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How To Pick The Right Coach For You

Forbes Coaches Council
POST WRITTEN BY
Brooke Schultz

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There are so many coaches providing a wide variety of services, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming when trying to find the right fit. It might seem like every coach knows just what to say, but at the end of the day, how can you make sure this coach is the right fit for you? How can you ensure that the knowledge they bring to the table is aligned with your goals?

The first step to ensuring you are picking the right coach is, of course, knowing exactly what you are looking for. Do you need a business coach who specializes in online business strategy? Are you looking for a life coach to help you overcome the obstacles of being a work-from-home parent? Whatever you need, make sure you are clear on the specifics of your goals. Once you have that clarity, you can start your search for the right one.

Reach out to your community. Ask friends and colleagues if they have recommendations. I also recommend finding anywhere from three to five coaches whose websites or social media content speak to you. Do a simple Google search using keywords such as “online business coach," “trauma life coach," or “mindset coach for women." You can also run similar searches on many social media platforms. Pay attention to which websites and social media pages stand out to you; sometimes it's hard to identify a reason, but we feel connected to someone or something. Trust your intuition.

It's also important that the coach you select is someone who you feel connected to. Finding a coach is like shopping for shoes: Not only should you find a quality pair, but they should also be the perfect fit. Once you’ve found websites and social media pages of coaches who seem to be a good fit, schedule a consultation call. Beyond liking their website, you must have rapport with them as well. Make sure there is a natural flow to the conversation, you feel connected to them, and you’re given the opportunity to ask questions, like what their experience is working with clients like you. Hopefully, one of them will stand out above the others.

Remember, this doesn’t mean that any one coach is better than another. It simply means one is a better fit for you. Once you’ve found this person, I always like to advise clients to review their testimonials for extra precaution. Because coaching is an unregulated industry, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the coach has the experience that is aligned with your goals.

At this point, you will have a pretty good idea of whether the coach you've selected is a good fit. If their experience and expertise are aligned with what you’re looking to achieve, and you have good rapport, trust that you have found the right coach for you!

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?