I’m sitting on an egg that’s getting ready to hatch. It’s a system that provides coaches with a ready-made coaching business.
I think it could make a huge change in how quickly and easily coaches start earning money.
I don’t want to say too much about it right now, because it’s still in the incubation stage (pardon the bad metaphor!) But I would like to share the general idea and get your feedback.
OK, here goes:
I’ve been mentoring coaches for over 7 years and one thing never changes: the majority of coaches find starting a coaching business side a major challenge. As many coaches have lamented, “I know how to coach but I don’t know how to start a coaching business.”
In particular, new coaches get stuck on these 3 things:
- deciding what services to offer (their niche)
- getting a website up
- finding clients
Sadly, many coaches give up because they can’t get their coaching business off the ground. And that’s a shame because they have so much to offer the world.
My idea:
What if I could provide new coaches with a ready-made coaching business? One that is in a hot niche (that I know has tons of paying clients eager to hire them), a website already populated with content, and a step-by-step plan for getting clients that WORKS.
So that all they have to do is follow the coaching business plan.
You’re probably wondering what coaching niche I’m talking about.
I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag prematurely (or should that be the “chick out of the egg” – oh, a cliche and a bad joke all in the same sentence!)
What I can tell you now
- I’m setting up an institute that will address a particular coaching niche that my research tells me has TONS of clients looking for coaching
- this niche has many sub-niches within it, so coaches will be able
to choose their own specialty within it
- I have been coaching in that niche for years, and want to empower
other coaches to do the same
- I want coaches to be COACHING, not messing around trying to learn
how to set up a business
- so I’ll provide coaches with everything they need to “hit the
ground running” as a coach in my institute
Where I’m at with this idea
I’m trying to define exactly what I will be providing to member coaches. I know coaches will need some combination of these three things:
1) training in how to coach in this niche
2) a marketing plan that tells them exactly what to do to get coaching clients
3) a coaching website with blog, written materials and templates for ordering business cards, etc.
The thing that I am mulling over is whether the program should
include all three things, or just #2 and #3. Basically I’m trying to decide whether to offer both the coaching program and the business program, or just the business program.
Maybe I should offer all three things but priced as separate modules so people can choose what meets their needs? But my gut feeling is that most coaches will need all three in order to be successful.
What do you think? Pros and cons? I’d love to get your reaction to this. Just post your comments below.
Related posts:
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Barbra,
I am a health coach. The school I go to teaches us the biz side of coaching but their main focus is health coaching. I don’t know if you’re interested in that kind of coaching model.
A lot of the students complain about not being able to find clients but, I tell them that it take persistance. I just keep going because I know that I will hit pay dirt eventually. I’ve already helped people to take off excess weight and to feel better.
I will be a certified health coach in a month. We have been given all of the tools to start a coaching business. I do think that successful coaching takes creative thinking therefore, I think that any type of coach whether it be a health coach, biz coach, or life coach should be an out-of-the-box thinker.
I don’t know what your idea is but, as a health coach I am open to anything new and all suggestions.
Barbara,
congratulations on your soon to be “new arrival”!
It has taken me five years almost to the day to arrive at the point where I can appreciate myself, my ability to make a difference, and to say I have a successful business. I have allowed very few people into the process, only individuals that I have trusted and respected (you being one of them!) and I have developed an additional business along the way as a result of the “supply and demand” for the nature of what I do.
I am at this point because I have done a lot of networking towards finding the “next connection”. I think the “business tools” #2 and #3 will certainly be a very good addition to your program, but I would like to offer a suggestion. Maybe #4 could be about how to network. Target market, audience etc etc., This more than anything, has helped me. Networking has come to be second nature for me. I work with many Dentists/MDs and other business owners who would prefer to “hide” behind someone else in the hope that that person will be their voice. In my leadership seminars, I focus on the communication and personality interaction impressing on the attendees that they are their own “brand”. If a coaching business is going to be web based, my suggestion would be for them to understand how to network along with marketing and sales.
I hope you will consider this suggestion and wish you much luck with the venture.
