The Top 10 Practice Building Tips for New Coaches

Originally Submitted on 7/11/2002.

This is in response to some of the most frequenty asked questions that new coaches put to me. I wish you success with your practice building and if I had to rate any of these tips for effectiveness I would give number one 80%. So if you do nothing else, BE attractive!

1. Be attractive

Work on your own 'stuff' and be as 'attractive' as possible.. 'walk your talk' and be authentic. This is an important first step.. the next step is then to get 'out there' and let people know what you are about....

2. Set up your website

This is your shop window so create a wonderful web site. Set out your stall... who are you? what are you about?
Then put the 'open' sign up...

3. load your website onto as many search engines as possible...

It's no good having something everyone wants and putting your billboard on top of mount everest. If you've got something great let the world know about it by putting your advert where people are... on the internet search engines are where people will 'discover' your wonderful web site.

4. Write a newsletter

Regularly. At least fortnightly. Let people have a regular dose of you. This builds familiarity which increases trust in you and improves your credibility. Have it available to subscribe to easily via your website.

5. Get Published

In addition to your regular newsletter write in journals, magazines and write books. Let people know what you know. Share information and let people (again) experience you. We've all had the experience of reading a book or article and feeling that the author really understands us. This will connect you with your potential clients.

6. Network, network, network.

Be a resource for people. Don't be a networking mongrel (you know the sort, someone who just gives out business cards and offers nothing of themselves) Get involved in groups. Go where people are. Honour everyone who enters your space. Keep in touch with your contacts. Lubricate your network in advance so that it works efficiently when you need it. Don't wait until you need something to connect with people.

7. Speaking

Get out there and speak to anyone! Speak to friends, family, neighbours. Who do you know? Contact everyone and let them know what you are doing. Practice telling them what you do in less than 30 seconds. Then go and speak to local groups... professional groups, business groups, even knitting circles! Let everyone in your community know who you are and what you do... then become known as an entertaining speaker and cast your net wider!

8. Media Strategy

Create a media strategy and have it running continously. Send out press releases regularly. Find out who's who in your local media. Who are the local radio producers? What are their likes and dislikes? Who are the local freelance journalists? Who do they write for? Would they do an article on coaching?

9. Incorporate all of the above into your practice building strategy.

Keep doing more of the above..
'roll out' your program of teleclasses, published articles, books etc. Develop and run your own marketing machine.

10. Balance.

With all of the above going on pay special attention to your own health and well-being. Take really good care of yourself so your energy levels remain high and you remain a model for your clients.

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