Coaches are a dime a dozen these days, but in an unregulated industry there are many people touting themselves as a coach when they really aren't.
A coach's role is to guide, inspire, and empower you to achieve your goals. It doesn't involve selling you a product and cheering you as you go deeper and deeper into a product based hole.
The Illusion of the One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Let's be clear: if your coach insists that there is only one way to achieve your goals—their way—then you don’t have a coach. You have a salesperson.
Period. Full stop.
This distinction is crucial. Authentic coaching is about exploring a variety of paths to success, tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. It's about flexibility, understanding, and personalization.
Selling a Product vs Selling Yourself
True coaches may recommend their courses, digital products, and other services as potential tools for your journey. However, a reputable coach will never tell you that you can’t succeed without them. The decision on what steps to take is yours, and yours alone. A genuine coach helps you determine the best steps forward, offering advice and support while respecting your autonomy.
In contrast, sales-driven "coaches" use high-pressure tactics to push their products, often implying—or outright stating—that their method is the only viable solution. This not only undermines your ability to make informed decisions but also perpetuates a cycle of dependency and disempowerment.
The Vulnerable Targets
Direct sales "coaches" often target individuals who are desperate for change, promising rapid results and life-changing transformations. This is particularly prevalent in the weight loss industry, where people are often seeking quick fixes to long-standing issues. These so-called coaches leverage emotional vulnerability, creating a sense of urgency and dependency on their specific programs or products.
Recognizing the Red Flags
To protect yourself from falling into the trap of these predatory practices, be aware of the following red flags:
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: If a coach pressures you to buy their product immediately, claiming that you’ll miss out on success otherwise, this is a major warning sign. Yes, a coach may encourage you to sign up for a program immediately, but there is a big difference between encouraging you to enroll in a program and pressuring you to buy a product.
- Lack of Flexibility: A good coach understands that there are multiple paths to success. Beware of those who offer a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. If the coach can only work with you if you buy/take their product then they aren't a coach, but are a salesperson for a company.
- Overpromising Results: Be skeptical of coaches who guarantee quick, dramatic results. Real, sustainable change takes time and effort.
- Dependency Creation: If a coach implies that you can’t achieve your goals without their specific program, they’re likely more interested in your money than your success.
Take Action:
If you're looking for a genuine coach, take the time to vet their credentials, seek out reviews, and have an open conversation about their methods and philosophies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and trust your gut feelings. Your journey to personal growth and wellness deserves the best, most authentic guidance available.
Ready to move forward? Grab a FREE strategy session with me!
Empowering Yourself
Remember, a true coach’s role is to help you navigate your own journey, providing tools, insights, and support along the way. This may involve a specific program or method and may involve tough love, but how you get through the program or method is unique to you. Your coach should empower you to take ownership of your progress, celebrate your successes, and learn from your setbacks. Your goals are unique to you, and the path to achieving them should be equally unique.
Trust your instincts and do your research. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Surround yourself with professionals who respect your individual needs and who are genuinely invested in your personal growth. By doing so, you can safeguard yourself against those who seek to exploit your vulnerabilities for their gain.
