Completing your coach training is a significant milestone and cause to celebrate – but what next? Setting up in business with your own coaching practice can be a daunting next step. While the exciting journey ahead is full of potential, it also requires a blend of strategy, self-promotion, and patience. Here’s some tips on how to get started.
- Get comfortable selling yourself
One of the biggest mindset shifts new coaches face is learning to sell themselves. Coaching is a deeply personal service, and promoting your own skills can feel uncomfortable at first. But remember: you’re not selling a product, you’re offering transformation. Reframe self-promotion as sharing your passion for helping others grow. Start by crafting a clear, authentic message about who you are as a coach and the values you bring to your coaching.
- Start small and stay broad
It’s tempting to dive into a niche right away—perhaps leadership coaching, career transitions, or wellbeing. While having a specialism can be a potent marketing tool later on, early in your journey it’s best to stay broad. Focus on gaining as much experience as possible with a wide range of coachees. This not only helps you build your hours and experience but will also give you an insight into what kind of coaching truly energises you.
Start small: offer discounted sessions to acquaintances in your existing extended network (though we’d advise against coaching close friends or work colleagues). These early sessions are invaluable for refining your style, building confidence, and collecting some all important testimonials.
- Leverage your network
Your existing network is one of your most powerful tools. Platforms like LinkedIn are ideal for sharing your journey, offering insights, and connecting with potential coachees. Don’t be afraid to post about your training completion, share reflections from your learning journey or coaching sessions (while maintaining confidentiality), or offer free discovery calls.
Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and professional contacts. Let them know you’re now a coach and open for business, and ask them to share the news too. Often, your first clients will come via people who already know and trust you.
- Build your hours and consider accreditation
As you begin coaching, be sure to track your hours. Accreditation from professional bodies like the Association for Coaching (AC) or the International Coaching Federation (ICF) can add credibility and structure to your practice. Each organisation has different levels of accreditation (e.g., ACC, PCC, MCC for ICF), with specific requirements for training hours, coaching experience, and mentor coaching.
Even if you’re not ready to apply for accreditation immediately, working toward it from the start ensures you’re building a solid foundation. It also signals professionalism and commitment to potential clients.
- Work with a Coaching Supervisor
Supervision is a vital part of your development as a coach. A qualified coaching supervisor provides a reflective space to explore your practice, receive feedback, and ensure you’re working ethically and effectively. They also help you process challenging sessions and protect your own well-being.
Look for a supervisor accredited by a professional body, and consider joining group supervision sessions for added peer learning and affordability. Supervision isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a professional necessity.
- Thriving as a Self-Employed Coach
Being self-employed brings freedom, but also new challenges and responsibilities. Here’s how to stay grounded:
- Stay Socially Connected
If you’re used to working within an organisation, being self-employed and working alone in a home office can feel a bit isolating if you’re not used to it. Try to join local business networks (also a good place to find clients), coaching communities or alumni groups. If there is one local to you perhaps use a shared working space once or twice a week or set up virtual or in-person co-working sessions. You could also set up regular check-ins with fellow coaches or mentors.
- Get Financially Organised
From the outset, open a separate business bank account and use a self-employed accounting tool like FreeAgent or QuickBooks to keep things organised. Start with fair rates and increase as your confidence and experience grow and remember to set aside 20–30% of income for taxes.
- Create Structure
If you’re working from home be sure to set your working hours and stick to them. Be sure to build in breaks and time for business admin. Celebrate your milestones and achievements – every step counts.
- Keep learning and evolving
Finally, remember that building a coaching practice is a journey. Stay curious, seek feedback, and continue to invest in your own development. Join coaching communities, attend workshops, read widely and of course continue learning from every session you deliver.
Starting your own coaching practice is both a challenge and a privilege. With a thoughtful approach, a willingness to grow, and a strong foundation from a training programme such as The Coach House Certificate programme, you’re well on your way to having a meaningful impact in a hugely rewarding profession.
