The Coaching Clinic: Business & Skills Development for Professional Coaches
The Coaching Clinic is the go-to podcast for new and experienced professional coaches who want to grow a thriving, sustainable business and get better results with clients. Hosted by veteran coaches John Ball and Angela Besignano, this weekly show delivers actionable coaching strategies, business-building insights, and real-world tools to help you attract clients, master your craft, and scale with confidence. From powerful client conversations to group coaching design, sales, mindset, and marketing—this is your backstage pass to what really works in coaching today.
Uncomplicated Self-Care: A Coach's Path to Wellbeing
Essential Self-Care Strategies for Coaches: Simple Steps to Boost Your Well-being
Summary
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, we discuss three straightforward strategies to help coaches take better care of their health. Inspired by a fitness expert's insights, the episode emphasises the importance of regular movement, staying hydrated, and considering intermittent fasting. The host shares personal experiences, including daily swimming and intermittent fasting, and encourages coaches to integrate simple, sustainable practices into their routines to enhance both their personal and professional lives.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Coaching Clinic
00:43...
Am I a Bad Coach? Spotting the Signs & Fixing What’s Broken
Have you ever left a coaching session wondering, “Was that any good?” Or worse, have you had a coach who clearly wasn’t?
In this eye-opening episode of The Coaching Clinic, John Ball and Angela Besignano tackle one of the most uncomfortable but important questions in the coaching world: What makes someone a bad coach, and how do you know if that someone is you?
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been coaching for years, this conversation explores:
The warning signs of ineffective coachingScripted coaching vs. presence and real connectionWhy imposter syndrome n...Coaches Exploring AI: Tools, Challenges, and Opportunities
Embracing AI: Tools, Tips, and Ethical Considerations in Coaching
Summary
In this episode, Angie and John discuss their initial experiences and approaches to using AI tools in their coaching businesses. They delve into various applications of AI, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI note-takers for improving efficiency in content creation and client interactions. The hosts share their thoughts on the potential of AI to enhance human capabilities while emphasising the importance of careful verification to avoid issues like AI hallucinations. They also reflect on the balance between leveraging AI for administrative tasks and maintaining the...
A Quick Announcement from John at The Coaching Clinic Podcast
The Coaching Clinic podcast now has its own YouTube page.
Join us there to share your thoughts, questions and feedback with John & Angie.
If you were getting show content or the podcast feed through the Present Influence channel, you can still access past episodes but future episodes and clips will only be on our exclusive channel.
Here's the link to subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast
Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do and we might feature you on our next episode. All...
AI Tools for Coaches: Insights with Dr. Lisa Turner
Leveraging AI in Coaching: Insights from Dr. Lisa Turner
Summary
In this episode, coaches Angie and John explore the use of AI tools in coaching with expert Dr. Lisa Turner. Dr. Turner shares her journey from engineering to coaching, explaining how she systematized spiritual awakening and integrated AI tools into her coaching practice. She discusses the evolving effectiveness of AI, identifies areas where AI can outperform human coaches, and highlights processes that remain uniquely human. The episode also delves into the practical applications of AI in coaching, such as automating business tasks, identifying client patterns...
Enhancing Connection in Coaching Sessions
Maintaining Client Connection: Building Rapport and Energy Management Tips for Coaches
Summary
In this episode, Coach John discusses the importance of building and maintaining a strong connection with coaching clients, whether through one-to-one sessions or group coaching. He emphasises the value of smiling, energy management, and setting the right tone from the outset. Coach John also covers techniques such as tactical empathy, eye contact, body language, and storytelling to deepen client relationships. Additionally, he provides advice on how to regain lost rapport and respond to potential miscommunications. The episode concludes with a teaser for upcoming...
When Life Happens: Knowing When to Postpone a Coaching Session
Managing Personal Energy for Effective Coaching
Summary
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, Angie Besignano discusses the crucial but often overlooked topic of coaches managing their own energy.
Angie stresses the importance of acknowledging our humanity as coaches and questions the traditional push-through mentality. She shares personal experiences and highlights the need for self-care to ensure that coaches can deliver high-quality sessions.
Angie invites listeners to share their strategies for managing difficult days and maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional obligations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and...
