How to start charging $$ for your coaching

I just had a nice chat with a potential gardening coach in Montclair, New Jersey who wanted to know all my ideas for transitioning from coaching friends for free to hanging out a shingle.  I happily spilled all my ideas, then thought to put them here for others in her situation.  So here's my idea dump:

• Start out charging low and you'll feel more comfortable asking for actual money.  Then raise your fees as you get more experience and confidence.
• Offer to barter your services - something I've done for catering and computer services of various types.
• Take out an ad in the community newsletter.
• Offer to write a gardening column in any local publication that'll have you.  I've probably gotten more clients from my newspaper column than any other source.
• Promote your services with the local independent nurseries - maybe they'll post your flyer or card.  Let them know you'll be sending customers to them, and helping their customers keep their plants alive (and not asking for that free replacement plant).
• Get some free business cards from Vista.com (just $5 for shipping), put your pruning tools and digital camera in the car, and visit our first client.  Oh, and don't forget a can of marking paint.
• Donate your services to a local charity auction, especially if it gets good exposure.

Then to increase call-backs:

• Send newsletters or simple emails that include tips (like "What to do this month") or to announce your latest column or a helpful blog post you might have written.

Memory's failing me here.  Emily, what else?

Posted by Susan Harris

Comments

[Shirley Bovshow]

Welcome Emily! I find that promoting your coaching services to local professional gardeners and landscapers is also a great connection. You are not their competition. A gardener may have a client who needs help caring for their vegetable garden, or orchid collection and the garden pro may be limited in knowledge in this area.

I coach clients in vegetable growing, xeriscaping and native plant selection (among other things) and they still have a garden pro come by and take care of the yard.
Shirley Bovshow