Coaching has become a popular choice in recent years. As more and more people have realized the benefits of working with a coach, the industry has exploded. As with any industry explosion, the rapid growth necessitates new tools and techniques for managing the boom.
As our world becomes increasingly digital, coaching has had to follow suit. In fact, coaches may have been one of the earliest adopters of a completely remote format, as the work is well-suited to online engagement.
What Is Remote Coaching?
Remote coaching is coaching, simply put. At its core, it is the same practice as it has always been—the mutual striving towards the client’s goals with the help, guidance, and support of the coach. Remote coaching simply takes the traditional coaching relationship to an online format rather than playing out in person.
Remote coaching can take place through phone calls, emails, texts, messaging services, shared online documents, video chats, and just about any other medium you can think of. Anywhere that two people can communicate, coaching can happen.
A Look at Remote Life Coaching
Remote coaching simply takes the traditional coaching relationship to an online format rather than playing out in person.
Although virtually all forms of coaching can take place via remote means, life coaching is perhaps one of the easiest types of coaching that can be moved online. It’s rare that life coaches and their clients need to share physical space in order to engage in the coaching process.
When you take your coaching from in-person to online, you are probably already aware of the benefits; you can work from anywhere that has an internet connection, you can reach a much broader audience, and you can use innovative new online techniques and tools.
Video coaching, which involves sharing instructional or interactive content, is just one popular example:
We’ve used life coaching software Quenza to share a goal-setting video here, but videos are also ideal for outlining life coaching concepts like self-awareness, reflection, and reinforcing positive change.
Remote life coaching might also take advantage of technology to engage the client with customized digital worksheets, or immersive activities like guided meditations on mp3.
Despite all the possibilities of modern tools and techniques, however, you also need to also be aware of the new challenges. According to successful coach Jacob Aldridge, remote life coaching is totally doable, but you need to remember that:
- It’s more difficult to “hold the energy” with your clients; it will take some practice to do this remotely.
- Face-to-face interaction is a must, which can be accomplished via regular video chats.[1]
How Does It Work for Health Coaching?
Health coaching is another profession that can easily be done online. It may be a little more challenging for exercise and fitness-focused coaches, but it’s certainly not impossible.
Regarding how the process is different when you go online, health and wellness coach Candy Corley notes the following:
- You no longer get to control the setting in which you meet, but you can ask clients to find a comfortable space for your remote meeting.
- You will also need to encourage your clients to prioritize privacy when they meet with you via phone or video chat.
- You’ll have to identify some boundaries, like no video chats while driving!
- Community is important, so try to find ways to keep in touch with coworkers or other people in your profession.
- Tracking apps can be helpful in keeping clients engaged.[2]
Regarding the last point, tracking apps can be really helpful in building motivation. Where software enables coaches to monitor progress between appointments, it provides plenty of opportunities for them to better support their clients.
With updates on a clients’ results, health coaches can easily modify a coachee’s fitness or nutrition plan – or give them the motivation they need to overcome obstacles.
After using Quenza’s real-time results tracker to evaluate his client’s progress, our coach above has sent a personalized video to help him stay on track during the winter.
And luckily, there are many other online tools, apps, and platforms available that health coaches can use to share information with their clients, check in and monitor progress, and meet “face to face.”
Click here for our recent review of the best health coaching apps and software.
Top 6 Remote Coaching Apps
If you’re looking for an app to help you take your coaching remote, or to take your remote coaching to the next level, these five apps are a good place to start looking:
App | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Coach Catalyst |
| Price | $39+ monthly |
| Good For | Remote Life Coaching, Business Coaching, Client Communication |
| More info | CoachCatalyst |
App | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Satori |
| Price | $33+ monthly |
| Good For | Remote Life Coaching, Wellness Coaching, Remote Health Coaching, Calendar Management, Payment Processing |
| More info | Satori |
App | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Quenza |
| Price | $1+ monthly |
| Good For | Intrinsic Coaching, Video Coaching, Remote Life Coaching, Remote Health Coaching, Executive Coaching, Mental Health Coaching |
| More info | Quenza |
App | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Nudge Coach App |
| Price | Free+ monthly |
| Good For | Fitness Coaching, Nutrition Planning, Wellness Coaching, Solo Coaches, Coaching Teams |
| More info | Nudge Coach |
App | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | MasterCoach App |
| Price | $3.99+ monthly |
| Good For | Solo Coaches, Coaching Teams, Documentation |
| More info | MasterCoach App |
App | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Delenta |
| Price | $19+ monthly/user |
| Good For | Life Coaching, Mentoring |
| More info | Delenta |
8 Useful Platform & Software Solutions
Aside from the five apps listed above, there are other useful remote coaching software and platform options. They may not be as simple and straightforward as an app, but they can be just as easy to use!
