Dear Kristina #4: I think I want to be a life coach.
Careful or you'll become the star of the next big Netflix cult documentary
Kristina,
I saw you switched from being a coach to a writer. I used to write, but I want to help people in life coaching. I want to help individuals build a positive mindset toward themselves to see the potential to accomplish their goals in life. However, to be honest, I think I’m having a hard time figuring out what kind of coaching this is and how to put it out there to the right client. I just need advice on figuring out how to start.
I will give you the most honest advice I can, but I can’t promise you’ll love it. This time last year, I would’ve babbled on about all the wonderful things about the coaching industry, secretly hoping you’d hire me as your business coach. But these days? I’m a bit jaded, salty, and highly critical of the industry. Honestly, it wouldn’t shock me to see coaches at the center of the next big Netflix cult documentary. It’s been giving big MLM vibes, and it’s all starting to feel very cringe.
That said, I do have some tips for how you can get started, what to avoid, and some alternative ways to help people that may be more accessible or sustainable than coaching.
What kind of coaching is this?
What you’re describing falls under the umbrella of mindset coaching or life coaching. But here’s the thing: those industries are super saturated, and to stand out, you’ll need to get a bit more creative. Think about what makes you unique—your experiences, your voice, and your personality. For example, if you’re someone who approaches mindset with humor, or if you’ve overcome a specific challenge that shaped your perspective, weave that into your marketing.
Don’t spend money you don’t have.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d go back in time and give myself, it’s this. The few years I spent as a coach were the most financially trying times of my life—I still haven’t fully recovered. The financial gaslighting in the coaching industry is insane. Big-name coaches are masters at convincing newbies that success isn’t possible without hiring mentors, joining programs, or masterminds—all of which cost thousands and thousands of dollars.
Keep your investments and expenses simple at the start. Don’t hire a mentor or business coach until after you’ve got some skin in the game. Instead, connect with other new coaches online and host DIY weekly masterminds.
When it comes to business expenses, you don’t need the best software right away. Start small. Use an email marketing provider with a free plan to create an opt-in for your mailing list. Or better yet (because I’m biased), start a Substack for free and commit to writing a weekly mindset-focused newsletter. You could offer an upgraded paid subscription with perks like guided meditations, journal prompts, or a book club.
Share all your best info for free.
Choose one social media platform that suits your preferred medium—whether that’s writing, talking, or video—and start sharing your best mindset tips. Post mindset hacks, product recommendations, and uplifting stories about your transformation. I know the word “influencer” makes people cringe, but don’t sleep on an industry that keeps growing. It’s a great way to make money through platform payouts for views and affiliate marketing opportunities.
The hard truth? Unless you go super viral, you’ll probably not get booked consistently for a while. Think outside the box and diversify your offerings and income streams—or accept that you’re probably not going to quit your day job anytime soon.
(Sidebar for a self-aware moment: I realize I’m telling a mindset expert some not-so-positive things. Whooooops.)
Be the authority in your decision-making.
Use your Astrology, Human Design (my personal favorite), or any tools that help you make aligned decisions. Hell, don’t listen to me at all if it doesn’t feel right! I believe that if it doesn’t feel somewhat easy, it’s probably not the right thing for you. Of course, it’ll feel a little scary, and vulnerable, and risky. But it shouldn’t not feel like you.
If you want a basic Human Design Reading, book it here.
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