coaching business

Gaining Clarity: Exploring a Coaching Perspective Through a Fresh Lens

26 March 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / coaching business / fresh eyes / perspective / proverb

Today’s quote is actually a proverb:

“A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year.” (Polish proverb)

At first glance, the proverb may seem paradoxical. How can a guest, who spends only a fleeting moment in a host’s domain, possess greater insight than the host, who dwells within it year-round? The answer lies in the power of perception and perspective. A guest enters a situation with fresh eyes, unencumbered by preconceived notions or biases. They notice the subtle details, observe the interactions, and absorb the ambiance in a way that the host may overlook in their familiarity.

I think this proverb points to one of the aspects that many find really powerful about coaching. The coach acts a trusted pair of fresh eyes upon a situation. What may just seem to a client that something has always been the case, and it’s never occurred to them to question may be obvious to a coach to question. It’s from this coaching perspective that we can have impact.

In the realm of coaching, this proverb takes on a deeper significance. Coaches often serve as trusted guides, offering insights from a coaching perspective on their clients’ experiences and challenges. Like the guest in the proverb, coaches approach each coaching session with a sense of curiosity and openness, ready to explore new insights and perspectives alongside their clients.

One of the unique aspects of coaching is the ability to create a safe and supportive space for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism. In this way, coaches act as facilitators of exploration and discovery, helping their clients uncover hidden truths and insights that may have eluded them in their day-to-day lives.

Moreover, the proverb underscores the importance of presence in coaching. By remaining fully present and engaged during coaching sessions, coaches can pick up on subtle cues and nuances in their clients’ words and behaviours, allowing for a deeper exploration of their experiences and perceptions. This heightened level of awareness enables coaches to provide more targeted and impactful guidance, helping their clients navigate challenges and obstacles with greater clarity and confidence.

A different coaching perspective

From another coaching perspective, looking at our own coaching and coaching business with new eyes can also be revealing. How easy is it for an interested client to get in touch with you? What information does someone new to your coaching need? By adopting the perspective of a guest in our own coaching practice, we can uncover areas for improvement and refinement that may have gone unnoticed in our day-to-day operations.

For example, imagine stepping into the shoes of a potential client visiting your coaching website for the first time. Are your services clearly outlined? Is your contact information easily accessible? Do you demonstrate the value of your coaching? By considering these questions from the perspective of an outsider, you can identify opportunities to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of your coaching business.

Furthermore, the proverb encourages us to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth in our coaching practice. Just as a guest brings fresh insights and perspectives to a host’s home, so too can ongoing education and professional development enrich our coaching skills and offerings. Whether through attending workshops, seeking mentorship, or engaging in peer-to-peer learning, coaches can expand their knowledge and expertise, ultimately benefiting both themselves and their clients.

By adopting the perspective of a guest in our coaching practice, we not only gain valuable insights into our own blind spots and areas for improvement but also cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of coaching. Just as a guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year, so too can we uncover new possibilities and opportunities for growth by approaching our coaching with fresh eyes and an open heart.

As we continue on our coaching journey, let us embrace the wisdom of the proverb and strive to create dynamic and enriching coaching experiences that inspire growth, insight, and transformation for ourselves and our clients alike.

Ultimately, the Polish proverb “A guest sees more in an hour than the host in a year” reminds us of the transformative power of perspective and perception in coaching. By embracing humility, curiosity, and openness, coaches can create dynamic and enriching coaching experiences that foster growth, insight, and self-discovery for both themselves and their clients.

As we reflect on this proverb, let us remember to use our coaching perspective as the wisdom of the guest and strive to approach each coaching session with fresh eyes and an open heart, ready to explore new insights and possibilities together with our clients.

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.

As an experienced coach and trainer, Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. Find out more about the support Jen offers here.

Sow, Grow, Repeat: Embracing a Proverb for Coaching Success

6 February 2024 in quote tagged coach / coaches / coaching / coaching business / growing / quote / success

The background of this image is out of focus but looks like it is green plants. In focus in the foreground is rich looking soil with green shoots sprouting in several spots. The text reads: "Don't stop sowing just because the birds ate a few seeds." (Danish proverb)

Today’s quote is:

“Don’t stop sowing just because the birds ate a few seeds.” (Danish proverb)

In the realm of coaching and having your own coaching business, success is often seen as the culmination of effective strategies, flawless execution, and unwavering determination. However, the journey towards achieving coaching excellence is more nuanced than meets the eye. Today’s quote I think points towards the reality of how embracing the spirit of trial and error can be a game-changer in the pursuit of coaching success.

