How to Pick a Coach

There are a lot of us out there! This is a fast-growing industry and it can be daunting when you don't know what to look for or if coaching is right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding if you want to hire a coach:

• Are there things I am putting off because I don't know how to make time for them?

• Am I stuck because I can't figure out the first step?

• Do I think myself into circles because I'm not sure what the "right" path is?

• Do I know what I want but not how to get it?

• Am I ready to make a financial commitment, and if so, how much of a commitment?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, coaching might be for you.

Now on the financial investment: a coach can cost anywhere from $50 a session (mostly on websites such as Betterup) to $20K a month (don't do this unless your work is paying or you are incredibly wealthy!).

If you're not ready, that's totally understandable. There are plenty of free social groups that would be a great place to start, and even perhaps stay. Look into group coaching options or even social accountability groups on websites/ apps such as Lumo, Meetup, or even Instagram. If that works for you, that's awesome. You can also try asking friends in similar situations to help you brainstorm and keep you accountable.

If you have tried that or want more support, then it might be time to interview some coaches. Ask your friends & colleagues for recommendations. Some things to think of when looking for a coach:

• Do you want someone with particular industry experience?

• Do you want a coach whose clients are at a particular seniority level within their companies, and/ or life stage?

• Do you want certain certifications? A more structured approach or less structured?

Once you have some options, schedule a “chemistry check” call to see how you vibe with the coach and if they work for your budget.

This might seem daunting, but the best way to gain clarity is to take action. Schedule some calls with coaches and see what you think!