Free Life Coaching

I have decided I’d like to re-run the coaching experiment that I first did in June of last year with JEMi. I’m looking for one blogger that wants up to 6 free life coaching sessions with yours truly.

“What’s the catch there’s no free lunches in this life Brownson?” you may or may not be thinking.

That’s not true at all, I had a free lunch only this last week and very nice it was too. I think you need to lose that scarcity mindset sunshine if you’re going to live the life of your dreams.

Ok, well I guess there is a slight teeny-weeny catch. As I said prior to last years offer I am always looking to help raise my own profile and also that of life coaching in general. Life coaching is still massively under utilized as the stats from this post demonstrate.

Therefore, I want the person that I chose to be a regular blogger and prepared to write about his or her experience working with a coach. Let me be brutally honest and say that the popularity of the blog will play a large part in my decision. I want to get this to as many people as possible. Having said that, it’s by no means the only factor as I’ll also take into account the style of wiring, enthusiasm of the person for blogging and coaching and the level of commitment. Of course all this is dependent on more than one person applying and I’m not left staring at the tumbleweed drifting by and listening to crickets chirping.

The criteria are as follows:

You must have an established blog of your own
You must be prepared to speak once per week for about an hour
You must have areas of live you want to work on*
You must be open-minded
You must like a laugh and not take things too seriously
You must be honest and prepared to say whatever you think when posting, I want zero editorial input
You must live in the US, Canada or the UK and English must be your first language or at the very least you must be fluent in English. If you live in the UK, you must have access to a landline or if not, be prepared to call me

* Areas I specialize in are career progression/change, launching your own business, stress management, goal setting etc and I’m also happy to offer any sales/marketing advice if needed.

Closing date will be Friday 6th February at 12.00 noon

It isn’t necessary to expose your soul to the world and the blogging can be content free. It’s the process that matters, not the specifics. Of course if you want to tell the blogosphere every lurid detail, then be my guest and go for it!

If you fit the criteria and think this sounds like a cool idea, leave a comment or e-mail me and I’ll put your name in the hat. There’s no actually hat you understand, it’s a metaphorical hat that you’ll be in.

A final reminder (except for Twitter followers) that I have the Ustream session lined up for tomorrow (Monday) at 4.00pm EST (9.00pm UK). I’m going to be rambling on about Life Coaching and I’d love to hear your questions.

Simply click on this link and that’s all you have to do. I’d also encourage you to register so because it’s free and that way I can see who you are and so can others. I hope we can have some fun and get some good conversation going.

I said I’d post links to YouTube clips I’d posted if I remembered. Well this time I have indeed remembered and if you want to see my waffling on about how to say no then this is the video for you.

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46 Comments So Far.

Comment by Michelle on 1 February 2009:

I’d love it, but my blogging is still pretty new and probably not up to the popularity stakes.
Comment by Jay on 1 February 2009:

I am certainly going to enter. Will I be popular enough- I guess we will see. :-)

Jays last blog post..Do You have a Full Tank & Nowhere to Go?
Comment by Jenny, Bloggess on 1 February 2009:

Two questions:

Are you a real doctor?

and

Can you get me drugs?

I need a yes on at least the second one.
Comment by Corey – Simple Marriage on 1 February 2009:

Count me in Tim. The only issue is English if my first (and only) language but I’m still working on being fluent.

Does this mean I can’t throw mine name in the ring?
Comment by Tim Brownson on 1 February 2009:

@ Michelle – You do have the best 100 things about you I’ve ever read! You’re in the hat.

@ Jay – Don’t send that guilt vibe my way about popularity ;-)

@ Jenny – I’m a real doctor only in so much as I’m not. Sure, what do you need? I have a friend that has another freidn called Pharmacy Phil. I’ve never pushed too hard to find out why they call him that, but I’ll take a guess it’s not because he works in a chemist.

@ Corey – Nah that’s fine, you’re grasp of basic English can’t be any worse than mine.
Comment by Bamboo Forest – PunIntended on 1 February 2009:

The irony… I think… Is that people have the greatest respect for those who say, “no.” Just think of the people you respect the most.

Bamboo Forest – PunIntendeds last blog post..Clowns are Downright Creepy
Comment by Anja Merret on 1 February 2009:

Great idea Tim. Good follow on to your article on the general public’s clueless-ness about coaching.

Anja Merrets last blog post..What can we learn from Nollywood
Comment by cha on 1 February 2009:

perhaps the reason people are not wearing enough hats is that they are using them to toss names into…please toss mine in as well and please post a picture of this metaphorical hat once you have chosen your victim!
Comment by Hunter Nuttall on 1 February 2009:

OK, throw my name in the hat. I hope this is a rather large hat, metaphorical or not, because you could get an awful lot of volunteers. Or is life coaching one of those things where the most hesitant people to sign up are the ones who need it most?

