Who would believe that someone with a home-based business could reach out all the way to Israel to counsel a client via Blackberry and cell phone? That is exactly what I did last month for one of my Interview Coaching clients, helping him to not only get the job, but negotiate a higher salary too.
The business of coaching is quietly taking the $427 Billion home-business sector by storm. But if you want to get in on this wave you first need to find a niche that will satisfy your needs - one where you can make a difference and some good money at the same time.
I found my niche with Interview Coaching, which is how I connect with people all over the United States and beyond. Reaching out and helping people is what my business is about and I can’t think of a better way to make a living. You might think that anyone can advertise themselves as an Interview Coach, and in reality they can, but that doesn’t mean they have what it takes to do a good job for their clients or themselves.
Try this little quiz to see if this might be a niche for you.
__ I enjoy listening to others.
Really hearing people when they talk is vital to Interview Coaching. If you do, you ‘ll pick up on hidden things they’re saying by reading between the lines.
__ I can “read” people -
While some people say they’re “people persons” they don’t know how to look beyond what is on the surface. If you do, it’s a gift that will make you very successful in this business.
__ I have excellent communication skills
Good communication skills begin with listening and then letting the person know that they have been heard. It is also adjusting your communication level to match the person you are talking to - whether it is with an executive or a laboratory assistant.
__ I am a patient person and take the time to explain things that need to change
Some people don’t have the patience required to listen to a long story or to have to explain something over in several different ways in order to get the point across.
__ I can give straight forward feedback
To be valuable to your client you often need to give straight-forward advice that can be difficult to say. Remember, not being honest with your advice takes away from the value of your coaching.
__ I think I would make a great coach
If you’re just starting out, it’s important to determine if you want to spend time teaching people new skills and techniques that can make a difference in their lives.
__ I am patient and possess excellent customer service skills
Sometimes people change their minds, cancel appointments, don’t show up for appointments. It’s all part of having a business. Your customer service policy will be of your own choosing and values.
__ I’m good at figuring out problems
This is the most exciting part of interview coaching. To ask the questions and find out what is going on. Asking many questions and listening and reading between the lines will give you clues to helping the person succeed.
__ I need to make a difference
You’ve definitely come to the right place. Coaching is all about helping people change their lives by showing them how to be more competitive in the job market. You can also show them that they have power in the interview process, not the interviewer.
__ I’m good at giving motivational reinforcement
Since straight-forward feedback can be difficult to hear, you’ll have to help build their esteem back to a place where they see how much they have to offer.
How many checks did you put on the list? If you have at least six of the ten skills required this may be something for you to explore.
Interview Coaching offers a steady stream of new challenges and the chance to play many roles during a single day. The clients are all different - some are in transition, or pursuing an internal promotion, some are changing fields, or young people entering the work force for the first time. And don’t forget those who have been laid off or fired. These people need help - they need encouragement - and they need caring for.
What is life after all if it isn’t about making a difference? You can make a difference in your own life as well as other peoples’ lives - over, and over, and over - extending all over the world. You can make a difference as an Interview Coach.