Should I buy a coaching business or build my own?

Coaching and one-person consulting practices are unusual to buy, because the main asset walks out the door with the seller. There are also reasons to buy one: existing programs and existing clients, which you would check. Here is how to think about what you would be getting, and when starting fresh may suit you better.

What a buyer can actually receive

A practice may include a client list, active agreements, workshop material, course content, templates, a website, an email list, a brand and relationships with people who send referrals. Ask which of these are owned by the practice and which belong to the seller personally. Ask what the seller would sign over, and what restrictions would stop them from competing.

Will the clients stay?

This is the central question. Ask whether clients chose the brand or the person, because a change of coach could end the relationship. A handover period, where the seller introduces you and stays involved for a time, helps a great deal. Our page on seller consulting agreements explains how that can work.

What building asks of you

Building takes patience. You find clients through networking, referrals, content and reputation, and the early months can be quiet. In exchange, you shape the offer, the style and the pricing, and you do not take over an existing business’s history. If you already have a following or a strong network, weigh that when comparing the two paths with your accountant.

Compare the two by writing down the time, savings and skills each path needs, and ask your accountant to help you test both. If you have little experience, see buying a business with no experience.