The Coaching Edge: A Business Building Podcast

Have you ever had a coaching client who’s engaged, reflective, and genuinely trying — but you keep coming back to the same issue session after session? In this episode, I’m talking about what’s really going on when coaching feels stuck even though your client is doing the work. This is a common experience for coaches, and it’s not a sign that you’re failing — it’s usually a signal that something important hasn’t been addressed yet. I walk you through: What I specifically listen for when sessions start going in circles Two of the most common reasons progress stalls with motivated clients How I name patterns (and the "elephant in the room") without judgment or pressure Why this is one of the most challenging — and important — coaching skills to develop If you’ve ever left a session thinking, “We talked a lot, but nothing really shifted,” this episode will help you understand why — and what to do next time. RESOURCES AND LINKS 👉  Get all the details and register for the next Confident Coaching Skills Intensive: https://www.wendymccallum.com/ccsi👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources

There’s a moment every coach knows. You’re mid-session. Your client says something unexpected. The conversation shifts — emotionally, directionally, energetically. And suddenly, you feel it: I don’t know what to do next. In this episode, I’m talking about why that moment isn’t a coaching failure — and why, in many cases, it’s actually a sign that you’re doing real, meaningful work. We’re unpacking the fear that lives underneath “not knowing,” why so many coaches panic when sessions don’t go as planned, and how much of that anxiety comes from holding an unspoken agenda about where the session should go. I also explore the difference between agenda-driven, outcome-focused coaching and curiosity-driven, co-active coaching — and why letting go of the need to steer your client toward a specific insight, solution, or action often creates far more powerful results. This is a conversation about trust. Trusting the process. Trusting your client. And trusting yourself as a coach — even (and especially) when you don’t have the answers. If you’ve ever left a session second-guessing yourself, wondering if you handled it “right,” or thinking you need more training just to feel confident in the room — this episode is for you. LINKS + RESOURCES 👉  Get all the details and register for the next Confident Coaching Skills Intensive: https://www.wendymccallum.com/ccsi 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after more than 15 years of running a coaching business, it’s this: being yourself is not a nice-to-have. It’s the strategy. And yet… even now, I still catch myself getting pulled toward polishing amd perfecting. I look around at what other people are doing. I see beautifully produced content, perfectly worded posts, slick frameworks. And my very human brain thinks, “Maybe I should be doing it like that.” That pull never really goes away. It’s part shiny object syndrome, part comparison, part wanting to get it “right.” This episode is my reminder — and hopefully yours — that Real Talk has always been part of my brand, and that every time I drift away from it, I feel less aligned, less grounded, and honestly… less effective. This podcast itself is a perfect example. If you’re here listening, it’s not because everything I say is perfectly packaged. It’s because the way I speak, teach, and show up works for you. It feels familiar. It feels honest. It feels kind, direct, practical — with a pinch of humour and a whole lot of real life. That’s not accidental. That’s Real Talk. And the truth is, that’s what builds trust right now — especially in a world flooded with AI-generated content, hyper-polished short-form videos, and marketing that feels increasingly performative. In this episode, I talk about why being yourself matters more than ever — not less — in the age of AI and the current trust recession. People aren’t looking for the “best” coach on paper. They’re looking for someone they can feel. Someone they trust. Someone who sounds human. I also share how being yourself doesn’t just attract the right clients — it repels the wrong ones, and why that’s actually a gift. When you show up honestly, you get to your best-fit clients faster, with less convincing and a whole lot more ease. We’ll explore what “being yourself” actually looks like in practice — and what it’s not. (Spoiler: it’s not oversharing, chaos, or refusing structure.) And I walk you through how to infuse your unique special sauce into: Your outward-facing marketing The programs and offers you create The way you show up with clients one-on-one I also share a very current, real-life example from my own business: my complicated relationship with social media — and why I’m experimenting with a completely different way of showing up this year. Instead of forcing myself back into Instagram in a way that feels heavy or inauthentic, I’m playing with something much simpler: short, unscripted “Real Talk” moments. No agenda. No selling. No perfect lighting. Sometimes literally just me making my morning coffee and sharing a thought, an observation, or something that might be helpful. Not for everyone. But very much for my people. And that’s the point. As you listen, I invite you to ask yourself: What does Real Talk look like for me? And where could I bring more of that into my business — without trying to turn it into something it’s not? Because you don’t need to be louder, shinier, or more polished. You just need to be recognizable. And for the right people, that’s more than enough. LINKS + RESOURCES: 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources  👉90+ Powerful Coaching Questions Cheat Sheet (FREE): https://www.wendymccallum.com/powerfulquestions 👉Before You Launch Your Coaching Business Checklist (FREE): https://www.wendymccallum.com/launch-fundamentals-checklist 💡 Book a 90-minute 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit  ✅ 10 Ways to Get Clients Now (Without an Email List or Social Media Following (FREE MASTERCLASS):  https://www.wendymccallum.com/how-to-get-coaching-clients  

