Coaching Blog

Free Coach Training Members Speak Out

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With just over 500 sign-ups in the month since we launched the Free Coach Training Program, I thought it was time to check in with participants and see how it's going.

Last week, I sent out a survey to members and here's what I learned. 

Biggest concerns about joining: Would the quality be any good? Would the coaching certificate mean anything? Would I have time to do the work?

What they found: The greatest number said, they're glad they joined. Followed by the quality is very good and they're inspired by coaching. They also found that the pre-recorded format makes it possible to go slow or totally immerse oneself in the training.

In their own words, the greatest benefits are: 

• greater belief in the value of coaching
• I'm getting a better understanding of what coaching is and what it is not.
• More awareness on how to ask questions
• I've only had the time to listen to the first 3 classes and print out all the materials, so it's nice to know I can listen in when I do have the time.
• I've found a lot of positive reinforcement that I'm effectively coaching people already.
• Affirmation of how transferable my therapy skills are for coaching.
• Connection to my previous learning about spirit coaching
• New insights into coaching vs managing people
• A holistic approach to coaching and personal development
• I've decovered one of my stregths and one big improvement coaching will add to the way I serve my clients
• The fact that coaching is so close to facilitation. I love facilitation.
• I am gaining a greater sense of self.
• I've gained clarity about the coaching profession and its purpose.
• I am feeling more motivated and more confident to begin marketing myself.
• I feel this adds so much depth to my coach training! This is the real deal. I am excited to learn more.
• It's convinced me that what I thought may be true, really is. That coaching is my natural calling!
• Allowing myself to fully submerge myself in this training however I want to has helped me to use the training as a jumping off point, not only for coach training and learning, but learning about myself.
• I am brand new to coach training and it helped to hear the demonstrations

97% said they'd recommend this program to a friend.

What would they say?

• Try the first class and see what they think.
• If you want something different and easy to follow the mastery IAC certified coach, then try this one!
• Do it now! Don't delay.
• It is the very first step, a great foundation to start with.
• For anyone who is interested in becoming a coach, I'd say to take these free courses in order to get a better idea of what coaching is about and to learn some before investing in coaching school.
• I've already referred several people. I've told them they NEED to check this out. It is not a scam. There is no "catch." It's about quality training from a servant's heart (Julia).
• If you want to become a coach, take Julia's course.
• Do it!
• It's quality coach training for free. And it instantly adds value to the learner both professional and personal.
• I would describe the resources available on-line, including classes, blogs, and study group. I would share how these resources are helping me with knowledge, understanding, and competency.
• The content is good and helpful to anyone working with people in any capacity.
• That if they are really interested in coaching, intend to incorporate coaching into their business, want to be a coach or just want some insight into themselves, this program is a must!
• That even if they did not decide to pursue a coaching career, the training may give them ideas about how to evaluate their own concerns and maybe even seek out a coach for themselves.
• It's wonderfull, You'll learn a lot and feel gently guided by Julia in a very safe environment. I can't believe this is for free, and she give a lor of great, quality coaching training. It's worth every second you devote to your training
• This is a great, free, opportunity to learn about coaching and see if it is a career they would be interested in pursuing, or doing on the side along with their other work.
• Just do it!
• I would tell them that if they want to pursue coaching as a career choice, The SCM is the place to get your training.
• Good discussions on the audios with pdfs to support them. I like how Julia leads discussions - she's obviously a masterful coach.
• This program is the real deal! Not only is it helpful, but it's a great starting point for something greater. There's no way you can lose!
• The training is free Why don't you give it a try.
• Julia is a fantastic role model for what coaching should be. Her high standards and ethics are very apparent in the coursework she designed, and in her interaction with her students.
• Take the time in between classes to integrate the lessons, questions, and work into your own life. Take some of the things that you hear to heart and apply them to your own life. Have a willingness to "discover" what you are learning.

I'm happy to add that the single most most requested program improvement will be added this week. Yes, we're still adding courses and features. We're serious about making this a solid alternative to spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on coach training before you know what you're getting into.

There's still time for you to be one of the first to pass the online exam and receive the SCM Coaching Certificate. The exam will be available at the end of September. Jump in now. It's all free.

Go here to join the Free Coach Training Program.

Are Your Thinking About Becoming a Coach?

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There are so many great reasons to becom a coach and some that are not so great. One of the best reasons is you simply have the sense that there is so much more to life and you want to share that.

Watch 'More' by Nic Askew. If it resonates with you, you're on the right track.

'MORE' from Nic Askew on Vimeo.

Are you ready for 'more'? Join the Free Coach Training Program here.

How to Become a Coach Video

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Watch the recorded version of our free 'Become a Coach' webinar and learn the keys to building a successful coaching business as quickly as possible.

