10 Mistakes You Must Avoid When Starting Your Online Coaching Business
Are you thinking about starting an online coaching business, but feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin? Or are you already struggling with one you've started and wondering where the heck you're going wrong? If so, you're not alone."
I know you're passionate about helping people and you want to make a real difference in the world, just like I did when I started my coaching business. But here's the thing, babe: it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
When I first started my coaching business, I was armed with my coaching certification, a desire to help people, and a determination to make it all work. I poured my heart and soul into building my business, taking all the generic advice I was given and rolling up my sleeves to make it happen.
I registered my company, opened a business bank account, designed a logo, agonized over brand colors, built a website, and created a signature program that I thought the world needed. But when I launched it all, you know what happened? Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
I headed to social media, posted posts and waited for the clients to come flocking in, but all I heard was the sound of crickets. Six months later, and still no clients. The only thing emptier than my calendar was my bank account. So I got to work, trying to figure out where I had gone wrong.
I quickly recognized my mistake. I'd completely ignored my decades of brick-and-mortar business experience. The reason being? All that generic coaching business advice I'd bought into during my coaching certification training. I'd bought into it because online coaching was uncharted territory for me, and I felt like a lost explorer in a new world.
So I started over. I went back to the basics, trusted myself and my business-building experience, and within three months, I had paying clients.
Years after becoming a business coach for coaches, I still find myself in conversations with coaches just like you who are struggling in this early stages. More often than not, I discover that they've fallen into the same common traps and pitfalls that I did. So, I want to share with you the 10 mistakes you absolutely must avoid when starting your own online coaching business. My hope is that by learning from my mistakes, you can build a business that's sustainable, profitable, and meaningful.
I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did. I want to share with you the 10 mistakes you must avoid when starting an online coaching business, so you can build a business that's sustainable, profitable, and meaningful.
Let's dive in!
Mistake #1: Picking Pixels before People
Explanation of this mistake:
One of the most common mistakes coaches make when starting their online coaching business is picking pixels before people. What does that mean, you ask? It means that coaches tend to jump right into designing a website before figuring out who their ideal client is, because they think it's the first step in marketing themselves.
However, this is a huge mistake. Yes, your website is a marketing tool, but it's about more than just marketing yourself or showcasing your brand and services. It's about connecting with your audience, understanding their needs, desires, fears, and challenges, and making them feel seen, heard, and understood.
Consequences of this mistake:
Failing to put your ideal client first when building a website can have serious consequences for your business. Your website may look great, but if it doesn't connect with your ideal clients, it won't generate the leads and sales you need to grow your business. You'll be left with a beautiful website that nobody visits, let alone hires you from.
How to avoid this mistake:
Start with your ideal client in mind. Ask yourself who they are, what they need, and how you can help them. Then, design your website and messaging around those answers.
Remember, logos and brand colors don't convert potential clients into paying ones. Messaging does.
Instead of investing a ton of time and money into designing a website upfront, start small with a landing page or social media presence to build relationships with potential clients and get feedback. Use this valuable information to shape the design and messaging of your website, creating a powerful online presence that truly connects with your target audience.
Mistake #2: Sipping the Social Kool-Aid
Explanation of this mistake:
Are you ready for a truth bomb? Social media is not the starting point for your business. Despite what the so-called experts and everyone else may tell you, social media is just a tool. And if you think that mastering a social media platform is the answer to all your business problems, you're sipping the social Kool-Aid.
Think about it - social media is a noisy and crowded space, filled with endless distractions. Your potential clients are likely scrolling through their feeds without paying much attention to anything in particular. And if you're not creating content that's hyper-relevant to them, they're just going to tune you out.
And that's the mistake that many coaches make. They jump on the social media bandwagon without a clear idea of who their audience is and what that audience cares about in relation to their area of expertise. They end up creating generic content, like cute cat memes, inspirational quotes, or dancing reels, and become increasingly frustrated and disheartened that it doesn't magically bring in clients.
