Coaching is catching on faster and faster in the nonprofit world. And it’s no surprise.
A Fundraising Coach provides a unique form of support. Coaching is deeper than a seminar and more personal that a consultant.
And it’s not a one-shot deal.
A coach gives you someone to work with over a period of time to get you unstuck and keep you moving forward. As the relationship develops, your fundraising coach can call you out when you need it and give you someone you can count on.
Many major companies have embraced executive coaching as a great form of professional development. It’s viewed as a way to support top producers.
For the nonprofit professional, knee-deep in work and starved for resources, hiring a Coach, especially a Fundraising Coach, can be a tremendous investment.
When you enhance your skill set, time management, and confidence, it ripples through the organization.
But before you hire someone to be your Coach, ask them if they have a Coach.
If you’re going to invest in yourself in this very personal way, make sure that your Coach is also investing in themselves. You want someone who walks their talk and who can being their best ‘A’ game to support you.
Personally, I have several Coaches and mentors.
I learn different things from different ones. This year, I decided to invest in some expensive, high-end Coaching and it’s been a wild ride!
The simple decision to do it shifted my thinking and how I look at things. With the help of my Coach, I’ve been able to plan bigger than ever before, and work toward making those plans a reality. I don’t think I could have accomplished so much without her.
Coaching is effective for people who want to make change but aren’t sure how to do it.
If you want to make some changes in your nonprofit organization, think about starting with a Coach.
This is such an important point, Sandy and one that too often gets overlooked. The most successful coaches I know are those who have their own coach (or coaches) and who invest in themselves. I can’t wait to talk to you all about 2011!
You are absolutely right. I couldn’t be as effective with my clients without the support and transformation I receive through my own coach. The investment is so important.
I love what you do here I would be interested in learning more about your new hybrid program!
Thanks Laurie. I don’t think I can do a good job as a coach unless I have one of my own. I’ll add you to the list of people to keep “in-the know” about my new program.
Sandy
Keep on promoting Coaching … mostly by being the good coach that you are for those you serve!!
Great stuff, Sandy! And you are an INCREDIBLE Coach! I learn from you every day and I’m not even in Fundraising!! 🙂
Sandy, This is such a great point for all of us. I have had an amazing coaching experience myself and always gain new insight and motivation. The truth is we all have so much untapped potential or mental gremlins that coaching can help. We just get more and more powerful and the grmelins get sneakier and sneakier. 🙂
I agree, Sandy. I think that investing in yourself is absolutely essential for a full, balanced life. And, I appreciate how you are approaching the question — looking forward to 2012, how are you going to invest in yourself? I have refined the question for myself, what area of my development do I need to invest in?
Great post!
Sandy, it’s so important for all of us to walk our talk when we’re working as coaches, consultants, etc. You’ve brought some great points up here and I love the fact that yours is a nitche with Fundraising.
Sandy, so true!
I would never consider coaching without having my own coach! Hopefully this post will help our clients ask us “who is your coach?” 🙂
Thanks Marc! So often when I mention something about my coach, people act surprised. I’m ready for the time when people understand enough to expect me to have a coach instead of being surprised.
Sandy
Me too! They seemed shocked when I refer to my coach. But I know I always feel better when the person I’m working with is practicing what they preach! 🙂
I recently began to work with a marketing coach. I never thought of asking him if he had a coach but recently he wrote in his e-zine about how a marketing coach he’s working with is helping him. My appreciation for him immediate rose a notch.
Discovered your web site via msn the other day and absolutely like it so much. Carry on the fantastic work.
Thank you for the helpful information.
Oh yeah and thank you too Marc