Exactly two years ago I set up my coaching business and embarked on a freelance coaching route. After years spent in full-time employment this was a massive change. It was one of the best things I have done in my life though.
Months before I took the decision to hand in my notice, I was not sure if what I was doing was the right thing but I just felt that it’s time for a change. I wouldn’t have done it without support and encouragement from the people around me even though the decision to do it was entirely up to me.
In this blog, I want to share a few things that were vital for me making that step. These can be applied not just when you decide to set up a business but whenever you are standing in front of a key decision that will inevitably change things in your life.
Create your network: finding ‘your tribe’
There were several key people who supported me considerably with the decision – my partner, my coach and my karate teacher. I also had a mentor via a leadership development programme for women that I was taking part in at that time. These four people were critical because they empowered me to take the step, helped me to believe it will work and asked me important questions to reflect where I was then and where I wanted to be.
Therefore, surround yourself by people who encourage you, who motivate you and who see possibilities and solutions rather than obstacles and problems.
Reach out to people who have already got where you want to be and ask them questions. I have done it with several coaches, and they were all incredibly nice and supportive sharing with me advice and materials to help me started. Of course, I had my doubts at the start – what if people don’t want to talk to me? What if I shouldn’t have done this? But once you start taking steps forward your focus shifts to possibility and opportunities. You also become more creative.
Take courage
Courage has been something that I had to take to step forwards into uncertainty trusting that this is the right way for me. If you don’t try you will never find out. As the saying goes - in life we regret most the things that we haven’t done. So go and explore, try things that appeal and see how it works. Once you decide to make the first step the path will become clearer.
Establish your working plan
I remember that my last working day as an employee was on a Friday and then the Monday after I was already a self-employed person sitting in my own home office. This was a big change – from open plan office being part of a team – to being on my own. That was a bit scary at the start. What really helped me was to have a structure from day one. Weeks before I finished my employment I came across the book ‘Build your business in 90 minutes a day’ by Botterill and Gladdish. The concept of block work, setting clear tasks and knowing when I start and when I finish my working day were vital for my productivity and a good start.
When there’s a change in your working pattern or you embark on a totally new route think about how you can create some structure to your days. It will help you to see purpose behind your days and by setting clear intentions you will have a framework that you can hold on to. Of course, there were days (and still are!) when I felt I was not productive at all and that’s normal. What matters is to recommit and get back to work the day after.
Be active
When I started my business, I read lots of books, did free online courses, talked to people, set up my LinkedIn profile, established my website.. What also mattered was to explore - with the support of my coach - who I want to serve as a coach, who my ideal client is and who – not just on the basis of my own life experience – I can best support allowing me to use all my strengths and skills that put me in the so called ‘zone’.
If you want to embark on anything new, think about who you know that you can talk to about the path, what can you access and read about it. Being proactive will get you started. Reflect and then take some action steps.
Practice, practice, practice
Starting your own business or anything new requires patience and practice. You won’t have clients set up from day one and systems established at the same time. It’s part of a process that takes some time but it will all fall into place. For me, it was about practising coaching. I have then got my first paid private client after 5 months of starting my business. I was ready. These five months gave me space and time to prepare, practice, set up things and systems, become more confident, reach out to people and raise my profile. After that all accelerated and I haven’t looked back!
I know now that I found the right place I want to be because my work as a coach fulfils me and gives me opportunities to support others to achieve their goals and ambitions. I can’t think of a better work.
Celebrate
This is something that I have learnt from my coach and I have written about this in one of my blogs. Celebrating your achievements is really important – it allows you to pause, reflect, take stock and stay for a while with that success. This acknowledgement will help you to bring more of these into your life. It is powerful to be grateful for these steps no matter how small or big they are.
Is there something you always wanted to do or begin? Start small, make a plan and if you need support find a good coach who will empower you along the way. It will be all worth it.
I want to thank all the people who have been there since the start of Insolo Coaching – my family, friends, colleagues, coaches, supporters and all my clients who have given me an opportunity to grow and positively impact on their lives. It has been a magical journey and I look forward to the next part of it.