The Wisdom Behind the Proverb:

Coaching and business is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, demanding adaptability and resilience from practitioners. The Danish proverb encapsulates the essence of persistence and resilience. It encourages coaches to press on despite setbacks, acknowledging that not every seed sown will sprout into success. Just as birds may consume a few seeds, coaches may encounter obstacles, failures, or unexpected challenges along their journey. The key lies in not letting these setbacks derail the pursuit of excellence.

Reflecting on Possibilities:

The proverb prompts coaches to engage in a powerful thought exercise: “If you knew it was perfectly fine for not every idea or strategy to work, what would you try?” This question challenges coaches to expand their horizons, fostering a mindset that welcomes experimentation and innovation. By encouraging coaches to ponder the possibilities without the pressure of immediate implementation, the proverb invites a freedom of thought that can lead to groundbreaking insights.

The Pursuit of Success:

Success in coaching and business is not a linear path; it’s a journey marked by twists, turns, and occasional setbacks. The quote urges coaches to view failure as an integral part of the learning process. Embracing the idea that not every seed will flourish allows coaches to approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and openness. Instead of being disheartened by unsuccessful attempts, coaches can treat each experience as a valuable lesson, contributing to their growth and development.

Trial and Error: A Catalyst for Growth:

Coaches who are willing to accept the inevitability of setbacks are better equipped to navigate the intricate landscape of coaching and business. The pursuit of success requires a willingness to lose a few seeds in the process. Just as a gardener accepts that not every seed will yield a thriving plant, coaches can approach their strategies with a similar mindset. Each failed attempt becomes a stepping stone towards refinement and improvement.

Conclusion:

In the world of coaching and business, the Danish proverb serves as a beacon of wisdom, guiding practitioners through the complexities of their journey. By embracing the inevitability of setbacks and cultivating a mindset that values trial and error, coaches can unlock new avenues for success. So, as you tread the path of coaching excellence, ask yourself: How many seeds are you willing to lose in pursuit of your desired outcome? The answer may very well determine the richness of the harvest that awaits.

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.

You are allowed to evolve as a coach

12 July 2018 in Coaching tagged belief / coaches / coaching / coaching business / Develop / evolve / obstacle

The image for the post you are allowed to evolve as a coach is a white painted background with a woodern grain showing through. Ontop is 6 woodern blocks pushed together, each has a letter on that spells out the word Evolve.

You are allowed to evolve as a coach

by Jen Waller

One of the things I often see coaches having as a stumbling block is a belief around not being allowed to change direction or to evolve.

This can present in several different ways below are just some of the real life examples I’ve seen that’s stopped people from either growing their coaching practice or even start coaching.

For those just starting out it may show up as not inviting a potential client to experience your coaching because you’ve not got the wording on your website perfect. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve pointed out in this situation that it’s not written in stone, websites can be edited and changed as you adapt your offers and how you work.

Maybe it’s not knowing the niche that you want to work with that’s stopping you from working with anyone at all. There’s much that can be said about finding a coaching niche, for the purposes of this post, all I’ll say is it’s not being signed in blood – you’re allowed to change direction and niche later on if that’s what you want to do then.

Perhaps you’ve already got a coaching practice and you’re struggling, due to how your circumstances have changed, to schedule everything in the same sessions as you once did. You are allowed to change how you schedule your working day – need to give yourself breaks between sessions then structure that into your day. Just because you’ve always worked your appointments back to back does not mean you always have to do that.

May be you’re looking to take your coaching practice to the next level and there just isn’t enough hours in the day for you to do everything. Again you are allowed to involve others in the running of your business, do you now need to hire a personal assistant or another professional to free up more time for your coaching.

Perhaps you have an idea for a new coaching video, however the thing that’s stopping you from doing it is thinking that you may look back at it in the future and think that could be better. Presuming that you continue to develop your skills then that is very likely to happen – what if you accepted that part of evolving as a coach is finding new ways to phrase something or developing new skills along the way.

What if, you allowed yourself the flexibility to adapt and adjust what and how you offer your service as appropriate over time?

It may be that you stick with exactly the same way of working for your entire coaching career, however, I struggle to think of any long serving coach who has not altered their approach over the years they have been coaching. Some have changed niches totally, others have altered their working patterns, others changed the medium they coach via (phone, face to face etc), others developed new packages, approaches and group work. The list can go on and on, mainly because they allowed themselves and their coaching practice to evolve.

About Jen Waller

Jen Waller is on a mission to support, nurture and encourage coaching skills and talents from non-coach to coach and beyond.

