New coaches, a suggestion
New coaches, I'm sharing this with you because I've heard these doubts too often, and I've faced them myself. I hope these will encourage you to move forward more confidently in your coaching career. These insights are not just for the established; they're vital for you starting out: 1) Avoid Coaching for Free: • Always charge SOMETHING. This establishes a value exchange. • You'll feel more appreciated and motivated knowing you're earning. Your clients, too, will value and commit to the process more because they've invested financially. • Start with a few ‘trial’ clients where their repayment for your coaching is a testimonial used to establish credibility. Don’t stay here too long. • Coaching far too long and not being comfortable charging for services stems from feeling unworthy to charge – in this example, not charging devalues what you offer. • Seasoned coaches understand this balance of value, and it's a lesson to embrace early in your career. 2) Steer Clear of Hourly Charging: • Hourly rates aren't effective. • We cannot create value in one-off sessions (unless you have a specialized skill such as NLP or hypnosis where one or two sessions suffice) as transformation doesn’t happen overnight. • Instead create a 2-month, 3-month, or 4-package or offering or group program. • Begin with lower rates, increasing them gradually with every 4-5 clients as your confidence grows, a strategy seasoned coaches often use. • Coach 3 or 4 sessions per month for 30-60 minutes. 3) A Website Isn't a Must (initially): • Don't get stalled by the absence of a website. • Many successful coaches started with just a basic page, and some of my clients have never even visited my website. • Focus on coaching quality over online presence, just as many experienced coaches have realized. • While a website can be a good lead generator, you can build it out as you enroll and coach clients. 4) Have a Solid Contract: • Ensure you have a strong contract with clear legal boundaries. • It’s essential for both your protection and that of your clients.