Coach Practitioner - Blended Coach
As a Blended Coach Practitioner, You Get To Choose When and Where You Work...
Blended Coaching is when coaching is added to some other specialty or expertise. As a pure coach you don't give advice however as a blended coach, there are times when your specific advice and expertise is needed and requested. For example: as a personal trainer or nutritionist you will tailor an exercise or eating plan to suit your client based on your expertise but you can also use your coaching skills to uncover and help with road blocks to achieving weight loss or a balanced diet.
A blended Coach Practitioner normally has a specific expertise, passion or profession and will add coaching as a way of adding value and increasing their expertise. You might coach people towards achieving corporate goals or personal goals and you might work part time in your own practice and part time in organisations. Your coaching will take place onsite (face to face) or remotely (zoom, skype, conference line or telephone).
It's a very very flexible career option for coaches. And, one that is increasing in popularity. You will support clients, patients, students or employees with the following:
- Change Management (Restructures, New Ways of Working etc)
- Performance Management (KPI's, Targets)
- Personal Development (Organisational Coherence, Relationships, Balance)
- Strategy Development, Blue Sky thinking or Goal Setting
- Team or Individual Motivation
- Time Management (Work, Life balance)
Doesn't sound like you? Maybe Private Practice or Corporate Coaching would be a better suited application?
The following professions are often blended with coaching
- Teachers and Educators
- Health Practitioners (Nurses, Psychologists, Nutritionists, Chiropractors)
- Human Resource Professionals
- Project Managers
- Consultants with a Specific expertise
- Accountants or Financial Planners
- Fitness Instructors, Personal Trainers, Yoga Instructors
- Trainer
The list of opportunities is actually endless. Read More
Niche Opportunities for Blended Coach Practitioners
When coaching was a new profession, 10 or 15 years ago, it was perfectly acceptable to simply call yourself a coach. But today the coaching profession is well developed around the world, and the need to specialize is vital. The opportunity for niching is limitless, and we've categorised them into 4 key streams; Life Coaching, Business Coaching, Executive Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching. Read More
Before joining any coach program, or setting up any coaching business, it's important you research, network and explore. So, get as much information up front as you can. Here's some commonly asked questions to begin.
How much can I earn as a coach?
Findings from the ICF Global Coaching Study (undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2015) estimated coach generated revenue to be approx. $2.356 billion USD (a 19% increase over the 2011 estimate). 90% of coaches had active clients and 63% expected business to increase. How much you will earn will depend on the fees you set, the hours you work and your expertise or reputation.
Can I start coaching whilst studying?
Yes, and actually, we encourage it. As part of our peer coaching program, you will coach and be coached. This is just one of the course areas where you get to practice and refine your skills. It's also a great opportunity to collect client testimonials that you will use to attract future clients. Then as soon as you feel confident, you can coach externally and charge for your services.
Do I need a Certification and a Credential?
Not all coaches need a coaching credential, but we highly recommend they complete a certification with an accredited school. Your certification is a globally recognized statement of attainment that indicates you have been assessed by an Accredited Coach Training Provider as having the industry recognized skills and expertise required to practice as a coach.
Do I need a website?
You don't necessarily need a website, but you do need an online presence. Clients and Employers will most likely find you via a google search, via a social network, or via word of mouth and will want preliminary information to assist with their research.
Do I register my services?
Although there is no legal requirement, coaches should become certified via an accredited coach training school, and then adhere to the The International Coaching Federation code of ethics.
Coach Certification Requires Research
A question we regularly get asked by prospective students is 'What makes ICA different from other schools?' This is a totally understandable question because coach training is an investment of both time and money and it's important your decision is one that will fit your budget, learning style and plans for coaching.
We also know that there's alot of information, (and very detailed information) you need to wade through and consider before finding a solution. So, we've pulled out what we believe are the key points of difference between ICA and other schools or training. Download Guide
The Portfolio You Develop at ICA Will Help Create Your Unique Brand
One of the elements of our training that we are most proud of is that each coach graduates with their own portfolio, including a unique coaching model. We stay away from cookie cutter coaching models and instead, teach the frameworks and theories that have influenced coaching such as cognitive behavioral therapy, appreciative inquiry, NLP, emotional intelligence and mindfulness. We look the background, how it intersects with coaching and how it can be blended with coaching. And, then we guide and support you to create a model that is unique to you. One that will showcase who you are as a coach, who you will coach, and the problems you solve.
Annette Ainsbury
Life Coach, CANADA
"Use my coaching skills formally as a coach in my workplace. Its been an amazing benefit for our middle managers when previously we couldn't afford to hire someone externally. I have integrated the coaching skills into the design and delivery of training material with great results."
Robin P. Pajot
Career Coaching, UNITED STATES
"I plan to use my certification in coaching, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and the Strong Interest Inventory to help identify natural strengths and preferences in high school and college students, so they can choose their majors and career paths with those strengths in mind. I'll also be working with adults in career transition, helping them pull together their experience in new and refreshing ways. I'm also energized by working through any life issues that come up as a result."
Nathan Johnston
Educational Leadership Coach
UNITED STATES
"I intend to use my coaching to benefit children and families by working with educators to bring a compassionate sense of wonder to the interactions that constitute their life's work."
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OUR E-LEARNING IS MORE THAN JUST ZOOM CLASSES
ICA's training has been online, and accredited by the ICF, since 2001. Our Learnsite has over 20 years of modules, curated resources and coaching conversations. Before attending classes you will read a module or watch an instructional video. Following classes you will reflect on your learning through coaching practicum, course outcomes, forum reflections and portfolio development.