I’ve been in the online coaching space for the past 5 years (full-time for the last 1.5 years) and I’ve seen the field shift quite a bit. In the beginning, coaches were few and far between and now, it seems like everyone is calling themselves a “coach.” There’s nothing wrong with wanting to help others and we all start somewhere; however, we need to be careful with who we take advice from and that’s what this blog is about.
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The best performers aren’t necessarily the best teachers and the best teachers aren’t always the best performers. In a similar vein, the best salespeople don’t always have the best products and those with the most to offer aren’t usually the best salespeople. In the coaching space, we need to look past words to get a better sense of who we should be working with and listening to. Here are a few things that I believe we should look for when searching for coaches/teachers/mentors and also some things to be cautious of.
Things To Look For
1. Someone who cares about you and wants the best for you (even if that’s not working with them).
2. Someone who is willing to walk with you through life (ups and especially, downs).
3. Someone who shows up and walks the walk (and doesn’t just talk it).
4. Someone who has a solid combination of relevant experience and education.
5. Someone you can trust and open up to (while feeling safe) – someone you can count on.
6. Someone with clear and direct communication (willing to give constructive criticism).
Things Be Cautious Of
1. Someone who argues that their large following implies value.
2. Someone who claims that expensive degrees make them better than others.
3. Someone who claims to have “secrets” and/or “shortcuts.”
4. Someone who pressures you into working with them.
Keep in mind that the above points are just opinions that I’ve formed through observation. I’ve seen too many dishonest “coaches” trick people into trading money for subpar value and I’m hoping to help someone avoid making a mistake. If you’re interested in having an open conversation about what the coaching work that I do (fitness, mindset, business) looks like, I’m always here to talk (reach out here)!
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I hope that this blog was helpful to someone out there who is looking for guidance/help. Please know that I’d be honored to help you navigate the unregulated waters of coaching even if that means finding you a coach that’s a better fit for your needs. Let’s end this one with a few deep quotes about mentorship…
“Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind.“
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”
John Crosby
“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.”
Bob Proctor
Be cautions with who you seek guidance from.
Joe Rinaldi
IG: @joearinaldi
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