The Business Of Coaching

Meet AmyAmy Wolfe joins us from Johannesburg, South Africa, sharing her journey from struggling healthcare manager to leadership coach. After experiencing transformational coaching herself, she trained to become a coach—only to discover she had no idea how to market her new business.The "Smart Person" ProblemAmy has a master's degree, extensive healthcare CPD experience, and qualified coaching credentials. Yet marketing stumped her completely. Sound familiar? Western education trains us to be employees, not entrepreneurs. We learn to advocate for promotions—not build businesses from scratch.What Corporate Doesn't Teach YouIn corporate, people understand your job title and skillsetYou're taught NOT to talk about yourself (it's seen as arrogant)Corporate marketing aims for massive reach—solopreneurs only need 20-50 clientsYou can't boil the ocean, but you can boil a dropThe Real Marketing ShiftAmy's breakthrough came from talking to a neighbour. Instead of explaining her coaching process, she described the problems she solves. Instant recognition: "Maybe I need to come see you."The Hidden Truth About Coaching Businesses93% of coaches run portfolio businesses (ICF 2023)Most aren't transparent about how long success tookThat "successful" coach might only earn 10% from coachingIt's not about being smarter—it's about having the right skillsetWhy Coaches Are VulnerableBy the time we realise traditional self-promotion doesn't work, we're feeling foolish, embarrassed, and ashamed. Perfect prey for predatory "six figures in 90 days" schemes.Amy's Advice"It's not you. It's just a skillset you don't have—and anyone can learn it."Start with Sarah's book, join the Nail Your Niche challenge, or book a conversation. Mind the gap in your skills and fill it.

Sarah tackles an uncomfortable truth that coaches need to hear: AI tools like ChatGPT can't build your marketing for you—at least not effectively. While AI can generate content, it can't replace the critical thinking required for marketing that actually converts clients.Key Takeaways:The Core Problem: If you haven't done the foundational thinking, AI-generated marketing won't achieve your desired outcomes. Coaches are selling a service most people don't understand, which means marketing must educate before it can persuade.Why Coaches Fail: The 82% global failure rate for coaches isn't due to poor coaching skills—it's because they never learned how to acquire clients. Many mistake marketing for something superficial that can be automated without understanding it first.The GIGO Principle: Garbage in, garbage out. Vague inputs like "I coach professionals in transition to find clarity and confidence" produce vague, ineffective content that won't resonate with potential clients.What's Required Instead:Select a niche based on both your knowledge and commercial viabilityDefine your ideal client from real-world experience, not AI guessworkLearn to describe your audience's problems in their own wordsUnderstand their lived experience through direct observationAI as a Multiplier, Not a Substitute: Once you've done the foundational work—identified your niche, understood your ideal client, and clarified your marketing message—AI becomes powerful for amplifying reach, saving time, and refining ideas. Use it for the grunt work, not the groundwork.Bottom LineMarketing and commercial thinking are professional skills that require learning, just like coaching itself. Master these fundamentals first, then leverage AI to scale your efforts. There are no shortcuts to building a thriving coaching practice.Want to learn expert-level AI skills after doing the foundational thinking? Connect with Sarah to discover how to use AI effectively in your coaching business.

