Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in knowledge. These books address the core challenges coaching and consulting businesses face—from positioning yourself in a crowded market to actually landing clients and delivering real results. Each one offers frameworks you can implement immediately.
The Prosperous Coach by Rich Litvin and Kate Larsen
This book directly addresses the business side of coaching, not just the coaching skills themselves. You’ll learn how to attract clients without constant prospecting, set sustainable pricing, and build a practice that actually generates income. It’s essential if you want to move beyond the feast-famine cycle many coaches experience.
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Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Your ability to communicate what you do—clearly and compellingly—directly affects how many clients you attract. This book teaches you how to position yourself so prospects immediately understand why they should work with you. You’ll use these principles in your website copy, email outreach, and sales conversations.
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The Business of Coaching by Howard Pratt
This book covers the business operations most coaches overlook—contracts, pricing models, how to structure your offerings, and the financial metrics that matter. It’s practical and structured around common business scenarios, making it valuable whether you’re solo or planning to scale.
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Steal the Show by Michael Port
Many coaches struggle with visibility and personal branding. This book teaches you how to show up authentically in presentations, on video, and in client interactions—all critical for building trust and differentiating yourself. It’s especially useful if public speaking or being on camera feels uncomfortable.
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Equipment You Need
A coaching or consulting business requires less physical equipment than most startups, but what you do buy directly affects client experience and your ability to deliver professional sessions. Your tech stack is your primary investment.
Computer and Connectivity
- Laptop: Your main work device. A reliable laptop with good processor speed and RAM handles video calls, CRM management, content creation, and scheduling without lag.
- Backup internet connection: Mobile hotspot or secondary broadband line ensures you never lose connection during a paid client session.
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): Protects your equipment and prevents data loss during unexpected outages.
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Audio and Video
- Webcam: A dedicated webcam (1080p minimum) looks more professional than your laptop’s built-in camera and gives you flexibility in positioning.
- Microphone: An external USB condenser microphone eliminates background noise and makes you sound clear during sessions. This is worth the investment—poor audio signals unprofessionalism.
- Headphones: Closed-back headphones with decent noise isolation help you hear clients clearly and prevent feedback during calls.
- Ring light or simple desk lamp: Proper lighting improves video appearance significantly. You don’t need expensive equipment—even a quality LED desk lamp works.
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Workspace Setup
- Desk: A simple desk dedicated to work minimizes distractions during client sessions. Adjustable height desks reduce strain if you’re working long hours.
- Chair: An ergonomic chair prevents back pain during long days of calls and admin work. This is not where you save money—poor posture compounds over time.
- Background: Either a clean, neutral wall or a professional backdrop. Some coaches invest in portable backdrops for flexibility.
- Desk organizer: Keeps notes, pens, and materials within reach during sessions.
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Software and Tools (Subscriptions, Not Hardware)
- Video conferencing platform: Zoom, Google Meet, or similar. Plan for approximately $200–300 yearly for a professional plan.
- CRM or client management system: Tracks clients, sessions, and follow-ups. Budget $30–100/month depending on features and client volume.
- Calendar and scheduling tool: Acuity Scheduling, Calendly, or your CRM’s built-in scheduling ($10–50/month).
- Email marketing platform: For newsletters and outreach ($20–100/month). Start simple; scale as your list grows.
Documentation and Contracts
- Document templates: Client agreements, scope of work, cancellation policies, and intake forms. Use legal template resources or hire an attorney ($500–2,000 one-time).
- Notebook or note-taking app: Physical notebook for session notes or digital app like Notion or OneNote.
What to Buy First vs Later
You don’t need everything immediately. Prioritize based on when you’ll actually generate revenue.
- Month 1: Laptop (if you don’t have one), external microphone, webcam, basic desk setup, and video conferencing software. Spend roughly $400–800.
- Month 2–3: Client management system, scheduling tool, and professional email domain with a basic email marketing platform. Monthly: $100–200.
- Month 3–4: Better lighting, professional backdrop or background setup, ergonomic chair if not done initially. Spend $200–500.
- Month 6+: Recording software, advanced CRM features, content creation tools, or subcontractor help as your client load increases.
New vs Used Equipment
For most coaching and consulting equipment, new is the better choice. Your technology needs to be reliable—a dropped connection during a paid session costs more than the savings on a used router. Additionally, warranties and tech support matter when your business depends on these tools working consistently.
Where used can work: office furniture (desks, chairs, shelving), if the items are structurally sound and ergonomic. Avoid used or refurbished headphones, microphones, and webcams unless they come with a solid return policy. Tech you’ve never seen in person is risky for something you use daily.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns, and reliable pricing on most equipment.
- B&H Photo Video: Specialist retailer for cameras, microphones, and lighting. Better selection and expert advice than big-box stores.
- Sweetwater: Excellent for audio equipment with no-question-asked return policy.
- Best Buy: Good for laptops and general electronics with in-store support and same-day availability.
- IKEA or local furniture stores: Desks, chairs, and storage. Try furniture in-person when possible—ergonomics are individual.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Furniture and used equipment, but only from local sellers you can inspect in person.