Coach Pony

Sales calls. You know you need to make them, but if you're a new coach, you might not know where to begin or what it should sound like.And that's where we come in.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.Today, we're going to role play sales calls so you know what they really sound like, so you can learn the ropes and make money doing what you love.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How to introduce yourself and the agenda for the callHow to ask questions to find out if they're a good fit for you and your coachingHow to frame your process so you're educating your potential clientHow to build connection and empathy with your client during the call To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Can you really make six figures or more as a coach?Every new coach asks themselves this at some point. You might have a day job that you're not sure if you can quit. Maybe you're trying to figure out the kind of business model you should use in order to meet your income goals. We're here to help.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.Today, we're going to share the details of three ways that coaches can make six figures or more. We're the first to admit that it isn't easy, but if you commit to one of these models, we promise it's possible. Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you need business training to get your coaching business off the ground and on its way to bringing in real moneyDoing the math behind making money with private coachingWhat to consider when you're thinking about your income and profit goalsBreaking down group coaching and how it can support your businessThe truth about online, DIY programs and why they're never really passiveTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Sometimes, we all just need a break.But how can you step away from your coaching business without losing money?That's what we're digging into today.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.We'll share strategies for making your work week more manageable (so long 80-hour weeks!), and what to do when you really need some solid time off.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why new coaches need to learn to set boundaries on their work timeOur favorite strategies for building time off into your regular scheduleHow to “quiet quit” your businessHow giving yourself a change of scenery can bring energy back into your businessTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessFREE Marketing MasterclassIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

At some point, your coaching business is going to get busy. Or maybe things are already starting to pick up and you feel like you need some help, ASAP. When should you hire someone? And who should they be?That's what we're digging into on today's episode.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.We'll talk about what you need to have in place before you bring another person into your coaching business and our takes on the first things you'll want to outsource to another person.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you should invest in the tools to make your business run smoothly before you hire a personOur top two tools that your business needs before you hireWhat to consider when you're looking to outsource tasks or a role within your businessWhen the time is right to make your first hireWhy future you–and future hires–will thank you for creating documentation of how you want things done nowThe one thing you absolutely should not outsource as a new coachTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessFREE Marketing MasterclassIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

When you're a new coach, it can feel like the only way to get clients is to build a presence online. But that takes time and you need clients now!Today, we're kicking it old school and talking about how to find clients locally, so you don't need a huge following to start making money as a coach.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.We'll talk about how to get in front of your audience and give you some ideas and tips for building relationships and converting clients.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why tools like Meetup and Eventbrite are so great for new coachesHow Bobbi structured her meetup to support her businessHow to get in front of groups in your niche How networking events can help you expand your audienceHow to approach small businesses to host your talkTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessCouch SchoolIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Today's caller to the Coach Pony Radio Hour wants to know if a pricy mastermind is worth it as a new coach.And of course, we've got hot takes and advice for deciding if a high-priced mastermind is right for you and your coaching business.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.Today we're giving you the down-low on what a mastermind is, why they can be valuable, and why we think they're a bad idea for a new coach.Listen to the full episode to hear about:What the value can be in a mastermind and why it's just not there for new coachesWhy you should be wary of masterminds that don't have a minimum income thresholdHow making a major investment in a mastermind can set back your business and cause you unnecessary stressThe education and training that new coaches need instead. Bonus: it's lower-pricedHow to start your own mastermind for mutual support and ideasTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Today's caller wants to know how to use his existing client list to meet an ambitious monthly income goal.And we know just how to do it: VIP Days.Offering these kinds of intensives is a great way to boost your coaching income without hustling for new leads, and we'll tell you why.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.We're going to talk through what VIP days are, why they're valuable to your clients, what to consider in your pricing, and why they work for returning clients and existing members of your list. Plus, we've got another option for selling to your existing list up our sleeves!Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why offering an intensive with a very specific goal or outcome is so valuable for clientsHow to price your VIP Days and why you can charge so much more than for regular coaching hoursPotential sunk costs for VIP Days that you need to factor into your pricingWhat to watch out for when you're running your VIP DayWhy you have to get deposits for VIP DaysHow to use continuation packages for your current and recent clientsTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

What are referral partners? Why would you want them? Do you need them to be successful in your coaching business?If you're a new coach, you might be wondering what all the buzz about referrals is about, and we are here to break it down for you.Today, we're getting into referral partners, what they are, how they can benefit you, and our hot takes on whether or not they're a good idea for your business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why it's okay–even a good thing–to have a referral partner in a similar niche What to consider when developing a referral partner relationshipPitfalls to watch out for in a referral partnerWhy referrals can't be just about the moneyHow to build and maintain a referral networkDifferent strategies for referral percentages and feesTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Welcome to season six of the Coach Pony podcast!We are here to help you get paid to coach!In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we've learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we're sharing all that knowledge with you.Today's caller wants to know if it's ever a good idea to barter services, and boy, do we have thoughts.We're going to dig into when it can work, why it usually doesn't, and how to make sure you're actually getting a good deal.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you should only trade services when the offer is something you actually needHow bartering can go sour when you don't set and stick to expectations and boundariesOther ways you can stretch your dollars and set priorities for spending when you're just starting outWhy you have to treat a barter like any other business agreementTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: The #1 Social Media Mistake New Coaches MakeDear Coach Pony: How Do I Get Clients to Give Me Good Testimonials (Without Being Pushy?)If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Today we are revisiting an episode from last year all about the future of life coaching and Bobbi and I have some additional thoughts to share that have come up for us in the year since this panel episode was recorded.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get the inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  As many people are worried about layoffs and an economic downturn or recession, it might seem like the future of life coaching isn't so bright, because who's going to pay for life coaching in a recession? But trust us, that is not the case. The truth is, people often invest more in education and in themselves in a downturn. And not only will individuals be looking for support and education as they consider career and life changes in the short term, but long term, we predict that this multi-billion dollar industry will keep going strong. And that's what we're talking about with our panelists.Our panel is: Sherri Gerek from IPEC, the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching, Stephanie Griffin from  the Life Coach School, and Jennifer Voss of the Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach Training Program. Between them, these three schools have graduated tens of thousands of amazing coaches. Together, we're taking a closer look at trends, profitable niches, whether there really is space for new coaches, and of course, we'll pull out our crystal balls and make some predictions for the future.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you shouldn't be worried about getting into coaching in a downturnWhere the market is heading, and key reasons there is room for growthNiches and business models that continue to grow and whyOur predictions for the next ten years in the coaching industry Why there is definitely still room for you in the coaching industry (it's not oversaturated, we promise!)To learn more about Jennifer Voss:The Truth ExperienceWayfinder Life Coach TrainingConnect with Jennifer on LinkedInTo learn more about Stephanie Griffin:The Life Coach SchoolInstagram: @LifeCoachSchool Facebook: @LifeCoachSchoolYouTube: The Life Coach SchoolTo learn more about Sherri Gerek:iPEC: ICF Accredited Coach Training Programs & Life Coach CertificationsConnect with Sherri on LinkedInTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Life Coaches in the US - Market SizeInternational Coaching FederationIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Do you need to be certified to be a life coach?The short answer is no, but with so many different schools and certifications out there, it's easy to get confused about what certification to choose or if you want to get certified at all.And of course Bobbi and I have thoughts.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get the inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we also have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today we're getting into certifications. Why it's totally possible to be a great and successful life coach without one, why certification might be worth it for you, (and to the coaching profession!), the three key areas you need to build your expertise in, and why not getting certified doesn't let you off the hook for your education.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How most accredited life coaching programs work to help you build knowledge and experienceHow your educational and professional background may give you a leg up in becoming a coach without going through a programThe three things you need to be an expert in to be a good coachWhy coaching certification is probably worth itFour pieces of homework to help you decide if certification is right for youTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: International Coaching FederationTina TessinaCo-Active CoachingJumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