In this inspiring episode, Sarah sits down with the "rather marvellous" Alex Atherton to explore his incredible journey from education leader to award-winning keynote speaker and author. After 25 years in education (including over 12 years as a secondary school head teacher), Alex took a leap of faith in 2018 to build something entirely new.What started as school consultancy evolved into coaching, then blossomed into a thriving speaking business that now generates the largest chunk of his income. Along the way, Alex wrote his debut book The Snowflake Myth, challenging negative stereotypes about Generation Z - the very students he spent years supporting in challenging inner-city schools.Key TakeawaysStart With Your Background (But Don't Stay There) - Alex emphasises that while you shouldn't limit yourself to your past, you absolutely must start there. His coaching clients weren't just educators - they were senior leaders across public sector organisations he'd worked alongside: police chiefs, NHS managers, local authority executives. The common thread? Complex, exhausting leadership roles that society needs done well.The 82% Reality Check - Alex credits understanding that "more of this journey is about marketing than being able to coach" as crucial to avoiding the 82% of coaching businesses that fail. Having expertise isn't enough - you need robust marketing systems and ongoing support.Business Evolution is Natural - From "coach who does some speaking" to "speaker who does some coaching" to "someone who knows about this stuff" - Alex shows how businesses naturally evolve when you stay open to opportunities and listen to market demand.Community Makes the Difference - The ongoing support network proved invaluable. As Alex puts it: "The game changes continually" - algorithms, pain points, client expectations all shift. Having engaged peers to navigate these changes together provides a crucial competitive advantage.About Alex's New BookThe Snowflake Myth challenges the tired stereotypes about Generation Z that Alex grew tired of hearing about his former students. Born from his speaking work, the book became his vehicle to engage with audiences far beyond education - from corporate leaders to farmers.Get your copy:📚 Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Snowflake-Myth-Explaining-workplace-beyond/dp/1836284713🌐 Alex's Website: https://www.alexatherton.com/snowflake-mythAvailable now (released September 28th)The Transformation Timeline2018: Left education after 25 years to give himself one year to earn a living differently2020: COVID pivoted him from education consultancy toward coaching2022: Discovered Know Your Niche and The Coaching Revolution2023: Speaking business overtook coaching as the primary income source2024: Became an award-winning speaker, published first bookFor Aspiring CoachesAlex's advice is refreshingly honest: expect to put in serious hours, especially on the marketing side, where you "know nothing or next to nothing." But he's proof that with patience, proper guidance, and willingness to evolve, you can build something remarkable.His parting wisdom? If you're not prepared to invest in learning from people who really know what they're doing, "your coaching business is gonna come to an end pretty quickly and you might be going back to what you used to do with your tail between your legs."The image of that outcome was "quite a driver" for Alex to engage fully - and look where it got him. Currently twinkling, as Sarah puts it, and loving every minute of the journey ahead.Want to follow Alex's journey? Connect with him through his website or grab his book to see how he's challenging workplace myths and supporting the next generation of leaders.

The AI Shortcut TrapNew AI-powered tools promise to build your ideal client avatar (ICA) in minutes. But here's the problem: they're often created by people who've never done the deep work themselves—like a web designer selling ICA tools while having no defined niche of her own.Why This Matters for CoachesWe'd never accept that someone could become a coach by chatting with a custom GPT for 30 minutes. So why do we think a generic AI prompt can solve our most foundational marketing challenge?The Real Cost of ShortcutsWhen coaches use superficial tools, they get:Superficial ICAs that apply to half the populationWasted time and money on ineffective marketingLoss of faith in marketing itselfGeneric messaging that attracts no oneThe Hard Questions You Can't AutomateBuilding a viable coaching business requires grappling with:Who exactly is your audience?What keeps them awake at night?What have they already tried to fix this?Why didn't their previous attempts work?What specific words do they use to describe their problem?The Truth About Marketing StrategyThese aren't one-line prompts; they're deep strategic questions requiring time, thoughtful consideration, and real-world context. No tool can replace the uncomfortable work of truly understanding your ideal client.Bottom LineMarketing a coaching business is a specialist subject. If your ICA could apply to anyone, you haven't done the work. Be sceptical of shortcuts - superficial strategies lead to serious business consequences.Depth matters. There are no shortcuts to clarity.Ready to Transform Your Message?Join Sarah's free 4-day "Nail Your Niche" challenge at ⁠⁠thecoachingrevolution.com/nailyourniche⁠⁠Stop being invisible. Start being indispensable.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness⁠

The Problem with "Coach"While coaching is a superpower, the title itself creates massive confusion. Unlike tennis coaches or driving instructors who clearly demonstrate and teach skills, professional coaches use inquiry-based methods—asking powerful questions rather than transferring knowledge. Yet we're stuck with Thomas Leonard's 1990s job title that sets completely wrong expectations.The Expectation Mismatch CrisisWhen you say "I'm a coach," potential clients expect:Knowledge transfer from an expertTeaching and demonstrationClear methodologies they can understandBut professional coaching is the opposite—we facilitate self-discovery through questioning, not teaching.Why This Kills Your BusinessForces endless process explanations instead of value conversationsMakes premium pricing impossible to justifyCreates invisibility—people don't know when they need youTurns LinkedIn into methodology tutorials instead of client attractionThe Golden Sentence SolutionReplace your job title with this format:"I work with [X] to help them [Y] so that they can [Z]"Examples:"I work with VPs in financial services to help them move to top-tier firms so they can accelerate career progression""I work with small business owners to help them overcome decision paralysis so they can scale operations confidently"Why This WorksInstantly clarifies who you serveSpeaks directly to recognised problemsEliminates defensive explanationsAttracts premium clients who see their exact challengeStops pricing objections before they startReady to Transform Your Message?Join Sarah's free 4-day "Nail Your Niche" challenge at thecoachingrevolution.com/nailyournicheStop being invisible. Start being indispensable.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

