What does it mean to create a successful coaching business?

Being a life coach is a bold, entrepreneurial adventure that you embark on to support your clients, to maximize their life, personal, and career potential. It is intended to inspire confidence in your clients, make them stronger, and build plans towards their desired goals and dreams. Your business benefits from the success of your clients, which is something to be defined by your clients. You are simply the expert of the process.

The growth and success of your business in the area of life coaching is also a unique accomplishment. It is not meant to be compared to anyone else’s success, nor is it a traditional yardstick for measuring other achievements in your life. You, as a coach, are a unique product. And what you offer, as a business, can be a unique service and experience for each and every one of your clients. No coach can replicate that connection of coach and client in exactly the same way. And no client story is ever the same, in that moment.

Taking on the responsibility of being a life coach is a dedicated undertaking. In addition to keeping your clients on track to meet their goals, an indicator of success in your business derives from the sense of self-fulfilment you get for helping your clients find their true paths.

These are the non-tangible rewards that count towards your overall business success.

Boost your business: Brush up on your skill set

We are always evolving as human beings. Reaching for greater learning and growth, taking on additional courses, or reading up on new information on a topic can keep your life coaching profession relevant. Consider sharpening your knowledge of evolving industries in today’s society, such as business and personal branding, digital technology and enablement, new and expanded consumer reach through marketing techniques, networking abilities, business finance, or anything else fitting.

This can lead to:

  • Learning new facilitation, tools, and frames from instructors with experience
  • Best practice sharing with others in different industries to keep abreast of current events
  • Testing out new areas of a niche or specialty for your own coaching prowess
  • Improving your networking skills for attracting and maintaining your clientele

It matters how you position your business. Your entire life experience, including your working career, personal interests, travel history, and hobbies contribute to your coaching profession. Invest what you have into making your business as unique and you-oriented as possible to optimize your skill set.

Cultivate your business to promote your niche area(s) of interest

What is your area of focus when helping clients? Having a niche, or an area of specialty, is vital. When we need the right person for the job, we take the time to look for that person. Your clients will appreciate that you have a business dedicated to a particular specialization. Choose something that you can do well, and continue to build upon it. And there’s no rule saying you can have only one specific area of focus for your business. Start with your end consumer in mind. What is the profile of your client? Demographics and preferences? Setting up personas to the customer that your niche is servicing is an important consideration as you step into a marketing plan.

Here are 5 essential items for your business that are worth putting your time into:

  1. A registered business. The further your business goes, the more you’ll want credibility. A registered name for people to look you up is a start. So is having an active small business for tax benefits and receiving payment from clients.
  2. An informative website with all the details about your business, your niche or area(s) of specialization, your accreditation, testimonials, contact information and details of services offered. (See item #5, below)
  3. A solid marketing plan. Be sure to look up some pointers on how to market your small business and then follow through. Get the word out that your shingle is hung and your door is open. Be sure to promote your life coaching business by using your area(s) of specialty, and seek out clients on any social media or traditional marketing platforms. Word of mouth is another viable option.
  4. A digital profile. If your business is not already registered on LinkedIn and Facebook groups, this is a good jumping off point. A digital profile is there for current and potential clients to get to know you. Stay professional and personable, and keep your contact information handy.
  5. Pricing options and packages. Every client will ask about this and it will determine their commitment. Decide if you want to offer flexible or fixed pricing per each client and what length of time you will allot for each client. Keep in mind that your time must be divided between active clients, while seeking out new business as well.

Your life coaching business is a garden of possibilities waiting to be moulded. The assets you have and the resources around you are also plentiful. Recognize the strengths you offer to a business and where possible, outsource work where you can so you can focus on what you love and do best! With the right planning and organization, success is an achievable thing! I’m always open to sharing and discussing entrepreneur journeys, so reach out, engage, and coach on!