It's easy to spend a LOT of money and invest a lot of time and stress into your website.What kind of website do you really need as a new or growing coach? Where do you even start?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get the inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we also have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today, Bobbi and I are talking about websites. We'll give you our best advice for thinking about the objectives your website needs to meet, how it supports your business, why it's okay to use a social media page as a temporary placeholder while you're getting clear on the website you need and want, and take some of the confusion out of the technical side of your website.We're also talking real numbers of how many times we've updated our sites, how much money we've spent over the years updating and maintaining our sites (gulp), and answering common questions about platforms and content.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Where to really start when you're building a websiteBenefits and limitations of popular website platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordpressWhat questions you need to ask yourself before you start putting content on your siteThe thing people should immediately see when they land on your siteTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Jumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

As a coach, the niche you choose to serve influences so much of your business and it's a key piece of all of the marketing you'll do.So what happens after you've been telling the world what you do, and then you realize, well, maybe you don't actually want to do that anymore?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we also have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!On today's episode, Bobbi and I are talking about niching!We'll give you our best advice on how to choose one, and what to do when your business evolves and that niche doesn't quite fit you anymore–because it will! It's totally normal, we promise! Plus we'll share our stories of evolving our niches, how we handled changes in our own businesses, and what we learned about changing course.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you shouldn't be embarrassed of changing your niche How to communicate your evolution so your existing audience is excited to go along for the ride with youWhy Bobbi has stuck with her niche, but evolved her programsHow Christie's businesses have evolved as she reprioritized but kept their common purposeTwo pieces of homework for if you're feeling unsure about your niche and evolution as a coachTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Jumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Does it seem like all of the successful coaches you follow or look up to have big group coaching programs?You might feel like you should start a group coaching program too, but...you just don't know. Is group coaching better than private coaching? Is doing group coaching the only way to make the kind of money you want to make?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today we're diving into the never ending debate about group versus private coaching. We'll do some money math and dig into the why and the how of making the choice between sticking to one on one or making the move to group coaching.And, we'll talk about some unexpected things you may not have thought about before about both group and private - and share a few inside stories of some of our programs. Good and bad! Listen to the full episode to hear about:The real math behind income and net profit in private versus group coachingBreaking down the infrastructure required of each business modelBehind the scenes of what it takes to launch a group programWhy you need to consider how you want to connect with clients and the kind of lifestyle you want to leadTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Jumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Should you run ads when you're a new coach?Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, Google, or any other platform, there are a lot of opinions, thoughts, strategies, and advice floating around out there about whether or not you need to run paid ads for your business to succeed.To dig into that question, I'm joined by a very special member of Team Pony, our Director of Growth Marketing (and my husband), Suhaib Abdali.Over the course of his career, Suhaib has run millions and millions of dollars worth of ads on different platforms. Here at Coach Pony, he specializes in Google ads, and we've run close to a million dollars worth of ads ourselves. So, we're not exactly spring chickens when it comes to the advertising game. We'll each give our takes on what you need to know before you start spending money, and whether you need to advertise at all to grow your coaching business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why your offer and your sales process need to be rock solid before you even think about paying for adsWhat you need to have set up on your website before you run adsWhy a broader audience isn't always better (no matter what the platforms try to tell you)Why copy and creative will almost always take more time and effort than you thinkWhy ads are never set it and forget itTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessJumpstart Your Business BootcampResources: FREE Marketing MasterclassRita Barry & Co.If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Should you run ads when you're a new coach?Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, Google, or any other platform, there are a lot of opinions, thoughts, strategies, and advice floating around out there about whether or not you need to run paid ads for your business to succeed.To dig into that question, I'm joined by a very special member of Team Pony, our Director of Growth Marketing (and my husband), Suhaib Abdali.Over the course of his career, Suhaib has run millions and millions of dollars worth of ads on different platforms. Here at Coach Pony, he specializes in Google ads, and we've run close to a million dollars worth of ads ourselves. So, we're not exactly spring chickens when it comes to the advertising game. We'll each give our takes on what you need to know before you start spending money, and whether you need to advertise at all to grow your coaching business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why your offer and your sales process need to be rock solid before you even think about paying for adsWhat you need to have set up on your website before you run adsWhy a broader audience isn't always better (no matter what the platforms try to tell you)Why copy and creative will almost always take more time and effort than you thinkWhy ads are never set it and forget itTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessJumpstart Your Business BootcampResources: FREE Marketing MasterclassRita Barry & Co.If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

