This is one of my low tech graphics I drew up to use as a handout last week for a speaking engagement. The audience loved it….simple, easy to follow…doesn’t have to be perfect.  I spoke for 60 minutes and to me the whole experience was one big coaching appointment. They Loved it!!!

Side note: As you are looking at the MAP, to get from #4 to #7…. It requires practice.

PRACTICE
It’s not a new concept.
It’s the step that will send you to greatness in a fast way.
Yet, it’s still a step that still causes the cringe.

Maybe the cringe happens because you know it’s going to be uncomfortable.
Practice can be awkward.
It can be embarrassing.
And you find out really quick what the reality is with your skill and education.
Who wants to find that out, right?

Practicing in front of a mirror can give you some practice but it’s not going to help you be prepared to engage with people.  

The real secret to practicing with people is all in how you set it up.
If you expect to be perfect…..
If they expect you to be perfect….

Well, that is a mess ready to happen, that’s not going to fly.

Relax. 

Practicing coaching with a practice client is a safe place to use the skills you currently have.
You can’t ruin the person you're coaching.
They are smart enough to know what you are talking about, even if you get it mixed up, leave parts out or say it backwards.

Even if you have to beg a friend to finally give in and set through a session with you, it’s worth the effort.  SOOOOOO much progress will be made with every practice client you work with.

It’s free for a practice client to have a session with you.
45 minutes is long enough and short enough to get some good practice in.
You can extend that a little or shorten it a little if it’s not the sweet spot.

You may feel a bit awkward for the first 3-4 appointments ... .but then you will start to feel more coordinated and pulled together from that point on.  It doesn't take much to get into an awesome groove while coaching.  Just need to get past the gangly feeling.

START HERE
This is what you say to the person you are hoping will be your next Practice Client:

1. I am learning how to coach.

2. I am brand new at this.

3. So far I have coached #____ of people.

4. I want to learn how to do this better because I feel like this is part of my mission in life is to help others, but I need a lot of practice so I can get really good at this.

5. I want to practice with someone so I can figure out what to say and how to say it.

6. I have some great content I want to share that will really help you in making better decisions and also improve your connection with others.

7. I want to practice drawing diagrams that go along with my coaching principles and doing this in front of someone will give me the chance to work out my jitters.

8. I want to practice asking questions….and then listening to your answers….and then figuring out what I am to do next with what you say.

9. I want to practice listening to you and then to ask a few clarifying questions so that I can better understand you.

10. I want to practice setting up an action plan with you.

11. I want to practice setting up a reporting process so that you can update me along the week on your progress.

12. I also want to be better at how to end the appointment with some type of review of the appointment or with some type of inspiration.

13. So will you be a practice client for me?  This will be a 45 minute appointment and we can either meet in person or on ZOOM or do a phone call.

14. There is no cost to you.  As my skills improve my coaching program will be $100 per hour.

15. Thank you for working with me.

16. What time this week will work best for you?

17. Also, do you know of anyone that would be willing to get free coaching and that would give me another opportunity to practice?  If you do, text me at ___________.

LOOKING FORWARD
Next week I will be talking about Safety Guidelines as a Coach.
Your safety is #1.
If you are a tiny bit unsure about the person you will be coaching, then set up a ZOOM appointment with them.  Don’t meet in person.  Be smart and Be safe. 

QUOTE

Song of the Week:

Love the passion she pours into this as she sings it!
Andra Day - Rise Up.

Want More?

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Stronger ~ Lighter ~ Smarter

Kirk