Ep. 26 How to Coach when you have no Clients

Whether you're a fresh newbie just starting out or you've completed your certification long ago but haven't taken the leap, it's crucial to make coaching a habit in your daily routine. Think of it like learning a new language or honing a musical talent, the art of coaching demands consistent practice to become an expert. 

Want to take action? I have summarized this episode into a free handout with all the information and next steps to keep you moving forward on your journey to becoming a health coach. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to chat :)

4 Reasons to Practice (even if you're not getting paid)

1. If you don't use the skills you learned, you will lose them. Just like a muscle, you need to flex the skills you learned during your training. Coaching is one of the few skills that you can practice in everyday interactions and conversations.

2. You have the potential to learn something from each person you coach. Information is all around you, each person you come in contact with has a unique view of the world and their issues. No Google search can give you the insight that comes from interacting with others.

3. Every conversation can add information to your library of resources and database of potential problems people face. Building on the last point, you have your own unique lens through which you see the world. Every time you talk with someone and learn about their problems you can add that to your library or database of issues. This is great data to have when it comes to defining your ideal client.

4. It helps you get over imposter syndrome. Every new coach experiences imposter syndrome so it's best to get over that as soon as possible. The best way to get past it is to practice coaching!

Now that we have established why you should practice, here are some ways to do it:

3 Ways to Practice

1. Schedule coffee chats or attend networking events

   • Practice listening! This is probably the hardest skill to learn because we are hard-wired to want to contribute. Take a step back and focus on listening to the other person. This is a skill everyone should master.

   • Practice asking good, open-ended questions. Keep a running list of good questions and review these before having a conversation. After you ask a question, practice listening! Pay attention to the questions people ask you too!

   • Dig below the surface quickly with "What's on your mind?" and "What else?". These two questions can help you navigate the conversation into a deeper, more meaningful place. Practice these whenever you can!

   • Make the conversation all about the other person. Before you meet up with the person, decide to make the conversation all about them. Keep coming back to that throughout the engagement.

   • Practice writing up notes. After the engagement, practice reviewing the conversation, summarizing, and making notes. Consider your key takeaways and resources you might share with the person.

   • Follow-up with resources. Get in the habit of sending resources (e.g. books, podcasts, articles, etc.) after an engagement. This is good practice for you but also benefits the other person. Bonus: you are building your library of resources!

2. Incorporate coaching at your current job

   • Teach basic coaching principles to others. Many companies are seeing the value in having a coaching culture. Be the first one to step up and offer to prepare and teach basic coaching skills. Remember: The expert in the room is the person that knows more than the others.

   • Become the "in-house" coach. Let others know you are a coach! Often people have no idea what a health coach does so here is your opportunity to tell them. Every time you tell someone about coaching is an opportunity to coach them. Simply start asking questions. Here's a good one: "What are your thoughts on (health) coaching?"

   • Start a program. Check if your company has a health initiative or similar program. Offer to start a meditation group or group coaching circle. Prepare a lunch n' learn topic or workshop that you can offer for free. These are great ways to practice speaking and test out ideas.

3. Practice with another coach

   • Coaches love to help, just ask! Reach out to another coach you met during your training or through a coaching group online. Ask them for a coffee chat and to practice. Use all the information in item 1.

   • Coaches know how to be coached. Some people have never been coached before, so it can be difficult for a new coach to work with them. If you ask another coach to practice, you'll be able to flex your coaching muscles with someone that knows how to be coached! It's a great way to boost your confidence.

   • Coaches can offer you feedback. When you let a coach know you want to practice you'll also be able to ask for feedback. Normally you wouldn't ask your coffee chat partner for feedback after an engagement but with coaches, this is an awesome opportunity.

Next Steps

Pick one of the actions above and plan how to make it happen. Need help, motivation, or accountability to get started? Join the MyBestSelf Coaching & Community! Our community of like-actioned individuals is dedicated to supporting each other on our paths to accomplish our goals.

With the Level-up Membership, you'll have access to group coaching, monthly challenges, accountability partners, and weekly goal sharing. Our experienced coaches will guide you in setting and achieving your goals, and our supportive community will provide the encouragement and motivation you need to stay on track.

Don't go through your journey alone - join the MyBestSelf Coaching & Community today and experience the power of a supportive community. Take the first step towards reaching your full potential. Join us now!

Be your best!

Megan