Coach Pony

AI, Ozempic, and a business model that actually lets you take August off — here's what's really happening in health coaching right now.In this episode of the Coach Pony podcast, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims sits down with holistic weight loss coach Tameika G, who has spent 11+ years building an online coaching business from scratch — and recently blew it all up to simplify.In this episode, Tameika breaks down how she went from 5 confusing offers to ONE signature 3-month program that launches 3 times a year, why her clients rejected an AI coaching agent (even with voice chat), and what new health coaches should actually be doing to land their first clients in 2026.Whether you're a new health coach trying to figure out your niche, or an established coach drowning in too many offers — this one is for you.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–What GLP drugs (like Ozempic) actually mean for health coaches–Why people still want a human coach — not an AI–How Tameika uses AI for backend tasks WITHOUT replacing the human connection–Her ONE-offer, 3x/year launch model (and why it changed everything)–How she got her first 5 online clients from Facebook–Why niching down is the #1 move for new health coaches–Life tip of the week from Tameika: her "Batch & Build" method for eliminating food decision fatigue!Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie as she discusses the latest ideas and topics from the coaching industry!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyDownload Coach Pony's FREE 14-Day Client BlueprintCheck out Tameika G’s AMAZING Instagram

Feeling like a fraud is one of the most common struggles new coaches face — and almost nobody talks about it honestly.In this episode of the Coach Pony podcast, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer pull back the curtain on their own experiences with imposter syndrome and fear of failure so you know: you are not alone.In this episode, you'll hear how to face your worst-case fears, plus real talk on why confidence doesn't come before action — it comes AFTER.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–Why "fake it till you make it" is only half the story–The #1 mindset trap that keeps new coaches stuck (and how to coach yourself out of it)–How to use fear as fuel instead of a stop sign–Why imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time–Christie's real story: how she structured her very first paid coaching client ($2,000!) to feel safe enough to say yes–Business and life tip of the week with Christie and Bobbi!Check out Christie’s “Crash Landing Plan” for great advice on how to go full time in your coaching business.Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie as she discusses the latest ideas and topics from the coaching industry!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyCheck out Coach Pony's free marketing masterclassTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Soft Landings San MiguelDate Like a Grownup Blog

Are you a life coach looking to expand your coaching business into a new niche, but struggling with client acquisition?In this episode of the Coach Pony podcast, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer dive into the reality of getting clients in an unfamiliar market and provide you with valuable coaching tips to help you succeed.As a coach, it's essential to have a solid coach marketing strategy in place to attract potential clients and grow your business. We'll explore the challenges of client acquisition in a new niche and share practical advice on how to overcome them, so you can focus on doing what you do best - helping your clients achieve their goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your coaching business to the next level, this video is for you. Learn how to effectively get clients and build a thriving coaching business in a new niche.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–How to find clients in a new niche in 2026–Bobbi's new business in a new niche: helping single women relocate to San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico–Options for marketing in a new niche–Building expertise in one marketing channel first–Do's and don'ts for posting on LinkedIn–Participating in other people's communities on social media–Business and life tip of the week with Christie and Bobbi!Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie as she discusses the latest ideas and topics from the coaching industry!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyCheck out Coach Pony's free marketing masterclassTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Soft Landings San MiguelDate Like a Grownup Blog

Getting your first coaching clients feels impossible when you have zero testimonials — and getting testimonials feels impossible when you have no clients. Here's exactly how to break that cycle.In this episode, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer walk you through the proven system new coaches use to collect feedback and testimonials from day one — even before you've charged a single client.Whether you're figuring out how to start a coaching business or you're already working with your first clients and wondering how to build social proof — this episode gives you the roadmap.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–How to run informational interviews to validate your coaching niche (and what to ask)–The free coaching cohort strategy that gets you testimonials AND real experience fast–In-the-moment feedback techniques with up to 100% response rates–Exactly what to say when asking for a testimonial — including the before/after question that makes clients shine–How to use the Appreciative Inquiry model so feedback is always constructive–Business and life tip of the week with Christie and Bobbi!Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie as she discusses the latest ideas and topics from the coaching industry!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyCheck out Coach Pony's free marketing masterclassTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup BlogSoft Landings San Miguel

The number #1 thing to do before using AI in your coaching business! …And some practical tips on how we are using it!In this episode, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer talk all about niching and also how they are using AI in their coaching businesses. They share their experience from coaching across multiple niches, and what they have seen when coaches fail to niche. And, Bobbi shares a deep dive on her process for using AI while developing content for her new business website.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–Do you need a niche?–Why juggling multiple niches impacts your credibility (and ability to find clients)–How we are using AI in our coaching businesses–The 8 pieces of information Bobbi used for her new business website (and why)–Using AI for images–Brainstorming with AI–Business and life tip of the week with Christie and Bobbi!–A great tip about the task feature of AI on how to save suggestions from AI for laterSubscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonySign up for Sunday Couch School (our free weekly email newsletter)To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Soft Landings San MiguelDate Like a Grownup Blog

Clients are why we are coaches! Working with clients and helping them achieve their goals is the best feeling in the world! But some of them… are tricky. "Difficult," even.In this episode, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer talk all about handling difficult clients. They share their experiences from one-on-one and group coaching across multiple niches, as well as some suggestions for how you handle your own clients when they get difficult.If you coach for any length of time, you’ll probably run into clients that take a toll on you and make you question if you are the right fit for them. Let’s talk all about it.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–What if someone joins your group coaching program but is a bad fit?–What if you have a 1-on-1 client who is a bad fit? How do you “fire” a client?–Why you must have a conversation with a potential 1-on-1 client before taking them on–What about disruptive personalities in group coaching or workshops?–Asking permission to interrupt–Tips and tools to make the group run more smoothly–Business and life tip of the week with Christie and Bobbi!And, if you want to be part of the Coach Pony Get Paid to Coach podcast, and ask questions directly, join us LIVE on YouTube every other Tuesday. Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie!ResourceBusiness Mistakes That Kill Your Relationships (S03E01)To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyThe FREE Marketing MasterclassTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup Blog