Mastering Growth: When and How to Scale Your Coaching Practice
Scaling Up Your Coaching Business: When and How to Grow
Summary
In this episode, Angie and John discuss the timing and strategy of scaling up a coaching business. They share their personal experiences and challenges faced while growing their own businesses, emphasising the importance of monitoring progress and not rushing into expansion. They explore different scaling methods, including moving from one-on-one to group coaching, adding workshops, professional speaking, and other income streams. They stress the need for a well-thought-out plan and adapting as you go. The episode also highlights the importance of having a coach...
Scaling Success: Transitioning from One-to-One to Group Coaching
Scaling Your Coaching Business: Transitioning from One-to-One to Group Coaching
Summary
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, the focus is on how coaches can scale up their business by transitioning from one-to-one to group coaching. The episode outlines the benefits, such as gaining more time and delivering substantial value to clients, and addresses potential hesitations. Practical advice is provided on managing group dynamics, maintaining energy levels, and integrating group sessions seamlessly into existing practices. John also shares personal experiences and tips for encouraging clients to try group coaching. Listeners are invited to provide feedback...
Diving Deeper With Long Term Clients
Deep Diving with Long-Term Coaching Clients: Maintaining Depth and Challenge
Summary
In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, hosts Angie and John discuss the challenges and strategies for maintaining meaningful and deep engagements with long-term coaching clients.
They explore the importance of ongoing self-reflection for coaches, recognising when sessions become too conversational and ensuring that coaching continues to provide value beyond just emotional support.
Additionally, they talk about handling sensitive topics, balancing patience with the need to challenge clients, and respecting boundaries when clients are not ready to delve into certain...
Reclaiming Influence: Beyond the Superficial Social Media Stereotype
Reclaiming the Term 'Influencer': Beyond Superficial Social Media Influence
Summary
In this episode, Angie and John discuss the concept of 'influencers' and the superficial image it often conveys. They critique the conventional idea of influencers as people with a large social media following but little substance.
They emphasize that true influence should reflect genuine professional expertise and personal authenticity.
The conversation touches on the importance of creating an intentional visual and personal brand that resonates with one’s audience, the balance between presenting a polished image and being relatable, and the re...
Conquer Sales Fear: Angie's Guide to Confidently Promoting Your Coaching Services
Transforming Your Sales Mindset: From Sleazy to Effective Promotion
Summary
In this solo episode of the Coaching Clinic, Angie addresses the common aversion many coaches have towards sales. She offers practical tips and mindset shifts to help coaches confidently promote their business without feeling sleazy. Angie emphasizes the importance of seeing sales as offering solutions rather than pushing products and provides strategies for effective communication and trust-building. Listeners will learn how to articulate their value propositions clearly and conversationally and how to align their services with client needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and...
Toxic Positivity in Personal Development
Navigating the Dangers of Toxic Positivity
Summary
In this shorter episode of the Coaching Clinic, John discusses the concept of toxic positivity and its potentially harmful effects.
He explains how positivity, while generally beneficial, can become detrimental when enforced as the only acceptable emotional state. Drawing parallels with cult-like behaviors, John outlines the BITE model—Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control—used by cults to manipulate individuals.
He emphasises the importance of allowing a full range of emotions and avoiding suppressing negative feelings.
John also updates listeners on Angie's reco...
Lead Generation for Coaches: Create & Promote An Effective Lead Magnet
Effective Lead Magnets for Coaches to Attract New Clients
Summary
In this episode of the coaching clinic, John delves into the importance of lead magnets for coaches.
He covers what lead magnets are, their benefits, and examples such as quizzes, videos, white papers, and eBooks.
John also shares tips on creating valuable lead magnets that potential clients might even pay for, ensuring they can efficiently attract and retain new clients.
Additionally, the episode highlights tools like Kit (formerly ConvertKit) for CRM integration and the Scorecard app for quiz funnels. <...
How Sales Training Made Me A Better Coach
How Sales Training Transformed My Coaching Practice
Summary
In this episode, the host explores the profound impact that sales training has had on their coaching practice, discussing how skills learned from sales professionals can enhance coaching effectiveness. The host shares personal experiences from a sales training role and explains why understanding sales can help coaches overcome common challenges like fear of prospecting and handling pricing discussions. The episode also outlines the planned formats for future shows, ranging from solo episodes to guest interviews, and emphasizes the importance of balancing rapport with authority in coaching. Listeners...
Become an Authority in Coaching: Go From People-Pleaser to Power Coach with Chris Marr
Mastering Authority in Coaching with Chris Marr
Summary
Hosts Angie and John engage in a deep dive with Chris Marr, author of 'The Authoritative Coach,' discussing what it means to be an authoritative coach.
