Financial Friday is here! Which means, we’re taking to the blog to answer your questions related to tuition and earning big as a Health Coach! So far, we shared the inside scoop on how you can start seeing clients and earn back your IIN tuition while you’re only halfway through the program and took a look at what’s included in your tuition. Today, we tackling a major question many potential Health Coaches ask, “is it possible start health coaching without leaving my job?”
One of the biggest factors that often hold us back from making a change or doing something new is the idea that we have to take an all-or-nothing approach.
When we’re not sure how something fits into our lives, we hesitate to move forward until the comfort of staying where we are – even if unfilled – becomes the default course of (in)action.
When it comes to health coaching though, you don’t have to leave the stability of your current job or rearrange your entire life in order to inspire others towards greater wellness.
In fact, many Integrative Nutrition students and graduates begin health coaching on the side of their full-time job. A “side hustle” is a way to make extra income and allows you flexibility to pursue what you’re most interested in. This can be your true passion – a chance to delve into health, wellness and coaching, without quitting your day job.
That’s the beauty about health coaching – your opportunities are endless and allow for maximum flexibility in terms of hours, circumstances and priorities.
Once you get started, you can decide if you want to pursue health coaching as a full-time career, integrate it into your existing work, or continue seeing clients part-time.
Below we’ve compiled 4 ways you can start building your part-time health coaching practice:
1. Take every opportunity to share what you’re up to.
When starting a business, even if it’s part time, it’s important to tell the world what you’re doing! About halfway through the program at Integrative Nutrition when you get the green light to begin working with clients, share this news with friends, family, colleagues, local groups, and of course on social media. The more you talk about your practice in every day conversation like at the grocery store or at a dinner party, the easier it becomes to build a list of potential clients to work with. After all, word of mouth is one of the best marketing tools out there!
2. Start with just one client.
As a student of Integrative Nutrition, you’ll have a chance to practice health coaching with fellow students so you’re familiar with the basics before working with your first client. As a start, take on just one client and figure out just how much time you’ll need to set aside in your schedule and what priorities may need to shift. It’s important to start slowly to ensure you won’t stretch yourself too thin.
3. Set clear goals and make a checklist.
What are your top business goals for the next three months? How many clients can you reasonably fit into your schedule? What is the income goal you’d like to meet through health coaching? Start with attainable goals that will build your confidence and give you flexibility rather than setting overly ambitious goals that may burn you out. As your practice evolves, you can adjust the goals, but setting short-term, realistic and attainable goals will help you stay on track as you grow your business.
4. Schedule like a boss and follow that schedule like an employee.
Maintaining a schedule is crucial when you’re multi-tasking, or “multi-working.” The more organized you are the more efficient you’ll be. Here are a few simple ways to get organized that will make running your practice on the side a breeze:
- Set specific blocks of time aside for client calls or responding to client questions. An organized calendar makes carving out time for all priorities without feeling overwhelmed.
- Create clearly labeled folders for each client, containing all relevant documents like client agreement, health history form, and session notes.
- Create an easily re-printed packet of your favorite handouts or guides, a collection of recipes, and other resources you like to use with clients and always have a few on hand when meeting with potential new clients.
Need more tips for getting organized? Check out our productivity guide here.
5. Choose work strategically.
If you get bored easily, need a challenge, want a varied skill set or if you’re considering a career change, it’s important to keep your various jobs separate and chose clients that will provide you with the variety you seek. Conversely, if you want to specialize in one area and gain experience and knowledge the fastest, you can build up a repertoire of clients that will enable you to build your expertise.
With a little practice and organization, your business will be easier to manage, whether it’s part-time or full-time!
Remember, it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing when it comes to health coaching. You can have your kale and eat it too!
Integrative Nutrition’s Health Coach Training Program is designed with busy people in mind, and if you’re passionate about sharing wellness with others then you’ve come to the right place. Join an online info session to learn more!
What does your ideal health coaching schedule look like? Share in the comments below!
