As a coach, how do you continuously improve your skills? This isn’t just a question; it’s a reminder that your success depends on investing in yourself and your business. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you grow.

At utobo, we work with numerous coaches dedicated to helping others reach their full potential. However, many struggle to prioritize their own growth.

Here are some top resources for professional development, whether you're a life coach or a career coach.

Why Growing Your Coaching Business is Challenging

Growing a coaching business is more than sharing knowledge; it involves building efficient systems, staying updated with industry trends, and using the best tools. The biggest challenges are time and money.

Managing everything while keeping up with new technology and promoting your unique methods on social media can be overwhelming. Additionally, investing in technology, courses, and events can be costly.

However, consider the opportunity cost of not investing in your growth:

• How many more clients could you attract with better systems?
• Could you create new business opportunities by enhancing your knowledge?
• How many clients could you lose if you fall behind in your industry?

Self-development is an investment, not an expense. Your business’s future depends on your growth as a professional and a business owner.

How to Enhance Your Coaching Skills

Our favorite resources for coaches range from traditional books to modern certifications and courses. Mix and match these resources to fit your learning style, schedule, and coaching specialization.

Recommended Coaching Books

Good coaching books provide actionable steps to improve your skills and practice. Here are a few recommendations:

• Co-Active Coaching by Karen Kimsey-House, Henry Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandhal, and Laura Whitworth. Known as the “coaching bible,” it provides a comprehensive framework for improving your coaching business.
• The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching by Marion Franklin. This book focuses on enhancing your coaching through specific questions and practical ideas.

For more recommendations, check out resources from the Coaching Tools Company.

Courses from Your Peers

Invest in courses created by other coaches to stay on top of trends and improve your skills. Enroll in courses by experienced coaches or those who stand out with unique approaches. Focus on courses that align with your values and help you expand your skills.

Courses to Scale Your Coaching Business

Consider courses that enhance your business skills, such as marketing, blogging, or website design. These skills are crucial for accelerating and scaling your business. For instance, Google offers a beginner-friendly Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course.

Other valuable courses include:

• Accounting and finance basics
• Public speaking
• Online content creation
• Authority book writing

Conferences and Trade Shows

Conferences and trade shows provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, learn from experts, and stay updated on trends. Many events are now held virtually, making them more accessible. Career coaches should consider Gallup At Work, and life coaches may benefit from the NLP Conference.

Accredited Coaching Training

While accreditation isn’t necessary to run a successful coaching business, it can add credibility and attract more clients. Consider these options for accredited training:

• College of Executive Coaching: Offers online training for executive and life coaches.
• Coach Training Alliance: Provides U.S.-based certification for life, professional, and personal coaches.
• Coach U: Offers programs to become an Associate Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach, or Master Certified Coach.

Research the requirements for maintaining your certification, as ongoing classes or fees may be necessary.

Certifications to Grow Your Skill Set

Certifications can help you improve your coaching skills, even if they aren’t mandatory. Notable programs include:

• iPEC’s Coach Certification Program: Focuses on life and executive coaching.
• Institute for Life Coach Training: Offers comprehensive courses that take 18-24 months to complete.
• Positive Psychology: Lists institutions offering specialized certifications in various coaching areas.

Evaluate programs based on your budget, professional goals, and timeframe.

Higher Education Degrees

Some colleges and universities offer degrees related to coaching. For example, Regent University offers a Master of Arts in Human Services Life Coaching, and SMU offers a concentration in executive and leadership coaching. Additionally, consider degrees in related fields like health and wellness, psychology, communications, or education.

Get Your Own Coach

Coaches need coaching too. Hiring a coach or career counselor can support you in areas where you need improvement. This mutual support can enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Improving Your Coaching Skills

You have many options for improving your coaching skills. Becoming a lifelong learner and staying updated with industry trends will help you grow and scale your business.

When you're ready to elevate your coaching business, consider using tools designed to simplify the process of learning, growing, and scaling. Join live Q&A webinars to learn everything you need to succeed as a knowledge entrepreneur, including selling products, themes, pipelines, webinars, and more.