“What Are the Biggest Challenges New Coaches Face in Their First Year?”

You’ve done the training, you’ve got the certificate in hand.

Now what?

If you’re anything like I was when I first started out, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.

The journey of a new coach is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and believe me, I’ve navigated quite a few of them myself.

I’m Angela Cox, founder of Paseda360 and a coach with over 6,000 hours of experience under my belt. But I remember those early days like they were yesterday.

The thrill of possibility, the nagging self-doubt, the moments of “What have I gotten myself into?”

Trust me, we’ve all been there.

Whether you’re considering a career switch into coaching or you’re a newly minted coach looking to up your game, understanding these challenges is crucial. It’s not just about avoiding pitfalls; it’s about setting yourself up for success from day one.

So, let’s explore what new coaches really face in their first year. No sugar-coating, no fluff – just honest insights and practical advice.

Starting your coaching journey can feel overwhelming, but preparation is key. To help you navigate your first year with confidence, we’ve created a free ‘Coach’s Success Starter Kit’. It’s filled with actionable steps, exercises, and advice from experienced Paseda360 coaches. Download it now and set yourself up for success.

Ready? Let’s go.

Finding and Attracting Clients: The Lifeblood of Your Business

Picture this a moment.

You’re all set to change lives, but where are the lives to change? This is often the first reality check for new coaches. Building a client base from scratch is no small feat.

First off, you need to identify your target market. Who do you want to work with? What problems can you solve? This isn’t about narrowing yourself into a tiny niche right away, but about understanding who you can truly help.

Now, let’s talk about niching.

You’ll hear a lot of ‘gurus’ tell you to niche down immediately. But here’s my take. In your first year, it’s often more beneficial to gain broad experience. Your niche might naturally emerge as you work with different clients. Don’t box yourself in too early – you might miss out on amazing opportunities and crucial learning experiences.

Then comes the tricky part – marketing yourself effectively.

Having an online presence is non-negotiable. But it’s not just about having a flashy website. It’s about authentically showcasing your value.

Let’s break down some specific client acquisition strategies:

Social Media Presence:

• Choose 1-2 platforms where your ideal clients hang out
• Share valuable content consistently (tips, client success stories, behind-the-scenes of your coaching process)
• Engage with your audience – respond to comments, join relevant groups

Build a Website Knowledge Centre:

• Create a ‘They Ask, You Answer’ style knowledge centre on your website
• Thoroughly answer common questions potential clients have about coaching (we’re talking 1500 word articles).
• Showcase your expertise and build trust before they even contact you.

Referral Program:

• Offer incentives for clients who refer new business
• Partner with complementary professionals (e.g., therapists, career counsellors)

Networking:

• Attend industry events and conferences
• Offer to speak at local business groups or community organisations, or where your target audience hang out.
• Join online communities related to your coaching niche if you have one.

The “experience paradox” is another hurdle.

Clients want experienced coaches, but how do you get experience without clients? It’s a chicken-and-egg situation that can feel maddening.

My advice? Start small.

Offer discounted packages to friends or colleagues. Collect testimonials. Use these experiences to build your confidence and your portfolio. Remember, every coaching giant started with that first client.

[Image: A visual representation of a new coach’s journey to finding clients. A flowchart or roadmap with key milestones like ‘Networking’, ‘Pro-bono Sessions’, ‘Client Testimonials’, ‘Online Presence’, and ‘Building Confidence’. Show a coach standing at the beginning of the journey, looking ahead toward a growing client base.]

Setting the Right Prices: Balancing Value and Growth

Ah, pricing. The eternal conundrum.

Set your prices too high, and you might scare away potential clients. Too low, and you’re undervaluing yourself (and potentially setting unrealistic expectations for the future).

Understanding your worth is key.

Research market rates, but don’t let them dictate your pricing entirely. Consider your unique skills, your target market, and the value you’re providing.

Let’s get specific about pricing strategies:

Start with a competitive rate:

• Research what other new coaches in your area or niche are charging
• Use this as a baseline, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on your unique value proposition.

