How to Build a Coaching Business From a Campervan (While Travelling the World)

I received an email this week that opened with ‘Hey Jo, I am very keen to travel more in my campervan but the only thing holding me back is work.’

The writer went on to describe a lifetime in self employment (aka running his own businesses), the fact that he’s helped friends get started with their businesses, and asked for some advice on getting started as a business coach while having the freedom to travel and run his business on the road.

Well Rich, this is for you and everyone else asking similar questions!

Can I Run My Business on the Road?

Firstly, let me be absolutely clear, there are very few businesses you cannot run remotely these days. Throw a business idea at me and I’ll come back with a way to make it mobile;

• Want to run a restaurant? – Get a taco truck (or transition to an online cooking show and sell cookbooks, and kitchen products, or coach other restaurant owners!)
• Hairdresser? – Build an audience online using your hairdressing prowess and announce which city you’ll be in next for a limited time! (or teach others how to do their own hair and sell hair products online, run courses for beginner hairdressers etc.)
• Plumber? – Start a blog about plumbing, start a plumbing supplies ecom business, start a VR plumbing design consultancy, and create online plumbing courses.

I could go all day, but the point is, no matter what limitations you think there are to you running a remote business, the chances are they can be overcome with some creative thinking.

But this post is about business coaching which is 100% doable on the road, so let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how to get started;

What is Business Coaching?

Just a quick overview so we’re all on the same page;

At its core business coaching is what it says on the tin. It’s a partnership where you as a coach guide small business owners through the maze of decisions that shape their success.

In the hustle of daily operations, small business owners often find themselves lost in the ‘how’ and ‘now’ of things. A business coach helps lift their gaze to the ‘what next’ and ‘why not’.

By dissecting complex challenges, offering fresh perspectives, and setting actionable goals, coaches can play a transformational role in a businesses success.

Becoming a business coach is a huge responsibility. Your clients will put a lot of faith in your advice so you better be sure you know what you’re talking about.

That’s why a great business coach is likely someone who’s spent years in the trenches themselves, having experienced both successes and failures, and has a raft of valuable lessons to share.

NB: Don’t let imposter syndrome step in here. If you’re 40+, have spent years building businesses however small, have worked for yourself, or have been in a senior management position managing people, budgets, clients, problem solving etc, you are likely well placed to be a business coach.

If you’re also great with people, have a solid dose of empathy, high EQ levels and the ability to break down complex problems into first principle thinking, you have the makings of a GREAT business coach. (Give me a call by the way! 😂)

How to Start Signing Clients Up Today! (The Fast Action Taker Version)

In the section below this one, I’m going to break down how to start a coaching business step by step for the long term.

However, I’m all about taking massive action and want you to see that you could get started today if you’re so inclined.

There is no right or wrong way, each route is down to your personality, time commitments, goals, etc.

Here’s how you can leap into action today, leveraging your existing knowledge and networks to kickstart your coaching journey;

Step 1: Packaging Your Expertise

First things first, get clear on what you bring to the table.

Reflect on your years of experience and pinpoint the unique insights and strategies that have driven your success. Whether it’s navigating complex operational challenges or mastering the dynamics of customer relations, your specialized knowledge is a goldmine for potential clients.

NB: As an example, if I wanted to be a business coach, my specialty would definitely be in eliminating obstacles and creating momentum.

Creating Your Offering

• Identify 2-3 core areas where your expertise can solve pressing problems for small business owners.
• Develop clear, concise service packages that outline the benefits, process, and outcomes clients can expect.
• Remember, simplicity is key. Ensure your offerings are easy to understand and directly address the challenges your clients face.

Use AI to help you!

Here’s what I prompted ChatGPT and the example coaching service package it created for me;

My prompt – ‘Can you create for me an example coaching service package based on my strengths which are eliminating obstacles and creating momentum in a business. I’m also skilled in basic management accounts, managing cash flow and negotiating contracts. I’m also great at identifying strengths and weaknesses and finding contractors to outsource time sucking jobs to.’

How awesome is that! An entire coaching package and a basic sales pitch in about 30 seconds. 😀

Step 2: Crafting a Compelling Sales Page

With your services defined, it’s time to create a digital storefront that showcases your coaching business.

A well-crafted sales page acts as your 24/7 sales pitch, inviting potential clients to learn more and get in touch.

Essential Elements of Your Sales Page

• A clear, engaging headline that communicates the value of your coaching services.
• A brief, persuasive introduction video where you share your story, your why, and the transformation you offer.
• Testimonials from friends or businesses you’ve already helped, add credibility and trust.
• A straightforward call to action, guides visitors towards the next step, be it a discovery call, a strategy session, or a direct purchase option.

Once again ChatGPT is your friend here. Prompt it to help you create your headline, a video sales script, and your call to action.

Steps to Create a Sales Page

1. Use a simple (and free) drag and drop page builder such as carrd.co
2. Use the copy from ChatGPT to create headlines, add videos, testimonials, etc

Here’s the header of a dummy sales page I created on carrd.co (in less than a minute), for the coaching package CGPT outlined for me above.

What if I Hate the Thought of Video Jo?

If you don’t feel comfortable on video use a tool like ‘HeyGen’ to create a video avatar for you, or video tools like Wondershare or Videoscribe to create animated videos.

If that’s too overwhelming, which frankly video creation can easily be, you can pay someone on Fiverr to create an explainer video for you.

However, as a coach, you are selling yourself so I do think your face is the best option here. You don’t need any fancy equipment, simply fire up your iPhone, record a video, and upload to YouTube.

If you really want to act fast and creating a video is holding you back, just ask CGPT to create the sales copy that you would have included in a video, use that instead as text, and add a video later when you’re feeling a bit more confident.

Step 3: Leveraging Your Network

The magic of this faster route is the ability to tap into your existing relationships.

Your local reputation, combined with your professional and personal networks, creates an ideal foundation for launching your new coaching business.

Activating Your Network

• Reach out to former colleagues, clients, and friends. Share your new venture and ask for introductions to potential clients.
• Offer an introductory deal or a pilot coaching session, encouraging people to experience your coaching firsthand.
• Collect feedback and testimonials diligently. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals are the lifeblood of your budding coaching practice.

By embracing this fast route, you can swiftly transition into business coaching, leveraging your existing expertise and networks.

It’s a dynamic way to jumpstart your coaching career, allowing you to make an immediate impact while laying the groundwork for future growth.

How to Start a Coaching Business – Step By Step

While the route above offers a swift entry into the world of business coaching, here is a more detailed step-by-step breakdown for laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Step 1: Niching Down

All business journeys start with identifying your ideal niche. That is a specific segment of the market where your unique experiences and expertise can make the most impact.

Niching down helps you stand out in a crowded market and attracts clients who resonate with your specific approach.

Example niches for business coaches might include;

• Gyms/Fitness Businesses
• Restaurants/Catering Businesses
• Retail or Online E-commerce Businesses
• Service and Trades Businesses

Here’s how to consider what niche to focus on;

• Reflect on your past successes and passions. What types of business do you enjoy most, and where have you seen the most success?
• Think about the type of people you want to work with. Do you prefer brick and mortar type businesses, online ventures, or service-based enterprises? Do you prefer practical hands-on businesses, customer facing businesses, or strategic operations?
• Consider the unique challenges faced by businesses in your potential niche and how your background equips you to address them.

The more specific your niche, the easier it is to tailor your messaging and services to meet the needs of your target audience.

Step 2: Building Your Platform and Audience