Prosperous Coach Podcast
Rhonda Hess, International Business Coach & Niche Strategist
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Prosperous Coach Podcast is hosted by Rhonda Hess, international business mentor and niche strategist for new coaches. Her weekly show offers eye opening guidance and inspiration about how to choose a profitable coaching niche, create authentic messaging, design magnetic coaching programs and other topics to help you get noticed by ideal clients who will pay well. Rhonda also shares coaching tools, client management tips, money mindset and moving beyond limiting beliefs. Rhonda has over 20 years of experience in coaching, marketing, curriculum development, copy writing and editing. Learn about her VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough private step-by-step program to launch your coaching business. https://prosperouscoach.com/vip
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1 day ago
250: 7 Problems Life Coaches Face and a Single Solution to Them all
Find the full transcript of this episode, which you might want to print out, at prosperouscoach.com/250.
If you are putting yourself out there as a life coach and talking about life coaching on your website and on socials, you may face some or all of these common challenges:
• Potential coaching clients have trouble justifying your fees.
• You aren’t earning enough to even cover your costs.
• Your friends and family don’t really understand what you do.
• You're getting too few referrals.
• Your groups don’t fill.
• Networking isn't working.
• Your social posts about life coaching topics don’t get much traction.
I hear these complaints from new coaches all the time. And, I always encourage them to refine and pivot instead of quitting.
Let’s look at these 7 challenges as symptoms of one root cause — it may surprise you what it is and also be a big ‘aha’ that helps you realize there’s nothing wrong with you or your coaching. It’s something else.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Sep 19, 2023
249: How Do You Know Your Coaching Audience Wants What You Are Selling?
Find the full transcript for this episode and more helpful resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/249.
Also mentioned:
Episode 184 – How to Charge More for Your Coaching
Episode 191 – Low Pricing Could Kill Your Coaching Business
Initially I thought being a professional coach would be like being a therapist. People would find me in listings or by referral, keep buying sessions for years, and refer friends. A few years in, no coach I knew had a business like that. It set me to studying successful coaches.
Now, I like to test a coaching niche idea and see if it has “legs”. The coaches I work with look for confirmation in 2 ways:
1. Their chosen audience is viable — actively seeking solutions and willing to invest in resources.
2. Their niche is designed to fit their audience’s stated big goals and the problems in the way.
This keeps my clients from coaching niche mistakes that would slow them down. It sets them on a confident path.
Did you test your coaching niche before creating your website and putting out content on the socials? It’s never too late.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Sep 12, 2023
248: 3 Things New Coaches Have Better Than Confidence
Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/248.
When you need it most, confidence is elusive. As a new coach, you are on a roller coaster of fear, excitement and overwhelm with imposter syndrome always in your face. I know that place!
One of my current clients is in the Market Research phase of developing her coaching business, which will assist every aspect of her business — from writing the most compelling web copy and determining the milestones of her signature program, to exactly how she'll market every day.
I'm so proud of her for diving in to do the interviews even though I could tell she was initially afraid. I was totally confident in her abilities. Which is easy for me, right?
See, she had *no basis yet for confidence* on that project.
And that’s what you need to know first … you cannot have confidence about something you’ve never done before, but you can have courage.
Courage is even better than confidence. It can take you anywhere you want to go!
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Sep 5, 2023
247: Why Do Some Coaching Niches Thrive and Others Fail?
Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/247.
Nail Your Niche - 90 minute strategy session with Rhonda Hess
Also mentioned, Sofia von Celsing, coach to high achieving women leaders.
Why do some coaching niches never pay off?
Coaches, with their big hearts, tend to focus on what their audience NEEDS. But I found out through trial and error that marketing a coaching niche that focuses around needs rarely results in enough clients or income. And I think coaching around needs can wander extremely close to therapy.
People buy support to get what they need from known resources like therapists or doctors.
Coaches that focus their niche, marketing and offers around what their specific audience WANTS —their BIG goals and the BIG problems in that way of achieving those goals — will get more traction, attract more clients and earn more. And by the way — those are things you want.
Another reason why certain coaching niches fail is that not all target audiences are viable — by that I mean the audience is easy to access, full of seekers and eager to evolve. Let’s dig into that and I’ll have lots of examples for you.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Aug 29, 2023
246: 7 Ways to Make the Transition from Employee to Coaching Business Owner with Ease
Find the full transcript for this episode and more resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/246.