As an experienced coach and trainer Jen is happy to utilise all skills at her disposal to assist clients from getting out of their own way and making a difference in the world with their coaching. One of the aspects of her role Jen loves the most is seeing individuals find their voice, grow their confidence and take the next steps. This allows them to make a massive positive impact and difference with their coaching. (For more info about Jen’s coaching click here, including the From non-coach to coach discovery session) Jen has owned and run Coaching Confidence, the coaching blog since 2010.

In her spare time Jen is a volunteer for the UK based charity The Cinnamon Trust. This charity supports elderly and terminally ill pet owners to provide care for their pets. As a volunteer, Jen regularly walks dogs for owners who physically often find that more challenging then they once did. As a pet owner herself, Jen finds it really rewarding to be able to assist an owner stay with an animal that has become part of the family. (Plus it’s a great additional motivator when working from home to get out and get some fresh air and exercise)

Jen also loves theatre and has been known to watch certain popular science fiction films and TV shows!

Entrepreneurship: The Dreaded 16 Letter Word!

4 March 2016 in Guest Post tagged coaching / coaching business / Dr. Tonya White Johnson / entrepreneurship / leadership development / self-employed / success lesson

In today’s guest post coach Tonya White Johnson shares some of her experience and thoughts about establishing her own business.

Entrepreneurship:

The Dreaded 16 Letter Word!

By Dr. Tonya White Johnson

Entrepreneurship: The Dreaded 16 Letter Word! by Tonya White Johnson

Entrepreneurship! This 16 letter word has so much power and yet projects so much fear. It is a dreaded word for some and a liberating journey for others. For me it is a liberating journey. Yes, it’s challenging. It definitely gets tough sometimes. There are days when you are going to feel like you are on your last leg of hope and then there are days when you are gliding on the clouds. It is indeed a roller coaster of emotions. But these varying cycles of emotion I wouldn’t trade for the world. Sometimes I do have to remind myself of my faith, my hope and who I belong to, but even those days are counted as joy.

My entrepreneurship journey started a little more than two years ago. I had enjoyed more than 13 years in corporate America in the hospitality industry and nine plus years in academia. When I decided it was time to plunge into the deep waters of entrepreneurship I was completing my first year as an associate dean of online learning for a local university. It was a dream job. I was quickly progressing toward my dream of becoming a university president. And just like that my heart began to change. And while I certainly felt like I was making a difference in the world of education. My heritage, my legacy, my footprints in the sand were calling me. I knew I was born to do more, to be more, and to impact the world in a different way. I was never good with the status quo. I was never one to blindly accept what someone said. I was a born leader. This leadership ability had been proven in every administrative and management position I’d held up to that point. Looking back, if there was only one thing that I wish I had done a little differently, it would be preparing financially a little more. But then again, I don’t know if I would have ever felt really prepared for the leap.

This is what I do know. Everything happens the way it should. There is a purpose for all things under the sun. Even my being not financially prepared happened perfectly.

What is entrepreneurship?

So here’s how I define entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is when you step out on your own, completely trusting in your faith and your own abilities to bring in an income. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are not working for someone, because we are always going to work for someone. Perhaps, not in the conventional 9 to 5 sense, but someone will always be demanding something. You may be a contractor. For example, one of my jobs, is as an online professor for a couple of schools. I work on contract. But there are timelines and schedules that I have to keep up with. And keep in mind you are always working for your customers, customers are very demanding and rightly so. As a consumer myself when I spend my money I expect to receive the value of that money. I also own an online fashion boutique for women. I am also a career coach. The point is you are always working for someone, even if its your customers.

But here’s the kicker. Entrepreneurship means that you are the creator, marketer and promoter of your business or businesses. Whether you succeed or fail is truly in your hands. When we work for an organization, we leave the overarching responsibility of profitability and success to the CEO, the owners, and the corporate office. They make the decisions that will affect the bottom line of the corporation.

When you are an entrepreneur, you are all of those things. The CEO, owner and corporate office. Your everyday decision affects your bottom line. I guess that’s probably why it could be a bit scary.

So why do we do it? Why do some of us take that leap?

Why should you take that leap?

It is definitely an individual decision. It is not something that should be done lightly and on a whim, but I still say it’s worth trying. The experience and lessons learned on this journey are more powerful than you can imagine. If you are a student of life this is one of the greatest lessons to be learned. Through this journey I learned so much about myself. I’ve found strengths and weaknesses that had not been discovered. I’ve found lost courage and determination like no other. I’ve even found a hidden stubbornness that has evolved and continues to grow.

