The topic of online coaching has been on your mind for a while, but you don't know how to get started? Then get tips from trainers who are already working with it! Recently, we asked four trainers and speakers on camera at the GSA Convention 2018 what tips they have for working with online tools: Rainer Petek, Bert Helbig, Regina Mang, and Daniel Enz. You will find their answers in this article.
Our goal: Your success
In September, we attended the GSA Convention, as I reported here. Of course, we also want to market our product at such events - but we see another crucial advantage: the conversation with successful speakers, consultants, and trainers. On our blog, we regularly write about tips for starting an online coaching process so you can succeed. And who could contribute better than speakers who are already working successfully with online coaching?
At the GSA Convention 2018, blink.it founder Konstantin therefore filmed short videos with his smartphone while talking to four different speakers and consultants. I would like to introduce the results to you individually below!
Disclaimer: We consider transparency particularly important and want to point out that the interviews presented here were entirely spontaneous. All statements from the trainers and consultants are authentic, meaning they were not pre-arranged, and there was no subsequent “selection” on our part.
Rainer Petek: Build trust first!
Rainer Petek refers to himself as a “mountain guide for entrepreneurial north faces.” The Austrian has made a name for himself not only as a mountaineer but also as a keynote speaker. In line with the motto “fail early to learn quickly,” he aims to encourage people to try new things and realize change.
Information about Rainer Petek
Rainer Petek uses online coaching both as preparation to create a state of tension among participants and as post-processing to use materials for documentation. His experience:
Even though there are already more versions of this, the concept of online coaching is still completely new to most participants.
Rainer Petek's tip for trainers and speakers
Those who, like Rainer, do not address individuals but whole companies should first build trust. Especially with the IT department, good communication is important, according to Rainer's experience. You already know your tool and the provider, but your customer does not. Show that the provider comes from Germany and guarantees data protection, and you will earn your customer's trust.
Bert Helbig: Create a system that allows you to be fast!
Bert Helbig's goal: To make daily communication more agile, quicker, and more powerful. He primarily consults radio stations to help them reach more listeners.
Information about Bert Helbig
Website: https://www.bert-helbig.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bert.helbig
In the area of online tools for the support of training and consulting, Bert sees a lot of potential. His vision of an online tool is quite clear:
I am not a tech nerd – the thing just has to work and must not be complicated!
In the video interview (see below) he talks about his tax advisor, who sends his explanations for annual taxes quite simply via video file. In this case, Bert Helbig is the customer and is convinced: The method does not have to be professionally implemented – what matters is that it works and saves time.
Bert Helbig's tip for trainers and consultants
Bert passes on this approach as advice for colleagues: Create a system that simply works – even if it is not perfectly implemented. For example, after a lecture or training, you could stay in the conference room for an extra 30 minutes and record several short videos. You still have the content fresh in your mind – perhaps even the original flip charts beside you. Talk about your seminar and upload the videos online afterward. This benefits not only those who could not attend but also everyone who wants to revisit the content!
Regina Mang: Sell first, then implement!
When difficulties arise in a team, Regina Mang offers support to make working together enjoyable again. She provides her training both preventively and as a “last resort” when a crisis in the team needs to be solved.
Information about Regina Mang
Website: http://www.regina-mang.de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regina.mang
At the time of the interview at the GSA Convention 2018, Regina was about to start her first online coaching. The plan: to publish a small micro-training online once a week over a period of three months.
Regina Mang's tip for trainers and consultants
When asked for a tip on how to start with online coaching, Regina recommends what has worked best for her: She sold her online coaching first and then started with the implementation. This put pressure on her and of course also generated interest in getting started.
We at blink.it are particularly excited about the second tip: Regina Mang recommends the rocketday – a 1-day workshop where you get the kickstart for your online coaching. Regina especially liked the fact that by the end of the day, she had a finished video in her hands.
After the rocketday workshop, I simply knew that it was realistically achievable and that I would be well and competently supported.
Daniel Enz: Leave the technology to the professionals!
The Swiss Daniel Enz develops and trains sales personalities and conveys methods for sales as a speaker and trainer. He promotes his own lectures with “100% smile guarantee. 100% recognition value.”
Information about Daniel Enz
Website: https://www.danielenz.ch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.enz.verkaufstrainer
Daniel has been using online coaching for a long time and can no longer imagine training without it. His model can best be described as “springboard,” as he uses online content both before the first training and for post-processing and before every new module training.
Daniel Enz's tip for trainers and consultants
Like Bert Helbig, Daniel believes that technology should be developed by professionals to ensure it works reliably and simply. His tip: Don't build anything yourself! He has exchanged ideas extensively with colleagues and learned which tools have already been successfully used for online coaching.
I like that I can easily sell the online coaching. That is, of course, a strong argument for me as a trainer.
The video interview with Daniel Enz was filmed by Konstantin in the evening at the gala event of the GSA Convention 2018. The image is therefore strongly reddish, but it captures the atmosphere of the convention well and is authentic:
Conclusion: What connects them all
Whether just starting like Regina Mang or indispensable like Daniel Enz – they all see online coaching as a value-added for their training. Furthermore, everyone values easy handling. The technology must simply work and allow for quick implementation.
As a trainer or speaker, you have enough to do to convey your content and build trust with the customer. You are the professional in terms of content – others take care of the technology. Also, regarding the didactic implementation of online coaching, you can get many tips from outside.
Now take a look at our overview at www.blink.it/lernmaterial to see what didactic and technical assistance you can obtain for your online coaching! There you will find, for example, a guide for your first steps with blended learning or a free online course with tips for shooting video in your own four walls.
We wish you much success!
