As you walk along the path of growing a coaching business, there are tons of things to learn.  Besides the subject matter knowledge of your particular niche, you need to learn about business, technology, and coaching frameworks.

The Internet is a wonderful place to learn since there are so many f*ree tools and resources. But sometimes, you need the support of a structured class or training program.

The knowledge learned in these programs should be well worth the price. But if you choose your courses wisely, they can give you additional dividends:  strong relationships and even teaching opportunities.

When you bring focus and enthusiasm to a class, fellow participants and the instructors get excited about working with you.  You become a great candidate for a joint venture or mastermind partnership, and sometimes you can be in invited to help teach the class next time. Being a great student means:

• Participating in group discussions in a constructive way, sharing your perspective and encouraging others
• Doing your homework
• Applying the information you learn in class in your life or business and sharing results with others
• Being very supportive of other participants, even if you are all at different stages of learning

Pam was invited to co-teach a class with branding expert Suzanne Falter-Barns after taking her class as a student in 2005. She also found a great mastermind partner in Philippa Kennealy (Entrepreneurial MD) after both took an Andrea Lee class together.

Your personal brand is built on the way you show up in every part of your life. So show up fully when you are a student, and watch your opportunities grow.