Also mentioned 5-month VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough mentoring program with Rhonda Hess, Business Mentor for Coaches.
My coaching business was my first foray into entrepreneurship after 20 years in corporate roles. Talk about an identity crisis! Okay, let’s reframe that to a chance to blossom and mature. ; )
Many of my clients are in the same place making that transition from employee to full time coaching.
It’s going to require some recalibration of your mindset and reorientation to your responsibilities.
Think of it like a makeover.
You uncover parts of yourself that have been buried under a persona you felt was necessary for your corporate job. You can help those parts to find their voice. It is hugely empowering to bring more of your authentic self to your business.
The good news is that your identity is more fluid and innate than you might think. Plus, all of your core values, talents and skills can come with you into your business.
It will take courage and patience. You’ve got loads of that and you don’t have to make this identity transition alone.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Aug 22, 2023
245: This Coach's Niche Joy, Challenges and Wisdom 1 Month After Launch with Nancy Fournier Ph.D.
Interview with Nancy Fournier Ph.D. who has a powerful coaching niche serving women Executive Directors of nonprofits. Find the full transcript here.
Nancy shares her wisdom, challenges and joys one month after coaching business launch of Relish Your Role for women executive directors of nonprofits — an excellent niche! Also, Nancy has a *podcast* of the same name Relish Your Role for women Executive Directors of nonprofits. So share that out!
She also shares how she found me, why she hired me and what specifically she got of value from my 5-month VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough program. I'd love to work with YOU!
It's worth the listen!
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Aug 15, 2023
244: Should Coaches Ever Give Refunds?
Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/244.
Also mentioned:
Episode 243 about how to prevent refund requests
Fill out the application to work with me in my VIP mentoring program for coaches.
In my first year of helping coaches to build their coaching business, one of my clients asked for a full refund after I spent 6 months of private work with her. I was floored and had not seen this coming!
I found out later that she had asked for a full refund from her coaching training school as well and I knew that this was really about her needing money.
I had a phone conversation with her and told her that I couldn’t in good conscience refund her because I had already given her my time and her post program results were her responsibility — something I could not control.
But she threatened to complain to Visa, Better Business Bureau and PayPal, so I gave her a full refund to remove those threats.
I thought it was just as well that she wouldn’t be a coach. And, I felt compassion that her financial straits were such that she was searching for money.
I will never again give a full refund for time that I already spent one on one with a client unless my integrity is clear that I should.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Aug 8, 2023
243: How to Prevent Coaching Clients from Asking for Refunds
Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for coaches, including ways to work privately with me, at prosperouscoach.com/243.
Episodes mentioned in this episode about different angles for getting better results with Discovery Calls enrolling coaching clients:
162
198
217
241
242
A coach emailed me asking for an episode about refunds and money-back guarantees for coaching. The person didn’t share their name. A shout out to you!
I love requests for episode topics. Contact me through my website anytime. And before you do … search for topics there from my 8 years of blogging and 5 years of podcasting to find tips and insights quickly. There are few things I haven’t already covered before. Refunds is one of them.
Refunds are not a fun thing about running a coaching business but they don’t have to be painful either.
I’ll cover in this episode a set of things you can do right now, in advance of any request for a refund including all the ways to stop requests from ever happening.
And I’ll cover in Episode 244 — the next one — when you need a refund policy or guarantee, how you can respond to a request for a refund in different circumstances and what to say.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Aug 1, 2023
242: Enroll More Coaching Clients With Powerful Questions and Without Anxiety
Get your free download of the step-by-step enrollment approach at prosperouscoach.com/242.
I used to suck at enrolling coaching clients. I felt I had to perform. Well, that was not a great approach, was it?
Is there a way to enroll coaching clients that doesn't require you to push, convince or perform?
Yes, and it is a lot easier and more effective than giving a sample coaching session! Is anyone still doing that? Unless you’re just practicing coaching skills, I recommend that you stop giving sample coaching sessions.
Instead, seamlessly move through a set of powerful questions to inspire your prospect to hire you.
When I shifted to this approach, it dramatically improved my enrollment success rate. More importantly, I can be myself and attract clients who are the best fit for me.
I've taught this approach to every coach in my VIP mentoring program. It takes practice and a few other critical pieces plugged into it.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Jul 25, 2023
241: Coaching Clients Hire You When You Show Up This Way
Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/241.
