A mentor of mine recently commented that "coaches keep complaining business is too slow." In response, I reported that things are the opposite for me, and that I am rarely slow. He asked me to present him with "The Top 10 Reasons Why My Coaching Business is Not Slow," and here they are:
10. I place great emphasis on business development.
I get bored easily. (Typical ADD!) If I’m not continually challenging myself with developing new products, new services, new marketing techniques, and new speaking engagements, I get bored. I have a menu of products and services and I continually add to it, based on what my clients and prospects have told me they want and will buy.
9. I make the most of my newsletter, which has about 2200 subscribers and grows daily.
I give my subscribers valuable information, whether or not they choose to take advantage of my pay services. But I also don’t hesitate to make them aware of what I have to offer. If they buy, great. If they don’t, I don’t take it personally. At least I know I am putting out some good into the world and reaching a ton of people.
8. I keep my professional network & strategic alliance partners in the loop.
Many of my clients come from referrals. I feel that it’s very important to maintain regular contact with people who are referring clients to me, or who may refer clients to me in the future. I always acknowledge referrals and offer my thanks and appreciation.
7. I write down all my ideas.
I wish the government would pay me to sit in a room all day and generate ideas! I’d truly succeed. I am constantly dreaming up new and exciting workshops, programs, and products. I can’t implement them all at once, but I do write them down so that I can access the ideas when the time is right.
6. I’m happy making my living helping.
I continually remind myself of why I am coaching and what it means to me. I keep a "Happy Folder" where all the good feedback goes and I review it when I feel down. I work for the money. I coach because I love it. I coach ADDers because they're fabulous people.
5. I focus on marketing, not BS work.
While it’s impossible to stay clear of what I call "BS work," I continually remind myself that things like web updates should only occupy my time when absolutely necessary. I’d rather spend my non-coaching time getting new clients.
4. I’m authentic and rarely attract an incompatible client.
If I know that I won’t work well with a potential client or that the relationship will not be satisfying to one or both of us, I refer the client to another coach who is better suited for the job. I would rather spend my time with – and make my money from – clients whom I know I can make a difference with.
3. I have an excellent team in place.
It took a while, but I finally embraced the idea that I can not, and should not, be doing everything. Delivering the coaching and developing the business are my strengths. I prefer to let others utilize their strengths in all other areas.
2. I have decided to make this coaching business work, and damn it, I will make it work!
I used to think that the word "failure" didn’t belong in my vocabulary. I came to realize that failure is inevitable. It will happen. And when it does, I am just one step closer to finding a solution that works.
1. I welcome the occasional "slow down" of business.
When things are slow, I use it as an opportunity to create more opportunities. "Slow" periods give me the time I need to focus on and follow through with marketing, client recruitment, and product development.
Which of these can you do, right now, to move your own business forward?
