The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
Suppose coaching comes up and the person says: “That’s interesting”.
Here is a series of questions which will often lead to a strong trial session:
“Really? Have you ever considered working with a coach?
[PAUSE/LISTEN]
What’s one area you would focus on first, if you had your own coach?
[PAUSE/LISTEN]
Do you think coaching might make an impact in that area?
Well – why don’t we find out? I’d be happy to offer you a 20 minute consultation – no obligation, and no charge. If it turns out coaching can’t really help, at least you’ll leave with a good sense of what coaching is all about. If it turns out it would have a big impact, we’ll look at what kind of coaching structure would best support you.
[PAUSE/LISTEN]
Great – how do I reach you? How’s Friday for you?”
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
Most of these tips assume you’re at some kind of party or networking function, but they can work for anywhere:
1. Keep your answers short and let them drive it e.g., “I’m a coach”. They’ll usually ask follow up questions.
2. Speak of what you do for people, not about what coaching is e.g., “I move people forward”; “I work with professionals to grow their business”; “I help women expand their community of friends”; “I do A, B, and C for people”
3. They’ve asked ‘How does it work?’ Great. You might like to use Agassi or Tiger Woods as an example. They have coaches. It’s not fixing their game; it’s about being even better or having even more in your life.
4. Another answer to this question might be: “I look for what’s missing. Some people come to me for direction; some want accountability, so that stuff gets done. Others can simply use support or a sounding board. (Others are focus, inspiration, and challenge.)
5. Another great answer is: “If you could do anything, what’s the number one thing you would change in your life?”
6. Put it back on them — after all, that’s what coaching is.
7. Many people will say, “That’s interesting.” Don’t let this pass. Ask them “What about it do you find interesting?” and go from there.
8. Other great questions: “Have you ever considered working with a coach?” “If you had your own coach, what would you get started on first?”
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
How many times are you at a party, meeting, in an elevator, etc., and someone asks you what you do? This is an excellent opportunity to invite someone to experience coaching with you. However, firstly you must give them a REASON or INCENTIVE to do so. Secondly, you must extend an INVITATION!
A HOT INVITATION is one extended when you are already talking to someone, and coaching comes up (as opposed to a warm invite where you call someone you know to discuss coaching). You’re on the spot — here’s an opportunity to turn a conversation into a trial coaching session.