Download the free 'Become a Coach!'   eBook

In-Person Coach Training for Only $25

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How to Become a Coach

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There's never been a better time to become a business or life coach.

There's also never been a more confusing time to become a coach! It used to be that you could rely on the better coaching schools and professional associations to provide solid information on how to become a coach and that is still true.

But these days, "black hat coaching schools" are buying website addresses that sound like well-known coach training schools and coach certifying organizations and passing themselves off as the the real thing. How do you know who to believe?

Add that to competitive marketing among the hundreds of legitimate coach training schools, plus the lack of universal standards in the coaching profession and the new coach is often confused, at best, and paralyzed with uncertainty, at worst. Confusion and paralysis are the enemies of success!

Get clarity, confidence and the information you need, without all the hype and distractions.

I designed the "How to Become a Coach" mini-course for people who are considering becoming professional business or life coaches and need clarity in order to make the best decision. If that's you, then I invite you to join us. (Don't worry, School of Coaching Mastery isn't a fit for every coach, so I won't twist your arm to become a member.)

This 4-hour "How to Become a Coach" course is free and meets in two 2-hour virtual classes. You'll attend our unique eClass system, which combines the best of teleconference classes with the best of webinar training. You can do everything in our virtual classes that you can do in a live class (except get stuck in traffic on the way).

Get answers to questions like these:

You'll leave with clarity, a plan of action, a path and your next steps.

Find out when the next course is and register for How to Become a Coach.

Becoming a Coach: A Simple Way to Choose Your Path

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Where should you start when becoming a coach?

The days of simply printing up business cards and calling yourself a coach are over. Large scale surveys of professional coaches show that coaches without coach-specific training and certification are less successful than trained and certified coaches and are more likely to quit the profession within a few years. That can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost income, as well as the fun and fulfillment that comes from succeeding as a coach and helping your clients achieve what they really want.

There are hundreds of coaching schools to choose from, some that are excellent and some that are not so excellent, so choosing one can be an overwhelming decision.

I suggest you begin your quest for the perfect coach training school for you by first deciding which coach certification you want.

Why? Because there are fewer coach certifications to choose from and that choice will narrow down your options for coach training, making it easier to decide.

I also suggest you get certified by an independent not-for-profit certifying organization.

Why? A certification in almost any profession that comes from an independent certifying organization that is not-for-profit is usually seen as less-biased and therefore more respected than a certification that comes from the school where you trained. Standards vary between schools. In fact, there are a couple of training programs that claim to train and certify professional coaches in only a few days! Don’t be taken in by that promise.

The two most recognized independent not-for-profit coaching organizations that certify professional coaches are the IAC and the ICF.

We suggest you visit both the IAC and ICF websites to see which one you feel most drawn to. Both organizations have about the same number of subscribers and are well respected, but their certification processes are completely different. You can also view lists of licensed or approved coaching schools on each site. Choose a school that prepares you for the certification of your choice. Simple!

Have More Questions About Becoming a Coach?

Download our free Become a Coach eBook. It contains a free 8-hour coach training program, too!

Copyright, Julia Stewart, 2009

Did the Perfect Moment to Become a Coach Just Arrive?

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It's often said that investing in your business and/or your education is one of the smartest ways to invest your money, because both will pay for themselves many times over. It's especially smart to invest when prices are low.

Become a Life Coach: Is it for You?

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Lot's of people dream of becoming life coaches. Are you one of them?

Do you wonder whether you should take the plunge?

 

Take this simple quiz and see if Life Coaching is for you.

 

 

__1. You've done a lot of personal development work and you've really grown.

__2. You've learned amazing things and you want to share.

__3. You have expertise that can help others.

__4. You're very spiritual (Perhaps in a non-traditional way).

__5. You're curious about people.

__6. You're naturally optimistic.

__7. You're a big-picture person.

__8. You have a sense of humor.

__9. You can let someone else be the center of attention.

__10. You don't "need" to help people.

__11. You don't "have" to fix problems.

__12. You're comfortable with the unknown.

__13. You're comfortable with silence.

__14. You're very intuitive.

__15. You're creative.

__16. You have great communication skills.

__17. You see opportunities where others see problems.

__18. You love working for yourself.

__19. Sales & Marketing don't scare you.

__20. You enjoy making your own decisions.

__21. You love talking to people.

__22. You don't mind charging for what you do.

__23. You don't blame people or make them wrong.

__24. You're action-oriented.

__25. You see the world evolving and you know it's a good thing.

__26. You feel called to coach.

__27. You want to earn a living as a coach, but you're not desperate for it.

__28. You have the time and energy to become a coach and you're ready to start.

__29. You'll do whatever it takes to succeed as long as you can keep your integrity.

__30. Becoming a coach sounds like a really fun opportunity.

SCORE: If you answered "Yes" to every question, you definitely should become a coach. If you answered most of them, and you believe you can learn the rest, then you'll probably love becoming a coach. If you answered "No" to most questions, then becoming a life coach may not be for you.

