Many coaches leave their certification programs bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, enthusiastic to get out there and snag their first paying clients. They have the knowledge, skills and drive to help people create positive changes, reach their goals and live lives full of joy.
Beginner life coaches who achieve the most success in the shortest period of time usually have something in common. They understand that being a life coach is only one piece of the puzzle. Not only are they a coach, but they are also an entrepreneur.
Now, not all coaches will go on to have their own businesses. Some will choose to work for organizations that offer life coaching services. There are so many options available, which is one of the many reasons that we love coaching as a career!
For those coaches who do opt to go out on their own, they need to have a certain level of business know-how. At Life Purpose Institute, we prepare our graduates for what comes after their training by incorporating business and marketing skills into the curriculum. We offer personalized, one-on-one support to help you develop strategies that work for you.
4 Lessons of Successful Life Coaches
Over the years, we have gathered some of the best advice from our graduates and other seasoned life coaches across the world to impart to beginner coaches. Some common themes, tips and habits always make the list of lessons for new life coaches. Here are some of our favorites:
Scale Your Business! Create Multiple Products
Life coaching can expand beyond one-on-one sessions. The most successful life coaches offer their clients a variety of products specifically aimed at helping them address their most pressing issues in life, work and relationships.
In addition to individual coaching, life coaches can offer group and virtual coaching formats. Coaches can also create a number of products that can support their current clients and help them to attract new clients. Products can include eBooks, checklists, tutorials, journals, planners – the options are plentiful.
Understand Your Ideal Client and Only Work with Those People
Not knowing your ideal client is one of the biggest mistakes new coaches often make. Without being clear on who you want to serve, you will run the risk of trying to serve the “wrong” people for you. Clients who are not coachable or who don’t really want to do the work to make big changes can leave you feeling drained and dissatisfied.
Alternately, some great clients may come along who want help in areas that don’t light you. For example, a 30-something may seek coaching to help find a romantic relationship. However, as a coach you prefer to help young professionals get to the next step in their careers. In these cases, it would better for both the coach and the client to find more suitable matches.
Always Be Learning
To really scale their businesses and make the salaries they want, successful coaches know that their education never really ends. They take professional development courses, seek out mentors and read to learn more about coaching and business topics such as marketing and accounting.
As your client list grows and your schedule fills up, be sure to dedicate some time each week to gaining the knowledge you need to help you become a better business person and coach. There are endless opportunities for professional development both in-person and online. Ask your peers for educational opportunities that they felt were most beneficial for them.
Create Strong Client Contracts
One of the most valuable ways you can set yourself up for success as a new coach is to create clear boundaries with clients. How do you do that?
Successful coaches provide new clients with a comprehensive contract that outlines the roles and expectations. Contracts can cover anything including payment, tardiness and no-show policies and discontinuation of services clauses. Clear contracts help both parties. As a coach, a good contract will help you avoid uncomfortable conversations with clients who are not fulfilling their obligations.
Starting out in your life coaching career?
Or maybe you are considering a career change into life coaching and want to know how you can be most successful?
The Life Purpose Institute blog is full of resources that can help you no matter where you are along your coaching journey. If you don’t see the information you need, give our team a call at 858-484-3400 and one of our enrollment specialists will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Ready to become a certified life or spiritual coach? Contact Life Purpose Institute today!