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for individuals, teams & organisations.

Thoughts to Inspire

Starting Your Coaching Business: What I Wish I Knew at the Beginning

Starting Your Coaching Business: What I Wish I Knew at the Beginning

September 18, 20252 min read

When I first made the leap into coaching, I had a mix of conviction, curiosity, and if I’m honest, a fair dose of fear.

Coaching felt like a natural fit—helping people grow, stretch their thinking, and lead themselves and others more effectively. But building a coaching business? That was an entirely different journey.

Whether you're just starting out or thinking about taking the leap, I want to share a few reflections that might help illuminate your path.

1. Coaching Is a Calling, but Business Is a Skill

Many of us get into coaching because we’re passionate about helping people. That’s a beautiful place to start, but passion alone doesn’t build a sustainable business.

You need to learn how to market, sell, price your services, define your niche, and deliver results consistently. Coaching mastery and business acumen go hand in hand. Treat your business building with as much intention as your coach training.

2. Clarity Beats Complexity

When I started, I tried to be everything to everyone. I thought casting a wide net would attract more clients. What I learned is this: people are looking for a coach who understands their specific challenge.

Get clear on who you serve and what problem you help them solve. Clarity breeds confidence—both yours and theirs.

3. Your Network is Your First Market

Your first clients will likely come from people who already know, like, and trust you. Don't underestimate the power of reconnecting with old colleagues, friends, and peers. Let them know what you’re doing and how you can help.

You’re not selling. You’re offering a solution, and often, a lifeline.

4. Charge for the Value, Not the Time

Early on, I struggled with pricing. I undervalued the transformation coaching can bring and priced it based on hours, not outcomes. It took me time (and coaching!) to realise that people are paying for clarity, confidence, and momentum, not just a conversation.

Own the value of your work. Price accordingly.

5. You Don't Need to Have it All Figured Out

You’ll never feel "ready" to launch. There’s always another credential, another course, another piece of content to create.

Start anyway. You’ll learn by doing. Build as you go. Each conversation, each client, each mistake—it’s all part of your growth, both as a coach and a business owner.

My Advice? Get a Coach

One of the smartest things I did early on was hire a coach. Someone to challenge me, guide me, and keep me accountable to my goals. Coaches need coaches, too.

If you're starting your coaching business, remember: you're not alone. You’re stepping into a profession that changes lives, including your own.

Keep going. You’re building something powerful.

Andy Hall Coaching helps coaches and leaders move from good to great. If you're ready to build your confidence, strengthen your coaching craft, and grow your impact, keep an eye out—our next “Get Great Coaching” cohort opens this September.

Let’s grow together.

I am the founder and Director of Andy Hall Coaching (AHC) specialising in coaching and leadership development for individuals, teams and organisations.

I have an excellent track record of leadership in the business sector, having spent over 17 years as a senior leader both in the UK and the USA. I achieved results by developing and leading teams of highly motivated individuals using coaching, empowerment, challenge and a strong personal growth ethic. Having identified coaching as a key area of success in my leadership roles, I formally qualified as a coach with the ICF in 2003.

I am passionate about sharing these learnings with others through my role as an Executive Business Coach and Leadership Consultant. I provide an understanding of complex organisations, true leadership and commercial knowledge alongside one to one and team coaching to provide a key intervention for rapid, successful and lasting transformation.

I have been coaching leaders across the globe since 2003 and I also deliver coaching and training as an Associate for some of the best consultancies in the UK and internationally.

Andy Hall

I am the founder and Director of Andy Hall Coaching (AHC) specialising in coaching and leadership development for individuals, teams and organisations. I have an excellent track record of leadership in the business sector, having spent over 17 years as a senior leader both in the UK and the USA. I achieved results by developing and leading teams of highly motivated individuals using coaching, empowerment, challenge and a strong personal growth ethic. Having identified coaching as a key area of success in my leadership roles, I formally qualified as a coach with the ICF in 2003. I am passionate about sharing these learnings with others through my role as an Executive Business Coach and Leadership Consultant. I provide an understanding of complex organisations, true leadership and commercial knowledge alongside one to one and team coaching to provide a key intervention for rapid, successful and lasting transformation. I have been coaching leaders across the globe since 2003 and I also deliver coaching and training as an Associate for some of the best consultancies in the UK and internationally.

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Starting Your Coaching Business: What I Wish I Knew at the Beginning

Starting Your Coaching Business: What I Wish I Knew at the Beginning

September 18, 20252 min read

When I first made the leap into coaching, I had a mix of conviction, curiosity, and if I’m honest, a fair dose of fear.

Coaching felt like a natural fit—helping people grow, stretch their thinking, and lead themselves and others more effectively. But building a coaching business? That was an entirely different journey.

Whether you're just starting out or thinking about taking the leap, I want to share a few reflections that might help illuminate your path.

1. Coaching Is a Calling, but Business Is a Skill

Many of us get into coaching because we’re passionate about helping people. That’s a beautiful place to start, but passion alone doesn’t build a sustainable business.

