What do you do if your business coaching clients are remote?

Find communication and project management tools that work for both you and your clients. Whether it's video conferencing software or collaborative platforms, the right tech stack makes all the difference. It’s like choosing the right vehicle for a road trip; reliability and comfort are key. easy to use?

The larger majority of my coaching clients are remote. Being willing to use the tools that work best for my clients has helped a lot. For example, most of my US-based clients prefer to meet over Zoom but there are a few who prefer phone meetings because they're on the road a lot or prefer to meet with me while walking around. My oversees clients tend to prefer meeting over Skype or Whatsapp. Again, some like the video aspect and others want to be moving around and prefer not to use video. Being willing to use the right tools for my clients' has made it easier for them to show up to our coaching sessions and that's the most important thing to me.

Prioritise platforms offering robust features for scheduling, document sharing, and real-time feedback. Look for versatility and user-friendliness to streamline the coaching process and enhance client engagement. Remember, the right tools empower both you and your clients to thrive in the digital landscape.

Prioritize tools that offer scalability and integration capabilities to adapt to evolving coaching needs. Consider investing in cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive client information. Moreover, provide training and support for both coaches and clients to ensure seamless adoption and utilization of chosen tools.

Many of my clients are overseas and I have learnt that getting a deep understanding of their daily habits and responsibilities helps me to tailor more my approach to the way that works for their lifestyle. This includes how they like to learn, receive information and what they need to know about my personal coaching style and personality. When we do not have face to face we do miss on subtle signs that comes from having access to all senses but as an energy coach I have also learnt the power of being more present and training my emotional intelligence to pick up on the unsaid from the somatic intelligence of our body.

I think setting clear expectations and boundaries sets the stage for a harmonious engagement, whether you're meeting in person or remotely. I like to address them in our very first meeting. I call it a welcome call and it's a meeting I don't charge for; it doesn't count as one of their predetermined number of coaching sessions. I let them know in advance that we'll be reviewing expectations and logistics. I like conducting the welcome call over Zoom or Skype, where I'm able to share my screen with them, and I use slides to give them a visual and also to help keep us on track. Clear expectations and boundaries need to go both ways, so after I mention my own, and before I move on, I ask them if they have anything to add.

This is the basis of any successful relationship and serves for successful long-term development. I encourage: 1. Co-create expectations and boundaries 2. Revisit and adapt when necessary / periodically 3. Review when someone acts differently 4. Repeat step 2

Be explicit about your availability, response times, and what each session will entail. Setting these ground guidelines early on prevents misunderstandings and ensures a smooth coaching relationship. It’s similar to drafting a map for a journey, marking out the pit stops and landmarks.

Establish communication protocols to ensure seamless interaction despite physical distance. Encourage clients to articulate their specific goals and preferences upfront, facilitating personalized session structures tailored to their needs. Moreover, leverage technology tools for effective collaboration, such as shared documents for session notes and action plans.

Framing our calls is crucial. Since it is SO easy to get distracted, I use two techniques on EVERY. SINGLE. CALL. 1. The One Thing We agree at the beginning of the call to accomplish a shared goal. This drives out conversation and allows us to know when we are off track. 2. Acceptable Boundaries What will we accept as success and what will we accept as failure? This makes it easy on the next call to have accountability. These are important in person too, but critical on a video call environment.

Most people think building rapport and trust can be done more easily over video calls because we can pick up on the visual cues. But it can be done over phone calls too by picking up on 1) voice inflections, 2) changes in tone and energy, and 3) picking up on what isn't being said, just as much as what is. I actually think I pick up on more cues when just on the phone with clients because I'm more focused on what they're saying and how they're saying it, and not distracted by things I might be seeing, a picture on their wall or people moving around behind them.

Creating a strong connection remotely might seem daunting, but it’s all about being present and empathetic during interactions. Regular check-ins and showing genuine interest in their progress can make a world of difference. Think of it as nurturing a garden from afar, ensuring it thrives.

