Transition Like a True Professional : 5 Key Considerations for Trainee & Newly Qualified Coaches

Transition Like a True Professional: 5 Key Considerations for Trainee & Newly Qualified Coaches

Becoming a professional life coach is an exciting and transformative journey. But moving from training into professional practice can feel daunting. This guide, written by Laura O'Shaughnessy, Coaching Academy graduate and founder of The Good Vibrations Project outlines five essential considerations to help you transition smoothly and build a successful life coaching business.

1. Your Qualification Is Only the Starting Line

Completing your coaching diploma is a milestone, but not the end goal. Think of it as the starting line for your professional journey.

Practical steps to take immediately after qualifying:

• Choose a name for your practice or clearly describe your services
• Build a daily routine including time for business development, learning, reflection, and coaching
• Set up a professional, client-friendly workspace (especially for online sessions)
• Refine and practice your elevator pitch; use it whenever possible
• Collect short, impactful testimonials from peers or clients
• Map out your client pipeline; know where and how you will attract clients

2. Keep Your Vision at the Centre

Your vision is the compass for your career. Reconnect with the reasons you chose coaching and align your goals accordingly.

Tips for staying vision-driven:

• Write down long-term goals such as income targets, client numbers, or networking milestones
• Break those goals into smaller tasks and integrate them into your daily routine
• Stay mission-focused to maintain clarity and motivation

3. Avoid Comparison Traps

It’s easy to compare yourself to others; especially peers who appear more polished or established.

Key takeaway: Your path is unique. Instead of comparing, learn selectively from others and build a business authentic to your strengths.

4. Apply Coaching Tools to Yourself

As a qualified coach, you already possess the tools you need. Use them on yourself whenever you feel stuck.

How to self-coach effectively:

• Pause, breathe, and journal through key coaching questions
• Challenge limiting beliefs about rejection, failure, or approval
• Revisit your mission and reframe obstacles as growth opportunities
• Support yourself with wellness habits; exercise, creativity, and rest

5. Make Coaching Conversations a Daily Practice

Your real value lies in facilitating meaningful coaching conversations, not just marketing yourself.

Ways to stay active as a coach:

• Continue reciprocal coaching with peers
• Join mentoring programs or supervision groups
• Create opportunities for coaching in everyday interactions
• Prioritise conversations over perfect branding

Final Thought: Have Faith in the Process

You are ready. With your skills, training, and commitment, you can build a coaching business that truly helps people. Stay consistent, stay connected to your vision, and approach each step with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I start a life coaching business after qualifying? Begin by clarifying your services, collecting testimonials, setting up your workspace, and planning your client acquisition strategy.

Q2: How do I get my first coaching clients? Use networking, social media presence, speaking opportunities, and referrals. Start with your existing contacts and expand outward.

Q3: What should new life coaches avoid? Avoid over-comparing yourself to others, neglecting your vision, or focusing solely on marketing at the expense of actual coaching practice.

Q4: How can I stay motivated as a new coach? Reconnect with your vision, self-coach regularly, and celebrate small wins. Surround yourself with supportive peers or mentors.

About Author:

Laura is a Coaching Academy graduate, who now runs her own successful coaching business called The Good Vibrations Project. With a background in branding, she’s spent her career helping businesses develop their identity and communicate effectively through an understanding of what sits at the heart of their brand. Armed with these enriching skills and her coaching qualifications, she’s now helping individuals understand what sits at their core.  Laura is passionate about helping people connect with their authentic selves to build inner strength and lead fulfilling, purposeful lives.