Even if you got a perfect score, you probably have lots to learn.

 To find out more...

 Register for a free "Become a Coach" teleclass with SCM President, Julia Stewart, IAC-CC, and ask all the questions you want before you decide. You can also request to attend one of our regular classes via teleconference/webinar.

Copyright, Julia Stewart, 2008

Coach Training Schools: Does Yours Measure Up?

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Here are just a few ways we think we surpass other coaching schools. Does yours compare?

1. All of our instructors are IAC Certified Coaches (considered the Gold Standard in Coach Certification). They are all masters in their unique areas and most importantly, they are incredible teachers. Other coaching schools staff their faculties with recent grads and uncertified coaches who are new to coaching and a few schools even have volunteers teaching their classes! SCM pays our instructors more than any other school we know of, because masterful coaches are worth more.

2. We prepare our student/coaches for IAC Certification. The founder of the coaching profession, the late Thomas J. Leonard, founded the IAC in 2003 to raise the quality of coaching worldwide. Up until then, there was no independent certifying organization that was certifying coaches at a standard that Thomas believed was necessary for coaching to be highly effective. Why would you prepare for anything else?

3. We prepare our student/coaches for mastery, not just competence. As Thomas said, “Competence will keep you from getting sued. Mastery will attract people, opportunities and success to you like a magnet.” Most coaching schools prepare you for competency. Why stop there?

3. Our classes are limited to just 12 students each, because that allows every coach to practice coaching in class and get feedback from their peers and their master instructor (both written and verbal feedback from the instructor). You won’t get lost in a crowd at SCM.

4. We use the best technology to deliver the best teaching, learning and coaching. Most of our classes are virtual and combine the ease and convenience of teleconferencing with the up-to-date benefits of online learning. We can do anything in our virtual classrooms that you can do in a live classroom, except shake hands. Plus virtual learning saves you money and time and it is way kinder to the environment than traveling to meet in person.

5. Our students are amazing. You can imagine the level of passion, dedication and talent it takes to commit to coaching in front of experts day after day. If you want to join a community of peers who are smart, talented, fast learners, you’ve found it. And if that sounds like you, we need to talk.

6. All our classes are recorded on audio and some on video, as well. You can listen as often as you like and hear yourself coach - a priceless way to learn. Plus, class recordings are posted to our private, members-only area, so you can hear each class, taught by every instructor, 24/7. You’ll learn something different from each one. This is an amazing value add. (download to your iPod to make it even more convenient)

7. All our original written materials are included with your live training package in the form of written Coaching Guides (.PDF format). There are no text books to buy, as there are with some coaching schools. We also share materials in the form of audio and video recordings, power-point presentations and coaching demonstrations and practice. Regardless of your personal learning style, you’ll find options for maximizing your own learning, here.

8. Our Full Coach Training Program includes three levels of training: Foundations for the new coach, Mastery training for the intermediate coach, and Advanced training for the masterful coach, who is ready to create the next iteration of coaching mastery. We also provide personal development training and business training, so you master yourself, as well as your business.

9. We’re here to speed your learning, not just keep you busy. If you ask master coaches, most of them will tell you of the hours of unproductive time they spent in boring coaching classes that they were required to take in order to graduate or qualify for a particular certification. None of our classes are required for certification, because our certifications are based on the quality of your coaching, period. If you want to take them all, that’s great. If not, that’s fine also.

10. Our one requirement, if you want SCM Graduation, is that you complete our Mastermind Seminar after becoming certified.This is where you spread your wings as a master coach and invent, integrate, connect, deliver, share, streamline, upgrade and/or teach your unique coaching brilliance through a final coaching project that will establish you as a true master in your unique area of coaching and will launch (or re-launch) your coaching business.

“Becoming a masterful coach is like diving off a cliff over and over until you grow wings. Fortunately, there are never any broken bones!” – Julia Stewart, SCM President

Still curious about School of Coaching Mastery? That’s a good sign. Call 1-877-224-2780 or email to make an appointment with our Enrollment Advisor, Elizabeth Nofziger, IAC-CC , or with SCM President, Julia Stewart, IAC-CC

Coaching Groundwork

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Where do you go if you're curious about coaching? If you want to find out what coaching skills are about? If you want to discover if coaching is the profession for you? I designed Coaching Groundwork for people like you.

Eight simple coaching skills that are surprisingly powerful can be learned in a few weeks and you're ready to go. If you want more, there's more.

Coaching Groundwork is included with the Full Coach Training Program or it can be taken separately. The next Coaching Groundwork will be taught in August 2007.