There are definitely pros and cons to taking the plunge. I think it may be a little different for some, but for most, the same basic pros and cons apply. Here’s my list:

Pros

I am self-employed
My income depends on how much effort is put into the business
My time is my own. It does not belong to anyone else. No one dictates my time to me. I don’t have to clock in or clock out or report to anyone. I can work till 3am in the morning and have my days free or I can work all day and all night. It really depends on how successful I want to be.
My success is completely dependent upon my actions.

Cons

I work for myself. No one to tell me what to do or guide me or give me a job description.
My income depends on how much effort I put into my business.
Long days and long nights
At first vacations are hard to come by
It can be a lonely journey
May lose fickle friendships and relationships

I think the pros and cons are pretty self-explanatory. Many great things about entrepreneurship are also the things that make it not so great. It is certainly not a cake walk. I’ve found that if you have the guts to step out into this world you already know that.

Some of my clients ask me how do you know if you’re ready or what are the qualities and traits of an entrepreneur? I am sure these qualities and traits will evolve over time, but I think these are definitely the very basics.

Qualifications and traits of entrepreneurs
Confidence in your abilities
Determination to win and not let failure deter you
Relentless faith
Research driven
Willingness to try until you succeed

I think these foundational traits will take you far. If I had to offer any suggestions for budding entrepreneurs I would suggest the following:

Prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially

Take some time to prepare yourself for this journey. Do your research in the market you are interested in pursuing. Do your research on entrepreneurs who are successful as well as those who have failed. Most times they are one and the same. Ask questions. Prepare yourself mentally for the journey and don’t expect an easy payday. As much as possible, save money for the first year. Imagine you will be out of work for the first year and save enough to cover you. However, this can also backfire. I think not having enough kicks you into third gear.

Don’t procrastinate

Prepare yourself, but don’t procrastinate. Fear is operating when you are just waiting for that perfect time. There is no perfect time. Entrepreneurship is risky. If there was a perfect time it would be called something else. Understand you will never feel completely prepared. It is that emotion, that uncertainty that will keep you grinning.

Be willing to ask questions

Don’t reinvent the wheel. Know that somebody somewhere has already tried what you are attempting. Google is a great resource, use it often. People are a great resource. Never underestimate their experiences. Keep in mind that you can actually learn the most from those who failed. They can certainly tell you what not to do.

Never envy your seemingly successful colleagues

Taking the time to watch others stops your progress. Always support and help as many as you can. You never know when that hand will be coming back to you.

About Dr. Tonya White Johnson

Dr. Tonya White Johnson is an inspirational author, speaker, entrepreneur, and career coach. She specializes in personal and leadership development. You may contact her at http://www.tonyawhitejohnson.com for your free 20 minute consultation. You may also listen to her podcasts at http://www.tonyawhitejohnsonpodcast.com

Article Source: Entrepreneurship: The Dreaded 16 Letter Word!

Ezinearticles expert page: Tonya White Johnson

3 Mistakes Coaches Make When Designing Their Signature Programs

15 January 2016 in Guest Post tagged clients / coaching / coaching business / Ling Wong / signature program

Many coaches will have started 2016 with a goal of designing (or redesigning) their own signature coaching program. In this week’s guest post Ling Wong shares:

3 Mistakes Coaches Make When Designing Their Signature Programs

By Ling Wong

"3 Mistakes Coaches Make When Designing Their Signature Programs" By Ling Wong

You have brain full of knowledge. You have a life full of experience. You have a toolbox full of training and expertise.

Yet, you are stumped when answering “what you do and how you do it” question.

Your confidence goes down the drain when you fumble and babble about your coaching program because you have an offer that doesn’t resonate with your value, conviction and superpowers.

If you’ve been struggling to design your signature program, you may be making these mistakes:

1. Using Generic, “Off the Shelf” Program

Many coach-training programs provide students with a 3- or 6-month program they can use right away to get clients.

Or you might have purchased some other pre-written programs that claim to solve all your pain and suffering.

It may work for a little while to help you get your feet wet, but often times regurgitation is not a long-term solution.

When you take an “off the shelf” program, stick it into your business and call it a day, you are stuffing yourself into a box made by others.

These programs are generic. The flip side of “yeah I can probably sell this to anyone” is that they make you sound like everyone else.

They often don’t give you the space to express your value, conviction and opinion. And there is little opportunity for individual expression of your superpowers.

It’s one thing to use these programs as a stopgap move to get things going, but another to be married to it and treat it as a be-all-end-all solution.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but you gotta be in the driver’s seat before the wheel can take you anywhere.

2. YOU are not in the program

I’ve worked with many go-getter clients. They take action. They follow directions they’ve learned in trainings and programs. They do the work. They didn’t write one program, they wrote three.

But still, nothing clicked.

Their motivation died when they realized the program they spent so much time and effort to develop didn’t resonate with them.

