New coaches, a suggestion · Expert Coach Certification

Jan '24 (edited) • All Members Post Here

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.

• This is a fundamental practice, established and valued by coaches at all levels.

• You can search on Google for samples of coaching contracts.

• Make sure your client reads it and signs it before you begin working with them.

5) Limit Your Social Media Presence:

• You don’t need to be on every social media platform as you are starting.

• Choose one that aligns with your client base. Master it before expanding.

• Use cross-posting tools to manage multiple platforms as you expand to additional platforms later on.

• This focused approach is something I, and many veteran coaches, have found effective.

6) Embrace Authenticity:

• Be yourself. There’s immense appeal in authenticity.

• There is NO mold for you to fit into. CREATE your own. Your ideal clients will resonate with you.

• This isn't just for established coaches; it's for every coach who's true to their calling.

• You are meant for the work that pulls on your heart - put yourself out there.

Remember, the journey of coaching is as much about your growth as it is about serving others. Don’t let these common hurdles hold you back. We all started somewhere. Serve with passion, and remember, it's more about those you help than about yourself.

Much love and encouragement on your coaching journey 🙏💖

(modified from it's original version for better clarity)

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