When you're trying to demonstrate your credibility, what's better than having the glowing testimonials of happy clients talking about how awesome you are?Even better if they're spontaneously given to you with permission to share on your website and in your marketing materials, right? But that's not usually how it works.So how do you get comfortable asking clients for testimonials? And more than that, how do you get GREAT ones that will land you more clients?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Also, we have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today, we're digging into testimonials. Why humans love them, how to ask for them without feeling like a sleaze, and why it really, really isn't too much to ask of your clients. We promise.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you should not only ask for testimonials, but you should follow up on the requestHow asking the right questions helps you get the most useful testimonialsTips for getting testimonials when you're just starting out and are brand newWhy it's important to be explicit about what client information you will and won't include when you use a testimonialAn unusual way to get amazing testimonials (that also help your current clients)Three pieces of homework to generate testimonialsTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

At some point in your coaching business, someone is going to ask you for a refund.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Also, we have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Refunds can be a tricky and uncomfortable situation. But today, Bobbi and I are giving you our best advice for how to handle these requests with integrity, so you can best serve your clients and your business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why there is no right answer for refund requestsWhy having a solid intake process and clear contracts can help you avoid refund requests to begin withHow Bobbi handled two very different refund requestsTwo pieces of homework to make handling refunds easierTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Sometimes to move forward as a coach, you just need your questions answered.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach!Today, we're talking about how to stay motivated in your business and how to get back on track when you feel like you've fallen behind.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How to lean on the support of routine and structure when your motivation is flaggingWhy the only reason to look backwards is to see where you got off track–no beating yourself up!How engaging with a community helps keep you accountable until you get your groove backWhy you need to set up boundaries, expectations, and time for rest before you burn out and lose motivationTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessResources: Coach Pony S04E11: How I Built a Premium Membership Site on a Shoestring Budget with Natalie SissonIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Are you a new coach who wants to use words to sell things? AWESOME!My guest today is a genius at using words to sell things. And she's used herself as a guinea pig. She started a newsletter that produced six figures of income, which grew into an empire full of written programs, and landed her a huge book deal with Penguin Books.All in, she's made over $5 million just from her words.Obviously we need to know, Ash Ambirge how did you build that?Ash Ambirge is the founder of The Middle Finger Project, where she writes every week about how to earn $250,000/year as a high-income digital nomad from anywhere in the world. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Ash successfully used her blog to sell thousands of copies of her first bookWhy Ash writes books and guides instead of selling courses or mastermindsWhy her email list is the nucleus for every other projectWhat surprised her when she went from self-publishing to working with PenguinAsh's top three tips for gaining visibility from your writingTo learn more about Ash Ambirge:The Middle Finger ProjectMeat and HairTwitter: @AshAmbirgeTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

If you love working intimately with a small group of clients, and you love the community building that happens in group coaching, you might be thinking about starting a membership program.But getting it off the ground can be daunting.Today's guest wanted to create engagement and support for a small group of people and she built out a premium membership program called the 10K Club on a minimal budget, all while the world was in lockdown. So we want to know, Natalie Sisson, how did you build that?Natalie Sisson is a New Zealand entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, host of the ‘Untapped' podcast, and lover of handstands and dogs. Her mission is to help women entrepreneurs leverage their unique set of skills, knowledge, and experience to get paid to be them, make the income and impact they desire, simply by being exactly who they are.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why Natalie chose the membership model and narrowed her offering to cater to a select group of womenHow Natalie used one-on-one sales calls and a Google doc to enroll membersHow she structured the program to offer an intimate, hands-on coaching experienceHow she kept her initial expenses to a minimumNatalie's top three tips for starting a premium membershipTo learn more about Natalie Sisson:NatalieSisson.comUntapped PodcastInstagram: @NatalieSissonFacebook: @NatalieSissonTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Are you struggling to get referrals or with organic growth?Before you spend money on ads (which new coaches shouldn't do unless you like setting money on fire), listen to today's episode.My guest built a highly successful digital marketing firm the old fashioned way–through referrals and word of mouth.Before she made millions and built a team, Rita Barry was a solo business owner trying to grow.We want to know, how did you build that?Rita founded her company, a boutique digital marketing optimization consultancy based in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, in 2009. Rita Barry & Co. is a relationship-driven company that partners closely with select 6 to 8 figure female-led businesses to help them grow with data-driven Facebook advertising and marketing optimization.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why Rita knew she needed to tangibly connect with potential clientsHow she handpicked masterminds and events to attend to nurture relationshipsHow Rita maintains the relationships she's built through networkingRita's top three tips for coach/consultantsTo learn more about Rita Barry:RitaBarry.coInstagram: @ritabarrycoConnect with Rita on LinkedInFacebook: @ritabarrycoTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

There are lots of ways to do courses, but if you've been thinking about offering a DIY-style option, this episode is for you.Today, we're sitting down to pick Laura Belgray's brain about her program, Inbox Hero, that brought in over six figures the very first time she launched it.We definitely want to know: How did you build that?We'll find out how she developed the course, why she went DIY, and how she made her launch such a wild success.Laura Belgray, founder of Talking Shrimp®, is a copywriting expert who helps entrepreneurs find the perfect words to express and sell what they do in a way that gets them paid to be themselves. Through her work with hundreds of clients (including online biggies like Marie Forleo and Amy Porterfield) she's seen firsthand that putting “you” into your copy and all through your business is pure magic for getting people to love you up, share your ideas, and happily click your Buy button.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Laura built on a format she already knew resonated with her audienceWhy she thinks in terms of value and results when setting pricingWhere Laura spent the most money and time to get the course to marketWhy there is has been a no-refund policy on Inbox Hero from day oneLaura's top advice for growing and building trust with your email listTo learn more about Laura Belgray:Talking ShrimpFREE: 33 Non-Sucky Subject LinesTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

