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AUTHORIZED STRATEGIC BUSINESS PARTNER OF PROFILES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

VIP Innovations

AUTHORIZED STRATEGIC BUSINESS PARTNER OF PROFILES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Washington D.C. April 18, 2008

Established Business Consultant Eva Jenkins Gets ‘Personal’ And Offers Tips for Finding The Right Coach


Washington D.C. April 18, 2008 – In response to what she calls “systemic corporate failure to value and protect ‘human capital’ assets” and interested in translating her skill set to a new arena, veteran business consultant Eva Jenkins of Washington-based VIP Innovations, Inc. (www.vipinnovations.com) has enrolled in an intensive, training program to become a certified professional coach. 

Jenkins will receive her certification from the Coach Training Alliance in a program that is accredited by the International Coaching Federation, a non-profit membership organization and resource formed by professionals around the global. “It’s a natural progression for me,” says Jenkins.  “Business professionals pursue personal development as vigorously as they pursue professional advancement,” says Jenkins.
“I look forward to working with people the way I always have, but with new techniques and strategies that I’m mastering for this new arena.” 

Personal Coach AND Cheerleader Jenkins’ business experience in finance and human resources makes her an advocate of what she call’s “The Three A’s” of success – assessment, analysis and action.  These tools provide information about a unique individual that the coach uses to create the right ‘system’ of structure, support and feedback.

“The coaching process helps clients define and achieve professional and personal goals faster and with more focus than would be possible otherwise,” Jenkins explains. “It’s a powerful and richly rewarding experience to watch as people move from confusion to clarity about their singular paths to happiness.” 

Jenkins believes that too many coaches become “self-proclaimed messiahs who try to impose their vision of success on their clients.” She disagrees with this philosophy.  “Coaching is not about making decisions for my clients,” she comments.  “It’s about helping them reach their own set of objectives and goals.” 

Match Game

Jenkins points out that “the right coaching relationship resembles any good partnership, professional or personal.  There is respect, trust, and a shared vision.”   She recommends that people looking for a coach following these tried-and-true ‘assessment’ techniques for finding a good match:

  1. Determine Whether You Are Compatible – Jenkins says “the right chemistry is essential to success, so set up a getting-to-know you appointment.”  Coaches understand that potential clients are looking for the right fit, so there is usually no charge for an initial consultation.
  2. Check to See If You Have Similar Work Styles - “How a coach dresses or styles his/her hair doesn’t matter,” says Jenkins.  “But stylistic similarities and differences in speech patterns, work hours, etc. does matter.  Check to make sure you and your coach are compatible here, too.”
  3. Explore Coach’s Area of Expertise – “Your goals will help guide you to the right coach,” says Jenkins.  “Discuss your goals for coaching within the context of the coach’s specialty to see if he/she can provide support in the areas that are important to you.”
  4. Talk About Conflict Resolution – Jenkins urges that people talk with a prospective coach about what happens if a client becomes dissatisfied and feel that things are not going well.  “This is an important test,” she says.  “It’s inevitable that you’ll hit some bumps along the way, so it’s crucial that you make agreements up front on how to handle questions or problems so that both you and the coach are protected.
    “Assertiveness is a key factor in success,” Jenkins concludes.  “So be assertive about talking with a coach regarding anything that is of concern to you.  Stand up for yourself.  That’s your first lesson.”

At The Finish Line and Along the Way

Once the right coach is found and goals are clarified, Jenkins feels the key to achieving success can be found in setting interim goals so that there is always a sense of accomplishment and forward motion.  “It’s my job to get my clients where they want to go in the long run,” she says simply.

What surprises Jenkins is how many people seem unaware that the best way to achieve long term goals is to think short term.  “It’s hard to keep working with reward,” she observes.  “So I create interim goals and hold clients accountable through the coaching process.  Each session is an opportunity to cross a finish line, celebrates achievement, and set the bar higher on the way to the ultimate goal: personal and professional satisfaction.”   

As each interim goal is met, Jenkins serves as “an enthusiastic cheerleader who celebrates every victory and a demanding coach who stays focused on the big prize...long term personal success.”  For her, the coaching process is about helping a person discover their own solutions within themselves and to become their own coach/cheerleader.
“I think of it as helping my clients find their ‘inner Eva,’” she says laughing.  

Contact:
Eva Jenkins
VIP Innovations
(888) 801-8885
www.vipinnovations.com