But the truth is, no amount of posting, no matter how consistent, will make up for a lack of strategy. Even if you've nailed the art of posting content that people love, if that content isn't tied to a comprehensive business strategy that includes marketing, lead generation, list building, and sales strategies, social media simply will not move the needle in your business.
Consequences of this mistake:
The consequences of sipping the social Kool-Aid can be severe. Wasted time and energy, frustration and even burnout, creating content that doesn't connect with your audience or lead to any meaningful engagement or sales.
Your social media feed will become a graveyard of well-meaning but ineffective posts that don't resonate with anyone.
Worst of all, you may begin to doubt yourself and your abilities as a coach. You may wonder why you're not getting clients like everyone else seems to be. You may start to feel like a failure, which can lead to even more self-doubt and lack of action.
How to avoid this mistake:
Start by doing the foundational work to define and understand your audience. Get clear on who your ideal client is, what they're struggling with, and how you can help them. Then, create content that speaks directly to them and their needs.
Next, develop a clear strategy for making offers to your audience.
Finally, tie your social media efforts to a comprehensive business strategy that includes marketing, lead generation, list building, and sales strategies. When you have a clear plan in place, your social media efforts will be much more effective at moving the needle in your business.
Avoid the mistake of sipping the social Kool-Aid and instead focus on building a strong foundation for your business, and the clients will follow.
Mistake #3: Dabbling In Diversity
Explanation of this mistake:
I get it. When you're just starting out, and craving clients, as many clients as possible, the idea of choosing a niche can feel counter-intuitive. It's like you're limiting yourself to a smaller pool of potential clients.
Here's the thing though: As an amazing coach, you have the skills to help virtually anyone with any problem. But as a startup business owner, you don't have the resources (time, money, or energy) to powerfully, meaningfully, or effectively market to everyone. By trying to appeal to everyone, you're actually appealing to no one. You're diluting your message, making it harder to stand out in a crowded market.
Niching is simply a marketing tool that helps you target a specific audience, understand their needs, and speak their language. It doesn't mean you can't coach anyone else, but it does mean that you're focusing your marketing efforts on a particular niche that you're passionate about and have expertise in. When you specialize, you become known for something, and people start to associate you with that particular area of coaching. This makes it easier for them to refer you to others who are looking for that specific type of coaching.
Now, you might be thinking: "But if I narrow down my niche, won't I miss out on potential clients?" The truth is, the opposite is true. When you're specific about who you serve, you'll attract more of those ideal clients who resonate with your message, trust your expertise, and are willing to pay a premium for your services. These clients will become your raving fans, spreading the word about your coaching and bringing you more referrals and opportunities.
Consequences of this mistake:
Well, for starters, you'll struggle to stand out in a crowded market. You'll be competing with every other coach out there who's trying to appeal to the same broad audience. Not only will it be challenging for you to set yourself apart from the crowd, but it'll also be equally challenging for potential clients to grasp how exactly you can provide unique solutions to their problems. You'll end up wasting precious time and resources trying to appeal to everyone while failing to make a meaningful impact on anyone
How to avoid this mistake:
The answer is simple: niche down - hard! Choose a specific audience that you're passionate about and have expertise in. It could be a certain age group, gender, industry, or problem you love solving. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to create a targeted marketing message that resonates with your ideal clients. Not convinced? Check out this post on why niching is your coaching business superpower. Read here
Remember, it's possible to build a business without niching, but it will be much harder and take much longer. Niching doesn't mean you can't work with anyone outside of your niche. It simply means you'll have a focused marketing strategy that will attract the right clients and help you build a successful coaching business faster and with more ease.
Mistake #4: Getting Lost In Translation
Explanation of this mistake:
If you've been feeling frustrated because your content is falling flat and not resonating with your target audience, you might be making the mistake of getting lost in translation.
Let's break it down. Your marketing requires content. Content is your way of communicating with potential clients. You're putting out blogs, vlogs, social media posts, and emails, all with the goal of connecting with your audience and inspiring them to take action.
However, if your communication isn't delivered in your audience's language, your content simply won't resonate with them, no matter how well-crafted it may be.
