Online Coaching: Benefits, Risks, and Challenges
Originally published at Online Coaching
Everything is challenging in our lives.
I’m sure there is no industry and even a single process that does not have its risk, but there are always benefits as well.
And, all we need to do is to clearly identify our objectives, analyze and compare the risks and challenges with the expected benefits, and finally, make a decision whether or not to make it come true.
In this article, we will discuss the points about online coaching. Let’s start!
Today’s technology gives us the opportunity to connect with other people like never before and is made running an online coaching business of feasible option.
When technology is used correctly, it elevates the potential of success for your coaching business.
In recent years, half of the small businesses in the United States have expanded their customer base by creating an online presence.
Online Coaching Benefits
So, what are the exact benefits of coaching online?
Obviously, there are lots and lots of different types of coaching out there. In our reality, you have got the option of having face-to-face coaching where you are sitting in the same room as the learners.
Another way is online coaching when you get in touch with the participants via any means of virtual conferencing or meeting software and various other types of means, such as Skype, Zoom, etc.
So, what are the actual benefits of online coaching?
Well, the two key ones that really come to mind immediately are the impact it has on your time and also the ability it gives you to actually connect with the wider market of potential learners all over the world.
These are probably the most essential points. But, let’s go deeper and take a look at some of the benefits and advantages of creating an online coaching business.
#1 A Global Presence
These days, technologies make it possible to connect with clients anywhere in the world. People can find life coaches far and wide.
They have the opportunity to connect with a coach that will be the perfect fit for them to work with. This is a great benefit for coaches who are specialized in specific niches, offer a coaching degree online, look for online coaching jobs, etc.
If you are one of the niche-focused coaches, an online coaching business will make it easier for you to reach your ideal clients in the market.
#2 Lead a Tribe
Coaches can lead a tribe. You may have heard about the term tribe as it is much used in business today (Like in the book “Tribes” by Seth Godin).
The tribe refers to the process when like-minded people are connected to each other or an idea, or a leader. As a coach, you can expand your sphere of influence and guide people toward positively changing their lives by leading them within a tribe.
Many online business owners focus on blogs that maintain a connection to clients and customers who regularly follow them. Coaches can use the same strategy to build a loyal client base.
#3 Multiple Ways to Communicate with Clients
Yet, there are still various ways to communicate with your active or prospective clients. Whether you are an experienced business coach or a health and wellness coach, face-to-face coaching sessions are great.
However, they are not so effective when you are not able to meet with learners in person, there are various ways to efficiently coach them by using any of the online communication tools used today.
The means of communication borrowed from the last century is the phone. This is the most obvious way, however, not the most effective one.
Another example is email. This should not be used as an exclusive means of communication. But, with the help of email messages, you create opportunities that encourage potential learners to take time to reflect on their thought processes and goals.
Sometimes it is valuable for a client just to think through what they need to commit to or work with you on and put it in an email and send it out to you.
Some coaches use email as the major way to communicate, coach, and offer ongoing accountability and support between phone sessions.
Another means is text messaging. It allows spur-of-the-moment communication that can aid a client in remaining accountable for getting things done and feeling the satisfaction of sharing the news of getting those things to completion.
These days it is very common to use texting. So, you should take this into consideration.
And finally, what I need to mention here is the means of communication like video chat, online coaching courses, etc. There are lots of online coaching platforms that offer similar services.
#4 Online Coaching Platform
To reach the potential learners and have a good experience, you will need to have a personal platform with all the required features, desired look, and functionality.
You may even create your online coaching website right now within several minutes. This will be a fully functional platform with a lot of advanced tools and opportunities to make the teaching process as smooth and comfortable, as possible.
Whether you want to offer online coaching certification or there is something else you want to offer for your online coaching services, it will come true here.
When everything becomes possible thanks to great opportunities and tools, make sure not to miss your chance.
#5 Easier Content Delivery
When you have a personal coaching platform, you have a lot of opportunities to easier share your knowledge and experience with those who need it. What else may be a great solution for a good coach rather than a comfortable environment to work in.
Recently, there was a misunderstanding about coaching vs mentoring. Regardless of your choice, you have a chance to rely on the e-learning functionality and opportunities and gain the best of your possible success.
