The Underrated Strategy Values-Led Coaches Need to Grow a Sustainable Coaching Business | Podcast Epsiode 75
A Growth Strategy to Prioritise as a Coach in 2026: Building Connection & Community
If you’re building a coaching business, it’s easy to believe that growth requires doing more.
More content.
More visibility.
More offers.
More strategy.
While those things can matter, there’s one growth strategy that often gets overlooked — and it’s one of the most powerful ways to grow a sustainable, life-first coaching business.
That strategy is connection and community.
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Why Growth Feels Heavy for So Many Coaches
Many coaches feel isolated as they build their business.
You’re making decisions on your own.
Putting yourself out there online.
Navigating self-doubt and momentum dips quietly.
Without support, even simple actions can start to feel heavy.
This is why so many coaches burn out, not because they aren’t capable, but because they’re trying to do everything alone.
Why “Networking” Has the Wrong Reputation
For many coaches, the word networking brings up resistance.
It’s often associated with:
pitching and self-promotion
awkward small talk
pressure to perform
transactional conversations
If that’s your experience, it makes sense that you’d avoid it.
But that version of networking isn’t the only option.
A Better Way to Think About Networking
Here’s the reframe:
Networking isn’t about growing your audience.
It’s about growing your environment.
Connection-first networking focuses on:
shared values
mutual support
genuine conversation
long-term relationships
When you change your environment, you change how growth feels.
How Community Makes Business Feel Easier
Being around other coaches who are:
taking similar actions
navigating similar challenges
building businesses with intention
makes growth feel normal.
You second-guess yourself less.
You feel braver taking action.
You borrow belief when yours feels low.
Community doesn’t remove challenges but it changes how heavy they feel.
And that shift alone can accelerate your growth.
The Real Benefits of Connection-First Spaces
When coaches prioritise community, they often experience:
increased confidence
greater follow-through
clearer perspective
more motivation without pressure
Over time, these relationships may also lead to:
collaborations
referrals
new opportunities
But these are by-products, not the goal.
The real value is support, safety, and shared momentum.
Simple Ways to Build Meaningful Connections
You don’t need to overcomplicate this.
A few simple approaches:
Treat connection as an ongoing rhythm, not a one-off event
Follow up with people you genuinely connect with
Stay connected on Instagram or LinkedIn (even if you don’t post)
Share resources or opportunities when you think of someone
Focus on contribution, not outcomes.
Why This Matters Even More in 2026
The online space is noisier than ever.
Many coaches are craving:
grounded conversation
human connection
spaces that feel safe and supportive
Connection-first communities offer an antidote to hustle and overwhelm and they’re becoming an essential part of sustainable growth.
A Gentle Invitation to Coaches Connect
This is why I’ve created Coaches Connect - a free, relaxed, online networking space for female coaches in health, wellness, and personal development.
No pitching.
No performing.
Just genuine conversation, shared support, and connection.
If you’re building your coaching business and don’t want to do it alone, you’re warmly invited.
Conclusion
You don’t need more tactics to grow your business.
Sometimes the most powerful growth move is choosing who you grow alongside.
Hey There, I’m Leonie
I’m the girl who can’t sit still and loves a good life pivot. Ex-architect turned business owner turned business coach, and a UK expat living in New Zealand. I’m also a travel lover, recovering perfectionist, and life-first advocate. Here, I share simple, spacious strategies to help purpose-led coaches and experts launch, grow, and scale businesses that actually feel fun to run.
THE SPACIOUS BUSINESS BLUEPRINT
Discover the simple 1-page, 7-step roadmap to attract consistent coaching clients, create a spacious strategy, and build a business that works for your life — without the hustle or overwhelm.
