Let’s talk about the future of life coaching in 2026! Is there a bright future for this industry, and is there room for you to be a coach?

Welcome back to this special episode of the Coach Pony Get Paid to Coach podcast where we cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.

Listen to Christie from Coach Pony and Bobbi Palmer (founder of Date Like a Grownup) talk about the future of the coaching industry. To structure this conversation, they’re going to dig into the 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study to see some hard numbers about the coaching industry worldwide and then share their own insights based on their experience in the coaching industry.

And, if you’ve missed the Get Paid to Coach podcast, get ready for the launch of our next season, LIVE on YouTube starting in January! Watch Christie and Bobbi on YouTube Live discussing the latest news, ideas, and topics from the coaching industry, and answering your questions live too! (And, episodes will also be available on your favorite podcast player as a recording if you aren’t able to join live.)

Subscribe to the Coach Pony YouTube channel so you’ll see the latest videos from Christie!

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• The numbers from the latest ICF Global Coaching Study
• What we found surprising in the report, and what we had questions about
• How the coaching industry has evolved and become more mainstream
• Predictions for the future of the coaching industry in 2026, and what we think is changing (and what is staying the same!)
• What you should focus on next year, and what you should STOP doing as a newer coach

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup Blog

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Coach Pony
• Build a Real Business
• Connect with Christie on Linkedin

Resources: 

• 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study
• 10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan
• Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
• Coach Pony YouTube channel

Community is one of the keys to lasting success in any coaching business.

Our goal is to help you build a coaching business that not only supports your goals and lifestyle but also lasts for years to come. In this last episode of Season 7 of the podcast, Bobbi Palmer and I will share practical advice based on core principles that have allowed us to do just that. 

Bobbi and I bring a wealth of experience to the table, with over 25 years in the coaching industry. We've built six and seven-figure programs, and we're here to share our insights with you. 

So listen in for some wisdom from two coaches who’ve been there, done that, and built lasting, successful businesses of our own.

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• Why you need to focus on strategy and systems, not chasing trends or what other coaches are doing
• The five core strategic systems your business needs for long-term success
• Why it takes patience and willingness to dig in to gain traction in your business
• Why you need a community as a coach and business owner
• Tips for connecting with other coaches and building a community of support 

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Build a Real Business
• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

Coaching is a numbers game, and we want you to win it.

But as coaches, we’re great at listening to our intuition but not so good at listening to the numbers. This is a big mistake that can lead to even bigger problems.

Every business hits a few bumps, and coaching is no different. But before you try to fix an issue in your business based on a gut feeling, let’s get into the numbers.

Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are always focused on cutting through the noise and showing you how to launch your coaching business fast.

Today, I want to talk about how knowing some key numbers in your business can help you diagnose and make smart decisions for the future.

Plus, we’ve got a pit crew pep talk from Coach Pony favorite, Bobbi Palmer of Date Like a Grown Up on handling disappointment when something in your business just doesn’t work out.

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• How data can help you get to the real root cause of the problem in your coaching business
• What you can learn from numbers like website traffic and conversion rates on consults
• Why you should track how much time you’re really putting into your marketing

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Build a Real Business
• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

Resources: 

• Coach Pony: How to Find a Niche You Love
• Coach Pony: What a Real Sales Call Sounds Like (And Why It Works!)

You’ve done your training, landed on a business model and a niche, developed an offer, and set your prices; now, how do you find clients?

Let’s dig in!

Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast where cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.

When marketing your coaching business, it's tempting to spread yourself thin across numerous platforms such as social media, YouTube, podcasts, and blogging. However, this approach can be ineffective and lead to wasted time. It's important to focus on strategies that work for your business.

Today, I want to share some truths about marketing your business so that you don’t waste time spinning your wheels on a platform or strategy that doesn’t work for you and your business.

And we’ve got another excellent pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer, founder of Date Like a Grownup, on how putting yourself in your marketing helps your ideal clients find and connect with you.

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• Why doing all of the things and being on all of the platforms is not an effective strategy
• How focusing your marketing efforts preserves your energy in more ways than one
• How your skills, your personality, and your niche should influence what platforms you use
• Why doing less in a more focused, strategic way will connect you with more clients
• How to raise your profile by getting yourself in front of other people’s audiences

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Build a Real Business
• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

Resources: 

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, James Clear
• Coach Pony: How to Find a Niche You Love

To have predictable income as a coach, you need a sales funnel.

Now, the words “sales” and “funnel” might bring up some feelings about not wanting to be sleazy and salesy or worry that it’s going to be overwhelming to get set up and running.

A sales funnel does not need to use sleazy tactics or be super complicated.

So what makes a good sales funnel tick? Let’s break it down. 

Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are going to cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.

Today, I want to dig into the purpose of a sales funnel in your coaching business, and how two simple, low-tech strategies can help you make more consistent income and stay out of the boom and bust sales cycle. 

Plus we’ve got another excellent pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer of Date Like a Grownup on rethinking your mindset about sales and marketing for your coaching business.

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• Why a sales funnel is like dating before you make a commitment
• The two simple purposes of a sales funnel
• The strategies behind free consults or free coaching and how to choose what’s right for you
• Doing the math on how sales funnels create predictable income

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Build a Real Business
• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

Resources: 

• coachpony.com/marketing

Setting your pricing can feel fraught and stressful. 

