When I first set up my coaching business I remember only too well at networking events the thoughts and feelings which would frequently enter my mind when yet another coach appeared on the scene: 'oh no not more competition', 'but surely they can't be as good as me?' ' I better keep my distance because they won't be interested in me (and vice versa) and 'I better make my mark here just to prove I am better than them'...all less than helpful thoughts based on both ignorance and insecurity . I also found that I wasn't alone. Some of the coaches I did speak do would comment ' well we're best keeping away from each other being competition!' and seemed reluctant to talk at length sensing they were wasting their time.

Thankfully these negative ideas from my point of view changed around 6 months into my business. Attending a networking event I ended up sitting at the same table as another coach. My immediate thought were 'I wish I could be at a table where I was the only coach getting air time.' However we went through the rituals of saying what each of us did and since we were seated next to each other were forced to explore more in depth each others business, similarities in approach and the challenges we were both faced with. For the first time I realised the benefits of this one conversation, here was someone I could learn from, share ideas with, potentially work with, connect with and enjoy talking to. Seeing the possibilities we agreed to talk further and over the next year or so developed a strong relationship and eventually when his business expanded I started working as an associate for him.

To date more than half of the work I have carried out has been a consequence of this relationship - either directly or indirectly. We also cross refer business, referring to the other where they have the greater expertise or experience.
I also changed my business name (to great benefit) as a result of his advice and I have developed myself personally as a coach as I have learned from his wealth of experience.

I learned hugely from this that it is much better to adopt an open-minded attitude to whoever you meet. It is only by listening without judgment (and isn't this what we as coaches should be doing anyway) can we discover possibilities.

Since then I have actively sought out coaches - I look for coaches to learn from and share ideas with (whilst I see myself as a competent coach there is so much more to learn). I seek coaches who I can refer work to as there are often potential clients who either I cannot take on because my diary is too full, or who don't fit my ideal client profile, so may be better suited to another coach. I also seek out coaches who I can work with on specific projects as often my personal resource is often not enough. Finally it is wonderful just to connect with like-minded people with similar values.

Through this approach I have started to build up a wonderful network of coaches, whose differences I embrace rather than judge and as a result have an immensely satisfying business.