getting started 1

Jamee hit core issues asking firstly who we would be as a coach; who we'd relate to in our practice. In essence we were constructing an initial outline practice design.

I believe who I am derives from my life's experiences: Having worked in marketing, I reinvented myself as a business high school teacher. Now, I am again looking to develop myself both professionally and personally. My Christian faith, over recent years, has also had a significant impact in terms of who I am and moreover I discovered that not all christians are happy! Consequently I have 3 core coach areas:

1. Marketing / Business (growing sales)
2. Christian (pathway to happiness)
3. Men (reinvention)

Marketing / business is my major focus, to be supplemented hopefully by the christian and men options.

We also looked ahead 1 or 2 years and considered how we'd see ourselves at that point. This was to be in specific terms. The more specific we are the more our plans are rooted in reality. It was interesting to hear from a number of colleagues and one who had been a Pastor for 20 years who touched upon the need to move christians on from counselling to coaching.

At this very early stage of my coaching journey, I am expecting my business to operate as follows in 1 or 2 years:

1. 20 clients at any given time
2. schedule clients once a week for 3 out of 4 weeks
3. charge a minimum of $300's for the month - given my business niche I'd hope to be at $400 per month in 2 years
4. Promote by word-of-mouth; direct mail; radio 'live interview'; seminars and and workshops; newspapers to direct clients to my website. In 2 years, I'd expect on-line promotion to also be part of the marketing mix.
5. Face to face, on-line and telephone platforms.

It was clear that there was a whole range of experiences amongst the class and some would be capable of starting their coaching journey almost immediately. The key to a commencement date for external clients comes down to the when the individual coach feels ready. But, I believe there will come a time when 'stepping up to the plate' just needs to happen. Confidence also comes from your expertise / passion in any given area.

3 goals in the next 6 months

1. Completed business plan
2. Completed promotional material including: (i) a mail pack for prospects and a welcome pack for new clients (ii) a website
3. Coached 5 coachees as per course and have secured 5 more to continue my practice

I would aim to complete the ICA Program by Jan 31 2009.

3 month mile stone:

1. Have established a website partner and the website is on the way
2. 50 teleclasses by easter and another 15 during 2 week easter break; completed the foundation coach and advanced coach 1 programs
3. Completed Coaching model assessment and developing the power tool assessment

3 biggest fears

1. My plans not being implemented with poor operational day-to-day management to make things happen
2. I discover that I am not suitable for coaching
3. Nobody takes me seriously when I offer to coach them; prospects don't show up.

3 objectives in building a successful business

1. To make the coachee the centre of everything we do - customer orientation
2. To maintain a practice that is respectful but fun to coach in with a contemporary feel that delivers excellent service that differentiates me from other coaches
3. Integrating the 4 functions of my business effectively, and in particular, having suitable financial systems and innovative and impactful promotion.

My Doubt Loop

• The coachees do not transpire as they do value what I have to offer

My solution is to gain confidence in practising as much as possible with friends, family, peers etc and therefore begin to establish a value in what I can offer.

Reduction of rates

1. Negotiate: Ask the client what they would like to pay and, if reasonable, start with this rate for the first month
2. 'Volume' or 'Early payment' discount
3. Pay related to results; on a scale