I never worry about the enrollment moment in Discovery Calls. I've been having Discovery Calls nearly every week for the last 17 years. Experience does count.
Another reason I don't worry is that I've learned to detach from outcome. It's a critical mindset for anyone who is selling something — especially when you are selling YOU!
And the amazing thing is that taking the expectation and desperation for a 'yes' out of the enrollment moment actually relieves pressure for both you and your prospect.
They sense your ease and THAT is attractive in and of itself.
If enrollment calls are scary and uncomfortable for you, that's understandable. Do the things you need to do to have as many Discovery Calls as you can. You will get better at it and naturally enroll more coaching clients.
Let’s talk about other ways that you can simply show up that will inspire your ideal clients to hire you.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Jul 18, 2023
240: 7 Reasons Why Coaches Succeed or Fail
Here is the full transcript for this episode and other resources for coaches.
Other episodes mentioned include:
Episode 41 - 5 Questions to Test Your Coaching Business Integrity
Episode 102 - No One Can Succeed in Their Coaching Business Without This
Episode 215 - 4 Ways to Stop Feeling Lonely in Your Coaching Business
24 episodes about money mastery
Early in coaching, I longed for someone who could step me through exactly how to succeed in my coaching business. It’s fun to geek-out on coaching skills, but that didn’t help me where the rubber meets the road.
Where was the guide who could take me step-by-step on the business side — help me zone in on what works? Online tactics training wasn’t personalized and was missing foundations of business success.
Nine years in, I launched Prosperous Coach because I was then surrounded by new coaches who had no business roadmap either. Step-by-step guidance is one of my zones of genius so I filled that hole with VIP mentoring.
There is a clear difference between the mindsets and actions that help you succeed in your coaching business and those that could end with you quitting and losing all your equity in this career. This episode is about 7 specific tipping points to land on the positive side.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Jul 11, 2023
239: Why Selling Coaching Session Packages Isn't Profitable
Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/239.
Also mentioned episode 229 Why is it Hard to Sell Coaching?
Ten years into my coaching business it dawned on me that selling coaching sessions was keeping me from earning well.
At the time, I was continually frustrated with:
1. How I was chasing every client and every dollar.
2. How I was working too hard for my income.
3. That my clients were not ideal clients for me.
4. How most clients would not stay with coaching long enough.
5. How difficult it was to plan my time because I never knew how many clients I’d be serving.
Can you relate to those frustrations?
I worked on a solution that solved them all using strategic thinking. Honestly, I hadn’t done that much before then. Like many solopreneurs I was just scrambling day to day to scrape together a good income.
I want to share the solution I came up with that forever erased those 5 business problems. This will be eye opening!
* Rhonda Hess helps new…
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Jul 4, 2023
238: How to Avoid Coaching Business Backslide
Find the full transcript for this episode here.
Other episodes related to and mentioned in this episode:
187 to create your Avatar
225 for 5 ways to limit yourself for success
Coaches spend a lot of money, time and hard work developing their coaching skills, niche, offers and more. Then, over the next 18 months after launch, one of three things usually happens:
1. Some stay true to their niche, leverage everything they’ve created and earn well.
2. Some get distracted by opportunities that don’t align and lose momentum.
3. And some give up because they don’t have the focus or drive to stay the course.
I feel compassion for all coaches. Focus and drive requires a lot from a human being and it is not easy. But it can be learned.
You’ve probably heard that only 1 in 5 entrepreneurs make it to year two. Well, I’m serious about improving the ratio of successes to failures among coaches and do everything I can to set my clients up for success.
How can YOU be sure that you ar…
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Jun 27, 2023
237: Turn Your Healing Journey in to a Profitable Coaching Niche
Find the full transcript for this episode and more resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/237 .
Have you ever gone through something truly arduous and come out stronger and wiser than you were before? I have — so many times.
It could have been a health crisis or relationship crisis. It could be a tragic loss of someone or something — some part of yourself that you’ll never get back.
I hear poignant stories from many coaches that hire me for a Nail Your Niche session. They share how they overcame something – by facing the truth, studying and learning to care for themselves.
So often those stories are a clue to the coaching niche they’ve been seeking. In many ways their personal transformation makes them far more credible than a pile of credentials.
Let’s talk about the coach archetype that emerges from personal healing journeys. You may have this archetype and it may shape your coaching business with meaning.
