There are literally thousands and thousands of articles, ebooks, videos, and online programs that claim to teach you everything you need to know about starting a successful business.
A lot of this material is free, which makes it even more irresistible.
But there’s a hidden hazard you need to look out for…
If you’re a brand new coach, you could easily end up trapped in an endless cycle of learning, with nothing to show for it.
In business – as in life – knowledge without action will get you nowhere fast.
The key is to avoid “drowning” in a sea of irrelevant information.
You need to simplify your learning curve and focus only on the essential knowledge that will help you take action and get your business off the ground.
The best way to do this is to ask yourself the right self-coaching questions.
Here are 4 essential, targeted self-coaching questions that will set you on the path to start and grow a successful coaching business.
Question #1: What Do You Want to Be Known For?
This is a big picture question that will give you focus and direction from day one.
Ask yourself what you want to be known for 3, 5, 10 or even 20 years down the line.
Do you want to be known as the powerhouse life coach who helps thousands of people achieve their fullest potential?
Do you want to be known as the health coach who changes lives by teaching clients how to stick to healthy eating habits?
Do you want to be known as a business coach who helps create wealth and freedom for independent entrepreneurs by showing them how to achieve 6-figure success?
This question will help you think about what truly matters to you as a coach.
Your answer will give you clear ideas on how you can start to shape your reputation and design your future in a way that is congruent with your values, goals, and dreams.
Question #2: Who Do You Want to Serve?
You’re a coach so your answer is probably… everyone.
But this is the biggest mistake new coaches make.
It’s admirable to want to help as many people as you can but if you don’t hone in on an ideal client, your business will never take off.
Based on your area of expertise, ask yourself if you want to help mid-lifers, empty nesters, or millennials.
But don’t stop at age groups. Dive into the details.
For instance, if you’re a business coach and your answer to this question is “first-time business owners,” ask yourself if you’d like to work with people who already have jobs and are looking to transition into entrepreneurship. Maybe you’d love to work with new moms who want to start a new business so they can work from home.
Try to come up with as many details as you can so you can craft marketing and sales messages that will create a strong emotional connection with your ideal client.
It’s one of the most effective ways to create a great reputation and build a successful coaching business.
Question #3: What Resources Do You Have?
It’s easy to come up with a long list of everything you don’t have – coaching experience, funds, clients – but this is a waste of time.
Instead, look at how you can maximize every single resource you do have at your disposal.
Shift your mindset and think about the programs, products, and partnerships you have access to and that can help you grow your business.
Maybe you happen to be friends with a more successful entrepreneur who’d be happy to partner with you on a project that will get your name out there.
You might be eligible for special funds targeted at new entrepreneurs based on where you live, who you are, or what you plan to do with your business.
Focusing on the resources you already have will get you inspired and excited, and it will help you get ahead on your mission to create a successful coaching business.
Question #4: What’s Your Superpower?
You might think you don’t have a superpower yet because you’re a new coach but that’s not true. Everyone has skills they can use to enhance and amplify their work.
A great way to answer this question is to list your natural talents and abilities. Think about the compliments you receive from friends and family.
You might realize that you’re a great listener or an incredibly perceptive problem-solver. You could be gifted at the art of persuasion. Maybe motivating others comes easily to you.
Keep these skills in mind when you’re creating your coaching programs, and products so you can design offerings that will allow your superpower to shine through.
There are many benefits to doing this.
You’ll have a much easier time creating transformational results for clients, you’ll establish your expertise in your area of focus, and you’ll successfully differentiate yourself from every other coach out there.
When it comes to the fast-paced world of business, knowledge without implementation is the shortest path to failure.
So, if you’re a new coach who’s all fired up and ready to take your business to the top, avoid falling into a bottomless pit of “too much information.”
These 4 crucial self-coaching questions, will help you stay focused, targeted, and motivated, and your answers will give you the insights you need to start and grow a successful coaching business.
