Becoming a Business Coach: Change Your Life & Career in 4 Steps

Take a moment to think about this question: Do you feel stuck?

Stuck in a career that doesn’t give you life. Stuck in a rut professionally that you’re itching to break out of. Stuck in a job that pays the bills, but doesn’t fulfill your passion and purpose.

If any of these resonates with you, then becoming a business coach might be the perfect next step for you.

Business coaching is a fast growing industry, and for those who have the courage to jump out of their comfort zone, it can be quite profitable. Imagine a career where you get to use your skills and knowledge to help others achieve their goals and live their best life. That’s what business coaching is all about.

But how does one become a business coach? Where do you even start? Let’s take a look at some of the steps you’ll want to take as you begin your journey to becoming a successful business coach.

Business Coach: An individual who uses their expertise and experience to help other business owners achieve growth and success in their businesses. They provide guidance, support, and accountability to their clients, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Step 1: Defining Coach

Not all “coaches” are created equal. Sure, you’ve likely had a sports coach or a fitness coach at some point in your life. But when it comes to business coaching, the role can be a bit different than you expect.

Business coaches are seasoned professionals who provide guidance and support to entrepreneurs, executives, and other business leaders. They’ve built a “wisdom portfolio” based on their own experiences and successes, and they use this knowledge to mentor others.

But this isn’t to say that you have to be in your golden years to become a business coach. Many successful coaches are in their thirties or even younger, and they bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table.

So, what sets them apart from other types of coaches? Business coaches focus specifically on helping individuals and organisations improve their overall performance, achieve their goals, and overcome any obstacles that may be holding them back.

They use a combination of coaching techniques, such as asking thought-provoking questions, providing feedback, and offering accountability measures to help their clients reach new levels of success.

Step 2: Determine Your Niche

“Business coach” can seem a bit... vague. That’s why it’s important that you define your slice of the market. What kind of businesses do you want to work with? What specific areas do you excel in?

Some coaches may specialise in helping startups, while others may focus on leadership development or marketing strategy. It’s important to determine your niche and target audience so you can position yourself as an expert and attract clients who align with your skills and experience.

Here are some clarifying questions that can help you determine your niche:

● What industries or types of businesses do you have experience in?
● What areas of expertise have others commended you for?
● What unique skills or knowledge do you possess that can benefit businesses?

If you find yourself leaning towards a certain industry or skill set, consider honing in on that as your niche.

This will not only make it easier for you to market yourself and attract clients, but it will also allow you to deepen your knowledge and become an even better coach in that specific area.

In short, if you aren’t sure what your niche is, ask around. Your peers and past clients may have valuable insights that can help guide you. Keep in mind that you can always pivot and change your niche as you continue to grow and develop as a coach.

Step 3: Connect Your Services With The Market

Now, the fun begins. Once you’ve determined your niche, it’s time to start connecting your services with the market. This means understanding your target audience and how your coaching can benefit them.

Identifying Your Services

First, make a list of all the services you offer as a coach. This can include one-on-one coaching sessions, group workshops, online courses, or any other offerings.

Next, consider how each service aligns with your niche. For example, if your niche is career coaching for women in their 30s, then a one-on-one coaching session focused on resume building and interview skills would be a perfect fit.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Once you have identified your services and how they relate to your niche, it’s important to understand who your target audience is. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts and content to better resonate with them.

Consider factors such as age, gender, location, profession, interests, and challenges that may be relevant to your target audience. This will give you a better understanding of who you are trying to reach and how you can best serve them.

For example, if your target audience is women in their 30s who are looking for career advancement opportunities, then you may want to create content that speaks directly to their challenges, such as work-life balance and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Or if you’re looking to break into C-suite executive circles, your content may need to focus on topics such as leadership and business strategy.

Step 4: Start Building A Coaching Client Roster

You’ve determined your niche. You’ve found your ideal coaching clients. Now, it’s time to start building your client roster. But how do you find and attract clients in the first place?

