8 Insights From My Experience So Far

Embarking on the coaching path was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, but that doesn’t mean it was an easy decision in the first place nor an easy journey to get to the point I’m at now.

Recently, I had the chance to dive into this topic on The Coaching Hub Podcast with Ruth Kudzi, where I shared some of the hard-earned truths and insights I’ve gained whilst building a coaching business.

I wanted to expand on the conversation we had and share a few more insights – all with the intention of helping you on yours. Whether you’re transitioning from a corporate role or stepping into the world of coaching for the first time, there’s the opportunity of incredible rewards and inevitable challenges.

From making that initial leap into the unknown to developing the resilience needed for lasting success, here are the insights I believe every coach—new or established—can benefit from as they build a thriving coaching business.

#1 Define Success on Your Terms

Right from the start, I was clear about what I wanted the venture to be. My coaching practice wasn’t just a passion project (even though it was a passion); it was a business, a commercial venture and needed to replace my previous salary (and hopefully more!).

I wanted to create something that was financially viable AND that filled me with joy—a business that I would genuinely look forward to working on each Monday morning. For me, success meant building a business that aligned with my personal and professional values.

If you’re new to coaching, I can’t stress enough how essential this clarity is. Ask yourself what success truly looks like for you. Whether it’s financial security, freedom, flexibility, or the ability to make a meaningful impact, defining your vision of success is vital.

Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula—it’s a unique blend of your priorities, and staying true to that vision is what makes the journey worth it.

 

#2 Brace for the Shift from Employed to Solo

Transitioning from a corporate role to running my own business came with a shock factor I hadn’t fully anticipated. In corporate life, I had a team, resources, and infrastructure at my disposal. But when I went solo, it was suddenly just me and my laptop—along with a long list of tasks I hadn’t tackled alone before.

This shift can feel overwhelming, and it requires both grit and self-compassion. If you’re in a similar place, my advice is to recognize that there’s a learning curve. Don’t expect instant mastery in every area. And trust me, every bit of effort you put into building those skills will pay off.

 

#3 Don’t Let Perfection Hold You Back

In those early days, I fell into the perfection trap, thinking I needed a polished website, a professional photoshoot, and a suite of programmes and materials before I could launch. Looking back, I realise that waiting for perfection only held me back – what I needed was simply to start.

I’d suggest you don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start with what you have and focus on having great conversations instead of perfect branding.

It’s more important to tell people what you’re doing and why than to have everything perfectly planned out. Take it from me: getting started matters far more than having it all figured out in advance.

 

#4 Embrace the Reality of Rejection and Resilience

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is handling rejection. Coming from a corporate environment where I had spent years building relationships, it was tough to face the silence or lack of response from people I had previously supported.

You’ll encounter people who don’t respond, don’t make introductions, or simply aren’t interested. It’s hard not to take it personally, but it’s also part of the reality of building a business.

If you’re starting out, prepare yourself for this reality and remember why you’re doing this work. Each “no” is a step closer to connecting with clients who truly resonate with your approach.

Resilience is key—not only for handling rejection but for staying focused on the bigger picture, especially on the challenging days.

 

#5 Consistency is Key – Even When It’s Uncomfortable

Marketing myself was one of the most challenging aspects of building my business, and I’ll admit that it still feels awkward at times. But I learned early on that consistency is crucial, even when you’re not getting immediate engagement.

For me, LinkedIn became a valuable platform, even if posting and promoting myself didn’t always feel natural. Over time, many clients have reached out, saying, “I’ve been following you on LinkedIn for a while – it’s the right time to work together” – showing me that showing up consistently over time matters.

If marketing makes you uncomfortable, remember that showing up regularly builds familiarity and trust. Your online presence doesn’t need to be perfect or have hundreds of likes; it just needs to be authentic. Staying visible is a way to connect with future clients who align with your values.

 

#6 Take The Advice That Resonates – And Leave the Rest

Stepping into the coaching industry, I encountered a lot of advice, bought lots of programmes and worked with many types of experts. In those early days, I tried multiple methodologies, some beneficial and others less so.

Eventually, I realised that I needed to filter advice through my own lens, taking on board what resonated and setting aside the rest.

It’s important to trust yourself and to know your own unique approach and perspective. The best advice is the advice that aligns with who you are. When I finally embraced what felt authentic to me, everything began to fall into place.

 

#7 Cultivate Grit, Determination, and Patience

Building the business wasn’t an overnight success for me. It took time, resilience, and a willingness to stay the course. There’s a narrative out there that says success in coaching can happen overnight, but I believe consistent, meaningful success takes time.

You’ll experience moments of success, but for it to last, it requires sustained effort and commitment. I encourage you to stay the course. For me, the rewards have been deeply fulfilling, and the journey has been worth every challenge.

 

#8 Build Your Support Network

Coaching can feel solitary, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. Over the years, I’ve found that having a supportive network of peers and mentors has made a huge difference.

There’s a natural collaboration among coaches – take advantage of that. Not only does it make the journey less lonely, but it also creates valuable opportunities for shared learning and sometimes business openings too.

Feeling Content And Happy With Where I’m At

Building my coaching practice has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It’s a career that has brought me deep connections, personal freedom, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. My hope is that sharing my experiences offers you some insights, reassurance, and encouragement as you build your own business. Good luck!

Stay Connected

You can find me here on LinkedIn. I’ve written a couple of books which have been well received over the years – Have It All Without Burning Out and Confidence Confessions – grab a copy for yourself, a client, or a friend. And maybe there’s another book in the pipeline … watch this space.

 

Wishing you the very best with your venture.