Owning Your Value as a Coach - International Coaching Federation
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Owning Your Value as a Coach

Posted by Rosa Edinga, MBA, CEC, PCC | June 29, 2020 | Comments (5)

Several months ago, I was contacted by a large coaching company. They were facilitating a four-day leadership development program with a national company and were looking for local coaches to support. The request was a simple one: Could I spend two half days with them, supporting leaders to learn and practice using the coach approach in their communication? The email continued by saying that the company appreciated my experience and presence, and it asked me to provide my services at no cost. I read that line a few times to let it sink in.

A few points of context. One of my business values is contribution. I love helping people. That is one of the reasons I was drawn to the profession of coaching. And, I am a huge proponent of the value of pro bono coaching as a way to support professional growth to emerging coaches or leaders in not-for-profit organizations, or during crises like COVID-19, to empower social good organizations and to drive social change.

For me, this request was not about contribution. It was about maintaining a high profit margin.

I politely declined.

Defining my value as a coach is not a natural place process for me, and likely for many others; it is foundational to creating any type of business where you and your services are the product.

If You Don’t Believe in Your Own Value as a Coach, No One Else Will

As with many things, starting with self is the most important place. Start with an inventory. Add things like your training, your previous work experience, your successes, your achievements, things that light you up professionally (and personally if you think it fits), things you have written or contributed to, courses you have taught, webinars you have led, passion projects. If you have recently updated your CV or your website, you likely already have this list compile. Having this all in one place reminds you of your accomplishments, your impact, your journey—what makes you unique (or as I like to call it, your Secret Sauce as a coach).

Don’t Just Take My Word for It

Keeping your value a secret does not serve you, your business, your clients or your passion.

If you are not comfortable tooting your own horn (or even if you are), let others do it for you. Asking current and former clients, colleagues and peers to share their experiences is a powerful way of letting the world know about your value. Asking for a LinkedIn endorsement or a written testimonial for your website and promotional materials goes a long way. They are usually willing supporters, and they add a level of credibility to your messaging.

Pricing Your Value

One of the questions I see most often related to the business of coaching relates to pricing coaching services. It can bring up emotions and narratives around a person’s relationship with money, worth and confidence issues to a name a few. Or, it can be a matter of not knowing where to start.

Pricing your services involves bringing together market research, a valuation of your services and your comfort level.  Market value is how much the market is willing to pay. The growth of the coaching industry has increased the information available about how coaches price their services. Doing internet searches, asking other coaches, reviewing global research like the ICF Global Coaching Study (the 2019 survey results are due to be published later this year) will begin to paint a picture of the range of pricing options and comparisons to coaches with your experience, serving the clients/areas you are serving. Then it is a question of personal comfort: What price would you be comfortable charging for the value and impact you create? For this step, you may find it valuable to enlist the help of a valuable thinking partner.

Continuously Add Value

Your value as a coach continues to evolve as you do. Be mindful of how you cultivate and grow your value as a coach. You can continuously add value to your client groups by sharing interesting articles or resources you come across, or by creating or sharing resources they may find valuable. Pulled together some content related to a specific topic? Share it with others you are working with who may be interested. Used a reflection tool with a leader you are coaching? Share the tool with others. It is leveraging effort you are already putting in to continuously add value to those you serve.

Looking back, I am grateful for the request. It reminded me of the value I bring to those I work with and the value that I get back (which is usually a lot higher) from being able to use my skills and talents to impact others.

 

©Copyright 2020 Fiamma Coaching and Consulting and Rosa Edinga

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Rosa Edinga, MBA, CEC, PCC

Rosa Edinga MBA, CEC, PCC, is a Leadership and Business Coach, mentor, writer, coach educator and ice cream mom. Rosa helps passionate people design the life and work they want, as well as define success on their own terms. She strives to bring her experience, ideas, energy and heart to every interaction, whether directly or through her writing. Find out more about how she and her team at Fiamma can support you with your success by visiting www.fiammagroup.com or by following her on Facebook, Instragram and Twitter at @fiammacoaching.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts featured on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the International Coach Federation (ICF). The publication of a guest post on the ICF Blog does not equate to an ICF endorsement or guarantee of the products or services provided by the author.

Additionally, for the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was possibly generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is,” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.

Comments (5)

  1. Such an important topic, thank you for sharing your insight and experience, Rosa!

  2. rosa.edinga@fiammagroup.com says:

    Thanks so much Carolyn!

  3. pcomolet@gmail.com says:

    HI Rosa,
    Yes it does seem to be quite the dark hole for many coaches… How to determine our worth!
    I remember the huge internal struggle I went through one of the first times I billed a large corporation for a long term contract! Ouf!
    In my opinion you have clearly described the recipe for getting comfortable with our pricing: first do the research, share with peers and then think hard about what brings you motivation and peace. That should land us all in our sweet spot! Thanks for articulating it so well.

  4. Amy Yip says:

    Yes I so agree to this. So many coaches undervalue themselves which is of no service to themselves, their clients or the coaching industry as a whole. Thank you for this piece.

  5. Chance Cook says:

    I agree that a coach has to believe in their own value as a coach. No one wants a coach who doesn’t practice what they preach. So finding a confident coach is essential for me.

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