Do you ever feel like getting new clients is an endless grind? You’re spending hours on social media, creating content, and still not seeing results. But what if that’s actually what’s holding you back?

In this episode, Stephen Box breaks down how to build a referral-driven coaching business—without feeling pushy, begging for testimonials, or relying on complicated marketing strategies. Learn how to create an amazing client experience that naturally leads to referrals and the simple systems that make it easy for clients to send new business your way.

By the End of This Episode, You'll Know:

• The #1 reason most coaches struggle to get referrals (it’s not what you think).
• The 5-step client experience strategy that makes people want to refer you.
• How to ask for referrals in a way that feels natural and easy—for both you and your clients.
• A simple system to make referrals a consistent part of your business (instead of hoping for them randomly).

Next Episode Teaser:

Next time on Coach Smarter, we’re talking about a marketing mistake that 99% of coaches make—and how you can stop making it today. Be sure to hit follow so you don’t miss it!

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

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• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
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Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

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Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

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You started your coaching business for freedom—but does it actually feel like a business, or just another job? Too many coaches unknowingly bring the same habits from their 9-to-5 into their coaching business, leaving them overwhelmed, stuck, and chasing external validation instead of real impact.

In this episode, Elona Lopari shares her journey from corporate success to entrepreneurship and the key mindset shifts that allowed her to build a business that truly serves her. If you’re feeling like your coaching business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you.

By the End of This Episode, You'll Know:

• Why success in a job doesn’t always translate to success as a business owner
• How to break free from the employee mindset and think like an entrepreneur
• The #1 mistake coaches make that keeps them stuck in “hustle mode”
• Why posting content isn’t the same as building real connections—and what to do instead

About Elona Lopari:
Elona Lopari is a business strategist who helps service-based entrepreneurs scale their purpose and profits to build independent companies that they can exit from, use as a philanthropy channel, or turn into a lasting legacy. She specializes in fixing cash flow issues and helping entrepreneurs scale beyond themselves by creating better systems and assembling the right team.

Want to learn more? Connect with Elona:
🌎 Website: elonaloparicoaching.com

Next Episode Teaser:
Next time on Coach Smarter, we’re diving into something every coach needs to master—how to deliver an amazing client experience that naturally generates referrals. If you want clients to stick around and send others your way, you won’t want to miss it. Hit follow now!

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

MORE RESOURCES

• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
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SUPPORT THE SHOW

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

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Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

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Imagine grinding your way to a seven-figure business—only to have it nearly kill you. That’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, Colby Wegter. After pushing himself to the brink and experiencing not one but two major burnouts, Colby was forced to rethink everything about how he worked and ran his business.

In this conversation, we dive deep into the hidden dangers of burnout, why taking a break isn’t enough, and the mindset shift that helped Colby finally build a sustainable business. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty but don’t know how to stop, this episode is for you.

By the End of This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why burnout happens even when everything looks successful on the outside.
• The mistake Colby made after his first burnout that led to an even bigger crash.
• How setting boundaries changed everything—and how to start doing it yourself.
• The one decision that instantly freed up hours of his week.
• How to shift from overworking to focusing on what actually moves your business forward.

About Colby Wegter:

Colby Wegter is a top 1% globally recognized digital marketer and the creator of Autonomy Agency, a community that teaches agency owners how to solve their lead problems for good by keeping their clients for years. He excels at teaching others how to 2X, 3X, or 4X client retention and increase their lifetime value.

Connect with Colby:

• Website: AutonomyAgency.com

Next Episode Teaser:

Next time on Coach Smarter—what happens when you do everything right but still feel unfulfilled? My guest, Elona Lopari, had the corporate success, the promotions, and the security. But after reaching the top, she realized something was missing. In this conversation, we unpack why so many coaches end up treating their business like just another job and how to break free from the habits keeping you stuck. Don’t miss it—hit follow now!

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

MORE RESOURCES

• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
• Join the pre-sale list for the Coach Smarter Mentorship Program (Launching August 2025). Click here to join the free pre-sale list!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

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Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

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Ever had a conversation with someone who seemed like the perfect client—only for them to walk away after you gave them your best advice? You answered their questions, shared insights, and maybe even coached them a little… but instead of taking the next step, they just say, “That was really helpful!” and move on.

