Why do people hire a coach? Isnt having an encouraging friend or mentor the same thing?

People decide to hire a coach for every reason you can imagine: personal development, business
development, career growth, money issues, spiritual development, relationship skills, leadership
and communication skills the list goes on and on.

What all of these different areas have in common is that there is often a gap between where we
are and where we want to be. A coach brings new eyes and ears to your situation and provides a
safe, nonjudgmental space for you to figure out how to close that gap.

One of my colleagues called coaching facilitation of the future. I love that! It captures what
makes coaching so powerful.

Encouraging friends and mentors are an important part of our support network. That said,
coaching with me provides additional benefits:

Support tailored to your introvert strengths and personality
Complete focus on YOU and YOUR agenda
Objectivity and a fresh perspective unmuddled by any history
No unsolicited advice
Nonjudgmental approach
Oriented towards the future, not the past
Willingness to challenge you and help you honor your commitments to yourself
Deep belief in your inner knowing and ability to succeed

Strict confidentiality (what you say to me will never get back to your sister or your boss!)
Coaches DO NOT treat clinical disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction and phobias.
My specialty is Entrepreneur Coaching for introverts. With me, youll find a uniquely safe space
for you to process and succeed on your own terms. You develop skills that help you work WITH
your introversion, not against it. Its not about changing who you are so you can be more
extroverted; its about understanding your strengths and trusting them enough to let them shine.

What benefits can I expect from a coaching partnership?

Over the past five years, Ive worked with close to 75 clients on a range of topics. Some of the
benefits theyve experienced include:
creating and implementing a business model that is sustainable and supportive of their
introvert energy
better understanding of the strengths and challenges of their introvert personality
improved communication, based on knowing their style and needs
living and making choices that work with their introvert energy, rather than against it
increased self-trust and compassion
ability to show up confidently in their own skin, rather than trying to be an extrovert
less attachment and fear
living in closer alignment with their values
safe space to process and plan various aspects of their business
more fulfilling relationships with family, friends and colleagues
more commitment and follow-through by learning how to deal with over-thinking and
paralysis by analysis

Do I have to be an introvert to be coached by you?

No! While my introvert clients do outnumber the extroverts, both find benefit from my approach
and focus. After all, everyone has aspects of each type of energy within us. That said, the
majority of my clients are introverts. My introvert clients benefit from working with a coach who
understands their unique strengths and challenges, as well as their need for space, processing
time and reflection. Extroverts stand to benefit in two different ways: first, coaching can help
them bring out and strengthen their introvert energy (which enhances their capacity to listen,
create safety, slow down and reflect internally); and second, it helps them better understand and
live/work with the introverts in their lives.

How do you conduct the coaching sessions?

This depends on distance and preference and is agreed upon at the start of the coaching
relationship. Most often, sessions are conducted over the phone or Skype. This allows for
optimal flexibility and convenience for both coach and client.

If you are in the Seattle, WA/Puget Sound region, you have the option of in-person sessions at
my office in downtown Tacoma. I can also travel to you in special circumstances. Even if you
are local and opt for phone sessions, its desirable to meet in person for the first session.

Other options include online live chat or video calls through Skype. Ive worked with clients
from around the country (and even the world!), so distance is not an issue.

All clients have access to a secure online client-only website that contains forms, goal setting
worksheets, and other useful tools to support getting the most out of the coaching experience.

What kinds of coaching packages do you offer, and how much do they cost?

My specialty is coaching for introvert entrepreneurs. I approach the relationship with a
coaching/consulting hybrid model. The goal is for clients to discern their own path and strategy,
with feedback and resources offered from my experiences.

The Traditional Coaching Package starts off with a 90-minute Discovery Session, during which
we assess your current situation and goals, as well as prioritize and determine our primary areas
of focus. Following that, you will have two 60-minute sessions per month. I require a three-
month minimum commitment, after which we proceed on a month-to-month basis.

