Start a Coaching Business

Set up Calendly for discovery calls and sessions

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

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

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 Kit for lead nurturing

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

1. Create a Kit 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 Kit signup form to your website, Calendly thank-you page, and social media link-in-bio

Create onboarding videos with Loom

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