The 8-Step Guide To Set Yourself Up for Success As an Aspiring Coach

You feel called to become a coach, but there’s one issue…

You have NO experience.

Every day you feel the tugging of your heart inspiring you to step on a new journey, leave your soul-draining job, and generate more freedom and abundance by helping others… 

And then you remember you’ve never done this before.

The doubts start crawling into your mind, poisoning your resolve…

Where will I get clients?

Will I make enough to make a living?

With all those coaches around, why would anyone hire ME?

Trust me, I know how you feel!

…And I also know you have everything it takes.

The good news is, you don’t have to figure things out alone – I’m here to help. Today I’m sharing a simple 8-step process to help you start a coaching business from scratch.

Feel free to use this guide as an “essential starter checklist,” and if you follow these steps, you’ll be ready to launch your business sooner than you might think!

But let’s start from the beginning – before jumping into coaching, there’s an important step you must do first…

How to Know if Coaching is Right for You

Before diving into the nuts and bolts of starting a coaching business, it’s essential to determine if coaching is the right path for you. 

Take a few moments to think about what you want out of your new career, both personally and professionally. Consider what matters to you, what you want your days to look like, and what would make you feel fulfilled.

Here are some questions that can help clarify your call to coach:

• Do you have a passion for helping others grow and succeed?
• Are you a good listener and communicator?
• Do friends and family often turn to you for advice and guidance?
• Are you committed to your own personal growth and development?
• Are you open to learning and acquiring new skills?

If you answered yes to these questions, coaching could be a natural fit for you! 

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room…

How to Start a Business with No Money or Experience.

This is one of the reasons why most aspiring coaches stay put and delay the pursuit of their dreams – the uncertainty that comes with stepping into the unknown can be paralyzing…

Especially when it comes to switching a stable paycheck for the challenges of entrepreneurship.

After all, you wouldn’t be just changing careers – if you’re currently an employee, you’d be turning into a business owner as well.

The first thing you need to know is this: YES, it is possible to start a coaching business from scratch!

I’m living proof.

Let me tell you a little about my story… 

I started my coaching career with no experience as a business owner or a coach. I had always been a teacher… 

In fact, I didn’t even know life coaching was a career option!

I didn’t know any other coaches, and had never worked with a coach before… I just knew I wanted to help people – and create a more abundant, balanced life for myself. 

I was willing and ready to get the support I needed and learn how to make my dream a reality… 

And as I stepped into my training certification, I came to a surprising realization: 

Even though I felt I had “no experience” at first, I was far from starting from zero!

I learned to recognize my teaching career as the perfect jumping-off point for the coaching business of my dreams…

Because throughout my professional journey I developed skills and competencies that would support my success as a coach. Even my natural personality traits were an asset!

Which brings me to the point I really want you to take away:

You have more experience than you may think.

Don’t believe me? Keep reading and you’ll see…  

Reframing What “Experience” Looks Like

One of the biggest hurdles aspiring coaches face is the belief that they lack the experience they need to succeed. 

But here’s the truth: you’re NOT starting from scratch. 

You already possess a wealth of valuable skills and life experiences that can be leveraged in your coaching journey.

Think about it. Throughout your life, you’ve likely honed skills such as empathy, communication, problem-solving, and resilience. These are all essential qualities of an effective coach. Also, your personal experiences, triumphs, and setbacks have equipped you with invaluable wisdom and insight that you can share with others.

So, instead of viewing your lack of traditional “coaching” experience as a barrier, see it as an opportunity to embrace your unique journey and perspective. 

Now that you know this, you can do a short exercise that will give you clarity on the transferable skills you may have that can serve you along the way… 

And become the building blocks of your future successful coaching business!

Discovering Your Transferable Skills and Personality Traits for Coaching Success

Take some time to reflect on your past experiences and the knowledge you already possess. How could it help you start your coaching practice?

• If you know how to use social media platforms, you could use it to boost the online presence of your business and attract potential clients.

• If you have teaching or consulting experience, it will help you figure out how to best guide your client to their desired outcome and create a meaningful transformation.

• If you have led work meetings or board rooms, you will find this skill helpful when it comes to leading a coaching session or presenting a webinar.

• If you know about marketing strategy, it will help you speak to your target market and turn fans into customers.

• If you have project management skills (or if you’re a naturally organized person) it will help you stay on top of the multiple things small businesses need to thrive.

• If you’re good with words, creative, or a natural storyteller, you’ll easily come up with engaging content such as a blog post or a social media caption to capture the attention of your target audience.

• If you have sales experience, it will give you an advantage to close customers and increase enrollment – and even come up with attractive coaching packages to boost revenue.

• If you have used video calling software in the past, you can start an online coaching business and expand your services beyond in-person coaching sessions.

As you can see, there are many ways to put what you’ve learned from previous jobs or your own personal life to good use as a beginner coach. And these are just a few examples!

I encourage you to come up with a list as long as you can of all the experiences, knowledge, or skills you already have that will serve you well…

You have more to offer than you realize!

8 Steps to Starting a Coaching Business

Now that we’ve debunked the myth of “starting with no experience” let’s explore what you need to know to build a coaching business.

