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

With your niche in focus, it’s time to build a platform that showcases your expertise and connects you with your ideal clients.

You ideally need to start creating valuable content that educates, inspires, and demonstrates your coaching philosophy.

Here’s how to get started;

• Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel that addresses the key challenges and questions within your niche.
• Share your insights on social media platforms where your target audience spends their time.
• Engage with your audience through comments, direct messages, and community groups, cultivating relationships and building trust.

This will take time. Building an audience doesn’t happen overnight. You need to commit to publishing valuable content over a long period of time and listening to audience feedback to improve your content as you grow.

Step 3: Growing Your Email List

An email list is a powerful tool for nurturing leads and converting them into clients. It allows you to communicate directly with your audience, sharing insights, updates, and special offers.

It’s the next step that takes a person interested in your content to a subscriber to a potential client.

Here are the steps to take;

• Offer a valuable lead magnet (e.g., an ebook, webinar, or email course) that solves a pressing problem for your target audience in exchange for their email address.
• Using a tool like Beehiiv, Flodesk, or ConvertKit, send regular, value-packed newsletters that keep your audience engaged and informed.
• Segment your list to deliver the most relevant content to different groups within your audience, increasing the chances of conversion.

Step 4: Showcasing Your Offer

Once you’ve built your audience and established yourself as an authority in your niche, it’s time to introduce your coaching services more formally.

• Develop a comprehensive coaching package that includes clear outcomes, methodologies, and support structures as per the example used in the section above.
• Create a sales page as described above.
• Create a launch plan that builds anticipation and excitement around your offer, using webinars, live Q&As, and sneak peeks to engage your audience.
• Collect and showcase testimonials from early clients to build credibility and trust.

Then you need to deliver on your promise and be an amazing coach to your clients! The more you can help others, the faster your client base will grow and it will be less from your content and fancy videos and more from word of mouth from current clients.

By taking the time to build a strong foundation, you create a coaching business that not only attracts the right clients but also delivers lasting impact.

Jumping in Your Campervan & Travelling the World While Running Your Coaching Business

Embracing the life of a business coach gives you the opportunity to travel the world while weaving your days around client meetings and personal adventures.

But, this lifestyle has its hurdles. Staying connected, managing time zones, and keeping your work environment professional on the move are challenges you’ll face.

To keep your coaching top-notch, you’ll need to plan carefully and stay adaptable, no matter where the road takes you.

Embracing Digital Tools

In today’s world, technology is your greatest ally in maintaining mobility. From cloud storage solutions to video conferencing apps, leveraging the right digital tools allows you to manage your coaching business from anywhere in the world.

• Utilise platforms like Zoom or Google Meet for client meetings, ensuring you can offer personalised coaching sessions regardless of your location.
• Before settling into a new location, research is key. Look for local internet cafes or co-working spaces known for reliable service. Tools like WiFi Map can help you find nearby WiFi spots with user-shared passwords.
• A 4G mobile dongle or a smartphone with a generous data plan can be a lifesaver. Services like Google Fi offer flexible, reliable mobile data across multiple countries, ensuring you’re just a hotspot away from a stable connection.
• Utilise scheduling tools like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling, which allow clients to see your availability in their time zone and book appointments seamlessly. These tools also send automatic reminders, reducing no-shows and keeping your schedule on track.
• Consider having a dedicated ‘mobile office’ setup: a quiet space in your campervan with a neutral background for video calls, and noise-cancelling headphones to ensure clear audio.

By embracing these digital tools and strategies, you can navigate the connectivity challenges that come with the freedom of a mobile coaching business.

With a bit of planning and the right tech in your toolkit, you’ll ensure every client meeting is as professional and impactful as if you were in a traditional office setting.

Setting Clear Boundaries

While the freedom to travel is exhilarating, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between work and exploration.

This balance ensures you can fully engage with your surroundings while still honouring your commitments to your clients.

• Schedule dedicated work hours and communicate these to your clients, setting clear expectations around availability and response times.
• Make the most of time zone differences by aligning work hours with quieter times at your destination, allowing you to explore when the area is most vibrant.
• Remember to factor in downtime, ensuring you have the opportunity to rest and recharge, enhancing both your travel experiences and your effectiveness as a coach.

Building a Supportive Community

The journey of a mobile business coach is filled with incredible experiences and unique challenges. Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded individuals can provide invaluable support, inspiration, and camaraderie.

• Connect with other digital nomads and business coaches through online forums, social media groups, and networking events.
• Consider joining or creating a mastermind group with peers who share similar goals and challenges, offering a platform for mutual support and accountability.
• Share your experiences, both the highs and the lows, through your platform. This not only builds your authenticity and relatability but also encourages others on their own journey.

The path to becoming a successful business coach while embracing a nomadic lifestyle is exciting and rich with possibilities.

By integrating the right strategies, tools, and mindset, you can craft a life that’s not just about making a living but truly living your dream. 😎

Wrapping Up

Firstly thanks so much to Rich for sending his email and inspiring this post. 🙏

It’s real life questions and scenarios that make creating content and sharing my experiences so enjoyable.

Starting on the journey to become a business coach and having the freedom to travel the world is honestly as hard or as easy as you want to make it.

The steps to build an audience, grow an email list, and promote your services can take time, sure. But if you’re persistent, understand the challenges and problems of your target audience, and work to add massive value and help as many people as you can achieve their goals and dreams, success is destined.

Remember, the essence of business coaching lies in the impact you create – guiding, inspiring, and empowering others to reach their fullest potential.

And when you pair this purpose with the freedom to explore the world, you design not just a career, but a lifestyle filled with joy, adventure, and fulfilment.

I hope this post has helped spark some ideas!

Good luck on your journey.

Jo 🙂

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P.S. Do you have a specific question you’d like me to answer in a blog post, podcast or in my weekly newsletter? If so click below and ask away!