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What’s The Best Way for Coaches to Get Better at Using Tech?

Coaches| Knowledge Centre| Tutors| Technology

January 26, 2025•5 min read

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s the best way to improve my tech skills?”, you’re not alone.

With so many different tools and platforms available, it’s common to feel unsure about where to begin or what approach will suit you best.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone learns differently, and what works for one person might not suit another.

Start by Setting a Specific Goal

Before diving into learning, it’s important to have a clear goal in mind.

Ask yourself: What exactly do I want to achieve with this technology?

Having a specific end goal gives you something to work towards, which makes learning feel more purposeful — and can also be productive if the goal coincides with a piece of work.

For example, you might want to:

Build a spreadsheet to track how your clients are progressing
Type up and format a process
Learn how to use video editing software to promote your coaching business

Whatever your goal, it’s easier to find the right tools and resources when you know what you’re working towards.

This also helps prevent that overwhelming feeling of, “Where do I even start?”

Explore Different Learning Methods

Once you’ve defined your goal, the next step is finding a learning method that suits your style. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to learning, so here are some options to consider:

1. YouTube Videos

YouTube is a fantastic place to find step-by-step tutorials on nearly any tech topic. Whether you’re looking to master a spreadsheet formula or set up a new app, there’s likely a video that walks you through the process. Videos offer visual and auditory guidance, which can be especially helpful if you like to see tasks performed in real time.

Many people turn to YouTube as a learning resource — in fact, learning content on YouTube is viewed approximately 182.5 billion times each and every year (Think with Google, 2018).

2. Tech Support from Software Providers

If you ever find yourself stuck, particularly when dealing with an error message or a problem that doesn’t make sense, reaching out to the software provider’s tech support team can save time and frustration. Most companies offer live chat, phone support, or email help, and they can walk you through troubleshooting steps or fix issues quickly.

This method is ideal if you prefer more direct support and want personalised help for specific problems.

3. Knowledge Articles

Many software providers publish detailed knowledge articles or help guides that cover everything from basic tasks to advanced troubleshooting. These articles can be an excellent resource when you’re looking for clear, written instructions, especially if you prefer reading over watching videos.

Most companies include these resources for free, making them accessible whenever you need them.

4. Step-by-Step Online Courses

If you prefer a structured learning experience, online courses might be the perfect fit. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer detailed courses that break down tech topics step by step.

These courses often come with quizzes and exercises to reinforce your learning and allow you to progress at your own pace.

According to Statista, in 2020, more than 1 in 10 British people said that they had participated in an online course (Statista, 2023), making this an increasingly popular and flexible way to learn in a structured way.

5. Group Classes

Learning in a group setting can be incredibly beneficial for those who enjoy interacting with others.

Whether it’s an in-person workshop or an online class, group sessions allow you to ask questions in real-time and learn alongside others facing similar challenges.

Plus, it’s a great way to stay motivated and accountable.

6. Learning from Someone More Experienced

Sometimes, the best way to learn is by asking someone who already knows the ropes. Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a mentor, learning directly from someone who’s more experienced can save you hours of trial and error.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help — most people are happy to share their knowledge.

7. Working with a Tutor or Coach

For more personalised guidance, you might consider working one-on-one with a tech tutor or coach.

This is especially useful if you’re struggling with a specific tool or feeling overwhelmed by tech in general.

A tutor can tailor their teaching to your needs and help you build confidence at your own pace.

What About Trial and Error?

An almost completed jigsaw puzzle with a wrong piece

You might be wondering, what about learning through trial and error?

While this approach can be effective, it’s not for everyone.

Some people enjoy diving into a new tool and experimenting with different features to see what works.

Others, however, might find this frustrating or time-consuming, especially if they’re not sure what they’re doing.

Personally, I’ve found trial and error to be a great way to learn. I often “break” the application intentionally to test its limits. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best method for everyone.

If you prefer a more guided or structured approach, the other methods mentioned above may suit you better.

Stay Consistent and Be Patient

No matter which method you choose, the key to improving your tech skills is consistency.

Learning technology takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself (and at times, the tech).

Regularly interacting with the tool or skill you’re trying to master — even if it’s just 10 minutes a day — will help you build confidence over time.

Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process. If something doesn’t go to plan, that’s okay. You can always try again or undo a step if something doesn’t work out.

Top Tip

If you’re working on a document or another file and you’re not confident about something you’re doing, it’s a good idea to save another copy.

This can reduce the risk of losing the progress you’ve made.

Ready to Improve Your Tech Skills?

A keyboard with a key which says New Skills

Now that you’ve explored different ways to learn, it’s time to take the next step. Start by identifying your tech goal and choosing a learning method that feels right for you. Whether you prefer watching videos, joining a class, or working one-on-one with a tutor, the important thing is to get started.

If you’re looking for more hands-on support, I offer personalised tech coaching sessions designed to help you build your skills at your own pace — find out more.