In this episode, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer talk all about group coaching and share some of their insider secrets. Between the two of them, they have built and sold all kinds of group coaching offers, and this conversation is all about sharing their knowledge and answering some questions.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–What to include in “higher touch” group programs?–How many emails to send when launching a group program?–What technology to use to power group programs?–Business and life tip of the week with Christie and Bobbi!And, if you want to be part of the Coach Pony Get Paid to Coach podcast, and ask questions directly, join us LIVE on YouTube every other week. Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyFree LIVE Class: 5 Group Coaching MistakesTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup Blog

In this episode, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer talk all about group coaching. The pros, the cons, and some important things to consider when setting up your first group coaching offer. If you love coaching, and want to find a way to help more people at scale, take a look at group coaching!Listen to the full episode to hear about:–Which is better: group coaching or private coaching?–What are the pros and cons of group coaching for business (B2B) vs. individuals (B2C)?–What should a new coach focus on to start?–Was there something you wish you knew before starting group coaching?–What is the difference between high-touch and low-touch coaching offers?–How many people should be in your program?–Business and life tips with Christie and Bobbi!And, if you want to be part of the Coach Pony Get Paid to Coach podcast, and ask questions directly , join us LIVE on YouTube every other week. Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyFree Training About How to Find Paying Coaching ClientsBuild a REAL BusinessTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup BlogResources: Tasting History YouTube channelCoach Pony YouTube channel

Don’t go it alone!Building a business is lonely work, and as coaches we are not wired to be lone wolves. Fight the blues, get connected to other perspectives, and avoid the isolation of the entrepreneur by building your own community of other coaches.In this episode, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer discuss their experience working together in a mastermind of coaches that has lasted more than a dozen years (and counting!).Get some practical tips on how to find other coaches to mastermind with, and also some things to consider to make sure your group is happy in the long run.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–How to find other coaches to build your community–Practical tips on how to make a coaches’ mastermind successful–Business and Life Tips from Christie and Bobbi!And, if you’ve been missing the Coach Pony Get Paid to Coach podcast recently, the new season is here for 2026, LIVE on YouTube every other week. Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyFree Training About How to Find ClientsTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup BlogResources: Coach Pony YouTube channel

Sales, ugh.In this episode, Coach Pony founder Christie Mims and Date Like a Grownup founder Bobbi Palmer discuss the cognitive dissonance many coaches feel between wanting to serve clients and their aversion (hate!) of sales.If you HATE sales, you might be misunderstanding the assignment as a coach. In this episode Christie and Bobbi dismantle the idea that "sales" and "coaching" are opposites, and talk about how to sell as a coach.Listen to the full episode to hear about:–How to be authentic in a sales call? (HINT: no high pressure sales tactics!)–How to deal with the "I need time to think about it" objection?Hear what a real sales call can sound like on this episode of the Coach Pony podcast:https://coachpony.com/what-a-real-sales-call-sounds-like-and-why-it-works/And, if you’ve missed the Get Paid to Coach podcast recently, the new season is here for 2026, LIVE on YouTube every other week. Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see all the latest from Christie!To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyConnect with Christie on LinkedinTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup BlogResources: Coach Pony YouTube channel

Let’s talk about your rates for coaching in 2026! Are you undercharging???Welcome back to the first LIVE episode of the Coach Pony Get Paid to Coach podcast where we cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.Listen to Christie from Coach Pony and Bobbi Palmer (founder of Date Like a Grownup) talk all about how much to charge for coaching in 2026.And, if you’ve missed the Get Paid to Coach podcast in your ears recently, the new season is here, LIVE on YouTube every other week. Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see the latest videos from Christie!Listen to the full episode to hear about:Should you, as an online coach or service-based entrepreneur, raise your prices in 2026?What is the definitive way to know if you are charging too much or too little for your coaching package? (And, a quick trick on how to check the math!)How do you deliver your new price tag with the unshakable confidence of an expert, while also feeling ethical?FREE MASTERCLASS ON SALEShttps://coachpony.com/sell-coaching-registrationBuild a REAL Business (NOTE: the price of BARB is going up on Saturday, January 31st):https://coachpony.com/barb/To learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyConnect with Christie on LinkedinTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup BlogResources: Essentialism by Greg McKeownCoach Pony YouTube channel

Let’s talk about the future of life coaching in 2026! Is there a bright future for this industry, and is there room for you to be a coach?Welcome back to this special episode of the Coach Pony Get Paid to Coach podcast where we cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.Listen to Christie from Coach Pony and Bobbi Palmer (founder of Date Like a Grownup) talk about the future of the coaching industry. To structure this conversation, they’re going to dig into the 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study to see some hard numbers about the coaching industry worldwide and then share their own insights based on their experience in the coaching industry.And, if you’ve missed the Get Paid to Coach podcast, get ready for the launch of our next season, LIVE on YouTube starting in January! Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see the latest videos from Christie!Listen to the full episode to hear about:The numbers from the latest ICF Global Coaching StudyWhat we found surprising in the report, and what we had questions aboutHow the coaching industry has evolved and become more mainstreamPredictions for the future of the coaching industry in 2026, and what we think is changing (and what is staying the same!)What you should focus on next year, and what you should STOP doing as a newer coachTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a Grownup BlogTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyBuild a Real BusinessConnect with Christie on LinkedinResources: 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan SullivanDeath on the Nile by Agatha ChristieCoach Pony YouTube channel