Now, you might be thinking, "but everyone in my niche speaks English!" While that may be true, not everyone in your niche uses the same English words, phrases, or jargon when talking about their challenges, needs, desires, or fears.
This is where your Ideal Client Avatar (ICA) comes in.
Your ICA is your content creation North Star. Without a clearly defined ICA, you'll find yourself spinning on the content creation hamster-wheel of death with no ROI in sight. Your ICA is a specific person, within your niche, you're speaking to with every piece of content you create. It's essential to know your ICA's language, values, pain points, and desires so that you can craft content that resonates with them.
By way of example, let's look at 3 potential ICA's of a business coach who helps coaches start their online businesses.
Example ICA 1: Sarah, a 25-year-old recent college graduate who wants to start a coaching business.
She might talk about her challenges in terms of not having enough experience or knowledge to get started. She might worry about not being taken seriously as a young coach or struggling to find clients willing to invest in her services. To resonate with Sarah, a business coach might use language emphasizing the importance of taking action, building confidence, and leveraging social media to attract clients.
Example ICA 2: Rachel, a 40-year-old former corporate employee who wants to transition into coaching.
She might talk about her challenges in terms of feeling stuck in her current job or not knowing how to translate her skills and experience into a coaching business. She might worry about the financial risks of starting her own business or the potential for failure. To resonate with Rachel, a business coach might use language emphasizing the power of taking calculated risks, identifying transferable skills, and creating a solid business plan.
Example ICA 3: Barbara, a 60-year-old retiree who wants to start a coaching business as a new career.
She might talk about her challenges in terms of feeling overwhelmed by new technology or struggling to keep up with the fast-paced online business world. She might worry about being too old to succeed in a new career or not having the energy to keep up with the demands of entrepreneurship. To resonate with Barbara, a business coach might use language that emphasizes the importance of self-care, finding a work-life balance, and utilizing technology in a way that works for her.
By understanding the unique challenges and language of these different ICAs, a coach who helps coaches start their online business can tailor their marketing and messaging to better resonate with their ideal clients and ultimately help them achieve their goals.
Consequences of this mistake:
You'll waste time, money, and energy creating content that doesn't resonate with your ideal client, and you'll struggle to connect with your audience. Your potential clients won't feel seen, heard or understood, and they'll move on to someone who speaks their language. You may attract clients who aren't a good fit for your services, and you'll struggle to stand out in a crowded market.
How to avoid this mistake:
To avoid this mistake, take the time to create a detailed ICA. Get to know your ideal client inside and out, including their language, values, and pain points. Use this information to craft content that speaks directly to them and makes them feel deeply understood by you. When you do this, you'll see a significant impact on your engagement, conversions, and bottom line.
Remember, as a startup coach, your goal is to help people transform their lives. Don't let the language barrier get in the way of your mission. Use your ICA as your guide, and watch your content soar to new heights of connection and impact.
Find out more using your ICA to attract your perfect match coaching clients here
Mistake #5: Lurking Under the Invisibility Cloak
Explanation of this mistake:
Many startup coaches fall into the trap of lurking under the invisibility cloak, hiding out in research and studying mode for months, or even years, trying to get ready to launch their online coaching business. #BeenThereDoneThatGotTheCloakToProveIt. This mistake can feel safe and productive because it gives the illusion of progress, as if you're doing something important and laying the groundwork for success.
However, the reality is that this kind of "busy" is not the kind that moves the needle in your business. It's easy to get stuck in a cycle of analysis paralysis, feeling like you need to know everything before you can take any action. But the truth is, there's little that compares with the accelerated learning that comes from the doing. Action taking is your fast-pass to feedback. Feedback is your friend.
You may think that researching and learning everything there is to know about your niche, marketing strategies, and social media algorithms will give you a leg up when it comes to launching your business. However, the reality is that it's impossible to learn everything before you start. In fact, much of the learning and growth in your business comes from trial and error, and taking action even when you don't feel 100% ready.
Lurking under the invisibility cloak can also be a form of self-sabotage, a way to avoid the discomfort and vulnerability that comes with putting yourself and your work out there. But if you want to build a successful online coaching business, you have to be willing to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.