BTW, what do you mean by “style of wiring?” Sounds like I need to call an electrician.

Hunter Nuttalls last blog post..What Is Mainstream?
Comment by Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching on 1 February 2009:

Thanks for this post. On saying no, sometimes I find that people just need to get used to the sensation they feel when they say no — that is, maybe they feel a heat or tightness somewhere in their bodies and they’re accustomed to seeing that as a sign of danger. So I think just practicing saying “no” forcefully, even if you’re by yourself, can help.

Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coachings last blog post..Inner Productivity, Part Two: Reuniting “Work” And “Life”
Comment by Tim Brownson on 1 February 2009:

Maybe I should have been a bit clearer. I’m presuming that people that leave comments and don’t request the coaching, don’t want it. If that isn’t the case let me know.

@ BF – I agree and yet people still struggle. Go figure.

@ Anja – Thanks!

@ Cha – I have absolutely no idea of how to photograph a metaphor, but I’ll Google it and get back to you.

@ Hunter – Last time I did this I had 15 people request and every single one of them was a women. I’d love to think that says something about my smoldering good looks and charismatic nature but I’m tempted to think it may be something else ;-)

@ Chris – I agree. Repetition, repetition, repetition.
Comment by Michael Panebianco on 1 February 2009:

Wish I had a more popular blog!
Comment by Tracy on 1 February 2009:

What a wonderful offer! I’d love to throw my name in the hat. My blog’s traffic isn’t huge yet, but I do have a sense of humor and am currently working on building my business.

No matter who you choose I think this is a marvelous idea and can’t wait to see what happens!
Comment by Tumblemoose on 2 February 2009:

Ok, Tim.

Disparaging comments about my tumbling brethren aside, I’d like to toss my antlers into the ring.

Not the most popular blog out there, you understand, but I’m working on it.

Cheers

George

Tumblemooses last blog post..This little piggy went to market
Comment by Duff on 2 February 2009:

Cool idea, Tim. If this works out for you, I may end up doing a similar thing!

My blog http://precisionchange.com is pretty dead right now, so I probably wouldn’t qualify (I’m planning on creating a second blog more focused on current interests and my new and improved coaching practice).

But I have been thinking of maybe hiring you to help me get over some nonsense that’s keeping me from building my practice, that is if I could find some extra money to hire a coach! Oh, the ironies.

p.s. Love the videos. Lots of fun to hear and see you in action.
Comment by Evelyn Lim on 2 February 2009:

Darn!! I am going to relocate!! I certainly like to laugh and not take things too seriously!!

Evelyn Lims last blog post..My Makeover
Comment by nudgeme on 2 February 2009:

Coincidence that as I saw your post today, I was coaching someone on how to say ‘no’!? Enjoyed the vid and hope to log into your Ustream discussion this evening. The series sounds interesting so wish you all the best with it. Anything that helps ‘de-mystify’ coaching is helpful for all coaches and potential clients.

On a different note, did you see the press report on the latest ICF landmark research that’s come out today on coaching, top reasons why people seek it and how the research revealed a 96% satisfaction rate with it, just thought it might be interesting for you.

All the best for now

tamsin/nudgeme
Comment by Sharon on 2 February 2009:

I’m British but live abroad – I guess that rules me out?

Sharons last blog post..My Six Word Memoir
Comment by Tim Brownson on 2 February 2009:

@ Mike – Oh stop it! You know all my best stuff ;-)

@ Tracy – Thanks and you’re in too.

@ George – Your antlers are in there, thanks!

@ Evelyn – It would make for some interesting conversations about the LoA ;-)

@ Tasmin – No I didn’t see that report, but I’d be very interested in doing so. Have you got a link please?

@ Sharon – It depends where you live. The main concerns are time zones, (it really needs to be within 5 hours or it starts getting messy), language for obvious reasons and whether I get free call using Vonage.
Comment by nudgeme on 2 February 2009:

Hi Tim

Here’s the link for the press release on the ICF coaching research report – the full report findings are due out in March. The headline stats make useful reading for the ‘case for coaching’.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/results-of-landmark-icf-global-coaching-client-study-released,699521.shtml

Hope to be on the Ustream discussion later …

Tamsin/nudgeme
Comment by catherine on 2 February 2009:

damn it! I live in New Zealand! It’s sort of near the UK?…my blogs are hugely popular….ummm..in my head.
I have so much I want to do..

catherines last blog post..the slump…and forward!
Comment by Sharon on 2 February 2009:

Well, the timezone thing works, just – I’m 4/5 hours behind depending on the time of year, which means only afternoon consults UK time, and I’m on Skype and have a Tesco phone, so I’ll register just in case.

