Success comes from personal contact …

Here is this week's question from my portal The Neagle Code: Directions for Life“. The individual who sent in this question wished to remain anonymous.

QUESTION:

I have niched into a specific business market for my coaching services and now write weekly blog posts on my site. I am submitting articles, blogging, social media (3), and have joined one of their organizations. And it is just HARD after 5 months….Why is it so hard to get coaching clients? My difficulties seem to be with likability within my target. Maybe I just have not found enough of them. Not sure.

ANSWER:

Here is a perfect example of how the combination of mindset and marketing are crucial for your business.

First, I want you to stop saying that it’s too hard to get clients. It’s not the truth. It’s as easy as having a conversation with someone in line at the grocery store.

Remember, you can’t have a desire without the means to fulfill that desire already present.

How many real conversations are you having with people every day about what you do?

How comfortable are you selling your coaching?

Are you hiding behind your computer?

Second, I want you to take a really good look at your target market and answer the following questions… (Hint: This is helpful for EVERYONE in business)

Form a picture of your ideal client in your mind. What is his or her name? (Don’t say it doesn’t matter, because it does.)

Part 1: How old is this person? What type of business are they in? Are they married? Do they have any children? What are their hobbies?

Know your ideal client right down to the color of their underwear.

Part 2: What are their “symptoms”? Why are they seeking your help? How are they feeling? What do they want?

Part 3: How can you help them? What will have been “fixed” by working with you?

Upon completion of this exercise, you’ll be able to very clearly see who you really want to work with, which will send a very clear message to the Universe. A large problem that I see with entrepreneurs is that they don’t want to exclude anyone in their marketing. This results in sending a fuzzy message to the Universe.

I get the distinct impression from your question that your perception has been that you’ll open your doors for business, use the on-line marketing strategies that everyone is teaching, and my ideal clients will rush in. You bought in to other people’s marketing message that building your business can be solely achieved from behind your computer.

If you take nothing else from this answer, remember this:

The key to success is personal contact especially in the early stages of the coaching business.

Attending entrepreneurial seminars, workshops and masterminds is crucial for you to meet other entrepreneurs, to learn about the success stories of others, and to foster possible joint venture relationships.

“Just Believe”,

P.S: The Neagle Code: DIRECTIONS for LIFE is a weekly no-cost program that is open to everyone! Each week, I’ll select and personally respond to one question received via the “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.TheNeagleCode.com to participate.

P.P.S.: May I ask you to help me spread the word about this program? Is there someone you care for who is stuck, or struggling, or lost, or unhappy? Because if so, I would very much like to help. No matter their question, no matter their predicament, no matter if they've never heard of me before … if they would like to ask for help via www.TheNeagleCode.com, my Team and I will do our very best to provide that help.

12 comments

  1. I have been following your messages for a while and enjoyed your four session series. I think the message this morning was right on. I do business with people to take the time to be in contact with me – sometimes it is a thirty seven second conversation. “Networking” is so much more than handing out business cards. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

    Barbara

  2. Hi David
    What a great article. I just wanted to saw I have been running my own business for 4 years, doing adaptive technology training and doing websites. Social media is fine for creating buzz or meeting new people across the world, or appearing to be hip, in my opinion. I ve managed to generate enough clients soley through word of mouth from clients, and from doing volunteer work that is related to my business. I know all of my business has come from people knowing who I am before they needed me – so by being accessible. If you are a new business be prepared to volunteer and find ways professional networks to join. That being said I have never got any good busines opportunity from events targeted at entrepreneurs, or service type groups.
    If you can do amazing work, people will talk about you and generate buzz, so be sure to let them know you are always looking for new clients and if they know anybody you would appreciate the recommendation and have clients evaluate your work so you can get the only feedback that actually matters – whoever you are trying to serve. For me, dollars spent on advertising (not including website which is critical) was a complete waste. I would be better off doing free talks at a retirement home, for a professional network or on a local TV show would again help you generate buzz. As hard as self employment is, there is no better high than knowing I did it my way!

  3. Hello David:
    I just read your mail. I believe you are right. It is true that we have and need to approach more physically to people and make them feel the benefits of coaching. I know coaching changed my own life and people knowing me from long ago that meet with me mention that they see me different. So there is exactly the tool to use for them to understand they can achieve their own transformation toward living a better life. Absolutely a personal decision to take. For that purpose, they have to commit with themselves not with us since if they commit with themselves it will after that be with us since we are here to serve, to help them achieve that goal, if they are unable or tired to do it alone.
    Thank you very much for your great lessons, and take care.
    Have a fabulous week end!!!!

    Esther Coronel de Iberkleid
    Life Learning Experiences Coaching

    • Hello Esther! Thanks for the post. I love that you weave your own success story into your business; that is what makes what we do so gratifying. Coaching is an amazing way of life and the joy we bring to those who work with us is limitless. But, it does take a decision and there are many people out there who cannot break through what they perceive as fear. A commitment is certainly step in the right direction.

    • Thank you so much Josephine!I very much appreciate your post and look forward to hearing more from you in the future. If there is any way I can be of service to you please let me know.

  4. What allowed me to be more personal with my clients was sending them personal greeting cards throughout the year. I always made a point to celebrate their birthdays and personal and business accomplishments, and during times of challenge, would send them an inspirational card and personal note to let them know they had what it takes to move forward. This simple practice strengthened our relationships which in turn created wonderful referrals and long-term coaching clients.

    I did (and still do) the same with those I meet for the first time. I send thank-you notes, words of congratulation, etc. and focus continuously on building relationships.

    In 2006 I started using a greeting card technology to eliminate the hours I used to spend on this task and it has served me well. It’s available to everyone, is a wonderful tool and can be sampled at http://www.cardattraction.com

    I look forward to the More Life Tour in Toronto because it’s content seems to fit so perfectly with how I choose to be and do business. Thank you for who you are David.

    • Thank you for the post Laurie! I can see that you see the true value in maintaining a close relationship with your clients, celebrating their successes and assisting them in times of struggle. You have created a very strong bond and that demonstrates your commitment to assisting each and every one of them…I love that!

      Continue doing these “little things” (which aren’t really little in the grand scheme…) and amazing results always follow. Thank you for sharing your story with us Laurie and I look forward to seeing you in Toronto!

  5. Thanks so much for the reminder. When you work from home, it is easy to not go out. As a trainer/coach, I remind my clients, “New customers are not in your living room”.

  6. Thank you David for your words of wisdom always. When I see your emails, I know you are sending me a nugget of info that will payoff for years to come. You inspire me greatly. Due to this resounding message from the Universe (God), I have made many more personal touches and it is making a difference in my business and my life.

    Keep it coming…

    Rebecca