Even though coaching has been around for many years (the first reference to coaching in the academic press was back in 1937), there still seems to be a lot of confusion involving "what is a coach" and "what does a coach do." I thought I'd take some time to clarify that and to offer you some pointers about selecting a coach, if that's something you think would help you reach your goals.

There are many definitions of coaching (and we're not talking sports coaching here!). I use a simple definition: facilitating positive change in a client's life. I think of it as helping you get from where you are to where you want to be more quickly and powerfully. I work with clients to help them think new thoughts, which (literally) creates new wiring, which generates new habits, which leads to new/better/long-lasting results.

When you work with a coach, you create a consistent level of accountability and stretch in your life that normally does not exist in any other relationship you have. The coaching relationship is also based on your agenda and your thinking (though some coaches act more like consultants or experts or mentors).

My particular method of coaching uses the latest findings in neuro-science to help me work with the way your brain works--and every person's brain is completely unique and different.

In addition to the generic definition of coaching, there are many types of coaches. They fall into three primary categories and many sub-categories or niches. The main three are:

• Life coaching
• Business coaching
• Executive coaching (sometimes called Workplace Coaching)

Now is the time to take charge of your business and Midtown Networking Group is hosting just the event to help you do that!

It's their annual Spring Fling networking event on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:15 p.m.

So check out the PDF poster below for full details and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you're interested in attending.

Spring_Fling_Invite_09.pdf

I recently offered a workshop based on the Law of Attraction. I was motivated (you might even say, compelled) to offer the workshop by a personal sense to do something positive in the midst of so much negative news.

Several responses to my offering were along the lines of, "I didn't know you were going in that direction."

I thought, "What direction?!"

In hindsight, I can understand any confusion I may have caused.

You see, as a business owner, I am not moving in any new direction. My focus is and has always been helping people to identify -- focus on -- their most important goals (in life or at work) and to create a space in which to do the work necessary to bring those goals to fruition. It is not easy work for the client (or sometimes for me), but it is extremely rewarding work.

One of the inherent beliefs at work in my coaching is the belief that each client has untapped potential. I look for this potential from the very first call or meeting. I believe 100% in the possibilities that exist within my clients. This belief is predicated on great faith and on the practically unlimited thinking power of our individual and unique brains.

The workshop was simply an extension of my business approach and values.

If you're interested in the workshop or finding out more about how you can use coaching in your personal or professional life, call me at 516.216.4233 or send me an email and I'll be happy to answer your questions or discuss your current challenges.

As a member of the professional coaching community and the International Coach Federation (ICF) and as president of the Long Island Coaching Alliance--an ICF chapter, it's important to me to participate in and support global coaching events. This week is the granddaddy of such events -- International Coaching Week.

What is International Coaching Week?

During International Coaching Week, coaches all around the world (including members of the Long Island Coaching Alliance) celebrate by educating the public on the benefits of the coaching process and illustrating the value coaching can bring to peoples’ lives. Throughout the week, coaches and their clients will acknowledge the results made through the coaching process and share their progress with others interested in learning more about coaching.

What's Going On?

Personal and business coaches in the Long Island area will be hosting several events throughout the week. If you would like to attend these local events of Coaching Week or would like more information on the Long Island Coaching Alliance, please contact Lisa-Michelle Kucharz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What is a Coach?

Professional coaches (not to be confused with sports coaches) partner with clients to facilitate personal transformation through ongoing thought-provoking coaching conversations. ICF-Credentialed coaches use a variety of tools and techniques to release creativity and inspire clients to meet their personal and professional goals.

Why Use a Coach?