear your feedback, so make sure that you leave a comment with your thoughts or questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the way, if you want my help with starting or growing your own money making coaching business, I\u2019m holding a webinar in a few days called <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/wellpaidcoach.com\/webinar-signup\">\u201cHow to Make Money Coaching\u201d<\/a><\/strong> (imagine that) that you can attend for FREE.&nbsp; Just go <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/wellpaidcoach.com\/webinar-signup\">HERE<\/a><\/strong> to attend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellpaidcoach.com\/webinar-signup\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/how-to-make-money-coaching-webinar.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/how-to-make-money-coaching-webinar.jpg 800w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/how-to-make-money-coaching-webinar-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/how-to-make-money-coaching-webinar-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/how-to-make-money-coaching-webinar-640x400.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wellpaidcoach.com\/webinar-signup\">https:\/\/wellpaidcoach.com\/webinar-signup<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the webinar, you\u2019ll learn what stops new coaches from getting their first paying clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bio-circles-jeffrey-t-sooey.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bio-circles-jeffrey-t-sooey.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26171\" width=\"249\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bio-circles-jeffrey-t-sooey.jpg 775w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bio-circles-jeffrey-t-sooey-300x296.jpg 300w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bio-circles-jeffrey-t-sooey-768x758.jpg 768w, https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/bio-circles-jeffrey-t-sooey-640x632.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/bio\/kris-thompson\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kris Thompson<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Designated Coach, <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mastercoachuniversity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Master Coach University<\/a><\/strong><br>Head Coach, <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/wellpaidcoach.com\/need-help\" target=\"_blank\">Synergy Private Client Program<\/a><\/strong><br><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"mailto:kristofferthompson@coachestrainingblog.com\" target=\"_blank\">kristofferthompson@coachestrainingblog.com<\/a><\/strong><br>619-212-0202<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links has-large-icon-size is-style-logos-only is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-facebook wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kristofferthompson24\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 2C6.5 2 2 6.5 2 12c0 5 3.7 9.1 8.4 9.9v-7H7.9V12h2.5V9.8c0-2.5 1.5-3.9 3.8-3.9 1.1 0 2.2.2 2.2.2v2.5h-1.3c-1.2 0-1.6.8-1.6 1.6V12h2.8l-.4 2.9h-2.3v7C18.3 21.1 22 17 22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-twitter wp-block-social-link\"><a 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class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">YouTube<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cDo life coaches need to be certified?\u201d is one of the most common questions asked by those considering becoming a life coach.&nbsp; Everyone inside and outside the industry seems to have an opinion on it. So here\u2019s my take on the age old question&#8230; Can you be a life coach without certification? Yes.&nbsp; You can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":24292,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,2279],"tags":[822,2281,2280],"class_list":["post-24267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-become-a-life-coach","category-can-i-be-a-life-coach-without-certification","tag-become-a-life-coach","tag-become-a-life-coach-without-certification","tag-can-i-be-a-life-coach-without-certification","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Can-I-be-a-life-coach-without-certification.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24267"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24267\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25086,"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24267\/revisions\/25086"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24292"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coachestrainingblog.com\/becomeacoach\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}