In frustrated moments, many professionals long for the independence and income that come with being a consultant or coach. Indeed, the profession can be lucrative, as evinced by famed coach Marshall Goldsmith’s well-publicized rate of $250,000 per client.
3 Reasons New Coaches and Consultants Fail
One mistake: Not taking low-fee, brand-building work early on.
July 03, 2019
Summary.
Launching a consulting or coaching practice is a coveted goal for many professionals, and the rewards can be substantial. But most coaches are falling short when it comes to building a thriving practice. Why? There are three common mistakes new coaches make: they’re reluctant to do low-paid, brand-building activities in the early days; they hesitate to reach out to past contacts for fear of rejection; and they focus on their own interests rather than the client’s needs. By becoming aware of these traps — and taking action to avoid them — new coaches can ensure they’re well ahead of the competition and are creating a strong foundation for their business.
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New!
HBR Learning
Coaching Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Coaching. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to help your employees become the best they can be.