So far this season, we've talked to big name coaches about how they built wildly successful programs, conferences, and podcasts in their businesses.But it's not just the big name coaches that are doing really interesting work.Coaches all over the world, in businesses big and small and new and old, are building cool and life-changing things for their clients and their businesses every single day.And in this episode, I want to highlight their stories.So we invited our amazing community of coaches to tell us how you built something successful in your business and to share your wisdom with us. And wow, you guys responded.So today, it's time to ask six members of the Coach Pony community, how did you build that?Kay Kirkman is a career coach and host of The Genx Career Show podcast. Ann Sutton helps mid-career professionals regain the confidence, optimism, and momentum they need to land work they love so that they have the freedom to create the life they want. Irene Alexander is a University Professor of Christian marriage, ICF Certified Relationship Coach, and the Founder of Adored for Life Marriage Coaching. Annie Das is a writer and dating coach for millennial women. She helps women grow their dating confidence and self love so that they can attract high quality partners. Laëtitia Gnago is the founder of Aligned Corporate Experiences. She is a Talent Experience Enhancement Strategist and Alignment Success Architect. Rob Southgate (MBA) is founder of ThePodcastProfs and Southgate Media Group. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Kay uses surveys to answer her audience's burning questions on her podcastThree key things Ann did to build a killer lead magnetHow Irene used a pre-launch to build her waitlist as she developed her VIP programHow Annie turned an article she was scared to write into one that's been seen by hundreds of thousands of people and boosted her businessHow Laëtitia created a tool kit for navigating unhealthy workplaces from her own experiencesHow Rob lands guests for his podcast and even turns them into clientsTo learn more about Kay Kirkman:Your GenX CareerConnect with Kay on LinkedInTo learn more about Ann Sutton:Ann Sutton CoachingFacebook: Career Success StrategiesTo learn more about Irene Alexander:Adored for LifeTo learn more about Annie Das:Annie Das CoachingInstagram: @AnnieDasCoachingPinterest: @AnnieDasCoachingTo learn more about Laëtitia Gnago:Aligned Corporate ExperiencesConnect with Laëtitia on LinkedInTo learn more about Rob Southgate:The Podcast ProfsConnect with Rob on LinkedInTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Have you wondered what it takes to start a membership site or community?Today, our guests, Erica Cordae and India Jackson, have done just that. In 2018, they founded Pause on the Play®, a community hub of professionals and entrepreneurs connecting at the intersection of values and visibility. We'll dive into how they got started and how they grew their membership business into an inclusive community committed to guiding individuals in the process of defining their values, diversifying their networks, and disrupting systems of oppression.As an athlete, photographer, and creative consultant to personal brands, India Jackson spent the first decade of her career watching as talented professionals were forced to adopt identities that were sellable but not authentic. Watching the market flooded with an intense focus on follower count and crafted personas, she committed to taking a more aligned approach to influence-building.Erica Courdae is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and executive teams committed to shifting focus, power, and resources in order to create more equity in their business and the world. She believes imperfect action is necessary to create meaningful social change and helps public figures engage in the work without fear of judgment.Listen to the full episode to hear about:What Erica says many entrepreneurs get wrong when they build to fill a needWhy their launch goals for the community didn't have any numbers attachedHow Erica and India went about building a community with safety and transparency as top prioritiesWhat money investments they made to get the community up and running, and what they've added and changed since (so what it cost to get started!) Their top three tips for starting a coaching membership or communityTo learn more about Erica Courdae and India Jackson:Pause on the PlayInstagram: @PauseonthePlay Connect with Erica on LinkedInConnect with India on LinkedInTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Have you wondered what it takes to start a membership site or community?Today, our guests, Erica Cordae and India Jackson, have done just that. In 2018, they founded Pause on the Play®, a community hub of professionals and entrepreneurs connecting at the intersection of values and visibility. We'll dive into how they got started and how they grew their membership business into an inclusive  community committed to guiding individuals in the process of defining their values, diversifying their networks, and disrupting systems of oppression.As an athlete, photographer, and creative consultant to personal brands, India Jackson spent the first decade of her career watching as talented professionals were forced to adopt identities that were sellable but not authentic. Watching the market flooded with an intense focus on follower count and crafted personas, she committed to taking a more aligned approach to influence-building.Erica Courdae is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and executive teams committed to shifting focus, power, and resources in order to create more equity in their business and the world. She believes imperfect action is necessary to create meaningful social change and helps public figures engage in the work without fear of judgment.Listen to the full episode to hear about:What Erica says many entrepreneurs get wrong when they build to fill a needWhy their launch goals for the community didn't have any numbers attachedHow Erica and India went about building a community with safety and transparency as top prioritiesWhat money investments they made to get the community up and running, and what they've added and changed since (so what it cost to get started!) Their top three tips for starting a coaching membership or communityTo learn more about Erica Courdae and India Jackson:Pause on the PlayInstagram: @PauseonthePlay Connect with Erica on LinkedInConnect with India on LinkedInTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Jason Gracia founded Swyft Sites to be an all-in-one done for your website builder that grows your coaching  business on autopilot.And it has exploded into a seven-figure business.So of course, we want to know, how did you build that?We'll dive into how he built such a niche service business, and why niching help him hit seven figures, Jason Gracia is an author, consultant, and founder of Swyft Sites, the all-in-one, done-for-you website solution for coaches.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why a tight niche created more opportunities for bigger successHow Jason leaned into his network and offered value to expand his reachHow he built a signature talk to pitch groups of potential clientsWhy he needed to change his money mindset in order to grow the businessWhat he would change about his early client relationshipsTo learn more about Jason Gracia:SwyftSites.comTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

John Lee Dumas has built one of the all time, top podcasts for business owners and has not only made over $20 million from his podcast, but he's also dominated his market.Obviously we want to know, how did you build that?We'll chat about how and why he started the podcast, what his goals were at the beginning and how he grew his platform into what it is today.John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of Entrepreneurs On Fire, an award-winning podcast where he interviews inspiring entrepreneurs to help you along your entrepreneurial journey. He has interviewed over 3,000 incredible entrepreneurs, including Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, and many more. He is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success.Listen to the full episode to hear about:The strategy John used to access his guests' audiences and grow his platformHow he used his email list to support the showWhere he wishes he spent less time and effort in the beginning and what hustle paid offJohn's top three rules for starting a successful podcast in 2022To learn more about John Lee Dumas:Entrepreneurs On FireThe Common Path to Uncommon SuccessTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Have you thought about starting a podcast to build a network and market your coaching business?With over 10 million downloads under her belt, Emily Thompson, co-founder and host of the Being Boss podcast has all the info you need and then some on running a podcast, and the amazing community and business opportunities that have come from it.And of course we're going to take it back to the beginning and ask Emily, how did you build that?Emily Thompson is the co-founder and host of Being Boss, a resource, podcast, and community for creative entrepreneurs.For over a decade Emily has worked closely with creatives to help them make money doing work they love, with a focus on building online business models and growing creative businesses. She's also the co-author of Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own Terms.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How a podcast presented an ideal opportunity to collaborate on something fun, with marketing and networking as the side goalsThe milestones that really mattered and why they weren't tied to downloadsHow Emily and her co-host built the foundations for growth of the podcastWhere she's happy they spent their money, and the investment she regretsWhy you've got to nail your niche to get on the charts, and what new coaches should do TODAY to get started!To learn more about Emily Thompson:Being BossInstagram: @BeingBossClubBeing Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own TermsTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real Business

