When we look at our knowledge and experiences and compare them to others’, there's a pretty broad spectrum. Even comparing your present state with the you from a year ago can be quite different. I often think back to when I started CLI and compare that time to the present. To say the very least, I'm in a completely different place on my Spectrum of Experience. Two years ago, I was at the very beginning. Now, I'm somewhere in the middle. I’ve developed a lot of skills and created a good deal of content, but I'm still learning and growing. At this point, I find myself encountering other people who are asking me to coach them. I recently met with a person in a completely different career from my own. She is planning on retiring and looking to start a consulting business by the upcoming spring. I asked her what steps she had taken to get prepared for this new venture. The individual responded with, “I don't really know.” I asked if the company had a name, a website, a target audience, or a mission statement. Again, she responded with, “I have no idea. I just know that I want to consult in my field.” As you can see, this person is closer to where I was two years ago than where I am now. The individual has no experience starting a business and doesn't really know where to begin. However, she does know what she wants to accomplish. With the final outcome in mind, we set up mentorship meetings. Our fields are in no way related…in fact, they’re nowhere near each other on the professional spectrum. We are certainly not competitors, but even if we were, there are so many basic pieces of starting a business that owners can share with one another without doing any damage to their own business. And, once she’s up and running, we’ll both run female-owned businesses. As I began my coaching experience, I started compiling a list of key components (some very basic and some very large) I wanted to share with her. I'm happy to share them with you as well. Business Plan
Website
Professional Vitae/Resume
Social Media
I'm sure there are pieces I haven’t thought of. I’m sure I will add to this list as I continue to coach and network with others. No matter where you are on your Spectrum of Experience, you have the ability to share your knowledge and absorb advice from others too. When I began CLI, did I think I would end up coaching others? NO! I didn’t expect this new experience, but I am happy to share my knowledge with those who may benefit. One piece of advice I always share with my clients: Take what resonates with you and leave the rest behind. What I have learned: Your position on the Spectrum of Experience will be different than other people’s. Share your experiences, coach peers along, and be ready to learn from them as well. *If you are interested in scheduling a mentoring/coaching session or learning more about other educational experiences, visit the new Professional Development Division of CLI!
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AuthorTania Farran is an educator, mom, business owner, and an author. Her blogs tell about balancing all of these things in life! Laugh or cry with her and maybe learn a thing or two. Categories |