The Top 10 Steps to Start Your Coaching Practice

Originally Submitted on 6/5/2001.

There is so much information for new coaches -- where to start? Here's a list of ten things to work on from your first day as a coach!

1. Decide you are a coach.

Expect a lot more out of your life starting now! Start discovering what you *really* want and know that you are perfect the way that you are now. Be a model for others.

2. Get a mentor coach.

Experience the *magic* of an ongoing coaching relationship. Be willing to evolve and get to know yourself better than you ever have. The more you are aware of your values the faster you will attract clients that you are inspired to work with!

3. Develop and use a sound bite or elevator speech.

3. Develop and use a sound bite or elevator speech. I'm a business coach, and when people ask me what I do, I say: "I work with people who want to start or grow businesses and have more joy in their lives." A sound bite or elevator speech is what you say when people ask you what you do. (Hint: After you tell them, ask them a question!)

4. Meet lots of people.

Create opportunities to attend events that you are interested in. (And practice your sound bite!) Volunteer in your community, join networking groups, become a public speaker, etc.... Do more of what you really enjoy and meet people all along the way. Discover the types of people you want to work with.

5. Start coaching.

Ask people to let you coach them for a month, even for free. You will see immediate benefits and results for your clients. Deliver more than what is expected in service, communication and referrals to clients. Develop a resource and referral list to assist clients.

6. Get trained to be a coach.

Training supports you as you grow your business and fills your toolbox with techniques to help your clients move quickly to the lives they really want. See what other coaches are doing to get and keep great clients. Gain the confidence you need!

7. Meet other coaches.

Great coaches are involved in the coaching community and are excellent sources of referrals, friendship and mutual support! www.coachfederation.org is the International Coach Federation, our professional association. Join a Coach U chapter and attend coaching conferences.

8. Practice getting clients.

Define the process you use to interview potential clients. What will you send them first? Develop materials and programs for prospective and new clients.

9. Act like a business.

Ask people to pay you. (People who have a coach of their own seem to find this step a lot easier than people who don't have a coach.) Keep track of the money you make and spend on your business. Learn how to keep records and how to pay your taxes properly.

10. Establish a customer database.

Develop a way to stay in touch with everyone that you like. Create a newsletter or e-zine. Share your client successes. Give away tons of information. Offer to help people create a life they love.

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