Consequences of this mistake:
Lack of Visibility: The longer you stay hidden, the harder it will be for people to find you. Without a presence online, you're missing out on potential clients who could benefit from your services.
Missed Opportunities: By staying in research mode, you're missing out on opportunities to connect with potential clients, collaborate with other entrepreneurs, and grow your business.
Delayed Progress: Starting an online business can feel overwhelming, but progress comes from taking action, not from hiding out in research mode. By delaying your launch, you're delaying your progress and potential success.
How to avoid this mistake:
Take Imperfect Action: Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Instead of waiting until everything is perfect, take imperfect action and put yourself out there. It's better to start imperfectly than to never start at all.
Get Feedback: Feedback is essential for growth. Don't be afraid to put your work out there and ask for feedback from your ideal clients, friends, or mentors. Use their feedback to make improvements and adjustments.
Embrace Vulnerability: Putting yourself out there can feel vulnerable, but vulnerability is where growth and connection happen. Embrace vulnerability and use it to connect with your ideal clients on a deeper level.
Believe in Yourself: It's easy to get caught up in self-doubt and imposter syndrome, but you have to believe in yourself and your abilities. Remember that you have something valuable to offer and that your ideal clients are out there waiting for you to show up.
So, if you find yourself hiding out in research and learning mode for too long, it's time to take a step back and reevaluate. Ask yourself, "Am I truly moving the needle in my business with all this research and studying, or am I just avoiding taking action?"
Remember, progress is a result of taking action, not just pondering or acquiring knowledge.
Mistake #6: Peddling The Package
Explanation of this mistake:
Are you stuck in a cycle of peddling coaching packages that just aren't selling? If so, you're not alone. Many new coaches are taught that selling packages is the key to building a successful coaching business. But the truth is, it's a tough sell. Why? Because coaching isn't a solution, it's a tool. Your clients aren't searching for a coach, they're searching for a solution to their specific problem.
When you go to the dentist with a toothache, the dentist doesn't sell you a six-session dentistry package. Instead, he offers a solution to your problem, and you're willing to spend as long as it takes with him, enduring the discomfort of being in his chair, in order to get relief. When someone asks you where you're going, you don't say, "I'm going to the dentist for a one-hour session." You say, "I'm going to the dentist to get my toothache sorted out." In the same way, your coaching clients are not interested in buying a package of sessions from you. They want a solution to their problems, and they're willing to invest in it, whether it takes 1 session or 10, as long as they get the results they're after.
Your ideal clients are doing the same thing. They are not looking for a coach per se, but rather for someone who can help them solve their specific problems. They are not necessarily looking for a long-term coaching package either; they want a targeted solution that they can implement quickly and easily, and they are counting on you to know how long that will take. Offering a client the option of six, twelve, or eighteen sessions implies that they know how long it will take to get the solution they need. But when you go to the dentist, they don't ask you how long a session you want to book to remedy your toothache. You are paying them for their expertise, and you trust that if they say it will take three visits, that's what it will take. When we transfer the responsibility to the client, we become less valuable to them. High-ticket clients expect you to be the expert.
I recognize that coaches trained in pure coaching techniques may object to this because such models teach you not to be the expert. They teach you that the client brings the topic to be coached on for each session and that it's your job to help them find the answers from within. And it is true that as a trained professional coach using pure coaching methods, you can coach anyone on anything, and it can be a powerful and effective modality. However, what I'm telling you is that it's a tough sell because your ideal clients are lying awake at night thinking about how to solve a very specific problem in very specific terms. They are not thinking about what multi-tool they can hire to solve a multitude of problems.
If you can afford the additional time and considerable effort it will take to market and sell coaching packages, then by all means, go ahead. But if you want to attract high-ticket clients who are looking for a targeted solution to a specific problem, then you need to position yourself as the expert who can help them get the results they need, whether that takes one session or ten.
Furthermore, the model of selling coaching packages where the more sessions you buy, the cheaper it becomes for the client is a losing proposition for the coach. This model is built on the idea of doing more (time) for less (money), making it extremely difficult to build a business that can deliver the time and money freedom most coaches crave. If you're constantly reducing your rates and in exchange for additional coaching hours, you're not only devaluing your service, but you're likely sacrificing your own well-being and profitability.