Let’s talk about that moment every coach hits at some point — when nothing is selling. The launch flops. The offer lands with a thud. The inbox is quiet. And suddenly your brain starts telling some very convincing (and very dangerous) stories about what that means. In this episode of The Coaching Edge and the accompanying free Offer Diagnostic Worksheet (download HERE), I walk you through what to do before you panic, deep-six your offer, or decide you’re “just not cut out for this” and call it quits. Because when nothing is selling, the problem is almost never that you’re a bad coach — and believing that can send you straight into a spiral that’s hard to climb out of. Instead, I share how I diagnose sales problems using my Business Compass model, how to identify what’s actually broken in your sales chain, and what to focus on first so you can get things moving again — calmly, strategically, and without burning your business down. In this episode, I cover: The most dangerous assumption coaches make when sales are slow — and why it’s almost never true Why “nothing is selling” is data, not a verdict on your ability as a coach The common (but misleading) fixes coaches jump to when they panic How to audit your business using the North, East, South, and West of the Business Compass How to tell whether you have a visibility problem, a trust problem, or an offer problem Why old-school conversations and direct outreach still work — especially when sales are slow What not to do when things feel quiet (even though it’s tempting) If you’ve been questioning yourself, your offer, or your entire business because sales feel slow right now, this episode will help you step out of emotion and back into clarity — and give you a grounded way forward. Resources: Your free Offer Diagnostic Worksheet (download HERE), which accompanies this episode The Virtual Business Retreat (episode 68 of The Coaching Edge) + your free downloadable Workbook. If you missed it in the December rush, listen wherever you listen to podcasts and download the free Business Compass Audit & Goal-Setting Workbook HERE (It’s a fantastic companion to this episode.) 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit

This week, I’m helping you rethink goal-setting for 2026 by introducing a different kind of goal — one that makes your business more flexible, sustainable, and profitable. Most coaches set behaviour-based goals: • post 3x/week • hit $10K/month • grow the list by 1,000 • convert 60% of discovery calls But here’s the truth: behaviour-based goals require perfection… and perfection is not a thing any of us are capable of maintaining. Instead, I want to teach you how to set feeling-based goals — goals that clarify how you want to feel in your business: confident, grounded, spacious, consistent, organized, aligned. These goals aren’t fluffy. They’re strategic. They are what actually move the needle in your business. When you feel more confident, you have more sales conversations. When you feel more grounded, your messaging becomes clearer. When you feel more organized, your systems improve — creating more capacity. When you feel more aligned, you show up consistently — which leads to more clients and more revenue. Feeling-based goals fuel the behaviours that drive results. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between behaviour-based and feeling-based goals Why traditional goal-setting fails most coaches How I use feeling-based goals to run my own business 10 concrete examples of business goals reframed for 2026 Why feeling-based goals still lead to MORE clients, MORE revenue, and BETTER content How to set your own 2026 goals using my simple reflection system If you want 2026 to feel different — calmer, more confident, more grounded — this episode will give you the framework to build a business that actually supports that. Mentioned in this episode:✨ The Virtual Business Retreat (episode 68) + your free downloadable Workbook. If you missed it in the December rush, download the free Business Compass Audit & Goal-Setting Workbook HERE (It’s a fantastic companion to this episode.) 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House on January 22, 2026 at noon ET:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources

This week on The Coaching Edge, I’m digging into one of the most important — and most misunderstood — pieces of building a profitable coaching business: conversations. Not funnels. Not fancy sales pages. Not complicated campaigns. Conversations. Real ones. The kind that create connection… and then, eventually, clients. If you’re someone who has always felt a little allergic to anything that resembles “traditional sales” — the pushy, aggressive, talk-AT-people kind of sales — this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Because the truth is, you don’t need to be good at selling to grow your coaching business. You just need to get good at starting conversations. Inside this episode, I break down: Why conversations are the foundation of my sales model — and why this approach works beautifully for coaches who want selling to feel natural, relational, and grounded in integrity. How connection (not conversion) is what actually leads to clients — and why focusing on the wrong thing in that first conversation can shut things down before they ever start. The mindset shift every coach needs: your only job is to start the conversation. Not sell. Not strategize. Just connect. The dozens of places conversations can begin: past clients, new followers, people who downloaded your freebie, collaborators, referral sources, your own newsletter list, DM check-ins, and so many more. Why I actively “gamify” conversations in my own business and teach the same thing inside the BBB — and why having structure around this is one of the most profitable habits you can build as a coach. The reality that most conversation starters will go ignored… and why that’s perfectly fine. It only takes 1 in 5 to create meaningful connection that eventually leads somewhere. If you’re ready to make sales feel like being a human again — and to build your 2026 business around practices that actually feel aligned — this episode will give you a whole new way of thinking about selling. Mentioned in this episode: ✨ The Virtual Business Retreat (episode 68) + your free downloadable Workbook. If you missed it in the December rush, download the free Business Compass Audit & Goal-Setting Workbook HERE  (It’s a fantastic companion to this episode.) 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House on January 22, 2026 at noon ET:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources

As we head into 2026, I want to talk about something that I believe is going to matter more than almost anything else in your coaching business this year: your ability to stay flexible and responsive. Not reactive. Not panicked. Responsive. In this episode, I’m unpacking why rigid business models are becoming harder to sustain — and why treating your business as an ongoing experiment is one of the smartest moves you can make right now. I talk a lot about what I call the beta mindset: the idea that your offers, pricing, content, and even your business model are all drafts. They’re meant to be tested, reviewed, adjusted, and improved based on real-time feedback — not locked in forever. I also share a real example from my own business. For the past couple of years, the Business Building Bootcamp (BBB) has been offered as a one-year program. That structure made sense for a long time. Building a coaching business takes time, and meaningful support doesn’t happen overnight. But I’ve been paying attention — to the market, to my clients, and to myself. We’re in a buyer’s market. Trust is harder to earn. And long-term commitments feel riskier for a lot of people right now. I’ve noticed that shift in my own spending decisions too. So instead of digging in my heels and insisting on a structure that no longer fit, I decided to respond. In this episode, I walk you through why I chose to restructure BBB to a six-month entry point (at a lower price), with the option to continue once trust and value are established — and how that change reflects exactly the kind of flexibility I’m encouraging you to build into your own business. (New BBB details and pricing HERE: www.wendymccallum.com/bbb) I also talk about: Why flexibility is no longer optional for small businesses — especially coaching businesses How the beta mindset protects you from perfectionism, burnout, and unnecessary pressure The signs your business is quietly asking you to change something Why changing your mind isn’t flaky or unprofessional — it’s good business stewardship How being responsive actually helps you stay profitable and relevant over the long term Practical ways to build adaptability into your offers, pricing, and planning in 2026 Before you listen, a quick reminder: In the previous episode 68, I hosted a virtual year-end business retreat and shared my Business Compass framework for auditing your business and setting aligned goals. That episode comes with a free downloadable audit and goal-setting workbook — and if December got away from you, you can absolutely still grab it. 👉 Download the free Business Compass Audit & Goal-Setting Workbook HERE  I recommend pairing these two episodes together: use the retreat and workbook to reflect on where you’ve been, then listen to this episode to think about how you want to build a business that can flex, evolve, and support you in 2026 and beyond. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this conversation, it’s this: You’re allowed to listen. You’re allowed to learn. And you’re absolutely allowed to change your mind. That’s not a weakness. It’s how sustainable businesses are built. 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources  👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House on January 22nd at noon ET:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb

