Coaching has to adapt and change to the changing needs of the people we serve. We've all been through a lot in the last year which changes our view on the world and coaching is one area we need to evolve.
What can we look forward to over the next 18 months to 2 years?
Video Coaching will be the Norm.
For Gen Z , brought up on the web, this is ideal. For the rest of us, we have been inducted into video calling very quickly and has become the norm.
The opportunity means that you can have clients from all over the world and your clients can now choose someone based on connection, rather than location (check with your insurer if you are not sure).
Many office based workers have 'Zoom Fatigue', especially if they are on their computers and in meetings all day. Being ingenious with group sessions, using apps like Slack and
making sure your client has created a space they can be coached in successfully is really key.
Measurable Results.
Weekly coaching sessions, the long programmes with no tangible results will become a thing of the past.
Coaches will need to be more direct, using their network to help and really getting to the heart of any issues quickly. Clients will get results fast and by spending less money - but will return to coaches whenever they need specialist support. While also be inclined to recommend after their own success.
Specialisation or Niches
As with measurable results, clients want to be coached in particular areas.
Coaches who are a coach for everything and everyone will be challenged this year with clients identifying what they need and wanting an 'expert' to help.
Authenticity
Clients need to connect with their coaches. Coaches will need to be more open - with video preferably - to show who they are.
Our work and home are - more than ever- interconnected. So showing clients our lives will allow them to connect to us.
Use a discovery call to identify if you are a good match
If you are not what your client needs suggest other coaches (or professionals) this doubles down on your authenticity - they will recommend you to others.
Social Media & Instagram
Just talking authenticity - with social media - is like an oxymoron. Instagram looks set to stay as the most impactful social media site.
Your clients can come from anywhere - which means you can have global reach with these platforms. Really understanding who your clients are and searching them out, being in their space and offering help and advice will start to show you as a trusted authentic brand.
Inclusion
Coaches that shy away from topics that may affect their clients based on any protected characteristics will suffer.
Making it obvious which communities you serve will be useful.
A coach can be different to their client and may not have the same challenges, but must be able to be authentic, empathise and talk openly with their client without their client feeling judgement or shame.
More products
2021 sees the advent of less ‘live content’. Online course and things people can do at any time of the day or night. The more you can build your brand, the more valuable your content becomes.
If you are coaching, or want to be coached - this is what you have to look forward to - forthright steps to making coaching better for the client!
If you wanted to explore this with me or to ask more questions - book a free discovery session to see whether coaching is right for you.
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Show/Girl does Pro Bono work for domestic violence survivors and most recent ‘pay what you can afford’ sessions for people who have found themselves out of work due to the global pandemic.