Consequences of this mistake:
If you make the mistake of selling coaching packages rather than solutions to your client's specific problems, you'll face several consequences. Firstly, you'll struggle to attract high-ticket clients who are willing to pay for results rather than just a certain number of sessions. Secondly, you'll be forced to compete on price, which will result in lower profits and fewer resources to invest in growing your business. Additionally, the model of selling coaching packages where the more sessions you buy, the cheaper it becomes for the client is a losing proposition for the coach because it's built on the model of doing more for less and makes it extremely difficult to build a business that's going to deliver the time and money freedom you crave.
How to avoid this mistake:
Here are my top tips to help you stay on track and ensure you're offering your ideal clients the solutions they truly want:
Get clear on your ideal client's specific problems and desires. Remember, your clients aren't looking for a coach – they're looking for someone who can help them solve their specific problems. So take the time to get to know your ideal client's pain points, goals, and desires on a deep level. This will help you tailor your coaching packages to their specific needs and ensure you're offering the solutions they're actively seeking.
Win back your profitability and time freedom by creating a signature coaching program. This program will be your unique offering that speaks directly to your ideal clients' specific problems and needs. By doing so, you're able to package your expertise into a valuable solution that your clients will be willing to invest in. Moreover, having a signature program allows you to have a clear outline of what your clients can expect, what results they'll achieve, and how long it will take, so you can charge a premium price for your valuable offering. This way, you can have a steady flow of high-paying clients, while still having the time and freedom to focus on delivering your best work.
Be the expert your clients are looking for. Your clients are investing in your expertise and knowledge – so don't be afraid to step up and be the expert they're looking for. Instead of leaving the responsibility of session length and quantity up to your clients, be confident in your recommendations and pricing. Your clients are looking for someone to guide them, so don't be afraid to take on that role.
Avoid the "more for less" trap. Offering cheaper coaching packages as clients purchase more sessions is a slippery slope that often leads to burnout and financial strain for coaches. Remember, your time and expertise are valuable – and pricing your services accordingly is the key to building a sustainable business that delivers the time and money freedom you crave.
There you have it – my top tips for avoiding the mistake of selling coaching packages instead of solutions. Remember, your clients are looking for someone who can help them solve their specific problems – so be the expert they're seeking, offer tailored solutions to their pain points, and price your services accordingly.
Mistake #7: Dilly-Dallying on Your Digital Rolodex
Explanation of this mistake:
If you're a coach and you're not building your email list, you're missing out on a huge opportunity to grow your business and connect with your audience. I get it - it's tempting to wait until you have everything else in place, like your signature program, website, and irresistible offer. But let me tell you, that's a big mistake. Your email list is your most valuable asset as a coach because it allows you to communicate directly with your audience and build a relationship with them over time.
If I were to start my business over again, this is the one thing I would do differently. Why? Because it takes time. If you wait until you have all the other business-building pieces in place before you start building your email list, you won't have a prequalified audience to sell to when you're ready to launch.
Here's the thing - email marketing has an estimated ROI of 3600%, while social media generates only $2.80 for every $1 spent. [source: Agency Analytics - Feb 2023]. Plus, social media platforms can change their rules and algorithms at any time, leaving you with a limited reach or locked out of your account. But email? That's a constant. It's always there for you. It's your most personalized, reliable, direct access to connect with your audience and offer them value.
Follow the breadcrumbs: Even social media experts that sell programs teaching you to sell on social media readily admit that email marketing is responsible for a
Consequences of this mistake:
It's simple. You are categorically leaving money on the table. Additionally, building your business solely on social media is risky as the algorithms and rules are subject to change at any moment, potentially limiting your reach and access to your audience.
How to avoid this mistake:
Prioritize building your email list as soon as you clarify your niche and ideal client. (You don't want to waste your time building a list of random people) Offer a valuable lead magnet to incentivize sign-ups and regularly engage with your list through informative and helpful emails. Remember, your email list is your most valuable asset, so don't put off building it.