Community is one of the keys to lasting success in any coaching business.Our goal is to help you build a coaching business that not only supports your goals and lifestyle but also lasts for years to come. In this last episode of Season 7 of the podcast, Bobbi Palmer and I will share practical advice based on core principles that have allowed us to do just that. Bobbi and I bring a wealth of experience to the table, with over 25 years in the coaching industry. We've built six and seven-figure programs, and we're here to share our insights with you. So listen in for some wisdom from two coaches who’ve been there, done that, and built lasting, successful businesses of our own.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you need to focus on strategy and systems, not chasing trends or what other coaches are doingThe five core strategic systems your business needs for long-term successWhy it takes patience and willingness to dig in to gain traction in your businessWhy you need a community as a coach and business ownerTips for connecting with other coaches and building a community of support To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyLinkedin

Coaching is a numbers game, and we want you to win it.But as coaches, we’re great at listening to our intuition but not so good at listening to the numbers. This is a big mistake that can lead to even bigger problems.Every business hits a few bumps, and coaching is no different. But before you try to fix an issue in your business based on a gut feeling, let’s get into the numbers.Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are always focused on cutting through the noise and showing you how to launch your coaching business fast.Today, I want to talk about how knowing some key numbers in your business can help you diagnose and make smart decisions for the future.Plus, we’ve got a pit crew pep talk from Coach Pony favorite, Bobbi Palmer of Date Like a Grown Up on handling disappointment when something in your business just doesn’t work out.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How data can help you get to the real root cause of the problem in your coaching businessWhat you can learn from numbers like website traffic and conversion rates on consultsWhy you should track how much time you’re really putting into your marketingTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyLinkedinResources: Coach Pony: How to Find a Niche You LoveCoach Pony: What a Real Sales Call Sounds Like (And Why It Works!)

You’ve done your training, landed on a business model and a niche, developed an offer, and set your prices; now, how do you find clients?Let’s dig in!Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast where cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.When marketing your coaching business, it's tempting to spread yourself thin across numerous platforms such as social media, YouTube, podcasts, and blogging. However, this approach can be ineffective and lead to wasted time. It's important to focus on strategies that work for your business.Today, I want to share some truths about marketing your business so that you don’t waste time spinning your wheels on a platform or strategy that doesn’t work for you and your business.And we’ve got another excellent pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer, founder of Date Like a Grownup, on how putting yourself in your marketing helps your ideal clients find and connect with you.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why doing all of the things and being on all of the platforms is not an effective strategyHow focusing your marketing efforts preserves your energy in more ways than oneHow your skills, your personality, and your niche should influence what platforms you useWhy doing less in a more focused, strategic way will connect you with more clientsHow to raise your profile by getting yourself in front of other people’s audiencesTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyLinkedinResources: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, James ClearCoach Pony: How to Find a Niche You Love

To have predictable income as a coach, you need a sales funnel.Now, the words “sales” and “funnel” might bring up some feelings about not wanting to be sleazy and salesy or worry that it’s going to be overwhelming to get set up and running.A sales funnel does not need to use sleazy tactics or be super complicated.So what makes a good sales funnel tick? Let’s break it down. Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are going to cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.Today, I want to dig into the purpose of a sales funnel in your coaching business, and how two simple, low-tech strategies can help you make more consistent income and stay out of the boom and bust sales cycle. Plus we’ve got another excellent pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer of Date Like a Grownup on rethinking your mindset about sales and marketing for your coaching business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why a sales funnel is like dating before you make a commitmentThe two simple purposes of a sales funnelThe strategies behind free consults or free coaching and how to choose what’s right for youDoing the math on how sales funnels create predictable incomeTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyLinkedinResources: coachpony.com/marketing

Setting your pricing can feel fraught and stressful. You might worry if you go too high, no one will hire you. And if you go too low, you won’t be able to support yourself. And you might have your own personal money story trying to take the wheel.Been there.So today, I will provide you with practical advice on how to confidently price your coaching services, guiding you through the process and helping you make informed decisions.Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are going to cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.We might all end up with a different dollar amount, but we’ll go over what you need to factor into your pricing and do some money math for private versus group coaching. Plus, we’ve got another excellent pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer of Date Like a Grownup about charging what you’re worth.Away we go!Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why your rate should also reflect the work and overhead your clients don’t see, not just the time they spend with youHow to make sure your pricing covers your cost of livingThe absolute bare minimum you should charge for private coachingAdditional considerations for group coaching pricingWhy your prices can (and should!) go up over timeTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a Real BusinessCoach PonyLinkedinResources: How to Make Money Group CoachingThe One Where I Started a Group Coaching Program (That Eventually Grew to 500 People)

More offers and ways to work with you means you’re covering all the bases for your niche, which leads to more clients and more money. Right?More is not more, y’all. Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast. You can’t launch your business and get people to hire you without a great offer. But a lot of new coaches fall into the trap of thinking more offers means more sales. Today we’re going to unpack why that’s not actually true and how to create a well-focused offer that sells so you can get your business off to the races. Plus we’ve got a pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer, founder of Date Like a Grownup, on the importance of staying focused in your offers, no matter how shiny that new idea seems.So strap in and get ready to step on the gas!Listen to the full episode to hear about:What data about the psychology of choice tells us about having too many optionsHow limiting your number of offers actually boosts your credibility as a coachWhy you see coaches with more experience running multiple offersHow to develop what you want your clients to achieve into an offerTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedin

When I first started as a coach, I thought the more people I could appeal to, the better. Serving multiple niches could only expand my reach and earning opportunities, right?Wrong. So wrong. And today, I’m going to explain why.Welcome back to Season 7 of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are focused on helping you build your business… fast!Choosing a niche is not just important; it's a game-changer for a coach. It may sound counterintuitive, but you will actually serve more people and make more money by focusing and doing less.So, how do you decide what kind of people and problems you really want to work with day in and day out? Today, I'll guide you through the process.Plus, we’ve got a pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer, founder of Date Like a Grownup, on why it’s okay to evolve your niche over time if you need or want to.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How choosing a niche makes it easier for your people to find you through your website, your marketing, and your offersWhy a niche isn’t a limit on your creativity as a coachAn exercise to help you envision your dream clientHow to find out if your niche is actually viable, financially and personallyWhy it’s okay to test out a few nichesTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Build a REAL BusinessCoach PonyLinkedin

