Your First Session
What to expect from your first coaching session
Your First Session
Preparing for your first coaching session? Here's everything you need to know to make it a success.
Before the Session
Book an Intro Call First
We recommend starting with a free intro call (15 minutes) to:
- Meet your potential coach
- Discuss your goals and challenges
- Ask questions about their approach
- Determine if it's a good fit
Prepare Your Goals
Think about:
- What do you want to achieve through coaching?
- What specific challenges are you facing?
- What does success look like for you?
- Any questions you want to ask your coach?
Test Your Setup
Before your session:
- Check your internet connection - Stable connection required for video
- Test your camera and microphone - Go to Settings to test
- Find a quiet space - Minimize background noise and distractions
- Good lighting - Face a window or use a lamp
Where Sessions Take Place
All coaching sessions happen on Coachive through our built-in video calling:
- No downloads required - Works in your browser
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge supported
- Mobile friendly - Join from your phone if needed
Joining Your Session
- Go to Dashboard > Sessions
- Find your upcoming session
- Click Join Call (available 15 minutes before)
- Allow camera/microphone access when prompted
What to Expect
Free Intro Call (15 minutes)
The intro call is informal and focused on getting to know each other:
- Introductions - Coach introduces themselves
- Your goals - Share what you're looking for
- Their approach - Coach explains how they work
- Questions - Ask anything you want to know
- Next steps - Decide if you want to continue
There's no obligation after an intro call. Take your time to decide if the coach is right for you.
Paid Coaching Session
A typical coaching session includes:
- Check-in (5 min) - How are you? What's happened since last session?
- Agenda setting (5 min) - What do you want to focus on today?
- Exploration (30-40 min) - Deep dive into your topic
- Action planning (10 min) - What will you do before next session?
- Wrap-up (5 min) - Summary and scheduling
Session Length Options
- 30 minutes - Quick check-ins, focused topics
- 45 minutes - Standard session length
- 60 minutes - Deep exploration, complex topics
Tips for Success
Be Open and Honest
Coaching works best when you're authentic:
- Share your real challenges
- Be honest about what's working and what isn't
- Don't be afraid to be vulnerable
Come Prepared
Get more value from each session:
- Review action items from last session
- Think about what you want to discuss
- Have specific examples ready
Take Notes
During or after each session:
- Write down key insights
- Note your action items
- Track your commitments
Follow Through
Between sessions:
- Complete your action items
- Notice what comes up for you
- Bring observations to next session
After the Session
Review Your Notes
Take a few minutes to:
- Capture any additional thoughts
- Clarify your action items
- Schedule time to work on commitments
Message Your Coach
If you have follow-up questions:
- Use the messaging feature
- Share relevant updates
- Ask for clarification on anything discussed
Book Your Next Session
Consistency is key to progress:
- Most clients meet weekly or bi-weekly
- Book in advance to secure your preferred time
- Consider setting up recurring sessions
Common Questions
What if I'm nervous?
Totally normal! Remember:
- Your coach wants you to succeed
- There are no "wrong" things to say
- The intro call is low-pressure
What if the coach isn't right for me?
It's okay! Not every coach is the right fit:
- Thank them for their time
- Book intro calls with other coaches
- Find someone you connect with
What if I need to cancel?
Life happens. If you need to cancel:
- Give as much notice as possible (24+ hours preferred)
- Use the reschedule feature instead if possible
- Check the coach's cancellation policy