Sharons last blog post..My Six Word Memoir
Comment by Tim Brownson on 2 February 2009:

@ Tamsin – Thanks a lot I’ll check it out.

@Catherine – Lets have some creativity here, move to the US ;-)

@ Sharon – Thanks for going for it!
Comment by Poochie on 2 February 2009:

I don’t have huge numbers but I am interested and I do meet all of your criteria.

Plus I was a fellow Orlando-ite. I just moved from there to NC not that long ago. I lived in Oviedo.

Pick me!

Luv
Poochie
Comment by amypalko on 2 February 2009:

I would love this opportunity. My blog has been on the go for well over a year now, and I would be only too happy to blog about the coaching experience. I’ve just recently submitted my phd thesis and would really welcome advice on finding my direction in life.
Thanks
Amy
xx

amypalkos last blog post..Vision Board
Comment by Star on 2 February 2009:

Throw my name in the hat –

Galadarling says good things about you, so why not?
Comment by Vixel on 2 February 2009:

I’d like my name in the hat too, though my blog is fairly young and the traffic isn’t huge.

Vixels last blog post..Making 2009 Sparkle! Month 2: Booze
Comment by Tara on 2 February 2009:

An absolutely fabo idea, although you could have picked a better video still to feature at the end of the post.
Could put some people off. You look at bit, I don’t know, demented. Or asleep.
Be really interested to see how this pans out.
Comment by Anthony on 2 February 2009:

Way to create a buzz Tim. Should I leave my phone number as well so you can be sure to reach me? :-)

Best regards!

Anthony

Anthonys last blog post..Sales is a Numbers Game
Comment by Greg on 2 February 2009:

Hey Tim!

So, we poor old Aussies miss out eh?

Was it the ‘Pommy’ comment, or are you worried about the convict thing?

Just think of us ‘Downunder Canadians’ if that helps…!

Mind you I’d hate to be paying for any phone calls between here and the U.S. Even though we’ve just gained access to some of the best Tin Can and String technology available :)

You just carry on like we’re not even here.

Which is sort of true in a sad way…

Cheers,

Gb

Gregs last blog post..Home to Gladstone
Comment by Tim Brownson on 2 February 2009:

@ Poochie @ Amy @ Star @ Vixel @ Tara (?) and @ Anthony – Thanks to you all and you’re in the running! @ Tara, not sure of you were wanting a go or not?

@ Greg – It’s a tough life mate, but thanks for commenting ;-)
Comment by LifeMadeGreat | Juliet on 3 February 2009:

Hi

I’m in South Africa, so no hope for me ;)

To those who are keen, I’d recommend really considering:

“You must be honest and prepared to say whatever you think when posting, I want zero editorial input”

On my blog I am writing about a coaching experience that I am currently undergoing and it is not easy. At least mine is not too personal. Or perhaps I am doing more editing than I think…

Juliet

LifeMadeGreat | Juliets last blog post..Did You Create Value In Your Life Today?
Comment by Sue on 3 February 2009:

My blog is new and has very little traffic. I do, however, speak and laugh in English.

Since my blog mostly revolves around stray cats, hammocks, and casinos, think of how much life-coaching business you would get if you could turn THIS sinking ship around! Think about it. Really.

Sue

Sues last blog post..Hammock Time Is Near Whether the Groundhog Agrees or Not
Comment by Stacey / Create a Balance on 4 February 2009:

Keep me in mind!

What a great idea. I agree that coaching is not utilized enough and I’m so excited to have recently entered the world of coaching (both as a coach and a coachee). Could you imagine the impact if thousands of coaches provided this free service at the same time (something like blog action day).

Bravo to you!

Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Hungry for Balance Online Retreat
Comment by creativevoyage on 4 February 2009:

count me in !

creativevoyages last blog post..creative cycles
Comment by dick carlson on 4 February 2009:

Name/hat/mine

My biggest issue is that I don’t curse enough in my blog — and I’ve seen what a great job you’ve done with Naomi. That such a tender little flower has been able to completely let go of her reserve (under your careful supervision)is f**king amazing!

dick carlsons last blog post..Saving Money On Training
Comment by Melissa on 4 February 2009:

I’m not popular enough *it’s the schoolyard all over again*

Melissas last blog post..Prayers Needed!!!!
Comment by Johnny Truant on 4 February 2009:

Hi Tim,

I’d definitely toss my metaphorical hat into the metaphorical ring. I dig your style and dig Naomi Dunford’s style and dig the style of several of Naomi’s friends, and at least a few of them seem to dig me (metaphorically speaking) or at least they comment on my blog from time to time, so it could be a cool match. I don’t know if I swear as often as Naomi does, but it’s close if not far less relevant. That has to count for something.