Eric Rugundu left a 20-year legal career to coach young lawyers navigating career crises. Discover his inspiring journey from COVID self-reflection to thriving coaching business.Key Topics:Why 82% of coaching businesses fail (and how to avoid it)Overcoming video marketing fearsFinding your tribe in the coaching communityThe surprising personal development of building a businessTurning industry experience into your competitive advantageGolden Nuggets:"You made me do things I didn't want to do - in a good way" - Eric on being pushed outside his comfort zone"That's how you look and sound. You still have friends." - Sarah's reality check on video fearsPerfect For:✓ Career changers considering coaching✓ New coaches struggling with marketing✓ Anyone afraid of video content✓ Coaches seeking authentic marketing strategiesThe Bottom Line: Eric's transformation from LinkedIn-phobic lawyer to confident coach proves that success comes from courage, community, and doing difficult things with proper support.Ready to build a coaching business that doesn't join the 82% failure rate? This episode reveals exactly how.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

AI Coaching is Closer Than You ThinkIf you're a coach relying on platforms like Ezra, BetterUp, Lyra, or CoachHub for clients, this episode is a crucial wake-up call. Sarah breaks down groundbreaking research proving AI coaching isn't some distant possibility – it's happening now and performing at surprisingly high levels.The Game-Changing ResearchA new study in Coaching: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice examined whether AI coaching agents could meet professional human coach standards. The results should get every platform-dependent coach's attention.Researchers used AI agents supported by human experts in a "Wizard of Oz" setup and found striking results:Active Listening: AI showed strong capability, with clients feeling genuinely heard and understood.Powerful Questioning: Observers noted AI-generated questions effectively helped clients reflect and gain insights.Client Experience: Clients said AI sessions felt like real coaching and helped them progress toward goals.Most significantly, observers rated one AI session as demonstrating competencies "comparable to a credentialed coach." This isn't theory – it's reality.The Platform ThreatFor platform-dependent coaches, this research reveals an uncomfortable business truth. AI coaching offers platforms the perfect solution:No Labor Costs: AI doesn't need payment, supervision, or management24/7 Availability: No breaks, vacations, or time off neededUnlimited Scalability: One system handles countless clients simultaneouslyConsistent Quality: Standardised performance without human variabilityPlatforms already treat coaching as a commodity, controlling pricing and client acquisition while coaches deliver assigned sessions. When AI can provide "good enough" coaching at zero ongoing cost, human coaches become expendable.The Commoditization RealityPlatform coaches already experience limited control – you don't set fees, pricing, or acquire clients. Your income depends entirely on platform decisions. Add AI into this equation, and fewer opportunities will exist as platforms prioritise cheaper, scalable AI solutions.Your Lifeline: Micro NichesThe solution lies entirely within your control. Platforms want scale – serving massive audiences cost-effectively. They have zero interest in small, tightly defined micro niches, and that's your opportunity.While micro niches seem less exciting than global platform reach, they offer something more valuable: stable, profitable, sustainable income that you control.Why Micro Niches WorkWell-chosen micro niches enable six-figure or multiple six-figure businesses over time. This creates something AI can't replicate: deep understanding of specific challenges, personal trust-based relationships, and specialized expertise from focused practice.Act Now, Not LaterAI coaching is already here, performing at professional levels. The question isn't whether this impacts coaching, but whether you'll wait for AI to replace you or build an AI-proof business now.With clear niche focus and solid client acquisition strategy, your coaching future can be secure and prosperous. Stop depending on platforms and start building something you control.Ready to future-proof your coaching business?Visit thecoachingrevolution.com and click "Book a Call" to discuss how this works in practice.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

