Have you ever considered starting a side hustle as a coach?
Coaching provides an amazing opportunity to follow your passion, help others, and make some extra cash along the way.
But that’s not all!
Coaching also allows you to focus on your personal and professional growth too, honing your communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.
The best part? You get to set your own schedule and work with clients on your own terms, making it super flexible and compatible with any existing commitments (like that 9 to 5).
So in this week’s newsletter, we’re giving you a complete guide on how to start a side hustle as a coach.
We’ll dive into finding your first clients, creating irresistible pricing packages, deciding when to go full-time, delivering services locally and globally, and nailing your marketing and sales strategies.
We’re here to help you kick-start and grow your coaching side hustle successfully, so you can do what you love while making a real difference. Let’s get started!
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Trends – Most coaches make their money through one-on-one sessions, but you might be surprised to learn what else coaches offer to generate revenue!
- Strategies – How do you go about starting a coaching side hustle? Is coaching even right for you? We cover it all in this week’s strategies.
- Tool of the Week – This week we bring you a tool that will make managing your coaching side hustle a breeze!
Trends
You might assume that coaches are limited to only earning money from their coaching sessions, but that’s not true! Take a look at the data we found.
How do life coaches earn?
According to upcoach, coaching sessions are the primary form of income for most life coaches, although a staggering 93% of life coaches also offer additional services. In fact, the 93% of coaches that offer additional services only spend about 44% of their working hours coaching. Well, that’s interesting don’t you think?
Strategies
Before we dive into the strategies it’s a good idea to ask yourself whether you have the right qualities to become a successful coach. Not everyone is cut out for coaching!
So let’s start by looking at the types of people that are best suited to this particular side hustle.
Are you a natural coach?
Coaching requires a unique set of qualities and characteristics that enable individuals to excel in guiding and supporting others. Let’s find out if you possess the natural qualities that make a great coach:
- Natural Empaths and Good Listeners: If you have the amazing ability to empathize with others and really listen to their emotions, you’re off to a fantastic start as a coach!
- Passionate and Knowledgeable: Are you deeply passionate about a specific area or topic? Combine that passion with your extensive knowledge and expertise, and you’ll be a force to reckon with as a coach.
- Effective Communicators and Motivators: If you’re a pro at inspiring and motivating others, and your communication skills are top-notch (both in speaking and writing), you’re well on your way to coaching greatness!
- Patient and Supportive Mentors: Being patient, supportive, and ready to guide others through tough times and setbacks is a superpower in the coaching world.
- Continuous Learners and Personal Growth Advocates: Embracing personal growth and always seeking new knowledge and learning opportunities will not only benefit you but also make you an even better coach.
- Organized and Goal-Oriented Individuals: Can you set goals like a pro and help others create actionable plans? If you’re organized and goal-oriented, you’ll be a coaching superstar!
- Trustworthy and Confidential Professionals: Maintaining confidentiality, building trust, and always being professional and ethical are the pillars of a coach’s success.
- Flexible and Adaptable Individuals: Being flexible and adaptable to your clients’ needs is key. It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile and tailor your coaching approach to each individual.
- Positive and Supportive Individuals: Creating a positive and nurturing environment for your clients, filled with encouragement and support, will make their coaching experience truly transformative.
- Individuals with Life or Professional Experiences: Your personal and professional experiences can provide valuable insights and relatability for your clients, making you an even more effective coach.
If you find yourself nodding along and resonating with these qualities, then congratulations! You’ve got what it takes to be a coach.
Embrace your strengths, continue to develop your skills, and get ready to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Coaching greatness awaits!
Getting your first clients
Getting your first clients as a coach is an exciting and crucial step in establishing your coaching side hustle. Let’s look at some effective strategies to kickstart your client acquisition.
Begin by defining the specific group of people you want to coach. Consider their demographics, interests, and needs. By narrowing down your target audience, you can tailor your messaging and marketing efforts accordingly.
Tap into your personal and professional networks. Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances who might be interested in your coaching services or who can refer potential clients to you. Networking events and industry meetups can also be valuable for expanding your connections.
