Are you interested in being a life coach? If so, this guide can help you get started with creating your own life coaching business from the comfort of your home.
A life coach can transform someone’s life. Pursuing a career as a life coach can be rewarding and gratifying.
If you have a penchant for rousing and motivating others, and people routinely seek your counsel, then you may think about becoming a life coach and functioning from home. Hence, let us explore how to become a life coach at home.
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Here are the 10 Steps to Start a Life Coaching Business
1. Qualification Requirement
To become a life coach, you’ll need the relevant qualifications. This typically involves obtaining a Bachelor’s, Master or Doctorate in Counseling. Additionally, some people from other fields such as psychology can transition into life coaching roles.
If you want to become a certified Life Coach, the International Coaching Federation provides a 125-hour ICF training program. The ICF certifies individuals at three levels: Associate, Professional, and Master. Certain states might require certification for certain roles.
Three types of life coach training are offered:
- Classroom-based training with lectures.
- Combined learning is an educational model that combines in-person instruction and online learning.
- Online training is a form of virtual instruction.
With the help of online training materials, you can become a certified life coach from home. You’ll have access to free resources provided by experienced coaches, including e-books and webinars.
Life coaching is a successful career that requires qualifications and certifications but also certain skills such as:
- Good communication skills.
- Good Motivational Skills.
- Someone who is patient and listens well.
- Working with people from all walks of life is a great way to gain flexibility.
- Critical thinking capacity.
- Sound IT skills
2. Select Your Niche
To pursue life coaching from home, assess needs in your local area for guidance in various fields such as business, career, sports, health, relationships, etc., and select the one that has the highest demand to specialize in.
Don’t be alarmed – this is just the start. As your clientele amplifies and your advertisements and promotions are amplified as a life coach, you will obtain customers from many locations.
3. Equip Your Office Space at Home
Being a life coach from home offers advantages such as eliminating commuting troubles, the ability to work at your own pace, the possibility of working extended and irregular hours, and being able to remain close to family.
To give your clients the best experience, make sure that your home life coaching office is equipped with the necessary tools and furniture.
When conducting in-person life coaching sessions, make sure you have a well-lit area with comfortable furniture and snacks and beverages on hand to keep clients at ease.
To coach over the phone, you need more than just chairs and tables. Consider investing in a landline with a cordless set or a mobile phone paired with a good headset and speakers.
A strong internet connection, a laptop, and a platform like Skype, Google Hangout, Google Duo, or Fuze are necessary for online life coaching. WebEx and GoToMeeting can be used when providing group coaching services.
It’s important to stay up-to-date with equipment and platforms, and have a backup plan in case your original fails. Audio and visuals should be of the highest quality; poor or fuzzy sound and visuals will make both you and your client uncomfortable, disrupting the intended outcome.
4. Name your Life Coaching Business from Home
When selecting a name for your life coaching business, be sure to be thoughtful. Gather input from family and friends, brainstorm ideas, and then make a decision.
Check out this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to name your business.
Utilize specialized software to find an available URL with the name you’ve chosen for your life coaching business.
5. The Structure of Business
Before you begin working as a life coach from home, decide on the form of your business. Possibilities include Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Cooperative, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Corporation.
Each category has its own fiscal setup and lawful foundation that must be abided by. Additionally, every type has its benefits and drawbacks. Take time to ponder before you decide.
6. Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is a mandatory requirement for those who are certified Life Coaches; the amount of the premium and type of plan will depend upon the risk level. Be sure to review all options and select an appropriate plan.
7. Accounting & Taxes
It’s important to pay your taxes regularly and correctly. You should consult a professional if you need help with filing tax returns or managing your records.
8. Marketing & Web Designing
For a successful life coaching business run from home, you may need marketing professionals for successful campaigns and marketing strategies. Utilize social media platforms, and enlist the help of a social media marketing specialist if necessary.
When designing a website, make sure to select the appropriate content and design, and showcase your credentials, training, and feedback from satisfied clients.
9. How Much You Can Earn As A Life Coach
According to research, the average certified life coach earns around $60,000 per year. Life coaches starting out can charge up to $200 per hour while those with more experience can get up to $500 per hour. Therefore, it is up to you how much you decide to make.
10. Software and Tools
To succeed as a life coach working from home, you’ll need to use certain technical tools which will make running your business easier. Incorporate amenities on your website that allow clients to book appointments, as well as a reminder system for yourself.
To make the process seamless, you should also record clients’ information, manage the bill, and do accounting. Platforms such as Life Coach Office and CoachLogix can help with these tasks.
Some Important Tips for Life Coaching Business
When working from home as a life coach, certain requirements must be met in order to ensure success. However, the convenience of a home environment is an added bonus.
In order to be productive, you should separate yourself from activities around the house such as taking care of children and pets, doing laundry, cooking, or listening to appliances like a microwave or stove.
To have productive sessions in our home office, find a calm and comfortable place that is free of distractions, both for you and your clients.
Difference between Life Coaches and Therapists
Therapists provide treatment to people with mental health issues and hold the necessary qualifications for this. Meanwhile, a life coach helps their client reach their goals by providing guidance.
A life coach has been trained to support clients in reaching their goals. They are not trained to work with individuals who have depression, trauma, or other mental illnesses.
The Growing Demand for Life Coach
Given the complexity and competitiveness of life, we require the support of life coaches to assist us and provide an optimistic outlook.
Becoming a life coach and working from home is a smart move that can positively impact people’s lives.
Get guidance on launching a home-based online coaching business with this article.
Becoming a life coach from home is a great business opportunity with added benefits of comfort and convenience. It not only benefits others but also provides a nice profit for you.
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