What are your qualifications to coach, Marsha?
Some people have told me I’ve been coaching all my life — but that’s not the answer you’re seeking…
I’ve coached more than 150 clients more than 1000 hours, since I started my coach training at CoachU in 2001. I now have my Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation, conferred by the International Coach Federation.
Having spent 25+ years in leadership in corporate and volunteer America, and having been honored as one of Pennsylvania’s 50 Best Women in Business gives me perspectives that can be valuable in working with clients.
But the greatest “qualifications” are the amazing achievements of my clients…
So, how does it all start? How do we kick off our coaching relationship with you?
Our month to month coaching program anticipates 90 minutes of coaching — either two 45 minute tele — sessions or three 30 minute tele — sessions, plus unlimited brief e-mails and brief phone calls.
We usually spend the first session and part of the second going through the DiSC assessment together. We can also start working on current challenges and opportunities. Then, as we work together, the focus will “morph” in the direction(s) that serve you best… and at the pace of that works for you!
When we decide to work together, and once we receive your first month’s payment, you will receive a series of questions via e-mail. These include several questionnaires and background that will help us hit the ground running. You will also receive a link for a DiSC personal profile assessment, valued at over $100, which is included in the first month coaching fee.
So, if I work with you, where will we focus our efforts?
Coaches focus where their clients need them the most. Every client’s path is different. Based on your questionnaires, our conversations, and your feedback, our discussions are all focused on your future, your goals, your well being, and your path. They will probably include:
- Discovering gaps between the current situation and your desired vision, or helping you clarify your vision.
- Getting your personal foundation strengthened, including building even more self confidence or self care.
- Helping you beef up your reserves, and make space for what is truly important to you.
- Coaching you to set goals based on your personal and/or career aspirations.
- Helping you navigate around or overcome obstacles.
- Building an energizing balance in your life.
- Identifying habits you want to change, and working consistently to evolve them into new, even more useful habits.
- Mastering attitude control and enhancing your personal and professional happiness.
Bottom line, our goal is to energize you to become even more successful — however you define that success! Isn’t that what you want?!
Do you work on personal goals or business / professional goals?
While it depends on your focus, we may work on both. With the line between personal and business life blurring, I am trained to work with you, in total. Each client is different, has different challenges, and the paths will vary based on their individual backgrounds, visions, and passions. No two clients are all like, we will focus totally all and you and helping you reach your individual goals.
Who hires you?
Both individuals and business organizations hire us. Many of our clients are individuals investing in themselves. Organizations also hire us as they invest in their employees, to accelerate their growth, or to help them work through obstacles that may be holding them back.
How do you work?
We do most of our coaching on the telephone: it is called tele-coaching. You call at a pre-scheduled time. Most of our clients work on a monthly basis, and schedule calls with us. Calls last 30 or 45 minutes. Clients may meet with us, but most find the telephone to be most effective. Some clients prefer more frequent tele-meetings, and elect three 30 minute sessions; others prefer having more time per call–they elect the two 45 minute sessions. We try to accommodate what works best for each client–sometimes preferences change from month to month.
Clients make commitments of actions they’ll take to advance their progress, at the end of each call. We review that progress, acknowledge achievements and explore reasons actions may not have been taken. Clients are encouraged to complete a “Coaching Call Prep Form” and email it 24 hours in advance of the call, so that we can focus exactly where the client wants attention.
Because coaching is a process, regular tele-meetings are critical. Clients benefit from the 2 or 3 sessions each month. There are essentially no “rollover minutes” unless we approve them in advance or have difficulty scheduling meetings.
How long must I commit if I start working with you?
Because coaching is a process that evolves, we require a minimum 3 month commitment, with a strong recommendation for an initial 6 month commitment. Certain exceptions may be appropriate based on the client’s needs.
It is important to remember that coaching is a process, not an event. It is about changing, for the better, and it takes time to change. While some people immediately understand concepts intellectually, some attitudes and approaches require changing habits, and that just does not happen overnight. We recommend that clients view coaching as a valuable investment in their long term success. We believe that our clients need to commit to at least 3-6 months of focused attention to realize positive results.
What are your fees?
Our fees range from $450 to $1,000 per month for individualized and executive coaching, which anticipates 90 minutes of telecoaching sessions. Group coaching starts at $200 per month. Hourly rates are also available.
There are several administrative guidelines that we ask you to follow:
- Fees are paid in advance, due on the 1st of each month.
- The monthly fee covers two or three sessions per month, plus unlimited brief e-mails and unlimited brief phone calls.
- We accept credit cards and personal or corporate checks.
- Payments must be current for coaching sessions to be conducted.
Can I hire you just for a short-term, special project?
Yes, depending on what that project is… We will be happy to discuss this option with you.
What do you expect of your clients, Marsha?
I expect your best…
If you are hiring me, then you’re probably ready to do and be your best. And if you aren’t doing your best, I’ll ask you to. If you can’t do that at the moment, I’ll understand and do what you need to be heard, and helped back on to your path.
I expect you to be open and honest with yourself (and me…!)
I ask that you grant our relationship enough room so that you can reach your goals quickly. What that means is that you be willing to be brutally honest with yourself and me. It is important that you tell me all of what you are thinking and feeling and that you are willing to listen to what I have to say. And, you should take the time you want to develop the trust you need between us.
I expect you to be willing to change… Coaching is about changing-for the better. The more you are open to change, the greater the possibilities for forward progress.
I expect you to use me as a resource, not as a dependency…
As your coach, I am a resource for you to use to your best advantage. I can share many principles which will increase your success and add to the quality of your life. AND, I ask that my clients use me as this resource and friend that I am, but not to let themselves get into the position of needing me (or coaching) as a dependency thing or fix.