Here are some of the best options:
Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Coaching.com |
| Price | Free+ monthly |
| Good For | Solo Coaches, Coaching Teams, Remote Life Coaching, Organizational Coaching, Remote Health Coaching, Marketing |
| More info | Coaching.com |
Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Koachee |
| Price | Free+ monthly |
| Good For | Remote Life Coaching, Remote Health Coaching, Marketing, Payment Processing, Calendar Management |
| More info | Koachee |
Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | True Coach |
| Price | $19+ monthly |
| Good For | Physical Therapy, Fitness Software, Nutrition Software, Video Coaching, Remote Health Coaching |
| More info | TrueCoach |
Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | VCita |
| Price | $12+ monthly |
| Good For | CRM, Calendar Management, Payment Processing, Marketing |
| More info | VCita |
| Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | CoachingCloud |
| Price | $99+ monthly |
| Good For | Solo Coaches, Coaching Teams, Remote Life Coaching |
| More info | CoachingCloud |
Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | Coaching Loft |
| Price | Free+ monthly |
| Good For | Solo Coaches, Coaching Teams, Remote Life Coaching, Calendar Management |
| More info | Coaching Loft |
Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | The Coaches Console |
| Price | $147+ monthly |
| Good For | Solo Coaches, Coaching Teams, Remote Life Coaching, Marketing, CRM, Calendar Management |
| More info | The Coaches Console |
Platform/Software | Details |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Name | CoachVantage |
| Price | $29+ monthly |
| Good For | Solo Coaches, Coaching Teams, Remote Life Coaching, Payment Processing, Online Booking |
| More info | CoachVantage |
5 Tips for Your Remote Coaching Practice
Aside from the helpful tools and techniques we already covered, there are a few parting tips to keep in mind if you want to build and maintain a successful remote coaching practice:
- Set your schedule in advance. It can be easy to fall into the habit of scheduling and working with clients whenever the need arises; it’s great to be available, but being too available can lead to burnout. Set your schedule and make sure your clients know your availability.
- Set expectations around communication. On a related note, make sure your clients know how to reach you, and how you can be expected to respond. Decide on which mediums you will use to communicate with clients (e.g., coaching app, email, phone, video chat) and stick to them to keep everything easier to track.
- Use a client billing tool. Whether you use an app or platform for any other component of your coaching, make sure you use one for invoicing and billing. It’s tough to keep track of it all yourself, especially when you’re working with several clients at a time. Leave the heavy lifting to the pros, so you can focus on what you do best.
- Make a dedicated working space. You may not feel like you need to create dedicated space for your work—after all, that’s the joy of working remotely, right? You can work anywhere! While this is true, many remote workers find it difficult to switch “modes” for work if they don’t have a dedicated space. Even if it’s only a small corner of your dinner table, for now, carve out some space for yourself to work.
- Make time for face-to-face interaction. Even if you tend towards making phone calls instead of engaging in video chats for regular communication, make time for some video conferencing at least once in a while. It will help you stay connected with your clients in a way that voice or text alone will not.
Final Thoughts
Remote coaching is a big industry, and it’s only getting bigger. As it grows, there are new tools being designed and implemented all the time.
If you choose the remote coaching route, make sure you keep reading and stay up to date on the new trends and ideas driving the industry here in our blog.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. To turn what you’ve learned into maximum goal achievement for your clients, don’t forget to start your $1 month of Quenza today.
Frequently Asked Questions
To become an online coach, you’ll need to develop a coaching niche, such as business coaching or life coaching; build a website or online presence, and market your services effectively. It’s also important to gain experience and credentials in coaching through training programs, certifications, or mentorship. As you build your coaching practice, you’ll need to learn how to leverage technology to create a seamless coaching experience for your clients.
The most significant advantage of remote coaching is the ability to reach clients from all over the world. This means that you can expand your client base beyond your local area and reach individuals who may not have access to coaching otherwise. Remote coaching also allows for greater flexibility, as you can work from anywhere with an internet connection and tailor your coaching sessions to your clients’ schedules.
To build rapport and establish trust with clients during remote coaching sessions, coaches can use several strategies, including active listening, demonstrating empathy, and maintaining a positive attitude. Coaches should also aim to create a comfortable and supportive environment, ensure that communication is clear and consistent, and respect the client’s boundaries and preferences. It is also important for coaches to be flexible and adaptable in their approach, as remote coaching may require different techniques than in-person coaching.
To ensure that clients are staying engaged and motivated during remote coaching, coaches can use several strategies, including setting clear goals and expectations, providing regular feedback and encouragement, and using interactive tools and technologies to keep clients engaged. Coaches can also help clients stay accountable by establishing a regular schedule of coaching sessions and setting deadlines for completing tasks and achieving goals. Additionally, coaches can encourage clients to reflect on their progress and celebrate their successes, which can help to maintain their motivation and commitment to the coaching process.
References
- ^ Aldridge, J. (n.d.). Is remote life coaching a good business idea? Retrieved from https://jacobaldridge.com/business/is-remote-life-coaching-a-good-business-idea/
- ^ Remote Nation. (n.d.). Remote health coaching means helping more people. Retrieved from https://www.remotenation.com/blogs/remote-work-blog/changing-more-lives-through-remote-health-coaching
Blended learning can take elements from both the synchronous and asynchronous models and mix them together to create a custom solution. Because of its flexibility, a blended solution may be the best way to approach more complex remote training requirements. For example, it could incorporate an eLearning module and a virtual classroom session all scheduled through an LMS.