Creating a Professional Coaching Environment
As a financial coach, it’s important to continually build clients’ trust in you, so they feel comfortable to share personal and sensitive information. All coaching sessions – whether in-person or virtual – should reinforce your professionalism and deepen their trust in your abilities.
As stated by the MCUL, “Privacy allows members to express their emotions and helps make the member as comfortable as possible.”[1] In this training module, you will learn how to create an environment that makes clients feel comfortable, which can enhance the results you are able to achieve: “Coaches create safe and motivating environments conducive to a participant’s internal development, which can ultimately translate into tangible, external results.”[2]
In-person Meeting
If you have office space, make sure the environment has a professional look and feel. A professional space gives your clients added trust in your abilities and makes them feel secure. Be sure to decorate your meeting place such that it gives you and your clients a comfortable place to discuss their finances.
One of the biggest questions we get from coaches without office space is, “Where do I meet clients if I don’t have office space?” There are many alternatives, but the most important thing to keep in mind is to select a secure location with no other people or distractions around. In other words, no coffee shops, public places, or bookstores. Meetings must take place in a private setting. The accessibility of the location, hours of operation, privacy, and safety are all features to take into consideration when choosing a coaching environment.
When choosing this private setting, be sure to account for all costs. Many of our coaches start by just offering virtual coaching, or charge more for in-person meetings to account for the added costs in travel time and paying for the location. There are companies that rent meeting space – for example, WeWork, Regus, and other coworking environments – however, the rent can run a few hundred dollars for a couple of hours.
Virtual Meetings
Given that most people have access to fast Internet connections, it is now easier than ever to meet with clients virtually. However, there are important guidelines you should follow to make sure your clients feel secure.
Tips to Hosting Virtual Financial Coaching Meetings