Much like a personal fitness trainer, a coach works with you to set goals for career and personal life, helps you switch strategies when needed, and basically cheers you on-but on a regular, and paid, basis. He or she is a partner who helps keep you focused and moving forward. Most coaching is done by phone and fax. She's been working for two years with a California-based coach, someone who's helped her refine her career direction and who is now helping her choose from among several job opportunities. Plus, you call in during the week if some sticky situation arises-or if you have a great success to report, says Nancy Powers, a coach from Bayville.
Some coaches are on can in between appointments.
That's the good news. Mentors used to give advice for free. If you're a business owner, the fee is tax deductible. If you're not, you're advised to think of it not as an expense, but as an investment in yourself. This is an investment.