The Coaching Equation
Being an extraordinary coach doesn’t make you a profitable one and no matter how hard you wish, the client fairy isn’t coming to drop clients in your lap. Building, growing, and scaling a coaching business isn’t about the shiny object marketing tactic, the slick sales script, or a two hour morning routine. It’s about learning and applying tried and true business strategies that are the foundation of the most successful entrepreneurs and businesses on the planet.
The Coaching Equation
Revisiting The 5 Biggest Mistakes Coaches Make When Starting a Coaching Business
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Episode 42
This episode was too good to leave buried in the archives!
Episode Highlights
- [00:01] The Costly Learning Curve
Ryan and Brook reflect on mistakes they wish they could have avoided when launching their coaching businesses—and how you can shortcut the process to success. - [01:34] Mistake #1: Getting Ready to Get Ready
Perfectionism kills momentum. If you’re stuck in “preparing” mode—chasing certifications, tweaking your program endlessly, or waiting for the right moment—it’s time to launch. - [08:15] Don’t Build Your Program Before You Sell It
A hard truth: Many coaches spend months building a program only to realize no one buys it. Sell first, then build. Ryan and Brook explain why testing the market before you create is key. - [14:06] Mistake #2: Building Your Business Around a Tactic
One marketing trick won’t build a sustainable business. Whether it’s referrals, Facebook ads, or a trending strategy, you need a real business—not a one-trick marketing play. - [28:28] Mistake #3: Pricing Yourself into the Ground (or Out of the Market)
Underpricing leads to burnout, overpricing without proof sinks sales, and putting your rates on your website is a conversion killer. Learn how to price based on value, not just sessions. - [43:04] Mistake #4: Winging It with Sales
If you don’t have a structured sales process, you’re losing clients who should be working with you. Ryan and Brook break down why sales isn’t about “convincing”—it’s about guiding. - [50:37] Mistake #5: Thinking Like a Coach, Not a Business Owner
You’re not just a coach—you’re an entrepreneur. The fastest-growing coaching businesses don’t just focus on their craft; they master marketing, sales, systems, and leadership.