The Authority Bridge: A Blueprint for Your Coaching Business (video)

Coaching is more than a buzzword—it’s a transformative profession and a powerful business opportunity. In a recent episode, host John Golden sat down with Mitch Matthews, a renowned success coach, serial entrepreneur, and creator of the “Dream Think Do” podcast. Their conversation offers a masterclass in how to break into coaching, build authority, and create real impact—without sacrificing your current career or stability.

If you’re a professional with valuable experience but unsure how to start coaching or turn your expertise into a thriving business, this post breaks down the actionable strategies and nuanced insights shared in the episode. We’ll explore Mitch’s “authority bridge” framework, the mindset shifts required for effective coaching, and the practical steps to build a sustainable coaching practice.

Why Experienced Professionals Hesitate to Coach

Mitch Matthews highlights a common paradox: many people with deep expertise and a wealth of experience hesitate to become coaches. Why?

• Lack of Knowledge on How to Start: The path to becoming a coach isn’t always clear, and many individuals are unsure of the initial steps.
• Feeling Disqualified: Imposter syndrome or the belief that “I’m not qualified” holds back even the most accomplished professionals.
• Business Blind Spots: Most coaching programs focus on methodology rather than how to build a profitable business.

Expert Insight:

“About 85% of coaching training programs neglect the business side, leaving many unprepared to build profitable coaching practices.”
— Mitch Matthews

The Authority Bridge: A Phased Approach to Coaching Success

Mitch’s “authority bridge” is a practical, phased roadmap for building coaching authority and income—without quitting your day job. Here’s how it works:

Phase 1: Covered Authority

What It Is:
Leverage your current position, reputation, and network to establish a foundation for building influence and reach.

How to Do It:

• Host a Podcast or Public Conversations: Share your insights, interview others, and build credibility.
• Engage in thought leadership by writing articles, speaking at events, or participating in panels.
• Network Strategically: Connect with peers, potential clients, and industry leaders.

Key Benefits:

• Establishes you as a credible voice in your field.
• Expands your network and reach.
• No immediate pressure to generate income—focus on building your platform.

Actionable Advice:

• Start small: Launch a monthly podcast or write a LinkedIn article series.
• Use your current job as a springboard—share lessons learned and case studies (with permission).

Phase 2: Emerging Authority

What It Is:
Coach part-time while maintaining your primary career. This is where most successful coaches operate.

How to Do It:

• Offer Coaching Services Outside Your Organization: Work with clients in your industry or adjacent fields.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Define your availability and scope to avoid burnout.
• Charge for Your Services: Even if you work part-time, your expertise is valuable.

Key Benefits:

• Generate significant additional income ($50,000–$250,000 annually is possible).
• Test and refine your coaching approach.
• Enjoy the novelty and satisfaction of helping others, without full-time risk.

Actionable Advice:

• Start with a pilot program or a small group of clients.
• Use testimonials and case studies to build credibility.
• Reinvest some earnings into further training or marketing.

Phase 3: Independent Authority

What It Is:
Transition to running a full-time, profitable coaching business.

How to Do It:

• Scale Your Offerings: Move from one-on-one to group coaching, online courses, or workshops.
• Build a Brand: Develop a website, content strategy, and marketing funnel.
• Systematize Your Business: Automate scheduling, billing, and client onboarding.

Key Benefits:

• Full autonomy and flexibility.
• Potential for high income and broad impact.
• Opportunity to become a recognized thought leader.

Actionable Advice:

• Don’t rush—many find fulfillment in the earlier phases.
• Only transition when your side business consistently matches or exceeds your current income.

The Business Side of Coaching: Why Most Fail

Mitch points out a critical gap: most coaching programs teach methodology, not business. This leads to:

• Undercharging or Giving Away Services: Many coaches feel uncomfortable charging, which undermines their business and client commitment.
• Lack of Marketing and Sales Skills: Without these, even the best coaches struggle to find clients.
• No Clear Path to Profitability: Without a business plan, coaches burn out or give up.

Expert Advice:

• Charge for Your Services: “Skin in the game” creates commitment and accountability for clients.
• Invest in Business Training: Learn sales, marketing, and operations—not just coaching techniques.
• Track Your Metrics: Know your client acquisition cost, retention rate, and profit margins.

The Mindset of a Successful Coach

Great coaches share two essential qualities:

1. A Genuine Heart for Impact: They are driven by a desire to help others grow.
2. A Willingness to Get Paid: They understand that charging for coaching is not just fair—it’s necessary for client results.

Key Mindset Shifts:

• From Operator to Coach: Shift from giving answers to asking powerful questions.
• Embrace “Go Time”: The moment you invest financially in your coaching journey is when real commitment begins.
• Hold Clients as Capable: Believe in your clients’ ability to find their solutions, even if their approach differs from yours.

Actionable Advice:

• Practice active listening and resist the urge to “fix” everything.
• Ask for permission before offering advice—empower, don’t dictate.
• Celebrate client wins and learning moments, not just outcomes.

Coaching as a Leadership Superpower

Coaching isn’t just for external clients—it’s a game-changer for leaders and managers.

Benefits for Leaders:

• Empowers Teams: Asking questions and delegating responsibility builds confidence and engagement.
• Improves Performance: Teams perform better when they feel trusted and supported.
• Enhances Enjoyment: Both leaders and teams find more satisfaction in a collaborative, coaching-driven environment.

Expert Insight:

“Many leaders who undergo coach training find it improves their leadership skills by encouraging them to ask more questions and empower their teams, rather than simply providing solutions.”
— Mitch Matthews

Experimentation, Delegation, and Growth

Mitch draws a powerful parallel between coaching and the scientific method:

• Treat Plans as Hypotheses: Every strategy is a well-educated guess to be tested.
• Encourage Experimentation: Allow team members and clients to try their ideas, even if you’re skeptical.
• Learn from Results: Whether an idea succeeds or fails, it’s a valuable learning opportunity.

Real-World Example:
Mitch once let a new team member try a strategy he’d previously failed at. This time, it worked—proving that context, timing, and individual differences matter.

Actionable Advice:

• Delegate with trust, not just instructions.
• Frame experiments as learning opportunities, not pass/fail tests.
• Be ready to pivot quickly if something isn’t working—don’t let ego get in the way.

Actionable Steps to Start Your Coaching Journey

1. Assess Your Expertise: Identify the unique experiences and insights you can offer.
2. Start Building Authority: Launch a podcast, write articles, or speak at events.
3. Offer Coaching on the Side: Begin with a few clients to test your approach and build testimonials.
4. Invest in Business Skills: Learn sales, marketing, and operations.
5. Charge for Your Services: Set clear pricing and communicate the value of your coaching.
6. Embrace Experimentation: Treat every engagement as a learning opportunity.
7. Network and Collaborate: Connect with other coaches, mentors, and industry leaders.
8. Decide Your Path: Choose whether to remain a part-time coach or transition to full-time when ready.