MENU

Anita’s PCC Journey

Aug 3, 2021

Steps On Becoming a PCC
— Anita Rodriguez Cordero

When I began my coach training journey, the 100 hours of coaching clients required to complete  the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation felt like climbing El Yunque – the tallest mountain in my native Puerto Rico.

But then, last fall, Ann-Marie had the audacity (!) to challenge me to skip over the ACC and go directly to the Professional Certified Coach (PCC)!  She had done it and told me I could too!  I accepted the challenge even though it meant 500 hours of coaching clients!  I was intrigued but knew that this would not be a graceful afternoon hike. I needed to shift my mindset and prepare my “supplies”.

Now ten months later I am almost at the “summit”!  Ann-Marie provided the vision and the belief that it could be done. But I also needed a meaningful “why” that resonated for me. This is how I made it work:

My why:  My clients have experienced difficult losses and challenges and completing 500 hours would help me become the coach they deserve and would help me feel confident in my new role. 

Mindset: To attract a large number of clients without spending time marketing I decided to remove the money barrier. But to work for peanuts, I needed to let go of potential feelings of resentment, guilt, or victimhood. I decided to label my work as unpaid internship

My steps: 

  • Purchase insurance – I like to play it safe! 
  • Prepare three documents: A client information form that is signed by the client asking permission for me to keep a confidential record of our work together for ICF certification. A coaching agreement (a hybrid of the ICF template and the one shared by teacher Phil). A welcome letter providing information about coaching, what to expect, and who I am. 
  • Brainstorm a list of past colleagues I like and trust. 
  • Create an irresistible offer: Six (6) coaching sessions for an introductory offer of $30 – My potential clients are Midwesterners in the US, and here you can’t pass a good deal. But I did not want the low fee to cheapen the experience, so I explained the purpose for the low fee – my feverish goal to complete the 500 hours by fall of 2021. 
  • Email my offer to 23 colleagues (11 accepted my offer). One asked me to coach her team of five (she would pay for their coaching), another shared my offer to her networking group of HR professionals. Clients made referrals – some people just love to help. One client brought six new clients! In just four weeks I had 25 clients, with additional ones joining over time.  
  • Set up simple systems such as payment options using PayPal or Venmo, prepare receipts to reflect small but taxable income, and an excel sheet to track clients, session dates and coaching hours. 
  • After the six sessions I offer my clients the opportunity to purchase another package of six for a slightly higher fee. Most clients engage in additional coaching and are now paying $20 – $30 per session. 
  • They are aware that my rates will change after my certification (but I will always extend a special rate to my first clients!) 

Unexpected gifts: I have coached a diverse client base – women and men from age 20 to 70, entrepreneurs to corporate leaders, healers to skeptics. This has helped me be clear about my niche and better understand perspectives very different from my own. I find joy in being exposed to the diversity of the human spirit. I have become less judgmental in the process, even of those who hold different political perspectives than mine. 

And it all started by a vision and a challenge from Ann-Marie! 

0 Comments

More Posts

Testimonials

“What is pulling on your sleeve?” was a question presented in [The Art of Engaged Mindfulness]. How often does someone actually ask you that or how often do you stop to really be mindful of what is present in you and pulling at you in the moment? I learned how to really dive into this feeling and capture the present in The Art of Engaged Mindfulness.
Nicole DupuisStudent CoachWhite Plains, NY
I really enjoyed the class Skillful Means and felt it was the perfect class to kick off my quest to become a certified Mindfulness Life Coach. In this class I was introduced to the Essential Coaching Skills to use in a co-active coaching relationship. The material is well presented, organized and unpacked at a moderate pace that I could easily digest.
Pamela J. HealyStudent CoachNorwell, MA
Phil was simply amazing. He is abundantly talented, non-judgmental, gracious and wise. He created a strong and safe community where people could take risks, learn about themselves, the coaching profession and above all, grow personally. I saw every person in the course take risks and transform. I am a seasoned leader/executive and I think he is the best facilitator I have ever experienced. He is a rare treasure and I am blessed to have been part of this course.
Patricia DeAngelisMeadowbrook, Pennsylvania
[The Dynamic Trio] was a great class that mixed experiential learning with incredible tools that I could use immediately with clients.  Ann-Marie was an incredible instructor with a myriad of knowledge and experience from many different backgrounds. I really appreciated her ability to interact so personally and intentionally with students in the class all while teaching a strong skill set.
Dawn GabrielMA, LPCCastle Rock, CO
I really enjoyed taking The Dynamic Trio: EMDR, Positive Psychology & Somatic Coaching. The course provided me with new knowledge and applications of the material, not just to use in my personal life but also to integrate what I learned into my practice as a mental health therapist… I appreciate Ann-Marie setting the mood for the group and laying the foundation for safety, acceptance and openness from the beginning.
Graciela OlidMS, LMFTRancho Cucamonga, CA
I have taken other sales and marketing courses for coaching, but I prefer the “big picture” approach of this one, which links one’s vision to the sales and marketing process rather than simply pushing the idea of closing a coaching “sale.” Focusing on the client’s well-being and what we have to offer is much more value-driven for me.
Pat SnyderStudent CoachColumbus, Ohio
NVC is an incredible tool to utilize for my coaching practice but also to enhance and enjoy more fully my life and the one of the people around me. Srdjan is an incredible human being and a teacher. His gift is to be able to share his knowledge with authenticity and vulnerability. He is embodying NVC and he inspired me deeply. THANK YOU Read more
Millie Carey milliecarey.com
Right Speech is not only something you can take into your coaching practice but it’s something you can take into your personal life as well. These skills have already been extremely helpful in my everyday life from encounters with family to encounters with strangers and everything in between. You won’t regret taking it, I promise!
Milo MiserlianStudent CoachSanta Rosa, CA
The Art of Engaged Mindfulness has been one of my favorite classes at the Mindfulness Coaching School. I truly appreciate how Ann-Marie has combined the science and spirit of mindfulness. She creates space for students to play and get creative with meditation and find their path to practice. And the resources provided for further learning are priceless!
Brenda FaganStudent CoachNew Orleans, LA
This Mandala of beauty has been transformational for myself. I have been on a healing journey for many decades and this class [Skillful Means] supported even more progress on my journey. I have recommended this class and will continue to recommend this class and this wonderful school.
K. ToyeStudent CoachPrince Rupert, British Columbia