How is productivity coaching different from general business coaching?
In some ways they are similar. Both types of coaches work with you to improve your self-confidence, your business acumen, and help you reach for your goals. They can be both cheerleader and mentor, depending on the circumstances, and occasionally even your boot camp instructor. 😉
Productivity coaching, though, is not specifically about “making the most money” or even “running your business profitably.” Those are natural outcomes of productivity, actually. If you know what you need to do, but you aren’t doing it because you are overwhelmed by your to-do list? That is the real problem!
When I set up coaching with a client, I explain that I provide a personalized and tailored approach to help them effectively manage their time, energy, and resources across all aspects of their life. My goal as a productivity coach is to ensure that they get the most out of their entire life, whatever their personal and professional might be.
Sometimes it takes just one meeting to get someone’s calendar straightened out, or you might need to meet with me regularly for a set amount of time. In fact, what often happens is that a client will have a couple of coaching sessions with me, then come back in a few months to refine or retool their approach to their task list and calendar. Other times, a major life change (graduation, a new job, a new child in the family) means that everything they were doing before isn’t working well for them anymore. Whatever the case, I help them figure out what they need to change, and what they need to focus on.
What do we cover in my coaching sessions? After a free initial consultation, the way I work with you 1:1 is a pretty simple five step process:
- Identify your goals and priorities: We’ll discuss both your short-term and long-term objectives for your business and personal life, so we can focus on what truly matters to you. Expect me to ask you a lot about “buckets”!
- Assess your current situation: We’ll take a close look at your current processes, routines, and habits to identify areas for improvement and develop a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. What works for you, and what doesn’t? Are you dealing with external issues like parenthood or being a full-time caretaker for a family member? What about internal issues like mental health, chronic physical health conditions, or neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, learning disorders, long COVID, etc.)?
- Develop an action plan: Based on our assessment, we’ll create a customized plan to help you effectively manage your entire life. I base all my work with you on the principle of holistic productivity, so this plan will include productivity tools, techniques, and strategies tailored to your specific needs and preferences (including which productivity tools you prefer, like paper planners or digital apps, or even just a simple legal pad!).
- Implement and adjust: As you put the plan into action, I’ll be there to support and guide you, helping you stay accountable and motivated. We’ll regularly review your progress, identify any roadblocks, and make adjustments as needed to ensure your ongoing success. Admittedly, this is often the point where my clients head out on their own for a while. Long term, we might only meet once a quarter! But it takes a while to get to that point of effortless, holistic productivity.
- Celebrate and maintain: Together, we’ll celebrate your achievements and help you maintain your newfound productivity and balance, ensuring you stay on track and continue to thrive in both your personal and professional life. Admittedly, this is often the point where my clients head out on their own for a while. Long term, we might only meet once a quarter! But it takes a while to get to that point of effortless, holistic productivity.
Many business coaches want you to keep using their services as much as possible for as long as possible, but I’d rather give you to the skills to figrue things out for yourself. My business model isn’t based on you giving me endlessly giving me endless amounts of money (I won’t say no! But it’s not what is in your best interest). I work with you to find the sweet spot of support and self-confidence!
What do you get out of this process, in the long run? You’ll gain:
- Improved time management and organization skills, allowing you to accomplish what you aim for while not sacrificing your relationships, sleep, and health.
- A better understanding of your priorities, leading to a more focused and purpose-driven approach to your work.
- Increased motivation and accountability, helping you stay on track with your goals.
- A supportive partnership with a coach who understands your unique challenges and provides tailored guidance to help you overcome them.
Coaching is always an investment, and you need to be certain that your time and money will be going towards your goals and priorities, not just another canned routine which was created for someone who is not you. I’m happy to meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation to go over what your current hurdles are, and discuss how you want to move forward in life.
And, honestly, if nothing about my approach appeals to you, consider looking for other productivity coaches out there. Maybe what you need help with isn’t the what but the how!