Carole Holcroft
President
CROWN DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
The Crown Business Development Group
Shai,
Actually, health coaching is a model that would be of benefit for me to take a look at (it relates closely to the niche I am targeting). Do you mind telling me the name of your school? Thanks!
The school is not going to tell you much without you being interested in going there. My website will give you a clear picture of what they do.
Here’s my site http://websites.integrativenutrition.com/dpowell2/Index.aspx you will have a better idea of what they have taught me. Let me know what you think.
Shai, I think your website is great! It is very calming. You make it clear what you are offering and how it will benefit the client. I think you will do very well with it.
Thanks so much. As you can see it tells you all about my training and about some of my philosophies about healing. I have noticed that most health coaches do more than just health coaching. I’ve noticed that they tend to blend businesses that compliment health coaching so I have came up with a great idea and I feel it’s a very unique niche that no one has thought
about.
I think all coaches should have a complimentary segment to their business. This is what I have created. I hope your institute will teach people how to blend businesses into one. I guess you would say multiple streams of income. This is what I have done.
Shai
I think you have great idea…. Get busy, make it happen. I agree with your feelings and would like to add this comment. Don’t let anyone/anything set the bar. (Your level of growth) Thinking outside the box works for me, and its healthy.
Barbara, you are uniquely made and are fully equipped with the required skill-set to invoke change. There is nothing more powerful than extending an open hand or a kind word.
I support your vision. Go For It Girl!
Have A Great Day!
Rani
Hi Carole,
Your comments are very confirming, because the surefire way of getting clients that I am talking about is exactly what you recommend. It will require getting out in the community and talking about the coaching program. The emphasis will not be on getting clients online, because as we both know that doesn’t work as well as personal contact.
Thank you Rani – You have a gift for encouragement and inspiration!
I also want to know do you help Holistic Health Coaches that want to kick their biz into high gear? I know a lot of people that need that.
I tend to agree with your gut, Barbra. All 3 things are crucial, and if one is weak, the others can’t compensate because each is a specific area—like the 3-legged stool, 2 legs won’t support the stool.
Looking forward to seeing all the pieces fleshed out. Thus far, you’ve done a terrific job of tantalizing us.
I think all 3 is the perfect “starter” package. Pros is that coaches can learn something new or be reminded of somethings they might have laxed on. Of course, you also offer a discounted package that only has the last two pieces for people you’ve already worked for OR for an existing coach who just needs some business help. Either way, sounds like a great idea.
Hi Barbra,
This probably isn’t answering your question, but I can’t help adding my 2 cents about what coaches need to establish a viable business. They may not know it at first, but I think many coaches need to be better at coaching and to learn faster how to coach effectively.
One way to do this is to get better feedback including feedback on results. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with The Coach Connection, managed by Bill Dueease, but they have a very interesting model around this because they track the results of all their clients in terms of answering the question ‘did they achieve the goals they set out to achieve?’. I wonder if this might be a service you would provide? I haven’t put a lot of thought into this. I do know that the IAC would be very interested in promoting a similar service to our members. We recognize that coaches need more feedback.
Anyway, just another seed for your creative mind. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes out!
I have given several ideas to my friends about how to approach things in their coaching businesses. Most of them want to come to me for holistic business coaching. I tend to think outside of the box so when one thing doesn’t work
for me I go on to the next idea. This has helped me gain clients. I think that a coaching business can really thrive for more people if they would just stop and think for a minute.
I went to Integrative Nutrition. I have my pros and cons about the school. If it were my school there are many things that I would change but, I would leave most of it the same. I feel they have a stellar approach but, I do think it could be better.
If you start your institute I would definitely be open to all points of view even negative points of view because those are going to be a great learning experience. I believe in turning a negative into a positive and there is always a way to do that.
If you’re catering to new coaches, then offering the 3 step program makes a lot of sense. It will save them from spinning their wheels; from spending lots of time, even years getting started and if they don’t have a website yet, this inclusive program would probably save them heartache, time, and pay for itself.
The appeal for new coaches is that it comes with a ready made niche and instructions on how to access paying clients. That’s pretty amazing.