As we close out 2025, I’m inviting you to join me for a guided virtual business retreat using a structure I’ve been developing and refining for years — something I now call The Compass Framework for Your Business. This simple, powerful framework breaks your coaching business into four key directions — North, East, South, and West — each representing a pillar of a sustainable, profitable coaching practice. And in this episode, I walk you through each direction, help you identify where you're strong and where you're drifting, and guide you through a set of reflection questions to choose your focus for 2026. To make this retreat as grounding and actionable as possible, I created a companion tool: A free Compass Framework for Your Business WorkbookGrab it HERE  You can listen to this episode two ways. If you’re out for a walk or driving, just take in the ideas and notice what resonates. And then come back later with the workbook in hand. Or, if you have the space today, print it out now, find a quiet spot, and work through the questions with me — pausing the episode as needed to reflect and write. Inside the episode, I’ll guide you through: North: Visibility & Reach How new people find you and enter your world (lead magnets, free resources, live events, social media, etc.). I walk you through reflection questions to help you assess what's working, what's not, and where to simplify in 2026. East: Connection & Nurture How you build trust with the people already in your audience — through your newsletter, podcast, low-ticket offers, and free valuable content. We explore what consistency looks like for you and where your nurture systems might need strengthening. South: Conversion & Confidence Your sales systems, discovery calls, offer suite, pricing, and your own belief in the value of your work. I share questions to help you understand where your sales process supports you — and where it gets wobbly. West: Delivery & Value Your client experience: onboarding, offboarding, coaching quality, feedback systems, testimonials, and pathways for continued support. This is where revenue becomes sustainable — and we walk through what you may want to refine in 2026. By the end of the retreat, you’ll know exactly which direction on your compass needs your attention first, and you’ll have three simple, concrete actions to take in Q1 2026. If you want support strengthening all four directions all year long… That’s exactly what we do inside the Business Building Bootcamp (BBB). We build and refine your visibility, nurture systems, sales process, and client delivery with strategy, community, and hands-on support. You can register for the next BBB Open House at: wendymccallum.com/BBB Don’t forget to grab the workbook HERE Other resources: 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House in January 2026:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb

I’m closing out 2025 with a candid reflection on the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year — about staying adaptable, protecting my freedom, and doubling down on what really matters in my coaching business. From navigating the “trust recession” and experimenting with new offers, to taking almost two full months off this summer (without losing revenue), this episode is packed with the real-life insights that helped me keep my coaching business grounded and growing. Here’s what I’m sharing: Why market shifts aren’t a reason to panic — they’re an invitation to get curious How going back to my beta mindset helped me test, tweak, and learn through uncertainty Why it’s not just okay to change your mind — it’s essential if you want a business that lasts What it actually took to step away for two months this summer while keeping revenue steady The single biggest constant in business: your funnel — and why it’s the thing to protect when everything else feels uncertain If you’ve been craving a grounded, encouraging take on how to move into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and calm — this one’s for you. Resources: 👉  Grab LOADS of FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES, including my Launch Checklist, Sales/Discovery Call Template that Converts, How to Get Clients Now (Without a Big Social Media Following or Email List) Masterclass here: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 💡 Want to meet up? Book a 90-minute 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me and get my eyes on your coaching business: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a sea of other coaches who seem to offer what you do — this episode is for you. Today on The Coaching Edge, I’m talking about your “special sauce” — the unique blend of experience, personality, and perspective that no one else can replicate. It’s the thing that makes your marketing feel effortless, your offers resonate deeply, and your right-fit clients say, “You’re exactly who I’ve been looking for.” I’ll walk you through: What your special sauce actually is (and what it’s not) How my own mix of experiences — from 12 years as a lawyer to my burnout recovery and practical coaching approach — shapes my special sauce as a business coach The exact questions you can ask yourself to uncover what makes you uniquely qualified to do what you do Simple ways to gather feedback from clients that will help you articulate your uniqueness How to use your special sauce to design aligned offers and create marketing that feels 100% authentic If you’re tired of trying to “differentiate” yourself with branding tricks or niche tweaks, this episode will help you clarify what already sets you apart — and how to start using it to attract the clients who are truly meant for you. Resources: 👉  Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉  Grab LOADS OF FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources👉 Follow me on Instagram for more coaching tips: https://www.instagram.com/wendymccallumcoach/ 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit  

