I recently invited my friends, Jacquelyn and Michael, who just moved from Texas to New York over for my version of a home cooked meal which is my husband grilling and me making some very easy sides.

Though in a social setting, since Jacquelyn and I also have a professional relationship, the conversation turned to work later in the evening. She is the president of the 100 Coaches Agency and every once and a while they send me a client. They have a very specific coach matching process which you can learn about in her book, Becoming Coachable.

I mentioned feeling like it is a disadvantage to be the first chemistry call because they don’t know what they don’t know. As a result, you have less of a chance of being selected as the coach. That led to a conversation about how a client can prepare for their coaching chemistry call to make best use of the time.

That got me thinking, I don’t have a specific format or structure for these initial calls. I always start with building rapport and sensing if there is fit. I want to look forward to talking to my clients, not dread it. If I pick my clients well, I do.

Coaching is bidirectional and selecting the right coach is as much the responsibility of the client as it is the coach. It has to be a fit for both of you.

To the chagrin of our husbands, Jacquelyn and I dove in deep discussing how to help the potential client (and coach) prepare for the chemistry call. Here is what we came up with…

5 Things To Think About Before The Coach Chemistry Call

1. What are your goals?
2. What type of coaching style would work best for you?
3. What success looks like in a relationship and in your objectives.
4. A recent situation you can share with the coach to see how they would coach you.
5. Do you want a pure coach or a coach consultant that is bringing in expertise?

5 Things To Out During The Chemistry Call

1. Do you have  rapport?
2. Are they someone you would listen and respond to?
3. Do they have the experience and credibility you’re seeking?
4. What is their coaching style and coach approach?
5. Will they challenge me, stretch me, and help me grow?

Want to learn more about how to engage in coaching, check out the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Becoming Coachable.