Starting a coaching or consulting business can be daunting, especially with so much conflicting advice out there. Many believe that flashy brochures and zippy flyers are the first steps, but this couldn't be further from the truth. This article will guide you through a proven 10-step formula to get your coaching or consulting business off the ground effectively and efficiently.
Before diving in, take the time to plan. Identify your strengths, passions, and skills. What are you exceptionally good at? What do you love learning about? If you've worked with clients before, which types did you achieve the best results with? Understanding your "who" (ideal client), "what" (problems you solve), and "how" (unique solutions) is crucial before moving forward.
Finding a market that genuinely needs and wants your services is critical. Your target market should be aware of their problems, have a strong desire to solve them, and possess the financial means to do so. Evaluate if you can easily reach these people through associations, conferences, or purchasable lists. If not, consider adjusting your target market or offering.
Engage with your potential clients to understand their needs and problems. Learn their language and how they communicate. Ask them about the solutions they seek and their preferred methods for learning and problem-solving.
Develop a concise marketing message that clearly communicates who you help, their problem, and your unique solution. This message should be about your clients, not you. Once you have this, get some basic business cards. Websites like Vistaprint offer affordable options.
Write a few "Top 10" articles and a special report addressing the biggest problems your potential clients face. If you lack expertise, start by interviewing experts in your field.
Don't delay building your website. A few simple pages that communicate your marketing message, host your articles, and invite visitors to sign up for your newsletter are sufficient. Consider starting an e-newsletter using platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact.
Offer free teleclasses to build interest in your coaching or consulting services. This allows potential clients to get to know you and sample your services while giving you a chance to test and refine your content.
Coach a few people in your target market for free or in exchange for testimonials. This will help you gain your first success stories quickly. Focus on creating value for your clients rather than just acquiring them.
Group programs are easier to sell and offer more tangible outcomes. They are also more affordable for clients since multiple participants share the cost. These programs can serve as a "client incubator," leading to larger individual assignments.
Once you have your first few clients, it's easy to get overwhelmed and stop marketing. However, continuous education-based marketing can establish you as an expert and keep your business thriving. Write and publish articles, develop info-products, and seek speaking engagements to attract potential clients.
By following these 10 steps, you can build a successful coaching or consulting practice within six months to a year. This guide is just the beginning, but it provides a solid foundation for your journey.
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