Who would believe that someone with a home-based business could reach out all the way to Israel to counsel a client via Blackberry and cell phone? That is exactly what I did last month for one of my Interview Coaching clients, helping him to not only get the job, but negotiate a higher salary too.

The business of coaching is quietly taking the $427 Billion home-business sector by storm. But if you want to get in on this wave you first need to find a niche that will satisfy your needs - one where you can make a difference and some good money at the same time.

My niche is Interview Coaching, which is my way to connect with people all over the world and help them take hold of their dreams. Can you think of a better way to make a living? While it’s true that just about anyone can hang out a shingle and declare themselves an Interview Coach not everyone has what it takes to do a good job for their clients or themselves.

Try this little quiz to see if this might be a niche for you.

__ I am a great listener

It’s important to be able to really hear people when they talk, that way you can read between the lines and pick up on hidden things they’re saying.

__ I am good at “reading” people -

While some people say they’re “people persons” they don’t know how to look beyond what is on the surface. If you do, it’s a gift that will make you very successful in this business.

__ I have great communication skills

Good communication skills begin with listening and then letting the person know that they have been heard. It is also adjusting your communication level to match the person you are talking to - whether it is with an executive or a laboratory assistant.

__ I am a patient person and take the time to explain things that need to change

Many people simply do not have the patience necessary to listen to a long story or to explain something in several different ways to get a point across.

__ I can give straight forward feedback

How do you tell someone that they aren’t doing something affectively? You give straight-forward facts that are sometimes difficult to say. Not giving honest advice will take away from the value of your coaching.

__ I think I would make a great coach

If you are starting out, you have to determine if you want to spend time with people teaching them new skills and techniques that will make a difference in their lives.

__ I am patient and possess excellent customer service skills

Sometimes people change their minds, cancel appointments, don’t show up for appointments. It’s all part of having a business. Your customer service policy will be of your own choosing and values.

__ I’m a great problem solver

This is the most exciting part of interview coaching. To ask the questions and find out what is going on. Asking many questions and listening and reading between the lines will give you clues to helping the person succeed.

__ I want to make a difference

You’ve come to the right place. You can help people change their lives. You can help them to be more competitive in the job market. You can show them that they have power in the interview process.

__ I like giving motivational reinforcement

After you’ve given them the straight-forward feedback you will have to work to build their esteem back to a place where they will appreciate they have something to offer.

How many checks were you able to put on the list? If you have six out of the ten skills required - or higher - this may be a place for you to explore.

Being an interview coach brings new challenges and, since all your clients will be so different, new roles to play every day. Some people are in transition, or up for an internal promotion, some are changing fields, or young people just entering the work force. Also, don’t forget the “walking wounded” - those who have been laid off, or fired. These people really need your help, encouragement, and care.

What is life after all if it isn’t about making a difference? You can make a difference in your own life as well as other peoples’ lives - over, and over, and over - extending all over the world. You can make a difference as an Interview Coach.