With so many coaches and types of coaching available, it can seem overwhelming when thinking about how to find the right coach. Coaching can be a deeply personal relationship. Finding the right coach is all about fit. But where do you start?

Decide on the type of coaching you are interested in. Are you looking for an executive coach, a life coach, a business coach, or a wellness coach? Know what it is you want to get out of coaching.
Talk to people in your network and see if any of them have been coached and could offer up sound advice based on their experience. Just be sure to remember that not all coaches are the same, and not everyone will have the same experience. There are also several coaching platforms online that have vetted the coaches that they list and have search and matching options.
Set up some time to speak to a few coaches to get to know them. Almost all coaches will offer a free consultation call or meeting. These are generally only 30 minutes, so you’ll want to prepare for your call.
Before you meet - dig into their background. Look at their online profiles and get a feel for who they are and the types of clients they serve. Some things to check while you are preparing and in your call
1. Qualifications - not all coaches are certified. If this is important to you, you should be able to find out who they are accredited with and the details of their certification.
2. Their ideal client? Who have they had the most success with? Bear in mind that just because a coach works well with a certain type of client, it does not mean they cannot work well with you.
3. What do others say about them? Most coaches will have testimonials on their web pages. Take the time to read them and see if these are the experiences you want.
4. Pricing and packages. Some coaches keep their pricing private and will only discuss it with you at your consultation. Some may offer package deals when you book and pay for multiple sessions. Think about your budget and decide how much you can afford. Also, think about how often you would like to meet with your coach and in what format. Private coaching is the highest touch and most impactful format. Group coaching creates community and is often a cheaper option. Workshops and masterminds are other ways you can engage your coach. Do you prefer to meet in person or virtually? If you plan to meet in person, you’ll need to narrow your search to local only.
Be open and upfront when you speak to the coaches on your intro calls. The more you and your potential coach know about each other, the easier it will be to decide who to work with. Come up with questions. When you have your intro call with your coach, you’ll most likely spend time introducing yourself, hearing a bit about their background, and answering their questions about your coaching goals. Make sure you have a list of questions you would like to ask.
Take time to decide. Once you have met with your coaches, think about the calls. Who left a lasting impression? Who stood out as someone you feel comfortable working with? Did you come out of any call with more questions than answers? If so, go back and get the information you need. Trust your gut and be sure.
Sign up and get going. Once you are sure, get in touch with your new coach, sign your agreements, set your schedule, and start enjoying the benefits of a great coach.