Is it better to work with a coaching franchise than with an individual professional coach?
As with anything in life, it depends! There are pros and cons to both. Identifying your needs and goals will help you determine which one is better.
Three Areas to Consider
There are three areas to consider when making your decision:
1. Pricing
Most of the time, a professional coach who is part of a coaching franchisee costs more than a non-franchise coach. This is partly because they pay franchising fees for use of the name and several types of support including marketing which can be beneficial because the coach can focus on their clients and not building the business. On the other hand, an individual coaching business doesn’t have to pay these fees and can therefore position themselves more competitively within the market.
2. Process
The beauty of a franchise is that the process is systematized. This is typically a tried-and-true method that has proven results. The downside of this systematization is limited customization, sometimes offering cookie cutter solutions for client needs. An individual coaching business has more flexibility in its process and delivery and can tailor programs to the specific needs of their clients.
3. Proficiency
Part of franchise benefits is additional training. Much of that training is focused on business elements; coaching skills and techniques may not be emphasized as much. In addition, any coach training that does occur is typically not approved by the International Coach Federation. An individual coaching business isn’t required to have any coach training. Since the field is not regulated, any person can hang a shingle and call themselves a coach. Often, though, the coach will have achieved some specific coach training that has led to a certification demonstrating their proficiency.
It is best to interview several coaches before making the decision to hire one. You’ll want to determine your individual needs based on your budget and your goals. If you have a unique situation, you may find an individual professional coach more suitable. Do your due diligence, though, to make sure anyone you hire has the appropriate credentials.
