Today I read a post from a fellow Certified Health Coach that nearly broke my heart. She was venting her frustration in not being able to find more clients for her Health Coaching business. In her post she explained that she had hoped to quit her regular job by this fall to do coaching as her full-time profession. This thread gained a lot of attention with comments ranging from, “I feel the same way you do!” to “Here is a link to add additional income to your business.”
What came to my mind as I read this entire post, (over 30 comments in all), was that this poor girl had been misled in not only what it would take to build her health coaching business but in the amount of time it would take her to build a health coaching business. To compound the situation even more I sensed that she was feeling inadequate and like a failure. That is a recipe for disaster.
Just like this lovely young lady, I received my education from the same nutrition school that she did. So, I am completely aware of the reason she has a false perception of what being a health coaching entrepreneur is all about. While the educational program we attended has good intentions by making it sound so easy to build a business, it also can lend itself to be extremely misleading and can result in graduates feeling like somehow they aren’t good enough or that they have failed. It is a situation that is created out of the best of intentions but can lead to overwhelmed and frustrated business owners like the one I just told you about that want to give up.
Building a business isn’t easy by any stretch of the mile. It takes a crazy amount of dedication and vigilance and at times can feel like there is no forward momentum at all. The journey to being a successful business owner is turbulent and frankly you can get derailed at any time if you’re not careful. It is one of those situations that you always hear, “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!”
Why am I telling you all this? Well I’m not telling you to be a “Negative Nelly” that’s for sure. Instead I’d rather be “Conscientious Karen” and be the shiny glimmer of hope and strength you need to continue moving forward.
As Coaches and Entrepreneurs there are so many places that we hear things like, “Make your first 6-figures in the next six months” or “Ten new clients in 14 days” and if you’re like me you’re looking around saying to yourself, “Are you kidding me right now?” What does that person have that I don’t have? Well let me tell you that I have done the investigation and I have found that they don’t have anything you don’t have except maybe previous business experience which isn’t included in the program marketing.
Let me give you an example. Recently I made a huge investment in myself and my business by signing up with a mentor that I had been keeping an eye on for over a year now. In a nutshell she has already earned over 10 million dollars this year and counting. If that isn’t impressive enough she has only been in her business for four years. Now that’s a “Are you kidding me right now statistic!” That in a nutshell is the honest truth for her. No exaggerating or overstating. She’s amazing!
The thing that I love about my new mentor though is that while those statistics are staggeringly impressive she doesn’t leave you with that perception alone. She regularly tells her WHOLE story, which consists of the fact that she has been in many different businesses over the span of the past 15 years. Yes, she has had massive success in building her other online businesses, so she is experienced. But her story continues from there. She has also had massive challenges and failures. Yes… I said failures! It is so refreshing that she shares her whole story – the good, the bad and the ugly. It is only by the shear compilation of ALL OF HER YEARS IN BUSINESS that the statistics from her current business begin to feel more real and logical.
When we are presented with sales pitches from those that have walked the road of business building before us we must remember that the information they are sharing can be correct BUT there may also be a whole lot more that isn’t being said. (I do want to give you this disclaimer though, there are some anomalies out there that have become successful for no particular reason other than they were in the right place at the right time.) All I can sincerely say is, “Good for them!” For the rest of us we need to keep our nose to the grindstone, so to speak.
In my many years of experience as a business owner and in all of my research I have found that on average it takes a good 3-5 years to build any business to a state of “success”. (Which let’s remember the word success means different things to different people but for the sake of this article let’s give it a definition of “routine sustaining profit”.) I’m telling you all of this with love and compassion because it truly breaks my heart when I am faced with someone like the woman I told you about earlier. She thinks that 4 or 5 months into her new business she will have more clients than she knows what to do with. Sadly, and no fault of hers, she has been given an unrealistic expectation of what it means to start a new business. I’m just praying that she keeps moving forward because she has so much to offer the world.
I thought it would be helpful if I shared with you strategies you can use in your business. Here are some of the key ingredients that successful business owner’s use regularly:
- Choose the market you want to serve so you can spotlight that niche’ in all of your marketing strategies. Know who you are talking to.
- Create a marketing schedule looking forward over 90 – 120 days that includes social media, public speaking, blog posts, newsletters, program development, etc.
- Create an income/expense budget with detail on where the income is coming from and where the expenses are going.
