Coaches get this all the time. Potential clients are always asking, "What exactly am I getting when I sign up to work with you?" That makes sense, of course. The question comes from a place of uncertainty. When you don't know exactly what you're getting, it can feel confusing and overwhelming, right?

I remember being intimidated by these types of purchases as well. But don't worry—if you've chosen the right coach for your needs, then there's no reason to be afraid!

The key is knowing how to choose one in the first place.

Is coaching right for you?

So you're wondering if coaching is right for you? Or maybe you've tried it before and weren't impressed.

Of course, asking this question makes sense. Coaching is a big investment, and it's not for everyone. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it doesn't offer quick fixes. But if you're looking for something more than just a few pep talks or advice on how to handle your job search (which is what most people get from their friends), coaching might be worth exploring further.

I remember being intimidated by these types of purchases as well. I didn't want to waste my time or money on a coach who wasn't going to be a good fit for me, and I wanted to make sure that they had the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the work we were going to do together.

But you know what?

For me, it was worth it.

How can you know whether coaching is worth your time and money?

This is a perfectly reasonable question! It's understandable that you'd wonder if it’s worth your time and money. After all, there are so many coaches out there offering so many different services—what does your potential coach offer?

The simple answer is that you can't know with 100% certainty until you've worked with the person and seen what they can do for you, specifically. That may not be the answer you are looking for. The good news is that after hiring multiple coaches myself for my own development and to deliver content at my retreats, there are a few things to look for that can help guide your decision.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering whether or not it might be worth your time and money:

What are their credentials? Do they have any certifications or credentials, and if so, what do they mean?
What is the scope of their practice? Is there anything specific that makes them stand out from other coaches in your area?
How long has the coach been in business? The longer a person has been coaching, the more experience they'll likely have and the better able they'll be to handle all kinds of situations.
What kind of results have they achieved with their clients? You can often find testimonials or case studies on a coach's website or social media channels that will give you an idea of what to expect from working with them.

What can you expect to get out of coaching? What is the experience like?

I'd say only about 40% of my coaching experiences have been "fun" or "exciting." The rest has been frustrating and difficult, but in every case, it's been worth it because I've learned something important about myself, my goals, and my happiness.

I learned how to be more assertive when I needed to be, how to establish boundaries with people who were trying to take advantage of me, and how to speak up in situations where others were afraid. I learned that it's okay not to have all the answers (and that it's even better if you're willing to admit that).

I learned that people will surprise you if you let them, but only if you're willing to be surprised. I learned that it's okay to be scared sometimes—even when the worst-case scenario is unlikely.

I learned that it's okay to ask for help or advice because no one knows everything. Finally, I learned that if something feels wrong in your gut, then it probably is—even if everyone else around you thinks otherwise.

If you've made the decision to hire a coach, congrats!

Here's how to choose the right coach:

When you're looking for a coach, it's important to find someone who can offer you more than just the basics of being able to listen and provide feedback. You want them to have experience in your field, and they should be invested in your success.

Find someone who can help, who invests in your success, and who has been where you're going.

If you're looking for a coach to help with your business, make sure that your coach has experience working with small businesses. A lot of coaches have experience working with high-level executives, but that doesn't mean they should be working with someone who is just starting out on their own.

If you're looking for a coach who specializes in a specific area, make sure that your coach has experience working in the field. If you're trying to find the right coach for marketing or sales, make sure that they have worked within those specific areas. You can also ask other people who have worked with your potential coach what their experiences were like.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you can see yourself working with your coach on a regular basis. If you're looking for someone who will help you develop long-term plans and goals, make sure that they have the experience and knowledge required to do so. You want to be able to trust that your coach's advice will work out in the end, so make sure they have experience in their field of expertise.

Finally, ask your coach what their coaching style is and how they plan to work with you. Some coaches use a very structured approach, while others are more flexible. Make sure that you know what type of coach you're working with so that you can be prepared for the process ahead.

If they've been where you are going or if they know someone who has been there before, their advice will be more valuable because it comes from somebody who has walked this path before and knows what challenges are ahead. A good coach will be able to help you get what you want out of life by guiding your actions through thoughtful planning, self-reflection, and accountability measures.

Final thoughts.

It can be difficult to find a good coach. You should look for someone who is experienced in their field, has a great reputation and references, and who will be able to help you achieve your goals. The best way to find the right fit is to interview several candidates before making a decision. If you find that a particular coach does not meet your needs, don’t hesitate to move on and try another one.

No matter what goal you want to achieve, having a good coach will help you get there faster. You'll have someone to talk to about your challenges and successes, which can make all the difference in the world.

Have questions? Need support? Reach out to me! I am a connector, and I love supporting people on their improvement journeys. I can help connect you with the right coach.

Coach Offerings Can Be So Vague. What Exactly Am I Getting As A Coachee?