Successful Coach Solopreneurs: Learnings Looking through the Rearview Mirror - International Coaching Federation
COVID-19 Resources for ICF Coaches

Successful Coach Solopreneurs: Learnings Looking through the Rearview Mirror

Posted by Jill Perrin, MBA, ACC | July 10, 2020 | Comments (4)

I built a solo coaching practice from scratch over the past two years. Throughout this journey, I have come to recognize that it is helpful to look in the rearview mirror to scan the road behind and remember why I needed to course correct. I use this perspective to better navigate the journey ahead by growing a successful and profitable solo coaching practice.

How can you get to your destination faster, with fewer stops and wrong turns along the way? Pay attention to principles around VIP (Venture Group, Investment Timing, Pricing Simplification).

V is for Venture Group!

Pull together a “Venture Group” of coaches who will help you expand your perspective when you look in the rearview mirror and reflect on what went well and what did not as you have grown your practice to date. But there is so much more! Over time the trust between, nurturing of and respect for each member will grow as you embark on the journey together, perhaps at different speeds or in different cars but moving forward together, nevertheless.  Your venture pals will serve as co-pilots, navigation systems, mechanics, blind spot indicators, comfort during treacherous driving conditions and driving companions.

What discussions might surface on the journey?

  • Brainstorming on a tough engagement.
  • Sharing of resources.
  • Peer coaching.
  • How to best provide unconditional support.
  • Advice giving on social media.
  • Debating pricing approaches. Teaming on engagements.
  • Training on new technologies.
  • How to best encourage one another.

You name it!

What are some guiding principles for success?

I have been in a venture group for more than two years. We have had some course corrections along the way. Here is my take on what makes for success:

  • The group size should range from four to seven people to ensure variety of inputs and quorums for meetings.
  • The meeting cadence should be paced and consistent. My group schedules 90-minute bimonthly meetings.
  • The meeting format should be standardized in a way that works with the participants. For example, the group could share updates one by one (successes, struggles, resources, action items the coach wants to be held accountable for) and also zero in on a pre-determined topic like up-skilling, multiple income streams or partnership agreements.

You can co-create the road map for the fleet of cars you are driving. Recognize tune-ups and varying driving speeds will be required over the long haul (and perhaps new passengers).  Be flexible! Be supportive!

I is for Pacing Your Investments!

Time your investments. Numerous coaches have over-invested early on in professional websites, support services, up-skilling, etc., before the scale of their businesses warranted the investment. Using the car metaphor, think through:

What kind of car is appropriate at this juncture?

Do you need a BMW, or will a KIA suffice? For example, yes, you need to have a professional looking website, but you do not need to engage a firm to develop brand identity at launch. (Some will disagree with me on this point.) Can you get by with basic and less expensive offshore resources? I’ll share my biggest over-investment faux pas. My vision for my practice was super-sized and thus I spent a good deal of money getting my business name trademarked! What drove that (poor) investment decision? Excitement?  Yes! Ego? Yes, yes, yes! I wastefully spent for BMW-level service when KIA-level would have sufficed.

How can you test drive resources?

There are many “beginner level” service offerings to trial before purchase. Use them. Ask questions like,

  • “Should I invest in a professional level CRM system in year 1?” No! When I trialed several using data on only 20 clients, I found them too onerous.
  • “Do I need to get fully certified in multiple assessments up front?” No! You can get deeply familiar with some via self-study, then decide. I often ask coaches about their calendaring and scheduling systems (i.e., test drive). While I plan on making this investment, I don’t yet have the client volume to justify the expense in the near term.

P is for Simple Pricing!

Don’t let pricing get complicated! Recall when you bought a car and what it felt like, as a customer, to be on the receiving end of myriad pricing options? You say yes to the car but then….Should you lease or buy? Do you want the fabric or leather option? This exact model and color are not available, but you can have that model and color right now and the seller will waive delivery fees. If you pre-pay for service up front, it will save you money in the long run.

What’s the parallel with coaching pricing? I speak with coaches often about pricing approaches and hear rate frameworks along the lines of:

  • Corporate versus direct private pay vs. education vs. not for profit vs. government
  • On site vs. off site vs hybrid
  • First vs. repeat engagement
  • Hourly vs. retainer
  • Basic vs. premium plan
  • Offering vs. not offering corporate clients bulk pricing

The list goes on and on!

You will be served well following the KISS principle for pricing (Keep It Simple, Stupid). My model requires a six-month retainer for a bundle of goods. Price A is for corporate pay and Price B is for private pay (fewer services). Multiple pricing approaches create bedlam tracking and implementing, confusion in the marketplace, and lost credibility if prices fluctuate.

There you go! Lessons learned from looking in the rearview mirror as I built my solo practice. What would you add to the conversation? Please place your ideas in the comment section, and I will respond!

 

 

Copyright© 2020 Unlocked Leadership® All Rights Reserved

jill perrin headshot

Jill Perrin, MBA, ACC

Jill Perrin, MBA, ACC, is a successful Executive Coach, senior level business executive, startup leader, solopreneur and writer. As a coach, she capitalizes on experience gleaned from her 30+ years as an executive with F50 companies in marketing and senior management roles (Kraft, American Express and GE), in a successful startup (Business Talent Group), and launching her solo practice (Unlocked Leadership). Jill holds a Certificate in Coaching from Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership. Her clients include senior executives and high potential managers in global for-profit, not-for-profit and government organizations.  

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts featured on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the International Coach Federation (ICF). The publication of a guest post on the ICF Blog does not equate to an ICF endorsement or guarantee of the products or services provided by the author.

Additionally, for the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was possibly generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is,” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.

Comments (4)

  1. Great insights, Jill! Hope you are staying safe and well

  2. like to train as a football Team Manager/Coach. I seek a reputable Institution in Europe

    • Empoderate.coachpersonal@gmail.com says:

      Thank you Jill for the insight. Very helpful, especially for new coaches like me that might be planning to start a career as a coach.

  3. Great tips, Jill. I particularly found your simple pricing to be helpful.

Not a member?

Sign up now to become a member and receive all of our wonderful benefits.

Learn more