Every coach has a story — and when you learn how to share yours intentionally, it becomes one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. In this episode, I’m breaking down how story sells — not in a slick or salesy way, but in a deeply human, connection-building way. I’ll walk you through how I’ve used different parts of my own evolving story over the years to shape my brand, connect with my audience, and design offers that truly resonate. You’ll hear about: The early days when I was coaching moms juggling work, kids, and identity How my story (and niche) naturally evolved as I entered midlife and perimenopause What happened when I quit drinking — and how that transparency attracted a whole new audience How I created programs around my own transitions, like supporting women through divorce And how the Business Building Bootcamp was born out of my story as an entrepreneur — sharing the lessons, mistakes, and tools I wish I’d had when I was starting out We’ll also talk about the ethics and timing of storytelling: why you should “share from your scars, not your wounds,” how to know what to keep private, and how a little vulnerability can go a long way toward helping people see you as a real, trustworthy human (not a perfect expert). By the end, you’ll understand how your life’s journey can evolve right alongside your business — and how to turn your experiences into stories that attract your right-fit clients and inform your next great offer. Resources: 👉  Grab LOADS OF FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉 Follow me on Instagram for more coaching tips: https://www.instagram.com/wendymccallumcoach/ 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit  

If I could only ask AI one question to help me grow my business, it would be this one. In this episode, I’m walking you through the single most powerful question I asked ChatGPT about my audience — and how the answers revealed the exact topics my ideal clients are Googling, worrying about, and looking for help with right now. I’ll share the five most-searched questions from that list, give you some insight around each, and connect you with the free and low-cost resources I’ve created to help you solve them — so you can see what an aligned, strategic offer suite looks like in real life. Then, I’ll show you how to run this same exercise in your own niche to find out what your audience is asking (and how to use it to refine your content, offers, and messaging). You’ll walk away with a replicable process you can use again and again — every time you need clarity, inspiration, or direction in your business. 💬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The one AI question every coach should ask before creating new content or offers Why “data-driven empathy” is the key to effective marketing The five most-searched questions new coaches are asking (and how to solve them) How to use AI to identify the exact language your clients use online A simple process to uncover your own audience’s top needs and build aligned offers around them 🔗 Mentioned Resources 💲 $27 Pricing Masterclass Get total clarity on your pricing once and for all. In this practical, no-fluff workshop, you’ll discover: ★ The most important business advice no one told me ★ What other coaches are charging (actual 💲 amounts) ★ Three pricing model options (pros & cons of each) ★ Two key pricing considerations nobody’s talking about ★ The real answer to “Exactly how much should I charge for coaching?” 👉 Grab the Pricing Masterclass here: https://www.wendymccallum.com/pricing-masterclass 🧭 Free Masterclass: 10 Ways to Get Coaching Clients Now (Without a Following or Email List) Stop waiting for followers before you start signing clients. This free training walks you through 10 proven, low-stress strategies that help new coaches start getting clients right away — even if you’re just starting out. 👉 Watch the free masterclass here: https://www.wendymccallum.com/how-to-get-coaching-clients ✏️ Free Discovery Call Cheat Sheet: Get Clients with Confidence Take the stress out of discovery calls with this simple, step-by-step script designed for coaches who want to book more clients — without feeling salesy. ★ Structure your call so it feels natural, not forced ★ Learn how to communicate the value of your coaching (it’s not about your hourly rate!) 👉 Download your free cheat sheet here: https://www.wendymccallum.com/discovery-call-template 🚀 Business Building Bootcamp (BBB) A year-long program designed to help new coaches build a sustainable, profitable business. Inside the BBB, you’ll learn how to: ★ Get paying clients as soon as possible ★ Make back your investment quickly and start turning a profit ★ Create clear offers and simple systems that actually work ★ Build consistent, confident momentum with weekly support 👉 [Learn more about BBB here https://www.wendymccallum.com/bbb  

