What experienced coaches would do differently in year 1

As you know, I often interview coaches for my channel to provide you with different perspectives. I recently interviewed an experienced coach based in Germany and asked them what they’d do differently in year 1. Their answer was to do more networking and connecting with people.

This is not the first time I’ve heard this response. I’ve often said to coaches who want to know how to get their first client to network more. It’s key to getting your coaching practice off the ground.

As for me, I did a ton of networking in year 1 having joined 7 different organizations. So, I don’t think I would have networked more than I already did. What I would do differently is to learn how to coach. You see, I received very little coach training when I first started my coaching business. I envy coaches who get a solid education in coaching as they are starting out. I didn’t do so until I was many years into my practice.

Another answer I’ve heard is to be clear on a niche. This is something new coaches often struggle with. I often think of how clear Teri Citterman was about her niche of coaching CEOs. In fact, it was my conversation with her that inspired me to develop my specialty areas of coaching.

It can certainly be helpful to have a niche since it can make it easier for people to immediately know what you do and how they can benefit. It also supports others talking about you clearly.

Lastly, what I’ve heard is to not focus on perfection in marketing but just get it out there. Many, many years ago I was at a Constant Contact seminar in San Francisco to learn tips and tricks on email marketing. The only thing I remember from that class was the instructor saying that if you only remember one thing, it’s this. Just hit send. That’s it.

Many new coaches get all caught up in wanting their marketing to be perfect. I don’t want to put myself out there with something that’s not exactly what I want. Meanwhile, the days go by. If it’s a website, the weeks go by. Then, months go by. I recall one coach who worked on their website for a year. My first website was built overnight. It wasn’t pretty, but it was done and online.

I hope some of these thoughts from coaches imagining doing things differently in their first year help you to make whatever year this is for you better. No regrets, right? Just push forward. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.

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