Having worked for many years as coach, mentor and team developer, I've become less active due to a hip operation, and want to shift the focus of my work from face to face to online/ telephone.
I already do some small things in this area, ( for example designing courses, hosting online discussions). Now's the time to make a real move in that direction, but apart from "seeing what comes my way" I haven't got a real plan. I'd welcome suggestions.
joanna howard
5 Responses
Voice over Internet Protocol
Checkout skype http://www.skype.com/
I think the revolution in voice over internet protocol that is upon us will change telephone and videoconferencing and its cost forever.
Online and Phone
Would very much agree with reply of Skype. Also though we now have a tool that will author courses with voiceover for delivery either on dial up or broad band. It can also have full interactivity. Have you thought of delivering training via mobile? We can do this also. Costs of setup vary. Call or email if you like for a chat.
Diversify your talents
I think it is important to look at all the different methods of delivery. Perhaps look at some of the companies on the net who assist with teleconferencing etc. before committing to anything.
I would suggest you share your delivery and have some tele conferencing, some elearning in real time, some programmes people can book into and some ebooks and distance learning. this will allow you to audit.
Good luck
online work
Thanks for the comments, Angela, Natalie and Juliet. I have got skype, which I thought I’d need for an online conference I was involved it; but haven’t got around to using it yet. You’ve stimulated me to have a go at it. I will follow up your invites to be in touch.
My real challenge is how to get the work, new work. I could develop some of the work with my current clients – but they are so used to my face-to-face style that there won’t be a lot of growing work there.
I guess I need to developa plan, both for getting the technology smooth and for marketing what I can offer.
Pricing Model etc.
I think you probably need to develop a method of selling this to your client base – I’m not sure that they couldn’t become enthused at the change from face to face to electronic coaching, if you give them a reason to.
With the use of Skype, Instant Messaging service and e-mail. I would of thought one of the big pluses of what you’re offering is immediacy. You can offer “just in time” coaching more readily through this than face to face.
You can become available at (almost) any hour in any location.
Work out the benefits of what you’re offering as opposed to the service you have been offering. Talk to your existing clients about what they would want from an electronic relationship – don’t assume they won’t make the change with you.
Then start selling around the new model and don’t apologise for it. What you are offering is cutting edge for today but in the long run I think you’re leading the charge for the future of business coaching.
Good luck.