Chris elucidates the distinction between authority and authoritarianism, emphasizing respect, expertise, and genuine client relationships.
The conversation spans challenges coaches face, the balance between coaching and consulting, and the importance of radical candour in client relationships.
Chris also shares his insights on the evolution of a coach's role, the significance of inner work, and...
Effective Reputation Management in the Digital Coaching World
Managing Your Online Coaching Reputation
Summary
In this episode, hosts Angie and John delve into the importance of managing and protecting your online reputation as a professional coach.
They discuss various aspects of reputation management, including the need for authenticity, how to handle negative feedback, and strategies for maintaining a positive image.
Throughout the conversation, they share personal experiences and practical tips, emphasizing that while it's not possible to please everyone, aiming to deliver value and operate ethically can help mitigate potential online reputation issues.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction...
Becoming a Coach: The Sometimes Unexpected Career Path
Summary
In this conversation, Angie and John explore the coaching journey, discussing the differences between accidental and intentional coaching paths. They reflect on their own experiences, the evolution of the coaching industry, and the importance of age and experience in establishing credibility as a coach. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of coaching, the saturation of the market, and the need for differentiation in a competitive field.
Takeaways
Coaching can often be an accidental career path.
Many people enter coaching without realizing it until later.
The coaching...
Make Your Coaching Website More Effective
Key Essentials for Your Coaching Website: Boost Your Online Presence
Summary
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, we discuss the crucial elements every coaching website should have. With Angie still recovering, the host shares insights from several resources like Donald Miller's Coach Builder program, Michael Port's Book Yourself Solid, and Taki Moore's expertise in coach marketing. Highlighting the importance of having clear products or services for sale, establishing a relationship with your audience, and creating a professional and trustworthy online presence, this episode provides valuable tips for coaches looking to enhance their websites.
<...Improve Your Coaching Impact through State Management and Leadership
Understanding State Leadership in Coaching
Summary
In this solo episode of the coaching clinic, the host explains the concept of state leadership and its importance in both professional and personal life. Despite Angie's temporary absence, the episode emphasizes the significance of being intentional about one's emotional state and its impact on interactions. The host shares personal experiences and insights on managing emotional states effectively, highlighting how this approach can lead to better outcomes in coaching and daily activities. Key quotes include discussions on 'resting bothered face', the need for intentional emotional regulation, and the influence...
Psycholoigcal Safety: Building Trust in Coaching Environments
Understanding and Building Psychological Safety in Coaching
Summary
In this episode, Angie and John delve into the concept of psychological safety, emphasizing its significance not only in coaching but across various professional and personal environments. They discuss the essence of creating a safe space where clients can openly express themselves without fear of judgment or retribution. The hosts share practical strategies for establishing trust and ensuring confidentiality while exploring the deeper aspects of clients' lives. They also touch upon the challenges of maintaining psychological safety in workplace settings and highlight the importance of patience and...
The Art of Interruption: Keeping Coaching Sessions on Track
Navigating Client Conversations: When and How to Interrupt Effectively
Summary
In this episode, John and Angie dive into the challenges of managing client conversations, specifically focusing on the feelings of being rude when interrupting. They discuss the importance of knowing when and how to interrupt clients respectfully, especially when they go off-topic or dominate the conversation. Strategies for redirecting conversations, enhancing communication skills, and managing group dynamics in coaching sessions are also explored. The duo emphasizes setting session expectations, balancing client expression, and maintaining control without being disrespectful.
Chapters
<...How To Plan Your Coaching Year
High Performance Goal Setting for the New Year
Summary
In this episode, John and Angie discuss their approach to goal setting rather than traditional New Year's resolutions. They talk about the importance of creating specific, achievable goals and how to break them down into manageable steps. They touch on the value of reflection, the necessity of understanding one's 'why,' and the importance of adaptability and flexibility. The conversation also covers the need for personal and professional balance, the benefits of delegating tasks outside one's zone of genius, and the idea of rewarding oneself for...
Expensive Coaching Mistakes (We've Made)
Expensive Mistakes: Learning from Costly Coaching Errors
Summary
Angie and John dive into their most expensive coaching mistakes, offering candid insights into the financial pitfalls they've encountered in their business journeys. They share personal anecdotes about unrealistic budgeting, ineffective advertising investments, and the dangers of not separating business and personal accounts. Highlighting the importance of setting a realistic budget and investing wisely, they also discuss mindset challenges and the value of taking action despite uncertainties. The episode serves as a guide for coaches to avoid similar costly errors and emphasises that mistakes, while painful, are...
