Filling Your Coaching Business

One of the sessions I went to at the recent ICF conference in Montreal was called “Insider Secrets to a Full Coaching Practice” presented by Leni Chauvin.  Leni started by telling people the truth – most people are not succeeding in creating a thriving coaching business – so be careful.  The path to success is to have help, to have systems and to do things a little differently than the crowd.  In this regard, she gave us seven steps to success.  Here are some of her comments -

1.  Notice, Niche and Name – I actually consider this at least two steps, but that’s just me.  Notice people who ARE succeeding, notice trends, notice needs of your audience.  Have your antenna in action!  Niche is, of course, deciding who the people are that you serve.  Name refers to the process of describing these people in detail including lifestyle, interests and more.

2. Empower Yourself – The person that you are is the one that the world needs.  Know yourself well and understand that the combination of all your experiences and traits are unique and valuable.  Find what you are passionate about and bring that to what you do.

3. Team Up – No company can operate successfully alone.  Find some of the other businesses that are providing services to your niche and find ways to work together.  Use the wisdom of others and learn to be reciprocal in business relationships.

4. Work the Room – This is more than just a reference to networking.  This step is about being visible to your target market and to start to form relationships with them.  Make sure to focus on the places that your niche gathers or you will not be building your business.   

5. Organize Everything – There is nothing that makes you look more professional and capable than being organized.  Develop or buy systems that keep you on top of what you are doing.  Plan, schedule, use a virtual assistant or a professional organizer if you need to.  Leni especially recommended systems that help you network and those that help you stay in touch.

6. Raise Your Referability – This refers to the idea that you can make an impression on others by offering testimonials for good products and services.  Tell others what they are doing right and you will raise your own visibility.  If you write a testimonial for someone else, they will use your contact info and you get the exposure.

7. Know Everything – This one scared me when I first heard it, but what Leni meant was know everything about your business and about your clients.  Ask, talk, listen.  I think of this as activating your coaching curiosity at all times and then be able to verbalize what you know. 

Leni did a great job of giving us the basics of how to build a business through the use of networking and relationships.