Consider tiered pricing:

• Basic package: 1 session per month at £XXX
• Premium package: 4 sessions per month plus email support at £YYYY
• VIP package: 8 sessions per month, email support, and monthly strategy call at £ZZZZ

Value-based pricing:

• Instead of hourly rates, price based on the value you provide
• For executive coaching, consider the potential impact on the client’s career and company performance

Introductory offers:

• Offer a discounted rate for the first month
• Create a ‘discovery’ package to attract initial clients

Remember, your prices aren’t set in stone.

As you gain experience and confidence, don’t be afraid to raise them.

Imposter syndrome often rears its ugly head here. That little voice saying, “Who am I to charge that much?” It’s normal, but don’t let it hold you back. Your skills have value, and it’s okay to recognise that.

Managing Time and Energy: The Balancing Act

When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s easy to pour everything into it. But burnout is a real risk for new coaches.

You’re not just coaching; you’re running a business, marketing yourself, continuing your education – it’s a lot to juggle.

Setting boundaries is crucial.

This means boundaries with clients (no, you don’t have to be available 24/7), but also boundaries with yourself. Schedule in downtime. Prioritise self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup, after all.

Developing efficient systems and processes can be a game-changer.

From scheduling tools to client management software, find what works for you. It might take some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort.

Let’s talk tech for a moment.

Many new coaches feel overwhelmed by the technical side of running a business. But embracing the right tools can save you time and sanity.

Here are a few types of tools to consider:

Client Relationship Management (CRM) system:

• Keep track of client interactions, sessions, and progress
• Popular options include HubSpot, Pipedrive, Copper or coaching-specific CRMs

Scheduling software:

• Let clients book sessions easily without the back-and-forth emails
• Tools like Calendly can streamline this process, or booking features in Google Calendar in Workspace.

Invoicing and payment systems:

• Streamline your billing process
• Consider options like Xero.

Email marketing tools:

• Stay in touch with prospects and nurture leads
• Mailchimp, Beehiiv or ConvertKit can help you manage your email campaigns, or modern CRMs.

Don’t feel like you need to implement everything at once. Start with one or two tools and gradually build your tech stack as your business grows.

Balancing Working IN vs. ON Your Business: The Strategic Shift

This is a biggie, and one that catches many new coaches off guard. When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to focus all your energy on client work. After all, that’s what coaching is about, right?

Not quite. To build a sustainable coaching business, you need to work on your business, not just in it. This means carving out time not only for strategic planning but also for consistent, focused action on tasks that will move your business forward and take it to a different place in 12 months’ time. It’s not just about planning – it’s about regularly dedicating time to activities that create real, long-term growth.

I remember in my early days, I’d get so caught up in client work that I’d neglect the bigger picture. It took me a while to realise that without this dedicated time for business development, I was stunting my own growth.

Try setting aside weekly ‘strategy and action sessions’ for yourself. Use this time to review your progress, plan your marketing efforts, and actually work on the tasks that are essential to your business’s future. It might feel counterintuitive at first, especially when client work is pressing, but trust me, the consistent effort pays off over time.

Aspect	Working IN Your Business	Working ON Your Business
Focus	Client sessions	Strategic planning
Time frame	Short-term	Long-term
Activities	Coaching, admin	Marketing, skill development
Outcomes	Immediate client results	Business growth
Challenges	Time management	Maintaining motivation
Benefits	Direct income, client satisfaction	Sustainable growth, diverse skill set

Continuous Learning and Development: Staying Sharp in a Changing Field

Just because you’ve got your certification doesn’t mean the learning stops. In fact, it’s just the beginning.

The coaching field is constantly evolving, and staying updated is crucial.

But here’s the catch – balancing further education with practical experience can be tricky.

You don’t want to get stuck in perpetual learning mode, never actually applying your skills. On the flip side, you don’t want to stagnate.

My advice? Be selective about your continued learning. Focus on areas that will directly benefit your clients and your business. And always, always apply what you learn.

At Paseda360, we emphasise practical application in our training. It’s not just about theory; it’s about how you use these skills in real-world situations. This approach has been a game-changer for many of our graduates.

Helen Bowling, one of our coaches, shared: “The training has given me personally an understanding of the science that I didn’t have before, and that’s really important to me. I call myself a source seeker—I need to know the ins and outs and the whys, and I’ve got that from this, and I really appreciate that because it makes everything make more sense in my head.”

Dealing with Overwhelm: Wearing All the Hats

As a new coach, you’re not just a coach. You’re a marketer, a bookkeeper, a sales person, a social media manager, a content creator – the list goes on. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all these roles.

Add to that the emotional demands of coaching itself.

You’re dealing with people’s lives, their dreams, their struggles. It’s rewarding, but it can also be draining if you’re not careful.

Developing emotional resilience is key.

This means learning to separate yourself from your clients’ issues, maintaining professional boundaries, and having your own support system in place.

One strategy that’s worked well for many of our coaches is mindfulness practice. Taking even just 10 minutes a day to centre yourself can make a world of difference in managing stress and overwhelm.

Vanessa Allen, another Paseda360 graduate, found the techniques we teach particularly helpful: “The magical side is the speed at which people feel these effects. As I say, on one hand, it’s so simple, yet so complex—it’s amazing.”

Building Confidence as a Coach: Trusting Your Skills

Confidence is crucial in coaching, but it doesn’t always come naturally – especially when you’re just starting out.

You might find yourself questioning your abilities or feeling like a fraud (hello again, imposter syndrome!).

Remember, confidence isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about trusting in your ability to help your clients, even when you don’t have all the answers.

Handling difficult client situations is part of the journey.

You might encounter resistance, or clients who don’t seem to be making progress. These challenges are opportunities for growth – both for you and your client.

Developing your unique coaching style takes time.

Don’t try to be a carbon copy of your favourite coach or mentor. Your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace it, refine it, and let it shine through in your work.

Common Misconceptions About New Coaches

Let’s bust a few myths while we’re at it:

• “You need years of experience to be effective.” Not true. While experience certainly helps, what matters most is your ability to connect with clients and facilitate their growth. Your fresh perspective can be an asset.
• “Coaching is just giving advice.” Nope. Coaching is about empowering clients to find their own solutions. It’s more about asking the right questions than giving answers.
• “All you need is a certification to succeed.” If only it were that simple! Certification is important, but it’s just the beginning. Success in coaching requires continuous learning, practice, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

• Building a client base takes time and effort. Focus on showcasing your unique value and don’t be afraid to start small.
• Price your services based on the value you provide, not just market rates. It’s okay to adjust as you grow.
• Balance your time between working with clients and developing your business. Both are crucial for long-term success.
• Continuous learning is important, but always focus on practical application of new skills.
• Develop strategies to manage overwhelm and build emotional resilience.
• Confidence comes with practice. Trust in your abilities and don’t be afraid to develop your unique coaching style.

Remember, every experienced coach was once a beginner. Embrace the journey!

Embrace the Journey

Starting your coaching journey can feel like stepping into the unknown. But remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. These hurdles aren’t roadblocks; they’re stepping stones to becoming the coach you aspire to be.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this, don’t worry.

It’s normal.

The key is to take it one step at a time.

Focus on continuous improvement, stay true to your values, and always keep your clients’ best interests at heart.

At Paseda360, we’re passionate about supporting new coaches through these challenges.

Our ‘whole spectrum‘ approach equips you with practical tools to navigate these common hurdles, while our supportive community helps you feel less alone on this journey.

Every challenge is a stepping stone, and every small win is progress. You’re not just building a business – you’re changing lives.

Keep moving forward, trust the journey, and believe in your ability to make an impact. Your future clients are out there, waiting for you to step into your greatness.

Curious about how we can support your coaching journey?

Our Advanced Practitioner Programme might be just what you need to kickstart your career with confidence. Or, if you’re looking for ongoing support, our P360 Coach Club could be the perfect fit.

Remember, every coaching giant started exactly where you are now. Trust the process, embrace the challenges, and get ready for an incredible journey of growth – both for you and your future clients. You’ve got this!

Take the first step today.

Whether you’re ready to explore our Advanced Practitioner Programme or simply want to connect with other coaches in our P360 Coach Club, we’re here to guide you.

Download our free ‘Coaches’s Success Starter Kit’ with actionable steps to navigate your first year. It’s packed with tips, exercises, and advice from our Paseda360 coaches!

Reach out on WhatsApp to chat now, and let’s talk about how to get your coaching career off to a flying start. You’ve got this!