I like the idea of having a plan to follow – another great appeal.
Some questions: Is it just new coaches that you’re targeting? What are the paying clients expecting? Are you insuring that they are qualified to coach in this niche?
I would like to hear more about it.
I love your attitude about: it’s time for a new model.
Thanks Flo, your comments are very helpful.
It seems to me that most coaches really want a long line of clients to appear at their doorstep just breathlessly waiting to get their coaching fix (I know I do). It sounds a little sarcastic but when most of your energy is focused on getting trained, certified, creating your programs, developing a business plan, honing skills and coaching, coaching, coaching, the marketing part of the business doesn’t get the same focus and priority. And, let’s not even address the need for a VA.
I see the three programs you offer as separate packages with a discount on bundling. I’m assuming that this three-tiered program is designed for seasoned coaches (who may be struggling to generate business). If that’s true, then an interested coach may just want to take option 2 (how to create their own long line of clients). Option 3 is very appealing to those who don’t have a website or find technology daunting and need help with getting a website up. What you’re offering is an almost ready made website and blog that specifically ties in with the niche concept. And, this is also appealing to those who may have a website and blog and want a new stream of income potential.
Having gone through lots of coach training myself, I would wonder how crucial it would be for me to get training on how to coach in a new niche. Although, I can envision that it would be beneficial. As I write this, I am beginning to see how the 3 pieces are actually intertwined.
So, it appears to be a total package. I’m a seasoned coach with a niche, a website, a blog, etc. and I am challenged to find new business. How would this program benefit me? What I would want to see, for my investment, is not only a viable niche, but some guarantee that there are ready and willing clients out there, which have been identified and are waiting to be coached by me.
I have taken several marketing programs and workshops in the past, I can brand myself and create good copy for my events, build visibility and credibility. What would be of interest to me, would be to tap into a stream of paying clients.
A question I would ask is, who is the ideal client for this program? I am guessing it’s the experienced coach who has not established a client base or niche and would benefit from online presence and links.
As I understand it now, this is a program with components that hinge on each other. It feels like a total package. Why would you take option 2 without the framework of option 3?
I hope this helps.
Hi Barbra – I’ve been a friend, colleague and admirer-er of yours for years and I know whatever you are creating will be of quality. I agree that historically coach training schools have failed when it comes to graduating successful coaches.
However, as you well know, many coaches have an unrealistic expectation about what it will look like to have their own business and that’s one of the main causes of their lack of success.
And it’s not just the new coaches. Recently, a master coach told me that she’s tired of everything she has to do to get clients. I asked her what she was doing and she said, ‘Nothing!’ Some coaches seem to be looking for a coaching practice that is more like a job with a guaranteed paycheck (aka ‘clients’), but no boss!
Fortunately, this is not the majority of coaches, as evidenced by the meteoric growth of the profession. Most coaches are making it. Mentor coaches often talk to the ones who aren’t making it, because that’s one of the specialties of mentor coaching.
I hope you’ll forgive that I’m a little skeptical of whether you can really provide coaches with a ready-made niche and website, so they can succeed, unless you’re willing to employ them. But if you CAN do that, I’ll be the first to applaud you!
Hi Julia,
You have a lot of experience training and mentoring coaches, so I’m particularly grateful for your input. There are two things that I would like to respond to:
You are absolutely correct Julia. Amen.
Your skepticism may be your many years of experience talking, Julia! Nonetheless, I’m keen to give it a try. This issue of coaches spending more time trying to build a practice than actually coaching is one that I have been thinking about for years. There has to be an easier way for coaches than the “figure it all out on your own” method.
Thanks again for your input!
This sounds like a really exciting idea you’re about to ‘hatch’.
I’m going to think of it as ‘having kittens’, rather than one chick, to answer your question at the end. Not knowing the niche, or the match each coach brings, here are my ideas:
1) training – I think offering this is a versatile and expandable idea, perhaps think in terms of modules which you can sell individually
2) marketing plan – yes
3) website and blog – a real time saver – coaches could spend more time coaching, less time maintaining
I assume the marketing plan and website/blog are integrated components, since the website/blog is a marketing tool. The more I think about this, the more intriguing it becomes — how are you going to bundle and price something that people can do on their own, but often find too daunting or time consuming.
