But what’s missing?
Let’s begin with misconceptions. That is, you have observed others who you look up to for their expertise and reputation. They embody your image of what success looks like. In actuality, some of the things you are contributing to their success are myths or at best, assumptions.
Misconceptions of what it takes to launch a successful coaching practice
It’s common to look at results and trick ourselves into thinking they are necessary to start. Like having a massive following but “friends” are the result of hard work. In reality, it takes time and strategy to build the following that will resonate with your unique coaching practice. It can also be cart before the horse to invest in a fancy website before you have done the work of creating a funnel and marketing plan that will help people find it.
Another misconception is you need to be like that successful guy over there. You know the one, he’s got charisma, presence, maybe even a great accent. The truth is that there are already enough of that guy. There isn’t enough you in the market though. Finding your voice and representing it authentically is far more effective.
7 Essentials to Build a Successful Christian Coaching Practice
But there are a few things you need to have in place before you launch your practice.
1. A compelling “Why?”
What is the purpose and passion that is driving you to do this work? It’s important to get that answered as concisely as possible. It can be as simple as, “I coach to see ______________ because ___________________________.” This becomes your mission statement. Then protect your mission with core values.
2. A prospect list
Make a list of people you know, or know of, who you’d like to help. Then think through why they made the list. What do they have in common? How are you uniquely equipped to help? This is the beginning of defining your ideal client.
3. A budget
It’s all about the numbers. A budget helps you count the cost and unpacks the kind of effort you will need to put into your business. Before you start your coaching business, list every possible expense that may be associated with it. Do the work to fill in solid estimates for each. Then think through how many clients you need at what rate to break even. If coaching is supplementing your income or you are working toward making it your full time job, add the income you need to your expenses and run the numbers again.
Maybe you are retired comfortably and coaching is a way of giving back. Great, you still need to decide how much time and money you have to give to coaching.
4. A plan to generate clients
There’s no way around it, you have to market your practice in some way. Unless you have the budget to hire a marketing firm, it’s likely going to be a lot of networking.
Like practicing your testimony after becoming a Christian, work out at least three different ways to explain what you do. Consider your “why” and how that meets your potential clients needs. Have a one sentence answer, a one minute answer, and a 5 minute explanation prepared.
Now think through where you can meet people that are like the list you made above. Make a list. Go there. Make friends. Share your vision.
5. A relentless work ethic
By now, it should be clear that building your coaching practice is going to take significant time and effort. Are you ready for it? How will you organize your time to make sure your coaching practice and all of your priorities and commitments receive the attention they need and deserve? In what ways will you build in space to recharge?
If you don’t already have a coach mentor, now is a good time to get one (if it’s not already an expense in your budget, add it and rerun the numbers). A coach mentor is a wealth of resources to help you coach—and live—with excellence.
6. Credibility
It should go without saying that it is important for people to know you are qualified to help them. But this goes beyond letters behind your name or an excellent LinkedIn profile. Consider this a gut check. If you have relationships that need to be repaired, do it now. Your reputation is everything.
7. Integrity
You can build credibility, but even then it will be about what you have already done. Integrity is about now and the future. It’s about keeping your clients in prayer, acting on your convictions, keeping confidentialities, ongoing growth in your coaching skills, and following through. Your coaching practice will die out quickly if you fail to strive for excellence personally and in the principles and practice of coaching.
Count the cost
If you are seriously considering the possibility of launching a new coaching practice then I would suggest that you take a day to retreat in a quiet place and reflect on the following questions. Do not rush this exercise. Approach it as a spiritual practice and engage with Jesus. Listen for His still, quiet voice through the Holy Spirit. And with pen in hand capture the insights He brings to your attention.
Reflect on the following questions to move your coaching practice vision to reality:
- What is my “Why” for launching a coaching practice?
- How much do I need and want to earn?
- How hard do I want to work at this stage of my life?
- Who can I talk to for their input on launching a coaching practice?
- What is my unique niche in coaching?
- Who are “my people” that I can uniquely coach? Brainstorm a list of 100 names.
- What are the next steps for me to launch a successful coaching practice?
Goals & Objectives Skill Builder – Explore the process involved in setting overall strategy or targets to be achieved and then focus on the specific steps needed to set meaningful objectives and work towards your goals.
Goal Setting Storyboard – Storyboards provide a visual “line of sight” through the goal setting process.
Goal Setting Effectiveness Profile – Profiles seek to measure goal setting effectiveness in seven separate categories.
Coach Mentor – Seek a person who has been there and done it. I did this many years ago and probably saved me 10 years of hard discouraging work. And I did not quit!
Christian Coaching Essentials – Shameless plug on the best resource for Christian coaching. Read, digest and put into practice this comprehensive coaching process that is firmly established in Jesus Christ.
Cover Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio