When you are starting something new — learning how to coach and build your business — what’s the most natural way to feel?
Like an imposter. Everyone experiences that feeling. It’s human.
You won’t likely feel confident when you’re new at something so don’t try for confidence right away. Instead …
- Begin with courage so you can learn and do all the new and difficult things.
- Follow courage with permission to be new and make mistakes.
- Soon, confidence rises. And you don’t even notice the shift because you’ve moved on.
There are many milestones to pass and thresholds to cross as a new coach.
- Your first coaching session outside class.
- Asking for fees that will pay you well – that’s huge!
- Your first paying client is one of the best milestones.
And every paying client who gets value from your coaching is an affirmation you’ve picked the right career.
But what about WHILE you’re getting the word out, longing for results and before the money flows in reliably?
Create Legitimizing Moments for Yourself
“Legitimizing moments” is a phrase that my colleague, Will Craig, used to say. He is founder of Coach Training Alliance and the co-author of the coach-training curriculum that I helped to write and develop into a certified coach program in 2001.
“Legitimize” is a legal term that means to make official, give approval or sanction. And the root of that word is the same as sanctify or sanctuary. Ahhh … sanctuary.
What will help you feel official even before you earn well as a coach? Create legitimizing moments for yourself.
In a conversation with a VIP client, we were discussing getting the word out about her services and ways to leverage her marketing efforts. I suggested two things that most coaches won’t think of:
- Ask 20 friends, family members, colleagues or past clients to help your star rise by regularly commenting on and sharing your social posts, especially when you’re announcing a new blog, podcast episode of video. You can give them a free coaching session or take them for a meal or repay them in kind.
Asking people for help is empowering! It helps you prime the pump and create social proof. Think of it like a busker who puts her own dollars in the hat. People who don’t know you will be more likely to engage and that inspires more engagement. This is something I suggest all my VIP clients do when they launch.
Those that do, thrive. Those that don’t struggle. It’s because if you do lots of things to build your business but get crickets you literally become dis-couraged. Losing your mojo means momentum slows.
2. Another idea is to have a launch party. Invite friends, family and colleagues. It puts your network on notice that you’ve got a new career and have created a business that took a lot of effort and dedication. Later they will ask you how things are going, which will hold you accountable for your success.
Some of them may even refer coaching clients to you or become one of your clients themselves.
You may feel shy about asking for favors and sharing your accomplishments. It will encourage you to up your game. Plus, celebrating your own wins is not only infectious but also good for your mindset.
And that’s what my client noticed about these ideas. If others advocate for you, it not only gets the ball rolling faster but it also encourages you to step up and take yourself more seriously. It makes you official … LEGIT!
All legitimizing moments require you to acknowledge yourself and take ownership. Some other examples are:
- Open business accounts at the bank. This is so important to do. Don’t just use your personal account.
- Register your business with your state or province
- Set up your LLC or whatever business entity you want.
- Send out a press release. I know, seems weird but why not. You don’t know what could happen.
- Submit unique eye-opening articles to publications your audience reads
- Publish an article on LinkedIn Publisher. Make sure you have a strategy byline.
- Create and give out your business card everywhere!
- Speak at an event designed for your audience. Maybe you will produce the event yourself. It doesn’t have to be big and fancy. Just do it.
- Ask for referrals — be bold. People who ask, often get what they want.
- Raise your fees. Stop being a new coach in that regard. It’s so critical for your wellbeing in your business.
Each one of these things requires you to stand in your power, own your rightful place, give credence to your efforts and cross a new threshold. Every threshold you cross makes you feel more real in this new role.
I often say ACT AS IF you are already successful. Episode 82, was all about this powerful mindset. In a way, these things that create legitimizing moments do first feel like an act. But there’s nothing wrong with that.
The sooner you step up and pass these milestones, the sooner you’ll be earning well as a coach.