November 22, 2009 – The Pueblo Chieftain – CO, USA

They aren’t afraid to give a gentle push.

They help with the middle-sized stuff: starting a business, writing a book, making more money, becoming a more effective leader, reaching a goal or setting a goal if none is in sight.

They aren’t therapists. They aren’t best friends. They’re professionals paid to be objective while still being on your side.

They are life coaches.

“A coach is a combination cheerleader and someone you’re accountable to, someone with some distance,” says professional musician Don Richmond of Alamosa. “It’s a professional relationship where you are paying somebody not to BS you; you’re paying somebody to help you.” Richmond has worked with business and life coach Helene Van Manen of Beulah and says it’s been like having “someone on my team. It always felt like a great gift.”  Read story.