21 people every coach should know - AND be known by

Now, I've been thinking a lot about this "Coaches are elders in the community" idea.  And I came up with a list of 21 people every coach should know - AND be known by - in order to be a leader in the community.  AND why they care about coaching.

Remember the old adage: It's not what you know, It's who you know?  Well it's not accurate!!  It's not what you know, It's not who you know, It's who knows what you know!  (think about that one for a moment)

Here are 21 leaders in your town that need to know you! 
The Mayor
The Mayor's chief of staff
Chairperson of City Councel
Head of the School Board
Head of the PTA/PTSA
High School Principal
The coach of the High School Football team
Business School Dean of nearest university
Business School leader for nearest community college
Chief of police
Chief of Fire Department
Owner of the local newspaper
Chief Editor of the local newspaper
General Manager of nearest local TV station
President of the local Chamber of Commerce
Head of the local Rotary
General Manager of the closest hospital or health center
The president of the local BNI chapter
The Branch manager of the largest local bank
The HR manager for the largest employer in town
The Minister(s) of the large faith-based organizations

These folks may not be ready to hire a coach, but they will definitely be interested in KNOWING a that there is a great coach in the community because they have a team.  And people connect coaching with teamwork and individual performance.  Here is why they are interested in coaching:
1) They are overwhelmed and facing tremendous stress and issues of personal productivity
2) They are responsible for so many people but they are feeling isolated and facing communication challenges
3) The feel that people don't listen to what they are saying
4) They have a lack of trust among team members
5) They are facing a lack of accountability and poor implementation of key initiatives

The key thing to remember is that they are just regular folks like you and me BUT they have particular challenges because of the positions they hold.  At the same time, they have incredible energy for the vision they are living into.  They have passion or they wouldn't be where they are.  Find out what the key initiatives are and find a way to add value.   You will gradually be known as a "go-to" person for helping people become high performers.

The key to becoming a community leader is to make yourself available and add value. Don't be shy about who you are and what you can offer.  Coaching is a powerful skill - and you have it!

Dave Buck