Five Steps to Becoming a Life Coach Step 1 Choose a niche

Coaching is a vast field, so professionals have a myriad of niches to choose from. This helps coaches market their services to a specific type of clientele and gives potential customers confidence that the coach has expertise helping people with their unique challenges. Some of the possible areas of specialization for life coaches include:

Helping people improve different areas of their life is a big responsibilityand requires specialized training to be effective. During training, prospective coaches learn the psychological principles of coaching, how to conduct a coaching assessment to determine clients needs, ethics in coaching, and communication skills. In order to get the best results from their training, students should find a program that has been accredited by industry associations like the International Coach Federation.

Earning a certification in addition to a degree can go a long way toward gaining the trust of potential clients. Credentials, which are provided by professional associations like the International Coach Federation and the International Association of Coaching, requires expertise and demonstration of high work standards.

For example, the International Coach Federation offers a Professional Certified Coach certification that requires professionals to have 500 hours of coaching experience450 of which must be paidas well as at least 25 clients. In addition, people who apply for this certification must successfully complete the Coach Knowledge Assessment, which tests on their understanding of coaching agreements, ethical guidelines, active listening skills, goal setting, and accountability.

Similarly, those who want to earn the Master Masteries Coach designation from the International Association of Coaching must complete a series of tests to demonstrate their knowledge of coaching principles. In addition, candidates for this certification must submit recordings of their coaching sessions with clients in order to be evaluated for the associations coaching masteriessuch as the ability to actively listen and help clients set clear intentionsinto their sessions.

In order to get certain legal protections as a business owner, life coaches can get a business classification, such as a Limited Liability Company or Corporation designation.

Although life coaches are not required to carry insurance, getting coverage can help protect their business and give clients peace of mind.

Yes. One way to attract customers is to take advantage of opportunities to connect with them. Attending networking events geared toward people in their niche allows life coaches to meet the kinds of clients they want to work with.

Getting the word out is important for any business, especially one that is in its early stages. Placing ads in targeted publications can help life coaches get the exposure they need to boost their business.

Websites, blogs, and social media pages can act as the online face of a life coachs business. Also, this can be an affordable alternative for those who cant pay for other forms of advertising.

Sharing positive feedback from clients can help life coaches gain the trust of prospective customers. Life coaches should ask their regular clients to write a testimonial they can use on their website and in promotional materials.

According to PayScale, the median salary for life coaches is $46,678. However, there is a wide range of what people can earn, with the lowest earners making about $28,000 and the highest earning $92,000. However, coaches are not necessarily locked into these salary figures: Since many coaches are self-employed, theyre able to determine their own hourly rates. As a result, life coaches may charge hourly fees of over $300, depending on their training and level of experience, according to a report by the International Coach Federation. Also, coaches who work with executives can make up to $500 per hour, according to Forbes.

Alabama Mean wage annual: $37,780

Currently Employed: 970

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9.20%

Alaska Mean wage annual: $60,840

Currently Employed: 330

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8.20%

Arizona Mean wage annual: $31,750

Currently Employed: 1,530

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17.80%

Arkansas Mean wage annual: $37,100

Currently Employed: 430

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.40%

California Mean wage annual: $35,650

Currently Employed: 13,710

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16.30%

Colorado Mean wage annual: $50,040

Currently Employed: 1,660

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 29.90%

Connecticut Mean wage annual: $47,950

Currently Employed: 2,050

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17.00%

Delaware Mean wage annual: $36,440

Currently Employed: 370

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.20%

Florida Mean wage annual: $39,790

Currently Employed: 2,340

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14.30%

Georgia Mean wage annual: $38,960

Currently Employed: 1,090

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11.70%

Hawaii Mean wage annual: $42,690

Currently Employed: 200

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.10%

Idaho Mean wage annual: $38,590

Currently Employed: 1,760

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 24.40%

Illinois Mean wage annual: $36,480

Currently Employed: 3,210

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9.90%

Indiana Mean wage annual: $39,170

Currently Employed: 1,170

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16.80%

Iowa Mean wage annual: $36,740

Currently Employed: 2,020

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13.80%

Kansas Mean wage annual: $31,310

Currently Employed: 700

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11.80%

Kentucky Mean wage annual: $37,840

Currently Employed: 700

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.90%

Louisiana Mean wage annual: $44,360

Currently Employed: 620

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8.90%

Maine Mean wage annual: N/A

Currently Employed: N/A

Change in Employment (2016-2026): N/A

Maryland Mean wage annual: $42,250

Currently Employed: 2,030

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 32.10%

Massachusetts Mean wage annual: $41,470

Currently Employed: 5,780

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8.60%

Michigan Mean wage annual: $39,010

Currently Employed: 3,560

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 6.80%

Minnesota Mean wage annual: $40,940

Currently Employed: 3,640

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9.00%

Mississippi Mean wage annual: $33,020

Currently Employed: 530

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 5.30%

Missouri Mean wage annual: $35,580

Currently Employed: 2,290

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 6.70%

Montana Mean wage annual: $36,120

Currently Employed: 420

Change in Employment (2016-2026): N/A

Nebraska Mean wage annual: $38,910

Currently Employed: 460

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13.80%

Nevada Mean wage annual: $37,330

Currently Employed: 560

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 25.30%

New Hampshire Mean wage annual: $44,650

Currently Employed: 280

Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12.60%

Read more here:
How to Become a Life Coach: Steps and Advice