Is coaching expensive and who should pay?

I call myself a Communication Coach and Trainer, sometimes even a Mentor but I haven't always called myself like that. It is hard to find a suitable name for what you do these days because professions change and expectations vary, and language is changing even quicker. At certain times one word is trending and we all believe that it describes us well, but it may just be a passing fad!

I would love to call myself something pure and simple, like "teacher". I always wanted to become one, so why can't I just put that word on my website?  Well, most of my potential clients will not type the keyword "teacher" when they need some help with their presentations or communication issues. My corporate clients will use this word even less. They may use the word "trainer" or "facilitator", but they often gravitate towards the smooth sounding "coach". For individual clients, the word "coach" sounds reassuring, personal and comfy. I have therefore embraced the word "coach" and can live with it, except for one thing: the word "coach" sounds very expensive.

Is coaching expensive?

The short answers is yes, but it all depends who is paying.

I am aware that not everybody "should" be calling themselves a "coach". People who have paid expensive Coach certifications certainly have the right to be annoyed that an army of consultants, teachers, and other wise men and women are invading their professional territory.  Certified coaching (e.g life coaching) follows certain rules and standards.

I am simply here to reassure you, the potential client, that having your own Communication Coach is not as expensive as it seems. What you get is quite unique. In a world where managers and directors of organisations are not always leading and mentoring the way they should, having your own coach to teach you and talk about work is priceless. This is an investment that your boss should easily make if they have promised you training opportunities.

I do understand however that sometimes you just cannot pay coaching out of your own pocket.  In this case, no, I will not try to sell you a coaching programme.  I will not make you feel that "You are just not ready to invest in yourself" because, let's face it, these investments should ideally be made by those that believe in you as an asset. This is not a problem for most organisations with a training budget, but it may be a problem if you are living month to month with a salary that just covers your main costs. I am not always talking to high-flying executives and people with lots of funds. I want to reach those of you that will benefit enormously from taking your communication skills to the next level.

If you want to learn more about the programme, its benefits and how to talk to your employer about it, just book a session with me here.

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