Interview with Sinan Koray
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I have a diverse background starting with Electrical Engineering then becoming a counselor and a clinical hypnotherapist. When I started trading, I experienced challenges with my emotions getting in my way and started using my Emotional Control techniques in my own trading and then with those who came to me for help.
How did you get started trading?
I heard about trading initially from Dr Van Tharp in Real Estate Boot camp I attended in Phoenix, Arizona. It was another three years before I came across a trading methodology based on the works of W.D Gann that I decided to give trading a go. That was April 2003.
How long have you been trading now?
Since April 2003, that makes it seven and a half years.
What do you like best about trading?
Mechanical systems that are tested for positive expectancy.
What markets do you trade?
Swiss Franc Futures and Grain futures
What style of trading do you use?
Trend following systems and cyclical analysis
What have been the biggest influences on your development as a trader?
Ironically my losses and mistakes. They propelled me to do better. I developed self reliance and self responsibility.
What is the one biggest lesson that you have learnt since starting trading?
To pay attention to thoughts feelings and emotions. To get these under control so I can follow my systems.
How did you get interested in coaching other traders?
I have worked since 1990 as a counselor and a coach. When I started trading it was easy to apply the same tools and techniques to the mental and emotional challenges trading brought up.
Do you focus on coaching of one particular area of trading, e.g. risk management / psychology or finding trades?
I am an expert in Trading Psychology and that is the only area I coach people. I can help traders find, test, fine tune and adopt trading systems by referring them to the materials they have or are readily available in the marketplace.
How do you work together with your clients? E.g. phone / email / screen sharing?
Seminars, Home Study Courses, Email Coaching, Face to face or Phone Coaching, Video Trainings, Webinars.
What sort of results do your clients get after coaching with you?
Simply phenomenal. Once a trader has emotions under control, he or she can easily focus on what matters: Trading Systems Development and Application
What is the most satisfying part of coaching traders?
Seeing the difference in their trading and their lives.
What is the biggest but most easily fixed mistake that you see traders make?
The biggest most easily fixed mistake is learning to handle Fear.
Do you recommend journals or other record keeping as an important part of trading?
Absolutely, completely, 100%.
What are the most common issues that you see in your clients that prevent them from becoming better traders?
They trade based on “feelings”: I felt like it, I don’t feel like it.
What advice would you give traders who are just starting out?
Accept that trading, just like any profession requires you to put in time and energy in to your development. When you do, it is one of the most rewarding professions and income streams.
Any other advice or wisdom from your experience in trading that you could share?
Divide the time you dedicate to trading in half. Half of the time, educate yourself: read, watch DVDs, listen to Audio programs, attend seminars. The other half, use it for practice: back testing, paper trading, livetrading.
What 3 books do you recommend traders read?
- Lift Me Up, Sinan Koray
- Trading For A Living, Dr Alexander Elder
- Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom, Dr Van Tharp