Virtual coaching: can it be effective for you?

When you want to work toward a specific goal, a coach can provide useful insights and guidance on your journey. Virtual coaching has become a popular option for people who want a coach but don’t have the time or money to meet with one each week. If you have big goals for yourself, virtual coaching can be an effective tool to achieve success.

In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about virtual coaching, including:

• What remote coaching is and how it works

• Some benefits of working with a virtual coach

• Tips to get the most out of virtual coaching

What is virtual coaching?

Virtual coaching, also known as remote or online coaching, involves working with an instructor through a remote platform to learn specific skills. Often, virtual coaches use video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, for their sessions. However, virtual coaches can also communicate with their clients through other remote platforms, such as phone calls, text messages, emails, or apps.

Like other types of coaches, virtual coaches can provide helpful guidance on ways to achieve your goals. For example, you might work with a virtual career coach to develop leadership skills so you can earn a promotion. Some companies also hire virtual coaches to work with employees or teams on ways to improve productivity, boost performance, or achieve business goals.

Benefits of virtual coaching

If you want some extra help to work toward a specific goal, virtual coaching can be a great option. Compared to traditional in-person coaching, online coaching offers these benefits:

• Convenience. You don’t need to travel to meet with a virtual coach. You can complete your coaching sessions from the comfort of your own home.

• Flexibility. If you have a nontraditional work schedule or travel often, virtual coaching offers some flexibility. You can schedule sessions at times that work for you, such as during your lunch break.

• Accessibility. With remote coaching, you’re not limited to working with coaches in your geographic area. You can look for a virtual coach in another city or state, or you can even work with a coach in a different country.

• Cost savings. Since virtual coaches don’t need to pay for office space, they often charge less for their services than traditional coaches do. At the same time, you don’t need to pay for gas or transportation to meet with a coach, helping you save money.

How to get the most out of virtual coaching

Are you interested in working with a remote coach on your professional goals? Follow these tips to get the most out of online coaching:

Know your goals

While a virtual coach will work with you to set specific goals, it’s good to have a general idea of what you want to achieve before you start. Think about your goals and what roadblocks you may encounter as you work toward them. For example, if you want to become a manager but struggle to take charge at work, work with a virtual coach who specializes in helping people become more confident and assertive.

Commit to the process

Once you start working with a virtual coach, don’t expect change to happen overnight. A coach can offer helpful tools and insights, but you need to put in the work. Use your coaching sessions to discuss your progress, challenges, and successes. Ask questions and listen to their feedback so you can apply it to your everyday life. If you commit to the process, you can expect to see results over time.

Adjust as necessary

After you get started, you’ll discover which strategies work well for you. You might learn that you prefer speaking on the phone with your coach, rather than video chatting. Some people enjoy taking a walk during their sessions. Find out what works best for you and speak with your coach about making those adjustments so you can get the most out of your sessions.

Do you want to work with a virtual coach to find a new job, gain useful skills, or make a career change? Find a Career Coach with Career.io to take charge of your professional goals!

Key takeaways

1. Virtual coaching allows you to work with an instructor through remote platforms, like video software or a mobile app.

2. Working with a virtual coach has many benefits, including convenience, accessibility, and cost savings.

3. To get the most out of virtual coaching, know what you want to achieve and commit to working with your coach to make progress.