The only real question I have for you is: Can I write about being coached in a funny way? Because… my blog is different from a lot of others in that it’s a humor blog. My readers come to laugh rather than to be informed, and I think they do laugh, and sometimes they don’t, and sometimes they metaphorically throw tomatoes at me, but that’s cool because I don’t mind tomatoes that much. So it’s all good.

I don’t know what counts as “popular,” but I’ve got a pretty solid readership and at least a little bit of buzz.

I’ll bet I could make coaching blogging really funny while still showing how awesome it is. That would be cool.

Johnny Truants last blog post..Unfortunately, pants
Comment by Johnny Truant on 4 February 2009:

P.S: Semi-famous internet guy Chuck Westbrook says that I’m “the funniest, smartest, most earnest, and most genuinely helpful person I’ve ever confused with Robert Goulet.” There’s really no need to continue looking for blurbs when I have an ace one like that.

Johnny Truants last blog post..Unfortunately, pants
Comment by Pace on 4 February 2009:

Tim,

This sounds amazing! The areas you specialize in are exactly what I could really use some coaching in, and I’d love to blog about the process. It would be right up our readers’ alley, too. (:

Please add my name to the hat.

Paces last blog post..One more car on the freak train.
Comment by ‘Lissa on 4 February 2009:

While my blog is not extremely popular. I would like to be considered. I’m at a point in my life where I need all the help I can get so I can get to where I want to be.

Thanks.

‘Lissas last blog post..Holy Cowabunga!
Comment by melissa on 4 February 2009:

well I had a conversation with Naomi and came in from twitter to check this out..

I am a year plus into a starting business
my blog gets secretly hit by a few stalking photographers a day
my google rss subscription is a hearty almost seventy (my goal is 301 lol cause I stalked another blog and that’s what they have) I get quite a few more then that hits a day, about 60 percent on average unique

I am not so great at selling myself, I am really great at being forthright, soul baring and myself.. I am 100% passionate about what I do but of course I think everyone says that the proof is in the picture I suppose

hummm

if I go on I’m probably pushing my selling myself limit, but I’m working on pushing that limit… I think I’m about to come out of the dip but am scared that I’m not and I’m a stress ball all the time

anyway I think this would be cool and something really interesting to shake me up a bit pick me pick me ;)
Comment by Tim Brownson on 4 February 2009:

Wow thanks a lot, I’ve been blown away by the response and including e-mails I’ve had over 40 requests. I’m doing some sifting (mainly through blogs) as I go along so hopefully I can let whoever it is know by end of play Saturday at the latest.

Some of you have made great cases for inclusion via e-mail and I appreciate that. A couple of random replies before I call it a day.

@ Juliet – There’s always hope.

@ Melissa – Oh stop it! It has nothing to do with not being good enough and you know that. In fact I’d advise against anybody working with a coach that thought they weren’t good enough.

@ Dick – You have it the wrong way round, it was Naomi that taught me how to swear.

@ Johnny – If we end up working together you can write about it anyway you want bud and that testimonial by one guy I’ve never heard of comparing you to another guy I’ve never heard of almost made me shut up shop and announce you as the winner!

@ Melissa – Great understated selling job ;-)
Comment by 2HappyNow on 5 February 2009:

I definitely have a new blog, but love the fact that you’re offering Free Life Coaching for someone to experience and share their experience about!
Comment by Suzie Cheel on 5 February 2009:

Hi Tim,

Would love to have my name in the hat, will email you to justify why you choose someone who doesn’t live in USA, Canada or Uk/ I talk via phone daily with people via skype or phone with friends in USA, Canada etc

namaste
Suzie

Suzie Cheels last blog post..Law of Attraction Insight #2: Words Send Vibrations
Comment by Tim Brownson on 6 February 2009:

Thanks everybody! I’ve had a number of e-mails privately and some have gone into a great amount of detail.

I’m hoping to go through them over the next 24/48 hours and post the ‘winners’

I said the closing date was Friday 6th February at 12.00 noon, so this thread is now closed and I’ll not be accepting any more requests because I’m already struggling to deal with what I’ve got!

I’ll post on here, but please forgive me if I don’t go into my reasons for not choosing somebody. The fact is I know some people will be unhappy, but I guess that is the nature of doing something like this. I really didn’t expect the level of response I got. Last time I had 15 people contact me, this time it has been almost 50!