Coaching is about paying it forward. I went through something and now I am helping someone else get through it too. There is an element of "I wish someone was there for me when I was struggling." This fuels a desire to make sure no one else goes through what you have been through by themselves. It is the foundation of why people become coaches, I believe.

For me, the obvious first question in regard to coaching revolves around my expertise. That is, What do I know from my professional experiences and study that I can share with others? If I haven't been there and done that then I'm not qualified to coach someone else who wants to go to that place.

My niche found me based on my unique background as a CPA turned coach - I’ve noticed professional women business owners or career switchers between ages 30-62 have chosen to coach with me. I think its based off who you attract and what resonates with your clientele.

The best way to find your coaching niche is by combining self-awareness, market research, and passion. Reflect on your strengths, experiences, and areas of expertise. Identify the intersection of your skills and what you genuinely enjoy doing. Then, conduct thorough market research to understand the demand and gaps in the coaching industry. Look for a niche that aligns with your unique perspective and can solve a specific problem for your target audience. The key is to balance your own passion and strengths with the needs of your potential clients, creating a niche that is both fulfilling for you and valuable to those you aim to coach.

Interesting comments in all these contributions; the combination of individual perspectives suggests that finding your coaching niche needs to include a focused consideration of what will be the most effective and workable niche for you and your coaching. As a coach myself, I had a session with my supervisor on this very topic which was incredibly enlightening. Doing this might be another supportive approach to establishing the right niche for you.

Research is also asking deep, probing questions of participants and allowing them to dig into themselves to find their truth. You can do all the surveys in the world but the human connection with a great coach is undeniable.

Another option for assessing a potential coaching niche for yourself is to ask: Who regularly asks me for assistance? What are they like? What kinds of questions do I receive on a recurring basis? Thus, one way to measure the needs of potential clients is to be conscious of the types of advice you regularly give away already.

Start by clarifying the unique skills, expertise, and perspective you bring to the table. Pinpoint your target audience's specific challenges and demonstrate how your coaching effectively addresses those pain points. Your differentiation lies not only in what you offer but also in how you deliver it. Showcase your personalized approach, tailoring your coaching style to resonate with individual clients. Share success stories and testimonials highlighting the tangible outcomes your coaching has achieved. Ultimately, your distinctiveness should stem from a genuine passion for helping others, a deep understanding of their needs, and an unwavering commitment to guiding them towards their goals.

I have listened to thousands of speakers and coaches over my career. Those with no credentials in the space, I find I tune out. If someone is speaking about growing a business…they better have the proven record of success. Similarly if it’s a coach talking about leadership…I don’t want someone with simple education..it needs to be applied in an industry and formalized. Otherwise, credibility is weak and participants will not take seriously.

Couldn’t agree more. Refine and improve on the message and experience…always. Seek improvement at every turn and never stop learning.

One of the key ways to test your niche when starting out is to offer a new service or package at a reduced rate to a select number of clients or potential clients. Let them know they are receiving a never to be repeated offer and that this price is part of a pilot. To receive this special price, they will be required to give you detailed feedback about the process and your coaching approach, along with video and/or written testimonials. This is a great way to get feedback and further refine your niche.