Are you selling memberships? Classes? ebooks? CDs? What exactly? How are you charging? Flat price, monthly fee, commission?
Who are you preparing your product for? Full time coaches who have trouble getting clients? New coaches?
I guess the long and short of it, is I think you should offer “all three”. I would have divided this ‘egg yolk’ differently. What would it look like if you thought you were giving birth to 6 kittens? What is the first born, favourite, runt? Which one(s) do you want to keep and raise, and which would you put up for adoption?
When do you think it will be ready?
Hi Barbra!
1) How can you know which Coaches have been trained and, or, certified? And, how can you know which Coach, in your opinion, is ready to be “out
there”?
I’ve been certified here in Israel, after an 8-month training course, which
included elements of the CCEC course you taught , as well as other aspects of and perspectives on Coaching. But, how can you know what’s sufficient for each coach in order to coach?
2) Can there really be a marketing plan that informs coaches of “exactly”
what to do in order to gain coachees? Hard to believe that there is such a thing, which is not overly complicated and can almost guarantee clients?
3) None of us trained coaches are “swimming” in money. We learned coaching in order to “be out there” and work professionally at something we love and believe in. I have an MSW, a teaching Degree, and certification in Reality Therapy. I’m no longer 20 years old and I’ve spent tons of money on my education.
What kind of program can you offer us, Barbra that’s affordable for us ,
bearing in mind all we’ve been through already, so that the next and “final” step doesn’t have to be painful?
Hi David,
Thanks for your thoughtful questions and comments.
That’s exactly the question I’m asking myself David. I don’t know the answer. Maybe that’s not something I have control over, unless I have an exam or set other criteria. Quite frankly, I’m not even interested in trying to monitor qualifications – so not sure how to handle this issue.
You are not the first person to ask this question, David :) In my opinion, this is easier than the question about qualifications. If a coach chooses a good niche and gets out in their community on a regular basis to talk, teach and write…they’ll get clients. The basis of the system I am developing does exactly that – provides coaches with a good niche and demands that they get out in their community to talk, teach and write.
Hi Barbara,
I think you need all three to be successful.
You can start with a package that includes all three and see if there
are requests for separate components that you can offer at a-la-carte
pricing.
In my opinion one simple option is a good way to start for you as you
don’t have to create separate pricing and programs. An all inclusive
package is a simpler concept to understand for the buyer and less choices make the decision process easier and faster for the buyer.
Hi Barbra,
I think all three components are important. I think there will be a lot of new coaches looking into this, and the more we can hone our skills, the more effective we will be in helping our clients. I recently got my Wellness Coaching Certification from Wellcoaches. It was a very good introductory program(they are actually starting a more in depth one year pilot program in September), and it also has a holistic approach like Shai’s program. I actually looked into Integrative Nutrition and have heard great things about it. I think Barbra’s idea is wonderful exactly what fledgling coaches need to get going and be successful.
I have found clients but, at the same time I do think it’s difficult getting clients. I have had people inquire about my services and what I could provide them. I would give them some info and refer them to my website only not to hear from them again.
I have found that many coaches combine practices or add another complimentary biz to their practice.
I have been advised by fellow coaches to do chocolate, personal chef work, or vegan baking.
I’ve seen health coaches try to specialize in different illnesses and still have no luck.
If you have an egg to hatch, you need to hatch it because a lot of coaches out there are feeling frustrated and angry because they feel duped by different schools claiming that coaches can make all of this money. Only to graduate a program and find that all they are is out a lot of money.
In order to be a successful coach you have to market constantly and come up with new and innovative ways to get clients.
Kelly,
Integrative Nutrition is a good school and they do give you a blow by blow plan of action to get clients. I think there are areas in the program that could use improvement but, I think for the most part that it is a good school. I’d say I have to give the school about a 90%. It’s pretty close to perfect and I would recommend the school to people. I hope you take the plunge and decide to go. Let me know.