Qualifying as a Divorce Coach was a exciting milestone. After months of training, learning, and building my confidence, I finally felt ready to take that leap and put my skills into practice.
For me, this wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about helping people through one of the toughest times in their lives and showing them that there is life beyond the break.
Of course, qualifying was just the beginning. Once the training was complete, I faced the same questions many newly qualified coaches ask themselves:
Where do I find clients? How do I build confidence? What should I focus on first?
The first 90 days as a newly qualified Divorce Coach can feel exciting, overwhelming, rewarding, and sometimes a little daunting. Having qualified in June 2025 and launched Beyond the Break Coaching, I know those feelings well.
While everyone’s journey will be different, here are some of the lessons I learned during those first few months.
Getting Your First Clients
One of the biggest worries for any newly qualified coach is finding those first clients.
It’s easy to think that once your website is live and your social media pages are set up, clients will automatically appear. Building a coaching business takes time, visibility, and consistency.
One of the most valuable things I did was start talking about my business before I had even finished my training. I began having conversations, building relationships, and sharing my plans.
People cannot support, refer, or recommend your business if they don’t know it exists.
Your first clients are not about filling your diary overnight. They are about gaining experience, building confidence, and putting your coaching skills into practice.
Every conversation matters. Every discovery call matters. Every client helps you grow.
Building Confidence
Many newly qualified coaches believe they need to feel confident before they start putting themselves out there.
The truth is that confidence comes from taking action.
No amount of planning or preparation can replace the confidence that comes from speaking to people, attending networking events, and working with clients.
Like many new coaches, I questioned myself at times. Was I ready? Did I know enough? Would people want to work with me?
What I discovered is that confidence grows with experience.
Every conversation, every coaching session, every LinkedIn post, and every networking event helped me believe more in myself and what I had to offer.
You don’t need to know everything. You simply need to take the next step.
Discovery Calls
A free discovery call is a great starting point. It gives people the opportunity to learn more about you, ask questions, and decide whether coaching is right for them.
Networking and Building Relationships
Networking was one of the biggest learning curves for me. I started talking to people and building connections while I was still training and became much more active once I qualified.
At first, walking into a room full of people I didn’t know felt daunting. I worried about what to say and whether I would fit in.
What I quickly realised was that networking is not about selling yourself. It’s about building genuine relationships.
There is nothing quite like standing up at a networking event and talking about your business. It can feel nerve-wracking at first, but it is one of the best ways to build confidence and let people know what you do.
What I love now is hearing people mention a conversation we’ve had or thank me for referring them to someone in my network.
For me, referrals are built on trust. I only refer people I have met and spoken with because I want to know I am connecting people in a meaningful and professional way.
Networking is not about collecting business cards. It’s about creating real connections and building a network of people who know, like, and trust you.
Some of the strongest business relationships I’ve built started with a simple conversation over a coffee.
You Don’t Have to Do Everything Yourself
One of the most important lessons I learned early on was that building a business is not something you have to do alone. I have a fantastic support team around me, including my website manager, IT support, virtual assistant, photographer and business connections.
Having the right people around you allow you to focus on what you do best while learning from people with expertise in other areas.
Asking for help isn’t a weakness. In fact, it’s often one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Building a successful coaching business is not about doing everything yourself. It’s about surrounding yourself with the right people who can support your growth and success.
Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes
In the early days, it’s easy to put pressure on yourself. Many newly qualified coaches compare themselves to people who have been coaching for years.
It’s important to remember that every experienced coach was once exactly where you are now.
Another common mistake is trying to do everything at once. Websites, social media, networking, coaching packages, business planning, and client work can quickly become overwhelming.
Focus on progress rather than perfection.
Take consistent action, learn as you go, and trust the process.
You do not need all the answers on day one.
What Success Really Looks Like
Success in the first 90 days is often very different from what people expect.
It isn’t usually about earning huge amounts of money or having a waiting list of clients.
More often, success looks like:
- Having your first client
- Completing your first discovery calls
- Building meaningful business relationships
- Growing your confidence
- Becoming more visible
- Learning more about yourself as a coach
- Receiving your first referral
- Knowing you are making a difference
These small wins matter.
They are the foundations of a strong, sustainable coaching business.
Final Thoughts
The first 90 days as a newly qualified Divorce Coach are not about having everything figured out. They are about learning, growing, building relationships, and taking action.
For me, becoming a Sara Davison Accredited Breakup and Divorce Coach has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. It has allowed me to combine my professional training, personal experience, and passion for helping others into a career that truly matters.
If you are at the start of your coaching journey, remember that you do not need to be perfect. You simply need to start.
Every conversation, every connection, and every step forward is helping you build something meaningful.
And if you’re reading this as someone considering becoming a coach, my advice is simple: believe in yourself, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to take that first step.
Because sometimes the most rewarding journeys begin just outside your comfort zone.
Julie x