Diane Whitman, a business coach with Realized Potential Incorporated is one of a kind. She is the only person in the nation with memberships in three prestigious professional organizations; the PGA (Professional Golfers Association of America), LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), and the International Coaches Federation. Serving as a Business Coach with Realized Potential Incorporated, Whitman prides herself on bringing the expertise derived from all three organizations to benefit her clients. Based in Tyrone Georgia, Realized Potential provides business coaching services to the sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries nationwide.

The International Coaches Federation is to business coaching what the PGA is to golf. The ICF developed and promotes an industry-wide Code of Professional Standards and Coaching Core Competencies. ICF also developed the first universally accepted accreditation process.

What is a business coach? And more specifically (more puzzling), what is a golf business coach? Business coaching is a relatively new profession in the US. As a Business Coach, Whitman helps Business Owners, Golf Professionals and Course Owners to set better goals and then to reach those goals. “It’s all about focus, support, and providing the appropriate tools for my clients” Whitman said. “I am not a consultant. I do not come in, tell them what’s wrong, and leave. Instead my clients tell me where improvements need to be made and we then develop strategies to fit their unique strengths and talents.” A business coaches’ relationship with their client mirrors that of a talented swing coach and a golfer. They both work with their clients’ skills and goals. The client sets the agenda. It is up to the coach to hold their client to that agenda.

Coaches can work with the client on any facet of their business. Revenue and the bottom line are often the first things clients are concerned with. Sales and marketing are also common concerns. “Each client has unique needs that require our services to be tailored to them specifically,” Whitman said. “Recently, various clients have requested help with hiring and staff retention. I collaborate with my clients to develop a hiring strategy specific to their needs and their business’ climate.” “We have had great success with this approach”.

Whitman’s 15 years as a general manager and head golf professional at both high end private and high volume public golf facilities has provided volumes of experience.

As much as the golf industry is the niche client for Realized Potential, their client base is not limited to that realm. Clients have been as diverse as a caterer, realtors, and a counseling office. Whitman’s combination of a strong business background coupled with her accredited coach training and acumen is a great asset to any business owner.

login to post comments