What sort of person becomes a good life coach?

If you are interested in people and enjoy bringing out the best in them, you could be a good life coach. Each coach is a unique individual, of course, but the good ones all share a few characteristics, including:

… and they have all worked hard on their own issues before turning their attention to other people's. Partly for this reason, it is definitely a good idea to have some life coaching of your own before you become a coach yourself. Also, it's very useful to see how an experienced coach operates, so that you have an idea of what you're aiming at.

Some tips for being a good coach

The first two things you should do when you start thinking about becoming a life coach are:

Alongside the above two activities, it is a good idea to practise your coaching skills on your friends and family.

Here are a few other pointers:

Don't talk too much. The conversation must be tight and focused - and it's not about you. Also, it's important to give the client time to think. Particularly if you're coaching by telephone, silence can feel awkward but it is often during the moments of quiet that the client makes the most progress.

Remember that the point is to coach the client to create the life that he/she wants, not what you think he/she ought to want. However, do feel free to challenge goals that are clearly not really in the client's best interest, such as committing a crime.

Have to hand some names and numbers of counsellors and psychotherapists you can recommend if necessary.

How important is a qualification?

As with many things in life, what really matters is being able to do the job well. You don't need a qualification by law to practise as a life coach and you will be judged by your results rather than the certificates on your wall.

However, it will probably be easier for you to find the first clients if you can tell people you've got some form of qualification. More importantly, some training will stand you in very good stead.

Disadvantages to being a life coach

There are not many disadvantages to being a life coach but do be prepared for the fact that it's hard work! It may sound like an easy job but, although it's immensely rewarding, it is usually challenging and occasionally extremely demanding. If you're not going to short-change your clients, you have got to give of your very best in every single session, however you may be feeling inside.

Advantages to being a life coach

There are many advantages to being a life coach, including:

Setting up as a life coach

In most ways, setting up as a life coach is the same as starting any small business. You'll need to have some business cards printed, open a business bank account and get serious about book-keeping.

In terms of advertising, it's not necessary to spend a lot of money and, in any case, it's probably not a good idea to invest too much before you've started earning. Of course, you need to let people know you're there but often you can achieve this without having to advertise as such. Word of mouth is an excellent way to spread the news about you and the service you offer: ask your friends and family to tell everyone they know, for a start. Also, leaving (home-made) leaflets and brochures, or even putting up (home-made) posters, in places such as waiting rooms and company canteens will probably yield at least as much benefit as taking out an expensive ad in a magazine.

Even if you live alone, it's useful to have a dedicated telephone line for work.

Some points to consider about receiving clients in your home:

You need to have a room where you can see your clients peacefully, without interruptions or distractions. This room needs to look at least semi-professional and not be covered in all the paraphernalia of your private life.

If you are a woman, it's sensible to give some thought to safety issues. It is extremely unlikely that you'll ever be in any sort of danger from a client but it is still worth taking precautions.

Recommended reading

Curly Martin, a very successful British life coach, has written a great book, telling you everything you need to know about becoming an effective life coach.