Mistake #8: Fizzling Out On The Funnel!
Explanation of this mistake:
Your primary objective as a coach is to create a bigger impact in the world, but your primary objective as a business owner is to make sales.
So it's a massive mistake not to intentionally created a sales funnel for your coaching business.
But what is a sales funnel anyway? It's simply the journey that a potential client takes from discovering you to becoming a paying client. It's like dating - you meet, get to know each other, and eventually commit to each other.
Now, in the online business world, the journey starts when your ideal client discovers you somewhere on the internet. Then you take them through a process of getting to know you through email marketing, social media posts, and maybe even a masterclass or two. The ultimate goal is for them to book a discovery call with you.
Here's where the mistake comes in: 99% of coaches leave this journey to chance. They forget that their primary objective as a business owner is to make sales. Instead, they spend 99% of their time tweaking their website, randomly creating content for social media, and trying out new coaching modalities. While those things are important, they forget to intentionally create a funnel that moves their ideal client along that relationship path.
Consequences of this mistake:
Here's the deal: if you don't prioritize creating a sales funnel, you'll have few to no sales. And if you have no sales, you have no business. It's that simple. No sales mean that you're essentially running an expensive and demanding hobby. And let's be real, that's not why you started your coaching business, is it?
How to avoid this mistake:
You can avoid this mistake by identifying the shortest, most direct path that your potential client can take to get on your calendar. Start by planning out the different stages of the journey and then create specific strategies and tactics for each stage.
Stage 1: Discovery - How will they find you?
Stage 2: Nurturing - What can you do to help them get to know you better?
Stage 3: Meeting - How exactly will you lead them or invite them to book that discovery call?
And remember, you don't need fancy funnel-building software to get started. Keep it super simple, track your results, and refine your funnel over time.
Don't fizzle out on the funnel, Coach. It's time to make it a top priority in your coaching business. Trust me, your sales and impact will soar once you start intentionally creating a path to sales opportunities.
Mistake #9: Snoozing on the Surveys
Explanation of this mistake:
As a passionate startup coach, it's easy to get excited about your ideas and jump straight into creating your business without properly researching your market.
When starting a new business, it's necessary to begin with a set of assumptions about what your audience wants and needs, who they are, and what gaps exist in the market. But assumptions can only get you so far, and relying on those assumptions is a dangerous mistake as you forge ahead. It's your job to test those assumptions as a matter of priority.
Here's what I know to be true: One way or another, market research will happen in your business.
The best-case scenario is that you start your business with a set of assumptions about what the market wants and needs, and you immediately set out to test those assumptions through intentional and dedicated market research. By actively implementing your discoveries, you're able to refine and improve your offerings, messaging, and marketing efforts. This is not a one-and-done deal, mind you, as market and trends shift and change. It's an ongoing process that involves actively listening to your audience and making adjustments to your business based on their feedback. By doing so, you'll be able to meet their needs and wants better than ever before, while also building strong relationships and increasing your impact in the world. This approach allows you to make informed decisions and adjust course early on, setting you up for success.
However, the worst-case scenario is quite common among startup coaches. You start with your base assumptions and spend months, or even years, operating under those assumptions without ever really knowing for sure what your audience wants and needs. You rely on guesswork and hunches instead of taking the time to do proper market research. As a result, your marketing efforts fall flat, and you struggle to make sales. It's like trying to build a house without a solid foundation. Eventually, the cracks start to show, and your business crumbles under the weight of your assumptions. In essence, you're making business decisions based on assumptions rather than facts, and that's a recipe for disaster.
Consequences of this mistake:
You could spend months or even years pouring your heart and soul into a business that doesn't resonate with your audience, leaving you feeling immensely frustrated with no sales, no impact, and an empty bank account.
How to avoid this mistake:
The good news is, it's not too late to turn things around and market research doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to help you avoid snoozing on the surveys:
Start early: Begin the process of market research as soon as possible so that you can avoid making assumptions and rely on real data.