Active Listening in Coaching: Building Trust and Client Connection
Mastering the Art of Listening: Essential Skills for Coaches
Summary
In this episode, John and Angie dive into the importance of listening skills for coaches. They explore the concepts of active listening and tactical empathy, discussing how these skills build trust and deepen client relationships. John and Angie share personal experiences and practical tips on how to stay fully present during coaching sessions, the impact of distractions, and maintaining consistent attention to detail over long-term client engagements. They also highlight the value of quality time in client interactions and the need to continuously refine listening...
Should I Write A Book?
The Importance of Writing a Book for Coaches and Speakers
Summary
In this episode, Angie and John discuss why having a book is increasingly being seen as essential for coaches, speakers, and personal development professionals.
They explore the advantages of writing a book, both in terms of personal credibility and business growth. Angie talks about her long journey of writing her book since 2016, sharing insights on organizing thoughts and staying motivated.
John provides a guide on self-publishing versus traditional publishing, discussing the benefits and challenges of each route.
The...
When to Fire a Coaching Client: Navigating Tough Conversations in Coaching
Navigating Client Termination in Coaching: Challenges and Best Practices
Summary
In this episode, John and Angie delve into the difficult topic of terminating coaching clients. They discuss their experiences and strategies for handling delicate situations where clients are not making progress, being disrespectful, or not showing up for sessions.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of managing these scenarios with care and diplomacy, maintaining professionalism, and knowing when to set boundaries. They also tackle the nuances of working with diverse clients and setting expectations upfront.
This episode provides valuable insights for coaches...
Podcast Strategies for Coaches: Tools and Tips for Coaches
The Ultimate Guide to Starting and Leveraging Podcasts for Coaches
Summary
In this engaging episode, John and Angie explore the booming world of podcasting and its relevance for coaches. They delve into the benefits of being podcast guests versus starting one’s own show, emphasizing the importance of strategy, preparation, and niche topics. John, a seasoned podcaster, offers insights on the tools and platforms to get started, such as Facebook groups, Matchmaker.fm, Podmatch and Interview Valet. They also highlight the significance of quality content, audience engagement, and consistent effort for podcast success. This episode is...
Public Speaking: The Secret Weapon for Coaching Growth
The Synergy Between Coaching and Professional Speaking
Summary
In this episode, hosts Angie and John explore the synergy between coaching and professional speaking.
The duo, both experienced coaches and speakers, discuss how public speaking can significantly benefit a coaching business, offering insights into getting started, the importance of competence, and ways to leverage speaking engagements for client acquisition.
They also discuss the types of speaking opportunities—paid and unpaid—and how to evaluate them based on return on investment rather than monetary compensation alone.
The discussion covers essential strategies, pitf...
Why Even the Best Coaches Need Coaches: The Importance of Having Your Own Coach
Do Coaches Need Coaches? Exploring the Benefits of Continued Guidance
In this episode, John and Angie delve into the importance of coaches having their own coaches.
They discuss personal experiences, the evolution of their thoughts on hiring coaches, and the value of challenging mentors. The conversation highlights the necessity for even experienced coaches to seek guidance and support to continue growing both personally and professionally.
They also touch on the concept of specialized coaches and the evolving landscape of coaching over the years.
What are your thoughts? Get in touch and...
The Authentic Coach: Walking Your Talk
Embracing Authenticity in Coaching: Insights, Challenges, and Growth
Summary
In this episode, hosts Angie and John explore the multifaceted nature of authenticity in coaching.
They delve into the importance of being true to oneself and integrating unique strengths into coaching practices, while navigating the challenges of embracing imperfection and growing from mistakes.
Through a mix of personal anecdotes and references to renowned figures such as Mel Robbins and Brene Brown, the discussion highlights how genuine connection and vulnerability can lead to long-term success and trust in the coaching industry.
...
Coaching with Confidence: Embracing Mindset Shifts and Client Feedback
Mastering Coaching with Mindfulness and Growth: Insights and Strategies
Summary
In this comprehensive episode, hosts John and Angie offer deep insights into developing a successful coaching mindset.
They discuss the struggles coaches face with self-doubt and maintaining a strong persona, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and consistency.