What does it really take to transition from corporate success to a thriving coaching business? Antonia Watson's journey reveals the surprising gap most newly qualified coaches don't see coming.The Monday Morning RealityAfter 20+ years in tech consulting as COO and Global Head of Workforce Strategy, Antonia discovered coaching during a post-pandemic career break. She loved her training at Henley Business School and felt confident in her coaching abilities. Then Monday morning arrived: "I need paying clients. Now what?"Despite her corporate background, Antonia discovered that marketing a global consultancy bears no resemblance to marketing yourself as a coach. She tried online research and mentoring, but was missing the practical steps to actually implement what she was learning.The Game-Changing QuestionEverything shifted during Sarah's Nail Your Niche Challenge with one powerful insight: "It's one thing identifying your ideal client, but how are you going to find them on LinkedIn?"This exposed her fundamental flaw – starting too broadly with "I'll coach professional women." You can't find all professional women on LinkedIn and message them personally. The practicality simply doesn't work.Going Deep for Real ResultsAntonia learned that effective marketing requires understanding your ideal client at an impossible depth. She now works specifically with senior women in STEM navigating change who want to advance their careers with clarity and confidence.This specificity transformed everything. She developed structured daily LinkedIn content, runs targeted webinars, built her website, and works with both individual and corporate clients. Many come from her former network who now understand exactly how she helps.The Unexpected TruthBuilding her coaching business became as much personal development as her coaching training. The skills are completely complementary – the deeper she understands her ideal client for marketing, the better coach she becomes.Through the Coaching Revolution's Advance Programme, Antonia gained practical tools from proposal writing to client sequences. The supportive community provides ongoing collaboration without competition, since everyone serves different niches.Her transformation from a qualified coach wondering "what now?" to confidently building a thriving business proves that with practical guidance and community support, the gap between qualification and success can be bridged.Ready to Nail Your Niche?Join Sarah's Nail Your Niche Challenge – the only challenge designed specifically for qualified coaches who want to stop marketing to everyone and start attracting ideal clients.🎯 ⁠Register for Nail Your Niche Challenge⁠Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

The Hard Truth Sarah Drops in This EpisodeIf you're posting inspirational quotes and calling it marketing... stop. That's not marketing, that's just posting. And there's a big difference.The brutal reality: 82% of coaching businesses fail because their owners don't know how to find paying clients. But here's the thing – it's not your fault.Why Most Coaches Struggle (Spoiler: It's Not What You Think)Your coaching school taught you how to coach, not how to run a business. Sound familiar?The fantasy vs. reality:What you thought: "Coaching is my superpower! People will see what I do and come running!"What actually happened: CricketsThe problem: Your potential clients don't even know you exist. Worse? They don't know they need a coach – they're too busy struggling with their problem.The Thoughts Sabotaging Your SuccessSarah calls out the mental blocks every coach has (yes, even you):✗ "I don't want to be salesy"✗ "I'm terrible at promoting myself"✗ "Maybe I need more qualifications first"✗ "Marketing feels inauthentic"Reality check: You're not bad at marketing. You just haven't learned how to market yet.The Elephant in the Room: You Can't Market to EveryoneThe uncomfortable truth: When you try to appeal to everyone, you end up appealing to no one.Why this happens: Your message becomes so broad and vague that it floats past the people who desperately need your help.The Niche "Problem" That Isn't Actually a ProblemWhat coaches think: "If I choose a niche, won't I limit myself and get bored?"The reality: Choosing a niche isn't about saying no to variety – it's about saying yes to focus.Your clients aren't searching for "a coach." They're searching for someone who understands their specific problem.The Power of Getting Specific (With Real Examples)Instead of saying: "I help people with their careers" (boring, invisible)Try this:"I help account managers in financial services land their second job after their first postgraduate role""I help senior leaders in pharmaceuticals transition into a new career before retirement""I help deputy heads who've lost their mojo rediscover their passion for work"The result: Your potential client thinks, "That's me! That's my exact problem!"Your Next StepsReady to stop spinning your wheels and start attracting clients who actually pay professional rates?Stop doing this:Posting vague inspirational quotesTrying to appeal to everyoneWaiting for more qualificationsStart doing this:Get crystal clear on who you helpSpeak directly to their specific problemShow them you understand their struggleReady to Nail Your Niche?Join Sarah's Nail Your Niche Challenge – the only challenge designed specifically for qualified coaches who want to stop marketing to everyone and start attracting ideal clients.🎯 Register for Nail Your Niche ChallengeHave you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

