Interviewing Carole Ann Rice, Life Coach

UK’s number one life coach, author and columnist, Carole Ann Rice is “definitely not just another life coach”, as her strapline says.

Journalist, columnist and founder of the very successful Pure Coaching Academy, she helps people find clarity, confidence and success in their daily lives.

How would you explain your business to someone who has no knowledge of it?

As a life coach, I help people get what they want in their lives on their own terms. I also train people to become world-class life coaches.

How long have you been in this business? And in other businesses?

I was one of the first life coaches in the UK – I started out over 20 years ago. I have also been a journalist for 30 years and have written for all the top titles from The Sun to Red magazine. I started my coaching academy 9 years ago.

Why did you choose it?

Because I hired a coach and it changed my life. I wanted to know how she did it so I retrained to become one.

How did you get started?

I offered low price coaching packages initially, I tried to write pieces for the press about coaching including a link to website, networking was a huge part of building my business success.

How do you attract your clients?

Great website, my newsletter which has over 5000 subscribers, posting daily on all social media platforms, public speaking, networking, investing in SEO etc

Can you describe your customers?

Ambitious and successful people who have hit a wall but want more. Career professionals or startups, people who feel they have a big dream to fulfil or they realise what they are doing is not working and want a confidence boost or a new perspective or new approach. Those who want the best for their lives.

Where do you see your business in the next year? In the next five years?

Maybe franchising my academy.

Which things make you happy as a small business owner?

The flexibility to work when I want to, the amazing people I meet, the never-ending learning about the human condition, learning about life, and developing myself as a person. The joy of making your own money and enjoying the feel-good factor of that success.

Which is your best-selling product or service and why do you think your clients love it so much?

The academy or 121 coaching for private clients

Why do your customers select you over your competitors?

Two decades of experience and something idiosyncratic about my approach that speak on a gut level. Many people say “I looked at a lot of websites but I felt drawn to keep coming back to yours”

Customer Retention: how do you keep your customers happy?

Going the extra mile.

Which challenges did and do you face, running your business?

Marketing is a huge and erratic beast but a necessary one. Always feel I haven’t nailed it.

Is there any business lesson you learnt through experience that you wish you knew about earlier in life?

Be patient, be courageous, invest in the best when you can afford it and dare to be different and memorable.

How do you maintain a good work-life balance?

As a coach, I am a genius at it! Running, spending time in our holiday home by the sea, having gorgeous friends that I see regularly, reading, cooking, socialising and enjoying London culture and cocktails.

Which is your best strategy for time management?

Do the tough stuff first, keep to-do lists to three priorities, don’t procrastinate dive in and think how free and good you will feel when you have done the heavy lifting. Respect time. It is infinite and we always think we have more than we actually do. Don’t waste it.