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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.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT for this episode and other resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/375. Other Episodes mentioned: 288 What Inspires People to Invest in Your Coaching? 82 The Mindset Shift That Helps You Charge More with Coaching Clients 271 Inspire Your Coaching Clients to Give You Dynamic Testimonials 359 Do You Really Need More Coach Training? This episode is super short and inspired by the SABOTEUR in all of us who keeps us from greatness. You remember Superman — the dude who could do anything and seemed unstoppable except when he encountered Kryptonite. That green crystal weakened Superman so he was powerless. Your coaching business kryptonite is something you avoid. It’s the thing that keeps you from your super power. You want to coach for a living, help people achieve and transform. And you want to earn well at this so you don’t have to work at someone else’s company on someone else’s goals with their rules! So what’s your kryptonite in your coaching business? It could be something deeply personal and unique to you. It trips you up time and again.  I can tell you it’s a great opportunity for you to put your awareness on that thing and evolve. Your kryptonite could be about 3 things. Let’s dig into that.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT and other resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/374 Three other episodes related to this one: #313 Are You Stuck in the New Coach Swirl & Spin? #340 3 Hacks to Work Less in Your Coaching Business and Get More Done #359 Coach, Do You Really Need More Training? https://prosperouscoachblog.com/ep-374-overwhelm-is-a-bad-habit-coaches-need-to-break/

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT and other resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/373. Not long ago I was among a group of new coaches who were having an interesting discussion about coaching someone who was un-coachable.  As the situation was described, I realized the coaching conversation was actually between two friends, not a coach and her client. A friend was having a rough time and the coach, wanting to help, tried to coach her friend through it.  It didn’t end well. And, they concluded the person was un-coachable. That took me back to an unpleasant memory when I had just graduated from coach training 20+ years ago. Two of my good friends, who were married, were at my house for dinner and they started arguing. Eager to use my coaching skills, I jumped in to coach them.  It devolved into losing my friendship for a time. It was a harsh lesson that I clearly needed. And it helped me to understand the ethics of coaching at a deeper level. Are there situations where it’s okay to coach without a professional coaching relationship?  Let’s dig in to that.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT and more resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/372 Being a small business owner is a territory for heroes where you can grow into your full potential. You will positively affect more lives than you know with your coaching. Still, growing a successful coaching business takes sustained effort. You will work your butt off and be all the better for it! Recently, I had a walk and talk with one of my past VIP clients, who has thrived in her business for 10 impressive years so far. We were musing … why do some coaches succeed in business and others do not?  After working with coaches for 2+ decades, I have a theory about the right stuff to thrive long term in your coaching business. What is the success factor? Is it learned or innate? In this episode, I share my theory and 5 powerful questions to test the success factor.

Find the FULL TRANSCRIPT plus resources for coaches at ProsperousCoach.com/371. Also mentioned, Rhonda's Nail Your Niche session and her 5-month VIP Mentoring Program for coaches. ***** What’s your coaching website done for you lately? Does it help you enroll ideal clients or just sit there collecting cyber-dust? Most first websites are duds. They’re just online brochures all about the coach and coaching with no mention of the audience, only a list of all the ways the coach can help anyone. That’s because the website was created before the coach: ·       Chose a viable target audience to serve ·       Knows the big problems that cause them to seek answers, and ·       Writes trust-building copy informed by research (and I don’t mean AI!) Web designers will gladly create a pretty and trendy website but nothing much comes of it. THEY don’t know YOUR audience. My first 2 coaching websites were like that.  Your second site can be far better than mine! In this episode, I'll take you on a journey through a client-winning website, what it can do and what you cannot expect it to do on its own.