Conduct surveys and interviews to gather more in-depth information about your target audience. A free tool like Google Forms makes creating and distributing surveys easy.
Join relevant online communities, such as Facebook groups or LinkedIn groups, where your target audience is active. This can give you valuable insights into their preferences and pain points.
Analyze your competitors and their marketing strategies. What are they doing well, and what can you do better? Where are the gaps?
Don't be afraid to pivot based on your market research. If you discover that your initial assumptions were wrong, be open to adjusting your messaging and offering to better meet the needs of your audience.
By taking the time to conduct proper market research, you'll be able to create a coaching business that truly resonates with your ideal clients, and make a bigger impact in the world. Don't snooze on the surveys - they could be the key to your business's success!
Mistake #10: Becoming the Best, but Leaving Out the Rest (of the Business Equation)
Explanation of this mistake:
Do you know what's surprising? The fact that 82% of coaches fail within their first year of business.
And do you know what's even more surprising? The reason for their failure is not a lack of coaching qualifications or tools in their toolbox. The real reason for their failure is a lack of business know-how.
You might be thinking, "But I'm a great coach, isn't that enough?" The answer is an emphatic no, it's not enough. In order to run a successful coaching business, you must also have your business bases covered.
Probably one of the most common mistakes that many coaches make is thinking that if they just become the best coach they can be, clients will naturally flock to them. But the truth is, potential clients won't even get the chance to find out how qualified you are if you don't have the business-building skills to attract them in the first place.
It's like having a fantastic product but not knowing how to market it effectively. You could have the best coaching skills in the world, but if you don't have the business education to create a sales funnel, develop a marketing strategy, and close sales, then you won't be able to turn those skills into a successful business.
Consequences of this mistake:
The consequences of this mistake can be devastating. You could spend years honing your coaching skills, only to end up burnt out and broke because you neglected the business side of the equation. But don't worry, it doesn't have to be this way.
How to avoid this mistake:
The key to avoiding this mistake is to prioritize your business education and skill-building just as much as you prioritize your coaching education. This may means taking courses or working with a business coach or mentor to develop your marketing skills, create a sales funnel, and improve your overall business acumen.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to make a bigger impact in the world through your coaching. And the only way to do that is by building a successful coaching business that allows you to reach more people and make a greater difference.
So, don't become the best and leave out the rest. Instead, strive to become a great coach and a great business owner. By doing so, you'll be setting yourself up for success and making a bigger impact than ever before.
Conclusion
If you're still with me, it means you're serious about making your online coaching business a success, and that is fantastic news.
Let's take a quick recap of the 10 mistakes you need to avoid to set yourself up for success.
Mistake #1: Being a Jack of All Trades, Master of None
Mistake #2: Skipping the Market Research
Mistake #3: Not Defining Your Niche
Mistake #4: Failing to Clearly Communicate Your Value Proposition
Mistake #5: Neglecting Your Website
Mistake #6: Undercharging for Your Services
Mistake #7: Not Investing in Your Own Personal and Professional Development
Mistake #8: Fizzling Out on the Funnel
Mistake #9: Snoozing on the Surveys
Mistake #10: Becoming the Best, But Leaving Out the Rest (of the Business Equation)
These are amongst the very first pitfalls that many online coaches fall into when starting their business, and they can ultimately lead to failure. But the good news is that you now have the insights to avoid these mistakes.
And to help you even further, I have a special content upgrade just for you. It's a comprehensive guide that dives deeper into each of these mistakes and gives you actionable steps to avoid them. 👇👇👇So don't wait, sign up now to receive it.👇👇👇
Now, I want to leave you with some final thoughts and encouragement. Starting an online coaching business is not easy, but it is worth it. You have the potential to make a significant impact on people's lives and create a life of freedom and fulfilment for yourself.
Remember, the key is to take action and keep moving forward, even when things get tough. Don't let fear hold you back, and don't give up at the first sign of difficulty. Stay focused, stay motivated, and stay true to your purpose.
So, Coach, go forth and make your dream business a reality. You have the power to create a successful online coaching business, and I can't wait to see what you achieve.
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