The following is taken from David’s interview with Jim Earley in 10 Super Coaches.
What method did you find most effective in getting your initial clients?
My initial method involved a lot of stumbling around, occasionally getting in front of people, and being of service. What worked was facing my fear, meeting people, and being of service (although I didn’t understand that was what I was doing).
I think it’s more important that you find out if you have the courage to keep going than it is to know the best and easiest way to find business. If you don’t overcome your fears and limitations, what good will you be as a coach?
If I could give my younger self my best advice it would be this: When you meet with people, worry less about what you hope to get, don’t think at all about how desperate you are for a new client. Just serve them. Keep honing your understanding of how you best serve.
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.
It is true that people receive value from growing awareness, or insights about their life. I am sure there are coaches who help their clients gain clarity during the session, and then leave it to the client to decide what, if anything they will do before the next session.
However, a generally accepted principle of coaching is ACTION. Without action, results do not occur — and many of your clients will be seeking results. Also, action provides the opportunity for new insights — it’s not until you go and ask three girls for a date that you can learn more about your fear, including how to get past it.
It has been said: “If the client is not left in action, coaching did not occur”.
A strong statement, but I tend to lean in this direction.
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If you would like further information about how to coach, then I recommend you view our coach training libraries at:
http://www.CoachingClips.com
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
Coaching Sessions
The base coaching is 3 sessions (one per week), and then a rest on the fourth week. (Feel free to send me your self coaching form in this rest week, or simply rest!). Sessions are 25 minutes long. Your support in finishing on time is appreciated. If you are on a reduced plan, you may receive two or even one session every four weeks.
Client Bonuses
Extra Time: I’m available! You may call me between our session times if you need coaching on an issue, or can’t wait to tell me about something great. I do have time between our regular sessions to speak with you, if needed, and enjoy providing this extra level of service. I do not bill for this additional time, but I do ask that you keep any extra calls brief (e.g. 5 minutes).
E-coach: Feel free to e-mail me during the week to a) share a win, b) clarify a point, c) have me review something, or request coaching on a particular issue. It’s up to you how much you use me this way.
Friends: If you have a friend, family member or colleague who would like “one-off” coaching on a particular issue, I am happy to spend 15 minutes with them. I can usually move someone forward in a specific area of his or her life in one session. There is no charge for this.
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
Please take the time to read this agreement so that you can get the most out of our relationship, and so that we are in alignment. These items form part of our coaching agreement. This document is intended to have legal significance (particularly the ‘Liability’ section) and as such, I recommend you consult with your legal advisor.
To continue with our coaching arrangement, please send the full agreement back to me, AFTER FILLING IN THE AGREEMENT SECTION at the bottom.
The following is an excerpt from the CoachStart Manual.
There’s nothing wrong with coaching, or attempting to coach everyone. OK – spouses, lovers, and family are generally accepted “no-coach zones”, but don’t let the fact that it’s challenging daunt you. If your “client” is truly willing to be coachable, and you will suspend your opinions, judgments and agendas, it doesn’t matter who you are. One of my amazing UK clients, Sarah, coached both her mother and her father, and they both paid her! Her father is progressing in leaps and bounds and his colleagues keep remarking on the difference in him.
To make a difference to your confidence, however, it helps if you gain some clarity around types of people you would like to make a difference to. For example, I found that I love helping women realize that it’s OK to want more in a relationship and helping them to get it.
