Start Small, Stay Consistent:
Building a coac2shing business isn’t about chasing the latest buzz or finding the next shiny strategy. It’s about doing the FOUDNATIONAL work—both personally and professionally—that allows you to show up consistently and serve your clients with integrity. But SO many coaches overlook this essential aspect entirely.
So, what are the keys to the foundation — the things most coaches miss? Let’s break it down.
1. Do the Deep Work First: Your Business Can’t Outgrow You
A pivotal realization we uncovered: many coaches haven’t done the foundational work on themselves. They rush to help others without first defining their own vision, identity, and long-term goals. As Faisal put it, “The biggest thing I’ve realized with coaches is that they don’t do that upfront initial work needed for them to get clear long term.”
This lack of clarity shows up in their businesses. They battle with consistency, focus, and managing time because they haven’t built the mindset and performance habits needed to sustain growth. Sheri echoed this, saying, “We probably facilitate more personal development than anything else in our community because coaches need it.”
Application Tip: Before you dive into marketing strategies or client acquisition, take time to clarify your vision. Ask yourself: Who am I becoming? What kind of life do I want to build? How does my coaching business fit into that vision? Write it down, visualize it, and revisit it regularly. This clarity will act as your filter for every decision you make.
2. One Funnel, One Focus: Stop Chasing Shiny Objects
Here’s a hard truth: Coaches frequently chase the latest buzz. A new marketing tactic, a different program, or a flashy strategy can pull you away from what’s already working. Faisal shared his own experience: “I’ve been trying to refine one system for a long time. Even though it’s incremental progress, I’m seeing growth. I don’t need a lot—if I can get that to convert 10 clients a month, that’s a million-dollar business.”
The takeaway? Focus on one funnel, one source, one offer. Refine it, improve it, and give it time to work. As Daniel added, “The challenge is that when you try something the first time, it’s easy to say, ‘This isn’t working,’ and move on to the next thing. But consistency is where the magic happens.”
Application Tip: Pick one strategy—whether it’s webinars, speaking engagements, or social media—and commit to it for at least six months. Track your progress, tweak what’s not working, and double down on what is. Slow growth is still growth, and it often leads to exponential results over time.
3. Start Small: The Power of Showing Up
Here’s a story that might resonate: When Sheri, Faisal, and Daniel kicked off their inaugural mastermind event, only six people showed up. But here’s the thing—they showed up anyway. They served those six people with everything they had, and it was a success because they started. As Sheri said, “Every coaching journey begins small. That’s part of the journey. If you’re afraid to start because it might be too small, you’ll never start at all.”
This is a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal. PROGRESS is. Whether it’s hosting your first event, launching a new program, or simply showing up consistently on social media, the key is to take the first step.
Application Tip: Don’t wait for your “perfect” moment or the “right” number of people. Start where you are, with what you have. You could host a small workshop, run a beta program, or create a simple offer. The act of starting will teach you more than any amount of planning ever could.
4. Tune Out the Noise: Stay Focused on Your Vision
In an industry full of so many strategies, programs, and opportunities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by “shiny objects”. That’s why having a clear vision is so critical. As Faisal explained, “Our aim was to give our members a filter through which they could look at everything. The lens was their own vision, their focus.”
This clarity allowed attendees at their mastermind to navigate a large coaching summit without getting distracted by every new idea. They could say, “That’s great, but it’s not for me right now,” and move on.
Application Tip: Before attending events or investing in new programs, revisit your vision. Ask yourself: Does this align with my long-term goals? Will it help me serve my clients better? If the answer is no, let it go. Your vision is your compass—use it to filter out the noise.
Commit to Your Vision and Take the First Step
Coaches, your path to a flourishing business starts with you. Do the deep work, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to start small. As Faisal said, “Most aren’t scared to chase their dreams. They’re just too afraid to start small.”
Ready to go deeper into these insights? Watch our full discussion on podcast episode #175. And if you’re looking for a community of coaches committed to doing the work, join us at CMC. We’re here to help you grow—not just as a coach, but as a person.
What’s one area of your business where you’ve been avoiding the deep work? Reply with a comment or question—we’d love to hear from you.
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Keep Coaching,
Daniel & Faisal
Co-Hosts of The Coaches Journey Podcast