Are you inspired to make a career change and become a coach, but are unsure what the change might actually look like?
You’re definitely not alone in this uncertainty.
Not only was I exactly where you were a few years ago, every time I tell someone what industry I’m in I get asked so many questions about the mystique of coaching!
To be honest, I love answering these questions. I found my passion working with
The coaching industry has been gaining traction and more mainstream attention for several years now. This fantastic fantastic for both coaches and clients.
It means more people are turning to coaching to help improve their lives, and that it’s becoming more accessible to everyone…not just celebrities or Paris Geller on Gilmore Girls.
Along with increased hype come many misconceptions about what coaching actually is, and what it looks like to become a coach.
If you go down the rabbit hole of coaching on social media (as I have many times), you’ll see a lot of buzzwords and big promises without much explanation as to what a coaching session or career actually looks like.
When I connect with people interested in venturing out into the coaching field (as part of my job with a coaching certification program), I often find myself answering the same questions or debunking common myths about what it really means to be a coach.
Here are the top 5 myths I believe are the most important to reframe when deciding if you want to become a coach:
Myth #1: Coaching is just telling people what to do
This is the biggest misconception I hear from both people who aspire to be coaches and potential coaching clients. Some people are drawn to becoming a coach because they believe it is a chance for them to give their opinions freely. In a similar vein, many potential clients who don’t quite understand coaching, believe it to be someone just bossing them around and making decisions for them. Both could not be farther from the truth!
The true essence of coaching is holding a non judgmental space for a client to explore his or her own options, and act as a facilitator for them to make decisions that feel right to them. It is not making the choice for them.
The best coaches are the ones who mirror or paraphrase what the clients say back to them, to reach a better understanding of the beliefs and rationale behind them.
Myth #2: Trainings and Certifications aren’t important
While it is true that the coaching field is not highly regulated in the United States, to deliver the best coaching possible, I highly, highly recommend a coach training. There are so many options to choose from, but regardless of your target niche becoming clear on how to best communicate change to your clients will only amplify their results.
Even if you are an expert in your field, learning how to hold space, listen and mirror, and guide them through specific processes can make a huge difference (learn more about what to look for in a coaching program, here). I went through the Transform Coaching Academy (and still work for the company), and the lessons I learned throughout my year of training were absolutely invaluable.
Do yourself (and your clients) a big favor, and invest in a quality certification program. You will not regret it!
Myth #3: The coaching market is oversaturated...there isn’t room for me!
The coaching industry has been a hot topic in the past few years. First gaining mainstream attraction through celebrities like Oprah to Marianne Williamson as a presidential contender…coaching is on the rise! If you’ve been exposed to the coaching industry, it seems like everyone and their mom is dabbling in coaching. But the field has continued to grow into a billion dollar industry–and is showing no signs of slowing down.
One reason coaching isn’t too oversaturated for you to find success is because you will appeal to a very specific group of people that resonate with your own unique perspective and wisdom. Whether you’re specialized in financial coaching, business, health, wellness..you name it, there is ALWAYS room for you at the table.
As coaching becomes more commonplace, more and more people are starting to get interested. Coaching on a local level is more accessible than ever. When you align with your truest self in your marketing and offerings, your message will be clear to those who need to hear it.
Myth #4: I have to have my life completely together
I’ve had the same feeling, but let me assure you that there is no ‘perfect’ time to start coaching. The right time is simply when you feel called to do so. It breaks my heart when I hear aspiring coaches say they’re waiting to ‘fix’ something in their life before they can become an effective coach.
What makes coaching so powerful is that your coaching is shaped by your experiences and knowledge. You will attract clients that have been inspired by you and your story, regardless of where you are on your journey. Also, keep in mind that taking a coach training will bring with it profound personal growth.
I often hear that coach training is one of the most transformative years of one’s life. From personal experience, that sentiment is completely true. As you help clients transform their lives, you will also see big shifts in your life as well.
Myth #5: It’s just an easy way to make money
Is it feasible? Absolutely yes. Is it effortless? No.
The big draws of becoming a coach include a high hourly rate (the average is several hundred dollars per hour), a flexible schedule and the ability to work from anywhere. You can even get started with very few upfront costs.
However, it still takes considerable time and effort to get your business up and running if you’re starting from scratch. Putting in your best efforts to build an authentic brand that truly serves your customers requires your best efforts and a lot of brainstorming.
If you’re truly passionate about coaching, these are just necessary steps to build your vision–and a lot of the “work” is pretty fun.
With all that said, if you’re feeling called to become a coach, find a certification and dive in head first! I love working in the coaching industry, and it’s exciting to see the growth and momentum over the past several years.
Making a big shift in life to pursue coaching can be scary, but there really is no better time to start than today.
With Deepest Gratitude,
Amy
