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Let's take the example of a successful advisor with a major Wall Street investment firm. Ruth (not her real name) has been an advisor for over 20 years and has achieved considerable success, garnering more than $150 million in client assets. Despite her accomplishments, Ruth felt that she was not living up to her own expectations. One of her big challenges was overcoming a personal fear. Ruth felt very uncomfortable having business development conversations with people she knew socially. She also felt stymied by her willingness to put up with a "mediocrity" that had seeped into the workings of her small team.

Her ClientWISE coach has helped her see her situation in a new light. To convert her social capital into investment capital, Ruth's coach has helped her understand her feelings and reluctance, and work through them. Ruth now feels more confident about communicating her value proposition to people in both her social and professional networks. Regarding her acceptance of the pedestrian, her coach has enabled Ruth to become much more direct about how things will be done on her team. By improving her style of communication, Ruth's coach has made her more aware of the words she uses in talking to her colleagues, staff, and clients. At the same time, she has re-doubled her efforts to really support her team members and help them achieve their personal goals for career development.

The end result is that Ruth's revenues and client assets are up more than 30% for 2007. Moreover, she has added 11 new clients by virtue of the renewed enthusiasm in talking to her network of social relationships.

Here's a tip if you have been grappling with the decision to use an executive coach. In the first place, coaching is not the answer for every advisor, nor is coaching a magic wand that solves all problems. However, ask yourself this question: "Am I meeting all of my expectations as an advisor, and as a person?" If your answer is a "No" or even an "I don't know," then maybe the time is right for coaching.

To learn more about whether coaching is the right step for you, please click here to Download a Coaching Decision Kit.