When I look back at the couple of years, from when my coaching business got started to where I am now, I can’t quite believe the transformation.

It started as just an idea floating around in my head and now it’s a living, breathing creation that I can’t wait to get up and work on every day.

The process has been one of huge growth and change, but it wasn’t an instant, overnight switch from one career to another. Instead it was a gradual process which gained momentum as my knowledge and confidence grew.

I definitely didn’t have it all figured out before I quit my job. I didn’t have a perfect website, or a full roster of clients, or thousands of pounds of savings in the bank (though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that last part, a larger savings cushion would have definitely helped!).

What I did do was start to experiment with my business whilst I was still in my 9-5. No pressure, just testing out ideas, networking, learning and getting a feel for how I liked to work, what I was good at, and what kinds of services people most needed.

And that’s what I would recommend for you too. The key is stop overthinking it and start getting your hands dirty. This will help you get over your fear of ‘making the giant leap’ because in fact you can just begin with small steps. Now doesn’t that feel better and SO much less scary?

So here are some low pressure tips for testing out your business idea whilst still in your 9 to 5:

Create a blog or a Facebook group in order to start sharing ideas around your chosen field and build a following (who may turn into paying clients when you’re ready to officially launch).
Try offering your services for free in exchange for feedback and testimonials (then use that feedback to tweak your services).
Start signing up for courses in areas where you feel a bit clueless, you’d be amazed what you can teach yourself (I thought I would have to spend hundreds of pounds on having a website designed for me. Instead I found an online course for £200 which showed me how to create my own on Squarespace and I did it in a weekend!)
You may not know anyone else who wants to start a business, so find some networking events for startups to provide you with an instant support network and also valuable advice.

It’s amazing what these small shifts can lead to. Just imagine where you might be a year from now, if you continue to take these small steps every day.

I believe in you 100%. Keep going and be brave; you’re in good company:

Hello Coasties,

It’s now been a month since I announced my new venture to the world. Starting a business, or in fact making any big change in your life, involves a pretty steep learning curve and I’ve been reflecting a bit on what I’ve learned so far. See if any of this resonates with you….

Self care

It’s easy to let work take over when you’re starting a new business. For me, stress was beginning to build up and affect my sleep, and I was starting to let healthy eating, exercising, and even taking time out to see friends, all fall by the wayside. However I quickly realised that without a strong foundation to build on, I was quickly going to burn out, and then how would I be of any use as a coach? Like the safety instructions they give you on an airplane, you need to put your own oxygen mask on before you can help anyone else. I love this Ernest Hemingway quote about taking care of the basics...

Getting organised

Since the noise and fanfare of the launch has died down, the real work of getting my name out there and working with clients has begun. I’ve had to get super organised and consistent, because a thriving business isn’t going to magically happen overnight. It’s the same for any goal, which takes regular, consistent effort to achieve. Check out another of my fave authors, Malcolm Gladwell, talking about the 10,000 hour rule:

Asking for help

At first I was struggling to do everything on my own, from web design to marketing to learning how to do a tax return! But it soon became pretty overwhelming and a bit lonely. I realised that I badly needed to seek out other like-minded entrepreneurs and coaches who ‘get it’, learn from them and get some support. Having that network around me has made all the difference to my confidence and motivation.

Now over to you…. Where are you struggling? What areas of your life do you need support in? What could you delegate? And how could you be taking better care of yourself?

Make this the month that you start to change things around. Make this the month that you do ONE thing to support and nurture yourself. Make this the month that you put your dreams and goals first.

Speak soon,

xx Juliette

p.s The first ever Coastal Coach Workshop is now happening on 30th April and you’re invited! My workshops are two hours long and a great place to find fun, focus, confidence & caffeine with others who ‘get’ where you are in life. Sessions limited to 8 attendees so grab your spot and make the most of my fab introductory offer of just £10!