How To Make a Larger Impact in Your Business Through Education or Coaching
September 10, 2021If you’ve been in the design industry for a while, you probably notice the cracks. Like how deep the starving artist stereotype runs. Or how many of us burn the midnight oil, forced to make every design perfect.
If you want this sticker, it’s up on my Etsy here.
As you built your business, you managed to avoid those problems. But now that you have a thriving business, you want to help fill these gaps.
Maybe you offer brand strategy and want to start consulting or mentoring your clients and their businesses. Or, like one of my clients, you want to build out a course to help others understand their business on a deeper level.
You might wonder if you have what it takes. Or what you’ll do if it fails. I get it.
The way I think about it is that this pull we have to expand is so human of us. That’s why it’s healthy to put yourself in new situations. It helps you grow and evolve.
But how do you know when it’s the right time?
How do you know when you’re ready to add an educational or coaching offering?
Use your intuition.
If you’re feeling called to it, step into it. If you’re hesitant or need more experience, it’s a good idea to reach out for more guidance.
The fears you have about the offering not being perfect because there are other more creative people out there doing something similar? Or it not being good enough because you’ve only been in the industry for a few years? They’re valid, but they’re no excuse to stay small.
4 things to know before you add an educational or coaching offering
If you’re ready to go big and add a new offering to your business, here are 4 things to know before you step into the role of an educator or coach.
1. Your why
Your why is at the core of everything you do. I encourage you to dig deep.
Is it because you notice faults in your industry and want to fix them? Are you being asked by clients or other designers for advice and aren’t getting paid for your expertise? Do you genuinely want to give back?
2. Who you’re serving
Like with any new service, you need to know who you’re serving.
Who is your audience? What are they struggling with that you can help with?
3. What you’re offering
Once you know your audience, it’s time to get clear on what you’re building.
Are you interested in becoming a paid mentor or a consultant? Do you want to coach or build out a course? Will you create a membership or a Facebook Group community?
4. The how
This step is all about the logistics.
How much will this offer cost? How will I market it? How do I show up authentically to attract ideal clients?
What to expect when you become an educator or coach
When you look to add a new stream of revenue, there’s often a fear that it’s not going to look perfect or it’s going to fail.
I want to remind you that your knowledge is valuable. Even if you help just ONE person, that's a success! Release the need for everything to be pixel perfect and allow for the magic that unfolds!
If you want support and accountability as you step into this new evolution of your business, I invite you to get in touch through the form here. From there, we can chat about whether adding an educational offering is right for you and your business!
Check the blog soon for part two about my own journey from designer to coach. I share about how that’s allowed me to have the impact in the design world I’ve always wanted – to crush the starving artist stereotype through the Holy Fuck Pricing movement.
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