Schedule informal check-ins to foster a more personal connection. Share relevant experiences or anecdotes to demonstrate empathy and understanding. Utilize video conferencing tools for face-to-face interaction, enhancing non-verbal communication cues. Moreover, follow up promptly and consistently to demonstrate reliability and dedication.

Distance should not hinder the development of strong relationships. Invest time in building rapport through active listening, empathy, and personalized interactions. Transparent communication, consistent follow-ups, and genuine interest in your clients' success foster trust and create a conducive coaching environment.

Flexibility is key when coaching remote clients. Tailor your coaching style and techniques to suit individual needs, preferences, and learning styles. Incorporate diverse methods such as virtual workshops, online resources, interactive exercises, and goal-tracking tools to keep sessions engaging and impactful.

95% i am remote coaching Must be confident with the tech Must be able to bring out emotions using video calling. Be open to using different techniques that cater to virtual environments, like interactive workshops or digital whiteboards for brainstorming. It’s like adjusting your sails to the wind; flexibility is crucial.

Consider leveraging interactive digital tools and platforms to enhance engagement and interaction. Incorporate multimedia elements like videos or interactive exercises to cater to diverse learning preferences and maintain client interest. Furthermore, prioritize building rapport and trust through active listening and empathy, as establishing a strong coach-client relationship is even more crucial in virtual settings.

Helping a person reach and surpass their highest potential requires the coach to also raise their game. This requires understanding who both people are and how to best work with each other in the given context. My certification training in DISC was a useful starting point to recognising a client's personality and communication preferences but ultimately this will evolve over time as both parties get to know each other at deeper levels.

There are no one-size-fits-all coaching relationships; our job is to be adaptable and ask open-ended questions instead of solely giving advice and teaching. My favorite coaches I've been coached by are explicitly clear when they are changing the dynamic of the conversation. They will ask permission to give advice and perspective, which empowers me as a coachee with choice. We can be mindful of the changing dynamic in our conversations between coaching & mentoring and teaching & training. Focusing too heavily on advising as a coach may not create transformation. Focusing too heavily on questions as a business coach may not aid in the perspective and mindset shifts needed for the coachee. In other words, let's focus on paying attention

Support is intrinsic to coaching, provided there's trust between both parties. I prefer to empower clients to be self-accountable and not rely on me for accountability. We show up for each other fully committed to the work we do together.

Keep your clients on track by setting clear goals and milestones. Use digital tools for tracking progress and holding accountability sessions. It’s akin to being the lighthouse for ships at sea, guiding them safely to their destination.

A great way to provide ongoing support is allowing clients to have access to you at various times throughout the week via a messaging app. I do this with my clients via WhatsApp - I have the app on a separate phone to my main one, so I can leave it on my desk and avoid interruptions when I'm not in 'coaching mode'. Clients love it.

Consider implementing structured progress reviews at regular intervals to assess milestones and adjust strategies accordingly. Utilize online project management tools or tracking systems to facilitate transparent monitoring of client progress and outcomes. Moreover, foster a sense of community and peer support by facilitating virtual group sessions or networking opportunities among clients.

My clients know they have my unlimited support. They know I will do my absolute best for them or will "die trying". They also know not to call me in an "emergency". Call 911 instead.

Here are some important points to consider: Continuous Learning: Stay updated with new tools and methodologies in remote coaching. This can enhance the effectiveness of your coaching. Feedback Mechanism: Implement a structured way for clients to provide feedback on the coaching process. This can help in fine-tuning your approach and ensuring client satisfaction. Mental Health Awareness: Be cognizant of the signs of burnout or mental health struggles in your clients. Know when to refer clients to appropriate resources is important. Incorporating these approaches into your remote business coaching practice can help in creating a more engaging, effective, and supportive environment for your clients.

Navigating remote business coaching requires a blend of technological proficiency, interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to client success. By embracing these insights and principles, you can elevate your remote coaching practice and create meaningful impact in the lives of your clients, regardless of physical distance.