Coaching vs. Consulting

Some speakers, consultants, and other professionals offer "coaching" after they give a talk or in addition to their services. (In contrast, I am a coach who will speak to groups!). The problem with these "coaching" sessions is that most speakers are not certified coaches and therefore have not gone through the proper training to properly coach people. What they have to offer is more of a consulting session where they advise you based on their experience, which is very different from true coaching (although some coaches offer a blend of coaching and firsthand experience).

One of my clients recently had one of these type sessions with a speaker after hearing her give a presentation. She said that "she paid a steep price for her time, but that after the first session, the speaker did not have anything new to say." Certified coaches on the other hand, are trained and practiced in true communication and coaching techniques, which frequently results in a long-term relationship between the client and coach. Speakers and other consultants will usually not talk to you in-between sessions (or if they do, they will charge you a premium for their time), whereas coaches are happy to receive email updates from their clients (and respond to them).