#251: How To Earn ICF Coaching Hours And Paying Clients

75 paid hours. That's what ICF asks for before you can get your ACC. And most coaches try to get there one barter session at a time. Or $60 at a time through a matching company. Honestly? That's a slow way to get certified. And it's an even slower way to build a coaching business. Here's the thing. Getting your hours and getting paying clients can be the SAME path. In this episode of the Make It Visible Podcast, I walk you through how I did it. I bartered for one round, just 12 hours, and said "Wait, I am not doing this." Then I started running paid workshops at a local women's club. Time management. Stress management. Slides, projector, the whole thing. Some days, 2 people showed up. Some days, zero. I kept going anyway. In this episode, you'll hear: Why $60 matching companies make it harder to build a real coaching business Where your dream clients already gather: Meetup, gyms, libraries, hospitals, and even your workplace How to plant the seed so your pro bono clients want to keep working with you Why you need a renewal package before your first package even ends The exact question to ask at the end of every session: "What feels right for you?" Why a 4-week package is easier to say yes to than a 3-month commitment Your homework Pick ONE place where your dream clients already hang out. Find out who plans their events. Reach out before Friday. Not next month. Before Friday. Resources mentioned Free strategy call Niche & Avatar Builder (inside The Builder) Coach With Clients Academy Save your seat for live Office Hours for FREE Meetup Eventbrite ICF ACC requirements Quick ICF note: For your ACC, you need 100 coaching hours with at least 8 clients. At least 75 of those hours must be paid. Always check ICF's site for the latest rules. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michellekueispeak Loved this episode? Share it with a coach friend who's still bartering hours. Drop me a line and share your thoughts! About the host: Michelle Kuei is a business and marketing coach for coaches. She helps coaches across all niches stop chasing clients and start attracting them using her Client Enrollment Method. She's the founder of Elevate LifeCoaching, the creator of the Coach With Clients Academy, and the host of the Make It Visible podcast and Office Hours with Michelle, live every Saturday on YouTube. An ICF-accredited coach (iPEC), certified copywriter, and Top 15 Coach in Los Angeles, Michelle built her coaching business while working full-time as a pharmacist. Learn more at michellekuei.com. Subscribe & review: If this episode helped you, the best thank-you is a quick rating and review wherever you listen.   🐦 SOCIAL STUFF: Substack ➔   / dearcoach.substack.com Instagram ➔ /@elevatelifecoach Facebook ➔   / coachmichellekuei Linkedin ➔   / michellekuei Website ➔ michellekuei.com Book a strategy call with Michelle ➔ http://coachwithclients.co/strategycall