I had a coach ask recently how he could swing people into his paid coaching, after he’d already “solved all their problems” on the initial introduction call.
Here’s how I unpack that one:
- It’s irresponsible to “coach” someone you just met, as you can’t possibly know enough about who they are or what they want to offer any kind of useful solution.
- An initial call should be about discovery and calibration. Discovering what they need, and calibrating whether you’re the right person to provide that.
- The client’s unlikely to value what you give her for free, and therefore won’t take any action on your advice. That way, you both lose.
- It’s inconceivable that you can solve any deep problems, feed any meaningful desires or drive lasting transformation in a single call. Just not possible.
- Finally, why give your best stuff away? Learn to charge what you’re worth, and build meaningful relationships of impact and mutual value.
I could go on, but in case you’re still unclear:
Don’t coach for free.
Jonny
Delivering meaningful change while getting paid what you’re worth is one of the things we cover in depth in The Success Project LIVE, my 12-week, small-group, high-attention programme starting soon. It’s for professional coaches, therapists, trainers and consultants who are serious about finding more of their ideal clients, more easily. Enrollment’s open for another couple of weeks, but it’s nearly full. Click the link for more details