“I wish I had your job!”
“Career goals!”
“You are so lucky!”
These are just some of the comments I have gotten from people when they found out that I get to work anywhere in the world as a professional global master coach.
Well, I have to admit: being able to choose where I want to hold my coaching sessions and dictate the schedule as well is quite awesome, especially for me who’s not exactly used to being confined in the four walls of any space for a long period of time.
I find joy and inspiration whenever I get to visit another place and experience its culture as I coach remotely my awesome clients from all over the world.
Thank God for the internet. I am beyond grateful as I get to satisfy my wanderlust fully whenever I wish.
But seriously guys, at first I thought that it would be hard to coach virtually because I have been so used to having face to face sessions before. However, with much patience, commitment and practice, I was able to get the hang of it and managed to thrive there after.
Allow me to share with you these 5 tips that will help you thrive as you coach remotely.
- Choose to have an inspiring space
Your space matters a lot. Inquire within: where do you get most inspired? By the beach? Amidst lush greens? In the concrete jungle? Inside a peaceful room with a gorgeous overlooking view? Wherever you choose to be, make sure it brings out the best in you. Note that ideally it should be free of distractions and noise so that you can focus on your session. Yes, honey, you’re not exactly on vacation – you are supposed to be working remotely, remember? Oh and my clients love the virtual tours I give them every time I go to a new place. Great conversation starter.
- Have strong WiFi connection
This is key. I mean if you plan to go to a far flung area where there’s little or no signal at all, then you may have to rethink it because the view won’t be able to salvage your internet connection. Having your own pocket WiFi or doing your research and inquiring ahead of time which locations have strong connections can save you from the hassles of looking for a less than perfect spot compared to where you initially settled in just because you need internet access. And mind you, you don’t want to encounter garbled conversations and distorted images while coaching because those can distract (and disrupt) big time.
- Be consistent in your coaching style
If you’re used to having face to face sessions with your clients, make sure that they don’t feel the difference when you go virtual. You have to be the same coach. Never be more reserved (or otherwise) just because it’s done virtually. It’s also a big no-no to show clients how uncomfortable you are facing the camera or how distracted you are because you’re too engrossed in the space you’re in. Remember, 100% focus on the results is needed in each and every coaching session so make sure that you give what is due to the clients so that no matter the distance or the platform used, they will still have the amazing breakthroughs they deserve – their own #bestmeever.
- Give your coachees ample time and space to process independently
Remember: you are not a CCTV camera. So when you ask your clients to reflect or work on your tool kits, give them enough time and space by logging off first and then going online one more after agreed time duration expires. People tend to feel pressured and be too cautious and nervous when they know that others are watching them. Just be sure to let them know that you are just a message away in case they need to clarify something.
- Show more appreciation
Let’s face it: it’s hard to do things online at times, especially when you’re used to seeing your coachees in person because building rapport is easier that way. So the trick here is to be more appreciative and inspire your coachees by reminding them of their wins and how amazing their commitment is to their growth, despite the remote nature of the coaching platform used. Again, I am a firm believer that if a coach has genuine intentions for his/her coachees, those can transcend the boundaries of time and space effortlessly wherever they are in the world and beautiful connections can be established still.
There you have it guys. I hope wherever you are in the world now as you practice, you thrive with these tips. Happy coaching!