- Continue to invest in yourself and your business by working with a business coach that has more experience than you do. This will ultimately save you money because you will get to your target success zone much quicker.
- Partner with others in your industry that will help build the momentum in your business that you are looking for.
- For your mindset – “Celebrate success, learn from challenges but most of all don’t stop moving forward. Keep building momentum and awareness for you and your business every single day.”
I have always been someone that prefers when I am told the truth. Give me the cold hard facts. I can deal with that. I can work with whatever the truth is by designing a plan that will get me to the point of fulfillment. I hope you will appreciate my honesty and “cut-to-the-chase” delivery of the amount of time it takes to build your business. Remember, you must build momentum every day. Some days will feel like nothing is happening. Other days will feel like the whole world knows your name. No matter which day you’re having…. keep the momentum flowing!
To Your Success,
Karen
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Karen Pattock is a successful business woman that has launched 7 profitable companies over the past 20 years. She is a Certified Health Coach. Her passion is guiding health coach entrepreneurs through the initial critical years in business using her proven methods. She provides expertise in marketing, business building, client attraction and list building.
Karen, you are a terrific writer! I read your articles mostly because you are Maryann’s friend but I love the message and the magic of how you put things. Goodforyou!
Thank you Donna! I appreciate it very much.
Kristi, I have to admit that you were my inspiration for this article. Although I hear similar comments from coaches regularly, your post a couple of weeks ago broke my heart and honestly has kept me up at night. I gave this article a lot of thought and felt in my heart that I wanted you, as well as others, to not be so hard on themselves. The worst thing we can ever do to ourself is to measure our success by someone else’s ruler. You are truly an inspiration and the very fact that you were open enough to share your feelings shows just how deeply you care. That just shows me that you are an amazing health coach. Keep your chin up and moving forward. I believe you are headed for great success.
Thanks, Karen. It does take time to build a business, as well as patience and hard work. I love the practical advice (also feel that schools and businesses leave this part out.) It also takes time to find your niche – not just your talents but how you relay the information to others. Appreciate your sharing and honesty.
Hi Karen,
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for standing up and shining a light on what can be a very frustrating time for new coaches.
Wishing you abundance,
Tracey
Hi Tracey! Thank you so much for you comment. My intention was to help them realize it won’t happen overnight but the contribution they are making to the world is irreplaceable! So glad you agree.
Wise words Karen. When I first start coaching clients we start early on by setting goals, which we revisit every week. This helps in shaping expectations, and gives us concrete things to work towards, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and then ultimately to the 12 month goals.
It takes time, but if you look carefully, you can see incremental improvement, and met goals with move the process along. Creating small successes takes people down the PPC pathway. 1) I believe this is Possible. 2) I believe this is Probably. 3) I know success is a certainty.
Keep up the great writing!
Michael
Michael, It sounds like you have a solid foundation in place for your clients and are making great progress. Keep up doing the amazing work that you do. The world needs you. Thank you so much for commenting. I look forward to more in the future.
Refreshing article Karen, one that I would have liked to write myself if it was my “niche.” That said, I can only echo what you have shared and agree with your direct/honest approach as well as your essential ingredients to success. Keep it up!
Thank you for the support! I appreciate it.
Karen,
Thank you for these great tips. Business start-ups can be very frustrating and you shined a new light on the situation with your insight. I look forward to reading and learning more.
-Danny
Thank you for your honest and uplifting article. It is hard work and especially if you don’t have a solid plan and mentor! I look forward to my next 13 days with you 🙂
Thank you Bo! If I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
Hi Karen,
This is a great article. What I mostly appreciate in it is that it is heart touching and so realistic and honest. Thank you for your honesty because it is rare these days and as you said sometimes it is with good intentions or it is the incomplete truth that you are told.
I am looking forward to my 13 days with you.
Maha, I’m so glad that you liked the article. I’m thrilled you are participating in my 14-day free course. Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you for your feedback.
Karen, thanks for making this information available. Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. Thanks.
KaeLyn, you are so welcome! It’s hard sometimes to turn your back on the free stuff but you can spend all day with listening to or reading it and never work on your business. Thanks so much for the feedback!
I absolutely loved this article. It so sincere and honest about the delusions that are out there.
Heather, your comment means so much to me. It can be confusing trying to navigate through the hype out there. That’s exactly why I felt compelled to write the article. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Hi Karen! Thank you for this free 14 day course. I’m really looking forward to learning and expanding both personally and professionally. Best to you!
