The #1 Skill Coaches Must Master (That Has Nothing to Do with Coaching)
For many coaches, associate work has provided a fulfilling, professionally credible career. It’s allowed us to focus on coaching without worrying about client acquisition, and many of us have built up a wealth of experience across different industries and challenges.
I know from the coaches I speak to that when they look ahead, a question keeps niggling. What would it look like to build my own private client portfolio? That question keeps niggling because coaches are starting to realise what’s possible.
- Independent coaches earn significantly higher fees.
- They get to work with clients they choose, rather than those who choose them.
The coaches I have spoken with know they have the expertise to do this but don’t know where to start. And so they wait – but they’re not entirely sure what for.
The Marketing Industry Feels… Off
I know from the many coaches I talk to (and the bitter experience of some of them) that when we look around to see where we might learn about client acquisition, we see:
- Gurus promising six-figure incomes overnight.
- Tactics that feel pushy, manipulative, or gimmicky.
- Conflicting advice that makes marketing seem overwhelming.
As coaches value professional credibility above all else, none of it feels right. This is why so many experienced coaches stay in the associate model. Not because they don’t want private clients but because they refuse to engage in marketing that feels unethical or misaligned with their values.
Marketing Can Be Ethical, Professional, and Comfortable
The problem isn’t marketing itself. The problem is the way marketing is often taught. When done properly are concerned;, marketing is simply clarity and excellent communication – helping potential clients understand what you do and realise that you can help them.
It doesn’t require:
- Being the loudest voice on social media.
- Posting endlessly with no strategy.
- Creating “pain points” to manipulate people into buying.
Instead, ethical marketing involves clearly articulating the value of what you do to those who will benefit the most. Helping potential clients make informed decisions, not tricking them into buying and putting yourself in the right places so clients come to you.
And the best part? You don’t need to spend years figuring this out.
How to Build a Private Client Base Without Compromising Your Values
If you’re ready to take the first step towards working with private clients—but don’t want to waste time or get caught up in marketing hype—this is exactly what we cover in the Immersive Programme.
In just three focused days, we:
- Clarify your positioning and help you choose the perfect target audience.
- Build your marketing toolkit, so you can attract private clients ethically.
- Develop a 90-day action plan, so you know exactly what to do next.
And after that, you get 12 months of ongoing support to ensure you actually implement what you’ve learned.
Immersive – From The Coaching Revolution
This programme will run from 3-5 June in a central London venue, not far from Charing Cross. I will be delivering it, supported by a team of mentors.
We have a maximum group size of 15, so everyone gets individual support and attention.
It doesn’t matter where you are as far as things like technology is concerned, we’ll teach you what you need to know.
If you’re ready to explore finding private client work in a way that feels aligned with your values, let’s talk.