So, you want to be a life coach? Becoming a life coach will take patience and commitment because the process involves a lot of time and effort. One cannot simply decide to become a therapist. You must go through schooling and attend training hours in order to get your license. If you have considered becoming a life coach and are interested in the profession, then look at the suggestions listed below. The steps and tips below are meant to help you along your journey towards the life coaching career.
Step 1: Research and plan.
Before you set the foundation for becoming a life coach, you need to research and plan. Begin your research by going on the ICF website to find training schools. Here you can narrow down the options by focusing on what interests you the most.
Research coaching programs that offer training and helps prepare your business, finding clients, and your marketing skills. While looking for programs, be open to additional options like colleges and universities. With several coaching certification programs available, universities are a great option for obtaining a coaching certification or degree. Look at what fits your schedule and what interests you most. Researching what is best for you is an excellent step towards becoming a life coach.
Step 2: What is your specialty?
After you have researched the information for becoming a life coach, think about what topic you intend to specifically coach in. In other words, ask yourself what is your specialty? Most people associate themselves as broadly life coaches. However, if you refine your area of coaching and focus on a specific topic, you can attract more clients from a certain group. Specializing in a specific niche allows you to focus on what you value and wish to expertise in.
If you are unsure about what niche best appeals to you, no worries. You have time to decide and pick. It is best to know exactly what you want as soon as possible so that you can get started in the specific niche you desire. Examples of a specific niche for a life coach are: wellness, fitness, weight loss, motivation, transformational, time management, academic, retirement, and more.
Step 3: Be financially ready.
Training programs can be expensive and require you to be financially prepared. Coach training programs range from about $3,500 to $20,000. Depending on the program you choose, pricing varies based on the university or school. In order to find the right program for you, you need to be aware that the more expensive a program does not necessarily mean better. On the other hand, extremely cheap programs can be a scam. The certificate you receive after your training should be accomplished through the $3,500 to $20,000 range.
In addition to paying for your training, there are additional expenses. These expenses include start-up costs for your small business, renting or buying an office space, other marketing and advertising costs, and other fees.
Step 4: Become a certified life coach.
Usually, a certification program will take several months to a year to finish. After you have become a certified life coach, take action. By taking action, you will also need to do some further planning and organizing to lay out your career as a life coach. There are many activities necessary to complete to get you started as a coach, such as determine your schedule and hours, set up your blog or website, set up your accounting system, and more.
Other tips
Before you begin your journey towards becoming a life coach, here are some more tips to help you address what you need to know.
Work with experienced people.
Working with someone who knows what they are doing and who knows the industry is always great advice. It will allow you to network and make connections while also helping you receive direct assistance.
Use social media to advertise.
Advertising can use up a lot of your money, but it does not have to. Social media is a great way to get your voice heard without a price. As a helpful tool for reaching out to people, social media allows you to form communities and address a specific audience connected with your niche or specialty.
Work with or without an office.
Not all life coaches use an office. If your coaching specialty or niche requires you to be in an office, go for it. However, if you would prefer to do everything via the internet or online, then you do not necessarily need an office.
Remember, it will take time and commitment to become a life coach. The tips and steps listed above are meant to help and inform you during your investigation of becoming a life coach.