In this eye-opening episode, Sarah exposes a troubling business model that's exploiting coaches in our industry. She reveals how one company is selling coaching services for just £49.99 for four hours of coaching per month (that's £12.50 per session!) while paying their coaches absolutely nothing.This isn't pro bono work – it's exploitation disguised as "opportunity."Key Points Discussed:The Shocking Business Model:The Setup: A coaching company selling 4 hours of monthly coaching for £49.99 (including VAT)The Math: That's just £12.50 per hour session, or £10.42 without VATThe Reality: Coaches receive zero payment – not even an associate feeThe Clients: Include household-name organisations that should know betterWhy This MattersProfessional Devaluation: When coaching costs "less than a pizza," it undermines the entire professionExploitation of Vulnerability: Takes advantage of new coaches desperate to build hours for accreditationMarket Impact: Organisations paying below minimum wage for professional services sets a dangerous precedentThe LinkedIn Poll ResultsSarah's community spoke loud and clear:90% found the practice exploitative5% deemed it acceptable5% had other concernsThe Vulnerability FactorWhy do coaches fall for this? Sarah reveals the "dark underbelly" of our profession:Lack of Transparency: Coaching schools don't explain the scarcity of employed opportunitiesMissing Skills: New coaches aren't taught client acquisition – the essential complementary skillsetFalse Expectations: Students expect clients to come easily post-certificationDesperation: Struggling coaches become vulnerable to exploitationThe Bigger PictureThis isn't just about one company – it's part of a larger pattern of advantage-taking in the coaching industry, from:"Six figures in 90 days" charlatans charging tens of thousandsCompanies that promise to sell your coaching but never pay youSarah's PositionThis is NOT pro bono coaching because:The client is payingThe company is profitingOnly the coaches work for freeTrue pro bono coaching:Serves those who couldn't otherwise afford coachingShould come after coaches have covered their financial basesDoesn't involve a middleman profiting from free labourDiscussion QuestionsHow do we better prepare new coaches for the business realities of coaching?What responsibility do coaching schools have to set realistic expectations?How can we protect vulnerable coaches from exploitative practices?What constitutes fair compensation for professional coaching services?Resources:📖 Read the Original LinkedIn Post: Sarah's viral LinkedIn post that sparked this conversation🎧 Related Episode: Listen to "Monetisable Credibility" to understand what gives coaches leverage in the marketplaceThe Bottom LineProfessional coaches deserve professional rates. When we allow our services to be valued at "less than the cost of a pizza," we don't just hurt individual coaches – we damage the credibility and sustainability of our entire profession.The coaching industry needs to have honest conversations about business realities, fair compensation, and protecting new coaches from exploitation.What are your thoughts on this practice? Have you encountered similar situations in the coaching world? Share your experiences and join the conversation.Stats That Matter:13,500+ coaching sessions delivered unpaid through this one company£10.42 per hour – well below UK minimum wage90% of respondents called it exploitativeOriginally posted a year ago, this issue remains relevant as the coaching industry continues to grapple with fair compensation and professional standards.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

Listen to how one project manager transformed 14 years of corporate experience into a thriving coaching business - and why AI can't replace authentic marketing.About The Episode:Meet Andy Keneally, an Irish project manager turned successful business coach who spent 14 years managing massive projects across the globe - from Hong Kong to China to London. After feeling stuck at the senior level and wondering, "is this it?", Andy made the leap into coaching and discovered how to turn his corporate experience into his greatest business asset.In this candid conversation, Andy shares his journey from complete beginner to landing corporate clients, the surprising truth about AI in marketing, and why community support became his secret weapon.What You'll Learn:The Power of Experience-Based CoachingWhy coaching "a younger version of yourself" creates instant credibilityHow Andy identified project managers at career crossroads as his ideal clientsThe difference between having lived experience vs. having a "front row seat" to your audience's challengesThe Reality Check on AI and MarketingWhy ChatGPT assumes every coach is a sports coach (spoiler: it happened to Sarah too!)The frustration of AI-generated content that "doesn't sound like you at all"Why LinkedIn is littered with obvious AI posts that make you feel like you know ChatGPT instead of the personThe crucial difference between AI as a tool vs. AI as a thinking replacementFrom Invisible to In-DemandHow Andy went from unknown to having corporates reach out directlyThe simple strategy of being visible and speaking your audience's languageWhy "best kept secret" coaches can't earn a livingThe Game-Changing Power of CommunityHow Andy got 10+ expert responses to his pricing question in just one hourThe difference between coaching communities and business-focused coaching communitiesWhy working alone means "turning around to the dog" for advice (Andy's words, not ours!)About The Guest:Andy Keneally is a business coach specialising in helping project managers navigate career crossroads. After 14 years managing large-scale projects globally, including 2.5 years based in Hong Kong and China, Andy now helps senior project managers in London figure out their next career move while managing the unique stresses of their fast-paced profession.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