The reason? They’ve forgotten about the most important thing – themselves! They neglected the WHY that drives the program.

Most people focus on the “what” and the “how” of a program: the information, modality, delivery and execution.

They jump hastily into busywork before they uncover what really, truly motivates them.

They were missing the driving force that goes beyond a target market, a set of tools, or a topic of expertise.

Jumping both feet into the nitty-gritty has caused them to bypass the foundation – the PERSON behind the program.

The PERSON who puts her name and reputation on the program. The PERSON delivering the program. The PERSON who has to live and breathe that program. (YOU!)

The most successful program stems from a set of core value and conviction that transcends modality, delivery format and pieces of information.

There is a golden thread behind the content that ties everything together and give it a unique positioning that makes the “same information” different.

It embodies your WHY so you can stand by it with the utmost conviction.

It takes into account your superpowers so you can deliver it in the most effective way possible.

3. It’s an Exercise in Navel-Gazing

On the other hand, your signature system is not all about you.

You can’t be of service if you’re not relevant to the people you serve.

I’ve seen many practitioners who make their signature programs all about them, their skills, modality and whatever tools du jour.

The disconnect happens when a program becomes a list of stuff you do, and you fail to relate it to your niche.

Niche is how you anchor yourself in the community you serve. It’s not a bunch of demographic data. It’s about being relevant.

You’re going to hear crickets when your signature program fails to connect your skills, expertise and tools with the needs of those you’re marketing to.

When you can articular why you’re relevant to the people that matter to you (your market), you’ll feel excited about what you do.

When you can articulate how your expertise applies to your peeps, you gain the confidence to actually get out there and talk about it.

It’s not just about selling stuff. It’s about you anchoring into a community that matters to you. It’s about creating an identity of you being valuable and confident.

You know, the stuff that makes you excited to get up every morning 😉

***

This content is part of the “Design Your Signature System Series,” if it resonates, get on the Business Soulwork email list so you can get the upcoming installments in your inbox.

About Ling Wong

Ling is an Intuitive Brainiac. Through her unique blend of Business + Marketing coaching with a Mindset + Psychic Twist, she helps the multi-talented and multi-passionate coaches, consultants and change agents distill ALL their big ideas into ONE cohesive Message, nail the WORDS that sell and design a Plan to cut the busywork and do what matters, through her intuitive yet rigorous iterative process born out of her Harvard Design School training and 10 years of experience in the online marketing industry.

Ling helps her clients optimize the space between individuality + originality vs. “tried-and-true” marketing so they can express their WHY unapologetically and profitably without reinventing the wheel.

Find Ling and grab her free “How to Find YOUR Winning Formula” Training Series here.

Ready For a Boost in Your Biz?

15 May 2015 in Guest Post tagged coaching business / Kim Kirmmse Toth / Positive Aging Inc / VIP Days / Virtual Retreat Days

In this weeks guest post expert Kim Kirmmse Toth shares a couple of things you can offer in your coaching practice to boost your business.

Ready For a Boost in Your Biz?

VIP Days and Virtual Retreat Days!

By Kim Kirmmse Toth

"Ready For a Boost in Your Biz? VIP Days and Virtual Retreat Days!" by Kim Kirmmse Toth Seriously, this is something you really need to add to your business if you have not already. I have done so many of these myself and I love them!

There are many people who use these two terms, VIP and VRD, as being the same. I see them differently.

I see a VIP day as being with one person for anywhere from 2 to 4 or 5 hours. Your client is totally in charge of the agenda so you as their coach/mentor have no planning to do or preparations to be made. I do like for clients to give me some of the topics they wish to discuss. That way, I may have some resources that might be helpful to them.

These VIP days can be ‘stand alone’ sessions for a particular client or they can be part of a High End Platinum Program that people are paying you very good money for. They are an excellent bonus or reward for paying up front.

A Virtual Retreat Day (VRD), in my mind, is with a group and a chosen topic. I have done them on Niche, setting up High End Platinum Programs, How to Charge What You Are Worth and other topics.

I like to keep these groups small, usually no more than 5 people so everyone gets a lot of personal attention.

Basically, we are on and off the phone 4 to 5 times during the day. Everyone calls in on a bridge line. I teach for maybe 20 to 40 minutes and answer any questions. I give them their ‘assignment’ and we all hang up. They do their work and I get to hang! Then we all get back on the phone at a particular time and review the work they have done. Then we move on to the next teaching point and continue this way for about 4 hours. It is a fast way to get a lot learned or experienced rather than doing a 6 week teleclass or something that is more stretched out. People like that!

