According to statistics, only 20% of small businesses and startups survive after their first year, 50% are out within five years and only one-third make it to 10-year mark. The answer and reason that makes the difference between all is the business strategy.

Growth does not only mean long-term success, there are other keys factors involved – if your business strategy and goals are not tangible and flexible, chances are you are not up to par with your competitors and run the risk of letting your coaching business fall flat.

I had been taking some workshops for training myself to become a business consultant when I discovered that most people blur their vision by overdoing some crucial things or losing sight of their why and getting overwhelmed in very early stages.

Here are some tips on how to grow your coaching business so it is stable and risk-free.

1. Convey uniqueness to your market

As an coach, you want to make sure you research your competitors and see what they are doing. How is your business is unique from everyone else in the market? You want to start by creating a logo, a slogan, a brand personality, a business philosophy that speaks for the business and how customers recognize your brand.

Learn from the competitors what they are doing better and incorporate that into your coaching business or develop your own  unique approach. Uniqueness, by nature, cannot be adapted or copied, instead, it is learned through critical analysis and monitoring everything with a microscope.

2. Offer genuine value to your clients

Value, on the other hand, goes a long way if nurtured right. You can add value by fulfilling your claims and treating your clients well. Kind gestures, like follow ups and thank you cards, being consistent and providing genuine value to your clients are the key factors to proving your worth and building value for your coaching brand.

It's important to not attach a dollar amount to the value of your business. You aren't building value to instantly grow your revenue, it's more of a slow play that draws in more clientelle over time. Consider this a long-term strategy to growing your business, as it will take time but will definitely be worth it.

2. Generate referrals through client satisfaction

Client satisfaction and referrals are the backbone of your coaching business. Coaching is a unique service that cannot always be measured with tangible results, therefore your clients are the ones who speak for your brand.

If a coach neglects their clients in any way it not only affects their public image, they lose out on referrals from that clients. Considering that consumers are 90% more likely to trust and buy from a brand this is recommended by a friend, it's important that you not only satisfy their coaching needs, but that you leave a positive, lasting impression on your clients. When they refer you to their friends it helps you expand in the market without putting extra effort. 

A happy coaching client is also longer term client. When your current clients sign on for additional coaching with you, the hard work is already done and you save money, time and energy. Nurturing your clients will, at times give you more revenue, than any new lead may get. 

Stay in touch with your past, current and prospective clients regularly - through email, social media and SMS. If you have local clients who can be reached in person, that would be the best idea. Email still remains the top method for communication, but text is quickly growing in popularity, as are video messages. No matter which medium you choose, make sure you personalize them and make them feel special that they are or were associated with you. Keep an eye on latest trends and values in markets, research about your existing and potential client's interests and utilize them. Get the best of customer relationship management (CRM) it aids in avoiding potential threats and chances of business failure.

4. Be confident in your brand

As you build your business plan, it's important to be very clear about your goals and mission. You cannot sell yourself and your brand if you aren't clear on your ideal client, why you want to help them and how you are able to do it. If you aren't confident in your ability, then you won't be able to sell yourself to others. 

There is a reason you started a coaching business. Why did you decide to become a coach? What do you want to do with your skills and knowledge? Who do you want to help? If you can confidently share your story and clearly explain why you are doing what you are doing to potential clients, they will fall in love with you and your brand. 

5. Manage your finances properly

As the business grows, 50% of those who survive five years, the majority lack financial management. Perhaps, it becomes overwhelming for them to manage or they simple let it fall by the wayside as they attempt to run every aspect of their business. Either way, keeping your finances in check from the start is key to success.

Transparency is crucial. Don't hide away from the numbers and just hope for the best. It is better to use a financial management software in which every expenditure is mentioned to make everything is in check and keep your finances in line to ensure you don't overspend in one area and blow your budget.

It's a good idea to hire a financial advisor who will not only evaluate your business expenses but can also suggests constructive economical approaches to escape future dangers before they take place. 

The bottom line

Even if 50% of businesses don't survive, that still means that 50% made it – let’s look at the brighter side. We need to comprehend the fact that the success of any business does not solely depend on top-notch experts, business development plans and marketing strategies. Of course, you have to put in the effort, continuously growing and refining your coaching brand and your message and you have to ensure that all of the ingredients to a successful business are there. If you miss out on anything, it will reflect in the final product.

Take your time developing a business strategy, make sure all of your ducks are in a row and continue to develop new ways to engage your current and prospective clients. Slow and steady can win the race when it comes to business, as long as you keep your eyes on the prize. It is better to stay on track and reach your destination than to lose the track and let yourself go off course.

About Chris Albert

Chris Albert, IT & Security Specialist – Charter Spectrum , More over writing expert since a long time. Being a 80s kid, I witnessed the ultimate upgrade and evolution in the world of technology content creation expert Spectrum TV.

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