How to Run a Successful Life Coaching Business From Home
The pandemic brought something to light that many people knew already–you don’t have to go to an office building to be productive. It is possible to run a life coaching business from home in today’s atmosphere, but make sure you know the pros, cons, and critical success factors. Below are some factors to consider before running your practice from your home.
Treat Your Life Coach Business Like a Business
It’s easier than you think to disrespect your business. The fear of failure, for instance, can lead to self-sabotaging behavior. Do you spend time talking to your friends, cleaning your house, or running errands? Are you having problems staying on task (or even knowing what to do)? Build your business acumen by doing the following:
- Plan your business goals and execution
- Learn basic business skills
- Know your strengths and your weaknesses
- Set boundaries for yourself and others
- Treat your business like work (even if it does not feel like work)
Set Office Hours
Set your office hours. One of the perks of being your own boss is schedule flexibility. You get to define and communicate your office hours. When people see you taking your business seriously, they too will respect it.
Decide If Life Coaching From Home is For You
I’ve worked at home in some form for over 25 years. I worked as an independent consultant in my latter corporate years, but it still felt like an employer-employee relationship. When I decided to build a life coaching business from home, I lost my discipline. Luckily, I quickly returned to a disciplined professional. Some people need variety while others are more productive in the office.
Are you built for a home-based life coaching business? Answer the following:
- Do you have a dedicated workspace?
- Is your home-office space suitable for confidential life-coaching sessions?
- Do you have the proper equipment?
- Have you checked to make sure you have the proper permits in place?
- Are you branding yourself as a professional business?
- Are your family members or roommates supportive?
- Do you have the discipline to work at home?
- Are there too many distractions at home?
Plan Your Way to a Profitable Business
As you will soon find out (if you don’t already know), the business start-up process is emotionally and mentally noisy. Then life layers on more issues (almost like you are begging the universe for obstacles). It can be hard to progress or see your progress without tracking your actions. As you create your goals or objectives, make sure they are SMART, and they bring value.
Building a thriving life coaching business from home takes strategic planning and tactical actions.
Have a Network
I’m not a big networker, but I do believe in having a network. At a minimum, have a set of like-minded people with a diverse skillset. Think about a skill you have to offer, and then find people who have a talent you could use.
Practice Self-Care
Take care of yourself. You will have some long days and nights, but don’t make it the norm.
- Exercise daily
- Limit work and work material to your office
- Get enough sleep
- Eat balanced meals
- Do something fun at least once a week
- Celebrate the small wins
Is Running a Life Coaching Business From Home for You?
There are pros and cons to running your business from home. Ultimately the decision is based on your preferences. Working from home is heaven for me (despite having spoiled puppies invading my space). However, I still had to apply structure to my environment to thrive in (and out of) my home office. Would you work from home? What changes would you have to implement to make it work?
