5 Challenges You May Face When Running a Business Coaching Practice

Overcoming Common Hurdles in Business Coaching - A guide by the Managing Director of the #Number 1 Business Coaching Franchise in the UK, Julie Wagstaff.

Are you prepared for the challenges of running a business coaching practice?

Owning and running a successful business coaching firm can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, like any commercial venture, there are challenges that you need to be aware of. In this article, Julie Wagstaff, Managing Director of ActionCOACH UK, shares five common problems that business coaching practice owners often encounter and provides tips on how to overcome them.

ActionCOACH UK, a leader in the business coaching industry, is well-acquainted with these challenges. Julie Wagstaff, with her extensive track record of steering business coaches towards success, is exceptionally well-placed to offer insights into navigating these five common hurdles. ActionCOACH's wealth of global experience and its multitude of success stories lend further credibility, ensuring that the forthcoming advice is rooted in practical applications and tested strategies.

Whether you're considering a franchise or venturing independently, we're here to guide you through making informed decisions for a successful coaching career. Not only will we dissect these five challenges, but we'll also offer pragmatic solutions, helping you to forge a path towards a thriving coaching practice. 

Picture: Julie Wagstaff (left) and Laura Hill (right) filming for being nominated at the Franchisor of the Year Awards 2023

The Challenges and Solutions

#1: Dealing with High Initial Investment

The challenge: Starting a business coaching practice requires a significant initial investment. This can include the time and effort needed to acquire the necessary knowledge and create the materials required to run a profitable business. Furthermore, if you choose to invest in a business coaching license or franchise, you will also need to consider the associated costs, such as training, royalties, and staff.

The solution: Assess your financial situation and create a business plan with the master franchisor! 

Firstly, it's crucial to carefully assess your financial situation and determine if you have the resources to invest in a franchise. 

Once you have made the decision to invest, creating a business plan should be your next step -  this will help ensure the financial viability of your new business coaching practice. This plan serves as a roadmap, detailing every aspect of the business, from start-up costs to projected revenues. Working alongside the franchisor allows you to leverage their expertise and experience, as they can provide valuable insights into the costs you can expect to face, which could include:

• Franchise fees and ongoing royalties
• Training expenses for you and any initial staff
• Marketing and advertising costs for launching your practice
• Office space, equipment, and technology needs
• Insurance and legal fees
• Initial working capital to sustain the business until it becomes profitable
• The franchisor can also guide you through best practices for managing cash flow, a crucial element for early-stage survival and long-term growth. Furthermore, they can assist in setting realistic financial goals and timelines for achieving break-even and profitability.

Your business plan should also outline strategies for generating revenue quickly, perhaps by identifying early adopter clients, capitalizing on the franchisor's existing network, or leveraging proven marketing strategies that the franchisor has used successfully. This plan can also include performance benchmarks, allowing you to measure progress and make informed decisions about resources and the direction of your coaching practice.

Moreover, a robust business plan created with the franchisor's input can help in securing financing if needed, as it demonstrates to lenders or investors that your business venture has the backing and support of an established entity in the business coaching industry.

Picture: Creating a business plan together

#2: Finding and Retaining Clients

The challenge: The success of your business coaching practice depends on your ability to attract and keep clients. 

The Solution: Lock down a Marketing strategy! Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is fundamental to the success of any business coaching practice. 

This strategy should have an understanding of your target audience, including their needs and challenges and how your coaching can address these, for example…

• Target Audience: Get to know who your clients are, what they need, and how they behave to tailor your message to them.
• Unique Value Proposition: Clearly state what makes your coaching special and why clients should choose you.
• Multi-Channel Marketing: Use a mix of online and offline marketing channels that best reach your clients.
• Franchise Support: Use the marketing tools and resources provided by your franchisor to your advantage.
• Personal Branding: Build your reputation by sharing your knowledge through blogs, speaking, or social media.
• Exclusive Tools: Develop or use unique coaching tools that make your services stand out.
• Strong Relationships: Keep in close contact with clients, making them feel valued and inclined to recommend you.
• Test and Measure: Listen to what clients say about your services and adjust your strategies to improve.

Picture: Locking down a Marketing strategy

#3: Balancing Autonomy and Franchise Agreement

The Challenge: When you own a franchise, you are obligated to follow the guidelines set by the franchisor. The level of restriction can vary depending on the franchise. While this can provide support and guidance from the franchisor, it may also limit your autonomy and hinder your ability to make decisions about your business. 

