I want to talk about something I get asked a lot: Is being a digital coach better than a 9 to 5 job?
What is a Digital Coach?
First, let’s clear up what a digital coach actually is. A digital coach is someone who provides guidance, training, and support to clients through online platforms. You can teach anything online – fitness coach, chess coach, handwriting coach, communication coach, digital marketing coach, sales coach, and more. The main thing is, as a digital coach, you’re teaching the skill online.
The 9 to 5 Routine
Think about a typical 9 to 5 job. You wake up, get dressed, commute to an office, work set hours, and then go home. It’s a routine, but does it really fit your lifestyle?
Pros:
- Stable Income: Regular paycheck every month.
- Benefits: Health insurance, paid leave, and other perks.
- Clear Structure: Defined work hours and responsibilities.
- Job Security: Often perceived as more secure in the long term.
- Defined Career Path: Clear promotions and growth opportunities within the organization.
Cons:
- Limited Flexibility: Fixed schedule with little room for personal adjustments.
- Commute Stress: Time and energy spent traveling to and from work.
- Growth Ceiling: Promotions can be slow and dependent on company structures.
- Office Politics: Navigating workplace dynamics and politics can be draining.
- Overworked: Sometimes working 18 hours a day, 7 days a week is not uncommon.
The Digital Coach Lifestyle
Now, let’s look at being a digital coach. You run your own online business, set your own hours, and work from anywhere.
Pros:
- Flexibility: Choose when and where you work. Perfect for balancing personal life and business.
- Unlimited Income Potential: Your earnings aren’t capped by a salary. The harder you work, the more you can earn.
- Personal Fulfillment: Helping clients achieve their goals brings immense satisfaction.
- Scalability: Grow your business without geographical limits.
- Low Startup Costs: Starting a digital coaching business often requires minimal investment compared to traditional businesses.
- Work-Life Balance: Ability to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle, allowing more time for family, hobbies, and personal growth.
Cons:
- No Fixed Income: Earnings can fluctuate, especially in the beginning.
- Self-Discipline Required: You need to manage your time effectively without a set schedule.
- Initial Effort: Building your business takes time and persistence.
- Isolation: Working alone can sometimes feel isolating compared to the social environment of an office.
- Continuous Learning: You need to keep up with industry trends and continuously improve your skills.
Real Talk
Switching from a 9 to 5 to digital coaching isn’t easy, but the rewards can be huge. The best part? You don’t need to leave your job immediately. You can start parallel, dedicating just 2 hours a day to build your coaching business. Here are a few things you need to focus on daily as a digital coach:
- Create Valuable Content: Develop blog posts, videos, or podcasts that showcase your knowledge.
- Generate Leads: Attract potential clients through various channels.
- Run Ads: Promote your services efficiently with targeted advertising.
- Conduct Weekly Webinars: Share your expertise and attract potential clients.
- Build a Community: Engage with your audience through social media or dedicated platforms.
- Nurture Leads: Use email marketing and follow-ups to convert prospects into clients.
- Offer Free Consultations: Provide free or low-cost sessions to build trust and demonstrate your value.
By dedicating just a couple of hours each day, you can gradually grow your coaching business without overwhelming yourself. This approach allows you to maintain your current job while exploring the flexibility and fulfillment that digital coaching offers.
6 Steps to Become a Digital Coach
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are 6 essential steps to get started. I’ve covered these in depth in my eBook, which you downloaded a while back. If you haven’t started reading yet, it’s a great opportunity to dive in. It takes less than 1-2 hours and is simple and to the point. In case you haven’t received it yet, reply with “eBook” and I’ll send it to you again.
- Define Your Target Audience: Identify who you want to help with your coaching.
- Create an Offer: Develop compelling coaching packages that attract your ideal clients.
- Decide on Your Business Model: Choose how you’ll structure and deliver your coaching services.
- Set Up the Entire Marketing Funnel: Create a seamless process to attract and convert leads into clients.
- Drive Traffic to Your Funnel: Use various strategies to bring potential clients to your marketing funnel.
- Sell on Webinars: Utilize webinars as a powerful tool to convert leads into paying clients.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a 9 to 5 job and digital coaching depends on your personal goals and what you value more. If you crave flexibility, personal fulfillment, and have the discipline to manage your own business, digital coaching might be the perfect path for you.
What’s your take? Are you leaning towards the freedom of digital coaching or the stability of a traditional job?
Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear one reason why you want to leave your current 9 to 5!