ICF
International Coaching
Federation. ICF is the largest non-profit professional association
worldwide of personal and business coaches with more than 7000 members
and over 133 chapters in 30 countries. They are the most widely
recognized credentialing body for the coaching field.
ICF-LA
This is the local Los
Angeles chapter of the ICF. (I include it because so many of my
fellow coaches are Los Angelenos.
IAC
The IAC is an interesting
organization. Thomas Leonard originated the ICF (see above), but
later decided he was dissatisfied with their policies. (ICF
credentialing is based on number of hours spent coaching -- it is a
time-based system.) He then formed the IAC as a
"competing" body, which bestows credentialing based strictly
on demonstration of proficiency. Even if you do not intend to
pursue credentialing through this body, it can be an interesting
experience to take the proficiency test.
PCMA
PCMA stands for "
Professional Coaches and Mentors Association," and is a non-profit
coaching and mentoring association. PCMA was founded by coaches
and mentors based on mutual support, learning and sharing.
The LA Chapter of PCMA meets
the first Wednesday of each month in Santa Monica
From 1:30-3:30 that day, Paul Walker leads a FREE mentoring
session in practice building, from identifying your niche and
writing your "elevator pitch" to making your first
corporate proposal. It's open to all interested coaches.
Then, from 4:30 to 5:30, Dianne Landau leads her FREE "Fast
Start" mentoring group up in the Loft. This is a smaller
group of folks interested in giving their practices a shot in the
arm. -Recommended by Jennifer Warwick
Fearless
Living.org
Founded by Rhonda Britten of
"Starting Over" television fame. Join the coach's coach
and get discounts on seminars and workshops and access to the site with
all educational resources. -Recommended by Nancy Heimstra
Toastmasters
Through participation in the
Toastmasters Communication and Leadership program, people from all
backgrounds learn to effectively speak, conduct a meeting, manage a
department or business, lead, delegate, and motivate. This is
considered the number one resource for public speakers.
Small
Business Administration
The SBA's mission is to maintain
and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting,
and protecting the interests of small businesses. They offer a
number of programs to support the small business owner.
