Life coaches claim to have valuable inner wisdom, which they are willing to share with consumers when the price is right. While some life coaches actually help the people they work with by offering unique insight, others are only in it to make a profit. Determining which is which can be confusing for many people, especially when they’re experiencing a stressful situation and are in need of assistance. If you’re thinking about working with a life coach, Forbes recommends keeping the following points in mind.
Life coaches can be from all professions and walks of life. Some are therapists and counselors, while others have experienced great business success and are eager to mentor others so they can do the same. Regardless of their background, life coaches should have some credentials to show they are authorized to speak about whatever topic they specialize in. For example, if a life coach is also an author, he or she will likely have books published that deal with the specific topic or subject.
Some life coaches claim that their legions of social media followers are proof of their amazing abilities. This can be deceptive, however, as it’s possible to purchase followers on social media to make your influence look more profound. Instead, focus on their experience or the quality of the programs they offer. This can be established a few different ways, and it’s important to do some research before investing in an event only to be let down.
If you’re planning on attending a life coaching event, consider where it’s being held. A reputable person or organization will usually book a large conference room and have multiple activities planned over the course of a few days. If attendees are being charged an exorbitant amount of money only to attend a coffee shop gathering on a single afternoon, it should be taken as a red flag. You can also research prior speaking engagements to get a feel for a person’s qualifications. Keep in mind that many people exaggerate or outright lie about their past experience just to garner support.