When you start your coaching business, it's common to have a simple goal of "finding more clients and making more money." However, as you delve into the process of attracting clients and generating income, all of the options can be overwhelming – the FOMO is real. We are here to guide you through this maze and provide a clear path forward. The crucial question to ask yourself is, "What kind of business do I really want?" This question is fundamental to making well-informed decisions about your coaching business.Today, we’re going to dig into business models in coaching, how to choose one that fits your goals and lifestyle, and why you don’t need a dozen ways to work with you when you’re starting out. Additionally, Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup will provide a pit crew pep talk on ignoring the hype and figuring out how you want to run your coaching business.So strap in and get ready to step on the gas!Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why it’s not actually helpful to model your business on someone who’s been at this for years alreadyPros and cons for the two most common coaching business models – one-on-one and group coachingHow keeping your offers limited as you start to grow your business benefits your bottom lineTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinResources: Coach Pony Podcast Season 2Money Paths - 6 Real Ways to Make Money as a Life Coach

Are you thinking about launching your own coaching business and feeling anxious or doubtful? You are not alone. We’ve been there, too, and we’re here to help.Welcome to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast!In this podcast, we are always focused on helping you get paid to coach.This season, we will cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast! So strap in and get ready to step on the gas!In today’s episode, I want to talk about some of the most common concerns and fears I hear–and have experienced!–about taking the plunge into starting a coaching business. Plus, you’ll get a pep talk from one of my favorite pit crew members, Bobbi Palmer, a renowned coach and founder of Date Like a Grownup.Listen to the full episode to hear about:The single most important thing for launching your coaching business quickly and successfullyThe big difference between being an imposter and just being early in your careerWhy you don’t need to be afraid of market saturationWhy it seems like everyone and their mom is a business coach, and why you don’t need to be one to be successfulThe skills and systems you need to develop to launch and run your coaching business successfullyTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinResources: Life Coaches in the US IBIS WorldICF Global Coaching Study

Sales calls. You know you need to make them, but if you’re a new coach, you might not know where to begin or what it should sound like.And that’s where we come in.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.Today, we’re going to role play sales calls so you know what they really sound like, so you can learn the ropes and make money doing what you love.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How to introduce yourself and the agenda for the callHow to ask questions to find out if they’re a good fit for you and your coachingHow to frame your process so you’re educating your potential clientHow to build connection and empathy with your client during the call To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Can you really make six figures or more as a coach?Every new coach asks themselves this at some point. You might have a day job that you’re not sure if you can quit. Maybe you’re trying to figure out the kind of business model you should use in order to meet your income goals. We’re here to help.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.Today, we’re going to share the details of three ways that coaches can make six figures or more. We’re the first to admit that it isn’t easy, but if you commit to one of these models, we promise it’s possible. Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you need business training to get your coaching business off the ground and on its way to bringing in real moneyDoing the math behind making money with private coachingWhat to consider when you’re thinking about your income and profit goalsBreaking down group coaching and how it can support your businessThe truth about online, DIY programs and why they’re never really passiveTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Sometimes, we all just need a break.But how can you step away from your coaching business without losing money?That’s what we’re digging into today.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.We’ll share strategies for making your work week more manageable (so long 80-hour weeks!), and what to do when you really need some solid time off.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why new coaches need to learn to set boundaries on their work timeOur favorite strategies for building time off into your regular scheduleHow to “quiet quit” your businessHow giving yourself a change of scenery can bring energy back into your businessTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessFREE Marketing MasterclassIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

At some point, your coaching business is going to get busy. Or maybe things are already starting to pick up and you feel like you need some help, ASAP. When should you hire someone? And who should they be?That’s what we’re digging into on today’s episode.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.We’ll talk about what you need to have in place before you bring another person into your coaching business and our takes on the first things you’ll want to outsource to another person.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you should invest in the tools to make your business run smoothly before you hire a personOur top two tools that your business needs before you hireWhat to consider when you’re looking to outsource tasks or a role within your businessWhen the time is right to make your first hireWhy future you–and future hires–will thank you for creating documentation of how you want things done nowThe one thing you absolutely should not outsource as a new coachTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessFREE Marketing MasterclassIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

When you’re a new coach, it can feel like the only way to get clients is to build a presence online. But that takes time and you need clients now!Today, we’re kicking it old school and talking about how to find clients locally, so you don’t need a huge following to start making money as a coach.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.We’ll talk about how to get in front of your audience and give you some ideas and tips for building relationships and converting clients.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why tools like Meetup and Eventbrite are so great for new coachesHow Bobbi structured her meetup to support her businessHow to get in front of groups in your niche How networking events can help you expand your audienceHow to approach small businesses to host your talkTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessCouch SchoolIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Today’s caller to the Coach Pony Radio Hour wants to know if a pricy mastermind is worth it as a new coach.And of course, we’ve got hot takes and advice for deciding if a high-priced mastermind is right for you and your coaching business.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.Today we’re giving you the down-low on what a mastermind is, why they can be valuable, and why we think they’re a bad idea for a new coach.Listen to the full episode to hear about:What the value can be in a mastermind and why it’s just not there for new coachesWhy you should be wary of masterminds that don’t have a minimum income thresholdHow making a major investment in a mastermind can set back your business and cause you unnecessary stressThe education and training that new coaches need instead. Bonus: it’s lower-pricedHow to start your own mastermind for mutual support and ideasTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Today’s caller wants to know how to use his existing client list to meet an ambitious monthly income goal.And we know just how to do it: VIP Days.Offering these kinds of intensives is a great way to boost your coaching income without hustling for new leads, and we’ll tell you why.In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.We’re going to talk through what VIP days are, why they’re valuable to your clients, what to consider in your pricing, and why they work for returning clients and existing members of your list. Plus, we’ve got another option for selling to your existing list up our sleeves!Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why offering an intensive with a very specific goal or outcome is so valuable for clientsHow to price your VIP Days and why you can charge so much more than for regular coaching hoursPotential sunk costs for VIP Days that you need to factor into your pricingWhat to watch out for when you’re running your VIP DayWhy you have to get deposits for VIP DaysHow to use continuation packages for your current and recent clientsTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

What are referral partners? Why would you want them? Do you need them to be successful in your coaching business?If you’re a new coach, you might be wondering what all the buzz about referrals is about, and we are here to break it down for you.Today, we’re getting into referral partners, what they are, how they can benefit you, and our hot takes on whether or not they’re a good idea for your business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why it’s okay–even a good thing–to have a referral partner in a similar niche What to consider when developing a referral partner relationshipPitfalls to watch out for in a referral partnerWhy referrals can’t be just about the moneyHow to build and maintain a referral networkDifferent strategies for referral percentages and feesTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Welcome to season six of the Coach Pony podcast!We are here to help you get paid to coach!In this very cheesy eighties-themed season of the podcast, join me, Christie Mims, a career and business coach, and Bobbi Palmer, a dating coach, as we answer your burning questions about your coaching business. Bobbi and I have built six and seven-figure businesses of our own, and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. And now, we’re sharing all that knowledge with you.Today’s caller wants to know if it’s ever a good idea to barter services, and boy, do we have thoughts.We’re going to dig into when it can work, why it usually doesn’t, and how to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you should only trade services when the offer is something you actually needHow bartering can go sour when you don’t set and stick to expectations and boundariesOther ways you can stretch your dollars and set priorities for spending when you’re just starting outWhy you have to treat a barter like any other business agreementTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: The #1 Social Media Mistake New Coaches MakeDear Coach Pony: How Do I Get Clients to Give Me Good Testimonials (Without Being Pushy?)If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Today we are revisiting an episode from last year all about the future of life coaching and Bobbi and I have some additional thoughts to share that have come up for us in the year since this panel episode was recorded.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get the inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  As many people are worried about layoffs and an economic downturn or recession, it might seem like the future of life coaching isn’t so bright, because who’s going to pay for life coaching in a recession? But trust us, that is not the case. The truth is, people often invest more in education and in themselves in a downturn. And not only will individuals be looking for support and education as they consider career and life changes in the short term, but long term, we predict that this multi-billion dollar industry will keep going strong. And that’s what we’re talking about with our panelists.Our panel is: Sherri Gerek from IPEC, the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching, Stephanie Griffin from  the Life Coach School, and Jennifer Voss of the Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach Training Program. Between them, these three schools have graduated tens of thousands of amazing coaches. Together, we’re taking a closer look at trends, profitable niches, whether there really is space for new coaches, and of course, we’ll pull out our crystal balls and make some predictions for the future.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you shouldn’t be worried about getting into coaching in a downturnWhere the market is heading, and key reasons there is room for growthNiches and business models that continue to grow and whyOur predictions for the next ten years in the coaching industry Why there is definitely still room for you in the coaching industry (it’s not oversaturated, we promise!)To learn more about Jennifer Voss:The Truth ExperienceWayfinder Life Coach TrainingConnect with Jennifer on LinkedInTo learn more about Stephanie Griffin:The Life Coach SchoolInstagram: @LifeCoachSchool Facebook: @LifeCoachSchoolYouTube: The Life Coach SchoolTo learn more about Sherri Gerek:iPEC: ICF Accredited Coach Training Programs & Life Coach CertificationsConnect with Sherri on LinkedInTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Life Coaches in the US - Market SizeInternational Coaching FederationIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Do you need to be certified to be a life coach?The short answer is no, but with so many different schools and certifications out there, it’s easy to get confused about what certification to choose or if you want to get certified at all.And of course Bobbi and I have thoughts.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get the inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we also have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today we’re getting into certifications. Why it’s totally possible to be a great and successful life coach without one, why certification might be worth it for you, (and to the coaching profession!), the three key areas you need to build your expertise in, and why not getting certified doesn’t let you off the hook for your education.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How most accredited life coaching programs work to help you build knowledge and experienceHow your educational and professional background may give you a leg up in becoming a coach without going through a programThe three things you need to be an expert in to be a good coachWhy coaching certification is probably worth itFour pieces of homework to help you decide if certification is right for youTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: International Coaching FederationTina TessinaCo-Active CoachingJumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

It’s easy to spend a LOT of money and invest a lot of time and stress into your website.What kind of website do you really need as a new or growing coach? Where do you even start?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get the inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we also have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today, Bobbi and I are talking about websites. We’ll give you our best advice for thinking about the objectives your website needs to meet, how it supports your business, why it’s okay to use a social media page as a temporary placeholder while you’re getting clear on the website you need and want, and take some of the confusion out of the technical side of your website.We’re also talking real numbers of how many times we’ve updated our sites, how much money we’ve spent over the years updating and maintaining our sites (gulp), and answering common questions about platforms and content.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Where to really start when you’re building a websiteBenefits and limitations of popular website platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordpressWhat questions you need to ask yourself before you start putting content on your siteThe thing people should immediately see when they land on your siteTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Jumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

As a coach, the niche you choose to serve influences so much of your business and it’s a key piece of all of the marketing you’ll do.So what happens after you’ve been telling the world what you do, and then you realize, well, maybe you don’t actually want to do that anymore?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we also have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!On today’s episode, Bobbi and I are talking about niching!We’ll give you our best advice on how to choose one, and what to do when your business evolves and that niche doesn’t quite fit you anymore–because it will! It’s totally normal, we promise! Plus we’ll share our stories of evolving our niches, how we handled changes in our own businesses, and what we learned about changing course.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you shouldn’t be embarrassed of changing your niche How to communicate your evolution so your existing audience is excited to go along for the ride with youWhy Bobbi has stuck with her niche, but evolved her programsHow Christie’s businesses have evolved as she reprioritized but kept their common purposeTwo pieces of homework for if you’re feeling unsure about your niche and evolution as a coachTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Jumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Does it seem like all of the successful coaches you follow or look up to have big group coaching programs?You might feel like you should start a group coaching program too, but...you just don’t know. Is group coaching better than private coaching? Is doing group coaching the only way to make the kind of money you want to make?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Get inside scoop from coaches who have built 6 and 7 figure programs in a variety of niches. We have a LOT to say.  Random aside: we have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today we’re diving into the never ending debate about group versus private coaching. We’ll do some money math and dig into the why and the how of making the choice between sticking to one on one or making the move to group coaching.And, we’ll talk about some unexpected things you may not have thought about before about both group and private - and share a few inside stories of some of our programs. Good and bad! Listen to the full episode to hear about:The real math behind income and net profit in private versus group coachingBreaking down the infrastructure required of each business modelBehind the scenes of what it takes to launch a group programWhy you need to consider how you want to connect with clients and the kind of lifestyle you want to leadTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyLinkedinBuild A Real BusinessResources: Jumpstart Your Business Bootcamp: www.coachpony.com/bootcampFree Marketing Quick StartIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Should you run ads when you’re a new coach?Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Google, or any other platform, there are a lot of opinions, thoughts, strategies, and advice floating around out there about whether or not you need to run paid ads for your business to succeed.To dig into that question, I’m joined by a very special member of Team Pony, our Director of Growth Marketing (and my husband), Suhaib Abdali.Over the course of his career, Suhaib has run millions and millions of dollars worth of ads on different platforms. Here at Coach Pony, he specializes in Google ads, and we’ve run close to a million dollars worth of ads ourselves. So, we’re not exactly spring chickens when it comes to the advertising game. We’ll each give our takes on what you need to know before you start spending money, and whether you need to advertise at all to grow your coaching business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why your offer and your sales process need to be rock solid before you even think about paying for adsWhat you need to have set up on your website before you run adsWhy a broader audience isn’t always better (no matter what the platforms try to tell you)Why copy and creative will almost always take more time and effort than you thinkWhy ads are never set it and forget itTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessJumpstart Your Business BootcampResources: FREE Marketing MasterclassRita Barry & Co.If you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

When you’re trying to demonstrate your credibility, what’s better than having the glowing testimonials of happy clients talking about how awesome you are?Even better if they’re spontaneously given to you with permission to share on your website and in your marketing materials, right? But that’s not usually how it works.So how do you get comfortable asking clients for testimonials? And more than that, how do you get GREAT ones that will land you more clients?This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Also, we have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Today, we’re digging into testimonials. Why humans love them, how to ask for them without feeling like a sleaze, and why it really, really isn’t too much to ask of your clients. We promise.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why you should not only ask for testimonials, but you should follow up on the requestHow asking the right questions helps you get the most useful testimonialsTips for getting testimonials when you’re just starting out and are brand newWhy it’s important to be explicit about what client information you will and won’t include when you use a testimonialAn unusual way to get amazing testimonials (that also help your current clients)Three pieces of homework to generate testimonialsTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

At some point in your coaching business, someone is going to ask you for a refund.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach! Also, we have a Bridgerton audio theme this season, so enjoy!Refunds can be a tricky and uncomfortable situation. But today, Bobbi and I are giving you our best advice for how to handle these requests with integrity, so you can best serve your clients and your business.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why there is no right answer for refund requestsWhy having a solid intake process and clear contracts can help you avoid refund requests to begin withHow Bobbi handled two very different refund requestsTwo pieces of homework to make handling refunds easierTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Sometimes to move forward as a coach, you just need your questions answered.This season on the Coach Pony Podcast, dating coach Bobbi Palmer, of Date Like a Grownup and I are here to help by answering your burning questions about your coaching business, so you can get more clients and get paid to coach!Today, we’re talking about how to stay motivated in your business and how to get back on track when you feel like you’ve fallen behind.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How to lean on the support of routine and structure when your motivation is flaggingWhy the only reason to look backwards is to see where you got off track–no beating yourself up!How engaging with a community helps keep you accountable until you get your groove backWhy you need to set up boundaries, expectations, and time for rest before you burn out and lose motivationTo learn more about Bobbi Palmer:Date Like a GrownupTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessResources: Coach Pony S04E11: How I Built a Premium Membership Site on a Shoestring Budget with Natalie SissonIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Are you a new coach who wants to use words to sell things? AWESOME!My guest today is a genius at using words to sell things. And she’s used herself as a guinea pig. She started a newsletter that produced six figures of income, which grew into an empire full of written programs, and landed her a huge book deal with Penguin Books.All in, she’s made over $5 million just from her words.Obviously we need to know, Ash Ambirge how did you build that?Ash Ambirge is the founder of The Middle Finger Project, where she writes every week about how to earn $250,000/year as a high-income digital nomad from anywhere in the world. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Ash successfully used her blog to sell thousands of copies of her first bookWhy Ash writes books and guides instead of selling courses or mastermindsWhy her email list is the nucleus for every other projectWhat surprised her when she went from self-publishing to working with PenguinAsh’s top three tips for gaining visibility from your writingTo learn more about Ash Ambirge:The Middle Finger ProjectMeat and HairTwitter: @AshAmbirgeTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

