Business action plan for newly qualified coaches - Part One

Business Action Plan for Newly Qualified Coaches – Part One

Author: Tanya Edgar, Leadership Coach & Mentor

Launching a coaching business after completing your qualification can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you find clients? And what should you prioritise in the first 6–12 months?

This two-part series breaks down a step-by-step action plan for new coaches. In Part One, you’ll learn how to lay strong business foundations and build momentum toward your first clients.

Step 1: Laying the Foundations

1. Find Your Coaching Niche (or “Marketing Lens”)

Many new coaches worry about choosing a niche. Think of your niche as a marketing lens: it makes you easier to find.

Ask yourself:

• Who do you want to coach? (e.g., entrepreneurs, parents, managers)
• What challenges are they facing that coaching can help with?
• Why should they choose you over another coach?

Pro Tip: Reflect on challenges you’ve personally overcome. These experiences often create a compelling niche.

2. Set Up Your Online Presence

Your online presence acts as your digital shop window. Start simple:

Quick checklist:

• A call booking system (e.g., Calendly)
• A LinkedIn or Instagram profile that clearly states you’re a coach
• A few posts that connect your story with your coaching offer and invite people to book a call

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for perfection. Launch something workable that you can refine later.

3. Define Your Coaching Offer & Pricing

Clients need clarity on what you offer. Your package should be:

• Clear: What transformation do clients experience?
• Structured: Do you offer single sessions, packages, or groups?
• Compelling: Add testimonials or expected outcomes if available.

Pro Tip: Start with a “for now” price slightly outside your comfort zone. Research other coaches’ pricing and adjust as your confidence grows.

Step 2: Building Momentum

1. Sign Your First Clients

Early clients often come from:

• Your personal network
• Referrals
• Structured discovery calls

Pro Tip: Offer a reduced rate to your first clients, but explain it’s temporary to avoid being referred at the same rate long-term.

2. Create Simple, Valuable Content

You don’t need to be an influencer to get clients. Use content to attract the right people.

Getting started:

• Share posts on topics your ideal client cares about
• Choose one platform and one content format
• Focus on consistency, not virality

Pro Tip: Clients often say, “Thank goodness you posted that—I’ve been looking for a coach like you!” Posting is an act of service.

3. Keep Improving Your Coaching Skills

Remember, you are the product. Keep refining:

• Record and review sessions (with permission)
• Join a professional coaching body (e.g., ICF, EMCC, AC)
• Invest in CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
• Work with a mentor
• Reflect on your growth areas

Pro Tip: Coaching is a lifelong learning process. Stay curious, not perfect.

Key Takeaway: Progress Over Perfection

Think of building your business as planting a seed. By clarifying your niche, setting up your online presence, defining your offer, and attracting your first clients, you’re laying the groundwork for long-term success.

In Part Two, we’ll explore how to sustain and scale your business with systems, structure, and self-care.

Read here: Business Action Plan for Newly Qualified Coaches – Part Two