The ATA Chronicle - July/August 2022 - 11

E
ntrepreneurship
comes with many
inherent challenges. As
freelancers, we tend to think
we have to figure it all out
on our own. When we get
stuck in some area, we may
take it as evidence that we're
just not capable, rather than
seeing it as one of the normal
trials of running a business.
It's for just those times
that having a second brain on
hand can do wonders. Studies
have shown that " two or
more people are always
better than an individual
for solving problems,
finishing off difficult tasks,
and increasing creativity. " 1
There's a lot you can do on
your own, but at some point
you'll probably need to look
outside yourself for new
ideas and solutions.
Continuing education and
training courses are one
way to do that. Coaching is a
more laser-focused solution
that's customized to your
business and your needs.
What Is Coaching?
You've probably heard of
some form of coaching (e.g.,
business, life, health, etc.),
as the industry has expanded
dramatically in the past
30-40 years. So, what are we
talking about, exactly?
One of the simplest
definitions of coaching is " to
help a person change in the
way they wish and help them
go in the direction they want
to go. " 2
invaluable. Yes, you're the
expert on your business, but
we all have blind spots, and
we only know what we know.
A coach is someone you can
bounce ideas off, who can
provide support while you
take a scary leap, and who
can help you see alternate
routes when you feel stuck.
They can also teach you new
strategies and techniques
and guide you in developing
or working around your
weaker areas.
While you don't
need a coach to
run a successful
business, there
are many ways
that working
with one can help
you overcome
obstacles that
arise and achieve
your goals in
less time.
Another definition is
" a collaborative relationship
between a business owner or
chief executive officer and
a professional coach, aimed
at strategically developing a
successful business. " 3
Having outside perspective
and insight on the workings
of your business can be
www.ata-chronicle.online
The Coaching Package
Many coaches sell their
services in " packages. " A
coaching package will likely
include a set number of
meetings over a period of
time (these days, probably
via videoconference or over
the phone, but potentially
in person), which may be
one-on-one or in a group
depending on the option
you choose. Some coaches
also offer additional support
between calls through email,
text, or voice memo. (This
in-the-moment support
is invaluable, and I highly
recommend this option to
troubleshoot problems as
they come up.)
Working with your coach
may involve going through
their curriculum to learn a
concrete method or strategy
(e.g., to identify your target
market, get more direct
clients, rebrand your online
presence, etc.), or your
meetings may be more
open-ended, where you can
discuss areas where you
need support at that time.
Other packages include
video modules you can work
through at your own pace,
memberships in online
communities with similar
professionals, or specialized
services such as help with
your marketing copy,
branding, etc. Look around to
find what you need that falls
within your budget.
While you don't need a
coach to run a successful
business, there are many
ways that working with
one can help you overcome
obstacles that arise and
achieve your goals in less
time. The following are just
a few areas where coaching
can be useful.
What Problems
Can Coaching Help
Freelancers Solve?
Marketing/Finding Clients
Marketing and finding
new clients on an ongoing
basis are some of the
most common challenges
freelancers face. Many
freelancers say they're
terrible at marketing, that
they hate marketing, or,
and I hear this often, that
they do no marketing for
their business.
American Translators Association 11
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The ATA Chronicle - July/August 2022

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