It’a a good idea to create a strong presence on social media platforms relevant to your target audience. Share valuable content, engage with potential clients, and showcase your expertise. Consider creating a dedicated coaching page or group to build a community around your coaching services.
When starting out, offering free or discounted coaching sessions can be an effective way to attract clients. This allows potential clients to experience the value you provide and build trust in your coaching abilities. It also opens doors for referrals and testimonials.
Don’t hesitate to ask satisfied clients for referrals to expand your client base. Word-of-mouth recommendations carry significant weight. Additionally, collect testimonials from clients who have benefited from your coaching. These testimonials can be shared on your website, social media platforms, or in your marketing materials to build credibility and attract new clients.
Remember, building a client base takes time and persistence. Be proactive, showcase your expertise, and provide exceptional value to your clients. With consistent effort, you’ll start attracting your first clients and building momentum for your coaching side hustle.
Creating tiered pricing packages
Creating tiered pricing packages is another smart strategy. Offer your coaching services at various levels while delivering maximum value to your clients.
Let’s use an example of a life coach named Alex to illustrate this. Alex specializes in personal development and goal achievement. He wants to create tiered pricing packages to cater to different types of clients and provide varying levels of support and benefits.
Instead of charging solely based on hours, Alex focuses on the value he brings to clients’ lives. He knows that his coaching can lead to significant personal growth, increased confidence, and the achievement of life goals, which are invaluable to his clients.
So Alex starts by breaking down his coaching services into three tiers – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier includes a specific number of coaching sessions, duration of sessions, and additional resources like personalized action plans and email support.
In the Silver tier, clients receive four one-hour coaching sessions per month and a basic action plan. The Gold tier offers six one-hour sessions, a more detailed action plan, and access to motivational resources and worksheets. The Platinum tier provides eight one-hour sessions, a comprehensive action plan, weekly check-ins, and priority email support.
Alex communicates the unique benefits of each tier to potential clients. For instance, he emphasizes that the Platinum tier provides intensive one-on-one coaching, personalized weekly check-ins, and unlimited support, making it ideal for clients seeking the highest level of commitment and attention.
After successfully coaching a client in the Silver tier, Alex offers an upsell to the Gold or Platinum tier, highlighting the additional benefits and support they can receive. He also cross-sells his motivational resources and workshops to clients in all tiers, enhancing their coaching experience.
By offering tiered pricing packages, Alex can cater to a diverse range of clients while ensuring that each one receives the level of support they need to achieve their goals. This approach not only allows Alex to maximize his earnings but also creates a more personalized and fulfilling coaching experience for his clients.
Delivering services locally, nationally, and globally
Delivering coaching services locally, nationally, and globally opens up a world of opportunities for you to reach a broader audience and make a more significant impact.
As a starting point, offer in-person coaching to clients in your local area. This allows you to establish a strong presence, network within the community, and build a solid reputation as a coach.
To extend your reach beyond your town, create an online presence through a professional website and social media channels. This enables you to attract clients from different regions and connect with individuals who resonate with your coaching style.
Embrace virtual coaching using video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype. This enables you to coach clients regardless of their geographical location, making it convenient for both parties and broadening your client base nationally and even internationally.
For clients who prefer in-person sessions but reside outside your town, consider travel options for periodic face-to-face meetings. Organizing coaching retreats or workshops can also be an excellent way to gather clients from different places for immersive coaching experiences.
Delivering services across different locations requires careful planning and organization. Ensure a seamless scheduling process, manage time zone differences, and maintain a high standard of coaching quality regardless of the delivery method.
By adopting a multi-faceted approach to coaching delivery, you can cater to diverse client preferences and expand your impact on a larger scale. Embracing technology and utilizing online platforms empower you to connect with clients worldwide, making coaching a fulfilling and accessible experience for individuals from all walks of life.
Marketing and sales tactics for coaches
Marketing is essential for you to attract clients, build credibility, and grow your coaching business. Here are some effective strategies to enhance your marketing and sales efforts:
Building a personal brand and online presence
Establishing a strong personal brand is crucial in the coaching industry. Showcase your expertise, values, and unique approach through social media, blog posts, and video content. Engaging with your audience and sharing valuable insights will help you connect with potential clients.