Do you feel like you’re working all the time on your coaching business but still not seeing results? Or maybe you’re trying to grow your practice while balancing a 9–5, family, or other responsibilities — and it feels impossible to make progress with the hours you have? Here’s the truth: you don’t need 40+ hours a week to build a profitable coaching business. What you need is focus. In this episode of The Coaching Edge, I’m sharing my Focus Formula — a 4-step approach to growing your business in just 8 hours a week. Whether you’re a full-time coach who wants your life back, or a part-time coach who simply can’t commit full-time hours, this formula will help you work smarter, not harder. We’ll cover: The biggest myths about time and business growth. What an “8-hour coaching business” can look like for both full-time and part-time coaches. The difference between motion (busywork that feels safe) and action (the scary steps that create results). How fear keeps us stuck in motion, and why adopting a beta mindset is the antidote. My Focus Formula: Clarify, Simplify, Prioritize, and Systemize. ✅ High-value needle-mover tasks to focus on each week. 🚫 Low-value distractions to put on the Someday List. If you’ve been spinning your wheels, this episode will help you cut through the noise, reclaim your time, and finally start building momentum in your business — without burning out. 👉 Book a Clarity Compass Audit — a 90-minute strategy call where I’ll help you identify your next steps and create a plan that works with the hours you actually have: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit 👉 Or join the next BBB Open House to see how I help coaches like you grow profitable businesses without working around the clock:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources

Are you wondering if that shiny new business coaching program is actually worth the price tag? This week’s episode is Part 2 in our mini-series on coaching investments. Last week, we talked about the 3 pivotal times to invest in your business. Today, we’re tackling the next big question: How do you know if an investment is the right one for you? I’m walking you through my 4-step framework for making smart business coaching investments: How to identify the real gap you’re trying to fill (strategy, community, accountability, or skills) The spectrum of options, from free resources to masterminds — and how to know what’s right for you now How to calculate ROI (so you’re not just wishing, but making a clear plan to earn your money back) Why alignment and energy matter as much as the math Plus, I’ll share common mistakes coaches make when investing — and how to avoid them — along with some of my own lessons from the times I spent too much (or too soon). If you’re considering investing in business coaching support this year, you don’t want to miss this conversation. And if you’re a new coach looking for structure, strategy, and community in your early years, check out the Business Building Bootcamp (BBB). It’s built to help you make smart, sustainable progress and pays for itself with just a couple of clients. 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit 🎟️ Also, check out the NEXT Coaching Edge Workshop for 90-minutes of laser-focussed practical training at a very affordable price-tag: https://www.wendymccallum.com/workshop

How do you know when it’s time to invest in your coaching business—and when it’s smarter to hold off? In this week’s episode of The Coaching Edge, I’m breaking down three pivotal turning points in every coach’s business where the right kind of support can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why investing before your official launch can help you avoid wasted time and money. How to recognize the “crisis of confidence” stage—and why outside support can stop you from quitting too soon. What to do when you’re 3–5 years in, working hard, but still feeling capped and hustling for every client. My own stories of investing at each of these points (from pricey 1:1 coaching to masterminds to skill-specific programs). How to think about investment without pressure, and why the timing matters just as much as the investment itself. This is part one of a two-part mini-series. Next week, I’ll dive into how to actually evaluate if a coaching investment is worth it—so you can make smart, confident decisions about where to put your money. 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit 👉  Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources

What if you could actually take December off — without tanking your coaching business? That’s what today’s episode is all about. I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve structured my own coaching business for years now: intentionally building in slower months (like December, July, and August) without sacrificing my bottom line. The truth is, the most sustainable and profitable coaching businesses don’t have identical revenue every month — they’re designed around what the coach actually wants their life to look like. In this episode, I’ll show you: Why January is one of the best months to sell coaching (and why December usually isn’t). How to plan your business around seasons of revenue instead of chasing the same monthly number over and over. The simple November tasks that set you up to truly rest in December and still have a killer January. Why batching and automation aren’t just time-savers, they’re energy-savers — and how they’ve kept me sane through 15+ years of business. How to use December for reflection and alignment instead of frantic selling. If you’ve ever wondered how to step off the end-of-year hamster wheel without losing momentum in your business, this episode is going to give you the exact roadmap. 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit ✅  Download your free 2x Your Profit Masterclass + Workbook to set goals and create a realistic, actionable business plan for your coaching: https://www.wendymccallum.com/2xprofit

Most new coaches start by throwing everything into social media—posting, tweaking, chasing the algorithm—hoping it leads to clients. But here’s the truth: social media is fleeting. A post lives for a few hours (maybe days). A podcast episode can work for you for years. In this episode of The Coaching Edge, I’m sharing why I believe podcasting is the single most powerful top-of-funnel tool for coaches, and how it has worked for me in both my personal coaching practice (Bite-Sized Balance) and my business coaching work (The Coaching Edge). I’ll walk you through five hidden benefits of podcasting most coaches don’t think about, from the fact that you own your podcast (no algorithm stress), to the way long-form audio builds real trust, to the evergreen power of episodes that continue to convert years later. (I still sign new 1:1 clients from Bite-Sized Balance—a podcast I wrapped up over two years ago.) You’ll also get an inside look at my funnel model and how my podcast fits into it. Each episode flows naturally into my freebies, my low-ticket workshops, and then into my Business Building Bootcamp Open Houses. From there, the right-fit clients join BBB or my more premium offers. It’s a simple, low-pressure funnel that works because the podcast does the heavy lifting of building trust. And I’ll tackle the three biggest pushbacks I hear from coaches about podcasting: “Isn’t it too expensive?” (Nope—editing and hosting can be surprisingly affordable), “Doesn’t it take too much time?” (Not if you keep it simple with short episodes, and/or bi-monthly publishing, and tools like ChatGPT), and “But I don’t know anyone to interview” (You don’t need guests—your expertise and coaching tools are more than enough). Here’s the truth: podcasting isn’t as hard, expensive, or time-consuming as it looks from the outside. And the ROI is dramatically better than what you’ll get by pouring your energy into social media posts that disappear overnight. If you’ve been on the fence about starting a podcast—or if you’re wondering how to use one strategically to grow your business—this episode will give you both the inspiration and the practical steps to get started. 👉 Ready to see how a podcast could fuel your own coaching funnel?  Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb Also, be sure to grab your: 👉Before You Launch Your Coaching Business Checklist (FREE): https://www.wendymccallum.com/launch-fundamentals-checklist 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit  ✅ 10 Ways to Get Clients Now (Without an Email List or Social Media Following (FREE MASTERCLASS):  https://www.wendymccallum.com/how-to-get-coaching-clients 🎟️ Also, check out the NEXT Coaching Edge Workshop for 90-minutes of laser-focussed practical training at a very affordable price-tag: https://www.wendymccallum.com/workshop

