Life coaching is a relatively new profession that began in the early 1990s in the United States and has since spread throughout the world. The International Coach Federation and the International Association of Coaching are the two main certifying organizations to contact if you want to learn more about how to become a life coach in your area (IAC).
These organizations establish professional standards for life coaches and can provide you with training opportunities and other resources. At the time of writing, certification is not required for life coaches, but it may become so in the future. A life coach, whether certified or not, usually has a specialty and works from home.
Starting a life coaching business from home with little or no money up front is possible. However, when starting a business, it’s a good idea to have at least a few months’ worth of income set aside. You’ll be able to cover your living and other expenses while working on your business. To build a steady client base, you’ll need time to train and market your services on a regular basis. You must also ensure that you are aware of your legal obligations and requirements, which vary widely and are dependent on your location.
A life coach who focuses on one or two areas of life is more likely to find work and clients than a generalist. This is because clients want experts, and you’ll need solid expertise to persuade people to hire you as a coach. Life coaches are frequently hired in the corporate world, and proven leaders who can help others achieve their goals are usually well compensated, but there are other options if you can think of a need you can fill.
Don’t dismiss any prior experience you’ve had in achieving your own goals. Consider your life’s accomplishments and see if there is a market for your expert advice in that field. Being a life coach requires a lot of marketing, especially when you first start out, because you need to persuade potential clients that you have the skills they require. The majority of life coaches work with clients in one-hour sessions over the phone or in person in business settings. However, non-billable time spent on marketing, planning, and record keeping, especially in the beginning, can add up to several hours per day.
A career as a life coach may be right for you if you genuinely want to help others succeed and can do so without feeling in competition with them. Consider your problem-solving abilities and how you’ve dealt with setbacks to achieve eventual success. It is possible to have a successful career as a life coach who helps others make the changes they need to achieve the success they desire if you have proper business planning and a strong belief in human potential.