More people are now looking for a career that provides a sense of personal and professional fulfillment. They want a career where they can make a difference in the lives of others. Life coaching seems to meet both of those criteria.

Before investing time and money into becoming a coach, research the profession. Make sure youre not overlooking the realities of what is involved in starting a coaching business.

There are 5 keys areas in understanding the truth of what it takes to become a coach:

1. Understand what life coaching is.

The International Coach Federation (ICF) definition of coaching is: Coaching is an ongoing relationship which focuses on clients taking action toward the realization of their visions, goals or desires.

Clients hire coaches to resolve a challenge or to get support to attain a desired result. Your job as a coach is to support the client to be successful, usually by asking questions and listening.

Coaching usually occurs over the phone, although it can also occur in person for a higher fee. Many coaches offer additional free email access and/or laser telephone coaching of 5-10 minutes in length between sessions on an as-needed basis.

2. Is life coaching the right career for you?

You may be thinking that becoming a coach is an easy way to make $200+ an hour.

Making a career change, training, and starting a new business can be scary. It takes time, money and effort. Research the profession thoroughly. Compare your skills with the competencies needed to be an effective coach. The more information you have, the more confident you will be about your decision.

3. Choosing a coach training and certification program.

To enhance your effectiveness, confidence and credibility with potential clients youll need to add specific coaching skills to your toolbox. Clients invest in your coaching services because they want to get results. Imagine hiring a personal trainer with no specialized training in weight training! Injuries can result.

I found over 120 coaching training organizations, as of April 2006. A quarter of these organizations offer an accredited coach training programs. Tuition fees range from range from $1,995 to $10,000+ US. Before committing the time and money to a training program you want to make sure you pick the best training program for you.

4. Learn how to create a thriving coaching business.

Coaching is a business. It could take 3-18+ months to create a full coaching practice.

Marketing is the key to getting the word out about your coaching business. If youre serious about being financially successful, learn about marketing and about building a business.

5. Take Action

Ask yourself: What do I need to know in order to decide if becoming a coach is the right career move for me? Do your research before becoming a coach. It may seem overwhelming at first, so schedule small blocks of time. Talk to coaches. Find out what its really like to be a coach.

A career in coaching can be very rewarding personally, professionally and financially. Do yourself a favour and do the research before jumping.