Start a Coaching Business

Set up Calendly for discovery calls and sessions

~15 min

Configure Calendly with different event types for free discovery calls and paid coaching sessions.

1. Sign up at calendly.com and connect your Google or Outlook calendar
2. Create a "Free Discovery Call" event type - 30 minutes, with a pre-call questionnaire asking about their goals and challenges
3. Create a "Coaching Session" event type - 60 minutes, with a buffer time of 15 minutes between sessions
4. Set your availability windows (e.g., Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-4pm) to protect your time
5. Add your Calendly link to your email signature, social media bios, and website

Configure Stripe for session packages

~15 min

Set up Stripe payment links for one-off sessions and coaching packages.

1. Go to stripe.com and create your account - complete the business verification
2. Create products for your coaching tiers: Single Session ($X), 4-Session Package ($X), Monthly Retainer ($X/mo)
3. Generate Stripe Payment Links for each product - these are shareable URLs that handle checkout
4. Set up a Stripe subscription product for recurring monthly coaching clients
5. Connect your bank account for payouts and set your payout schedule (daily or weekly)

Build client CRM in Notion

~20 min

Create a client management system in Notion to track leads, sessions, notes, and outcomes.

1. Create a Notion database called "Clients" with properties: Name, Email, Status (Lead/Active/Past), Package, Start Date, Sessions Remaining
2. Add a "Session Notes" sub-page template linked to each client - include fields for Date, Goals Discussed, Action Items, and Next Steps
3. Create a "Pipeline" board view to track leads through stages: Inquiry → Discovery Call → Proposal Sent → Active Client
4. Build a "Resources" page with coaching frameworks, worksheets, and templates you share with clients
5. Set up a weekly review template to track client progress and prepare for upcoming sessions

Set up ConvertKit for lead nurturing

~15 min

Build an email sequence that converts website visitors and social media followers into coaching clients.

1. Create a ConvertKit landing page offering a free resource: a coaching worksheet, assessment, or mini-course
2. Build a 5-email nurture sequence: deliver the free resource → share your coaching philosophy → client success story → invite to free discovery call → limited-time offer
3. Set up a weekly broadcast template for sharing coaching insights and tips with your list
4. Create a "Booked a Call" tag and automation that moves leads out of the nurture sequence when they book via Calendly
5. Add your ConvertKit signup form to your website, Calendly thank-you page, and social media link-in-bio

Create onboarding videos with Loom

~20 min

Record async onboarding and coaching videos to deliver value between live sessions.

1. Sign up at loom.com and install the browser extension or desktop app
2. Record a "Welcome to Coaching" video: introduce yourself, explain how your process works, and set expectations
3. Record a "How to Prepare for Sessions" video covering what clients should bring, how to take notes, and how to do the homework
4. Create a library of short coaching framework videos (5-10 min each) that you can assign to clients between sessions
5. Organize your Loom videos into folders by topic and add links to the relevant client pages in Notion