Finding a professional trainer is a very personal experience. You’ll want to make sure your coach is someone you can respect and communicate with effectively; however, you’ll also want someone who can push your buttons, challenge you to grow, and help you go beyond your comfort level. You definitely don’t want to hire a “yes man” (woman).
Very quickly, let’s define the difference between personal and professional trainers. A personal trainer is someone who helps you see where you may be missing the boat in your personal life. Maybe they can help you find the inspiration you are looking for, they can help you discover the meaning behind the lack of courage, love, spirituality or any other type of problem you may have. They are there to help you grow personally.
A career coach, on the other hand, helps you grow your business and improve your professional life. They may be able to help you focus on business strengths that you have been neglecting or failing to recognize. They can help direct you into a new company. They can also help you find ways to improve some of your personal skills, such as courage, compassion, and communication, as they relate to your business.
The type of coach you hire is up to you and your priorities. You’ll likely find that regardless of whether you hire a personal or professional trainer, the benefits will trickle down to all areas of your life. For example, if you are looking for a personal trainer to help you find your spiritual beliefs, you will likely find tremendous benefits in your business life as well, as businesses are run by real people, with real spirits and aspirations.
Finding the right trainer for your needs
Once you decide where to focus your attention, it’s time to find a trainer. The right career coach will provide you with a personalized action plan based on where you are and where you want to go. Remember, you are hiring someone specifically motivated to help you. And they have the experience and knowledge to help you take your life to the next level.
Finding the right trainer for you can be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before or have no idea where to start. But do not worry!
Below are 5 great tips to help you head in the right direction. Are here:
1. Ask around
Ask friends, family, and associates in your field if they know of any professional trainers they can recommend. This is a good way to find a trainer, but you already have a reference built in, which is very important when hiring a trainer.
2. Go online
You can usually find various professional trainer associations and organizations on the Internet that provide geographic listings, or you can visit your favorite search engine and do a simple local search by including your city in the search phrase, like this: “Professional Trainer “”Denver”. Such phrases are usually enough to locate a professional trainer in your local area, so make use of this tip!
3. Determine your policies and procedures
To find the right coach (someone who really cares about you and your needs), you need to do some research. Check their fees and general policies and procedures, including meeting frequency. It’s important to get a general idea of each trainer’s policies and procedures to determine if they fit within your budget and time constraints.
4. Solicit and contact references
You want to talk to real people and get a real-life sense of how the coach has been able to help them achieve their goals and improve their lives.
5. Schedule a time to meet
Ask potential trainers a few questions and see if their personalities match. You can (and should) ask each coach about their background, both as a coach and before becoming one. You’ll also want to make sure you understand your training approach and make sure it works for you. Lastly, make sure your coach is someone you respect and trust; otherwise, your relationship will be more stressful than without a coach in the first place.
When weighing the decision to hire a trainer, consider the educational opportunities available. For example, many trainers also offer seminars and workshops or online classes to accompany their training programs. This can be extremely beneficial, especially if you are working on a very specific topic that you have in your career.
Two main factors that contribute to your personal and professional success are your motivation and your commitment to personal development, or your continued investment in developing your skills and education. By hiring a coach who can provide both, you get the best of both worlds and get a specialized plan for success.
In a world where knowledge is power and the ability to succeed depends heavily on your investment in your personal development, a personal trainer that offers educational opportunities is a smart way to do it. You’re not just investing in a motivator and guide; you’re also investing in someone who can offer a specialized education designed to meet your educational needs, goals, time constraints, and more. Your coach has your best interests at heart and the focus is entirely on you and achieving your goals.