I’m feeling so much more secure in starting my business. While I got a lot out of class with Jim tonight, I felt most inspired by what Brandy, a student, had to say while describing how she got her first client. She sounds very similar to me in the fact that her mindset was very focused on getting the business side of things done before taking on a client (ie “I can’t take on a client until my Welcome Pack is done, and then I need my business cards, and then I need my website….”), but when one appeared she just went for it! She said that it’s amazing how quickly all the loose ends get wrapped up when someone is waiting on the other end of the line for you.

She also mentioned that she went on the ICA message board and found a Peer Coach to help her figure out what she has to offer clients, and how the sessions will go, etc. Another classmate mentioned that she found a Peer Coach to help build her self-esteem so she can learn the value that she personally will give as a coach. I think that my challenge is multi-faceted, since I’m (a) very good with putting off getting clients until I have a business name/welcome packet/Peer Coach clients/a pony, (b) constantly psyching myself out with thoughts of “I don’t know what I’m doing” and (c) feeling that only someone with almost magical powers can be a coach. I think it’s because my Peer Coach sessions with Joanne are going so well that I feel like a coach is someone who has all the answers (you’re good, Joanne!). I definitely don’t see myself as someone that has those answers! Therefore, I can’t start coaching.

So, I’m going to get over that. When I’m done with my Peer Coaching sessions in another 5 weeks (I know it sounds like another excuse, but I want to selfishly focus on myself right now), I’ll find a business minded Peer Coached to help me with the physical and mental tasks of establishing myself and my business. I’ll then have someone that holds me accountable, and it coincides with all those parts of me that just wants to plan everything to death before I jump in. I really want to jump in but something is definitely holding me back. Yeah, I think the main part of it is that I don’t feel qualified yet. I say to my friends, “When I have more classes under my belt I’ll be happy to coach you.” What hit home for me today is that I can only learn so much via books and classes - I need to actually coach.

Today I feel grateful for my audit being over with. The IRS can suck it.