thinking about retraining about a business coach. anyone done this or similar?

[tostaky]

im looking for a part time job that gives me flexibility about when i work. I dont need the money as such but i would like to keep working .
ive been thinking about becoming a business coach as i like listening, and helping people.
i dont know any coach though that could give me the lowdown on this type of jobs.
anyone knows?

thanks in advance

Hi tostaky, I think I remember you from being on the conception buses at about the same time!

In my last job I was responsible for buying in external coaching, and am a qualified coach myself (only do it internally). The successful coaches I know have either got a lot of senior business experience, or got some kind of psychology/psychotherapy background.

Any thoughts on the type of business coach you'd be looking at? Career coaching, executive coaching?

Having a qualification is increasingly important, more and more companies are including this on their pool selection criteria. Have you got a programme in mind or do you need suggestions? If you want to do business coaching I'd say steer clear of anything that also refers to life coaching or NLP, as these have less credibility imo.

ApuskiDusky, I'm interested in something similar - strong business background, no psychology background however - do you have recommendations for qualifications?

Hi Smum99, I can only do a quick post right now, but here's a couple of articles from the CIPD that I think give a useful introduction into the whole thing.

How to become a business coach

Coaching qualifications

The levels of a coaching qualification are certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or masters (don't know anyone with a PhD in it!). I'd say be wary of courses that last for a block of days / two weeks in a block - it works best if you have a chance to practice as you go along.

In terms of providers, I can recommend the Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring where I did my Advanced Diploma. There are other good providers out there, can't remember off the top of my head (been on mat leave!) but can dig them out if it would be helpful to make comparisons.

Happy to answer any questions.

I work as a business coach and I'd say that you require a mixture of things: experience in the field you plan to work in; a good track record of work you have done; appropriate business & coaching qualifications.

So, for example, I have management experience in the field that I work in, and a management qualification. I have a track record that includes measurable outcomes from the work I've done, and I've got a coaching qualification.

To make the whole thing work for you, you also have to be good at the 2 aspects: doing the work you're contracted to do, and also all the 'business' aspects of your role, such as promoting your business, selling yourself, networking etc.