Find Coaching Clients through Human Resource Departments

Expand on the action steps from the first blog of this series on referrals, and now explore opportunities for referrals or contracts through Human Resource Departments.

According to the AMA, 60% of North American companies use coaching. Offering background and expertise in niche areas that meet current workplace needs creates opportunities for work as a coach.

As a coach, prepare before approaching the professionals with a well-designed website, effective online profile, proposal and agreement documents, and a message that garners attention. With the foundation in place, your confidence as a coach and your professionalism when promoting your services are clear.

Action Steps to Connect with Human Resource Departments

Visit the HR office of companies near you and offer a free brown bag lunch series on a topic of interest to them that fits your coaching niche. For example: once a week for 3 to 6 weeks provide fifteen minutes of teaching and 15 minutes of question and answer time on time management and organization skills. Ensure that participants have the option to choose you as a coach.

2. Attend professional development programs

Research events and seminars in your area that appeal to Human Resource professionals. Attend to stay current and to expand your contact base.

3. Call or visit

Research the major employers in your area. Visit their website and learn about the organization. Call or visit the Human Resource Department and ask how you may serve their company.
What other new or creative approaches are possible?

Cathy Liska

For content specific to coach training and coaching, guest blog posts are welcome.

Most blog posts here are written or curated by Cathy Liska, Guide from the Side®, CDP, MCC.

Cathy is CEO/Founder of the Center for Coaching Certification, CCC. As Guide from the Side®, she is a sought-after trainer and coach with over 30 years of experience in business management and ownership. Cathy built her diverse team at CCC that includes trainers, customer service, and coaches. She was Co-Leader for ICF’s Ethics Community of Practice, on the Leadership Team for the review and updating of the Code of Ethics in 2024, and active in the Ethics Water Cooler. To ensure she stays current in related areas of expertise, Cathy has earned the following: ICF’s Master Certified Coach (MCC), Certified Coach Trainer, Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Grief Support Group Facilitator, Certified in the Drucker Self-Assessment Tool, Certified Apartment Manager, Certified Civil and Family Mediator, and Certified in DISC.

Cathy’s clients range from attorneys to corporate executives, government to nonprofit, entrepreneurs to children, under or unemployed to newly retired. She specializes in communication, management, conflict, and leadership. Her personal mission statement is “People.” Cathy is known for her passion to serve others so they achieve the results they want.

Podcast: https://www.coachcert.com/podcast.html

Publications: Coaching Perspectives (a series of books with chapters by coach training graduates) https://www.coachcert.com/resources/recommended-reading/coaching-perspectives-series-by-the-center-for-coaching-certification-and-more.html

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