Your existing network consists of people who already know, like, and trust you such as friends, family, co-workers, and members of communities that you participate in.

While some of these people may want to hire you for your coaching services, most of them are more likely to promote you because they already know you. Especially if you make it easy for them to talk about you, your services, and the results you can help others to achieve.

Here are the three easiest ways you can gain their attention and support:

• Reach Out Personally: Start with a personalized email or phone call to friends, family, and professional contacts. Share your new venture and explain how your coaching can benefit them or someone they know. Ask for their support and be specific about what you’d like them to do. For example, do you want them to share a digital brochure with others, host a mini workshop for you to showcase your coaching skills, or just cheer you on!
• Social Media Announcements: Use your personal social media profiles to announce your coaching services. Share testimonials, success stories, and insights about your coaching approach. Be mindful to offer something of value too! It can be helpful to post a quick how-to-article or infographic, so your post is more likely to be shared.
• Host a Free Workshop or Webinar: Offer a free introductory workshop or webinar to showcase your expertise to your existing network and invite them to share this opportunity with anyone they know. This gives your network something to share with their network! And potential clients a taste of your coaching style and value!

Offering a free coaching session is a powerful way to demonstrate your skills and build trust with potential clients. It’s a risk-free opportunity for them to experience the value you provide. It’s also a powerful way to introduce your existing network to your coaching approach, which can help them with referrals!

Note: While offering complimentary sessions works, be mindful that you can also leverage small group workshops. This enables you to showcase your coaching skills and capacity to evoke change to many versus one while saving you time.

Here are three steps to offering complimentary coaching sessions that convert:

• Set Clear Goals: Define what the complimentary session will cover and ensure it addresses a specific need or challenge for the client. When you help someone to solve something that has held them back, you will become a treasured resource for them.
• Promote It: Use your website, social media, and email list to promote the free session. Highlight the benefits and outcomes clients can expect. Be sure to give your complimentary session a name. For example: Free Business Accelerator Strategy Session or Blissfully Married Free Consult.
• Follow Up: After the session, follow up with the participant to gather feedback and discuss how you can support them further. This is an essential next step. You’ll not only learn what worked and have an opportunity to invite them to invest in your coaching services. But if the session didn’t land for them, hopefully you can get valuable feedback on that too!

One of the most overlooked opportunities… Collaborating with complementary professionals expands your reach and introduces you to a broader audience. These partnerships can be mutually beneficial, enhancing the value you both offer to clients.

Three ways you can start partnering while completing your coach certification training:

• Identify Potential Partners: Look for professionals who serve a similar audience by offer a different solution than you. For example, if you focus on stress management partnering with a business coach who helps entrepreneurs build their businesses could be win-win.
• Propose a Partnership: Reach out with a clear proposal on how you can collaborate, such as co-hosting events, guest blogging, or offering joint packages. Remember before jumping into business, it’s very helpful to build trust and rapport with a potential partner.
• Network Actively: Attend industry events, join professional groups, and engage in online communities to build these relationships. Be active in the group. Offer your perspective. Be curious about what other people are doing and who they are!

Online coaching platforms provide an immediate audience looking for coaching services. They offer a convenient way for clients to find and book sessions with you. While some platforms hire coaches to coach their clients, others allow you to use their online platform to market and sell yourself.

Here are three considerations when it comes to using online coaching platforms:

• Research Platforms: Look for reputable coaching platforms such as Coach.me, BetterUp, or Noomii. Decide if you want to work for a platform or use one to promote yourself. If you work for one like Lyra or BetterUp – they will promote you.
• Create a Compelling Profile: If you are marketing yourself via a platform be sure to highlight your unique value proposition, expertise, and client success stories. If you are leaning towards applying to work for a coaching platform like BetterUp prepare a resume that will get you noticed. Please note that many of these types of coaching firms, require an ICF credential to apply.
• Engage Actively: Participate in platform forums, offer free resources, and respond promptly to inquiries to build your credibility. This is very important! When someone is ready to invest, they don’t wait.

Creating valuable content establishes you as an authority in your field and attracts potential clients interested in your expertise. It builds trust and engages your audience over time. Remember to focus on one topic of interest. For example, if you are a wellness coach seeking to help others with nutrition, ensure that your content speaks to the needs of someone seeking better nutrition and does not go off topic unless you can connect it back to what you are offering.

Here are three ways you can boost your credibility and get found by search engines:

• Start a Blog: Write about topics that resonate with your target audience. Share insights, tips, and success stories related to your coaching niche.
• Create Videos or Podcasts: Use multimedia content to reach a wider audience. Share your knowledge through videos or podcasts that provide actionable advice.
• Offer Free Resources: Develop eBooks, worksheets, or guides that offer value and capture leads. Promote these resources through your website and social media channels.