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What Coaching Is

Guest post by: Dave Ferguson

Article Overview: Last week I introduced you to coaching and started to outline for you what coaches do and how coaching works. I explained that coaching is an intangible service, that it’s future driven, how important the relationship is between a coach and client, why passion is required from both of them, and how educational coaching can be. Today, I am going to continue with more of what coaching is:

What Coaching Is

Last week I introduced you to coaching and started to outline for you what coaches do and how coaching works. I explained that coaching is an intangible service, that it’s future driven, how important the relationship is between a coach and client, why passion is required from both of them, and how educational coaching can be. Today, I am going to continue with more of what coaching is:

1. Coaching is a marathon. In the running world a marathon is 26.2 miles long, while a sprint can be as short as 50 yards. A sprinter can run his event, shower, change, and be home, long before a marathon runner hits the half-way mark. While growth and progress can be seen rapidly in coaching, there is usually much to do and it requires long-term thinking and commitment.

2. Coaching is process driven. Normally, we as coaches follow a process, which we usually have put together, based on a client’s specific needs. Much of the initial process I start with pertains to time management, effective activities, and the highest and best use of a client’s time.

3. Coaches assist in identifying challenges. A good coach will stand with their client and help them identify the challenges, then partners to turn these challenges into victories.

4. Coaching focuses on action and outcomes. Goals are created, strategies are discussed, action plans are built, and the outcomes are monitored. The action plans require execution on the client’s part and the results are monitored by the coach. The execution of plans is a critical component and many times where a breakdown occurs.

5. Coaches should have a co-creative equal partnership with their clients. When I am engaged by a client I figuratively become part of their organization. I got in this business because I wanted to see others succeed and prosper, therefore; I have a vested interest in the success and growth of my clients. When I’m working with them or talking about their company, I always use “we”.

6. Coaches hold you accountable. This is sometimes the biggest benefit clients see in hiring a coach. It’s amazing how much we can and will do when we know someone is going to check-up on us. Can you imagine the results you would have seen all these years if you had someone holding you accountable for all those New Year’s Resolutions you made?

I hope these short and concise explanations of what coaching is all about have helped you understand what we, as coaches, do. . Until then, keep executing your plans for 2011 and beyond.

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Article Tags: accountability, business, clients, coach, economy, leadership, partnership, passion, relationship, success



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Re: need pricing help please - here's my opinion that was derived from the person I heard it from (Russell Brunson) I view internet Marketing products as a Ladder. At the bottom of the Ladder is ebooks and at the top is One on One Coaching. so the ladder would look like this starting from the Top ($$$) to Bottom($) One-to-One Coaching ($$$$$$) Workshops ($$$$$) Teleseminars ($$$$) Video($$$) Audio ($$) ebooks ($) I agree with this methodology mainly because of the convenience factor and value from the customers point of view.
Re: need pricing help please - [quote="jvprosperity":t4htv1h6]here's my opinion that was derived from the person I heard it from (Russell Brunson) I view internet Marketing products as a Ladder. At the bottom of the Ladder is ebooks and at the top is One on One Coaching. so the ladder would look like this starting from the Top ($$$) to Bottom($) One-to-One Coaching ($$$$$$) Workshops ($$$$$) Teleseminars ($$$$) Video($$$) Audio ($$) ebooks ($) I agree with this methodology mainly because of the convenience factor and value from the customers point of view.[/quote:t4htv1h6] I also agree with this methodology, but sometimes some ebooks sell more in 2 digits. My 26 pages report sell for $9.77
Re: Business Women Peer Mentoring Spotlight - That is a great idea, David. This is what I had in mind for the Women's section, but it makes sense to post in on the main site. Of course, I'm waiting for some women to step up to the plate and share how they could use some support on taking the next step with their business! If you are a Business Woman reading this, I invite you to consider that this is not displaying weakness in any form. Peer mentoring and Coaching is incredibly valuable. You get to bounce your ideas off others, hear perspectives from outside your own box, and feel the power of others cheering you on. To me, it's wisdom to use all of our available resources to move towards business success. That's why I have my own Coach and my own Mentor Coaching Group. I also offer that to my clients. These are services one usually has to pay for and you could enjoy some of it free right here! So who wants to start? Can you tell I'm excited about the possibilities for you even before you begin? Warmly, Tami
Re: Business Women Peer Mentoring Spotlight - Hi Everyone, Gosh, I REALLY appreciate your concrete feedback. This was far more than I expected and I'm glad you said what you thought straight out. Each of you have shared something of value and I want to take some more time to think and really go over what each of you have said. However, I can see there are some things I need to change right away. What an interesting point about a NEW program perhaps making people think they are guinea pigs! This is NOT what I want to convey! It's funny how we can see some things so clearly in others while not always seeing it for ourselves! I must admit there are a few things I've been meaning to change (like my bio which is very outdated). Obviously, these things need to be higher on my priority list. You caught me like the plumber who puts his clients first and doesn't get around to fixing his own tap! As far as my target market, I do feel quite strongly about working with Women Leaders and doing Leadership Coaching with them. It's non-negotiable in my books. In my Executive Coaching training, the terms "Leaders" and "Executives" are interchangable. To me, an Executive is a Leader and so is the Business Woman or Entrepreneur who is CEO of her own business. I love working with decision makers! What I did learn is that I need to avoid opening up the Leadership term beyond what I described above. I'm also wondering if there is a misunderstanding with the general public as to what Leadership Coaching really is. Leadership Coaching is all about developing your leadership skills, both as a people manager and in more effectively running and growing the business. There is ALWAYS room for growth in some way. As well, sometimes, we just need a sounding board to clarify what our next BEST step is. In fact, if a woman thinks she has nothing to work on, then we aren't a good Client/Coach fit anyway. How can she grow if she doesn't see the value of expressing ALL of the great ability within her? How can her company grow if she doesn't see the value of strategic planning for the next best level? Thanks again to you all! I will go back to my website and really question whether I am conveying the right message. I got more than I bargained for in this Spotlight... you generously offered way more than I was asking. I think we could be on to something great for the Forum. Now it's time to let someone else have the spotlight. It would be great if everyone took a turn! In gratitude, Tami
What are you doing to grow your business Ladies? - Hi Ladies, I thought it might be great for us women to share what we are doing lately to develop our business(es). I have now signed a lease on a new commercial space where my husband and I plan to open a Sport's Consignment and Cappuccino Bar. We're an active tourist destination and we also want to give back to our local community by offering discounted quality equipment. I'm doing lots of research and planning right now. For my Coaching Business, I have signed up for a new coaching mentorship program by one of USA's top Executive Coach trainers, Drayton Boylston. He's sure to challenge me, offer continued professional development and keep me on track as I grow my Coaching business. I'm quite excited about the opportunity since you have to be invited to even participate in this group. What are you doing lately or what are you planning in order to develop your business? I'm hoping we can all encourage each other to keep our businesses growing. Warm regards, Tami


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