You might worry if you go too high, no one will hire you. And if you go too low, you won’t be able to support yourself. And you might have your own personal money story trying to take the wheel.

Been there.

So today, I will provide you with practical advice on how to confidently price your coaching services, guiding you through the process and helping you make informed decisions.

Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are going to cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast.

We might all end up with a different dollar amount, but we’ll go over what you need to factor into your pricing and do some money math for private versus group coaching. Plus, we’ve got another excellent pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer of Date Like a Grownup about charging what you’re worth.

Away we go!

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• Why your rate should also reflect the work and overhead your clients don’t see, not just the time they spend with you
• How to make sure your pricing covers your cost of living
• The absolute bare minimum you should charge for private coaching
• Additional considerations for group coaching pricing
• Why your prices can (and should!) go up over time

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Build a Real Business
• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

Resources: 

• How to Make Money Group Coaching
• The One Where I Started a Group Coaching Program (That Eventually Grew to 500 People)

More offers and ways to work with you means you’re covering all the bases for your niche, which leads to more clients and more money. Right?

More is not more, y’all. 

Welcome back to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast, where we cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast. 

You can’t launch your business and get people to hire you without a great offer. But a lot of new coaches fall into the trap of thinking more offers means more sales. 

Today we’re going to unpack why that’s not actually true and how to create a well-focused offer that sells so you can get your business off to the races. Plus we’ve got a pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer, founder of Date Like a Grownup, on the importance of staying focused in your offers, no matter how shiny that new idea seems.

So strap in and get ready to step on the gas!

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• What data about the psychology of choice tells us about having too many options
• How limiting your number of offers actually boosts your credibility as a coach
• Why you see coaches with more experience running multiple offers
• How to develop what you want your clients to achieve into an offer

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

When I first started as a coach, I thought the more people I could appeal to, the better. 

Serving multiple niches could only expand my reach and earning opportunities, right?

Wrong. So wrong. And today, I’m going to explain why.

Welcome back to Season 7 of the Coach Pony podcast, where we are focused on helping you build your business… fast!

Choosing a niche is not just important; it's a game-changer for a coach. It may sound counterintuitive, but you will actually serve more people and make more money by focusing and doing less.

So, how do you decide what kind of people and problems you really want to work with day in and day out? Today, I'll guide you through the process.

Plus, we’ve got a pit crew pep talk from Bobbi Palmer, founder of Date Like a Grownup, on why it’s okay to evolve your niche over time if you need or want to.

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• How choosing a niche makes it easier for your people to find you through your website, your marketing, and your offers
• Why a niche isn’t a limit on your creativity as a coach
• An exercise to help you envision your dream client
• How to find out if your niche is actually viable, financially and personally
• Why it’s okay to test out a few niches

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Build a REAL Business
• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

When you start your coaching business, it's common to have a simple goal of "finding more clients and making more money." 

However, as you delve into the process of attracting clients and generating income, all of the options can be overwhelming – the FOMO is real. We are here to guide you through this maze and provide a clear path forward. 

The crucial question to ask yourself is, "What kind of business do I really want?" This question is fundamental to making well-informed decisions about your coaching business.

Today, we’re going to dig into business models in coaching, how to choose one that fits your goals and lifestyle, and why you don’t need a dozen ways to work with you when you’re starting out. 

Additionally, Bobbi Palmer from Date Like a Grownup will provide a pit crew pep talk on ignoring the hype and figuring out how you want to run your coaching business.

So strap in and get ready to step on the gas!

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• Why it’s not actually helpful to model your business on someone who’s been at this for years already
• Pros and cons for the two most common coaching business models – one-on-one and group coaching
• How keeping your offers limited as you start to grow your business benefits your bottom line

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

Resources: 

• Coach Pony Podcast Season 2
• Money Paths - 6 Real Ways to Make Money as a Life Coach

Are you thinking about launching your own coaching business and feeling anxious or doubtful? You are not alone. We’ve been there, too, and we’re here to help.

Welcome to season seven of the Coach Pony podcast!

In this podcast, we are always focused on helping you get paid to coach.

This season, we will cut through the noise and show you how to launch your coaching business fast! 

So strap in and get ready to step on the gas!

In today’s episode, I want to talk about some of the most common concerns and fears I hear–and have experienced!–about taking the plunge into starting a coaching business. Plus, you’ll get a pep talk from one of my favorite pit crew members, Bobbi Palmer, a renowned coach and founder of Date Like a Grownup.

Listen to the full episode to hear about:

• The single most important thing for launching your coaching business quickly and successfully
• The big difference between being an imposter and just being early in your career
• Why you don’t need to be afraid of market saturation
• Why it seems like everyone and their mom is a business coach, and why you don’t need to be one to be successful
• The skills and systems you need to develop to launch and run your coaching business successfully

To learn more about Bobbi Palmer:

• Date Like a Grownup

To learn more about Christie Mims:

• Coach Pony
• Linkedin

Resources: 

• Life Coaches in the US IBIS World
• ICF Global Coaching Study