In actuality, many small business coach training companies boast an international roster of clients. So coaches will need to master the fundamentals of technology to be able to feel professional and prevent frustrating customers and themselves.
So what would be the 10 technologies every trainer must have? Do you want a slick website? Cloud management software? You may be surprised what you really need, and what you do not.
Here are 10 Tech Requirements for a Successful Coaching Business:
At least two different telephone services
Why is that? A telephone is most likely still the most important technology you will need to run a service business, such as business coaching, and no technology is always trustworthy. As a professional, you want to invest in a backup. You could have one classic land line, or VoIP service, plus one cellular telephone. Invest in two services from various companies, because in this age of cyber warfare, you do not want your whole business vulnerable to a single firm that could crash.
At Least two internet providers
Internet providers go down all of the time and running out to Starbucks to join their Wi-Fi wastes time and might compromise your customers’ privacy, and of course your own. Not professional. Today, many smart phones can double as Wi-Fi hot spots in a pinch. You’ve got loads of options. Make the investment.
A laptop
Tablets and smart phones are fine for individuals that don’t own companies, but you will probably get more work done on something with a real keyboard, so a desktop computer or notebook computer is beneficial. The rule of thumb in business would be to replace your notebook every couple of years, before it has an opportunity to break down. Meanwhile, back up your information frequently on a cloud management platform and maintain your browsers current update is always downloaded.
Internet Security and Firewall
Speaking of solitude! Don’t even think about going online without safety. Even Apple Mac owners will need to be worried about this. Yes, internet security is inconvenient. But it’s nowhere as inconvenient as getting hacked or losing all of your data. Some hackers really will shut off your apparatus and demand ransom to give it back to you. That is painful if you lose family pictures, but it is dangerous if you drop access to your organisation.
Secure Storage for your customers’ information
If your identity is stolen, that could cost you thousands. But if your customers’ identities are stolen and it is traced back to your own negligence, it could cost you millions. If you are confident of your device’s safety, you can store information on it. Otherwise, check the next tip below. Not all safety is high tech, though. You might choose to store customer information offline under lock and key and be extremely careful to keep it away from the hands of others.
Fantastic passwords
You have heard this before. Its way more importance once you have your own online coaching business, as your livelihood and your customers’ data are at stake. Never use the same password twice. Change it every 3 months and use extremely long passwords which are case sensitive and include other symbols. How can you remember them? You can use a respectable online password service, or paper and pencil – under lock and key.
Profiles on major social networking sites
Based on whether your organization focuses on your community area or the World Wide Web, you may or may not require a massive internet presence, but social websites are a free and easy way to spread the word about your services, so put up engaging and comprehensive profiles on social websites. LinkedIn is very significant, especially if you’re a business or executive coach.
A business checking account
Keep your business’ cash and your own personal money separate. It will help give you clarity about what is coming in and going out and it makes tax time easier.
A fast and effortless way to take money from your clientele
Accepting checks is slow and international checks are costly to process. Help your customers make their payments instantly and easily with an internet service or a business account that accepts wire transfers. Choose one that provides fraud protection for you and your customers and can convert international currencies. PayPal is just one of several services for small-business owners. One of its advantages is that it manages credit cards and checks, so you don’t need to be accountable for them.
A door
Yes, a doorway. It is low-tech and you want one for your office. Whether in your home or an office package, ensure that you have privacy and quiet as you’re coaching. Both you and your customers will enjoy a lot more valuable training sessions when you are feeling quiet and protected. Do not make the mistake of attempting to run a thriving company from a corner in your living room or an office corridor. Coaching has to be private to succeed.