CLIENT STORY:
Return on Investment

Meet Kelly, "my incognito client":

(This client wanted to share her story without revealing her name...okay, we'll let one slide. Here is her interview.)

Q: Why did you hire a coach? What did you want to see happen in your life?

A: The first time I hired a coach was a few years ago, to address my financial goals. I made significant progress in a short period of time (reduced all debt in 6 months, created an automatic savings account, and contributed the maximum to my 401K).

After seeing results in my financial life, I decided to consider a career change. The coach recommended another coach, Kristin. So, I decided to call her.

I hired Kristin since she was highly recommended as an honest, direct and compassionate coach. (direct and honest were really important to me). I also read some of her articles in iVillage and liked the content.

My main goals were to:

• Change from proactive, cold-calling hi-tech sales position to more reactive client management/account executive position.
• Find ways to save more money.
• Make a decision about starting a family/ when to do so and how it would impact my career.
• Achieve balance with other areas of my life such as spirit, home, and fitness.

Q: What are some of the tangible results of your coaching?

A: I created my dream job and got it. WOW - I'm still looking back in awe. What a blessing. Kristin helped me write a job description for my ideal job and coached me to present it to my current employer. They accepted it. I never had to change companies, as I originally thought I'd have to do.

Part of this ideal job description was my ideal salary. I asked for an increase in salary and they gave it to me. I increased my income by simply asking. Now, I have more money to save each month.

Q: What are some of the intangible results?

A: I learned that there were themes throughout all of my decisions, and with minor changes, everything is easier. My theme now is balance. I learned the importance of creating "reserves." (Yes, "Kelly" is using "coach-talk" now!) It's a simple concept, but it has changed the way I do many things. Everything started to get much easier and before long, my day, weekends, career, etc., looked the way I wanted it to. And the best part - I actually love working now. I've been trying to create this feeling for nearly 11 years, just ask my patient husband!

Q: What are Kristin's strengths as a coach?

A: Honesty, direct nature, and compassion. Also, she's a woman and relates well to women's issues such as family/career balance.

Q: Why do you think coaching works?

A: Coaching works because it's an unbiased source. I needed new ideas, and help seeing things in a new light. Accountability was key because we spoke on a regular basis and I wanted to talk about my progress. That motivated me.

Q: What was memorable or meaningful about your coaching experience with Kristin? Would you change anything?

A: There were quite a few, but most memorable was the day she used the see/feel/smell test with me to help me determine the best career move for me.

I wouldn't change anything.

Q: Do you feel your coaching dollars were worth it? Why or why not?

A: Yes, I was very reluctant in the beginning to pay Kristin's rates (you can spend less, but you get what you pay for). But when you do the math, it's worth every penny. I increased my income and my savings considerably as a result of our sessions. On my own, I actually was going to go "against" my instincts and take the wrong career move. Kristin coached me to go in another direction. I'm so glad I did. I've never been busier or happier. My friends say I am glowing.

Q: Do you have any advice or additional comments for someone thinking about hiring a coach?

A: Do the math. Coaching is expensive. It's not easy to see the ROI (return on investment) at the beginning when you're in the middle of trying to implement several changes. But, when you look back, you'll be glad you did.

I've told many of my friends about Kristin when they ask how I decided to participate in 5 triathlons (I didn't even know how to swim!), change my career path, and save money in the same year.

My career took a much needed turn after our sessions.

I finally know what it's like to jump out of bed in the morning to "work." During my work day, time flies by with lightning speed. I've never been busier, or happier.

Best of all, my colleagues and family tell me I'm glowing.

Coach's Comments

Kelly illustrates the fact that good coaching pays for itself. In fact, that's one of my goals as a coach. I love to help people find ways to increase their income so their coaching investment pays off.

When Kelly first contacted me, she was considering leaving her company and taking a job with someone else. While this new job would've been more fun and exciting, it actually paid less. So, she was torn between taking a job she loved or sticking with her current job which would allow her to continue saving. One of my principles is that sometimes your current job could actually be your dream job in disguise. I like to see my clients get everything they want, not just half of it. So I asked Kelly to describe her ideal job. Then, we talked about how to create that ideal scenario at her current company.

Armed with her unique job description and a specific salary request, Kelly marched into her boss's office and made a proposal. Much to her surprise, her boss accepted it. Today, Kelly is working in her ideal job and putting quite a few dollars in the bank...which ties in nicely with her financial goals.

Note: In my former career as an executive recruiter and currently as a coach, I've seen so many people create their ideal job by simply asking for it. While Kelly may seem special, the reality is this: If you are a valuable employee of your company, your company needs you more than you think. Don't be afraid to design your ideal job and propose it. The worst that can happen is they'll say "no" and you'll be back where you started. However, at the very least, your company will realize you're upwardly mobile and looking for advancement. It never hurts to ask for what you want.

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