Description

In this episode, Sarah addresses the growing commercial crisis in the coaching profession. Despite excellent training in coaching skills, new practitioners are entering an oversaturated market unprepared for the business realities they face. With coaching certifications up 54% globally, Sarah explores why having powerful coaching conversations isn't enough to build a sustainable business.

• The global coaching population has increased by 54%, surpassing 100,000 qualified coaches for the first time (ICF 2023 study)
• Traditional pathways through coaching platforms like BetterUp and CoachHub have diminished as competition increases
• The "Prosperous Coach" approach (suggesting good conversations naturally lead to clients) leaves many coaches financially struggling
• Only about 20% of new coaches possess "monetizable credibility" - the professional networks needed to secure high-paying clients immediately
• Many coaching bodies and trainers fail to address client acquisition skills, focusing instead on coaching techniques
• Effective marketing is essential but misunderstood in the coaching profession, with many viewing it as inauthentic or manipulative
• Unlike established professions (accounting, law), coaching requires explanation as potential clients often misunderstand what it offers

The sustainability of coaching as a profession depends on bridging the gap between coaching skills and commercial acumen. Sarah calls for training organizations and professional bodies to provide structured, ethical client acquisition strategies alongside coaching skills education. This isn't a critique but an opportunity to strengthen the profession for everyone involved.

Want to join this important conversation about the future of coaching?

Contact Sarah at sarah.short@thecoachingrevolution.com to discuss how we can collectively address this commercial blind spot.

Have you enjoyed this episode?

Find out more and take the FREE quiz at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecoachingrevolution.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join the FREE Facebook group at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildacoachingbusiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