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What exactly is career coaching?

Very simply, the coaching process involves figuring out where you would like your life to go; discovering what you can do to get there while keeping balance in your life and staying true to your beliefs and values; planning a route to your destination; and tracking your progress as you follow that route to achieve greatness. As your coach, I will partner with you to define and achieve your dreams!

What's the difference between career coaching, therapy, and consulting?

The career coach's client generally:
-- expects the coach to be an equal partner
-- is looking to set better goals and achieve more
-- sees the coach on the phone, via email, etc.
-- works with the coach to achieve the client's goals

The therapist's client generally:
-- expects the therapist to be the expert
-- is looking to remove symptoms and restore functioning
-- sees the therapist in the therapist's office
-- works toward a mutually agreed upon treatment plan

The consultant's client generally:
-- expects the consultant will provide specialized knowledge
-- is looking for specific advice on solving problems
-- sees the consultant at the client's workplace
-- works with the consultant on a project to completion

How does the career coaching process work?

We will meet for a half-hour coaching session once a week. You may choose to contact me with questions or for clarification between our sessions via email. Basically, the coaching process involves:

Identifying your needs and setting goals to meet them
Developing actions that will move you toward your goals
Taking action and assessing progress toward your goals

As you can see, the process is oriented around your dreams, your needs, and your agenda. Rather than focusing on where you've been, the focus is on the future and how what you do in the present can get you to where you want to be.

How do we communicate with each other?

Most coaching is done via telephone. Typically, you will call me at the appointed time for our conversation. An inexpensive option for long-distance calls is Pennytalk; I've used it many times and calls within the USA are $0.01 per minute. Free VOiP calls are also possible by downloading Gizmo Project; I can assist you with getting it set up if you choose this option for communication (both parties need Gizmo installed to make free calls, and high quality connections are not guaranteed).

Communication via e-mail, chat, and video chat (if you have Apple's iChat software) are also options for communication. Contact me for further information about any of these options.

Will you tell me what I need to do with my life?

I will help you discover what you need to do with your life; I believe you will know when you are headed in the right direction. As your coach, I will work with you on your journey of discovery as you identify your goals, plan your route to attaining them, and set out on the road to success.

How do you use my contact information?

Your information is kept confidential. I will never sell your information to anyone else, or share information about you without your permission. That's my promise to you. As a professional, I understand the need for confidentiality and will work with you to make sure your privacy needs are met.

Will you help me find a job or write a resume?

As your coach, I assume you have the answers -- you just need help identifying them! We will work together to clarify your goals, identify strategies for achieving them, and assess your progress toward meeting them. I can give you feedback on your job search or on your resume, but that's not the main focus of coaching. Coaching is a collaborative process; you're the expert on what you want, and I'm here to help you stay focused on the road you're following to your goals!

What does an introductory session commit me to?

The free introductory session provides you with a taste of the coaching process, so you can determine whether coaching is right for you. There are absolutely no obligations to continue on with coaching past the sample session. Making life changes takes time and commitment, so the initial session will only provide you with a feeling for what coaching is like and what it can do for you!

What will career coaching cost me?

I normally bill for career coaching on a monthly basis. This includes four half-hour coaching sessions and unlimited emails to keep in touch between sessions. Payment is due by the first of each month, and may be made via mailing a personal check or cashier's check, or via PayPal. There are different coaching plans available, including the following:

Silver -- Four half-hour sessions per month plus four emails and/or status calls between sessions. $240 per month.

Gold -- Four three-quarter-hour sessions per month plus four emails and/or status calls between sessions. $360 per month.

Platinum -- Four three-quarter-hour sessions per month plus unlimited coach contact (coach on call). $525 per month.

Other options may be available; contact me with any questions about cost & payment.

How long will it take?

After the introductory session, if we both decide to move forward with the coaching relationship, an initial commitment of three months is strongly suggested. That will provide enough time to see significant progress toward accomplishing your coaching goals. Past the initial three month period, coaching can be continued indefinitely. Many choose to go into "maintenance mode" after a few months and meet less frequently (twice or month or even once a month) to provide them with the continued direction and accountability that coaching affords.

You can always return for additional coaching at a later point in time, or switch back from "maintenance mode" to more frequent sessions, of course.

I like your web site - how can I make one like it?

This web site was designed on an Apple Macintosh computer using the excellent web site design package RapidWeaver. I highly recommend it to all Mac users. Unfortunately, that software doesn't run on Windows machines. If you would like recommendations for Windows-compatible software packages or a referral to a web site design company, or if you're a Mac user who wants more information about RapidWeaver, you can contact me for a consulting estimate and/or a referral. I can develop websites if they're relatively straightforward (no complex dynamic content); ask for a quote.

Most of the images used on this web site were purchased from BigStockPhotos, a great source for low-cost stock photography. I recommend them for your image needs. Another good and free source for stock photos is stock.xchng.