If you love working intimately with a small group of clients, and you love the community building that happens in group coaching, you might be thinking about starting a membership program.But getting it off the ground can be daunting.Today’s guest wanted to create engagement and support for a small group of people and she built out a premium membership program called the 10K Club on a minimal budget, all while the world was in lockdown. So we want to know, Natalie Sisson, how did you build that?Natalie Sisson is a New Zealand entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, host of the ‘Untapped’ podcast, and lover of handstands and dogs. Her mission is to help women entrepreneurs leverage their unique set of skills, knowledge, and experience to get paid to be them, make the income and impact they desire, simply by being exactly who they are.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why Natalie chose the membership model and narrowed her offering to cater to a select group of womenHow Natalie used one-on-one sales calls and a Google doc to enroll membersHow she structured the program to offer an intimate, hands-on coaching experienceHow she kept her initial expenses to a minimumNatalie’s top three tips for starting a premium membershipTo learn more about Natalie Sisson:NatalieSisson.comUntapped PodcastInstagram: @NatalieSissonFacebook: @NatalieSissonTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Are you struggling to get referrals or with organic growth?Before you spend money on ads (which new coaches shouldn’t do unless you like setting money on fire), listen to today’s episode.My guest built a highly successful digital marketing firm the old fashioned way–through referrals and word of mouth.Before she made millions and built a team, Rita Barry was a solo business owner trying to grow.We want to know, how did you build that?Rita founded her company, a boutique digital marketing optimization consultancy based in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, in 2009. Rita Barry & Co. is a relationship-driven company that partners closely with select 6 to 8 figure female-led businesses to help them grow with data-driven Facebook advertising and marketing optimization.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why Rita knew she needed to tangibly connect with potential clientsHow she handpicked masterminds and events to attend to nurture relationshipsHow Rita maintains the relationships she’s built through networkingRita’s top three tips for coach/consultantsTo learn more about Rita Barry:RitaBarry.coInstagram: @ritabarrycoConnect with Rita on LinkedInFacebook: @ritabarrycoTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

There are lots of ways to do courses, but if you’ve been thinking about offering a DIY-style option, this episode is for you.Today, we’re sitting down to pick Laura Belgray’s brain about her program, Inbox Hero, that brought in over six figures the very first time she launched it.We definitely want to know: How did you build that?We’ll find out how she developed the course, why she went DIY, and how she made her launch such a wild success.Laura Belgray, founder of Talking Shrimp®, is a copywriting expert who helps entrepreneurs find the perfect words to express and sell what they do in a way that gets them paid to be themselves. Through her work with hundreds of clients (including online biggies like Marie Forleo and Amy Porterfield) she’s seen firsthand that putting “you” into your copy and all through your business is pure magic for getting people to love you up, share your ideas, and happily click your Buy button.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Laura built on a format she already knew resonated with her audienceWhy she thinks in terms of value and results when setting pricingWhere Laura spent the most money and time to get the course to marketWhy there is has been a no-refund policy on Inbox Hero from day oneLaura’s top advice for growing and building trust with your email listTo learn more about Laura Belgray:Talking ShrimpFREE: 33 Non-Sucky Subject LinesTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

So far this season, we’ve talked to big name coaches about how they built wildly successful programs, conferences, and podcasts in their businesses.But it’s not just the big name coaches that are doing really interesting work.Coaches all over the world, in businesses big and small and new and old, are building cool and life-changing things for their clients and their businesses every single day.And in this episode, I want to highlight their stories.So we invited our amazing community of coaches to tell us how you built something successful in your business and to share your wisdom with us. And wow, you guys responded.So today, it’s time to ask six members of the Coach Pony community, how did you build that?Kay Kirkman is a career coach and host of The Genx Career Show podcast. Ann Sutton helps mid-career professionals regain the confidence, optimism, and momentum they need to land work they love so that they have the freedom to create the life they want. Irene Alexander is a University Professor of Christian marriage, ICF Certified Relationship Coach, and the Founder of Adored for Life Marriage Coaching. Annie Das is a writer and dating coach for millennial women. She helps women grow their dating confidence and self love so that they can attract high quality partners. Laëtitia Gnago is the founder of Aligned Corporate Experiences. She is a Talent Experience Enhancement Strategist and Alignment Success Architect. Rob Southgate (MBA) is founder of ThePodcastProfs and Southgate Media Group. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Kay uses surveys to answer her audience’s burning questions on her podcastThree key things Ann did to build a killer lead magnetHow Irene used a pre-launch to build her waitlist as she developed her VIP programHow Annie turned an article she was scared to write into one that’s been seen by hundreds of thousands of people and boosted her businessHow Laëtitia created a tool kit for navigating unhealthy workplaces from her own experiencesHow Rob lands guests for his podcast and even turns them into clientsTo learn more about Kay Kirkman:Your GenX CareerConnect with Kay on LinkedInTo learn more about Ann Sutton:Ann Sutton CoachingFacebook: Career Success StrategiesTo learn more about Irene Alexander:Adored for LifeTo learn more about Annie Das:Annie Das CoachingInstagram: @AnnieDasCoachingPinterest: @AnnieDasCoachingTo learn more about Laëtitia Gnago:Aligned Corporate ExperiencesConnect with Laëtitia on LinkedInTo learn more about Rob Southgate:The Podcast ProfsConnect with Rob on LinkedInTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Have you wondered what it takes to start a membership site or community?Today, our guests, Erica Cordae and India Jackson, have done just that. In 2018, they founded Pause on the Play®, a community hub of professionals and entrepreneurs connecting at the intersection of values and visibility. We'll dive into how they got started and how they grew their membership business into an inclusive community committed to guiding individuals in the process of defining their values, diversifying their networks, and disrupting systems of oppression.As an athlete, photographer, and creative consultant to personal brands, India Jackson spent the first decade of her career watching as talented professionals were forced to adopt identities that were sellable but not authentic. Watching the market flooded with an intense focus on follower count and crafted personas, she committed to taking a more aligned approach to influence-building.Erica Courdae is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and executive teams committed to shifting focus, power, and resources in order to create more equity in their business and the world. She believes imperfect action is necessary to create meaningful social change and helps public figures engage in the work without fear of judgment.Listen to the full episode to hear about:What Erica says many entrepreneurs get wrong when they build to fill a needWhy their launch goals for the community didn’t have any numbers attachedHow Erica and India went about building a community with safety and transparency as top prioritiesWhat money investments they made to get the community up and running, and what they’ve added and changed since (so what it cost to get started!) Their top three tips for starting a coaching membership or communityTo learn more about Erica Courdae and India Jackson:Pause on the PlayInstagram: @PauseonthePlay Connect with Erica on LinkedInConnect with India on LinkedInTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

