Coaching Business for Mums: Build a Fulfilling Career

Dreaming of Becoming a Coach? Here’s How to Build a Business That Truly Lights You Up (Yes, Even as a Busy Mum!)

Have you ever felt that deep, undeniable pull? That whisper (or maybe it’s a full-on shout by now!) telling you that you’re meant for more – more impact, more freedom, more work that genuinely feels like you? For so many ambitious women, especially those of us juggling the beautiful chaos of motherhood, coaching emerges as this incredible beacon of possibility. It’s a chance to share your wisdom, empower others, & design a life that finally feels like it fits. By the end of this post, you'll have a clear roadmap for building a coaching business that aligns with your life.

I get it. I really do. My own journey into entrepreneurship, which you can read a bit more about About Femmeprenista / Carlene Nisbett's Story, was fuelled by that very same desire for flexibility, for making a real difference on my own terms, & yes, for escaping a corporate world that often felt misaligned with the life I wanted to build for myself & my family.

But here’s the thing, lovely: becoming a coach is about so much more than just learning coaching skills or getting a certificate. In a world where it sometimes feels like everyone is a coach, the real magic, the sustainable success, lies in strategically crafting a coaching business – a business that’s a true reflection of your unique voice, your deepest values, & the beautiful, messy, wonderful realities of your life.

The Femmeprenista Approach: It’s About Building a Business, Not Just a Practice

I see so many brilliant women with incredible gifts get stuck. They’re passionate, they’re skilled, but they try to build their coaching practice on passion alone, & often, it leads to overwhelm, inconsistent income, & that heart-sinking feeling of “Is this actually going to work?”

Here at Femmeprenista, we do things differently. We believe that to truly thrive as a coach, you need to think like an entrepreneur from day one. It’s about building an intentional, value-aligned business that not only serves your clients powerfully but also nourishes you – your energy, your well-being, & your life outside of work. Especially if you’re a mum, like me, navigating school runs, toddler tantrums (perhaps while you’re trying to outline your next program!), & the endless pursuit of a hot cup of tea, your business has to work for your life, not the other way around.

This isn't about adding more to your already overflowing plate. It's about working smarter, aligning your business with your inherent strengths, & taking responsibility for carving out a path that feels authentic & sustainable.

Laying the Foundation: Your Unique Coaching Business Blueprint

So, how do you actually build this kind of aligned & sustainable coaching business? It starts with a rock-solid foundation, built on principles that consider your whole self & your whole life. Think of it as creating your unique blueprint, one that’s perfectly tailored to you.

1. Unearthing Your Unique Voice & Vision (The Heart of Your Focus)

Before you even think about packages or pricing, we need to go deeper. What truly lights you up? What’s your unique philosophy? What are the core values that will underpin every decision you make in your business? This isn't just fluffy stuff; it’s the bedrock of a coaching business that has longevity & attracts your soulmate clients.

• Your "Why" is Your Compass: Why coaching? Why this kind of coaching? Connecting to your deeper purpose will keep you anchored when things get challenging. If you're looking to explore this further, finding clarity on your mission is something we deeply believe in when it comes to Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose.

• Own Your Story, Own Your Niche: Your lived experiences, your triumphs, your challenges – they’ve all shaped you & given you a unique perspective. Don't shy away from them. I remember when I was qualifying as a coach, the journey itself was so transformative. It wasn't just about learning techniques; it was about discovering who I was becoming, the unique lens I brought. It took longer than I anticipated, especially as I was pregnant with my third daughter at the time, but that period of profound self-discovery was invaluable. This is where you start to carve out your unique space.

• Cultivate a Resilient Mindset: The entrepreneurial path is a rollercoaster, let’s be honest! There will be highs, & there will be moments of doubt. Building mental resilience, learning to navigate limiting beliefs (we all have them!), & leading yourself with confidence are non-negotiable.

