How to Start a Coaching Business: 5 Things I’d Do Today If I Was Starting Over

Introduction:

Hindsight is 20/20 and here is exactly what I would do today, if I was starting a coaching business from day 1 again.

Starting a coaching business isn’t about having the perfect funnel, logo, or color palette.

It’s about bold moves, real relationships, and using your voice to build trust and authority.

And hindsight is more than 20/20, it’s fuel to help you grow faster.

But instead of just listing off tactics, I want to walk you through the most important decisions I’d make, and why they matter if you’re just getting started or trying to reboot a business that feels stuck.

Let’s me share.

1. How to Start a Coaching Business: Embrace the Power of Speaking

Public speaking is how I built my business. Not funnels. Not ads. Not endless freebies. 

When I was brand spanking new, someone invited me to speak at a local networking event. I didn’t have a business plan, a pitch, or even a polished keynote. But I showed up, served that audience, and gave huge value. At the end of the talk, people approached me to ask how they could work with me.

A light bulb went off, and that moment changed everything.

If you’re starting a coaching business today, don’t wait until you “feel ready” to get in front of a room. Speaking is the fastest way to build trust, showcase your business, and attract clients who are ready to solve the very problem you solve.

And I don’t just mean big conferences. I’m talking about:

• Virtual summits

• Local networking groups

• Guesting on podcasts

• Hosting your own webinars, trainings or workshops

Every stage (virtual or in-person) is a direct line to connection. And in today’s noisy online world, connection is the currency that converts.

So if I were starting over? I’d speak early, speak often, and use every stage as an opportunity to attract perfect fit clients.

If you’d like more ideas on stages, listen to Ep # 306. Speaking Opportunities for Coaches: 30+ Places to Speak and Share Your Message

2. How to Start a Coaching Business: Own Your Expertise

Confidence isn’t something you wait to feel, it's something you build by doing.

One of my biggest regrets is not owning my expertise sooner. I kept thinking I needed more experience, another certifications, or better testimonials. Actually, what I was doing was hiding and letting the fear of judgement hold me back and keep me in the shadows.

Here’s what I’ve learned from my 25+ years in the coaching industry:

The people who grow fastest are the ones who own what they know, before anyone gives them permission.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to know how to help someone get a result you’ve gotten for yourself or others. Trust me, that will be enough.

So if I were starting over, I’d show up like a trusted guide, not someone waiting for the permission fairy to show up and slip a Ready Certificate under my pillow.

I’d speak to audiences with my ideal clients. Share my perspective, story, and solutions. And trust that the right people would lean in.

3. How to Start a Coaching Business: Make More Offers

Don’t expect anyone to know that you’re available to be hired or work with. Stop waiting for others to ask if you take on clients.

That might have happened the first time I spoke to an audience but you have to remind people. Not once a quarter, during a launch or on Black Friday…..but regularly, and confidently.

Because if people don’t know how they can work with you…they’ll move on to find someone else who is telling them.

A lot of coaches tell me, “I don’t want to come off as salesy.” Making offers isn’t pushy, it’s being of service and sharing your gifts. Especially when they’re rooted in your unique process or framework.

When I finally was able to make my offers sound conversational, selling became natural, easy and fun. Today, clients ask me how I do this and can I teach them!

If you’re not making offers consistently, consider this your loving nudge. You can start with something simple:

• Invite people to a free call

• Share a limited-time 1:1 offer

• Drop your lead magnet and say, “Here’s how to take the next step with me.”

If I had to start from scratch today, making offers wouldn’t be an afterthought. It would be baked into my rhythm. 

And if you want some dialogue on what to actually say that will get you more leads, bookings, and opportunities, check out 17 Magical Phrases

There Are Two More Game-Changing Moves I’d Make…

I go deeper into each of these five game-changing moves, including stories, lessons learned, and practical tips you can start using today.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Be In Demand: 312. “5 Things I’d Do If I Were Starting Over”

It’s short, to the point, and packed with wisdom that’ll save you time, energy, and second-guessing.