Walking Stick or Zimmer Frame?

Would you like to have a stable flow of clients into your coaching practice? If so, have a look at the number of methods you are using to attract clients. If it's two or less, it's time to change.

You see, a number of coaches use only one method for attracting clients. For example, they may rely on just networking to build their coaching practice. This is a disaster waiting to happen and they wonder why they go through the feast or famine cycle.

This is what I call the 'Walking Stick Approach' to building a coaching practice. The walking stick is like the only source of clients into your coaching practice.

If that one method suddenly becomes ineffective or dries up completely, so does your future client base. You find yourself with an unstable and vulnerable practice and you walk on seemingly shaky ground.

There is a better alternative (though it may not sound like it!) - the Zimmer Frame Approach.

Instead of relying on just one method for building your practice, you spread your efforts over a number of different sources of new clients. Each method you use is like a leg on a zimmer frame giving you more stability. Each leg brings clients into your coaching practice.

Multiple sources = multiple clients

In the Zimmer Frame Approach, if one client attraction method loses it's effect you don't need to worry too much. You can switch your attention to your other methods and still have stability in your practice. You can even substitute or add another method to your arsenal for attracting new clients.

So have a look at how many client attracting sources you are currently using. Are you closer to using a walking stick or zimmer frame to build your practice?

Stuck for ideas? Read on...

A dozen ways to attract clients into your coaching practice

Here are some methods you can use to attract clients into your coaching practice (in no particular order of preference).

1. Referrals
2. Networking
3. Newsletters
4. Presentations
5. Articles
6. Teleclasses
7. Website
8. Direct mail
9. PR
10. Joint ventures
11. Advertising
12. Telephone

Note that the best methods for you and your coaching practice will depend upon your choice of target market and your own personal preferences. Which methods does your target market respond to? Which methods would you enjoy and do consistently?

Remember that consistency creates results.

If you are only using a couple of the strategies listed above, consider adding an additional methods over to give you more sources of clients and add stability to your coaching practice.

There's no need to do them all - just identify the most effective methods for you and do them consistently over time. You will then have a more stable flow of clients into your coaching practice and will be less vulnerable if one particular source becomes less effective.

So, are you using a walking stick or zimmer frame?

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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