Traditional Employment Might be the Least Secure Way to Make a Living

Abdul Rahman • October 3, 2020

Being on someone else's payroll isn't the ticket to security you might want it to be. 

Why Coaching
I used to live directly across the street from the Washington State Capitol building. I would look out my window and watch the state workers coming and going. 

People loved working for the state for one reason and one reason only. They believed if you were lucky enough to get a state job, it would be a "forever job". 

It did not matter if you enjoyed the work or not. They thought they would have job security until they retired or died. 
Maybe that was true until the state had fiscal issues just like almost every other employer in the 2008 recession. The state implemented massive layoffs. 

I remember how the scene out my window shifted. There were a lot fewer of them coming and going to and from their offices. Every Tuesday afternoon I would see lots of them treading down the sidewalk again, carrying casserole dishes and bags of chips. They were not going to work anymore. 

They came weekly for a support group for state workers who had lost their "forever jobs". As I sat in my office, happily coaching clients, watching the former state workers comfort each other on the sidewalk outside my office, I was never more grateful to be self-employed. 
Why Coaching

I used to think some people are born to carve their niche in the world, self-employed, and others who were born to work for someone else. I used to believe you had to have a little more risk tolerance to decide you do not need a "regular" paycheck to feel secure.


In 2008, I realized it is quite the opposite. The truth is you have to have a certain amount of risk tolerance to depend on anyone or anything other than yourself for a paycheck. 


Here we are, in 2020 and it has never been truer than it is now. When the unthinkable happened and all hell broke loose in the job market and the world, I did not have to worry about losing my job. 


In case you are wondering, I did not lose any clients either. My client calendar is busier than it has ever been - and while I'd like to think it's because I'm super-special, truth is a lot of coaches have more business now than they did before the world started spinning sideways. 

Why Coaching

Why? 

Because people will prioritize coaching when uncertainty hits. 

Coaching works.

Coaches are important. 


When you ask most coaches why they chose their profession they will say it's because they want to help people - and don't get me wrong, I deeply love knowing that my work positively impacts the lives of the people I work with and the people that surround them. 


As for me?

I chose to coach because I wanted to work from home and raise my children on my terms. I also deeply craved income freedom and location independence in my life.


To be clear, coaching is not a get rich quick proposition. Anyone who thinks it is will be painfully disappointed. However, good coaches who are willing to show up consistently and be of service to their people can find a kind of freedom in this work that is rare and precious. 


Why Coaching

If you ever dreamed of being a coach, now might be the single ideal time in the history of ever to take those first steps. 

Get your training, 

Master your craft.

Market like you mean it. 



Then, make some money while doing some rock star level transformational work with your very own cool clients. 

There has never been a better time to be a coach. 

In case you are wondering where to start, I have got that part handled for you.


May 9, 2025
Don't mistake inspiration for perfectionism on display
communicating to extrovert clients
By Abdul Rahman May 8, 2025
When working as a coach, understanding your client's personality can truly transform how effective your sessions are. People have different ways of communicating, and knowing how to tailor your approach can make all the difference. For coaches, one of the most common personality types you'll encounter is extroversion. Extroverted clients thrive on interaction and social environments, making them dynamic but sometimes challenging to coach without the right approach. Grasping the nuances of personality in coaching helps build trust and enhances results. Extroverts often enjoy being social and spontaneous, making a lively and engaging session more effective for them. A coach's ability to adapt these elements into their strategy can lead to more meaningful interactions and successful outcomes. By catering to their vibrant nature, you ensure that your coaching resonates well and delivers the impact you aim for. Understanding Extroverted Clients Extroverts are known for their lively, outgoing personalities. They draw energy from being around others and thrive in interactive settings. These individuals often enjoy talking things out, participating in group activities, and aren't shy about sharing their thoughts. Motivation for extroverts often comes from external sources, like the people around them or the fast-paced environment they're in. When you think about coaching an extroverted client, consider how these traits can influence your approach. They generally prefer discussions over written communications and often value immediate feedback. Here are a few ways extroverted traits can shape their preferences: - Interaction-Driven: They favor engaging and responsive communication where both sides actively participate. - Visual and Verbal Learning: Extroverts often grasp concepts better through discussions, role-playing, and visual aids. - Feedback-Oriented: Quick responses and constructive feedback can keep them motivated and on track. Understanding these qualities means you can tailor your coaching strategies to be more responsive and engaging, leading to what feels like a productive partnership rather than a one-way interaction. Adapting Your Communication Style Communicating effectively with extroverted clients involves injecting energy and enthusiasm into your sessions. These clients respond well to a setting that matches their vibrant nature. Consider how your voice, gestures, and even your facial expressions can project positivity and engagement. This doesn't mean you have to completely change who you are; rather, it's about matching their energy level to create a more dynamic interaction. Regularly show interest in their inputs to keep them motivated and involved. Active listening is another critical component when coaching extroverts. They want to know that their thoughts and opinions are valued. By actively listening, you show them you care about their perspective. It's equally important to provide immediate feedback. Extroverts appreciate knowing how they are doing right then and there, which helps them feel understood and helps them adjust accordingly if needed. Use feedback as a tool to encourage and guide them, reinforcing their strengths while gently steering them away from unproductive habits. Techniques for Effective Engagement To keep extroverted clients fully engaged, incorporate exciting and interactive activities into your sessions. Group coaching can be particularly effective as these clients enjoy sharing ideas with peers. This environment encourages collaboration and discussion, which can result in new insights and a deeper understanding of the material. If group sessions aren't possible, simulate this interaction by using role-playing exercises. Here are a few practical techniques you might consider: - Interactive Discussions: Encourage clients to discuss ideas and share opinions to foster a collaborative learning atmosphere. - Visual Aids: Use charts, diagrams, and videos to appeal to their preference for visual learning. - Mini Workshops: Plan brief, informal workshops within sessions where clients can test out new concepts in a supportive setting. These activities can make learning more enjoyable for your extroverted clients, keeping them actively involved in their own progress. Building Rapport with Extroverts Creating a strong rapport is fundamental to any coaching relationship, especially with extroverted clients. They usually appreciate coaches who are personable and approachable. Open communication builds trust and encourages them to share freely, which can lead to more effective sessions. Offering genuine praise and recognition for their efforts can boost their confidence. Acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small, to encourage continued engagement. Finding common ground or shared interests can also enhance your connection, making sessions more enjoyable for both parties. Final Thoughts Tailoring your communication to fit the unique needs of extroverted clients can lead to rewarding results. By understanding their traits and adapting your methods, you create a learning environment that resonates with them. This approach not only bolsters their growth but also enhances your effectiveness as a coach. Always be willing to adjust and refine your techniques, reflecting on what works best for each individual, to keep your coaching strategies fresh and impactful. Tailoring your communication techniques for extroverted clients can significantly boost your effectiveness as a coach and deepen your connection with them. If you're looking to refine your approach and explore effective strategies in more depth, consider finding out more about coaching for extroverts with The Coaching Guild. Our resources are designed to help you create meaningful coaching experiences that resonate with your clients and promote growth.
Attracting your first client is about building connections and demonstrating genuine value.
By Abdul Rahman May 2, 2025
Discover effective strategies to find a life coach who aligns with your specialty and start attracting your first clients on your coaching journey.