Evan Marc Katz has been called a “personal trainer for smart, strong, successful women. How did he come to dominate the date coaching industry?On this season of the Coach Pony Podcast, I'm sitting down with successful business owners to ask them, how did you build that? Today I'm diving in with Evan to talk about how he built his business - featuring millions of blog readers and podcast listeners - and especially about his massively successful program, Love U.With over 13,000 women completing the Love U program, it's not an understatement to say that Evan knows how to build a great online course!But how did he start? Where did he get the idea to create it? And what did he spend to build it?  Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Evan refined his coaching program from mailing CDs to live group coaching to a DIY programWhy he doesn't set revenue goalsWhy the program has evolved away from DIY into a high-touch, year-long experienceBreaking down the original production process and costs for Love UWhy you shouldn't let fear of copycats keep you from releasing your courseTo learn more about Evan Marc Katz:EvanMarcKatz.comLove UFacebook: @EvanMarcKatzFanTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessResources:Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood, Marsha SinetarRelated:Coach Pony S02E08: The One Where I Got Paid $7000 to Build an Online Course from a Random IdeaIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!Email us at hello@coachpony.com with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

As one of the founders and current President of the board for the Maine Women's Conference, Jodi Flynn has taken the conference from just an idea to a successful nonprofit focusing on supporting women across the state. So how did she do it?On this season of the Coach Pony Podcast, I'm sitting down with successful business owners to ask them, how did you build that? And today I'll dig in with Jodi about how it all started, how she grew the conference, what she's learned, and what you should know if you're thinking about hosting and building a successful conference.Jodi Flynn of Women Taking the Lead is an Executive Leadership Coach, Podcaster, Author, Speaker, and Workshop Facilitator. Women leaders hire Jodi to develop the skills they need to thrive in senior leadership. She is the host of the critically acclaimed Women Taking the Lead podcast, and an Amazon bestselling author with her book, Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to Doing. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How the dynamics and challenges of becoming a nonprofit impacted the timeline from the idea to the first conferenceWhat taking the event online in 2021 did for their margins and attendanceWhy they chose not to max out the capacity of the venue for the sake of growthJodi's top three pieces of advice for coaches who want to host eventsTo learn more about Jodi Flynn:Women Taking the LeadThe Maine Women's ConferenceFacebook: @WomenTakingTheLeadTwitter: @JodiMFlynnInstagram:@JodiMFlynnConnect with Jodi on LinkedInWomen Taking the Lead PodcastAccomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to DoingTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

It can seem like celebrity entrepreneurs won the jackpot, but there's more to the story. Behind the blockbuster coaching programs, offers, and live events are stories of careful development, fixed mistakes, and strategy.On this season of the Coach Pony Podcast, I'm sitting down with successful business owners to ask them, how do you build that?I'll talk to a wide range of coaches and leaders, digging into how it all started, what they learned, and what you should know if you want to play a similar game.And to start us off, we're actually going to be talking about something I built. Today I'm joined by a very special member of Team Pony, or CMO, CFO, and my husband, Suhaib Abdali who is going to interview me about Build A Real Business.Build A Real Business is a seven-figure program that I built that helps new life coaches learn how to build their own business full of happy, paying clients.So, how did I build that?Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why I believe in running your program live, as you build it for the first timeWhy my initial goals for Build A Real Business were about content and people, not revenue targetsWhere I invested money and time, and why it's better to start on a shoestringMy three top tips for building your own online coaching programTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessResources:Coach Pony Podcast: The One Where I Started a Group Coaching Program That Eventually Grew to 500 PeopleIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Life coaching has changed A LOT in the last 20 years. But what I want to know is what happens next.To get answers, I wanted to talk to smart people with a pulse on what's happening in the industry...and what better place to start than with coaching schools, since they're actively shaping new and upcoming coaches!Today I'm joined by: Sherri Gerek from IPEC, the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching, Stephanie Griffin from the Life Coach School, and Jennifer Voss of the Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach Training Program.Between them, these three schools have graduated tens of thousands of amazing coaches.Together, we're taking a closer look at trends, profitable niches, whether there really is space for new coaches, and of course, we'll pull out our crystal balls and make some predictions for the future.Listen to the full episode to hear about:The biggest recent shifts they've seen in coachingWhere the market is heading, and key reasons there is room for growthNiches and business models that are growing now and whyOur predictions for the next ten years in the coaching industryAnd why we believe that the coaching market is NOT saturated yet (so there's room for you!)To learn more about Jennifer Voss:The Truth ExperienceWayfinder Life Coach TrainingConnect with Jennifer on LinkedInTo learn more about Stephanie Griffin:The Life Coach SchoolInstagram: @LifeCoachSchoolFacebook: @LifeCoachSchoolYouTube: The Life Coach SchoolTo learn more about Sherri Gerek:iPEC: ICF Accredited Coach Training Programs & Life Coach CertificationsConnect with Sherri on LinkedInTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyResources:Life Coaches in the US - Market SizeInternational Coaching FederationIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

No matter what level you're at or what niche you're in, you'll make mistakes. It just means you're human.And you can still run an amazing coaching business even when you make mistakes.All season on the Coach Pony podcast, Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup and I have taken trips down memory lane to share our biggest flops and what we learned about messing up with clients, contracts, events, social media and more.To wrap up season three, we're giving you the TL;DR version and sharing some of our best advice from this season, plus a few key bits you haven't heard from us before.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Our best advice from season three on business, programs and marketingWhy getting over yourself and getting yourself out there are key to coaching successHow to sell what clients want but give them what they need (so they can get what they want)How to track your results to learn from your mistakesHow to find a community of coaches and why you need to regularly invest in training and educationTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyResources:Coach Pony Podcast: How Shiny Objects Slow Down Your Coaching BusinessCoach Pony Podcast: How to Make Money Writing a Book + An Inside StoryCoach Pony Podcast: The Biggest Sales Mistake New Coaches MakeIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

