Are you a consultant or a coach?

I consider myself both! It depends what you are looking for, but they are two distinct roles. Both consultants and coaches work to help you reach a desired goal. Consultants usually try to give you advice or answers based on your needs. Coaches try to empower you to make decisions that are best suited for you and will help you grow and change in a positive way. In both my roles I want to help you accomplish the things you set out to do so that you can thrive.

As a consultant, my approach to working with people is based on my experience as a mentor and educator. I enjoy helping people understand the best ways to reach their goals and intentions on their own terms. Some individuals are looking for advice or guidance so that they can move forward without feeling overwhelmed. My expertise and experience helps me provide tips, offer suggestions and to teach new ways to effectively organize schedules, map out priorities and develop plans of action.

In general, I offer consulting sessions by the hour and the topics can range based on the needs of the client. They are structured more like mini-workshops or instruction sessions. I could work with a client for one or several hours based on what their needs are.

As a coach, I partner with my clients on their journey as they move towards their goals and intentions of organizing time, tasks and priorities. In a coaching relationship, I do not offer advice. I provide support and accountability where the focus is on strengths and abilities to move clients in the direction that is right for them.

During the coaching process, I help clients explore new perspectives, try new experiments, learn the best ways to overcome challenges, and celebrate successes. Together, we create a clear the path so that clients can see where they are, where they are going, and where they want to be. 

Coaching sessions are much more in-depth and require a longer time commitment. To see results in coaching, it could take several sessions. Coaching is a longer process that requires a trusting relationship between the coach and client so that new perspectives can be explored and new ways of thinking can be revealed. It may require experimentation and trying new ways of doing things. This is especially true when we talk about managing time, habits and routines.

To read more, check out a couple of blog posts I wrote:

• What is Coaching?

• Dani’s Approach to Coaching

What is the coaching process like?

Sometimes we have to take a look at our values and intentions before we can clear the clutter to make time and space for what really matters to us. We all have different priorities, but we often feel stressed and overwhelmed because we don’t know where to start - we don’t know how to get from point A to point B. As a coach, I can help create some clarity by asking questions about your goals and how you want to accomplish them. I can be an accountability partner and also be the person that sees your strengths and abilities.

Sometimes, through the coaching process, we may shift our priorities or think of goals that we never knew existed! Coaching in any capacity is a way to explore ourselves, organize our thoughts, and make positive changes that impact how we live. My goal is to empower you to make decisions that will help you manage time in a way that is meaningful and valuable to you.

I may send clients an initial questionnaire prior to or after an intro call so that I get to know more about why they would like to be coached. If you have never worked with a coach before, it is important that we discuss what that relationship looks like and what coaching vs. consulting is. It is also important that we are a good fit for one another!

Each coaching session is designed to last up to one hour and the proposed method of meeting is via video chat or phone. I either send clients a calendar link in advance to pick a day and time that is convenient for them or we decide on a time to meet during an intro call.

After a first session is scheduled, clients fill out an initial intake form, review the service agreement and provide payment for the sessions or program they would like.  

I generally like to identify an overarching goal or intention when I first meet a client. Each session thereafter the client can break that goal down into a topic of choice and define an outcome for each session. I like to work with clients on exploring their topic, coming up with a strategy and determining an “action step” as a part of each session. Every individual has different needs and expectations.

During the coaching process, I help clients look at values, strengths, obstacles, and opportunities. Part of what I like to do is help clients grow and gain knowledge about themselves, expand perspectives, and empower them to make the best decisions based on what they know. This may mean experimenting a little and trying new things to move in the right direction.  In this process, I help my clients take a look at where they are and what support is needed to get to where they want to be. I also offer accountability check-ins and follow-up notes if desired. 

How many times do you meet with clients?

It all depends on what the needs are and where you stand. Everyone works at a different pace and has different measures of success. I don’t have a perfect formula for how and when people get their desired results or for how long it takes to reach a goal. Everyone has a unique situation and I want to respect that by not putting unrealistic expectations on what we can or can’t accomplish together.

That said, there is also an investment to think about. You know how much you are comfortable investing in a service based on what you have. Please know that income sensitive pricing is available if you request it.

What I encourage clients to do is to talk about what your needs are during the intro session so that you and I can determine what services are the best fit. For some, consulting by the hour on an as-needed basis is what works for them. For others, a more long-term coaching relationship is what is desired.

I offer many different options between both my consulting and coaching services, so it is my hope that I can provide the service that best fits you and your needs. Contact Dani to find out more about types of services and pricing.

Where are you located and what are your hours?

Home base is North Carolina, but since I provide most of my services virtually, I will work with anyone in the United States in any time zone. I can provide clients with multiple options for times to meet. In general, I try to keep time slots available from 9 AM - 6 PM Eastern Time most weekdays while allowing for some evening and weekend sessions. Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to set up a time to meet!