Ever wondered how some businesses become so successful while others fail? Or how some people are jaw-droppingly good at sales while you can barely say “hello” to a stranger? Some things you are just born with, other things you can learn.
We spoke to André van Rooyen, a business coach from Johannesburg. He gives sales seminars and courses as well as helps businesses start-up or take off if they’ve been in a state of limbo. He helps companies all over South Africa (if you like travelling, this might just be your cup of tea).
What does a typical working day involve? What are your day-to-day activities?
| Time of Day | Activity | Comments |
| 06h00 | Wake up & Exercise | Get an early start & get moving |
| 07h30 | Shower, Breakfast & Coffee | Watch the Carbs – Never skip breakfast |
| 09h00 | Skype meeting with the rest of the team | Reviewing past week & Plan week ahead |
| 10h30 | Face to Face Coaching | Developing a Performance Appraisal System |
| 12h00 | Face to Face Coaching | Mindset > Skillset Work on Belief System |
| 13h30 | Quick Coffee – Back at Office | I know you should eat 3X a day, but I don’t do lunch |
| 14h00 | Follow up Calls & Check e-mails | Following up on previous week’s marketing activities & clear inbox |
| 16h00 | Marketing: Complimentary Coaching Session and Business Diagnosis | Exciting new prospect in the Insurance Industry |
| 18h00 | Skype Coaching session with out-of-town client | New venture. Putting structures in place. |
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the opportunity to make a difference in business owners’ lives by opening them up to new possibilities which will give them more success in their businesses and their lives. I love how I get to move at my own pace and get to choose who I work with. I love how it allows me to spend time with my family whilst also giving me the ability to earn a good living and to experience new things every day. I am grateful for the meaning it brings to my life.
What do you enjoy least about your job?
People who are opposed to change, who accept the status quo, who are closed to new ideas, who think they know it all, who are happy to continue along in their state of subconscious incompetence.
Is there a qualification required to perform this job? Where and what did you study?
I am a constant student improving my knowledge every day by reading, watching videos and living life. Whilst I personally have various qualifications which culminated in a MBA, no formal qualification is necessary to become a Business Coach. In order to be a good coach you have to be committed to learning something new every day.
Is there any training provided by the organization once you come on board?
I underwent coaches training in Las Vegas where I earned my certification. Ongoing training is provided but in addition to this you must be prepared to undergo additional training, where required, at your own cost.
What type of person would be well suited to this job?
The type of person that is willing to change their entire outlook on life. Being a coach should be a lifestyle, not a career or a job.
How long have you been in this position and how did you get there?
About 2 years. Prior to that I held down a corporate job being an employee of a large bank for 34 years.
Do you have any additional advice for someone interested in pursuing this career?
If you are ready to take charge and contribute to business, do it. Do it now. Do it properly. It won’t be easy but you won’t be sorry.
Is there anyone else in the industry that you would recommend I speak to?
There are over 1000 ActionCOACH business coaches operating in 64 countries across the globe, including the major centres in South Africa. Anyone of them can be approached for a chat.
What is the earning potential of this career?
Coaching has become one of the highest paid professions in the world. Rates of up to R7000.00 per hour is not unusual in South Africa, and much higher abroad.
Any quirky advice for scholars looking to pursue a career in your field?
Misfits, rebels, lone rangers, inquisitives, pushers of boundaries, outsiders, the overlooked, the weird, the quirky, the square-peg-in-a-round-hole, the damaged, the bullied – these kinds of people often make good coaches.
And there you have it. If you feel entrepreneurial, like travelling and have a go-getter personality, then this kind of career would be just for you. You could help hundreds of people turn their ideas and lives into a success.
FundiConnect 2cents
It’s no joke being a business coach. It may sound fun, which we’re sure it often is, but you need to be aware of the power your words will have in people’s lives. People will be relying on you to guide them into making the right decisions for their businesses. You cannot go into this just because you think it’s easy money and you can travel around. There comes a lot of responsibility with this job and you need to be prepared to handle the consequences of your decisions.