There are a frightening number of ways to make mistakes on social media.Today on the Coach Pony podcast, Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup joins me again to dish on where we've screwed up on social, so you don't have to!We'll take you back to a time before Instagram even existed let alone TikTok, (no, dinosaurs did not roam the earth) and talk about the pitfalls of trying to be everywhere at once and why it's hard not to take it personally when you get crickets on social media.From confounding algorithms to burnout, we're pulling back the curtain on social media mistakes and how they've impacted us and our businesses.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you need to match your platform choice to your communication styleHow social media can foster self-doubt that creeps into your businessWhy you have to keep ROI and a clear objective in mind when you're investing time, energy or money on socialFour key tips for social media successTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

If you want to have a business, you have to make sales.Otherwise, you're just coaching people for free. If that's your jam, cool! But if you're here...then you probably want to make a living with your coaching.This is why Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup is here with me to talk about sales mistakes. This is a big one and there are a lot of ways your sales process can go sideways.Bobbi shares her biggest struggle point with sales and what she's learned over the years to smooth out the process for herself.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why all of those business books are right about following up (more than once!)How to follow up without being sleazyMindset shifts and tips to help you get out of your own way4 tips to take the stress out of salesThe easiest 3-sentence follow-up email script in the world. Take it and use it today!To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Ooh, shiny!Everyone gets distracted by something sparkly now and again. But shiny object syndrome can slow down your business...big time.Of course you want to chase that shiny new idea, but dividing your attention across too many projects and programs at once can lead to disaster. Whether it's burning out after working umpteen hours a week trying to juggle it all, or your programs not taking off like they could because they're not getting your focus, shiny objects can take their toll on you and your business.Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup is back with me again to talk about the mistakes we've made with shiny objects, and why having someone in your life who tells you to put down the sparkly can be key to keeping yourself on track (when you actually listen to them).But it's not all bad! As always in Season Three, we're also talking about what we learned along the way, even if we're still a little mad at our past selves.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How shiny objects slow down your growth–as a coach and in your businessWhy closely tracking your numbers will help you make better decisions with your sparkliesHow to avoid compare-and-despair and still learn from other coaches in your nicheThree key things to remember when you're dealing with shiny objectsTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyResources:Coach Pony Podcast: How to Make Money Group CoachingCoach Pony Podcast: How to Make Money Writing a Book + An Inside StoryIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Live events have their rewards: When an event goes well, you get the satisfaction of being hands-on and seeing people make progress in real time. Not to mention that attendees learn and make connections with your work (yay!) and each other! Everyone wins!But when a live event goes badly, those mistakes can be hugely detrimental to your business and your reputation.If people leave your event feeling that you've failed to deliver on the promise they paid for, your business will suffer. Or if they find the logistics more challenging than the results, they get grumpy.It doesn't matter if you held a lower-cost event for several hundred people or a luxury retreat for a handful, those people will never buy from you again. And...the worst news? They'll probably tell their friends.Season three of the Coach Pony podcast is all about mistakes, and today, we're talking about mistakes with live coaching events, but with a twist! Bobbie Palmer from Date Like a Grownup and I are going to tell you about the mistakes we've seen other coaches make at events we've attended together.We really aren't kidding when we say every coach, at every level, in every niche, makes mistakes, even on things you might think are pretty basic, like not keeping people waiting in a boiling hot hallway until the ballroom doors open. Not that we've experienced that.... ;)Listen to the full episode to hear about:How not meeting your attendees' basic needs–like starting on time and letting them know where the bathrooms are–immediately costs you respect and credibilityWhy you have to set a real agenda–including session times and meal breaks–share it with the group and stick to it as best as possibleHow attending to basic principles of hospitality can earn you more leeway with other mistakesFour tips for successful live group coaching events, in person or onlineTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Making mistakes with your website can cost you.It can cost you time, it can cost you peace of mind (oh the stress of redoing things!) and of course, it can cost you money.Whether you're paying an agency to design and build your site or you're DIY-ing it, having a site that doesn't do what you need it to can hinder your business's ability to grow.Building a website from scratch can be intimidating, especially when you're just starting out. There are more options than ever for creating a website, and it's hard to be sure what features you will or won't need down the road.If you're doing it yourself, you could get overwhelmed and end up with a simple site without the features that will grow with your business. And if you're paying someone to build it, you could rack up hundreds or thousands in hourly rates as you figure out what you need from your site.This season on the Coach Pony podcast, Bobbie Palmer from Date Like a Grownup joins me to talk about the mistakes we've made. Our businesses are very different, but we've made a lot of the same kinds of mistakes and today, we're talking about our websites.We'll walk you through our mistakes with our websites–from switching to a platform no one's ever heard of, to reluctantly learning to build WordPress landing pages as a workaround–so you have the tools to make better choices when it comes to your website.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you need to think about your long-terms goals, not just your immediate needs when it comes to your website's capabilitiesWhy your website is going to have mistakes and evolve–and that's okay!What you should know about working with a web developerTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