Jason Gracia founded Swyft Sites to be an all-in-one done for your website builder that grows your coaching  business on autopilot.And it has exploded into a seven-figure business.So of course, we want to know, how did you build that?We'll dive into how he built such a niche service business, and why niching help him hit seven figures, Jason Gracia is an author, consultant, and founder of Swyft Sites, the all-in-one, done-for-you website solution for coaches.Listen to the full episode to hear about:Why a tight niche created more opportunities for bigger successHow Jason leaned into his network and offered value to expand his reachHow he built a signature talk to pitch groups of potential clientsWhy he needed to change his money mindset in order to grow the businessWhat he would change about his early client relationshipsTo learn more about Jason Gracia:SwyftSites.comTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try! 

John Lee Dumas has built one of the all time, top podcasts for business owners and has not only made over $20 million from his podcast, but he's also dominated his market.Obviously we want to know, how did you build that?We’ll chat about how and why he started the podcast, what his goals were at the beginning and how he grew his platform into what it is today.John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of Entrepreneurs On Fire, an award-winning podcast where he interviews inspiring entrepreneurs to help you along your entrepreneurial journey. He has interviewed over 3,000 incredible entrepreneurs, including Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, and many more. He is also the author of The Common Path to Uncommon Success.Listen to the full episode to hear about:The strategy John used to access his guests’ audiences and grow his platformHow he used his email list to support the showWhere he wishes he spent less time and effort in the beginning and what hustle paid offJohn’s top three rules for starting a successful podcast in 2022To learn more about John Lee Dumas:Entrepreneurs On FireThe Common Path to Uncommon SuccessTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

Have you thought about starting a podcast to build a network and market your coaching business?With over 10 million downloads under her belt, Emily Thompson, co-founder and host of the Being Boss podcast has all the info you need and then some on running a podcast, and the amazing community and business opportunities that have come from it.And of course we’re going to take it back to the beginning and ask Emily, how did you build that?Emily Thompson is the co-founder and host of Being Boss, a resource, podcast, and community for creative entrepreneurs.For over a decade Emily has worked closely with creatives to help them make money doing work they love, with a focus on building online business models and growing creative businesses. She’s also the co-author of Being Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own Terms.Listen to the full episode to hear about:How a podcast presented an ideal opportunity to collaborate on something fun, with marketing and networking as the side goalsThe milestones that really mattered and why they weren’t tied to downloadsHow Emily and her co-host built the foundations for growth of the podcastWhere she’s happy they spent their money, and the investment she regretsWhy you’ve got to nail your niche to get on the charts, and what new coaches should do TODAY to get started!To learn more about Emily Thompson:Being BossInstagram: @BeingBossClubBeing Boss: Take Control of Your Work and Live Life on Your Own TermsTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real Business

Evan Marc Katz has been called a “personal trainer for smart, strong, successful women. How did he come to dominate the date coaching industry?On this season of the Coach Pony Podcast, I'm sitting down with successful business owners to ask them, how did you build that? Today I’m diving in with Evan to talk about how he built his business - featuring millions of blog readers and podcast listeners - and especially about his massively successful program, Love U.With over 13,000 women completing the Love U program, it’s not an understatement to say that Evan knows how to build a great online course!But how did he start? Where did he get the idea to create it? And what did he spend to build it?  Listen to the full episode to hear about:How Evan refined his coaching program from mailing CDs to live group coaching to a DIY programWhy he doesn’t set revenue goalsWhy the program has evolved away from DIY into a high-touch, year-long experienceBreaking down the original production process and costs for Love UWhy you shouldn’t let fear of copycats keep you from releasing your courseTo learn more about Evan Marc Katz:EvanMarcKatz.comLove UFacebook: @EvanMarcKatzFanTo learn more about Christie Mims:Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessResources:Do What You Love, the Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood, Marsha SinetarRelated:Coach Pony S02E08: The One Where I Got Paid $7000 to Build an Online Course from a Random IdeaIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed!Email us at [email protected] with your recommendation or if you want to send us something to try!

As one of the founders and current President of the board for the Maine Women’s Conference, Jodi Flynn has taken the conference from just an idea to a successful nonprofit focusing on supporting women across the state. So how did she do it?On this season of the Coach Pony Podcast, I'm sitting down with successful business owners to ask them, how did you build that? And today I’ll dig in with Jodi about how it all started, how she grew the conference, what she’s learned, and what you should know if you’re thinking about hosting and building a successful conference.Jodi Flynn of Women Taking the Lead is an Executive Leadership Coach, Podcaster, Author, Speaker, and Workshop Facilitator. Women leaders hire Jodi to develop the skills they need to thrive in senior leadership. She is the host of the critically acclaimed Women Taking the Lead podcast, and an Amazon bestselling author with her book, Accomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to Doing. Listen to the full episode to hear about:How the dynamics and challenges of becoming a nonprofit impacted the timeline from the idea to the first conferenceWhat taking the event online in 2021 did for their margins and attendanceWhy they chose not to max out the capacity of the venue for the sake of growthJodi’s top three pieces of advice for coaches who want to host eventsTo learn more about Jodi Flynn:Women Taking the LeadThe Maine Women’s ConferenceFacebook: @WomenTakingTheLeadTwitter: @JodiMFlynnInstagram:@JodiMFlynnConnect with Jodi on LinkedInWomen Taking the Lead PodcastAccomplished: How to Go from Dreaming to DoingTo learn more about Christie Mims: Coach PonyInstagram @christiecoachponyBuild A Real BusinessIf you have some chocolate worth reviewing on the show, we are easily bribed! You can send it to us at: Christie Mims, 3630 High Street, #19286, Oakland, CA 94619