Coaching in the Dark

Bill Pullen, MSOD, MCC, shares his experience, insecurities, challenges, and lessons learned from the first few years of owning his coaching business. Highlights:1:55 - 5 words to describe owning a coaching business6:22 - Specific fears he had when starting out11:07 - A specific memory that encapsulated his insecurities in the beginning15:37 - The value of relationships in his business development18:51 - When things started to shift more confidently in his business23:22 - What he sees new coaches doing in the beginning that's successful30:27 - What he sees new coaches doing in the beginning that might not be so successful35:54 - What he's looking for when partnering with another coach 39:10 - His 'turn-offs' when partnering with another coach41:57 - How Bill authentically builds his business43:10 - 5 key takeaways for new coaches

Beatriz Nicolau, CPCC, PCC, shares her experience, insecurities, challenges, and lessons learned from the first few years of owning her coaching business. Highlights:1) 07:14 - 5 words to describe owning a coaching business2) 08:41 - the importance of resilience and learning in the journey3) 11:40 - Her fears, insecurities, and challenges in the very beginning4) 16:21 - A low moment that stands out in the early days of owning a business5) 23:11 - When things started to shift more confidently6) 28:42 - Balancing owning a business and being a mother with 2 young children7) 34:50 - Authentic ways she builds her business8) 38:20 - 5 key takeaways for new coaches

John Sigmon, CPCC, PCC, MCEC, shares his experience, insecurities, challenges, and lessons learned from the first few years of owning his coaching business. Highlights:1) 2:08 - Where John currently is in his business2) 3:43 - How ‘pushing the edge' is critical to growing his business3) 6:22 - (5) words to describe owning a coaching business4) 10:17 - His distinct fears, insecurities and challenges at the beginning5) 15:09 - A low moment that stands out in the beginning6) 19:00 - When / how things started to ‘shift' more confidently in his business7) 22:09 - Why asking for help has been critical to John's success8) 27:48 - As a former C-suite executive, advice for new coaches pitching their services9) 32:00 - ‘Dealbreakers' when looking for a coach as a former C-suite executive10) 34:00 - The things John authentically does to build his business11) 39:44 - (5) key takeaways for new coaches

D. Marlene Thomas, PCC, shares her experience, insecurities, challenges, and lessons learned from the first few years of owning her coaching business. Highlights:1) 4:00 - The importance around sticking to what she does well / authentically enjoys doing2) 5:56 - (5) words that describe owning a coaching business3) 9:30 - Lessons around learning where her work really comes from4) 13:00 - Her distinct fears, insecurities and challenges at the beginning5) 15:50 - The value of having a ‘fellowship' and community of coaches to help6) 17:39 - A piece of advice that really made an impact early on7) 20:07 - How / when things started to shift more confidently8) 24:25 - The value she has received by being involved in the ICF DC Chapter9) 28:24 - Advice for coaches of color10) 30:00 - The things Marlene authentically does to build her business11) 32:46 - The value of self-care in owning a business12) 36:04 - (5) key takeaways for new coaches

Daphne Y. Jefferson, PCC, shares her experience, insecurities, challenges, and lessons learned from the first few years of owning her coaching business. Highlights:- 6:22 - 5 words to describe owning her coaching business- 10:35 - personal insecurities, fears and challenges at the start- 12:40 - realities around timeline and expectations for the business- 16:38 - 'low' moments that stand out- 19:48 - when / how business started to 'shift' more abundantly- 24:46 - tips for 'coaches of color'- 29:46 - go-to moves for when business is slow- 33:51 - 5 key lessons for new coaches starting a business