The RAW News

Every Thursday you’ll receive tips, strategies, and resources to launch, grow, and monetise your online coaching or mentoring business. Each issue takes less than 4 minutes to read.

Why 5 Hours a Week is Enough to Serve More People Than Ever

I've been coaching and mentoring people online for over 14 years - before zoom was even a thing!

In that time, I've seen countless professionals struggle with the same challenge: how to scale their expertise beyond trading time for money.

Some never break free from the 1-1 hamster wheel. Others build courses that nobody completes.

A few discover the secret to creating genuine transformation at scale while working fewer hours than they ever imagined.

Here's what I've learned about building programs that deliver both scalable impact and income:

1. You Must Design for Scale From Day One

The biggest mistake I see: Starting with a 1-1 model and hoping to "figure out scaling later."

The reality: If you don't lay the foundation for scale from the beginning, you'll build a beautiful prison that requires more and more of your time as you grow.

What this looks like in practice:

  • Create frameworks and systems, not just advice
  • Build processes that can work without you
  • Think "How would this work with 100 clients?" from day one

I learned this the hard way. My early coaching was completely bespoke - different approach for every client, no systems, no scalable processes.

I was busy but not building anything that could grow without me.

The shift: Every 1-1 session became research for my scalable program.

Every client challenge became a potential lesson or module.

Every breakthrough became a framework.

2. One-to-One is Terrible for Information Transfer (But Essential for Getting Started)

Here's the paradox: 1-1 coaching is the worst way to share information, but the best way to discover what information actually matters.

Why 1-1 is inefficient for information:

  • You repeat the same concepts endlessly
  • Each client gets a slightly different version
  • Your knowledge stays trapped in conversations
  • You can't help people when you're not available

Why you need to start there anyway:

  • You discover what people actually struggle with (not what you think they struggle with)
  • You see which explanations work and which don't
  • You understand the emotional journey, not just the logical steps
  • You build confidence in your ability to create transformation

My approach: I treated every 1-1 client as a co-creator of my scalable program.

Their questions shaped my course modules.

Their breakthroughs became my case studies.

Their struggles became the problems my program solved.

3. The Transformation Triad: Course + Community + Coaching

After 14 years, I've found one model that consistently creates scalable transformation: the Transformation Triad.

Course Content (The What):

  • Structured learning that students can consume at their own pace
  • Clear frameworks and step-by-step processes
  • Recorded lessons they can revisit when needed

Community (The Who):

  • Peer support and accountability
  • Shared struggles and celebrations
  • Network effects that extend beyond your program

Coaching (The How):

  • Live guidance when students get stuck
  • Personalized feedback on their specific situation
  • Human connection that keeps them moving forward

Why this works:

  • Course content gives you leverage (create once, serve many)
  • Community provides accountability without requiring your time
  • Coaching ensures transformation actually happens

The magic: Each element amplifies the others. The course gives structure to coaching calls. The community reinforces course concepts. The coaching brings the course to life.

4. Done Right, It Takes Less Time Than You Think

The common belief: "Building a scalable program will consume my life."

The reality: A well-designed program takes less time to run than equivalent 1-1 work.

My current reality:

  • 4-5 hours per week running my program
  • Serving more people than I ever could 1-1
  • Income that's not tied to my hours

How this is possible:

  • Leverage: Create content once, serve many students
  • Community: Students chip in to help each other instead of always needing you
  • Systems: Automated onboarding, clear processes, predictable rhythms
  • Focus: Solve one problem really well instead of being everything to everyone
  • Input: I also have 1-1 elements that people can opt in to for a higher price point. The basic model is the more 1-1 time people get, the higher the price.

5. The Compound Effect of Getting It Right

Here's what most people miss: when you build a scalable program correctly, the benefits compound over time.

Stage 1: You're working hard to build and refine
Stage 2: The program runs smoother, you're tweaking rather than building
Stage 3: You have testimonials, case studies and consistent clients coming in
Stage 4: The program practically runs itself

The compound benefits:

  • Student success stories become your marketing
  • Community alumni refer new students
  • Refined content requires less updating
  • Proven systems need less attention
  • Your reputation attracts better-fit students.

Your Next Step

If you've been trading time for money and wondering how to scale your impact, start with this question: "Who do I help and how can I help them in a scalable way?"

Don't try to scale everything. Pick one transformation you do really well and build your Transformation Triad around that.

The world needs your expertise. But it needs it in a form that can reach more people than your 1-1 calendar ever could.

Ready to build your scalable program? Book a free Accelerator Call and let's map out how your expertise can become your scalable income.

Because after 14 years, I can tell you this: The best time to start building for scale was yesterday. The second-best time is today.

Standing with you,

Simon

The Raw Leader