Coaching Tools to help Coaches Get More Coaching Clients. Suzan Schmitt: The Coach Marketer

Get Coaching Clients: How to Offer an Introductory Session

November 23, 2008

Talk to people and get the easy yes then offer an introduction session later.

Introductory sessions are the key to getting new coaching clients but asking someone you just met to have an introductory session is like asking someone to marry you on the first date.  Most people need to get to know you, like you and trust you before they will want to have an introductory session and become a client.  Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because your introductory session is free that everyone will see the value and take you up on it right away.  Try offering a “Special Report”, teleclass, or article on a topic they will find interesting.  This allows you to get their contact information and if they say it is OK you can add them to your contact list and continue to build the relationship

 

Tell people that you would like to work with them and why you want to work with them.

When you come across people you think would be great to work with, let them know that you would like to coach them.  Follow up that statement with the reasons why you think they would benefit from coaching with you.  If you have been listening and asking provocative question during your conversation you will have the information, you need to clarify how coaching could help them.  I find that I have strike me as great potential coaching clients have other great qualities that I can compliment them on.  Most people will be much more open to having an introductory session when they feel valued and heard by you. 

 

Go ahead and offer the introductory session.  Clients cannot say yes until you ask.

If you have had some meaningful conversation and you feel you have made a connection with a person and they will be receptive to an invitation then ask them if they would like to have an introductory session with you.  Let them know this is a great way to experience coaching and see if they feel they would benefit from a coaching relationship.  I believe in the free introductory session if you have designed it to show clients exactly how they will benefit from coaching with you.  You free session should help clients identify their challenges, develop the beginning of a plan to help them, identify the strategy you will apply to address and overcome these challenges and help them achieve their desires and dreams.

 

What I Learned

1)  Make an offer that is easy for people to accept and get their contact information.

2)  Tell people that you would like to work with them and why.

3)  If you have enough information to know how someone could benefit from an introductory coaching session and trust has been established ask them if they would like to have a session.

4)  Make sure that the introductory session is planned and shows the person how coaching with you will benefit them.

 

Related posts:

1. Motivation is the Key to Helping Clients Take Action
2. Coaching Sessions that Get Coaching Clients Committed
3. Marketing Coaching: Introductory Sessions that Seal a Deal
4. Don’t Waste Your Introductory Coaching Sessions
5. Get Coaching Clients: Make People Crazy for an Introductory Session

Filed under: Client Attraction

Tags: Client Attraction, coach marketing, coaching, get coaching clients, marketing, starting a coaching business, suzan schmitt