Have you ever wanted to take your career and expertise to the next level but felt like it was too late? Today, most people associate ambitious career changes with younger workers. However, new research shows that Australian workers wanting a career change aren’t just limited to the younger demographic. A study of 6,000 people conducted by Lonegran Research shows that 50 percent of workers aged over 50 would switch careers if the right opportunity appeared.
The new study also suggested that career change is "not necessarily confined by the next office job", with 77 percent of respondents over 50 sayings they believed creativity increases or stays the same with age, and many were interested in starting their own businesses. If you’re wondering how you can turn your life skills and experience into a lucrative business opportunity, that provides a flexible lifestyle, why not consider becoming a business coach? You not only have the opportunity to earn a substantial income, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing that you're making a real difference in peoples’ lives. You have the experience and the life skills, so why not impart your wisdom to the younger generation of go-getters? If you’re still not sure, consider these 7 benefits of becoming a business coach.
Help others
There aren't that many careers where you're directly helping others. Coaching, however, is such a profession. As a business coach, you're a confidante, problem-solver, and friend to your clients. You share in their victories and their challenges. You’ll have the unique satisfaction that only comes from helping others.
Enjoy an independent lifestyle
When you're a coach, you have the freedom to create your own schedule. It’s a career you can pursue from anywhere. Some coaches meet with clients in person while others offer phone or Skype sessions. With today's technology, it's easy to help clients even if you can’t meet in person, giving you the ability to work where and when you choose.
Earn a high income
Becoming a business coach is a business opportunity, with the need for coaches on the increase, now is a great time to build a business coaching business. You can hire and train new coaches or add business coaching to your existing services if you already run a successful business. The bonus is you’re in control – you choose to grow your business to a level that meets your own financial and personal goals.
Expand your network
Business coaches get to interact with business owners and other goal-oriented people. It's an established principle that networking with successful people is one of the best ways to move forward in your own career. You never know what opportunities will come up as a result of these connections. The most obvious benefit is that your expanding network makes it easier to get new clients. You'll also make new friends and learn about new business opportunities.
Start as slowly or as quickly as you want
Starting a new career is always challenging. Not everyone is in the position to simply quit their jobs and start over. As a business coach, you have the choice of starting off part-time or full-time. Many new coaches keep their jobs until they acquire a few regular clients. Since there's so much flexibility in terms of hours and scheduling, you're able to proceed at your own pace.
Build your reputation as an authority
While it takes time to build up a reputation in any field, there are key advantages to doing this as a local business coach. As you help clients achieve their business goals you’ll naturally build a reputation as a person who understands business and how to get results. This in turn will attract new clients and help you to build your own business. It can also lead to a range of different opportunities depending on your personal values and goals. If you’re looking to give back to your local community or charity, as a trusted local authority this will increase your chances to be invited to speak at business conferences or fundraising events.
Help yourself
There’s an old saying that says: "If you want to learn something well, teach it." When you're a business coach, you embody this principle. Business owners aren't always clear about their goals. Vague goals such as making more money or getting more leads aren't specific enough to show you what you need to do. As a business coach, you ask pointed questions to help clients clarify what they want to accomplish. In doing so, you reinforce your own understanding of setting and achieving goals.
The next steps
If you have ever felt like it's too late to take your coaching career and expertise to the next level, think again! Click here to find out more about the ActionCOACH Franchise opportunity.