You need to learn how to market, sell, price your services, define your niche, and deliver results consistently. Coaching mastery and business acumen go hand in hand. Treat your business building with as much intention as your coach training.

2. Clarity Beats Complexity

When I started, I tried to be everything to everyone. I thought casting a wide net would attract more clients. What I learned is this: people are looking for a coach who understands their specific challenge.

Get clear on who you serve and what problem you help them solve. Clarity breeds confidence—both yours and theirs.

3. Your Network is Your First Market

Your first clients will likely come from people who already know, like, and trust you. Don't underestimate the power of reconnecting with old colleagues, friends, and peers. Let them know what you’re doing and how you can help.

You’re not selling. You’re offering a solution, and often, a lifeline.

4. Charge for the Value, Not the Time

Early on, I struggled with pricing. I undervalued the transformation coaching can bring and priced it based on hours, not outcomes. It took me time (and coaching!) to realise that people are paying for clarity, confidence, and momentum, not just a conversation.

Own the value of your work. Price accordingly.

5. You Don't Need to Have it All Figured Out

You’ll never feel "ready" to launch. There’s always another credential, another course, another piece of content to create.

Start anyway. You’ll learn by doing. Build as you go. Each conversation, each client, each mistake—it’s all part of your growth, both as a coach and a business owner.

My Advice? Get a Coach

One of the smartest things I did early on was hire a coach. Someone to challenge me, guide me, and keep me accountable to my goals. Coaches need coaches, too.

If you're starting your coaching business, remember: you're not alone. You’re stepping into a profession that changes lives, including your own.

Keep going. You’re building something powerful.

Andy Hall Coaching helps coaches and leaders move from good to great. If you're ready to build your confidence, strengthen your coaching craft, and grow your impact, keep an eye out—our next “Get Great Coaching” cohort opens this September.

Let’s grow together.

I am the founder and Director of Andy Hall Coaching (AHC) specialising in coaching and leadership development for individuals, teams and organisations.

I have an excellent track record of leadership in the business sector, having spent over 17 years as a senior leader both in the UK and the USA. I achieved results by developing and leading teams of highly motivated individuals using coaching, empowerment, challenge and a strong personal growth ethic. Having identified coaching as a key area of success in my leadership roles, I formally qualified as a coach with the ICF in 2003.

I am passionate about sharing these learnings with others through my role as an Executive Business Coach and Leadership Consultant. I provide an understanding of complex organisations, true leadership and commercial knowledge alongside one to one and team coaching to provide a key intervention for rapid, successful and lasting transformation.

I have been coaching leaders across the globe since 2003 and I also deliver coaching and training as an Associate for some of the best consultancies in the UK and internationally.

Andy Hall

I am the founder and Director of Andy Hall Coaching (AHC) specialising in coaching and leadership development for individuals, teams and organisations. I have an excellent track record of leadership in the business sector, having spent over 17 years as a senior leader both in the UK and the USA. I achieved results by developing and leading teams of highly motivated individuals using coaching, empowerment, challenge and a strong personal growth ethic. Having identified coaching as a key area of success in my leadership roles, I formally qualified as a coach with the ICF in 2003. I am passionate about sharing these learnings with others through my role as an Executive Business Coach and Leadership Consultant. I provide an understanding of complex organisations, true leadership and commercial knowledge alongside one to one and team coaching to provide a key intervention for rapid, successful and lasting transformation. I have been coaching leaders across the globe since 2003 and I also deliver coaching and training as an Associate for some of the best consultancies in the UK and internationally.

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FAQS

How does life coaching differ from therapy?

While both life coaching and therapy aim to support personal growth, they have distinct approaches. Therapy typically focuses on addressing past traumas, emotional healing, and diagnosing mental health conditions. On the other hand, life coaching is forward-focused, centered around setting and achieving goals, enhancing performance, and unlocking potential. If you're seeking to overcome specific challenges from your past, therapy might be more suitable. If you're looking to create a roadmap for personal or professional success, life coaching could be the right fit.

How often are coaching sessions conducted?

Coaching sessions frequency can vary based on your needs and preferences. Typically, we recommend starting with weekly sessions to establish momentum and make consistent progress. As you gain confidence and traction towards your goals, sessions might transition to bi-weekly or monthly. The flexibility of our approach ensures that the coaching frequency adapts to your evolving requirements, ensuring optimal support and accountability.

What if I'm unsure about my goals and direction?

It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your goals and direction. Our coaching process begins with an initial assessment where we'll work together to clarify your aspirations, values, and priorities. Through insightful questioning and exploration, we'll collaboratively uncover your passions and potential areas for growth. If you're not entirely sure about your goals, our coaching can help you gain clarity and chart a course that aligns with your authentic self. Remember, the journey towards clarity is an integral part of the coaching process itself.

© Copyright 2024

All rights reserved

Andy Hall Coaching on FaceBook
Andy Hall Coaching on Instagram
Andy Hall Coaching on Twitter X
Andy Hall Coaching on LinkedIn
Andy Hall Coaching on You Tube