In a recent coaching class, my students asked, “If you were starting over as a new coach today, what would you do differently?” That question got me thinking about my early days as a coach and what I might change if I had the chance.
At the beginning of your coaching career, it’s tempting to take on any client who’s willing to pay. You want to gain experience, build your client base, and—let’s face it—pay your bills. But I’ve learned that this approach can lead to challenges down the road.
If I could do it all over again, I’d be more discerning. Instead of saying yes to anyone who asked, I’d only coach those who were truly ready for coaching and were a good fit for my style.
Let’s break this down:
Find your niche
Early on, you might want to coach different people just to get a feel for who you work best with. But once you figure that out, it’s important to focus on those clients. Coaching people outside your area of expertise or comfort zone can be challenging—for both you and the client—and often less effective.
Coach those who are ready to be coached
Not everyone who thinks they need coaching is actually ready for it. In my initial consultations, I’d spend more time exploring whether coaching is really what’s called for and if the potential client is prepared for the process. When someone is eager and ready to be coached, the conversation flows because they’re invested in it. On the other hand, coaching someone who isn’t ready can feel like pulling teeth.
Protect your energy
It’s normal to have difficult sessions sometimes, but if you find yourself consistently struggling with certain clients, it can drain your energy and enthusiasm. This impacts your ability to show up fully for the clients who are engaged and ready to do the work. If you ever find yourself hoping a client doesn’t show up, that’s a clear sign they might not be the right fit for you.
Give yourself a financial buffer
Being selective about clients might seem counterintuitive when you’re just starting out. That’s why it’s important to build an emergency fund with enough reserves to cover lean months. This financial cushion gives you the freedom to say no to clients who aren’t a good fit without worrying about paying your bills.
Focus on sustainability
In the long run, working with clients who align with your style will lead to better results—for both them and you. It also enhances your reputation and attracts more of your ideal clients.
Years ago, my mentor coach told me not to let everyone hire me. At the time, I thought, “Yeah, right. Who’s going to do that?” But when I finally tried it, I realized being more selective actually led to greater success and satisfaction.
It’s not just about filling your client roster; it’s about creating meaningful coaching relationships that benefit both you and your clients. By being discerning from the start, you’ll build a practice that aligns with your strengths and values as a coach—and with that, everyone wins.
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