In each “Coffee & Conversation” networking forum there is a tremendous amount of collective wisdom. Some of the questions that have been discussed include:
“How can I serve on a not-for-profit Board of Directors?”
There is a website that will match up your geography and your individual interest with a not-for-profit board. http://boardnetusa.org/public/home.asp.
“Should I leave the corporate world and buy a franchise?”
The group was able to contribute advice on all the different components to consider before buying a franchise. They also suggested those individuals consider all their options. Statistics support that the majority of franchises are not successful.
“I want to start my own consulting practice. Where do I start?”
The group was able to guide these individuals on how to put together a business plan, how to create a legal entity, how to highlight their value proposition, how to create a marketing plan, how to price their services, etc. The group was also able to recommend direct resources such as web designers, public relations professionals, marketing professionals and even new business coaches.
“I want to teach a course at my local university. How do I start?”
It was advised that the first step to becoming an adjunct instructor would be to get a catalog of the courses being offered at the local university and/or college and see where there’s a need. There’s usually a need in Continuing Education. The second step is to write a brief proposal of a course you would like to teach. It helps if it has a catchy title. For example, instead of saying you want to teach a course on “Resume Writing,” you might want to say that you want to teach a course on “How to Use Powerful Communication to Land a Dream Job.” Include how many weeks you think the course will last, who is the target audience, the reading materials and/or guest speakers and projects you would ask the students to work on. Also include your professional bio as well as a statement of why you believe you’re the perfect person to teach the course. The third step is to follow up and request an interview with the Dean of Continuing Education.
“I believe I need a coach. What is the difference between a career coach, an executive coach, a life coach and a business coach? How do I know who is good?”
A Coffee & Conversation forum was able to define the differences between these four types of coaches.
The process, expectations and results would vary with each discipline. They also said the best way to find a coach is through networking (i.e. recommendations). They also said the potential coachee should check references, feel comfortable speaking with the coach and should be clear around what outcome they are seeking from the experience. It was also suggested that price is not a key differentiator. The most expensive fee doesn’t necessarily mean the best coach.