Life coach uses humor, common sense approach
Lynn Colwell’s profession is at the top of the list in Paul Edwards’ book, “The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century.”
As a life coach, Colwell, 60, of Post Falls, consults with clients across the United States by telephone and through her Web page (bloomngrow.net). Her customers are making career transitions, starting new businesses or just looking for guidance in life.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Florida, Colwell began what she terms a “loooong work history,” which includes professional singer, writer (she wrote the only authorized biography of Erma Bombeck), photographer, teacher, public relations manager, speaker and more.
“I realize how much I love coaching individuals, how meaningful it is for me as well as my clients,” Colwell says. “In this way, success is not about reaching a goal, but about what I do every day.”
What is your job title? “Life coach.”
How long have you been doing this? “11/2 years.”
How did you choose this line of work? “I was laid off from my job. Since our company was affected by NAFTA, I was eligible for up to two years of schooling. I decided to get a master’s in counseling. Completed one year and decided at this point in my life (I was approaching 60), I wanted more control over my work life than I would have as a counselor. I had used a coach at one point and realized that coaching was in line with my goal of making a difference in people’s lives, but also provided the independence that is so important to me.”
Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “Could be better, but it’s my choice. I joke that I am the Wal-Mart of coaches, i.e. I offer great value at low cost. Most coaches charge much more than I do. I settled on a price that I thought would give me the opportunity to coach a wide variety of people. I believe so strongly in coaching that I see it as my mission to expose as many people to it as possible.”
What is the best thing about your job? “Everything! I am using my creativity, my sense of humor and my hard-won common sense to make a difference in people’s lives. I have a flexible work schedule that I control completely. Through writing and video production, which is part of my coaching business, I am able to reach many people who for one reason or another don’t coach with me, with my inspirational, positive messages. I coach over the phone so I have clients all over the country and have even done coaching calls with people abroad. I love technology and flourish with the Internet. I enjoy creating and managing my Web site. Having people allow me into their lives is a tremendous privilege and something I enjoy immensely. I’m energized by problem-solving and supporting people as they make changes they have wanted for a long time, but have been unable to accomplish.”
What is the worst thing about your job? “The only negative about my work is bookkeeping. Numbers and I do not get along. My husband has offered to take over the books. At that point, he will officially be declared my own private saint!”
Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “I don’t intend to retire. Coaching is certainly something I can do as long as I’m around and have brain cells still talking to each other. In fact, I believe it’s one of those situations in which age really is of benefit. However, I’ve had about a dozen careers, so I wouldn’t bet you that I’ll be coaching in the nursing home.”
Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “The only thing I can think of is that I use a headset and I am forever getting myself tangled in the cord or poking myself in the eye when I grab it after the third ring. The earpiece slides down under my chins and my voice becomes so muffled that clients ask me to speak up. Of course the only one who knows this is funny is me although once a client heard me making strangling type noises and was quite alarmed. When I told her it was the cord which wrapped around my neck when I leaned over to pick something up off the floor, we both had a good laugh.”
Any bad experiences? “Not so far! Because coaching involves being real with people, I work with clients to set expectations up front. This lessens the potential for problems as we are both working together toward the same goals.”
If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you and why? “Ellen DeGeneres on her knees with white hair, wrinkles and in a fat suit. Ellen’s sense of humor is very similar to mine and I like to think I connect with my clients the way she connects with an audience.”