One of the most fun ones I have done, and I should do again, was an Organization Virtual Retreat Day.

Some clients and I were all lamenting about how messy our home offices were so we got together on a Friday afternoon, on the phone. We each committed to what it was we were going to do anywhere from cleaning off desks, to filing to deleting emails. Anything that had to do with organizing your office.

We made our commitments, I wrote them all down, then we would hang up the phone. We took 45 minutes to do our ‘work’ then got back on the phone again and shared what we had accomplished. And we all were amazed at how much we had done!

We did this all afternoon and after we all had our final call I was so charged up I just kept going.

Be creative with these “Days”. There really are no hardcore rules here.

Your clients will appreciate you!

About Kim Kirmmse Toth

Kim Kirmmse Toth LCSW, PCC mentors entrepreneurial ‘women after 50’ on how to build a business around your life, in part-time hours, to ensure your financial freedom & safety in your retirement years. Get her FREE series on how you can do this also at http://positiveaginginc.com

Kim is doing a training call on the subject of VIP and Virtual Retreat Days this Wednesday (20th May) as part of her mentorship program. Click here to find out more.

Article Source: Ready For a Boost in Your Biz? VIP Days and Virtual Retreat Days!

Article Expert: Kim Kirmmse Toth

Client-Attractive Pathways to Meet Your Coaching Clients Where They Are And Beyond

10 October 2014 in Guest Post tagged attract client / coaches / coaching business / coaching clients / get clients / marketing / Olivia Lobell / potential coaching clients

In today’s guest post Olivia Lobell, The Enlightened Entrepreneur Authentic Business Success Mentor, focuses upon finding coaching clients.

Client-Attractive Pathways to Meet Your Coaching Clients Where They Are And Beyond

by Olivia Lobell

"Client-Attractive Pathways to Meet Your Coaching Clients Where They Are And Beyond" by Olivia Lobell

Have you ever had the feeling that sometimes we’re so close to our own coaching business that we don’t see the forest through the trees? Or is it that we forget to see the trees, and only see the big forest? Hmm well either way, one thing I do know for sure is that it’s important to take time to get some new ideas and insights on the way you’re meeting new clients. This week’s article is all about client-attractive pathways to meet your coaching clients where they are… and beyond!

First of all, it’s important to consider the different client-attractive pathways you provide for potential clients to get to know you, to connect with you and your services, to begin their working relationship with you.

The reality is some clients meet and are so excited that they want to work with you in every way possible (that would be your raving fans)! Others are a little more cautious and that’s okay too, as long as that person is moving forward in the process of becoming.

If you are like me, you don’t ever want to push or pressure potential clients to work with you. It’s not comfortable, it’s not the way we want it to be, and it’s not attractive either (quite the opposite, it can make you look “sales-y” or desperate). You certainly don’t want to spend time trying to work with people who are not interested, not willing or not committed to moving forward. On the other hand, some clients are not instant, and situations can change unexpectedly at any moment. Someone who is not ready today or tomorrow may be ready next week, next month or a couple of months down the road.

From my own experience, for example, many potential clients meet me the first time when I am speaking at a coaching community, networking meeting, or other live events. These are short low cost or no cost speak-to-shine-your-brilliance-and-sell-your-coaching-services presentations, meaning different “client-attractive pathways” that introduce potential coaching clients to my own coaching business so that they can discover me in various pathways and I can meet them where they are… and beyond.

From there on, some people then attend a workshop or webinar, others decide to do some coaching and mentoring. Other professionals in our industry may decide to invite me to be a speaker at their next event or summit. And there may be a few people who just want to be part of our community, connect on social media sites or be fan on Facebook, so that they can stay in touch, learn more from what I offer and work with me down the line.

As you can see, there are different client-attractive pathways to meet your coaching clients where they are… and beyond. The more client-attractive pathways you provide to people to be able to discover you, the more you create opportunities to meet coaching clients where they are… and beyond.

So how do you do that?

In order to meet your coaching clients where they are… and beyond, it’s a great idea to consider all the ways clients can work with you, all the levels of your coaching business you do, and all the various pathways you provide clients that give you the greatest access to all many coaching clients who value what you offer (and vice versa).

Now I want to give you 3 different places to consider to be able to create more client-attractive pathways that your clients can experience when meeting you for the first time and/or entering into a coaching business relationship with you, and it gives you some great ideas and insights about new simple, yet powerful pathways to meet your coaching clients where they are… and beyond!

3 Places to Meet Your Coaching Clients Where They Are … and Beyond

Your clients are most likely to be in 3 different places on their own journey when discover you and your coaching services. So when you’re looking for ways to meet them where they are at, you need to be thinking about all three. Here they are:

1. Geographically,

2. Financially and

3. Psychologically (in other words, in their mindset).

Let me show you an example to clarify what I mean.