The One Question Every Coach Supervisor DreadsIf you’re a coach supervisor, you know the question. It comes up in almost every group session, especially with newer coaches, and it can bring the conversation to an awkward halt: “How do I find coaching clients?”.This single question creates a ripple of discomfort. Is it even a topic for supervision? And if it is, how do you answer it, especially if your own path to getting clients isn't something others can easily replicate?.In this episode, Sarah pulls back the curtain on this common challenge, looking at it from both sides of the telescope—for the coach who is desperate for an answer and the supervisor who feels stuck.🔥 What You'll Discover in This Episode:A Coach's Vulnerability: When coaches have tried networking and discovery sessions with little success, they become vulnerable. This vulnerability is a magnet for predators and "charlatans" in the client acquisition space.The High Cost of Bad Advice: Desperate coaches have spent eye-watering amounts of money on promises that are too good to be true. Sarah shares stories of coaches who spent £10,000 on training with "literally nothing actionable" and others who were told to send 50 spammy DMs a week on LinkedIn, only to be met with hostile replies and told their "poor mindset" was the problem when they struggled.The Supervisor's Dilemma: The "how do I find clients" question is especially uncomfortable for supervisors whose own experience isn't repeatable. Perhaps you had a strong corporate network to tap into , or you built your hours through associate work , as an internal coach , or by coaching trainees at a school. Simply telling a new coach to "email everyone in their network" isn't helpful if their network looks nothing like yours did.A Radically Changed Landscape: The coaching world has seen a 54% increase in qualified coaches since 2019. As a result, finding associate work is incredibly difficult. Some platforms now have waiting lists for pro bono work, and others have turned away coaches with a PCC credential for not having enough experience.Are you a coach supervisor struggling with this very issue?Sarah recorded a conversation with a group of supervisors discussing how they handle this exact challenge. If you'd like a copy of that recording, she is happy to share it with you.Drop an email to:sarah.short@thecoachingrevolution.com to request the video.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

You know that feeling when you found coaching? That sense that you’ve finally discovered your "thing". The work that lights you up so much, it doesn't even feel like work. You know you're a good coach; your trainers and clients have told you so. But here's the hard truth: being a good coach isn't enough to build a coaching business. If you want to earn the fees you dreamed of at your coach training, you need to be able to find your own clients. In this episode, Sarah gets real about why great coaching skills alone won't pay the bills and dives into the minefield of marketing. What You'll Discover in This Episode:The Expert Trap: Just as a Master Credentialed Coach (MCC) has over 2,500 hours of coaching experience, Sarah is a "Master Credentialed Marketer" with thousands of hours specialising in marketing for qualified coaches. She understands why you don't know whom to trust. Dodging the "Sleaze": We've all seen them—the slimy promises of "warm leads straight into our diaries" or "six figures in 90 days" that slide into our DMs. At The Coaching Revolution, the approach is different: straightforward, pragmatic, and honed for coaches, with no sleaze or uninvited DMs. Marketing Can Actually Be... Enjoyable? The process taught is designed to be comfortable, effective, ethical, and authentic. While new things are uncomfortable at first, the goal is to make marketing an enjoyable and creative habit. The Two Big Roadblocks (and How to Overcome Them): In a recent poll, coaches said the biggest things stopping them from learning to market were cost (48%) and not knowing who to trust (41%). Is it too expensive? With options now starting from a £99 monthly membership, there are programs to suit all budgets. You may only need to sell four coaching packages to recoup the entire cost of the program. Who can you trust? The Coaching Revolution is the only provider where all mentors are coaches who have been through the program and are actively and successfully marketing their own businesses right now. The testimonials on the website are all from real people who have been through the process. Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

Ever feel like you’re shouting into the marketing void, trying to convince people they need a coach? What if we told you your biggest competition isn't other coaches at all? In this episode, Sarah flips the script on everything you thought you knew about finding coaching clients. Get ready to stop competing and start connecting.What You'll Discover in This Episode:The REAL Competition (It's Not Who You Think): Your actual competition is much closer to home: things like self-help books or a chat with a friend. Most people aren't shopping around for a coach because they don't yet understand what we do. This changes everything.The "Market to Everyone" Trap: You might be able to coach anyone, but you absolutely cannot market to everyone. If you’re at networking meetings saying you "help people reach their goals," you're likely falling into a client acquisition trap that just doesn't work well. All good marketing needs to be focused.Why Your "Wide Net" Has a Hole in It: Think you can market to "women aged 30 to 65?" Think again. A 30-year-old starting out and a 65-year-old nearing retirement are in completely different seasons of life. While both might need more confidence, the way that problem shows up in their lives is "utterly different," so the same marketing message will fall flat.The Secret to Finally Being Heard: The solution is to find "your tribe"—your perfect target audience or niche. You need to choose an audience you know well and can speak their language.Become Their Go-To Coach: When you can describe the problems your clients are facing using the exact words they use, you join the conversation already happening inside their heads. This is how you stop being just another coach and become the go-to authority for the people you're meant to serve.Feeling a mix of "aha!" and "wait, what?" right now? That's a good thing. If you're ready to stop struggling and start building a real coaching business, Sarah wants to talk to you.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness⁠⁠