Through personal anecdotes, they explore the impact of embodying different personas, the role of continuous self-assessment, and the value of a growth mindset in enhancing coaching sessions.
The episode emphasizes intentional and authentic coaching, the significance of feedback, and ongoing learning from...
Renewal Conversations: Enhancing Client Retention in Coaching
Navigating Client Renewals: Strategies and Insights for Coaches
summary
In this episode, hosts John and Angie discuss the intricacies of handling client renewals in coaching.
Angie is introduced to the concept of auto-renewals, a system John has successfully implemented for over ten years to streamline the renewal process.
They explore the practical benefits of auto-renewals and suggest best practices, such as providing notifications to clients well ahead of the renewal date to avoid uncomfortable situations like surprise charges.
The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining the coaching relationship...
Mastering Coaching Frameworks: Flexibility and Structure
Navigating Coaching Frameworks: Balancing Structure and Flexibility
Summary
In this conversation, Angie Besignano and John Ball discuss the significance of frameworks in coaching, exploring how they can provide structure while allowing for flexibility.
They delve into the dynamics of client conversations, the importance of addressing pain points, and the balance between guiding clients and allowing them to explore their own paths.
The discussion highlights the need for coaches to create a safe space for clients, the effectiveness of various coaching frameworks, and the importance of setting expectations for the coaching journey. <...
Navigating Client Relationships: When and How to Refer Clients
Navigating the End of Coaching Relationships: When to Refer and Let Go
In this episode, Angie and John dive into the challenging aspects of coaching, including when and how to end coaching relationships.
They discuss the importance of recognizing when a client may need therapy instead of coaching, knowing one's limits as a coach, and the value of referring clients to other professionals when necessary.
Angie shares her strategy of pausing long-term clients to encourage them to implement what they've learned, while John stresses the importance of continuous personal development for coaches.
<...Turning Criticism into Growth: A Coaching Perspective on Feedback
Navigating Feedback Without Taking It Personally
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic Podcast, Angie and John address how to handle feedback without taking it personally.
They share their experiences as coaches, discuss the importance of feedback for personal and professional growth, and explore various types of feedback they’ve encountered.
The conversation also touches upon the challenges of maintaining confidence, dealing with difficult clients, and implementing effective coaching practices.
Additionally, the hosts provide insights into their upcoming live sessions on LinkedIn and YouTube, where listeners can interact with them in re...
Breaking the Cycle: Coaching Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination: Understanding, Tackling, and Coaching Through It
In this episode, Angie and John dive into the challenges of procrastination, exploring its causes, impacts, and potential solutions.
They discuss the importance of being proactive, sharing personal anecdotes, and providing insights on overcoming procrastination both in personal lives and business settings.
The episode covers how coaches can help their clients through strategic questioning, setting up accountability measures, and breaking tasks into manageable bits to build momentum.
The session also touches on themes of fear, overwhelm, and the importance of consistent action to combat...
Structure and Success: A Day in the Life of Coaching Professionals
Optimizing Your Coaching Day: Time Management and Productivity Tips
In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, John Ball and Angela Besignano share insights into structuring a successful day as a self-employed coach.
They discuss the importance of setting office hours, employing productivity tools, and having a planner. The hosts emphasize the need to balance work and self-care routines, avoid distractions like social media, and evaluate daily activities to maintain productivity.
They also touch on the significance of gratitude practices and creating boundaries to optimize work performance.
Listeners are encouraged to be...
Coaching on Imposter Syndrome (for ourselves and our clients)
Confronting and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, John and Angie dive deep into the topic of imposter syndrome through a candid conversation and personal anecdotes.
They start with a thought-provoking game of 'Who Am I?', revealing statements related to imposter syndrome.
Throughout the discussion, they explore the sneaky and pervasive nature of imposter syndrome, its psychological effects, and share techniques to deal with it.
They emphasize the importance of taking action and maintaining a healthy detachment to overcome self-doubt.
The episode also touches...
The Right and Wrong Ways to Bring Clients into Your World
Building Relationships in Coaching and Authentic Marketing Techniques
In this episode, John and Angie delve into effective and authentic methods for bringing new clients into your coaching world.
They emphasize relationship marketing over traditional hard-sell techniques.
The conversation covers the importance of warm and cold leads, the pitfalls of spammy marketing, the value of building trust, and strategies to maintain authentic connections with potential clients.
They also discuss the role of podcasts and referrals in client acquisition.
John and Angie agree that while building relationships is paramount, the approach...
