Are you a freelancer or coach?

At a networking event I sponsored I met a woman who said she was a coach.  As the conversation progressed she started telling me how she was doing resumes for her clients.  Here’s the interesting thing.  She didn’t mention once how she “coached” her clients just the projects she was doing for them.

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The question that popped into my head was: Is this woman a coach or a freelancer?

What’s the difference?

First let's take a look at this infographic about freelancing.  Take notice of the freelance workforce, how's it growing etc.

A freelancer is a person who works on a project by project basis.  For example you might be writing an article for a company dealing with hiring staff members.  You will of course be paid to write this.  A freelancer generally works for several people.  As you can see from this infographic some work on multiple projects at a time while others don’t.

A freelancer is constantly doing research on topics that they might not be “experts” in.  They do however have the skills necessary to not only do this research but put it together in a way that interests and engages the reader.

Many people choose freelancing because they like the ability to move from project to project.  They are always working on something fresh.

A coach on the other hand is a person that a business hires for their help, guidance and expertise.  What you may not understand is that a coach doesn’t do the work for you.  They guide and direct you as to the best ways to accomplish your task.  They don’t do them for you.

One of the benefits of a coach is that they can see the flaws in your business that you don’t because you are too close to it.  They can help you pinpoint these problems and they help you map out the course needed to correct them.

As a freelancer there are no heightened expectations but with a coach people expect to get solid information to help their business thrive and grow.

What if you find yourself viewed more as a freelancer than a coach?

Start blogging.  I know you might be thinking that’s too hard or time consuming but when you blog about your area of expertise you are building your authority status.

Write “special reports” and e-books.  Start giving them away in exchange for email addresses.  Publishing this type of information will also help to cement your authority status.

On your blog you can also offer your coaching services.  You can do this for free for a set number of people. Why?  I have found that when you offer a free 15 minute coaching session people can tell whether you are the right fit for them.  If you are then they are more likely to hire you.

What if coaching isn’t for you and freelancing is?  What services can you offer?  In my next post I’ll share 7 skills you can use to start a freelance business see you then!

What did you find of interest in this infographic?  

leave your thoughts and comments below and be sure to share this via the social icons:)

Be Savvy and Successful!
Toni Nelson - Visual, Video and Content Marketing Specialist

P.S.   Find out more about what a coach can do for you by downloading my free report! Click the image below.