2. Crafting Offers That Sing to Your Ideal Clients (Your Authentic Flair)

Once you’re clear on your unique voice & vision, you can start to craft coaching offers that feel like a natural extension of who you are & powerfully serve the people you’re meant to help.

• Niche Down to Scale Up: I know, niching can feel scary! It feels like you’re limiting yourself. But trust me on this, lovely: trying to be everything to everyone usually means you’re nothing to anyone. Getting crystal clear on who you help & what specific problem you solve for them is a superpower. It makes your marketing easier, your message clearer, & your impact deeper.

• Value-Packed, Authentic Offers: Design services that your ideal clients are actively seeking & that you genuinely love to deliver. Think about the transformation you provide. What’s it really worth to someone to overcome that challenge or achieve that dream? This isn't about pulling numbers out of thin air; it's about understanding the profound value you bring.

• Speak Their Language: How do you articulate the value of what you do in a way that has your ideal clients nodding along, thinking, "She gets me!"? This is about developing authentic messaging that connects on an emotional level, showing up consistently, & building genuine relationships.

3. Designing for Real Life: Systems for Sustainable Flow (And a Dash of Smart Fusion!)

This is where so many aspiring coaches (& entrepreneurs in general!) get tripped up. They have the passion, they have the skills, but they don’t have the systems to make it all work without burning out. Especially when you’re juggling motherhood, a robust PhD program, & trying to, you know, actually live, sustainable systems are your best friend.

• Embrace Simplicity & Efficiency: You don’t need complex, expensive software to get started. Think about the core processes: How will clients book sessions? How will you take payments? How will you onboard them smoothly? Simple, streamlined systems reduce friction & free up your precious time & energy.

• Work Smarter, Not Harder (Hello, AI!): We live in an incredible time where technology can be a true partner. Smart AI tools, for instance, can help automate routine tasks. Women can use AI to create content, manage communications & schedule meetings, saving time to focus on what they do best – coaching! This isn't about replacing the human touch; it's about enhancing your capacity. In fact, 82% of women reported AI increased their output at work, according to McKinsey's 'Women in the Workplace 2023' study https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/artificial-intelligence/what-do-women-want-from-ai. I remember trying to manage client communications for my early ventures while one of my little ones was determined that my keyboard was a new kind of percussion instrument – efficient systems & smart tools became my lifeline!

• Boundaries for Balance: As a coach, you’ll be giving a lot of energy. It’s crucial to establish clear boundaries around your working hours & availability from the outset. This protects your wellbeing & ensures your business supports your life, not the other way around.

4. Fueling Your Journey: Wellbeing as a Non-Negotiable

I cannot stress this enough: your wellbeing is not a luxury; it’s the fuel that powers your sustainable success. If you’re running on empty, you can’t serve your clients effectively, & you certainly can’t build a business that lasts.

• Prioritise Yourself: As mothers, we’re often conditioned to put everyone else first. But in business, & especially as a coach, you must fill your own cup. What recharges you? What nourishes your mind, body, & spirit? Schedule it in, just like a client appointment.

• Mindful Energy Management: Pay attention to your energy levels. When are you most productive? When do you need to rest? Designing your work around your natural rhythms, rather than forcing yourself into a rigid mould, is key to avoiding burnout. For example:

• Time blocking: dedicate specific hours of the day for coaching clients & set aside rest times in between.

• Delegation: where possible delegate tasks such as virtual assistant duties to external parties.

• Quick mindfulness exercises: dedicate 5-10 minutes of each day to breath deeply or listen to music.

• Build a Supportive Network: Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel lonely. Connect with other like-minded women who understand the journey. Share your wins, your challenges, & lean on each other for support. If you're looking for a supportive community of ambitious female entrepreneurs to connect with, share wins, & get advice, I’d love to invite you to join our free global community, Femme:Connect. It’s a wonderful space to find your people! Join Our Facebook Community Today

Taking Responsibility: This is Your Coaching Empire to Build

Throughout this journey, the most powerful tool you have is your commitment to responsibility. Yes, there might be challenges. Yes, the market might seem noisy. Yes, juggling it all as a mum can feel overwhelming some days (believe me, I’ve been there, trying to finalise a proposal with a sick toddler on my lap & the distinct aroma of burnt toast wafting from the kitchen!).

