International Coaching Week: Jump-Start Your Business Coaching

By Dr. Bethanie Hansen
Faculty Director, School of Arts & Humanities, American Public University

International Coaching Week is May 4-10, and it’s an excellent time to jump-start your business coaching. The International Coach Federation (ICF) regularly promotes this event as an annual celebration of the power and impact of professional coaching.

Business Coaching Is Especially Helpful During These Uncertain Times

During the current coronavirus pandemic and its effect on the economy, professional coaches might be tempted to scale back their efforts to build their businesses. At the same time, potential clients face growing anxiety over potential job loss, struggle with work-life balance concerns, and question their life and career directions.

By participating in activities during International Coaching Week, you have a wonderful reason to focus on promoting the coaching profession and connect with people who do not yet know the value of coaching. You can build your business and provide immediate value to potential clients.

Ways to Get Involved with International Coaching Week

Here are five ways to get involved during International Coaching Week:

1. Volunteer to donate one hour of free virtual coaching to someone in your community on May 6, which is “International Coaching Day.” Also, share your plan.
2. Join the International Coach Federation, and get involved in your local chapter’s events. Many chapters host International Coaching Week events designed to promote coaching, help you reach clients and build future business more effectively.
3. Attend virtual events to enhance your skills and become more connected to the coaching community. For example, the ICF Toronto Chapter is presenting a video conference, called “Emotional Courage and Coaching,” on May 7 at 12 p.m.
4. Promote business coaching to help others learn its value and how you can help them with your services. The International Coaching Week 2020 Guide and Toolkit offers various materials to help you.
5. Offer some of your services free or on a trial basis to new clients, in order to help them experience coaching firsthand and immediately reap the benefits. Even if you are not generating income through these activities, you may gain solid testimonials from them about your coaching. People who work with you now may return in the future to become paying clients or may refer other clients to you.

Additional Considerations During International Coaching Week

As you consider strategies to participate in International Coaching Week, some healthy precautions will help your efforts become time well spent. The ICF recommends using virtual events and remote work methods whenever possible in order to protect the health of everyone involved in this event.

For instance, use your social media sites to post content, using the hashtag #coachingweek. You can also conduct live coaching through a virtual meeting platform and present webinars about your areas of expertise that are of most use to clients right now.

In addition to using virtual methods, a focus on providing useful information and the value of business coaching to your audience is essential. During this pandemic, people just need the support and tools you are uniquely qualified to share.

Don’t Neglect Your Professional Growth

In addition to spreading the “good news” about the benefits of professional coaching and volunteering some of your time, International Coaching Week is a special opportunity to refocus on your professional direction. Whatever your approach to International Coaching Week is this year, be sure to invest in yourself and your own professional growth.

Business coaching training organization InviteCHANGE offers 29 webinars, all focused on coaching to support you as you continue to grow your professional coaching practice. These webinars run from May 4-10, aligning with International Coaching Week. The topics include time management, metaphors, growing your business during COVID-19, connecting virtually with clients, resilience and personal branding.

As you get involved and expand your reach during International Coaching Week, remember that you’re not alone in adjusting to the new normal. Although it’s hard to meet in person with business coaching clients, this doesn’t have to be a barrier with today’s modern technologies. The people you help right now as a business coach will remember your reassurance and support long after the coronavirus pandemic ends.

About the Author

Dr. Bethanie Hansen is a Professor and Faculty Director for the School of Arts & Humanities at American Public University and an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC). She holds an M.S. in Arts & Letters from Southern Oregon University and a D.M.A. in Music Education from Boston University, with 25 years of experience helping others achieve their goals.