That’s the big question. Whether you’re starting your coach training, are in the midst of it or you’ve completed your training, What’s next? is a big question that’s probably on your mind. What’s right in front of you? Using your new coaching skills in your current role? Adding a side gig? Or starting your new path as a credentialed coach and offering your services? Two out of three of these options are bigger than the other. Let’s talk about that.
Where to start? Personally, I’m very task-oriented, however, in the mindset of coaching the term task can be translated to everything from assignment, burden, responsibility, calling, or headache to mission. Let’s stick with tasks for the sake of ease and positivity. In the first of this series of blog posts, let’s talk first tasks. Below is a list of some (but not all) tasks to be considered when starting to promote yourself as a coach. The list is by no means complete and will also be altered to suit your needs. Some tasks will be easier than others depending on your experience and who’s in your network that you can call on (a key point to remember!).
Tasks to consider:
- Website- first or last task?
- Niche
- Tone, branding, personality
- Marketing
- Social
- Business name- first or last task?
You’ll need a website and you’ll need a business name, no question.
The task of deciding on a business name we’ll leave at the end of our series as it may be affected by tasks 1 through 5.
What do you know about websites?
What do you like about websites from other coaches or businesses?
Websites are a little like planning a dinner party, you can definitely go down a rabbit hole and get lost in the Wonderland of widgets, plug-ins, and add-ons. Hold on to your hat and get planning.
First, do a little research, and visit other pages from coaching sites to shopping sites to your local landscaping site. See what’s offered and what’s missing. View them as potential clients. Are your questions answered? Do you feel inspired to reach out? Is it easy to reach out? Is it ‘sales-y’ enough or too much?
Now that you have a list of what you want and don’t want on your site, let’s revisit what you know about websites. Is this in your wheelhouse of expertise? Is it a good use of your time? Do you have the answers to your website-related questions? Here are a few that you’ll need to know to get started.
What to know before starting your website:
- Budget- monthly and yearly.
- Ownership- this will affect who makes changes to the site.
- Ease of use- will you be making changes to the site or would you rather hire an expert?
- Website builder- which platform is best for you?
- The number of pages- this will come from your research list.
- Business name- lots to consider here. This is worth a blog post in itself!
- Branding- colors and fonts on your site. (To be discussed further in this series)
- Content- other than an About You page and your services, what else is needed?
Although it’s #4, the website builder choice will absolutely affect whether you create the site yourself or hire an expert to handle this for you. Another list to consider (in no particular order):
- Are you tech savvy? By someone’s standards other than your own.
- Have you created websites before?
- How easy is it to make changes (thinking blog posts, events, etc.).
- Will this take time away from other tasks to complete?
- Is it worth the time to do it yourself? Is hiring an expert a better use of time and money?
- Are you ready with answers to What to know before starting your website?
Lots to think about and to have answers to before starting. Don’t fall down the rabbit hole! Be focused but creative. Call your coach, talk it through and get your plan started.
Next in the series What’s Next?
Niche, who do you want to be as a coach? Who is your ideal client? Who do you NOT want as a client?
At Coaching Out Of The Box®, we are here to support you. Reach out as you continue on your path!
