Knowing Who and What

Once you have completed your coaching certification and are focusing on building your client base, initial steps include naming your business, defining your coaching niche, and describing your ideal client.  Identifying your ideal coaching client sometimes occurs before choosing a business name or writing a business plan because it influences your choices.  Sometimes you define your ideal client first because it informs choosing your coaching niche. Other times you define your niche first because you know your background and passion, so then you identify your client based on your niche and passion.

At the point it makes sense for your decision making and planning, describe your ideal client fully.  In addition to the basics of gender, socio-economic status, location, age, occupation, etc., consider who they are in terms of their interests, passions, and challenges.  List what they want and their reasons for engaging a coach.  Be clear on what you offer so your prospective clients see you as a solution and an opportunity to move forward.

Coaches often wonder if it is best to define their niche or to simply start coaching.  Consider how it comes across to perspective clients when you are vague about your focus versus having defined areas.  For example, if you say, “I do Business, Executive, and Life Coaching.” versus “I do Leadership and Work/Life Balance Coaching.”  Also consider how you plan your marketing in undefined areas versus defined niches.

As is discussed with graduates of the Center for Coaching Certification after coach training, it makes sense to define your niche because of the credibility it lends your work, the focus, and also to target your marketing efforts.