Insight Strategy Sessions are specifically designed for the individual who feels like s/hes on the
right track, but progress has stalled, focus has gotten fuzzy, or a new development has thrown a
monkey-wrench into the works. We work together for a set period of time, anywhere from one to
six hours. These sessions are a great option for someone with a very specific challenge or
opportunity that would benefit from feedback, brainstorming, processing and action plan
development. I jokingly call these sessions Rent Beths Brain, because youre going to get all
of the expertise my brain can give you!

My rates are commensurate with my training and experience, as well as client success rates.
They range from a per-month retainer model (Traditional) to a flat fee (Strategy Sessions). You
can view my current 2014 rates here (opens a PDF in a new window).

Whats the coachs responsibility?

In every interaction I have with you, I will act with integrity, honesty and sincerity. I will set
aside distractions and be fully present. I will access my intuition and seek the best way to support
your needs. I will gently probe as well as ask direct questions, and I will seek your permission if
I want to offer a suggestion. My approach to Entrepreneur Coaching involves a hybrid of styles,
mixing some consulting in with the coaching paradigm. I will provide you with support,
encouragement and a safe space to take risks. All communication is confidential. I abide by the
ethical standards set forth by the International Coach Federation. If you need assistance I cannot
provide, I will refer you to a variety of resources.

Whats my responsibility as the client?

You are committed to action and evolution. You want to look more closely at what youre doing
and not doing and make changes that will move you forward. You come to the partnership
with curiosity, openness and a willingness to be honest with yourself and with me. You are ready
for new possibilities and ways of seeing yourself and those around you. You set the agenda and
tell me what you need for each session. You determine your goals and priorities. You define
success for yourself. You keep your commitments and are fully present for each session.

Ive heard that coaching involves you asking me a lot of questions. Would you give me
some examples?

Youll notice right away that a coaching conversation is very different than one you might have
with a best friend, partner or co-worker. Instead of offering advice or personally relating to your
statements, Ill ask you what coaches call powerful questions. These are open-ended, often
begin with what, how or when, and are an invitation for deeper reflection and exploration.

Here are a few examples:
What are you committed to?
What did you learn?
Whats next?
How will you know?
When will you take action?
What are your choices?
Whats true?

How do I know youre a good coach?
You can talk to me! I am happy to have a phone or e-mail conversation and answer your
questions. Click here to schedule a complimentary Information Session (opens my TimeDriver
scheduling page in a new window). You can also read what some of my clients have said about
their experience with me.

Its recommended that you talk to a few coaches and see who feels right, who you click with.
Someone who is a good coach for your best friend or sister may not be a good coach for you.
Your coach needs to be someone you trust and who makes you feel safe, as well as challenged
and motivated.

My training is through inviteCHANGE, a highly rated, ICF-accredited academy located in
Edmonds, WA. I work with my own coach, and I participate in ongoing professional
development as an active member of the Puget Sound Coaches Association and International
Coach Federation.

What kind of time commitment can I expect?

Traditional Coaching: The actual coaching sessions themselves are 30 or 60 minutes; the
number of times per month depends on your needs and the coaching package chosen (but will
often either be one or two sessions per month). Because traditional coaching is not a quick fix,
I require a minimum three-month agreement. At the conclusion of the agreement, we will discuss
if we want to continue or if our work together is done. On average, many clients are with the
same coach for 12-18 months, with some having much longer, ongoing relationships.

Insight Strategy Sessions: Depending on how many sessions you opt to sign up for, the process
will last anywhere from one day (one- or two-hour session) to eight weeks (three or more
sessions). Because of the accelerated pace, its important to make sure theres room in your
schedule to take immediate action on your commitments (you dont want vacations, big
deadlines or foreseeable speed bumps to impede your progress).

Regardless of the type of coaching, know that the coaching sessions are meant to be the
touchstone for the work you do on a daily basis. This includes implementing your action plan,
journaling, reading, revisiting your goals and value statements. As you begin to integrate new
behaviors and thought patterns into your life, they will become second nature. But in the
beginning, be prepared for fairly significant mental, emotional and even physical energy to be
expended on behalf of your personal commitment to progress.