Prosperous Coach Podcast

This is the last episode of Prosperous Coach Podcast where Rhonda gets interviewed by Alek Hess.

They talk about:

Why Rhonda decided to retire now and what's next for her.

What Prosperous Coach contributed that was missing in the industry.

What are some of the most meaningful things Rhonda experienced in her business.

What did she STOP doing that made a big difference.

As an introvert how did she make her business work for her.

What became easier over time that she expected to stay difficult.

What wisdom does she wish was passed onto her 30 years ago about the business of coaching.

Prosperous Coach Podcast episodes will remain available through the summer of 2026. Thank YOU for all the support and binge listening over the years!

Stay inspired and make things happen!

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT for this episode at ProsperousCoach.com/384.

Is there ever a time when a coach gives a client a refund?

YES, and that is guided by your integrity.

Strengthen the intuitive feelings that tell you when something is amiss in your coaching relationships such as

·      Weak or breached boundaries

·      Repetitive communication challenges

These things can be repaired if both you and your client are willing, which are great learning opportunities. Or, it might become clear there’s not a good fit between you and your client.

It’s always YOUR CHOICE if and how you give a refund. We’ll dig into that and more in this episode.

If you haven’t heard it already, I recommend that you listen to Episode 376 called When Coaching Clients Ask for Refunds it’s a Symptom. Find that at ProsperousCoach.com/376.

That episode covers how to proactively PREVENT the likelihood of clients asking for a refund by setting your business up in a professional way.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT and more resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/383.

Doesn’t it seem everyone is feeling overwhelm these days in higher proportions than before? I’ve been feeling it myself and I know some of it is not mine but rather the collective. 

And, I think, overwhelm can become a habitual state that needs an intervention before it becomes anxiety and depression.

What can you do to help your clients release overwhelm, get unstuck and move forward again on their big goals?

This episode has an approach that might work for you and your coaching clients.

 A close friend of mine called the other day and said she was going through a rough time. She wanted some coaching. Both of us are professional coaches and we do that for each other from time to time.

Yes, you can coach a friend or family member as long as you set good boundaries and don’t treat them like a client outside of coaching conversations. 

It takes mindfulness and it can be done with grace. I encourage all coaches to have at least one peer coaching relationship beyond their mentor coach.

Let's get to the details ...

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT at ProsperousCoach.com/382.

We’re going to be talking about the difference between a DIY website, one that you do yourself using something like Wix or Squarespace or having a professional designer create a custom website for you.

There are a bunch of differences and I want you to know what they are so that as you're making this decision you can go in with your eyes open.

And the special guest that I have for today is my friend and colleague, Nichole Betterley. 

Nichole runs a company called NPoweredsites.com. 

Find the FULL NON-AI TRANSCRIPT at ProsperousCoach.com/381.

This episode is short and part of the series called Smart & Profitable Coaching Niches. If you’re new to this podcast and struggling to determine a strategic coaching niche, this series is for you. Check out all the episodes in this series at prosperouscoach.com/niche.

There’s something I hear nearly all new coaches say … they say “there’s a real need for that niche” or “that audience really needs help with this”. If I’m their business coach I encourage them to think differently.

Shift from tracking needs to tracking wants.

In the world of attraction, wants are more compelling than needs with few exceptions. So instead of thinking about a person’s or a group’s needs, think instead about their wants – the desire that compels them to action.

All people have needs. And as newly trained coaches we have a heightened sense of this.

But not all people are seekers — people who do invest in their own personal or professional growth. Seekers are people with urgent WANTS. They want something and they are willing to pay well for help to achieve it.

Coaches are seekers. But that’s just an example to help you realize what a seeker is about. I don’t recommend new coaches target other coaches as clients. It’s a much over marketed to audience.

You want an audience that helps you stand out in the crowd of coaches and other people trying to attract attention.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT for this episode at ProsperousCoach.com/380.

Also mentioned - Rhonda's many episodes about pricing your coaching program

Can you enroll coaching clients without pushing or convincing? 

YES. And it’s far more effective than giving sample coaching sessions.

Instead, use a set of powerful questions that inspire your prospects to hire you.

I used to suck at enrolling coaching clients because I felt I had to perform. 

When I shifted my approach, my enrollment success rate went from 50% or less to 100%.

