My daughter Emma is 19, almost twenty, and she's a coach. No, not a life or business coach, she's a vocal coach who gives vocal lessons in Springfield, Illinois, and runs a vocal studio that she started several years ago.
I'm more than twice her age, but you wouldn't want to hire me as a vocal coach. You wouldn't want me to sing period.
Choose a Coach by Their Experience, Not Their Age
Emma sings professionally and has been taking private lessons since she was a toddler. She has been the vocal director for various shows, held lead roles in more community plays than I can count, gone to college for music, and has even sung onstage at Carnegie Hall in New York.
The last recital I went to, most of the students who have been with her for a while were crazy good, like American Idol good. And they sure didn't start that way; she gives lessons in our house, so I've heard the often painful progression they go through.
My point is that age should not be the deciding factor when choosing a coach. Look at what the person has done, and decide if those skills would be helpful for what you want to do.
Who You Gonna Call?
If you want a business coach who has run a multi-million dollar business for decades and helped others create and run successful enterprises, call me.
If you wish to get better at singing, call Emma.
If you want to get in shape and are looking for a personal trainer in Springfield, Illinois, call my trainer Jeremy.
If there's something strange in your neighborhood, or there's something weird, and it don't look good, call…never mind.
Hire a Coach Based on Their Results
My point is, don't judge if a coach can help you merely by how much gray hair they have. Yes, if someone is claiming to be a life coach and they are still a kid, keep looking. Hire coaches based on what they have done and what they have helped others accomplish, not on their age.
About the Author
Don Smith
Happily married with five kids, Smith owns a technology company, is the founder of this site, has served on the board of directors for multiple companies, and loves playing soccer, hiking, and mentoring.
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