171 | How to Start a Coaching Business (What Actually Matters)

Many coaches leave their training feeling inspired, motivated and completely unsure how to get clients. In this episode, Joanna shares the honest reality of starting from scratch, from leaving a stable HR career and navigating self-doubt to learning sales, visibility, pricing, and how to attract paying clients. Timestamps: 00:00 - Coaching vs Business 02:00 - Leaving Employment 03:00 - Designing Your Life 04:00 - Money Reality 05:00 - Niche & Offers 07:00 - Stop Hiding in Learning 09:00 - Visibility & LinkedIn 11:00 - What Actually Matters This episode is a reminder that building a coaching business is not about having the perfect website, logo, or strategy from day one. It’s about having the courage to start before you feel fully ready. Useful Links Download the 12 ways to get clients now Dare Greatly in The Coaching Arena: In-person & Online mid-year Reset, June 2026 Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.