Choosing the right coach is one of the most important decisions you can make. Coaches act as fuel for your growth and success. You’ll want to find one you connect with and have a strong relationship with.
If you’re curious about how to find a coach or mentor, there are simple steps you can take to discover your priorities and get started.
How to find a coach that works for you?
You can find the best coach for your specific needs by identifying your goals, asking for referrals, and asking the coach questions to determine if they’re the right fit. Doing so will help you narrow down your search.
There is a wide variety of coaches to choose from. The following steps can guide you on your journey to finding the right coach for you.
Define your goals
When you learn how to set and achieve goals, you start to see the importance of specificity. Being specific when setting goals can boost your chances of success. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Without a time frame for your goals or a metric to go by, it’s hard to follow through with an action plan.
Your goals may involve forming healthy habits or improving your stress management techniques. Maybe you’re working toward becoming your own boss or starting a career change. Defining your goals helps you find a coach working in a niche suited for you.
Ask for referrals
Personal referrals are a trusted method when vetting potential coaches. Ask friends or colleagues if they’ve ever received coaching services. This is where networking skills come in handy. You can attend networking events and ask industry professionals about quality coaching services.
Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tactic. If someone you admire professionally talks about a coach that has been a positive influence on them, that coach may be worth considering. By following the wisdom of successful individuals, you can prosper when pursuing your own goals.
Leverage social media platforms
Social media platforms like LinkedIn are effective methods of finding the best life coach for you. You can use LinkedIn messaging to connect with coaches and ask them questions.
Professional coaches on LinkedIn and Instagram often share bits of wisdom and motivation. This gives you insight into their coaching philosophy before you speak with them. On that note, personal branding is an influential tool in the coaching industry. Pay attention to the way they present themselves and talk about their profession and services.
Use online reviews and forums
Testimonials from past clients provide valuable perspectives on a coach’s services. Clients who experience life-changing results after working with them will likely share their positive experiences. If a coach’s services were impactful and transformative, you’ll likely find plenty of positive feedback and praise they’ve received.
Schedule consultations
Consultations are an excellent method when figuring out how to find a good life coach. Meeting with a coach virtually or in person provides an opportunity to get to know them. You can discuss their approach to coaching and get an idea of the rapport you may build when working together.
Some coaches may offer a free consultation, while others might expect you to pay a consultation fee. If a potential coach is open to it, you could send them a questionnaire about their experience and coaching style before meeting with them.
Try online platforms
Online platforms make searching for a coach simple. Life coach companies like BetterUp have directories for that exact purpose. A coach directory provides you the convenience of exploring multiple coach options within a single location.
You can peruse these websites and read coach profiles and biographies. An online search makes it easy to cross-reference various coaches and weigh your options.
What types of coaches are there?
You can find a coach to support you in all areas of your life. A life coach can help your development in a wide range of areas, from nutrition to teamwork skills.
The type of coach you choose to work with depends on the nature of your goals. Career coaching, for example, is ideal if you want to work on your professional development. A lifestyle coach may better suit your needs if you want to focus on your health and wellness.
Common types of coaching include:
Who should hire a coach?
Anyone can benefit from hiring a life coach, from entrepreneurs and executives to entry-level employees. Coaching doesn’t have to center on work, either. It can also revolve around your personal development.
People hire coaches for a variety of reasons, including:
The benefits of coaching are plentiful. A study published by the Journal of Positive Psychology in 2021 examined students who took courses on either coaching psychology or positive psychology. After 13 weeks, students in both groups felt improvements. However, those focusing on coaching psychology reported further benefits such as increased self-insight, well-being, and solution-focused thinking. They also reported an improved ability to attain their goals.
Coaching frameworks specifically teach individuals to take ownership of their success and focus on what they can achieve. A coach can help you believe in yourself and use creative solutions to navigate obstacles unique to your situation.
Creating your ideal coach checklist
While searching for your ideal coach, you don’t want to forget any deal-breakers. Make a list of key traits you want in a life coach. During your research and consultations, check them off for each coaching professional.
Your checklist could consist of traits like age and gender. Some people prefer a coach with a similar life experience so they can relate more easily. A woman may want a female life coach who can relate to gender inequality in the workplace or dealing with glass ceilings. According to a 2023 International Coaching Federation survey report, females made up 72% of coaches. This female-led industry gives women plenty of coaches to choose from.
Your checklist can include:
- Specialties: Regardless of what type of coach you’re looking for, there’s one out there who can help you achieve your goals. You can even find coaches with different specialties in various topics. For example, a teacher career coach or tech career coach can guide you in your specific field.
- Qualifications: Finding a certified life coach is an important quality to have on your checklist. Being certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) means the coach has received proper training and credentials. The ICF is recognized worldwide and works to set standards and ethics for life coaching. Since coaching sessions require trusting another person, it’s reassuring to know they’ve been certified and meet industry standards.
- Experience: It’s reassuring to know the coach you’re working with has a solid background in the industry. By making sure they have a good history with clients, you can rest easily knowing you’ll likely be satisfied with their coaching sessions.
- Personality traits: Many individuals have a personality type they’re drawn to. For instance, you might want an adventurous, outgoing, or highly empathetic coach. Your life coach may reflect the traits you value in your everyday life.
Example coaching checklist
It can be helpful to see how these standards to find a great coach can look with real-life examples.
An example checklist when searching for a coach may look like the following:
- At least one year working with startup business owners
- Experience with woman-owned businesses
- Knowledge of social media marketing
- ICF certified
- Enthusiastic about their work
Your checklist is personal to you and should reflect your priorities. Above all else, trust your gut and implement your decision-making skills. The best life coach for you will feel right and naturally connect with you.
What to ask during a consultation
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to find a career coach, how to find a business coach, or searching for a life coach, always ask questions. Following up with questions during a consultation can help you find the right coach before committing to coaching sessions.
Discuss the following with any life coach you reach out to:
- Why they decided to start coaching
- Their favorite thing about coaching clients
- How they motivate clients and hold them accountable to their goals
- How frequently they like to touch base with clients
- Examples of client success stories to which they’ve contributed
- Limiting beliefs they’ve personally overcome or helped others overcome
If a coach seems to lack adequate experience or can’t connect with you as frequently as you’d like, it’s best to know as soon as possible. Early on, you can weed out coaches who aren’t a good fit and continue your search.
Testing compatibility: how to tell if your coach is the right fit
Finding just any decent life coach isn’t enough for transformative results. Your coach should be a good match. A coach suited for you will assist you in your personal growth and goal-setting.
The coach you choose can make a huge difference in your personal and professional progress. Your life coach should understand what motivates you and how you overcome adversity. They need to be an uplifting, positive force in your life.
You can tell if your coach is compatible with you by how well they click with you and how willing they are to help you brainstorm creative solutions. While a coaching relationship is professional, it’s also personal. Finding a life coach who understands you and your struggles can make the coaching process smoother.
How to find a coach with BetterUp
If you’re unsure how to find a coach, BetterUp makes the process simple. Get started with BetterUp Coaching to maximize your full potential and see results. On average, BetterUp clients see a 20% increase in self-awareness, a 21% increase in focus, and a 24% increase in strategic planning.
A life coach can fuel your personal growth, transform your mindset, and motivate you to be the best version of yourself.
No matter what your goals may be, a BetterUp Coach can help you strive toward them. Find your personal coach and make positive changes in your life.
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