I felt that this was the part I most enjoyed and that I could learn more about how to do all this effectively through coaching. My coaching journey began on a free 2-day introductory coaching course with The Coaching Academy back in 2015.
I enjoyed every part of my learning journey on the Life Coaching Diploma with The Coaching Academy, and I now have the skills to uncover my clients’ limiting beliefs about themselves. It’s the key to unlocking potential and beginning to overcome whatever might be holding us back - the parts we don’t always bring to the surface or feel able to discuss with others.
I dived straight into the practical element of the coaching. I was so enthused by being able to help people make a difference to their lives whilst working towards my Diploma.
The Accelerator training days were inspirational. I felt so motivated after each training day as they noticeably impacted the quality of my practical coaching sessions and the positivity I felt for my future in coaching.
The flexibility of the diploma was ideal for my lifestyle. I went from running a business to moving back into employment, looking after my two young daughters and horse riding regularly during my diploma. Life was busy but I could slot my clients and study around the day to day work and family activities. Learning about goal setting really helped me to manage my own life!
Throughout my coaching diploma I considered what my niche would potentially be, I found it quite difficult to decide because the coaching is designed to train me to coach anybody in any topic and I enjoyed all my sessions.
Five months into being qualified, I was booking my first paying clients. My sessions take place over the phone so I can coach clients wherever they live. Whilst I help people in different areas of their life, I find that many people face their biggest challenges in their working life and that lack of confidence can hinder progress, particularly in a targeted sales role.
My niche is in career coaching sales professionals, specifically within the recruitment industry. I have a background in this and I know how challenging and competitive it can be. In sales, I have experienced and witnessed how levels of positivity, enthusiasm, self-belief, confidence and attitude directly impact performance and sales results. There have been many books written about facing the fear and handling rejection in sales and much of it is based upon mind set.
I have been using coaching techniques to help myself gain confidence with my horse riding. Two years ago, I was terrified of being in a field with horses. I still have a long way to go but now I am riding every week, cantering, attempting dressage tests and heading over the odd jump! Something I never imagined I could manage. I love the idea of being able to help others do the same in this area. Both the sales and riding arena require leadership skills so I have started writing my blog based on this connection.
Currently I am a Career and Performance Coach and within the next two years, I would like to be coaching and developing sales professionals to be the best in their field. This could be within a company or as a freelance coach or both. I would also really enjoy helping horse lovers feel more confident in their riding.
I have many favourite coaching questions but if I had to narrow it down to one, it would be ‘How motivated do you feel about taking these actions?’ because it’s motivation that drives us to overcome the obstacles that will inevitably present themselves. I like the quote ‘If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.’
Helping others increase their confidence levels energises me. Hearing the positivity and excitement in my clients’ voice on the end of the phone after our session is one of the most inspiring things I have experienced.
If you are intrigued about coaching, I would highly recommend attending TCA’s free 2-day Life Coaching course. I would also talk to other coaches to find out about their experience. It is a good time to review your goals and look at what it is that you want to do.
I picked up a great tip at my first training day which I applied throughout my diploma. This was to complete the paperwork for each coaching session straight after the session. This could be challenging when I had completed coaching sessions late in the evening after a long day but I am very glad I took this advice because it helped hugely when preparing for my final papers.
For coaches who are about to qualify, now might be a good time to have some coaching yourself if you haven’t experienced it yet. Put yourself in your client’s shoes, remind yourself of how beneficial the experience is and help out fellow students.
For coaches in a similar situation to myself, it would be ideal to choose your niche if you haven’t already. I also listen to the recorded webinars for inspiration and to keep skills up to date. Most of all, enjoy it!!
If Amanda’s words have inspired you and you feel that Coaching could be a potential full or part time opportunity for you, or if you would just like to know a little more about what Coaching is and how it can benefit you and the lives of others, please contact our Specialist Course Advisor, Jamil on 0208 996 4830 or email: Jamil@the-coaching-academy.com
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