We've all had clients we regret. It's almost a rite of passage for a coach (so yes, it'll probably happen to you!).Maybe you saw the red flags from the beginning and ignored them because you really believed you could be the one to help them. Coaches want to help people! Or maybe it took a few sessions for you to realize that what they need isn't what you offer.Either way, it can be incredibly awkward and uncomfortable to be confronted with a client who is wrong for you, or you're wrong for them, and yet, you've already taken their money.Separating from that client can go okay. Or it can go really, really badly.Season three of the Coach Pony podcast is all about mistakes, and today, Bobbie Palmer from Date Like a Grownup and I are digging into firing clients, so you can learn from us. Or commiserate, because making these mistakes is totally normal. We've all been there!Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why knowing who your ideal client is and sticking to that will help you avoid having to fire someone who's a bad fitHow taking a client who isn't right for you can drag down you and your businessHow to manage an exit in a supportive way, with integrityThree tips to keep firing a client from being a disaster To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Investing in your business is a fact of life. It can help you learn, grow and be a better coach.   But what if when you need advice, consulting, training or something else, you fork over an enormous amount of money only to have it not work out the way you wanted? OUCH.   This season of the Coach Pony Podcast, it's all about mistakes. I teamed up with Bobbi Palmer from  Date Like a Grownup to give you the lowdown on our biggest mistakes and lessons learned, so you don't have to learn the hard way.   Today, we're talking about business investment mistakes. From spending money to get good advice that your business just isn't ready for, to signing up for a program because someone you look up to did it, making mistakes in business investments can put you deep in the red and take time to recover from, financially and emotionally. And these mistakes happen to all of us.   Of course, we hope by sharing some of our stories we'll keep you from making the mistakes we did. But if you do? Give yourself some grace. You are not alone, my friend.   Listen to the full episode to hear about: Why you need to be clear on the return on investment before you write the check How to step back and evaluate any additional investments that may be required to get to the real total cost Why spending a ton of money on training or programs can be a bad idea for new coaches Three big pieces of advice for making business investments   To learn more about Bobbi Palmer: Date Like a Grownup Facebook: @DateLikeAGrownup   To learn more about Christie Mims: Build a Real Business Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony   If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

We all make mistakes in life. And as a coach, you're going to make mistakes with your clients. You're not perfect and your clients (usually) don't expect you to be.But they will–consciously or not– take advantage of contract loopholes, poor enforcement, unclear terms and other not-so-fun ways to ask for services outside of what your intended agreement is.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, I'm teaming up with Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup to talk about the mistakes coaches make when building their businesses. And today, we're diving into contracts.Contracts can be tricky territory with coaching because of the personal investment you develop in your clients. But bending your own rules because you hate saying no to someone you care about doesn't help either of you.From making your terms and conditions as clear as possible to setting your boundaries and sticking to them, we have been there, done that, written the scripts for handling it the next time.We want to spare you the pain and also remind you that when you mess up, you're in great company. Because we've all been there.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why anything outside of the original contract, like an extension, needs additional termsWhy you can't agonize over every request for exceptions to your contracts or termsHow to use scripts to protect your boundaries around your termsWhy you have to have a clear refund and guarantee policy and why you need to put it everywhereChristie and Bobbi's top two tips for dealing with contractsTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Do you ever worry about making mistakes in your coaching business? Of course you do! Everyone makes mistakes. No matter what level you're at– whether you hung up your shingle yesterday or you've been at this for years– mistakes are a normal part of moving your business forward. Welcome! And not only are they normal, but coaches in all niches, at all revenue levels make many of the same mistakes. So, you aren't alone! This season, we're diving into the mistakes coaches make when building their businesses. From contracts to relationships, to websites, we'll cover it all to save you time and stress, and most of all, to remind you that everyone makes mistakes so you are in good company. To help me with that, I'm teaming up with Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup. We have VERY different businesses, but we've made a lot of the same mistakes. And one of the mistakes that we have both made in our businesses is in our relationships. Whether it's mentors, friends, family, peers or partners, you're going to need people to rely on along the way. And if your priorities are out of line, you might find yourself without those people you need in your business, your life and your heart. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How prioritizing your business over your relationships can actually hurt your businessQuestions to ask yourself about how you want your work-life balance to lookStrategies for communicating with your loved ones early and often in your business journey3 tips to build better relationships as you build your business To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupFacebook: @DateLikeAGrownup To learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachpony If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

  Writing a book is a great way to create some passive income while you also cement your coaching knowledge and life experience into one lower-cost, marketable item that you can sell for years to come.   Books are great tools to help people get to know you and enter your coaching world, and build the trust that can ultimately turn them into a client.   Your book can also help raise your profile and bring you visibility as a thought leader, which can lead to wanting to book you (see what I did there?) for speaking engagements.   It's also fantastic when you can codify your expertise as a coach, and really refine your system (writing makes you focus!).   So: You've got the skills, the knowledge and the desire, but where to start? And what does it take to go from page one to published?   In this episode we are looking at how to make money writing a book, and I'll share the story of my first book–which you may think was wildly overpriced, and still is!–and how I made that decision and why it worked.   Listen to the full episode to hear about: How books build trust and credibility with your audience and potential clients Why codifying your system by writing through the process makes you a better coach Book sales math and why your book is probably a marketing tool, not how you'll fully support yourself Nine steps to plan, write, market and launch your book Five essential tools to create a polished, professional book   To learn more about Christie Mims: FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASS Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony Find the book I talked about here: Zero to Passion And here's the book pricing model that got me inspired!   If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619  

  I have so many online course stories for you guys!   My book, Zero to Passion, was my first real online DIY program, because I offered several different tiers of learning beyond just the book. (Fun fact: I still sell plenty of them today).   But that's a story for another time…   Let's get to the good stuff!   In this episode, I'll share the inside story of how I got paid $7,000 to build my first, truly real and purely online course, from a random idea. Plus I'll also reveal the big mistake I made almost immediately.   The course is called The Networking Masterclass, and I created it for the Revolutionary Club because I knew that networking was a huge key skill related to building a career and finding your passion.   What I didn't know was if my audience also understood that, or if they did, if they would want to spend money for online networking help.   If they did, I thought this would be a wonderful way to help serve my community and add a DIY course to my arsenal.   But before I poured tons of time into building the course, I wanted to see if I was right that my community would be interested.   Turns out I was!   But also being right wasn't enough...   Listen to the full episode to hear about: Why it's worth it to vet your audience's interest in your course idea before you commit to creating content Why audience interest is not the same thing as a funnel or sales strategy How to reframe a failed launch as good data   To learn more about Christie Mims: FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASS Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony Zero to Passion   And if you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619  