You may offer a local live in-person event, and you know that not everyone is going to be able to show up at that location, that date and that time. Geographically: They may live very far away or have family obligations that prevent them from traveling. Financially: They may not have the financial resources to attend the event. And psychologically (from a mindset perspective), they may not be able to give that gift to themselves quite yet. So to meet those potential coaching clients where they’re at, you could, for instance, record the event both in audio and video, or maybe you want to take advantage of a more advanced technology we have nowadays and open up a livestream, giving people an opportunity to experience your event from the comfort of their home or office, and at a fraction of the cost of the full ticket plus travel expenses.

You see, as you start to think about it, you’ll find that there are many things that you can do to meet your coaching clients where they are… and beyond. Let’s look at each one of them a little deeper:

Meet Your Coaching Clients Geographically Using Technology.

Technology is a great way to bridge the geographic gap. As you may have seen, heard or experienced yourself, you can have coaching clients from different countries all over the world participating in your live events online via livestreams, webinars, teleseminars, video trainings, and so forth, where people can get instant access through the internet or dial in from all over the world. Technology plays a huge part geographically. You also can use audio CDs, DVDs and other virtual resources as client-attractive pathways to teach your “transformation” – the work you are here to teach – without people needing to travel. Isn’t that brilliant?!

Meet Your Coaching Clients Financially Using I.F.Os. (Irresistible Free Offers)

For coaching clients who either don’t have the resources or who are not quite ready to make the financial commitment to themselves so that they always would have the resources, you can offer different irresistible free offers (I.F.O.), no cost or very low cost client-attractive pathways into your teachings and more in-depth coaching packages and programs. These could include your FREE GIFTS such as, articles, special reports, e-books, calls, teleseminars, webinars, videos, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTE: At the same time you do want to meet your coaching clients where they’re at financially by providing an array of options, it’s important to keep giving your ideal clients the opportunity to step up, the opportunity to move to the next level, and the opportunity to take a quantum leap. The transformational truth is there is a tight correlation between the level of investment someone makes and the amount of action they take. And, of course, the amount of action they take correlates to the amount of results they enjoy. I like to call it “Law of Attraction in Action” or the “Law of G.A.D.I.” Ripple Effect (Law of G.A.D.I. – Go And Do It!), which lead us to our next point beautifully.

Meet Your Coaching Clients Psychologically Using I.P.Os. (Irresistible Paid Offers)

Coaching clients (and people in general) are all in different places around giving themselves the gift of transformation, the gift of expansion, the gift of growth. The common challenge is that many of your coaching clients who are weak in that area are the ones who most need to show up and benefit from your coaching packages, programs and services. So, that’s why it’s extremely essential to acknowledge and meet them where they are at, but also give them what they need so that they can overcome their own internal obstacles and come and get the amazing results, outcome and transformation that you provide. Making a very clear, irresistible paid offer (I.P.O.), complete with compelling content, limiters and incentives is the key.

The bottom line is that you want to help, serve and support your coaching clients at the highest level. So, yes, use technology and offer different price points and free gifts, but also inspire and encourage them to stretch beyond their comfortable zone, beyond where they are now, beyond where they think they are capable of so that they can start and continue the process of becoming the person they are meant to become and finally be who they were put here on the planet Earth to be!

Authentic Business Success in Action

Your turn Now it’s your time to thrive. After reading this article, knowing what you know now, write a list of the different client-attractive pathways you can create in your coaching business to meet your coaching clients where they are… and beyond. Choose one that is the easiest, fastest and brings the most impact and income potential to your coaching business to start with. Make a decision, make a commitment and apply the Law of G.A.D.I. – Go And Do It! And more important, take the very next first step today! And that my dear friend will bring you authentic business success as an enlightened entrepreneur when it comes to meeting your coaching clients where they are… and beyond! 🙂 Client Attractive Pathways to Meet Your Coaching Clients Where They Are… and Beyond

QUESTION: What’s stopping you from meeting your coaching clients where they are at? Please share your comments below. We’d love to hear from you. And remember, I’m here when you need me. Let’s thrive together today, tomorrow and beyond, shall we?!

About Olivia Lobell

Olivia Lobell is author of The Enlightened Entrepreneur and founder of AuthenticBizSuccess.com, a company devoted to teaching enlightened entrepreneurs all over the world how to build a thriving business around their blessing, attract more ideal clients and make a lot more profits while being authentic and aligned with their passion and purpose.