And I emphasize the “business” component of it because to thrive in this vocation, it’s not enough to just become a good coach.

In order to be successful, you’ll need to know how to…

• Market your services and attract leads
• Turn those leads into paying clients
• Coach your clients effectively, so they get good results
• Manage the accounting and bookkeeping for your business

If any or all of these are new to you, it can seem like a very daunting list.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be!

I’ve personally built a multi-million-dollar coaching business from the ground up.

I know what it takes, I know how much effort and knowledge are required, and best of all… I know how to make it easier for you.

All you have to do to launch your coaching business is to follow these 8 steps:

1. Decide What Type of Life Coach to Be and Identify Your Coaching Niche

Before you can launch your coaching business, it’s essential to identify your coaching niche. 

What specific area do you want to specialize in? Whether it’s career coaching, relationship coaching, health and wellness coaching, or something else entirely, choosing a niche will help you stand out in a crowded market.

Consider your passions, interests, and areas of expertise. What issues resonate with you most? Who do you want to serve? By narrowing down your focus, you’ll attract ideal clients who are seeking the exact support and guidance you offer.

2. Write a Life Coaching Business Plan

Having a business idea it’s a good place to start, but you need more than that if you want your business to have good foundations… that’s why you want to create a business plan.

A business plan serves as your roadmap to success. 

You don’t have to come up with a 100-page document before you launch your business. At the early stages, start by outlining your business goals, target market, marketing strategy, and financial projections. 

Consider how you’ll differentiate yourself from competitors and establish what makes you unique (check this article if you want more guidance on how to come up with your unique selling proposition.)

While it may seem daunting, a well-thought-out business plan will provide clarity and direction as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey.

3. Choose Your Business Structure

Next, you’ll need to decide on the legal structure of your coaching practice. Will you operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation? 

Each structure has its pros and cons in terms of liability, taxes, and administrative requirements. Consult with a legal or financial advisor to determine the best option for your business.

4. Registering Your New Business and Insurance

Once you’ve chosen a business structure, you’ll need to register your coaching business with the appropriate authorities. This may include obtaining a business license, registering your business name, and applying for an employer identification number (EIN) if necessary. Check the requirements in your country, and you may want to get some guidance from a professional.

Additionally, consider obtaining professional liability insurance to protect yourself against potential legal claims.

5. Choose a Business Name and Coaching Services

Your business name should reflect your brand identity and resonate with your target audience. Brainstorm potential names that convey your coaching philosophy and values. 

Once you’ve chosen a name, secure the corresponding domain name for your website.

In terms of coaching services, consider the types of packages and sessions you’ll offer. Will you provide one-on-one coaching, group coaching, workshops, or online courses? 

Tailor your offerings to meet the needs of your target market while leveraging your unique strengths and expertise.

>>> Download our free Personal Branding Worksheet for Coaches here

6. Develop Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for coaching businesses. Start by using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to engage with potential clients and share valuable content. 

Eventually, you may create a professional website that showcases your services, testimonials, and blog posts. You can also consider starting a blog or podcast to establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche.

7. Grow Your Life Coaching Business and Get More Clients

As you launch your online coaching business, focus on building relationships and providing value to your audience. 

Offer free resources such as webinars, ebooks, or mini-coaching sessions to demonstrate your expertise and attract potential clients. Network with other professionals in your industry and ask for referrals from satisfied clients. 

Just remember – Rome wasn’t built in a day. Consistency and persistence are key as you work to grow your client base, build your network and expand your coaching practice.

8. Ongoing Personal Development & Professional Growth

Finally, never stop investing in your own coaching skills and personal development. 

Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay current on industry trends and best practices. Seek mentorship from experienced coaches and surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded people. 

By continually evolving and expanding your knowledge base, you’ll be better equipped to serve your clients and achieve long-term success in your coaching journey.

And there you have it! That’s how you start an online coaching business from scratch in 8 steps – even with no experience. 

If you’d like to dive deeper into each step, feel free to check out this complete guide.

The Fastest Way To Start Your Coaching Business

I know how overwhelming it can be to start a coaching business – so I totally get it if you’d still feel more comfortable to have more guidance to implement all these steps…

That’s why I have a special invitation for you:

Our FREE 5-Day Challenge: Life Coach Accelerator: Learn How to Succeed as a Life Coach in 5 Days

Inside this event, I’ll take you by the hand and guide you so that you can walk away with everything you need to set yourself up for success as a coach, including:

• A master’s toolkit of transformative coaching techniques
• Our proven system for attracting clients with confidence
• A step-by-step roadmap for generating unlimited income
• Simple methods to break free from subconscious blocks
• Clarity on your next steps to start a thriving business

We’ve taken all these different aspects of building a life coaching business, and we’ve integrated them into a single event that’s specifically designed for new coaches like you…

So you don’t have to take a bunch of different programs and then try to figure out how they apply to you.

If you’d love to kickstart your coaching journey, avoid beginner mistakes, and accelerate your results… 

Then register for the next Life Coach Accelerator FREE 5-Day Challenge here!