Have you been thinking about working with a life coach? Choosing to invest in one is a big decision. One that needs to feel right for you. You want to feel safe, supported and inspired every step of the way. Not all coaches are created equal and not all of them will be a good fit for you. When hiring a coach, perform the same due diligence you would when hiring an attorney, accountant, doctor, etc. You want to know they’re competent, qualified and experienced. Equally important – are the two of you a good match? Do you have a good rapport with them?

A coach’s website will answer many of your questions for you. Reading through their blog posts and and other pages on their site will give you a feel for what they’re about. You want to be sure you have a basic understanding of their business policies, fees, etc. Many coaches offer a free, no obligation get-to-know-each-other call, often called a Discovery Call or Clarity Call. Take advantage of that opportunity to address additional questions you might have.

Assuming you’ve covered the basic policies to your satisfaction, either from reading or asking them directly, dive into learning more about them! Here are some insightful questions you might consider asking a coach before you begin with them. These will give you a place to start, and may spark other ideas for you.

• What drew you to the career path of life coaching?
• When you think about the clients you’ve worked with, what would you define as a “success story”?
• Who is your ideal client?
• Do you work with a life coach?
• What makes you stand apart from other coaches?

Hopefully the coach you’re considering sounds amazing on their website. When you hang up the phone after your initial conversation with them, take time to notice what you’re feeling. You want to be excited, inspired and confident that they’re going to be 100% invested in you, ready to walk beside you in your journey. And last – remember your part in this. You’ll get results if YOU are committed and willing to do the work!