Writer’s Note: Monday morning and I am getting prepared to speak one on one with a successful business person of celebrity status, not something that is large on my resume. This is a bit of a different situation compared to my varied experiences in the past but as I continue to pursue objectives that are out of my comfort zone and “doing the things that other’s don’t do” kind of things, I should expect to be challenged in my way of thinking.
Here I have a few suggestions in preparation for getting ready for your first conversation should you ever have, or have another opportunity to do the same. These seem common-sense to me, but they may not be for you and not necessarily your style. I’ll find out later how far off or on I am.
This reminds me of an old column called “Dear Abby.”
One on one coaching call, which way will it go? Paris 1989: Photo: Challen Yee
How to prepare for your first celebrity coaching call
1) Be respectful. Today’s crowd being too connected, you’d think that it’s okay to start off informal or casual. Especially if this person is older than you, you may end up on a casual footing, but have some good old-fashioned manners and don’t expect it. You can use “Mr.” or “Mrs.” or if of the liberal persuasion “Ms”. If the person is younger and it seems out of place to use titles then just uses their first name, or if a young lady use “Miss”, but don’t start calling them “dude” right off the bat (LOL).
On the other hand, I wouldn’t go off on the envy scale either, I couple of sincere compliments would do well but, well maybe this is just me, no groveling or over-the-top flattery. If you’ve studied the person, pick out a specific achievement that resonates with you. Be honest. Don’t lie.
2) Don’t go into your encounter with a line of complaints about your life situation, rather be ready to ask questions about what makes this person interesting to you and get them to share their experience. They’ve achieved something important that you have not, otherwise you wouldn’t be talking with them, do not treat it a confessional with your priest.
Although you may start off with the opportunity to ask them questions about them, you should stay open to their questions about you. Be alert to answer their questions when prompted when you notice they are willing to shift the conversation to your side.
3) There’s some energy tips you would do over the phone as you would do in person and these can be taken literally and figuratively.
Don’t slouch, don’t have bad body odor, be focused (no distractions) to build rapport, smile.
4) Prioritize your questions because time is limited.
Over the weekend, I wrote a whole bunch of questions down. This morning I went through them an started filtering them out, really trying to focus my questions on getting their perspective first.
When prompted, I have questions about my own circumstances, but you want to prioritize them in a way that you feel your coach will be able to best address them with their experience and tools.
5) Be ready to answer questions yourself being honest. It’s hard to assess your situation without facts. Try to be as concise as possible and as open as encouraged.
We’ll see what happens, this is what I am thinking ahead of the tape, I’ll come back with some reflections afterwards and see how far off I am.
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I’ll see you… on the next page
Challen Yee