Why does this keep happening? And more importantly, how do you turn these conversations into paying clients—without feeling pushy or giving away free coaching?

In this episode, I’ll share the five essential things you need to uncover to confidently guide potential clients toward working with you—without feeling like you have to “sell” them on coaching.

By the End of This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The real reason potential clients don’t take the next step (even when they seem interested)
• The five essential things you need to uncover to move a conversation forward
• How to naturally transition from answering questions to discuss coaching
• A simple framework to make your coaching feel like the next logical step

Next Episode Teaser:

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps up on you—until one day, you hit a wall. My next guest, Colby Wegter, knows this all too well. After scaling his marketing agency to seven figures, he burned out… twice. And the second time? It nearly cost him everything.

In our conversation, we unpack what really causes burnout, how to break free from overwork, and why sometimes making a mess is the key to moving forward.

Hit follow so you don’t miss it!

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

MORE RESOURCES

• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
• Join the pre-sale list for the Coach Smarter Mentorship Program (Launching August 2025). Click here to join the free pre-sale list!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

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Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

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Many coaches have been told that success requires being outgoing, high-energy, and always “on.”

But if you’re an introverted coach, that approach can leave you feeling drained, overwhelmed, and questioning whether coaching is really the right fit.

Today’s guest, Stacey Chazin, is a leadership coach who helps introverts transform their natural strengths into professional assets.

In this episode, we explore the biggest myths about introversion, and how introverts can approach client calls, networking, and marketing in a way that actually works for them.

By the End of This Episode, You’ll Know:

✔️ How to structure your business so it works with your energy, not against it
✔️ Why common networking and marketing advice doesn’t always apply to introverts
✔️ The biggest myths about introverts that might be holding you back
✔️ How to confidently coach extroverted clients—without feeling drained

About Stacey Chazin:

Stacey Chazin is a dynamic leadership coach who empowers introverts to transform their innate qualities into professional assets and get the recognition they deserve. She holds a master’s in organizational development and leadership, degrees in marketing and communication, and certification as a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator practitioner.

Want to learn more from Stacey? Grab her Daily Productivity Hacks for Introverts or Conference Survival Guide for Introverts:
🔗 Productivity Hacks for Introverts
🔗 Conference Survival Guide
💻 Visit her website: ifactorleadership.com

Next Episode Teaser:

How do you move a conversation with a potential client forward—without it feeling awkward or forced? Whether you’re at a networking event, in a discovery call, or just chatting with someone who’s interested in coaching, knowing the right questions to ask makes all the difference. I’ll be sharing the five key things you need to uncover when speaking with a potential client—and how to use them to confidently guide the conversation toward a natural next

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

MORE RESOURCES

• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
• Join the pre-sale list for the Coach Smarter Mentorship Program (Launching August 2025). Click here to join the free pre-sale list!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

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Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

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Most coaches don’t actually have a time management problem—they have a decision-making problem. And if you don’t get a handle on it, your business will start running you instead of the other way around.

If you’ve ever said, “I need to get [X] done, but I just don’t have time”, this episode is for you. My guest, Scott Maderer, sees this all the time—coaches who sacrifice family time, skip meals, or take on last-minute clients because they feel like they have to.

But the truth is, every time you say, “I have to”, you reinforce a false obligation that keeps you stuck.

In today’s episode, we’ll break down the hidden mistakes keeping you overworked and underpaid—and how to fix them so you can take back control of your coaching business.

By the End of This Episode, You'll Know:

✅ Why saying "I have to" is keeping you trapped—and what to say instead
✅ How to set boundaries with clients (without losing them)
✅ The simple mindset shift that will instantly free up your time
✅ Why your schedule isn’t the problem—your choices are

About Scott Maderer:
Scott helps business owners master their time, talent, and treasures so they can stop feeling stuck in reaction mode and start making intentional choices that move them forward. His expertise in productivity, financial stewardship, and decision-making helps coaches work smarter, not harder.

Connect with Scott:
🌎 Website: InspiredStewardship.com/CoachSmarter
📖 Book: Inspired Living
🎙 Podcast: Inspired Stewardship

🎧Check out my interview on the Inspired Stewardship Podcast

Next Episode Teaser:
On the next episode of Coach Smarter, we’re diving into how to grow your coaching business as an introvert. My guest, Stacey Chazin, shares practical strategies to help you network, market, and coach in a way that fits your strengths—without draining your energy. If traditional business advice has ever felt exhausting, hit follow so you don’t miss it!

