New coaches often go looking at other coach’s websites and become worried … is coaching too saturated? Should I be more like this coach?
And, some of the sites seem like ghost towns. The content is clearly not current or there are out of date events, which can seem even scarier. You might be thinking … what happened to this coach? Will I flame out too?
So, look, just like all entrepreneurial pursuits, many coaching businesses don’t make it.
It’s definitely not because the coaching field is too saturated. There is plenty of room for you!
More likely it’s because the coach lacked determination and didn’t do enough to stand out in the crowd, which is critical in this marketplace.
Building and sustaining a coaching business is a creative feat. And, you can do it!
Let’s look at 10 specific things you can do right now and keep doing that will make all the difference and help you become a coach in high demand faster.
I encourage you … not to worry about the attrition you see in coaching. What really matters is YOUR courage of conviction. Don’t give up! Every problem has a solution. And you are smart enough to find your way.
Few things in life will teach you so many meaningful life changing things as growing your business.
You want to become a coach in high demand. Dwell in that golden place where clients find YOU and they are ready to enroll. They invest deeply in their futures and you get to do deep, meaningful work with truly inspirational human beings.
You absolutely can achieve that, if you give it a chance and be strategic in your approach.
Here are 10 things all coaches need to do habitually to become a coach in high demand:
Specialize on a Narrow Coaching Audience with a Specific Big Problem and Goal
The viability of your audience and niche is the cornerstone of your stability as a coach. If you stand out in the crowd and become well known by a single viable audience and the unique way you serve them, you set yourself up for long term success.
The broader your audience or the more your niche seems like too many other coaches, the less likely you’ll gain traction.
Implement a Strong Content Strategy That Demonstrates Your Coaching Niche
Standing out matters here too. Become known and attract followers with a branded podcast, blog, videos and social posts. Speak to your audience and contextualize your insights to their world. That makes your audience feel special and understood, which grows trust in you and your services.
Grow Unstoppable Determination to Make it In Your Coaching Business
This is about character. Will you summon drive and not let anything stop you? Will you believe in yourself and this calling even when there’s no proof you’ll make it? Coaches that have staying power and big followings are solidly on their path. That doesn’t mean they don’t need a break or to find new inspiration sometimes. ; )
Take Daily High Payoff Actions That Require Courage
A high payoff action is one that makes you squirm. Coaches who do the hard things until they are no longer hard to do grow huge comfort zones and enjoy the challenge.
Have Patience for Yourself and Your Coaching Business
The first eighteen months after launch is a critical time. Because it’s during that time you’re most likely to give up. Patience is absolutely required. Without it, you’ll live in daily disappointment and give up before you’ve gotten started.
I’m often surprised by the ones who drop out. They are highly intelligent and seem to have all the right stuff. But sometimes they are not in it to win it. Set your intentions every day and you’ll win whatever you want to in good time.
Value Your Time Highly as a Professional Coach
Act as if you are already in high demand. If I had learned this lesson, I would have saved myself years of earning poorly.
I love seeing my VIP clients, make this mindset shift and realize their worth before they even launch.
Choose wisely where you put your time and energy. Control your calendar and pinpoint your efforts. Set up and hold boundaries. Be a professional. It’s so easy to get distracted, overwhelm yourself with opportunities that aren’t the right opportunities. Episode 218 is about how to stop people pleasing.
Charge High Prices for Your Signature Program That Pay You Well
Graduate from student mode quickly. Stop charging by the session or month and develop a Signature Program. Charge fees that will allow you to work with fewer clients each year. That might seem counter intuitive … to coach less people. It’s about having a good life to go with your thriving business.
Develop a Platform for Your Coaching Business
A platform is a stage that allows you to reach and stay in front of people. I was asked to train at Coach Training Alliance and to re-write their curriculum. This put me in front of hundreds of coaches that wanted my help to build their business and it still does.
As you network to reach your specific target audience and because you’ve specialized, an organization or center of influence might notice you and help your star rise. That could become where you get all of your bread and butter clientele.
Help Your Coaching Clients Achieve Critical Results
If your clients are satisfied that you are worth the investment, you’ll earn referrals. Over time that could mean you rarely have to market much in any way. Professionalism and a sense of authority are strong attractors.
Ask for and Share Gratitude for Referrals
I used to think any happy client would refer. But people are busy and many people aren’t oriented around being a resource for others. Ask for referrals repeatedly if you need more and be sure to thank your previous clients for sending you more ideal clients.
These 10 high payoff actions and mindsets will help you become a coach in high demand where you have a steady flow of ideal prospects who follow you and, as you nurture them over time, many will become your most ideal clients.