The Solution: Consider how much freedom you desire as a business owner and choose a franchise that aligns with your goals and values.

When starting a franchise business, especially within the business coaching sector, you must weigh the desire for entrepreneurial independence against the benefits of a franchisor’s structured system. Therefore, the franchise you select should not only fit your financial goals but also reflect your personal values and the level of autonomy you wish to maintain. Points to consider include…

• Assess the level of independence offered by the franchise and ensure it matches your desire for autonomy.
• Confirm that the franchise's values resonate with your personal and business ethics.
• Investigate the franchise agreement for flexibility that allows for innovation within your practice.
• Look for a franchisor that provides a balance of guidance and freedom, so you can implement your vision.
• Choose a franchise that supports your financial objectives and offers a viable path to profitability.
• Ensure the franchisor's business model is compatible with your long-term business aspirations and style of coaching.

Picture: Action Coach Franchisee Rob Pickering delivering a client workshop

#4: Building and Training a Competent Team

The Challenge: If you plan to grow your business coaching practice, you will need to hire and train a team. This process can be time-consuming and costly. 

The Solution: It's essential to have a clear understanding of your staffing needs and implement a training programme to ensure that your team has the skills and knowledge necessary for success. 

To build a capable and knowledgeable team for your business coaching practice, consider the following key steps:

• Conduct a detailed analysis of your business's operational requirements to determine the exact roles and expertise needed.
• Develop a structured training programme tailored to your business coaching model to equip your team with specific competencies.
• Schedule regular training updates to keep staff informed of the latest coaching techniques and business strategies.
• Ensure a mix of on-the-job experience and formal training to foster practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
• Evaluate staff performance consistently to identify further training needs and opportunities for growth.

Picture: Building strong team relationships

#5: Staying Updated with Industry Trends

The Challenge: The business coaching industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, strategies, and tactics emerging regularly. 

The Solution: To ensure that your business coaching practice remains at the forefront of the industry, a commitment to continuous learning and development is vital. 

Keeping up to date with the latest trends and methodologies not only enhances the services you offer but also positions you as a thought leader in the business coaching community. This commitment to growth can take several forms:

• Webinars and Online Workshops - Regular participation in webinars allows you to learn from leading experts in real time and can be an efficient way to keep up-to-date with the latest coaching strategies from the convenience of your office or home.
• Reading the Latest Literature - Books and industry publications are treasure troves of knowledge. By dedicating time to read, you can gain deeper insights into new business theories and coaching techniques.
• Engaging in Training Days - Interactive training sessions provide an opportunity to practice new skills in a safe environment, receive feedback, and network with peers.
• Attending Industry Conferences - Conferences can be a significant investment but offer unparalleled access to new research, tools, and networking opportunities with other professionals.
• Peer Collaboration - Engaging with a community or forming mastermind groups with fellow coaches can be an excellent way to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and collaboratively stay ahead of industry trends.

By incorporating these activities into your professional routine, you can ensure that your firm continues to deliver high-value coaching that is informed by the most current and effective practices in the industry.

Picture: James Vincent speaking at the ActionCOACH annual conference

Julie's Final Words of Wisdom

While owning a business coaching practice can be a rewarding experience, it's important to be aware of the common challenges that come with it. Take the time to speak with individuals who have ventured into this field independently to gain insights into the rewards and costs involved. Additionally, explore the business coaching franchises available in the UK and inquire about how they can help you overcome these challenges. 

It's important to evaluate how these franchises align with your personal business philosophy, values, and the level of independence you desire. The right fit should feel like a partnership that enhances your strengths and supports your growth as a coach and entrepreneur.

Are You Ready to Launch Your Business Coaching Practice?

If your vision for the future includes guiding other businesses to reach their full potential, then taking the next step towards launching your own business coaching practice could be your calling. ActionCOACH, as a leading name in business coaching, has a wealth of experience and success to share with aspiring coaches. By connecting with ActionCOACH, you can learn more about the support and training that could be pivotal in your journey.

Are you ready to take control of your professional destiny and become a catalyst for change in the business world? If you feel a resonant 'yes,' then it may be time to seriously consider launching your business coaching practice. Click here to discover what ActionCOACH can offer and begin the exciting process of building your future in business coaching.