Coaches Coaching Coaches – my words of caution!

Maybe you’ve thought about working with a coach or mentor to help you get your business off the ground and finally leave your corporate job behind.

Perhaps you’re already working with clients but getting them is patchy at best and you feel like you’re in the dark in terms of knowing how to get those consistent leads flowing.

Maybe now is the time you need to invest in some guidance and support to really get your coaching practice going.

So, how do you decide who to work with?

There’s certainly no shortage of coaches out there who claim they can help you.

But, please, be really careful who you give your hard-earned cash to!

There are many "gurus" out there promising to help you find your dream clients and build your coaching business however, a staggering number of these so-called experts have never built a coaching practice themselves. And some, whilst they may have tried, gave up pretty fast. Many have never even walked a mile in your shoes, let alone successfully navigated the challenges you face.

These individuals might have built successful businesses in other fields, but they lack the specific background and experiences crucial for truly understanding and guiding coaches and consultants. Yes, they may have created a profitable business, but they haven't been where you are. They haven't experienced the unique hurdles of establishing a coaching business from scratch or trying to juggle it while still holding down a 9-5. They make very bold claims of being able to make you rich quickly, but let me tell you, I know from experience those 10k months in 30 days, or whatever they suggest will happen, most likely won’t...unless you already have a large, primed audience, tech or other virtual support and all you need is a sales message. You need a LOT more than that when you are getting things going…

Why authenticity matters in coaching

Personally, I’d prefer to work with someone who has not only successfully helped others but has also walked the path themselves. This is precisely what you get when you work with me. My programmes aren’t just another ‘course’ taught and churned out in the same format every time. Evolve – my signature 6-month coaching/mentorship programme - is comprehensive and filled with insights, lessons, and experiences from my journey – mistakes, challenges and triumphs too!

It isn't about teaching from a distance. You get me, with you, accessible (even in my group programme). It's about sharing the benefit of my hindsight - something that is hard to come by ordinarily, but incredibly valuable. You may not know this, but I still actively coach career changers and those returning to work after parental leave. I don't scream this from the rooftops as it isn't my core niche. Working with you, aspiring Coach - who desperately wants this to work and be your sole source of income - is! But I am still "in it". It keeps me grounded and ensures my methods remain relevant and effective. I am constantly refining my programme based on real-world coaching experiences, not just what I think will work.

My journey: From corporate life to coaching success

Building a business from scratch is incredibly hard. Doing it while working a 9-5 (or more!) job and juggling family responsibilities is another level HARD.

I spent 18 years in the corporate world, working in Recruitment, Talent Acquisition, and Project Management. I reached a point where I was deeply unhappy in my corporate career. As a mum of two young boys, this unhappiness began to spill into my home life. The juggle between work and family was real, and I wasn't a fun person to be around. Getting my coaching side hustle to thrive was essential if I wanted to leave my corporate job behind.

It’s no wonder the Coaches and Consultants who do reach out to me and resonate with my content the most are those who have been where I have been. They know I understand exactly how it feels.

They know I get it.

They know I’m not just talking about hypotheticals or theories or what I’ve seen others do.

I’ve been in their shoes.

I had no idea how to build a coaching business at the beginning. I knew I could coach – my clients' feedback was a testament to that. But finding a steady flow of clients and making a living from it seemed impossible. I had to figure out how to set up and price my programmes. Through a lot of hard work, I eventually built a thriving coaching business which became my sole source of income. I secured corporate clients, diversified my coaching services, and ultimately had more work than I could handle, leading to a shift in focus and delivery to avoid burnout.

Now I support female coaches and consultants to build successful businesses that they love AND earn a living from. Whether you’ve left your corporate job or are desperately planning your escape, I’m here to guide, support, and challenge you as you transition from “patchy side hustle” to thriving coaching business.

How do you find the right coach for you?

So, how DO you find the right one to help you build your business into the thriving practice it can be (and you so deserve!)? I've learned an immense amount from various courses, programmes, mentoring, podcasts, ongoing professional development and networking. My journey has taught me that, with the right guidance and support, you can achieve more than you ever imagined. So here are some key questions to keep in mind when you’re looking for that support.?

• Think about what you actually want. What is success for YOU? (someone promising you 10k a month may not even be your goal!)
• Consider what holds you back. Is it mindset? Accountability? Not being clear on what you really want? A combo of all of these things, or something else? Make sure the coach can help you in these areas.
• What are you getting for your money? Some coaches are super cheap and offer lots of downloadable content – great if you don’t really need much support, but will you actually do the work? Some charge hideous amounts and give very little!
• What are you willing to commit? Building your business and getting all the foundations in place requires time and most likely some money. Yes, you can try and do this in snatched moments without paying for support, but I know you will get there quicker (and be happier for it) if you put the time in and pay for some help!
• Are there any red flags? Do they seem genuine? Are they promising you something they can’t guarantee? Are they being too pushy? Do they have the experience you actually need to achieve your goals? Go with your gut and walk away if anything feels off!

Just remember, in a market saturated with so-called experts, finding someone who has lived and breathed the challenges of building a coaching business can make all the difference.

If you're looking to learn from a place of authenticity, to be coached and mentored by someone who has been there and done that, rather than be ‘told’ what to do and left to fend for yourself if things don't work out (or blamed you did it wrong!), then I am here to help you every step of the way. I am the coach you’re looking for.

If any of this resonates with you, book a free consultation call. I’d love to find out more about you and your coaching and how I can help you build the thriving business of your dreams.