Ever wonder why some coaches seem to effortlessly build successful practices while others struggle despite having the same skills and motivation? The answer might surprise you.It's Not About WillpowerWhat looks like a lack of willpower is often something completely different. Coaches who appear to stick to good habits with ease aren't necessarily more disciplined – they're benefiting from something most coaches overlook entirely.Here's the reality: effective client acquisition involves learning marketing strategies and implementing them consistently. But that consistency becomes exponentially easier when you have one crucial element in place.Why Good Intentions FailMany well-intentioned coaches try to create support networks with other coaches. While the intention is admirable, there's a fundamental flaw that explains why the coaching industry has such a devastating 80% attrition rate.The problem isn't lack of ambition or coaching ability. Most coaches in informal support groups rely on outdated strategies like giving away free sessions, networking without strategy, and endlessly talking about their businesses without targeted action.If these approaches actually worked, that shocking failure rate wouldn't exist.The Game-Changing DifferenceSarah reveals what the Coaching Revolution was deliberately designed to include – and why it works when other approaches fail. She breaks down the specific elements that create an environment where coaches don't just learn marketing principles, but actually implement them consistently.There's also a key differentiator that sets this community apart from every other coaching support system out there.A Remarkable CommunityAs one member recently shared: "I have never ever felt this supported in anything I've done. This community is remarkable."In this episode, Sarah explains exactly what makes this environment so effective and why the right support system can be the difference between struggling alone and building a thriving coaching business.Ready to discover what you might be missing in your current approach?Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness⁠⁠

Ever wondered why those killer self-promotion skills that got you promoted in corporate just aren't working for your coaching business? Sarah breaks down the fundamental difference between marketing yourself as an employee versus marketing your coaching services to clients. Spoiler alert: they're complete opposites!Key TakeawaysThe Visibility TrapYou know those colleagues who effortlessly climb the corporate ladder? They've mastered the art of staying visible and making their contributions known. While this skill is gold in the workplace, it's actually counterproductive when building a coaching practice.The Weighing Scales MetaphorThink of your coaching business like old-fashioned weighing scales:One side: All your delivery skills (coaching qualifications, certifications, NLP training, personality profiling tools, etc.)Other side: Your client acquisition skills (problem articulation, solution communication, visibility in the right places)The catch? These two sides are complete opposites and equally important for success.The Outcome-Focused ShiftInstead of showcasing how qualified you are, successful coach marketing focuses on:The specific problems your coaching solvesThe outcomes clients can expectHow working with you transforms their situationDitch the Coach SpeakTerms like "holding space" and "thinking partner" mean nothing to potential clients. Your marketing needs to speak their language, not coach language.The "Aha!" MomentMost coaches struggle with marketing because they're trying to use employee mindset skills in an entrepreneurial context. The skills that made you promotable won't make you profitable as a coach.Questions to Ask Yourself:What specific problem do I solve for my clients?How can I describe the outcome of working with me without using coaching jargon?Where does my ideal client spend their time, and am I visible there?Am I talking about my qualifications or my client's transformation?The Bottom LineYour coaching qualifications prove you can do the work, but your marketing skills determine whether you'll get the chance to. Master both sides of the scale, and you'll have a thriving coaching business.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness⁠