More importantly, I can be myself and attract clients who are the best fit for me without anxiety. 

In my 5-month VIP mentoring program, I role play this process with coaches. 

For now, let’s walk through the 3 critical mindset shifts for easy enrolling. 

And, grab my free downloadable 10 step enrollment process. 

A coach emailed me about this saying:

“I followed it closely. Felt calm and collected. No pressure, just curiosity. Wish I had this earlier!” 

You’re welcome, Kat. ;)

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT for this episode and more resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/379.

Also mentioned in this episode:

280 - Coach, Are You Worried About Promising Results?

Nail Your Niche - 90-minute private niche strategy session with Rhonda

Are you stuck on your coaching niche?

A coach I talked to was struggling to decide whether they wanted to be a Health Coach or a Life Coach.

They were looking at the niche decision from a limited perspective.

Putting a word before ‘Coach’ doesn’t constitute a niche that helps you stand out in the crowd and gain traction, which is what a niche is meant to do.

Also, LIFE coaching is coaching anyone about anything because life is everything.

Do you see how life coaching can’t be an effective niche?

In my book, other broad tracks aren’t quite a niche either.

At the centerpiece of a smart niche is the people you serve. A unique group with unique problems.

The coach and I worked through 5 pervasive myths—beliefs this coach held— that kept them from identifying a specific audience and niche they would love.

Then it was easy to break through to a smart choice that fit the coach well.

Let’s bust the 5 myths once and for all in this episode of Prosperous Coach Podcast.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT for this episode plus more resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/378.

I was having the last session with a favorite client the other day. 

Last sessions are a bittersweet time for all. 

Your clients lose an accountability partner and the structure that helps them stay inspired and make things happen. From here on out they’ll have to hold themselves accountable.

• You lose their unique presence in your life.
• You’ve been holding space for their growth and it’s time for closure.
• You’ve seen them transform and learned so much from this unique human being.

My last calls with coaches are often pick-Rhonda's-brain sessions. They ask about client management, little business building details and insider tips that will help them avoid pitfalls or shorten learning curves.

The big question on every coach’s mind, that they are often afraid to ask until the last minute, is … how long will it take me to be successful?

Is it 3 months, 6 months, 2 years? 

I’ll share what I told my client with you now.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT for this episode at ProsperousCoach.com/377.

Related episodes:

260 - Best Reasons and Timing for Coaches to Hire a Private Business Mentor

281 - Strategize Your Coaching Business 10 Ways for Faster Growth

320 - Are You Waiting for Coaching Clients to Value You?

My coaching business was my first foray into entrepreneurship after 20 years in corporate roles. Talk about an identity crisis! Okay, let’s reframe that to a chance to blossom and mature.

Many of my clients who are new coaches are in the same place making that transition from employee to full time coaching.

It’s going to require some recalibration of your mindset and reorientation to your responsibilities.

Think of it like a makeover. 

You uncover parts of yourself that have been buried under a persona you felt was necessary for your corporate job. 

 You can help those parts to find their voice. It is hugely empowering to bring more of your authentic self to your business. 

The good news is that your identity is more fluid and innate than you might think. Plus, all of your core values, talents and skills can come with you into your business. 

It will take courage and patience. You’ve got loads of that and you don’t have to make this identity transition alone.

Let's dig into the 6 big shifts from employer to business owner as a coach and how to ace them.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT and other resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/376

Other episodes mentioned/related to this topic:

118 

Episodes about Discovery Call Mastery

162

198

217

241

242 with downloadable cheat sheet

Most of Rhonda's episodes about pricing https://prosperouscoachblog.com/topics/podcast/money-mastery-podcast/

Has a coaching client asked you for a refund? It’s a symptom.

Coaches unwittingly create requests like that by undervaluing themselves, which shows up in

·      messaging

·      offers

·      pricing, and

·      enrollment processes

How you value yourself colors what prospects and clients experience with you.

Your uncertainty breeds their uncertainty. They’ll show that by asking for:

·      References

·      Guarantees

·      An escape hatch

They’ll ask questions that seem mistrustful which knocks down your confidence.

That painful cycle stops when you decide to own your value. And, YES, you can simply DECIDE! 

Then, in every way you operate your business, show that you’ve owned your value.

Let’s talk about practical ways to generate faith in yourself and your prospects faith in you.