People often ask me, “How long does it take to grow a coaching (or related service) business?” I bet you know my answer. It depends. 🤨 I’ll outline what it depends on, which gives you clues to making it work sooner than later.
I am basing all this on my 16 years of being in business as a business coach, fully self-supporting year after year through a coaching business I enjoy.
The list is also based on my keen observation and being up-close with many coaches and similar solopreneurs helping them to find their way. As an introvert and highly sensitive person (HSP), I have natural strengths for observing and recognizing patterns.
Today I’ve got a list of key factors, and tips below that for where to begin. Let this be just an overview, not a list of things to tackle all at once.
Your speed and success depend on these key factors:
The foundational building blocks:
- Self-care and fear soothing practices.
I notice people who have regular practices for mental and physical well-being tend to do best. If you have something that helps you feel grounded, and you do it regularly, that’s gold. Plus you need ways to soothe the fear that always comes up, so you can keep going. - Clarity of your strengths and values.
You likely need to identify or renew your clarity of your natural strengths (which includes personality factors) and your values. Knowing this means you can align your decisions with who you are, instead of trying to mold yourself to some outside “should.” This might seem like a delay, but this speeds things up and makes decision-making much easier. Plus you get a boost of energy and confidence. - A sense of purpose or calling for what you’re offering.
A drive to do something that matters to you can pull you forward even when the road is foggy. - Supportive community – that you actually let in, regularly.
Important for many reasons: guidance from someone who’s been there, companionship so you’re not alone, and for those essential referrals. When you stay connected to people who know, like, and trust you, more flow happens from here.
These next factors, built on top of that are also critical:
- Knowing who you’re best at helping, and how you help them.
You discover this by starting with clients who feel right for you, where it’s aligned with your strengths and values. Then adjust as you discover what’s working best. This is also called your niche, which you find by doing.Once you have had at least a few clients and start having a felt sense for who you are meant to serve, and how you help them, it’s worth getting outside help for brand messaging. - An income plan that adds up.
This involves creating offers that fit your needs for earning and the amount of time you can put in. You’re looking for a sense of fair exchange. Yep, do some math. People often get help here. - Aligned visibility methods.
Aligned means NOT blindly following the latest marketing guru/Insta influencer and what they say is THE way. (Watch out for their very persuasive methods.)
Instead it’s about choosing methods that align with your strengths and personality, and vision for your life. It’s worth taking time to discover and name these for yourself. I love helping with this. - Clarity of your priorities.
What comes first? What matters most? This is where a wise guide can help you make good choices that matter. Spreading yourself too thin is a recipe for exhaustion. Narrowed focus is critical. Even though I have lots of ideas and things I want to do, I choose 3 priorities for each season. More focused means better results. - Focused time for taking action on priorities.
Seems obvious that you gotta do the work and get it out the door, but you might be surprised how often this is the make-it-or-break-it point. Check your calendar to see if you have dedicated time set to work on your clear priorities and if you’re taking your business time seriously.
Don’t miss the 3 bonus factors below the building blocks image. Along with suggestions for where to begin.
Bonus factors that can speed things up more:
- Another source of money to live on until the business is ready to pay you.
It’s important not to put all your income pressure on a new business. It takes time (more than you think it should) to grow a lasting ethical business. It’s helpful for your business if you have non-stressful bridge income in the meantime. - Background in any kind of business/marketing/leadership/fundraising/management/similar.
You probably have this whether you realize it or not. Parenting and bake sales count. You have learned and done more than you know. - Willingness to learn more about applying business skills to your unique business.
A good place to focus your learning is on deepening your skills with the client attraction methods that are aligned with you. For instance, if leading workshops is in your wheelhouse, learn how people use workshops to grow a business like yours. Taking a short class can help it work much better for you.
A Small Next Step for You
When you need things to heat up, any one of these above 12 factors can help to turn up the dial.
But I realize it can feel daunting to see that list, when you just need this business to work!
For today, start with a little reflection, to answer:
- Which one(s) feel hard? Why?
- Which ones feel easy? (Take that in.)
- Is there one that would feel good to look at soon? (You can’t go wrong here. Just pick one. Trust your instincts.)
As a holistic business coach for solopreneurs (mostly introverts and sensitive souls), I help my clients make good decisions on all these factors, and choose the right next focus. I also refer to reliable experts where needed, such as branding specialists.
When you’re hungry for more progress, consider:
- My newsletter for introverted or sensitive solopreneurs
– I’ll send you some resources right away to find some calm clarity. - SOULpreneurs Circle
– You’ll get some real-deal kindred spirit community and guidance. Comes with both group and 1:1 sessions, and more. - One-to-one Holistic Business Coaching for Solopreneurs
– For up-close support to get things moving sooner than later.
