Free sample lesson · module 1
Choose who you can help.
Start with a situation you understand and people you can reach. You can refine your focus as you learn.
Describe a moment, not a category.
“I coach leaders” leaves someone guessing. “I help new managers prepare for difficult conversations with their team” names a situation they may recognise. Use language a potential client would use, and stay within your training and competence.
Write three situations where someone might seek your help. Choose one that interests you and that you can discuss with real people this month.
Listen before you write an offer.
Ask three people who know that situation for a short research conversation. Tell them you are learning about the problem and will not pitch during the conversation. Ask permission before keeping notes, and avoid identifying details you do not need.
- When did this situation last come up?
- What made it difficult?
- What did you try, and what happened?
- What would you want to be different?
- How would you decide whether outside help was useful?
Keep their words separate from your interpretation. A useful conversation may show that coaching is not the support they need.
Write a statement you can test.
I work with [people in a situation] who want to [make a change or decision]. We use coaching to [describe the work], while they choose their own actions.
Read it aloud to someone from your conversations. Ask what they think you mean and what feels unclear. Revise the statement around what they understood.
Choose one next action.
Book a research conversation, revise your statement or invite someone to a separate conversation about coaching. Choose one action you can complete this week. Review what you learned before planning the next one.
This lesson helps you develop your business; it does not award ICF education credits. Research conversations and sales calls do not count as coaching hours.