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Before we start working together

A Step-by-Step onboarding Guide to founder coaching

June 12, 2024

Onboarding can vary significantly from one coach to another, and this guide will show you how we do it at LMG. The goal is to hit the ground running and make our work together effective right from the start. And if you’ve never worked with a coach before, this will give you an understanding of what will happen.

 

Here's a high-level overview of what to expect. After more than a decade of consulting and coaching, we've developed a process to building a strong foundation. It's designed to gradually introduce us to each other before fully working together—ensuring chemistry, capability, and commitment. At the same time, we recognize that every founder is unique, and so make this process yours.

 

The LMG Coaching Onboarding Process: Step by Step

1. Share Your Background

You’ll begin by filling out a brief questionnaire that helps me understand your business, goals, and challenges -- both personally and professionally. Do you want to focus on the startup, or you as a founder? Do you prefer to be challenged, or need space to explore? If you're unsure, that's okay—answers will emerge throughout the coaching process. The questionnaire takes 5 to 15 minutes to complete, and you can share as much detail as you're comfortable with.

Why it matters: The more insight I have into your background, the better I can tailor our sessions to provide the most relevant and impactful guidance.

2. Schedule Our First Call

Once I have your background details, it’s time to schedule our first meeting. This will set up our pre-consultation call to get to know each other better, discuss your initial thoughts or concerns, and clarify how I can best support you. You’ll have 24/7 access to my calendar, so you can book this call at a time that works for you. We make it easy with automatic Zoom links and reminders, and we’re flexible if things need to change.

Why it matters: This pre-consultation call sets the stage for our working relationship. It gives you the chance to ask questions, clarify expectations, and ensure that you’re comfortable with the process going forward.

 

3. Get to Know Each Other

In our first call, we’ll dive deeper into your business and personal goals. This conversation is all about discovery—both on your end and mine. I want to make sure I understand your vision, challenges, and aspirations, and I’ll be here to answer any questions you have about the coaching process. This is also your time to get a sense of how I work and whether you feel comfortable moving forward with me as your coach.

Why it matters: Trust is essential in coaching. This call helps us establish a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, ensuring that we’re both ready to move forward in a productive partnership.

 

4. Know Your Options

After our first call, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different coaching packages and options available to you. At LMG, we offer customizable coaching packages based on the number, frequency, and duration of sessions that fit your needs. Whether you need a few intense sessions to kick-start growth or long-term, consistent support, we’ll tailor the approach to suit your unique situation.

Why it matters: Every solopreneur’s journey is different. By offering flexible coaching packages, we ensure that the structure of our work fits both your goals and your schedule.

 

5. Review Your Coaching Plan

Once you’ve chosen your package and we’ve agreed to move forward, I’ll put together a customized coaching plan based on the information you provided in the questionnaire and during our first call. This plan will outline the key areas we’ll focus on and serve as a roadmap for our sessions. Keep in mind that while the plan sets the foundation, our sessions will remain flexible to allow for shifts and changes as needed.

Why it matters: Having a clear plan helps you feel confident in our approach and ensures that we’re both aligned on what’s most important. It also provides a reference point for tracking your progress over time.

 

6. Make Payment

Once we’ve finalized the coaching plan, it’s time to secure your slot by making your first payment. We offer several convenient options—Zelle, PayPal, or credit card payments through our digital store. For larger projects or long-term packages, we also offer payment plans to accommodate different financial situations.

Why it matters: Our goal is to make the payment process as straightforward and flexible as possible, so you can focus on the coaching itself.

 

7. Start Our Collaboration

With everything set—your background shared, the first call completed, your coaching plan reviewed, and payment taken care of—we’re ready to dive in. We’ll start scheduling your regular sessions, and from there, it’s all about growth. Whether we’ll be working together for a few months or a few years, the real journey begins here. Each session will build on the previous one, helping you make progress in both your personal development and your business goals.

Why it matters: This is where the magic happens. The work we do together from here on out is designed to transform both you and your business. By having a structured but flexible plan in place, you can feel confident knowing that every step of the way, you’ll be supported.

 

Final Thoughts

We want to make sure you feel guided and supported from the very beginning, so write us if anything unclear and/or want to take charge of your coaching experience.

You’re not alone in this process—we’re here to answer questions, clarify expectations, and tailor the experience to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for quick wins or long-term transformation, our approach will give you the structure and flexibility you need to succeed.

— Brian