Mentor Monthly #127: Getting The Introductory Sessions

Announcements/Offers

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FEATURE: Getting The Introductory Sessions

It can be useful to make a shift from: “I need to get people as ongoing clients”, to “Let’s see how many introductory sessions I can provide this year”.

Some thoughts, ideas…..

1) Person has asked what you do, or what coaching is.

Keep your answers short and let them drive it e.g. “I’m a coach”

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”

How does it work? Great 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.

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)

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.

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 invitation: “What I usually do for people who are interested in coaching, is set up a 20-30 minute chat to talk about their goals, and give them an experience of being coached. I don’t mind if they become clients or not. Would you be interested in that?”

You can also jump straight in if you sense they are ready: “Would you like to give it a whirl for a month?”

2) You are approaching them cold about coaching

Here’s a brief sample shell…….

Context/Why they’re getting a great deal

“I’m launching/expanding my coaching practice”
“I’m enrolled in a coach mentoring program”
“Have you read about life coaching in the press?”

Briefly what it is

“I move people forward”
“I help people set and achieve their goals”
“I help people get clear on what they really want, and get it”

The invitation

I’d like to offer you a one-off session. You get XXXXXXXXXXX (to work on what’s most important in your life), and I get further training as a coach, and one more person in the world who knows about what I do.Would you like a session?

Getting paid

I don’t charge for this, and simply ask in return that : a) if you come across someone who could benefit from coaching, you pass on my details b) you send me a few lines via email saying how the coaching session was for you.

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Take Action

1) Become clear on your message and who you coach. Share at the blog.

2) Who can you approach that would be interested in your coaching?

Love and gratitude,