It’s hard to believe that someone with a simple home-based business could reach halfway across the world to work with a client. But that’s exactly what I did just last month for a man about to go on an interview in Israel. Afterwards, he not only got the job, he was able to negotiate a higher salary.

The business of coaching is quietly taking the $427 Billion home-business sector by storm. But if you want to get in on this wave you first need to find a niche that will satisfy your needs - one where you can make a difference and some good money at the same time.

I found my niche with Interview Coaching, which is how I connect with people all over the United States and beyond. Reaching out and helping people is what my business is about and I can’t think of a better way to make a living. You might think that anyone can advertise themselves as an Interview Coach, and in reality they can, but that doesn’t mean they have what it takes to do a good job for their clients or themselves.

Try this little quiz to see if this might be a niche for you.

__ I am an excellent listener

You should be able to really “hear” people when they talk. You can pick up on hidden things they’re saying if you read between the lines.

__ I can “read” people -

Some people say they are “people persons” but they don’t know how to look beyond what is on the surface. That’s a special gift that will make you very successful at this business.

__ I have excellent communication skills

Communication skills begin with listening and letting the person know that they’ve been heard. It’s also adjusting how you communicate to match the person you are talking to - varying how you communicate depending on whether you’re talking to an executive or a laboratory assistant.

__ I am patient and will take time to explain what needs to change

Some people don’t have the patience required to listen to a long story or to have to explain something over in several different ways in order to get the point across.

__ I am capable of giving straight forward feedback

How do you tell someone that they aren’t doing something affectively? You give straight-forward facts that are sometimes difficult to say. Not giving honest advice will take away from the value of your coaching.

__ I think I would make a great coach

When you’re starting out, you have to decide if you can commit to spending time with people and teaching them new skills that will make a great difference in their lives.

__ I have patience and good customer service skills

Sometimes people change their minds, cancel appointments, don’t show up for appointments. It’s all part of having a business. Your customer service policy will be of your own choosing and values.

__ I’m a great problem solver

This can be the most exciting part of interview coaching. Asking the right questions and reading between the lines will give you clues to help your client succeed.

__ I want to make a difference

You’ve definitely come to the right place. Coaching is all about helping people change their lives by showing them how to be more competitive in the job market. You can also show them that they have power in the interview process, not the interviewer.

__ I’m good at motivating people

After you’ve given someone straight-forward feedback you may have to build their self esteem back up to a place where they appreciate that they have something to offer.

How many skills did you check off? If it was six or more then Interview Coaching may be something for you to explore.

Being an interview coach offers new challenges and the chance to play many roles during a single day. The roles may vary with each client. The clients are all different -people in transition, or up for an internal promotion, or changing fields, or young people entering the work force. And, don’t forget the “walking wounded” - who have been laid off, or fired.. These people need help - they need encouragement - they need caring for.

What is life after all if it isn’t about making a difference? You can make a difference in your own life as well as other peoples’ lives - over, and over, and over - extending all over the world. You can make a difference as an Interview Coach.