But ultimately, you are the architect of your coaching business. You get to decide your niche. You get to define your offers. You get to set your boundaries. Embracing this ownership is incredibly empowering. It means that even when things are tough, you have the power to adapt, to learn, & to keep moving forward towards your vision. My own path has been far from linear – from selling sweets in the playground to various corporate roles, an MBA, & now a PhD alongside raising four children – but at every stage, taking ownership of my choices & my progress has been key.

Before I developed the Business Flourish Framework, I remember feeling completely swamped, trying to keep all the plates spinning – the kids, the house, client calls, the endless marketing tasks – & wondering if I was kidding myself thinking I could actually build a successful coaching business amidst it all. I often felt like I was failing everyone, including myself!

"But What If…?" Navigating Common Coaching Hurdles

It’s natural to have doubts & questions as you embark on this path. Let’s tackle a few common ones:

• "I'm not expert enough/Who am I to be a coach?" Ah, good old imposter syndrome! Pretty much every coach feels this at some point. Remember, you don’t need to know everything. You just need to be a few steps ahead of the people you’re helping. Your unique experiences & perspective are valuable. Focus on the transformation you can facilitate.

• Action 1: Celebrate Small Wins: Keep a "win" journal & write down every positive client outcome, no matter how small.

• Action 2: Focus on What You Do Know: Make a list of your expertise & unique strengths. Then niche down to focus on helping people with that.

• Action 3: Reframe Imposter Syndrome: Understand that imposter syndrome is often a sign you're stretching yourself and growing.

• "The market is too saturated with coaches." It might seem that way, but there’s always room for you – for your unique voice, your specific niche, & your authentic approach. The more you lean into what makes you different, the less "competition" matters.

• Action 1: Get Crystal Clear on Your Niche: Deeply understand your ideal client's needs & desires, so you can serve them in a unique way.

• Action 2: Showcase Your Personality: Infuse your brand with your authentic self. Let your personality shine through in your content & interactions.

• Action 3: Focus on Building Relationships: Instead of obsessing over competitors, build genuine connections with potential clients.

• "I don’t have the time with my kids/other commitments." This is a very real concern for many mothers. But it’s also why building an aligned & sustainable business is so crucial. By being strategic with your niche, your offers, & your systems, you can design a coaching business that fits around your life, rather than consuming it. It’s about quality of time, not just quantity.

• Action 1: Batch Similar Tasks: Dedicate specific blocks of time to similar activities (e.g., client calls, content creation, admin).

• Action 2: Time Blocking with Intention: Schedule all your commitments (work, family, self-care) into your calendar & stick to it as much as possible.

• Action 3: Outsource or Delegate: Identify tasks that can be delegated to a virtual assistant or outsourced to other professionals.

Ready to Build a Coaching Business That Truly Fits You?

Becoming a coach can be one of the most rewarding paths you’ll ever take. It’s a chance to make a profound impact, create the flexibility you crave, & build a business that is a true expression of who you are. But it requires more than just passion; it requires strategic action, a commitment to your own growth, & a willingness to build a business with intention. I remember when I first tried to niche down, I was terrified I'd lose clients & almost gave up before I saw the benefits.

If you’re an aspiring coach, particularly if you’re in that "Foundation Builder" stage, feeling that pull but needing clarity on your niche, how to validate your unique coaching idea, & create a solid action plan before making huge investments, then our Spark Program might be the perfect next step for you. It’s designed to help you lay that crucial groundwork, so you can move forward with confidence & clarity. You can find out more about how we help Foundation Builders lay a strong groundwork here Spark Program Page.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

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