Are you busy with your coaching business but not seeing clients? You're not alone. Most coaches mistake activity for progress, spending time on tasks that feel productive but don't actually generate clients.The Reality Check: Posting generic content about coaching, endlessly tweaking your website, and networking with other coaches isn't marketing—it's passive activity disguised as strategy.Why Most Coaches Struggle with Client AcquisitionThe biggest barrier isn't tactical—it's psychological. Success in client acquisition starts with accepting two uncomfortable truths:What you're currently doing isn't workingYou don't know how to fix it (yet)This takes courage, especially for successful professionals who assume business development should come naturally.The Coaching Culture ProblemThe coaching industry has created some damaging myths:"Good coaching sells itself""Marketing is sleazy""If you were good enough, clients would just come""Focus means missing opportunities"The Bogeyman Myth: The idea that terrible coaches with great marketing are stealing your clients. Sarah's been looking for these mythical figures for eight years—they don't exist.What Active Client Acquisition Actually Looks LikeA real client acquisition process is focused, strategic, and repeatable. It includes:The Marketing Foundation:Choosing a viable, credible audienceDeveloping a detailed ideal client avatar (ICA)Identifying real, urgent problems your audience facesCreating messaging that demonstrates both authority and empathyConsistently publishing targeted contentThe Niche Nightmare (And Why It's Worth It)Narrowing your focus feels like closing doors, but it's actually opening the right one. More reach doesn't equal more clients—it equals less clarity. When you focus, you give people a door they can recognise and walk through.The Bottom LineClient acquisition doesn't just happen—you build it slowly, consistently, and strategically. Without a process to generate clients, you don't have a business. You have a hobby.Once you accept that client acquisition is a learnable skill, everything changes. You stop guessing, stop chasing, and start attracting the right people with the right message.Have you enjoyed this episode? Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠ Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start building your coaching business? You're not alone. In this episode, Sarah explores why waiting for the perfect plan keeps coaches paralysed and how small, consistent action creates the momentum and clarity you're seeking.Key Topics Covered:Why "perfect planning" is actually holding you back - and what successful coaches do instead.The truth about getting started - spoiler alert: nobody feels ready at first.How to figure out what steps to take when everything feels overwhelming.A simple way to build momentum without having it all figured out.A Featured Solution from The Coaching Revolution:£99 Monthly MembershipA nurturing, affordable space designed for coaches taking their first steps, featuring:Real client acquisition strategies without gimmicksClear answers to marketing questionsConfidence-building through small, directionally correct stepsCommunity support from fellow coachesStructure and encouragement without pressure to have everything figured outPerfect for working with Sarah's team without committing to a full program yet.Key TakeawayYou don't need everything perfectly lined up—you just need the right direction and willingness to take the next small step. You're closer than you think.Have you enjoyed this episode?Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: https://thecoachingrevolution.com/Join the FREE Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness

The coaching industry has a dirty secret: 80% of trained coaches can't make a sustainable living. In this episode, Sarah exposes the seductive lie that's keeping thousands of talented coaches broke and disillusioned.The Problem:Traditional coach training ends at certification, leaving coaches to "fend for themselves"The myth that "good coaching sells itself" has created a structural flaw in the industryAI coaching will further reduce opportunities for associate coaches working below market ratesThe Solution:Treat coaching as a profession, not a spiritual callingMaster client acquisition as a core competency, not an optional add-onEmbrace ethical marketing as a public service that connects coaches with those who need helpWhat The Coaching Revolution RejectsThe belief that marketing "sullies" the coaching workTraining models that abandon coaches after certificationThe gaslighting that struggling coaches just have "mindset issues"A new infrastructure focused on outcomes over ideology, where graduates:Build viable businesses with professional ratesCreate real impact on their own termsMaster visibility, integrity, and commercial skillsWhat The Coaching Revolution RejectsThe belief that marketing "sullies" the coaching workTraining models that abandon coaches after certificationThe gaslighting that struggling coaches just have "mindset issues"What They're Building InsteadA new infrastructure focused on outcomes over ideology, where graduates:Build viable businesses with professional ratesCreate real impact on their own termsMaster visibility, integrity, and commercial skillsHave you enjoyed this episode?Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Sarah explores why so many coaches still believe marketing has to be "grubby, grabby, and pushy" – and why they're completely wrong. In this eye-opening episode, discover the secret behind truly effective marketing and why the best examples are hiding in plain sight.The Invisible Marketing PhenomenonThe most effective marketing is invisible to everyone except its intended audience. While coaches complain about "shouty" marketing tactics, they're missing the dozens of quiet success stories happening right under their noses.Effective marketing is laser-focused on specific target audiencesIf you're not the target, you literally don't see itMost successful coaches aren't marketing to other coachesThis creates a blind spot that perpetuates marketing mythsReal Success Stories FeaturedAmy Wilkinson - Food Industry SpecialistStarted struggling to market her coaching businessNow targets women in the food industry specificallyBuilt an award-winning podcast and a consistent LinkedIn presenceScaled to include associates delivering coaching and trainingSarah Klein - Public Sector Midlife Women CoachFocuses exclusively on midlife women in the public sectorDeveloped a marketing message that speaks directly to her ideal clientsBuilt such a successful practice she became a Coaching Revolution mentorProves marketing can be both effective AND comfortableThis week, instead of looking at what other coaches are doing, study the marketing of businesses that target YOUR ideal clients. What can you learn from how they communicate? How might you apply their focused, comfortable approach to your own coaching business?Have you enjoyed this episode?Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