If you’re a newer coach, it’s easy to get stuck in what I call pre-launch limbo — spending months (or years) working on things that feel productive but don’t actually get you paying clients. I call this Shiny Object Paralysis: the pull toward fun, pretty, or “safe” tasks that eat up your time, money, and energy while you avoid the real work that will actually get your business off the ground. In this episode of The Coaching Edge, I’m breaking it down into two clear lists: 10 things you actually need to launch your coaching business 10 things you don’t (even if you’ve been told otherwise) We’ll cover what’s essential to protect yourself legally, start attracting clients, and feel confident in your skills — including why knowing your scope as a coach is just as important as having a booking link or a payment processor. And we’ll bust some of the most common myths keeping new coaches stuck (hint: you don’t need a $5K logo, a massive Instagram following, or a perfectly dialed niche before you start). If you’ve been spinning your wheels, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering where to even start — this is the reality check you need to move forward with clarity and focus. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 10 practical, non-negotiable elements you really need to start a coaching business Why scope awareness is critical for your confidence and credibility How to spot the Shiny Object Drain before it drains your momentum 10 common “must-haves” you can skip (and what to do instead) Links and Resources: 🎯 Before You Launch Your Coaching Business Checklist (FREE): https://www.wendymccallum.com/launch-fundamentals-checklist ✅ 10 Ways to Get Clients Now (Without an Email List or Social Media Following (FREE MASTERCLASS):  https://www.wendymccallum.com/how-to-get-coaching-clients 💡 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 🎟️ Also, check out the NEXT Coaching Edge Workshop for 90-minutes of laser-focussed practical training at a very affordable price-tag: https://www.wendymccallum.com/workshop

If you’ve ever hit mid-December and realized you have no holiday offer, no seasonal content, and no energy left to create either… this episode is your friendly nudge to change that cycle this year. I used to leave my holiday content and offers until the last minute — and I’d spend my holidays half-present with my family, half-panicking about Canva graphics, revenue goals, and the fact that my clients hadn’t heard from me in weeks. Now, I plan my holiday campaigns in October, and I’m sharing exactly how you can do the same. You’ll learn: Why late October and early November are prime buying windows for most coaching niches (and why December is tougher for self-investment offers) How to organize your seasonal marketing so you can truly take time off 10 things to consider when creating holiday content that connects and converts 10 creative holiday-specific offers — with examples for life, business, and wellness coaches — so you can adapt them to your own niche How to leverage “giftable” coaching packages and pre-sell January programs for consistent revenue without the last-minute scramble Whether you’re a life coach, business coach, or wellness coach, you’ll walk away with a practical plan for getting your offers out early, tapping into the seasonal mindset of your audience, and protecting your time off — without sacrificing connection or income. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:  Check out the next Coaching Edge Workshop (Oct. 27th The Lead Magnet Lab) for practical trainings on profitable lead magnets, offers, and more: https://www.wendymccallum.com/workshop 👉Before You Launch Your Coaching Business Checklist (FREE): https://www.wendymccallum.com/launch-fundamentals-checklist 💡 Book a 1:1 Compass Clarity Business Audit with me: https://www.wendymccallum.com/clarity-compass-business-audit 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House:  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb

The coaching industry isn’t in freefall, but let’s be honest — the buying climate has changed. People are taking longer to make decisions. Trust is harder to earn. And clients need more reassurance than ever before before committing their time, money, and energy to solving the problem you help with. If you’ve been feeling this shift in your business, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone. The good news? Coaches who adapt now will be miles ahead in the months to come. In this “State of the Union” episode, I’m sharing: The truth about the current trust + economic “recession” in the coaching industry Why I’ve doubled my free content this year (and what it’s already done for my business) How my new low-ticket Coaching Edge Workshop Series is meeting clients exactly where they are The 3 critical marketing shifts every coach needs to make right now 10 specific, actionable ideas you can implement immediately to keep growing in this climate You’ll leave this episode with clarity on what’s happening in our industry and a concrete plan for how to keep attracting and enrolling clients — even in a slower, more skeptical market. LINKS + RESOURCES 💬 Join me for the next BBB Open House — see inside my one-year business-building program for coaches and get your questions answered live. Reserve your spot here ➜  www.wendymccallum.com/bbb 📅 The Lead Magnet Lab - a 2 Hour Workshop — Oct 27/25 at noon ET. Nail your next freebie and create a detailed plan for how to build and market it. ONLY $27 but you MUST attend live (no replay.) Grab Your Spot ➜ https://www.wendymccallum.com/workshop 👉 Before You Launch Your Coaching Business Checklist (FREE): https://www.wendymccallum.com/launch-fundamentals-checklist