I mentioned to one of my mature students from the class I teach for consultants at UCLA that Ive started to do business coaching, as well.

He groaned, Why?

I enjoy it, Im dealing with smaller enterprises, its local, and its a different business model, I replied.

I couldnt help noticing the low regard in which he holds coaches.

He said, But, there are so many of them, out there! and implied that everybody and anybody, thinks he can be a coach.

Of course, hes right. The field is exploding, and there are absolutely no entry barriers.

You dont have to become licensed, take classes, or gain accreditation.

If youre breathing, you can coach.

The beauty of this is the fact that its utterly democratic, wide-open, and a veritable gold rush, for some, who can convince clients of their helpfulness.

The downside is obvious. Many coaches arent effective; theyre confusing the market, and diminishing the credibility of better practitioners.

The key question to ask, if youre considering the services of a coach, is this:

How have you earned the right to coach me?

If they cant cite appropriate experience and credentials, forget them.

If they say, Im a great listener, and its lonely at the top, so you can talk to me, consider getting a cat or dog, instead.