Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Competitive Advantage – How Do You Get Yours?


I've just come back from my industry's annual conference in Long Beach, California. The ICF (International Coach Federation) put on a great conference this year with wonderful keynote speakers and inspiring break out sessions. On my way home I reminisced about why I take time out of my schedule to make the annual pilgrimage: COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE!

As a coach to entrepreneurs, I want to make sure I am offering the most knowledge and value to my clients so that they will blossom and grow. If I'm not out there exposing myself to new situations and knowledge, then I might be limiting my ability to learn more and add value.

Many in the coaching profession not only don't attend the annual conference; they are not even members of the ICF and are not interested in certification. Being that coaching is an infant profession with only 10 – 12 years of formal organization, it is important to me to belong to an organization with ethics and professionalism. At this conference I learned that I am one of 3200 certified coaches worldwide! This is certainly a competitive advantage.

Here are my top tips to creating your own competitive advantage:

1. Get certified in your area of expertise
2. Join your industry's flagship organization
3. Attend conferences in your field
4. Take seminars and workshops to improve your skills
5. Read at least one business book per month – to see a list of suggestions, click here Suggested Reading for Entrepreneurs

Grow Your Business and Prosper!
Suzanne Muusers
Business Coach for Entrepreneurs and Financial Advisors
http://www.prosperitycoaching.biz/

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