How to Start an Online Life Coaching Career

Life coaching is a growing career field that offers lots of creative and flexible opportunities to help others live their best lives. Coaches can have successful careers that are lucrative, inspiring and truly make a difference. In fact, many people are drawn to the field because of the freedom that it offers. With the prevalence of virtual meetings today, there is more freedom than in the past to coach anyone from anywhere in the world. 

And with the ongoing pandemic, people are seeking coaching in droves to help them cope with a wide range of challenges. From relationships and finances to health and anxiety, coaches have proven to be significant partners in helping people manage and overcome their pandemic-related issues. 

In short, coaches are in much greater demand than ever before. So, if you are thinking of becoming an online life coach, now is the perfect time to get started! Here are some tips on starting an online coaching career so you can hit the ground running. 

What is Online Coaching 

Online life coaches, also known as virtual coaches, work with clients around the world to identify and make progress on their goals. Life coaches are not there to do the heavy lifting for you. Instead, coaches are professionals who have tools to help clients gain clarity on their goals, create plans for achieving their goals and stay motivated when doing the hard work of overcoming obstacles. Coaches are partners who support and hold their clients accountable for their commitments. 

An online health coach does all of this from the comfort of their computer screen. Online coaches may spend their days hosting virtual coaching sessions, preparing tools and resources for clients, marketing their business to gain more clients and participating in additional educational opportunities. 

One of the perks of coaching online is that you are able to set your own schedule. You may choose to see clients on certain days of the week or times of day. This frees you up to create your own ideal work-life balance – from taking care of your health to caring for your kids. 

How to Get Started with Online Life Coaching 

If all of the above sounds good to you, you are probably wondering what to do next. We suggest starting with getting yourself educated on coaching, technology and entrepreneurship. While this may sound overwhelming, know that you do not have to master everything at once. 

Complete a life coach certification program. 

Coaching can be more than a financial investment for a client. It is also an investment of time and a willingness to be open and vulnerable. Because of the stakes involved, clients want to know that their coach has the education, tools and skills to help them achieve their goals. We recommend researching accredited life coaching certification programs. At Life Purpose Institute, we offer a variety of formats so anyone can get started with the certification process.  

Obtain and learn the right technology. 

Virtual coaching requires certain tools – and knowledge of how to use those tools! The good news is that there are plenty of online platforms available today that make virtual coaching sessions a breeze, even for those who are not tech savvy. Be sure that you have a working computer, tablet or laptop with reliable, high-speed internet. If you are new to using platforms such as Zoom or Skype, search for free YouTube training tutorials. There are thousands of them available to help you use these programs like a pro! 

Learn the ABCs of starting a business.  

Online coaches are more than coaches, they are business owners. While you don’t need an MBA to be successful, we recommend learning the basics of accounting and marketing so you can set your business up properly from the onset. There are many resources online and through the Small Business Administration to help you develop an understanding of these topics. 

And because you are a business owner, take your business seriously! Sure, the kitchen counter may be an adequate workspace in the beginning, but you should consider creating a dedicated work area as soon as possible. Not only will a private work area give you the privacy you need to give all of your attention to your clients during work time, it can help you separate your life and your work (which can be a challenge for many work-from-home professionals!)

Life Coaching Certification Programs 

Are you ready to get started with a life coaching certification program? Find out more about the life coaching programs at Life Purpose Institute by contacting one of our program specialists. They can answer all of your questions and help you begin your online life coaching career today!