Boost Your Career:
Hire a Keller Williams Realty Coach      

Will your next step count?

Are you satisfied with your career? Do you believe that even though you're working hard, you're not at peak performance? Maybe it's time for a coach. No, we're not talking about hiring an acting coach or turning to your child's little league coach for guidance. We're talking about hiring a career coach--someone who can provide the tools, support, and structure you need to accomplish more in all areas of your life.

Matt Ratcliffe Coach Consultant REALTOR 806-535-8978 *Licensed 1988 *Consultant *Team Leader Trained *E-Agent *ABR *Top Producer Certified Trainer *Consulted Over 20 Agents YTD. *Negotiation Specialist *Team Building Expert *Knows Contracts *New Construction Expert *Driven to see you succeed! What is your next step?

As the world of work has changed in recent years, career coaches have become an invaluable resource for professionals of all backgrounds. Coaches help give clients the confidence to get unstuck--to change careers, repair relationships, or simply get their act together. While coaching is still most prevalent in the corporate environment,  individuals increasingly are turning to coaches for help in enhancing all aspects of their lives. Thinking of hiring a coach? Here are some things you should know before taking the next step.

What is a coach?

A coach is someone you hire to help clarify goals and develop steps to reach those goals. Coaches won't tell you what to do or how to run your life, instead they'll help you improve your performance and enhance your quality of life. Coaches are trained to listen, observe, and customize their approach to individual client needs. They provide the client with the necessary support and structure needed to help realize their dreams.

Who hires a coach?

According to Therese Kienast, a personal and professional coach based in Chicago, "Anyone can hire a coach, but the people who are most committed to success get the most out of coaching. These are the people who understand that by having a coach they will enhance their process and become more efficient." Kienast says as long as the commitment and drive to change a person's life are present, they should consider hiring a coach to help make needed changes.

What they cost

Cost varies significantly depending on the coach's training and experience. Beginning coaches may charge around $100 a month, while executive coaches may charge anywhere from $600 to $1,000 a month. However, most coaches charge about $300 a month for one half-hour call per week. Here at Keller Williams Realty Lubbock we have setup a coaching and consulting program for all new agents.  It is required for them to go through 1 year to make sure they get thier business up and running in the least amount of time.  Matt Ratcliffe does the coaching and consulting for all of the new agents.  It is also possible for any experienced agents to meet with him as well.  The cost is paid out of the first 3 closings that happen during or after the coaching.  The term for the coaching would be a weekly meeting for 90 days.  Should you deciede to go longer then terms could be setup for that too.  Most coaches also will ask for a three- to six-month commitment, but usually let you stop immediately if coaching is not working for you.

Do coaches specialize?

There are coaches who specialize in just about anything you want--for example, if you are a HR (human resources) manager and want to more effectively communicate with your department, you'll likely be able to find a coach with an HR background.

However, understand that as a general rule, most coaches cover all areas of a person's life. Coaches are trained to look at the whole individual, and if they are not doing so you may want to reconsider hiring them.

How to choose a coach

Before you begin researching a coach, be clear about what you hope to gain from your experience. Keep in mind that while finding a coach may be easy, choosing one is not.

The bottom line: Be prepared to spend time interviewing. Ask if you can spend up to an hour with each person at no charge to determine if it's a good fit. Currently, the field of career coaching is unregulated, so it's important to check the person's background. Ask about credentials and courses taken. Get names and phone numbers of clients from the coaches you are interested in and call them. Don't be afraid to turn a coach down if

Coaches are trained to look at the whole individual, and if they are not doing so you may want to reconsider hiring them.

you don't think he or she is a good fit. The most important thing to look for in a coach is a sense of camaraderie. This is a person who is going to get inside your business and your head. You have to be able to connect and feel like this person understands and supports you; otherwise, you will be wasting your time and the coach's.

Be prepared to work

Working with a coach is like working with a personal trainer: You get plenty of advice, but ultimately the work falls on your shoulders.  A coach can't do the work for you, and setting aside time for the weekly meetings is only the beginning. Be prepared to do some homework. It could be writing in a daily journal or making five cold calls regarding your résumé. Whatever it may be, remember that it's all designed to get you to break your usual habits and move to the next level.

Remember a coach is there to listen, too

Not only are coaches there to help facilitate personal growth, they also can be a good sounding board. It can be a valuable role for a small-business leader or a person interested in making a career change.

But that doesn't mean you should spend your coaching time whining, either. A coach is there to push you out of your comfort zone, urge you to take risks, and help propel you toward what you really want to accomplish.

Click Here and let Matt know you have some interest in the coaching process and he will be in contact with you.  All information is kept strictly confidential. 

Lets get your career a rock'n!