Being a life coach is not easy. I knew that going into this profession.
Actually, practicing life coaching and working with clients is very easy for me. I love forming rapport with a client and helping motivate them through their struggles. It's the process of finding clients and marketing myself that is difficult and challenging. I'm not a salesperson by any means nor am I good at marketing. This is all very new to me.
In doing some research on how to market myself better, I came upon a blog post from Coach the Life Coach by Tim Brownson that discussed five reasons people don't hire a life coach.
Well I only thought it fitting that I do a blog that addresses those five reasons and challenges them. Hopefully this helps you decide why you should hire a life coach and to refer my services to those you think may benefit from it.
1) Not All Life Coaches are Expensive
Seeing a life coach offer services for several hundreds or thousands of dollars probably gives you the sense that this person has a lot to offer you. Higher prices usually. means you are getting the best.
But what happens if you see a life coach whose services are considerably less? Would you think that person couldn't possibly help you?
Don't feel that you are getting short changed on a life coach who doesn't offer higher prices as others do.
I have always felt that coaching, much like counseling, should be available to everyone. It's a service that helps a person have a healthier mindset. There are plenty of coaches who are affordable and who can work with individuals so they can benefit from coaching. It doesn't hurt to ask if they are willing to work with you.
So although I believe that price is equal to the value of what you are getting, I also believe that you should be valued more than money and I will work with you to make sure you are treated that way - and that you are getting the best service no matter the cost.
2) You Do Have the Time
You may not have the time to meet with someone to talk to regarding your concerns, but you do have time to meet with someone who can bring value into your life. The key word being:
VALUE
There are plenty of coaches who are affordable and who can work with individuals. But your time is valuable and so you need a life coach adds value to that time, they don't take away or detract from it.
If you've found the perfect match of client and coach, then you'll realize that you have the time and are willing to make the time!
3) Coaching Does Work
The reason coaching doesn't work for many people is that they are not open for it to work
The reason that couples counseling/coaching doesn't work? It's because only one partner is invested in the process.
Coaching only works if you understand and allow the process of coaching to work.
Coaching requires you put in the time to do the homework and to be accountable for your actions.
Coaching takes vulnerability.
If you really want to know how well coaching has worked for someone, read the testimonials of a coach or speak to someone you trust who has seen a coach.
All you need is an open mind and a willingness and the motivation to change and improve your life.
4) You Can Coach Yourself
Coaching yourself isn't the problem. We coach ourselves every day. We know and can find times to be motivated and productive.
But how truly effective are you at it? Are you able to look at yourself subjectively and ask the right questions?
A life coach looks at the whole picture without judgement and bias. We can see things you're not able to see. It is a partnership between coach and client.
5) You're Not Sure You Can Trust Them
Several years ago I decided to go into therapy.
Deciding to seek therapy wasn't difficult, it was finding the right therapist.
I had done my research and had certain requirements that I needed in order for me to find the right one.
Long story short, after all the research, I found one and it was the best decision I ever made. I felt lucky that we had gotten along with so well; we formed a good rapport.
This is what is key in finding a coach you can trust. Not only do you need to do your research on the person you want, you have to meet them and see if you're a match.
You may not find the perfect coach on your first try. You might find a good one but it probably takes a couple of sessions to feel comfortable, but at least you're finding someone that you can trust and that can add value in your life.
As a coach, it is my responsibility to earn your trust but to also make sure that we are a match. As I mentioned before, this is a partnership.
I hope I was able to assuage some of your concerns about seeing a life coach. I hope that if you have the willingness to want to change your life and to live the life you wanted that you consider a life coach. They will strive to motivate and challenge you into becoming the best version of yourself.
What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments below!