Developing a compelling coaching offer and value proposition
Clearly communicate the benefits clients will gain from your coaching services. Craft a compelling value proposition that highlights the specific problems you solve and the positive outcomes clients can expect by working with you.
Creating a professional website and optimizing SEO
Your website is your online storefront, so ensure it reflects professionalism and provides relevant information about your coaching services. Optimize your website for search engines so that potential clients can easily find you when searching for coaching services in your niche.
Networking at industry events and conferences
Attend industry-related events and conferences to network with peers, potential clients, and collaborators. Establishing meaningful connections can lead to referrals and opportunities to showcase your expertise.
Implementing email marketing campaigns and newsletters
Build an email list of interested prospects and clients. Regularly send out informative newsletters and valuable content that demonstrates your expertise and keeps your audience engaged. Implementing email marketing campaigns can nurture leads and convert them into paying clients.
Transitioning from side hustle to full-time coach
Transitioning from a side hustle to a full-time coach is a significant milestone that requires careful planning and consideration.
So how do you know when you’re ready to make the leap?
Take a close look at your coaching side hustle’s progress and evaluate its growth trajectory. Analyze factors like client demand, revenue, and feedback to gauge its potential for sustained growth.
Define clear financial goals for your coaching business. Consider factors such as monthly income targets, necessary expenses, and savings to ensure a smooth transition without financial stress.
Before going full-time, focus on building a stable client base. Securing recurring clients and having a steady stream of income will provide a strong foundation for your full-time coaching venture.
Assess the financial implications and risks of leaving your current job. Consider factors such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits that you may need to account for as a full-time coach.
Create a detailed transition plan that outlines the steps you’ll take to move from side hustle to full-time coach. Consider potential risks and how you’ll mitigate them, such as having savings as a safety net during the initial stages.
You can test the waters by gradually reducing your day job hours while increasing your coaching workload. This allows you to assess the feasibility of being a full-time coach before making the leap.
Remember that transitioning to full-time coaching requires dedication, patience, and adaptability. Stay focused on your goals, continually refine your coaching services, and prioritize providing value to your clients. With a well-thought-out plan and a passion for coaching, you can turn your side hustle into a thriving and fulfilling full-time career.
Final thoughts
If you’re passionate about helping others, don’t hesitate to embark on your coaching side hustle. Embrace your natural coaching qualities and use them to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Remember, your unique skills and expertise are valuable assets that can lead to a thriving coaching business.
Becoming a successful coach is a journey of continuous growth and learning. Embrace challenges, stay adaptable, and never stop improving your coaching skills. Your dedication, empathy, and determination will pave the way for a fulfilling and rewarding coaching career. Trust in yourself, take that leap, and watch your coaching side hustle flourish into a remarkable and life-changing venture. Good luck!
Tool of the Week
Dubsado is a comprehensive business management software designed to streamline and automate various aspects of running a service-based business. Originally developed for creatives and freelancers, Dubsado has become popular among coaches, consultants, and other entrepreneurs. This all-in-one platform offers a range of features to simplify client management, invoicing, contracts, scheduling, and more.
Key features of Dubsado include:
- Client Management: Dubsado allows you to keep all client information in one place, including contact details, notes, and project details.
- Invoicing and Payments: Create professional invoices, send them to clients, and accept payments online through various payment gateways.
- Contracts and Proposals: Design customizable contracts and proposals that can be easily sent to clients for electronic signature.
- Scheduling and Calendar Integration: Set up appointment scheduling and sync your Dubsado calendar with external calendars like Google Calendar.
- Automation: Automate repetitive tasks, such as sending follow-up emails or reminders, saving you time and ensuring a consistent client experience.
- Forms and Questionnaires: Create custom forms and questionnaires to gather essential information from clients efficiently.
- Lead Capture: Dubsado offers lead capture forms that can be embedded on your website to capture potential client inquiries.
- Client Portals: Clients have access to their own secure portal, where they can view their invoices, contracts, and any other relevant information.
Dubsado’s user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and automation capabilities make it a popular choice for coaches and entrepreneurs looking to streamline their business processes and provide a professional client experience. While it does have a cost associated with it, many users find the time saved and improved client management well worth the investment.