Is There a Market for Coaching?

Do you ever find yourself wondering if there is a market for your coaching services 'out there' at all? If so, you're not the only coach left wondering. I wish I received a pound for every time I get asked this question from coaches and my response is always the same. No.

No? Before you convict me of heresy and join the queue to stone me to death, let me explain...

People don't really want you or your coaching service at all. I'm sorry if this deflates your ego but this is very close to the truth. You see, like most humans, your potential clients are really interested in themselves and what they want out of life.

Please understand this - it's fundamental.

What potential clients really want are ways out of their problems and/or ways to achieve their desires. They are really most interested in the results that your coaching service brings them rather than spending time with you - their coach.

For example... do people want to be coached by you on their career or do they really just want to find a more fulfilling job? My vote goes for the latter.

Understand that your coaching is really a means to an end for your clients. It's a way for them to get from A to B. Your involvement in between is of less importance to them than that they achieve their results. At the end of the day, results are the name of the game.

Here are a few key questions to consider about your coaching practice:

1. Who are you targeting? - Can you clearly describe the type of clients you want to attract into your coaching practice? If not, is it will be no surprise that it can be hard to attract them.

2. What are their challenges? - Are you aware of the big challenges that your target market have? More importantly, are they aware of them too?

3. What do they want? - Do you know what your potential clients are looking for? Make sure you're positioned as the person who can help them get what they want.

This reminds me of the Zig Ziglar truism:

You can get anything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.

Going back to the title of this week's newsletter - Is there a market for coaching? No. However ask a different question - Is there a market for people who want the results that coaching will get them? Absolutely. How are you positioned?

If you are currently finding it harder than expected to attract clients and build your coaching practice, and would like your 2006 to be different from your 2005, I may be able to help you. Just e-mail me to request your complimentary consultation and let me know what you are looking for.

So, is there a market for coaching?

P.S. By the way, I hope you had an enjoyable festive period and Happy New Year as well. It took me a while longer to get back into the swing of things but I'm here I am!

With very best wishes,

Shaun

Authentic Practice
helping coaches to get more clients
45 Capitol Court
Old Coach Road
Wollaton
Nottingham
NG8 1GX

Website: http://www.authenticpractice.com

Tel.: (0115) 928 3070 or (0845) 123 5105
Mobile: (07811) 262 111

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I work with coaches who have a strong desire to help others but are currently struggling to get clients. I help them to attract more clients and create a stable coaching practice to make a difference in the world.

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