Introduction
“Been in the community a few months now and the amount of help and encouragement from fellow coaches has been great.”
The first few months in any coaching community set the trajectory.
Here’s what to expect and how to maximise your early experience.
The Early Phase
What New Members Experience
First weeks:
- Information overwhelm
- Uncertainty about where to start
- Hesitation to engage
- Observation mode
This is normal. Every experienced member started here.
Common Early Questions
“Where do I begin?” “Is my question too basic?” “Will people judge me?” “How do I find what I need?”
Everyone has these questions. Few ask them.
The Breakthrough Moment
Usually within weeks:
- First question asked
- First helpful response received
- First connection made
- First value realised
This moment changes everything.
What Quality Community Provides
Help
Practical assistance:
- Session ideas
- Problem solving
- Resource sharing
- Direct answers
“I need help with X” receives actual help.
Encouragement
Emotional support:
- Validation of struggles
- Celebration of wins
- Motivation during difficulty
- Belief in potential
“You’ve got this” when you need to hear it.
Perspective
Different viewpoints:
- How others handle similar situations
- Alternative approaches
- Broader context
- Reality checks
“Have you considered…” expands thinking.
Accountability
Gentle pressure:
- Following through on intentions
- Reporting on progress
- Staying committed
- Continuous improvement
“How did it go?” creates action.
Maximising Early Months
Engage Quickly
Don’t wait until you “know enough.”
Ask questions. Share thoughts. Introduce yourself.
Early engagement creates early value.
Be Specific
“Any session ideas?” - hard to answer “I need a session for U11s working on pressing triggers” - easy to answer
Specificity generates helpfulness.
Give Before Taking
Share what you know, even as a beginner:
- Your experience
- Your perspective
- Your questions (they help others too)
- Your encouragement to others
Generosity creates reciprocity.
Follow Up
When someone helps:
- Thank them
- Try their suggestion
- Report back on results
- Continue the conversation
Closed loops build relationships.
Be Patient
Community value compounds:
- Week 1: Learning how it works
- Month 1: Getting comfortable
- Month 3: Established presence
- Month 6: Deep connections
- Year 1: Integral member
Trust the timeline.
Common Early Mistakes
Lurking Too Long
Observation is safe. Participation is valuable.
The longer you wait, the harder it gets.
Asking Without Searching
Most questions have been answered before.
Search first. Then ask with context about what you found.
Taking Without Giving
Communities need contribution:
- Answer others’ questions
- Share your experiences
- Encourage struggling members
- Add value
Takers eventually get ignored.
Expecting Instant Transformation
“I joined a month ago. Why aren’t I a better coach?”
Development takes time. Community accelerates it but doesn’t eliminate it.
Comparing to Long-Term Members
They’ve been here longer. They know more people. They seem confident.
You’ll be there too. Give it time.
Signs You’re On Track
Within First Month
- Posted at least once
- Received helpful response
- Found one valuable resource
- Connected with one person
Within Three Months
- Regular participation
- Multiple helpful interactions
- Clear value received
- Beginning to help others
Within Six Months
- Known by some members
- Comfortable engaging
- Giving as much as receiving
- Community feels like home
The Long-Term Payoff
Year One and Beyond
“Been in the community a few months now and the amount of help and encouragement from fellow coaches has been great.”
This is just the beginning.
Coaches who stay engaged report:
- Accelerated development
- Stronger coaching identity
- Better problem-solving
- More enjoyment in coaching
- Professional opportunities
The Compound Effect
Help received becomes help given. Encouragement received becomes encouragement given. Knowledge gained becomes knowledge shared.
Community creates cycles of value.
Conclusion
The first few months matter.
“The amount of help and encouragement from fellow coaches has been great.”
This experience is available to everyone who:
- Engages early
- Asks specifically
- Gives generously
- Stays patient
Find your community. Engage fully. Give it time.
The help and encouragement are waiting.