So many people find it hard and stressful to choose the right coaching program that fits their unique needs. They get overwhelmed with offers and end up backing out of something that could have been the life changing moment they’ve always been waiting for.
I understand your pain and I’m bringing you a quick and easy step by step solution that would help you block the noise and choose wisely based on a set of defined criteria.
1. Clarify your goals:
Why do you want to become a coach? You should know the reason behind this desire, whether it is to develop your skills and move forward in your career, to find a completely new career path, or to fulfil your calling of helping people and impacting their lives. Whatever your reason might be, knowing it would be helpful when choosing a coaching program because modules might differ in each one so you have to choose the right one for you and your needs.
2. Is the program certified & accredited by a coaching association?
You will find so many coaching programs that would promise you the moon but eventually fail to deliver. That’s why you need to make sure that the program you choose is not only certified but accredited by a highly recognized coaching association like the International Coach Federation (ICF).
3. Are the coaches accredited & experienced?
This is another huge criterion for choosing the right program. It’s important that the coaches that are teaching you are knowledgeable and competent. An ideal coach is accredited by a coaching association like the one I mentioned above and they also need to have experience teaching. You want to feel confident that you are putting your time and money in good hands.
4. Is mentoring included?
A low price for a coaching program might seem appealing at first glance, but if you look deeper into the offer, you’ll probably find that mentoring isn’t included or that it might cost you extra. Now you’re thinking why do I need mentoring? Well, mentoring is actually required in order to apply for some coaching credentials. So, make sure that this is included in the program you choose even if it might cost you more than those programs that don’t offer mentoring, look at it as an investment and a way to avoid extra charges which means waste of your valuable time and money.
5. The added value of a community:
The right program will offer you the tools to enter the coaching world. In addition to that, it will also provide you with a community of like-minded people that promote self-development and would help you go further. This becomes evident if the program offers peer coaching opportunities. It would help sharpen your skills, accelerate the learning process, and hold you accountable in front of your peers. Moreover, it is very important in accumulating hours needed.
6. What comes after graduation?
So, you chose the right program, but what’s next?
You became a certified coach, but then what?
Most programs will offer you the education needed to become a coach, but what they’ll be missing is the entrepreneurial skills (Web marketing, sales strategies, data analysis, SEO…) needed to become a successful coach. That’s why it is crucial to choose a program that will accompany you in your journey and provide you with these options.