To support what you’re learning throughout this book, I’ve compiled end-of-chapter Q&As that are full of real, thoughtful questions I’ve gotten over the years. In each one I share my unfiltered take on the challenges you’ll undoubtedly face as you grow your career. To save space, we’ve hosted these online and you can download them (for free) at www.changemakeracademy.com/questions.
The questions include:
Chapter 2: Career
Q: I’m excited about getting into the health and fitness industry. I feel like my purpose is here and my unique abilities will allow me to make a difference. But it does feel really crowded, like a lot of people want to be involved. Should I be worried about competition? (Answer: ~375 words)
Q: Earlier, you talked about using your purpose, unique abilities, and values to help determine what to say yes to and what to say no to. Is that true for every stage of your career? (Answer: ~700 words)
Q: I understand the value in turning down certain opportunities at certain stages in my career. But how can I turn them down without seeming ungrateful, disappointing the people who might be counting on me to say yes, or ruining future opportunities? (Answer: ~650 words)
Q: It sounds a lot like you’re saying that passion should drive one’s career. I’ve heard that’s not a good idea and you need to be more practical. What do you say to that? (Answer: ~150 words)
Chapter 3: Clients
Q: The ideas in this chapter are mostly qualitative and I’m more of a quantitative person. Don’t you collect measurable data when planning your marketing, advertising, and products? (Answer: ~275 words)
Q: You mentioned a technique called “thinking aloud.” What’s that, and how does it work? (Answer: ~425 words)
Q: My business is relatively new, I don’t have many clients yet, and I only offer one service. I’d love to get deeper insights but don’t really feel like I have the time, am not sure I can afford to pay people for interviews, and wonder if what I learn will be useful. What should I do? (Answer: ~350 words)
Chapter 4: Coaching
Q: You outlined seven coaching principles, and they all sound important. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with what to do next. What do you recommend? (Answer: ~200 words)
Q: I find accountability to be a big part of why people hire coaches, but I think they also get frustrated when things don’t go their way. How do I balance holding clients accountable without sounding like I’m nagging or bothering them? (Answer: ~200 words)
Q: Clients are always giving me this vague goal of wanting to lose weight, which is great. But now that I know I’m supposed to ask more questions, where do I go from here? (Answer: ~300 words)
Q: What do you do when clients resist nearly everything you suggest? (Answer: ~200 words)
Q: Okay, let’s talk results. How do you track them? (Answer: ~225 words)
Q: Got any tips for clients who seem impatient or frustrated by plateaus? (Answer: ~175 words)
Q: I have a handful of clients who are just plain lazy. They simply don’t want to put in the work no matter what I try and how easy I make it for them. Now what? (Answer: ~575 words)
Q: Sometimes my clients have elaborate, and incorrect, theories on what works for them and what they should do next. How do I deal with that? (Answer: ~450 words)
Q: So you took a shot at the cheerleader types of coaches. I pride myself on being motivating and positive, and people tell me they like it. So you’re saying I shouldn’t be like that? (Answer: ~200 words)
Q: You want me to be silent sometimes? I’m supposed to have answers. (Answer: ~425 words)
Q: I’m very frustrated by people coming in and saying they want to try something they’ve seen on TV. Any advice? (Answer: ~200 words)
Q: My clients swear they’re “doing everything right” but I have my doubts. What can I do to challenge them without seeming adversarial? (Answer: ~125 words)
Chapter 5: Business
Q: I love the whole tournament idea to help with prioritization and I’m going to start doing it. I’m just not always sure which to-do should win out over another. Can you help? (Answer: ~300 words)
Q: What if I’m still having trouble? (Answer: ~300 words)
Q: In health and fitness, I see a lot of people with side gigs. Either their coaching is the side gig for another job or they have other side gigs to supplement coaching. Is this a good idea? (Answer: ~175 words)
Q: There seem to be a lot of people making careers out of being internet or social-media famous. Is that a reasonable business model? (Answer: ~425 words)
Q: Are there any other business lessons you’ve learned over the years? (Answer: ~625 words)
Chapter 6: Reputation
Q: In one of your seminars I heard you talk about your “Google the Opposite” strategy as a way to seek out feedback on certain ideas. Can you share more about it? (Answer: ~400 words)
Q: In this chapter, you talk about “being yourself.” How does appearance play into that? “Myself” is wearing board shorts and T-shirts, but I don’t think too many people would think that’s professional. (Answer: ~400 words)
Q: What about cursing? I know a coach who drops f-bombs every other word. I can’t imagine that’s too smart for reputation. (Answer: ~225 words)
Q: I once had a client tell me that my website didn’t look professional. How important is all that stuff to developing my reputation? (Answer: ~275 words)
Q: You mention inclusivity when it comes to different sizes, shapes, races, genders, and ability levels. How important is that? (Answer: ~500 words)
Again, you can download all the questions, and my answers, for free at www.changemakeracademy.com/questions.