Launching Your Coaching Business While Crushing Your 9-to-5

Alright, aspiring coaches, listen up. You have a burning desire to build a thriving coaching business, to empower others and become the time-freedom, location-independent guru you see gracing Instagram feeds. But here’s the rub: you’re shackled to your 9-to-5, and the thought of squeezing in another eight hours of hustle makes you want to hide under your desk with a lifetime supply of Netflix.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Countless aspiring coaches get stuck in this time-wrestling match. But fear not, because here’s the truth bomb you need to hear: you can absolutely launch your coaching business without sacrificing your sanity (or your social life).

Forget about cramming more hours into your already-packed schedule. Several studies, including a 2017 one from Harvard Business School, have shown that focusing on the quality of your time is more effective than simply working longer hours. It turns out, quality time reigns supreme. Forget about cramming more hours into your already-packed schedule. We’re about optimising the precious pockets of time you do have. Think of yourself as a time-management ninja, wielding productivity tools with laser focus.

So, how do you transform your limited time into a coaching-business-building machine? Here’s your battle plan:

1. Become a Mastermind of Planning (Because Winging It is a Recipe for Disaster)

Ever heard of someone building a dream house without blueprints? Exactly. The same goes for your coaching business. Craft a clear roadmap. What niche will you conquer? What programs will you offer? Who’s your ideal client? Don’t just dream in generalities – get specific and set SMART goals. Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals, my friends.

2. Technology: Your New Best Friend (Because Who Needs More Sticky Notes?)

Let’s face it, your brain isn’t a filing cabinet. Leverage technology to organise your chaos. Project management apps, time trackers, calendar schedulers – they’re all your weapons in the war against wasted time. Utilize online tools to streamline tasks and free up your mental bandwidth for the high-impact stuff.

3. Prioritise Like a Boss (Because Not All Tasks are Created Equal)

Not all to-do list items are born with the same importance. Learn the art of ruthless prioritisation. Identify the tasks that move the needle for your coaching business – those that inch you closer to launching your program or landing your first client. Those go at the top of the list. Everything else? Delegate, outsource, or (gasp) ditch it altogether.

4. Embrace the Power of the Break (Because Burnt-Out Coaches Don’t Coach Well)

Here’s a counter-intuitive truth: taking breaks boosts productivity. Resist the urge to power through in a caffeine-fueled frenzy. Schedule short breaks throughout your day to recharge your brain. Go for a walk, do some stretches, or just stare mindlessly at a cute animal video (we won’t judge). You’ll come back to your tasks feeling refreshed and ready to conquer.

Remember: Building a coaching business takes time and dedication. But by focusing on quality time management, leveraging technology, prioritising ruthlessly, and embracing breaks, you can navigate the 9-to-5 grind while launching your coaching dreams.

Now get out there and coach the heck out of your future clients – but don’t forget to schedule a well-deserved break afterwards!

P.S. Feeling overwhelmed by the tech options? We’ve got you covered. Here is a list of time saving apps:

Planning and Task Management:

• Asana: A popular project management tool that allows you to create tasks, assign deadlines, and collaborate with others.
• Trello: A visual task management app that uses boards and cards to keep track of your progress.
• Todoist: A simple yet powerful to-do list app that helps you stay organized and focused on your goals.

Time Tracking and Productivity:

• Toggl Track: A free time tracking app that helps you understand where your time is going.
• RescueTime: Tracks how you spend your time across different websites and applications, and helps you identify areas for improvement.
• Focus Booster: Uses the Pomodoro Technique to break down work into focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between.

Calendar and Scheduling:

• Google Calendar: A free and popular calendar app that allows you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and sync across all your devices.
• Calendly: Makes it easy to schedule appointments by allowing others to choose a time slot that works for them.
• Doodle: Another scheduling app that helps you find a time that works for everyone involved in a meeting.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Slack: A communication platform that allows you to chat with colleagues, share files, and collaborate on projects.
• Zoom: A video conferencing app that allows you to connect with clients and colleagues face-to-face.
• Loom: Helps you create quick video messages to explain concepts or share updates.

If you’re ready to overcome your limiting beliefs and become a successful coach, I encourage you to attend one of our 1-Day Coaching Diplomas to start your coaching journey. For those who want more speaking support, here is the link to our speaking training. It’ll help you to develop a plan to achieve your goals and build a successful coaching business. You can also find our beginners guide to becoming a coach here.