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

MORE RESOURCES

• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
• Join the pre-sale list for the Coach Smarter Mentorship Program (Launching August 2025). Click here to join the free pre-sale list!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

CONNECT WITH STEPHEN: Website | Instagram | YouTube

Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

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You set up a Facebook group, invited people to join, and started posting consistently… but no one is engaging. Sound familiar?

Many coaches assume that creating a group equals building a community—but without real engagement, it’s just another dead space online.

In this episode, Paul Gowder, founder of a 130,000+ member community, reveals why most Facebook groups fail and what it really takes to build an engaged, thriving community that grows itself.

By the End of This Episode, You'll Know:

• Spark real conversations.
• Create loyal fans.
• How to stop wasting time on posts no one sees.

About Paul Gowder:

Paul Gowder is the founder of PowWows.com, a thriving online community with over 130,000 members. With decades of experience in community building, he helps coaches and business owners grow engaged, sustainable communities that drive real impact—without relying on social media algorithms.

Want to build a community that actually works? Paul’s insights will show you how.

📍 Connect with Paul Gowder:
🔗 Website: paulgowder.com
🔗 Free Resource: paulgowder.com/emailtools

Next Episode Teaser:

Next time on Coach Smarter, we’re diving into how to master your time, talent, and treasures as a coach. My guest, Scott Maderer, shares the mindset shifts that help coaches take control of their time—without feeling guilty. So if you ever feel like you’re drowning in your to-do list, be sure to hit follow so you don’t miss it.

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

MORE RESOURCES

• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
• Join the pre-sale list for the Coach Smarter Mentorship Program (Launching August 2025). Click here to join the free pre-sale list!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

CONNECT WITH STEPHEN: Website | Instagram | YouTube

Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

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You started your coaching business to help people—not to spend hours scheduling calls, chasing invoices, and managing emails. But somehow, the admin work never stops. You’ve probably thought about automating some of it, but you don’t want your business to feel impersonal or “robotic.”

That’s exactly where Joe Casabona found himself. As a former software engineer turned solopreneur, he thought working harder was the answer—until he nearly burned out. That’s when he discovered that automation isn’t about doing less—it’s about making space for what matters most. In this episode, he shares how to use automation to save time without losing the personal touch.

By the End of This Episode, You’ll Know:

✅ Why automating doesn’t mean losing the personal touch. Most coaches think automation makes things feel robotic—but done right, it actually strengthens client relationships.

✅ The biggest automation mistake coaches make. You’re probably automating the wrong things (or avoiding the things that could save you the most time).

✅ How to know when to automate vs. delegate. If you think you can’t afford automation or a VA, this episode will completely shift your perspective.

✅ The easiest automations to start with—even if you’re not tech-savvy. These simple tweaks will free up hours this week, without complicated software or hiring a team.

About Joe Casabona:

Joe Casabona knows what it’s like to be overwhelmed by the business side of coaching. After leaving his corporate job to work for himself, he quickly realized he was spending more time on admin than his actual work. That’s when he started using automation to cut out the busywork—and everything changed.

Now, Joe helps business owners streamline their processes so they can focus on what actually moves the needle.

Connect with Joe Casabona:

🌎 Website: casabona.org/unstuck

Next Episode Teaser:

Ever tried to start a Facebook group only to hear crickets? If you’ve been struggling to build a real community—or wondering if it’s even worth your time—you won’t want to miss the next episode.

Have a question or episode suggestion? Send us a text, we'd love to hear from you!

Support the show

MORE RESOURCES

• Join my weekly newsletter and get notified when new episodes drop—plus insights to help you coach smarter and grow your business. Cick Here to Join - It's Free!
  
  
• Join the pre-sale list for the Coach Smarter Mentorship Program (Launching August 2025). Click here to join the free pre-sale list!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @coachsmarterpodcast

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

CONNECT WITH STEPHEN: Website | Instagram | YouTube

Copyright 2025 Unshakable Habits, Stephen Box LLC, all rights reserved

Privacy Policy Disclaimer Terms and Conditions Affiliate Disclosure