There's nothing like waking up to money deposited overnight in your bank account and knowing you've been helping people while you were sleeping, no?   Online programs offer you that satisfaction and more.   But as always, there are drawbacks too.   In this episode we'll be taking a much closer look at online DIY coaching programs, because who doesn't want to make passive income, right?   DIY online programs offer passive income, freedom, flexibility, and they can scale like nothing else. Once they're up and running, everything is automated. Your course content goes out without you having to lift another finger and they're available whenever, and for as long as you want them to be.   Sounds great!   But – you know there's a but! – it takes a lot of work to get to evergreen while the deposits roll in.   Listen to the full episode to hear about: Why online programs are almost infinitely scalable, and therefore very profitable The infrastructure and tech you'll need to support your curriculum, from design to sales to distribution Marketing math and considerations so your course offsets your initial investment Nine to steps to get your online course up and running, plus the top five tools you'll need   To learn more about Christie Mims: FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASS Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony   And if you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Do you enjoy embarrassing stories? How about learning from my mistakes so you don't have to? Then this is the episode for you!   I've done several retreats now in my business and in hindsight, they were super fun. However, two of them started out as absolute disasters.   So I want to talk about what happened and, more importantly, what I did to fix them.   Our story begins back in 2013 with my first retreat attempt. I had seen a lot of people doing retreats, and I thought they looked like so much fun. Who doesn't want to get paid to go on vacation with their business? Not this girl. I love the idea of getting paid to go on vacation! (!!)   With that in mind, I randomly decided to have a retreat.   So I booked a place in Costa Rica because I really wanted to go there. I threw up a very simple webpage with limited information, and I chose a whole lot of lovely photos of parrots to sell the idea that Costa Rica was a place that was going to be super fun to visit.   You can already tell this is going to end well, can't you?   Listen to the full episode to hear about: Why a great location isn't enough to get people to pony up to attend a retreat How to use multiple marketing approaches to fill spaces if your initial outreach fails to sell out Why selling a retreat will almost always require a more hands-on, personal sales process Four lessons for planning and hosting a successful–and super fun–retreat   To learn more about Christie Mims: FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASS Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony   And if you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

A retreat can sound like an absolute no-brainer for you to do as a coach. Taking your business on a fabulous vacation? Yes, please. And they do have some fabulous pros. You get to do intense hands-on work with clients, some of whom will even become retreat regulars, which makes it easier to sell out your retreats over time. There's group bonding and the magic of taking yourself and your business out of your regular routine. New locations and new people can revitalize you and your business, and your attendees aren't the only ones who will leave with new ideas and insights! There are also some potentially steep upfront costs and other downsides. Hotel rooms, meals, AV equipment, conference room fees, your own travel–it adds up quickly. And what happens if you don't sell it out? A retreat for twenty could turn into a retreat for two. Yikes. Today we'll be taking a much closer look at hosting retreats, and we'll unpack some of the pros and cons, some of which will surprise you, and to close out we'll give you a basic road map for hosting your own. Because they can be so worth it. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How retreats can scratch the itch for hands-on client work if you've transitioned to larger groups or evergreen coursesWhy retreats can be a great add-on for private clients who have graduated from your programsThe realities of the upfront costs of hosting a retreat, and how they can make retreats the least profitable money pathSeven steps for planning, launching and hosting a retreatSix tools you'll need to have in place to host a retreat To learn more about Christie Mims:FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASSCoach PonyInstagram @christiecoachpony And if you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

Our story today starts, like most of my stories, on my couch.   In the last episode, we talked about the gritty details behind the group coaching business model. Today, I want to tell you the origin story of my very first group coaching program–one that eventually grew to over 500 people!   Our story begins with another company. It's true! Because besides Coach Pony, I also own and operate a career coaching business called The Revolutionary Club. It was my first business, and it still exists today. That's where I fell in love with group coaching.   So, there I was on my couch. I knew that private coaching wasn't going to be for me long-term, and I also knew I wanted to build toward group coaching, but I was also incredibly unsure. My coaching business was still so new –only a few months old! Who I was to be launching a group program with very little experience?!@!   So how did I get off the couch and get started without making myself feel like a fraud?   Listen to the full episode to hear about: Why I did my first group coaching session for free–and also what I asked for in return Adapting a private coaching program for a group setting Balancing structure and flexibility so you can hone your program as you go Adding value–and upping your price–through each iteration of the program Lessons learned from growing from a free program with five people to $1200 and 500 people   To learn more about Christie Mims: FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASS Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony   And if you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

I personally love group coaching.   There's something magical about working with a group.The community that grows in a session, the support and validation participants get from each other–these programs fuel me in a special way.   And group coaching was how I first reached multiple six figures in my business and beyond seven figures now. Group coaching programs are the backbone of my business for a reason beyond how much I love doing them.   But that's me. Group coaching may not be for you, and that's okay.   To help you figure it out - let's dive in!   Here's a big pro: Group coaching can give you room to become an even better coach. Working with a more diverse group of people can present you with better questions and new challenges that really hone your programs and skills in ways it might not with private coaching.   It also has tons of flexibility in schedule, size and pricing, and the scalability makes it a very profitable model. But it does have its drawbacks...one of which is that the market has changed, and it's not quite as easy to stand out if you want to do a big group program.   Today let's take a closer look at group coaching and some of the pros and cons that come with it, some of which might surprise you.   Listen to the full episode to hear about: How flexibility and accessibility in group coaching can help you beat burnout Why you have to be even more comfortable with marketing yourself and facing rejection with group programs than one on one coaching Seven steps to build your curriculum and sell your program Upfront costs and money math you might not have considered The top six tools you need to get a group coaching program off the ground   To learn more about Christie Mims: FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASS Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony   And if you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619

A private hotel suite, room service, a $5000 client…   That definitely sounds way dirtier than I thought it would. But it's part of the story of how I grew my business to six figures all those years ago.   In the last episode, we talked about the gritty details behind the private coaching business model. Today, I'll share the inside story of how I got to a stable six-figure income from just private coaching, and the ah-ha moment that changed the game (plus what I actually did to - you know - change the game!).   We'll also talk about why if you're curled up in the fetal position on your couch worrying about doing your best for your clients, it probably means you probably already are, why you should give your packages an extra session or two, and why you should probably raise your rates!   And you'll get that whole hotel story...   Listen to the full episode to hear about: Raising your rates and adding value in a way that feels right and ethical to you Keeping your client pipeline full without relying on social media The top 5 lessons from my journey to six figures in private coaching   To learn more about Christie Mims: FREE MARKETING MASTERCLASS Coach Pony Instagram @christiecoachpony   Resources: Coach Pony S01E01: How I Got My First Paying Client   And if you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!   You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619