Jolene Elizabeth - OBM & Coach

The 5 Must-Have Systems Every Coach Needs

Let’s be honest. You didn’t sign up to be a coach only to drown in admin work, frantically chasing invoices or juggling a million sticky notes with client info. You became a coach because you love transforming lives! But without the right systems, your business can quickly feel like a bit of a shambles.

No need to stress. With a few key systems, you can streamline your day-to-day, create space for the work that really matters, and reclaim your time (and sanity).

Ready? Let’s dive in.


Manage Your Leads & Clients like a Pro

Stop Drowning in Notes and Emails

“Wait, what did we talk about last session?” – You, if you don’t have a CRM.

Picture this: all your client info, session notes, and communication stored neatly in one place—easily accessible with just a few clicks. That’s what a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system does. Whether you’re onboarding new clients or tracking ongoing ones, this system keeps your business organised and your mind at ease.

Why it’ll save your life: Instead of frantically searching your inbox or relying on your memory (which let’s face it, isn’t always reliable), everything you need is right there. You’ll feel more in control and your clients will think you’ve got superpowers.

What to try: CoachAccountable, PaperBell, Satori, Dubsado or HoneyBook. It’s like having your own personal assistant, but without the awkward water-cooler chat.


Scheduling That Doesn’t Involve a Million Emails

Make scheduling as easy as ordering takeaway (but much healthier).

The old way: endless back-and-forth emails trying to find a time that works. The new way: a scheduling system that syncs with your calendar and lets clients book sessions without all the faff. Simple. Automatic. Total game-changer.

Why it’ll make your life easier: It frees you from that “When are you free? Oh, not then? How about next Thursday?” email tennis. Clients pick a time that works, you get notified, and it all just… happens. Like magic.

What to use: Calendly or Acuity. Bonus points: automated reminders so no one forgets (including you).


Payments on Autopilot

No more awkward “Hey, where’s my payment?” emails.

We’ve all been there. You send an invoice, and then… radio silence. With an automated payment and invoicing system, that awkward money conversation becomes a thing of the past. Clients get invoices automatically, and you get paid without lifting a finger.

Why it’s a sanity saver: You don’t have to chase anyone down, and it makes you look super professional. Plus, you can set up recurring payments, so you never have to think about it again.

What to check out: Stripe, PayPal, or ThriveCart. It’s like putting your finances on autopilot, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.


Create Content Like a Pro

(even if you still jot down ideas on scraps of paper).

You know content is important, but keeping up with it can feel like a full-time gig. Enter the Content Management System (CMS)—your secret weapon for planning, writing, and posting content without the last-minute scramble. Say goodbye to panic-posting and hello to organised brilliance.

Why it’s a game-changer: Batch your content, schedule it out, and keep your messaging consistent without feeling like you’re constantly behind. It’s like having a whole team backing your content creation.

What works: Use WordPress or Kajabi for hosting. ClickUp, Airtable or Notion for keeping it all organised. This is how you stay on top of things (and actually enjoy it).


Project Management: Tame the Chaos and Get Things Done

Turn “I’ll get to that later” into “All sorted, no worries.”

Running a coaching business is more than just coaching. There are launches, new programs, marketing campaigns, and about a million other things you need to juggle. A project management system helps you track everything in one place, so nothing slips through the cracks.

Why you need it: It keeps your to-do list from becoming an overwhelming beast. Whether it’s planning your next launch or keeping tabs on client projects, a good system will help you feel organised (even if your desk says otherwise).

What to use: ClickUp, Notion or Asana. Think of it as your brain’s new favourite tool.


The Bottom Line (Spoiler: Systems Are Your New Best Mate)

Here’s the truth: without systems, your coaching business can quickly turn into a bit of a mess. But with the right ones in place? Everything flows. You have more time, more energy, and more space to focus on what really matters—helping your clients transform their lives.

So if you’ve been flying by the seat of your pants, consider this your nudge to get some solid systems in place. Your future self will thank you (probably with a cheeky glass of wine in hand).

Need help setting up systems that work like a charm? I’ve got your back. Check out my services here and let’s make your business run smoother than ever. You deserve it!

Looking for guidance, support, and streamlined systems for your business? Check out my OBM services designed for coaches and consultants who want to simplify and scale and make a bigger impact without sacrificing your time and energy.

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MASTER YOUR

Signature Client Experience 

Transform your client experience from “just okay” to “absolutely amazing”!

I’ve put together my personal onboarding and offboarding steps, along with the tools that have made a real impact in my business. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this checklist is exactly what you need to keep your clients coming back for more. Don’t miss out—grab it now!