Do You Need Certification to Work as a Business Coach
If you have prior experience running a small to medium sized business, you may believe you have what it takes to be a successful business coach. After all, you have been there and done it. You know what it takes to run a profitable business. So, you think you have found another moneymaking opportunity, that is until you turn to the internet. Perform a standard internet search with the phrase “business coaching,” and you will see many training classes and certification programs. Do you need these? No.
In the United States, you do not need special licensing to offer services as a business coach. You are running a business, so you should adhere to all local and state laws. These typically just cover insurance, signage restrictions, and taxes. Although you do not need to legally be certified as a business coach, it does have its benefits.
Familiarization. If you operated a business, are you still doing so now? Did you retire or hand over the reigns to someone else? If it has been years since you were last at the helm, know that things have changed, particularly with the internet. More business owners are utilizing the internet to sell and market business. If you are unfamiliar with these new and improved tactics, a business coaching certification program can allow you to get familiar. Not only can you learn new techniques, but you can brush up on the old too.
Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC).
Also, when performing that above mentioned internet search, you will come across the WABC and other similar organizations. Membership is not required, but it does have benefits. For an affordable fee, you can be listed in their business coaches directory, get job leads, use the association’s logo, and much more. In addition to paying a small fee, you must apply. Their website states that most members have a degree and years of business experience. Without a degree, certification can improve your chances.
Certificate of completion. After taking and passing a certification training program, you should receive an official certificate. Although these is not the same thing as a full fledged degree, it can do wonders for your business. You can frame and hang your certificate on your office wall, scan it for website use, and so forth. Some of your clients will not see this certificate as anything more than just a piece of paper, but others will see it as trust that they are hiring a professional.
As you can see, there are many pros to taking a business coaching certification class, but there are cons too.
The costs. Unfortunately, business certification programs are not free. You will need to pay and out-of-pocket. The cost of training depends on a number of factors such as the teacher or training center, location, needed class materials, and class length or number of sessions. Since certification is not legally required, it is up to you if you want to spend the money. Some look at it as a wise business investment. The cost of your course may easily pay for itself with paying clients in less than one year or even a couple of months!
The time. If you are still running your small to medium sized business, you may not have time to take a long training course. Since it does have many benefits, consider your options. You can give an employee at your company more responsibility or opt for an online course. If your goal is to work full-time as a business coach, you will need to lessen your responsibility at the office anyways, so consider getting it a head start.
In short, there is no legal need for business coaching certification. If you still want to take the course anyways, look for online classes, those that are affordable, and those that come highly rated and recommended. If worried about costs, get your business up and running. If clients are disappointed that you aren’t certified or trained, consider backtracking and getting your certification.
