Starting a Thriving Coaching Practice from Zero

You’re now a certified coach. You finished your training and are close to getting your credential. Unfortunately, you’re not one of those gifted with a thick address book of contacts in the industry.

Is there still hope for you to succeed in this career? Absolutely.

I was an IT Professional and People Leader before I entered the world of coaching. I didn’t know anyone. Unlike others who instantly inherit a business or are invited to be a resident coach for a family member’s business, I had no one. Allow me to share what helped me and what I teach others who are building their coaching career.

Define a Clear and Strong Personal Brand

You don’t need years of coaching experience to establish a clear and strong brand as a coach. Start where you are with what you have. Your past experiences, skills, and big why will reveal elements that should make up your personal brand. Reflect on feedback from your work, ask people what they like about you, or take personality assessments to reveal the bits and pieces that make up your brand.

Remember, your personal brand represents WHO you are and the unique value you offer your clients.

Expand Your Network

Just because you don’t know anyone yet in the industry doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Growing your network doesn’t just mean connecting with potential clients but also with fellow coaches. Joining organizations like the International Coaching Federation and its local chapters provides an excellent opportunity to network with coaches from all over the world.

Many of my first projects as a coach actually came from coaches in my network who invited me to join their team or referred me to a client. When you have a clear and strong personal brand, it’s easier for people to recruit or refer you because they know what you can offer.

Find Your Tribe

Your network may not necessarily be your tribe. Working as an independent coach can be lonely. There may come a time when you will need someone to consult with, toss ideas off of, and share your ups and downs. Having a tribe is like having a support system that can cheer you on during your toughest days and share the joy in big and small wins.

How do you find your tribe? When you’re part of a network or community, you can identify a smaller group of individuals you feel more connected with and are comfortable working with. You can also join programs that offer peer groups or learning opportunities.

Invest in Your Business Too

We coaches like to learn and sharpen our saw. However, apart from upskilling ourselves in coaching, investing in our business is also essential. This may mean learning about marketing and business development or hiring experts to support you in your business. In career coaching, we typically say that job seekers need skills not only for the job but also the skills to find jobs. This applies to those who want to start a coaching business or who want to land a job as a coach.

Remember, no matter how good you are as a coach, if nobody knows you, if you can’t reach your ideal clients or get the word across, you won’t be able to turn your passion into a thriving career or business.

In Summary

Just like any other career you want to build, start where you are and build your bridge toward your ultimate career goal. Leverage your resources, expand your reach, and set up your systems. Acknowledge that it may take time, depending on the distance of your starting point to your goal. Having fellow coaches join you on this journey makes the experience even more worthwhile. You’ve got this!