You are very welcome Jen! I look forward to your feedback once you’ve completed the course. Happy New Year!
Great article Karen ….
So makes sense.
I am so looking forward to learning more from you and hoping to improve my business.
Have a great article2013
Regards CCarmen
Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it Carmen. I’m working on creating amazing courses this year so you can grow your business. I look forward to connecting with you through 2013 and beyond.
Hi Karen,
Wow. Your article hit home with me. It can be very frustrating. I am learning as a business owner it can be overwhelming to be wearing so many different hats. Especially, when the only one that you truly want to wear is that of a health coach. I am very much looking forward to the next 13 days and learning from someone who teaches with an open heart. Thank you, Karen!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for the wonderful feedback. I’m so happy you’re in the 14-day course. You’ll find it very educational and diverse in information. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. If you haven’t joined my community on Facebook please do so here: http://www.facebook.com/KarenPattockBiz. ~Karen
Hi Karen
Thank you for your honesty, it is very heartfelt. I have been struggling for two years trying to get my career and business going, so that I am self sufficient. Source keeps opening doors for me and I regard you and this course as one of those doors. I saw a post last night on facebook about your course and was drawn to it. Immediately I registered. Afterwards I tried to find which of my friends had posted the information to thank her and strangely, I could not find the post again. I love it when the Universe winks at me ♥
Hi Charline! Thanks so much for telling me that. I love stories of the universe intervening when we need it most. If there is anything I can do to help please feel free to let me know.
Hi Karen,I am totally convinced with your thoughts.I am happy to have found you when I am working on my own start up .i will remain your great fan!
Thanks so much Uma. I’m thrilled you found the article valuable.
My favorite step is: “Partner with others in your industry that will help build the momentum in your business that you are looking for.”
That is what I am currently interested in doing! I am working on trying to find a business partner for my holistic health business that include yoga, nutrition, herbal remedies, essential oils and integrative healthcare networking. I find that I work extraordinarily well with others who have shared passions and interests. Collaboration is something that I am seeking. Now, how to find that partner, that is the question…
Hi MaryBeth,
I couldn’t agree more. When you find a like-minded person to partner with it’s just the best. The synergy factor creates momentum that you would never have otherwise experienced. I wish you all the best in your business. Please stay in touch and let me know how it goes.
Thanks for that great article! You are an awesome writer and it was very encouraging! Have to just keep plugging away. Usually one little thing happens for me everyday that keeps me moving forward! Praise God!
Thank you!
Hi Kristin ~
Thanks so much for your feedback. You have the right attitude. One thing every day is the perfect pace to be a complete success.
Great article, It’s funny how things like this come just at the right time. Much needed so thank you.
Hi Leon,
I’m so happy that this article came at just the right time for you. It’s my pleasure to share this information with you. 🙂
~Karen
This is some great information Karen! Right now I’m studying to become a Personal Trainer, and what I want to do is do in home training. When I finish and get certified, hopefully in about a year this will be very useful!
Hi Pamela,
It’s never too early to build your audience and your following. Even though you won’t be certified for another year you can begin to share good content about staying fit and healthy and building a following.
I’m so happy you found this article helpful.
Stay in touch!
~Karen
Thank you Karen, this article reminded me that I am on my way, and here is no reason to give up.
Danuta
Hi Danuta…
You’re welcome. Small steps each day make for big steps in the long run. Just stay true to yourself and you will see great strides in no time.
~Karen
Thanks Karen for the reminder. I certainly have the don’t give up down. I have made that decision. Now I am struggling to make consistent decisions and deciding exactly how to move forward.
Hi Bindu,
Thanks for your comment. I know sometimes it can be hard trying to make certain decisions for your business. Just remember, when you’re resisting making a decision you are stalled in your business. When you make a decision, even one that might not turn out like you originally imagined, you’re at least moving forward. Every decision is a learning experience. Keep up your momentum. 🙂
Thank you for sharing. I believe what complicates the marketing aspect for most health and wellness coaches is their underlying desire to help others. I have struggles with that from time to time, but what I have found to help is knowing that through successful marketing I can and will have the opportunity to help many more.
To YOUR Total Wellness
Mike
You are so right Mike. The need to help others often far outweighs the reality that they are running a business. That’s why it’s my mission to help health & fitnesspreneurs find the balance between Making A Difference in the world and feeling comfortable charging for their services so they earn a great living. Thanks for sharing your insightful thoughts.