5 Things To Prioritize As A New Online Coach in 2018

I can barely believe that the new year is right around the corner! It seems like just yesterday that I was sitting in my cold Chicago apartment welcoming in the New Year with a cup of cocoa and front row seats to the fireworks. 2017 was the year that I stepped fully into my purpose as a Personal Branding Coach and with that has come a year packed full of business lessons. With 2018 fast approaching there are a few things to prioritize as a new online coach.

If you’re reading this blog post then you may just be feeling overwhelmed with all the moving parts that make up an online business. From developing your products, to marketing, to looking after your current customers–sometimes it can feel like a mission keeping up with everything.

But like everything, when you pay attention to your priorities life will start to feel a lot easier.

So here are 5 things to prioritize as a new online coach in 2018!

1. Identifying and aligning with your goals.

Before you brush over this point, let me get your attention for one minute here. If you aren’t creating goals that are aligned with how you want to feel in life then you may as well not be in business. If you most want to feel the freedom of working fewer hours for more money, then creating a business model based solely on 1:1 private coaching might not be the wisest choice.

Alternatively if you really thrive on human connection and the thought of being in front of a computer for a large part of your working day makes you feel trapped, then building an online business that allows for live interaction and in-person events may be the best way to go.

Make it a point in 2018 to check in with yourself regularly through journaling, reflective exercises and slowing down so that you can know what to prioritize as a new online business owner.

2. Building real community.

Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed a huge influx of Facebook friend requests from people I don’t know. Since I use my social media primarily for networking and connecting with other online entrepreneurs, I accept a large portion of these requests.

But then something interesting happens. A lot of these people either say nothing to me or start pitching me their products via messenger before they’ve even said hello!

In the online world there’s the tendency to forget that there is a person behind every profile. Building real community through authentically engaging with people, taking a genuine interest and offering tons of value to other people is key to growing a following and a connected community.

3. Taking your online business offline.

The online business world is changing and with those changes comes a return to the days of actually getting together in person. Whether you’re wanting to learn or you are hoping to grow your audience and your sales, attending and hosting live workshops and events is an important thing to prioritize as a new online business owner.

I’ve already got multiple workshops and events scheduled on my calendar for 2018 just to ensure that I’m taking action on this point. From attending toastmasters every second Tuesday to planning a live workshop in Miami Beach, there are multiple ways that I’m taking my business offline.

4. Simplifying your message.

One of the biggest hurdles for the new online coach is getting a grasp on what their message is. One powerful way to stand out online is to have an ultra clear brand story that speaks directly to your ideal client. If you confuse people with your message then you’ll never achieve the type of success that you want to.

What is your ideal client’s primary desire, what is the problem that blocks them from attaining their desire and how do you help them reach their goals? This message should be clear, with practical examples and an overview of the transformation they will experience as a result of working with you.

5. Practicing your pitch.

It can be really scary promoting yourself as a new online coach for the first time. There’s the fear of “annoying people” or coming off as “too sales-y”. Then there’s the dreaded fear of rejection! With so many things to worry about, many new online coaches find themselves stuck in invisibility-mode trying not to bother too many people.

But remaining silent does not serve anybody (least of all you). If you’re looking to grow your business and become known as a new online coach in 2018 then it’s time to start sharing your work with the world–and sharing it regularly.

What will you do in 2018 to start putting yourself out there? Let me know in the comments below.