Walking her talk, Olivia went from a ‘soul-searching’ journey in her life, not feeling fulfilled and completely lost inside, although successful outside, to a ‘soul-singing’ entrepreneurial journey, opening her own company, writing her first book, creating her own signature system, and becoming who she dreams of being: an enlightened entrepreneur as a coach, author, speaker, trainer, leader, and expert.

Olivia, known by many as The Enlightened Entrepreneur Authentic Business Success Mentor, specializes in helping other coaches, authors, speakers, trainers, leaders, and experts charge what they’re worth and get it so that they can share their message, mission and vision out there in a big way, and finally experience both spiritual fulfillment and financial success in their business and life.

Through her transformational books, coaching and mentoring programs, and live events she shows her students and clients how to make a difference and get well-paid doing what they love. She is the leading voice for the emerging authentic business success as an enlightened entrepreneur movement.

Meet Olivia online and get your FREE Audio CD: The #1 Secret to Authentic Business Success as an Enlightened Entrepreneur, and receive more free training today at AuthenticBizSuccess.com.

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Small Business Owners: Do This, Don’t Do That

29 August 2014 in Guest Post tagged business / business owners / coaching business / genius work / marketing / outsourcing / Peggy Champlin / selling / small business / solopreneurs

In today’s guest post Peggy Champlin offers advice about how to have a successful coaching business.

Small Business Owners: Do This, Don't Do That by Peggy Champlin

Small Business Owners: Do This, Don’t Do That

by Peggy Champlin

I feel strongly that business owners, especially solopreneurs, should spend their time on those things only they can do for their businesses – and only those things. It’s tempting for the coaches, consultants, healers, and others I work with to try to do everything themselves. Sometimes it’s an effort to save money. Sometimes it’s about not wanting to give up control. Sometimes they think it will take too much time to train someone else to help them.

Even though it might be challenging for any of the reasons I’ve listed for you to consider getting help in your business, I urge you to do just that. Below are the only tasks you should be doing personally.

Identify Your Genius

The most important thing you need to do as a business owner is to clarify what talents, skills, intuition, knowledge, and experience you have that others would benefit from and be willing to pay for. Some combination of these factors will make you unique and allow you to position yourself as ‘special’ in the marketplace.

In my case, I have a technical background along with business experience and coach training. Over the years I’ve been in business, I have learned I thrive when supporting other business owners in the strategic and technical aspects of their businesses. I enjoy not only coaching, but actually getting things done for my clients.

Define Your Target Market

Once you know your genius, you need to identify those people who will value it. These are the ones who will see what you offer and want it. A key point here is that they need to be able to pay for it. A high priced coaching program for the unemployed may be quite valuable to them, but many may not be able to pay for it.

I enjoy working with small businesses, usually solopreneurs. They are most in need of the services and experience I offer, and don’t generally have employees to help them.

Decide on Your Portfolio

How will you offer your genius to your target market? Will it be coaching or consulting? Will you create tools to sell? Will you create artistic works? Will you offer services or products, or both?

Right now, I serve all my clients one to one, on an hourly or custom project basis. I’m currently creating service packages that will still be one on one, and am looking ahead to creating programs to help small business owners in larger numbers.

Market Your Genius

Notice I didn’t say “market your services/products”. Your services and products are the way you package your genius. Your genius produces the benefits your customers will pay for.

Now that you know what to sell to whom, you need to focus on how to become visible to them and attract them to your business. Also known as marketing.

Sell Your Genius

Yes, you will need to sell. I know many of you cringe at the thought, and “sell” doesn’t mean you have to be pushy or hype-y or sales-y. But if you want people to pay you for something, you’re going to have to sell it to them, whether one on one, in a teleseminar or webinar, or via a sales letter on your website.

Deliver Your Genius

Once people have expressed interest by coming to your site, subscribing to your list, registering for your webinar, or paying you, you now must deliver. It’s up to you to create content that captures your genius and delivers its benefits to your audience. Some of this content will be free and some will be paid, but this is where the rubber hits the road. Delight your audience and some will become customers. You’ll also be able to attract a bigger audience.

OK, that’s it. Everything else can be outsourced – and should be. You shouldn’t be spending time on creating web pages or formatting ezines. Why? Because others can do that as well or better than you, and no one else can identify, package, market, and sell your genius better than you. So you do that bit and get help for all the other bits.

About Peggy Champlin

Peggy Champlin’s business, Success With Ease, has been providing a full suite of services and products to help small companies build their businesses online since 2002. Visit Success With Ease to receive a free report, “The Top 10 Mistakes Small Business Websites Make”.

Article Source: Small Business Owners: Do This, Don’t Do That