The 3 things successful kids life coaches do differently
DISCLAIMER: All words below my own original ideas and generated by me as an author, writer and pioneer in play based coaching. No AI was used to generate these suggestions and they are not generic but based on my real experience working with real people since 2003.
I was having a discussion with a very accomplished and established Kids Life Coach (by her own account) a long while ago. It went something like this...
"When can I share time with you to learn directly from you?" she asked.
My answer..."I show up every week in the zoom room with our global network of members coaching children around the world and I support our premium students personally. Join us! "
She then said this...
"Ummm...but that costs a fee doesn't it?"
"Yes." I said without hesitation.
"Oh."
The conversation didn't stop there. In fact, she went on to explain all the reasons why she wasn't willing to invest into good robust ethical Kids Life Coach Training and professional supervision for herself. None of her reasons made sense to me and I saw the red flags that she wasn't as successful as she appeared to be (and was telling me she was!) before she even knew I was onto her!
How do I know she isn't as successful as she appears to be? Here are the 3 things that successful coaches do differently that she most definitely is NOT doing!
1. LEARN: Successful coaches invest in rigorous training. They research a good fit and they go with a training provider that offers something that resonates with them. They don't just wing it! They learn. Successful coaches also value their own ongoing personal and professional development. They don't just talk the talk but they also walk the talk! They engage in ongoing supervision and they keep attending CPD training. This particular coach had not had any official Kids Life Coach Training (ummm....adult coach certifications don't count! But...that's a blog for another day!) She wasn't being supported by a mentor and she wasn't willing to pay the ongoing fee to work with me despite knowing I would get her results. She didn't belong to a global network of like-minded professionals who work with children to learn alongside. She wasn't learning full stop...and we all know how knowledge is expanding on a daily basis! If you aren't learning, you aren't growing. You have to keep up to date. Yet with no professional development plan, she told me she was successful? Note...she TOLD me...which leads me to the next point.
2. TAKE ACTION: Successful coaches do not have to tell you on social media or in person how great they are. Anybody can post photos or videos online of workshops/coaching sessions/training hosted. Not everybody is able to coach diligently behind the scenes and add value online that isn't only a marketing pitch. This particular coach was great on social media. Gosh...slick..polished, carefully curated professional videos and posts. In fact I have been coaching for over two decades and she looked like she has more experience than I do! LOL!! Yet the red flags were there. Talking to me without the polish...she had no depth and I could see that she is all talk and not much action. Look everybody starts somewhere (I know...because I have been there!) but integrity when working with children is the MOST important thing and if you are faking it...well then your success will be very short lived. Taking action is about what you do when nobody is watching because children deserve the best of you!
3. CONNECT: Successful coaches are not only visible online. That's the pretty easy part these days. All you need is a phone, AI and a bit of tech savvy to generate almost anything. From brand building to websites to automated social media posts. Successful coaches do both. They are visible online and they are visible in their local communities. Supporting local charities, attending events, investing in teachers, hosting parent coffee mornings. They are connected on the ground and they are the glue that sticks everybody together. They get referrals not because of superficial social media posts but because their heart is visible in their day to day interactions in public. This particular coach was ONLY visible online. She has no connections in her local community. In fact I am now not even sure she has 'real' clients?
If that coach is reading this post. You will know who you are. No ill intent intended by this blog. I am not calling you out. I am simply encouraging you to rethink your strategy. I know you have the heart otherwise you would not have approached me to learn. Yet...winging it will only get you so far. You are amazing and children deserve the best of you, so don't make your heart work a half measure!
You see, I believe all of us are destined for greatness. This is not equated to the money in our bank account or the possessions in our homes. It is valued by the number of children we impact. Successful kids life coaches learn, take action and connect because those are the DNA of greatness!
Want to learn how to setup your own coaching business working with children or polish up your skills in your already established business? Connect with me! Book a 1 hour consulting session and you and I can strategise for your next steps. Sometimes you don't know your own blind spots. All it takes is just one or two sessions and your AHA moment comes and with certainty and clarity everything shifts!
I've got your back! Be different, do different and never compromise! Sending so much love and zeal your way!