There are plenty of ways you can begin to build a rost of potential business coaching clients, but some of the most effective methods include referrals, networking, and business coaching partnerships such as ActionCOACH.

When you have satisfied clients who are seeing tangible results from your coaching, they will likely be more than happy to refer you to their colleagues and connections who may also benefit from your services. And when the well seems a bit dry, you can always reach out to past clients for testimonials or ask if they know anyone who could use your coaching expertise.

How to Become A Business Coach with ActionCOACH

At ActionCOACH, we provide a proven path for aspiring coaches to build a successful and fulfilling coaching business. With over 25 years of experience and a global network of over 1,000 coaches, we offer comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a wealth of resources to set you up for success.

Comprehensive Training Curriculum

As an ActionCOACH, you'll go through our world-class training programme that covers everything from coaching fundamentals and business strategy to sales, marketing, and systems implementation. With over 3,500 exclusive strategies and tools, you'll be equipped with a robust arsenal to drive results for your clients.

Ongoing Learning and Development

Your coaching journey doesn't stop after initial training. ActionCOACH provides continuous education through advanced workshops, weekly team meetings, annual conferences, and a vast knowledge base. You'll always have access to the latest coaching methodologies, business trends, and best practices.

Proven Coaching Systems and Processes

We take the guesswork out of coaching with our refined systems and processes honed over decades of experience. From setting goals and developing action plans to measuring results, you'll follow a proven roadmap to ensure consistent success for your clients.

Global Brand Recognition and Network

Leverage the power of the world's #1 business coaching brand. As an ActionCOACH, you instantly gain credibility, trust, and a vast network of fellow coaches to collaborate with and learn from across 70 countries.

One-on-One Mentorship and Support

You'll never feel alone in your coaching journey. Each ActionCOACH is assigned a dedicated mentor who provides personalized guidance, accountability, and support to help you overcome challenges and reach your full potential.

By joining ActionCOACH, you'll gain a turnkey business opportunity backed by a respected brand, comprehensive training, and a proven system for success. Whether you're an experienced entrepreneur or new to coaching, ActionCOACH provides the tools, resources, and community to build a rewarding coaching practice and make a lasting impact on businesses worldwide.

Take the first step towards your coaching career by exploring ActionCOACH's opportunities and see how you can become a business coach today!

Get Started

FAQ

How do I become a business coach?

To become a business coach, you'll typically need relevant business experience, coach-specific training/certification, and the ability to attract clients. Many start by gaining corporate or entrepreneurial experience and then pursuing an accredited coaching certification programme to develop core coaching competencies. Choosing a niche market to specialise in can also help differentiate your services.

What are the requirements to become a business coach in the UK?

In the UK, there are no legally mandated requirements for becoming a business coach. However, professional organisations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) provide accredited training and certification paths that are widely recognised and can increase credibility. Meeting their standards helps demonstrate your coaching abilities.

How can I become a certified business coach?

Reputable certification programmes like those offered by the World Coach Institute, iPEC, or training providers like ActionCOACH provide comprehensive coaching education covering core competencies, tools, and business-building skills. You'll earn official business coach certification upon completing these programmes' training and testing requirements.

What's involved in becoming a small business coach?

Small business coaches guide entrepreneurs and small company owners on strategies to grow their operations, increase profits, develop leadership skills, and achieve their goals. In addition to general coaching abilities, specialising as a small business coach typically involves building expertise in areas like operations, finance, marketing, sales, team management, and other SMB-focused topics.

What are some good coaching courses to consider?

Check out ActionCOACH's comprehensive training curriculum for aspiring business coaches. When evaluating programs, always research accreditation, curriculum scope, flexibility options like online learning, pricing, and student experiences.

What can ActionCOACH offer me that other coaching businesses can't? Click here to find out everything you need to know about becoming an Action Coach.