I’m in the biz of helping grown adults SHIFT. And I do a lot of SHIFTing myself in the process too – as like attracts like. Often my clients are in the midst of a big developmental step. They are either younger folks (25-45) who really want to get clarity and traction on their professional and/or personal ‘IT’. Or more seasoned folks (45-65 … I’m in that category now so I can call us seasoned!) who had clarity and it’s changed on them – so they are in the process of determining what is now right for them (i.e. mid-life transition).
Whatever life stage, my clients want to integrate more creativity, authenticity and heart into their work and lives. In addition to biz and life coaching, some are also attracted to the process skills I teach, including Interactive-Visuals (i.e. otherwise known as Graphic Recording, Graphic Facilitation, Graphic Coaching etc).
It’s Like Being a Ski Jumper:
Like any new skill, one does not learn Process Work overnight. One has to go through a learning, confidence and craftsmanship curve over time. A curve that involves finding safe, supportive and congruent places in which to practice one’s craft. Given we just had the Olympics, I like the analogy of ski jumpers. These skilled folks did not immediately tackle the magnificent jumps we see them competing on. Instead, there was an incremental, step-by-step development of their skills that ultimately culminated in the heights they are now comfortable with.
Ya Gotta Get Out There:
Inevitably, whether I’m mentoring someone privately or they are a participant in one of my courses, eventually they have to take their new skills out into the world. There is lots they can do to hone their skills in the sanctity of their quiet studio, but eventually, if they truly want to do the interactive process work, they will need to find groups and/or individuals to work with (either in person or online). And, for a while, this can be a bit of a dilemma. That is where volunteer, pro bono or reduced rate can come in handy.
A Way Around Chicken or Egg:
One way around the chicken and egg (which comes first!) catch-22 of wanting to work but not having enough experience or confidence to charge fully, is to offer your services pro bono or at a reduced rate or to just plain volunteer. In the case of Interactive-Visuals work, there are plenty of groups and individuals who are intrigued by the visual way of working. Some just need to be educated a bit about what it is to give it a try. Others know what it is but might not be able to invest in what a seasoned professional requires. So offering your services, at least for the beginning stage of your development, can be a smart strategy.
It Needs to Be a Win / Win:
Now, I need to clarify things a bit. I am NOT saying that you learn at the expense of your client. You DO need to get your skills as developed as you possibly can before you reach out. With Interactive-Visuals there are all sorts of ways to practice skills to get them up to a decent competency level (lettering & drawing drills, chart work, template creation, sketch notes, scribing from audios, etc). You can also do mock engagements with other students to develop your chops. However, there will come a time when you will have to make the leap to a ‘real’ group or person.
The arrangement you contract for needs to be a WIN/WIN for all and each party needs to honestly know what is going on (it’s not cool to hide or play games with your level of competency). Be direct and be honest. And present your skill level as it truly is. Clients need to know what the situation is so they can make informed decisions for themselves.
It Comes Back to You (Law of Reciprocity):
I have done pro bono work at various stages of my career: when I was in grad school studying Organizational Development (internships) and in my thesis project. When I moved back home to British Columbia after a decade in San Francisco (and nobody knew what the heck Graphic Facilitation was). When I first developed the Visual Coaching niche (and was hashing out what would become my SHIFT-IT Visual Coaching System). In my SHIFT-IT Central program (a weekly drop-in I did for years). And now, as I experiment with a methodology called “BodyTalk” (another tool in my toolkit to dissolve the resistance of clients regarding their goals).
In ALL cases it was a smart move for me (and for my clients). I had something from my past I could capitalize on that was valuable to the people I volunteered my services to. In exchange, they allowed me to work with them which was excellent for the experience, contacts and often for the testimonials and portfolio pieces I gained their permission to share. And more times than not, more invitations were attracted (some at regular compensation). This is a strategy that I know, has worked very well for me, and one I often coach my clients on. Plus with the Law of Reciprocity, what you give comes back to you in some form or other. Karma.
It’s a Temporary Stage:
Now … doing volunteer or pro bono has a shelf life and it’s often not very long. This can be a wonderful stage in your skill development and career, but ultimately it will be temporary. There will come a time when you know the strategy has run its course – and that is when you begin to feel any sort of resentment. The spirit and energy of this strategy is very important. You do volunteer or pro bono (or reduced) for as long as it feels sweet when it retains a true WIN/WIN split. When/if it shifts on you, you need to progress to other skills and biz building strategies. Cause it’s not fun for anybody (you or your client!) when you do something you aren’t fully behind anymore. Everything is energy!
Some Pro Bono Opportunities We Have:
Hopefully, I’ve inspired you to consider volunteering your services, at least when you are in the skill-building phase of your journey. Here at SHIFT-IT Coach, Inc. we have two areas where we volunteer services. The first opportunity is with our yearly cohort of Visual-Coaches-in-Training. Each of these coaches, as they make their way through the requirements of Visual Coach Certification, need to line up ‘practice clients’.
The second opportunity is with me. I am volunteering my services, for a limited time, for clients in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada to assist with my integration of Visual Coaching with BodyTalk.
This opportunity is currently only available to folks who can visit in-person in my office (eventually I’ll be able to work with long-distance clients). To learn more and to book your time, click here.
© 2014 Christina L. Merkley
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Christina Merkley, “The SHIFT-IT Coach” and creator of the SHIFT-IT System®, is a Visioning and Strategic Planning Expert specializing in Visual Thinking and Inner Alignment techniques. Based in charming Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, she works deeply with individuals, partners and conscious businesses to define and manifest what they truly want. And, trains other Process Professionals in her innovative ways of working. For more information visit: www.shift-it-coach.com and www.visualcoaches.com