Other Episodes mentioned:
17
73
Coach's Companies men…
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Jun 20, 2023
236: Are You Attracting Coaching Clients Who Are 100% Ready to Hire You?
Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/236
Also mentioned in this episode:
Episode 42 - What Exactly Makes a Coaching Website Client-Winning?
Episode 59 - How to Develop Your Signature Program
Episode 65 - Are You Solving a Big Enough Problem in Your Coaching Business?
Have you ever asked your new clients …
How did you find me?
What specifically attracted you to working with me?
When I ask those questions, I get a clear confirmation that I’m doing the right things to attract clients who are ideal for me. My customer journey is working!
Early in my business I did not ask those questions and I didn’t have any kind of a customer journey. I wasn’t thinking strategically. I did anything I could to enroll any type of client at any price. And that’s where I was developmentally in my business. I’ve learned a lot since then.
Future clients become your current clients, so it’s important to think through what you can d…
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Jun 13, 2023
235: How to Stop Spreading Yourself Too Thin in Your Coaching Business
Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/235.
Other episodes related to this episode include: 62 and 63
With coaches' big hearts, the drive to help everyone and the desperation to get clients — they spread themselves too thin on offers and marketing efforts that don’t pay off. What about you?
* Are you feeling desperate for more clients and income?
* Have you invested in multiple training programs that you didn’t fully finish or implement?
* Are you following more than 2 mentors or on multiple email lists that make your head spin?
* Are you second guessing previous decisions?
These things keep you in scarcity mode and won’t help you succeed as a coach. Believe me, I’ve been there and paid the price.
Let’s talk about how to reverse these mindsets & replace these habits. It’s time to slow down and take mindful actions in your business, which will pay off.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into…
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Jun 6, 2023
234: 10 Ways to Quickly Become Legit as a Coach and Business Owner
Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for new coaches at prosperouscoach.com/234.
When you are starting something new — learning how to coach and build your business — what’s the most natural way to feel?
Like an imposter. Everyone experiences that feeling. It’s human.
You won’t likely feel confident when you’re new at something so don’t try for confidence right away. Instead …
· Begin with courage so you can learn and do all the new and difficult things.
· Follow courage with permission to be new and make mistakes.
But what can you do to legitimize yourself WHILE you’re getting the word out, longing for results and before the money flows in reliably? Let's talk about that!
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a di…
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May 30, 2023
233: The Big Question All Coaches Ask in Their First Year
Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/233.
I was having the last session with a favorite client the other day. Last sessions are a bittersweet time for all. Your clients lose an accountability partner and the structure that helps them stay inspired and make things happen. From here on out they’ll have to hold themselves accountable.
You lose their unique presence in your life. You’ve been holding space for their growth and it’s time for closure. You’ve seen them transform and learned so much from this unique human being.
My last calls with coaches are often pick-my-brain sessions. They ask about client management, little business building details and insider tips that will help them avoid pitfalls or shorten learning curves.
The big question on every coach’s mind, that they are often afraid to ask until the last minute, is … *"**How long will it take me to be successful? ** **Is it 3 months, 6 months, 2 years?"** *I’ll share w…
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May 23, 2023
232: What's the Best Way for YOU to Market Your Coaching Business?
Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/232.
All of my clients are unique human beings who bring different skills and challenges to the table when we build every aspect of their coaching business.
As part of our work together we look at the best way for each coach to market.
It’s not a good idea to casually follow what other coaches are doing. If you market in a way that isn’t right for you, your audience and your business model then it will take longer to get traction. You will resist doing what you need to do because you may not naturally take to the approach.
Your target audience and niche are a big factor in the way you market. It won’t make sense for you to choose an audience where you’ll need to do a lot of live networking if you absolutely hate live networking.
Not every coach has to market the same way. It’s best to focus in on a small set of marketing approaches that fit rather than getting overwhelmed with too many option…
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May 16, 2023
231: You Deserve to Be a Coach and Earn Well From the Start
Two openings for my VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough program where we do everything to set your business up strategically. Apply on this page and we'll talk!
When I started coaching, I acted as if I didn’t deserve to earn well and have the life I want. Here is what that looked like:
1. I over-complicated my business model by offering too many coaching packages.
2. I undervalued myself by charging too little to sustain my business.
3. I over-delivered in every single way.
4. I was too accommodating with my schedule.
5. I allowed late payments.
6. I didn’t think through what I wanted and plot a strategic course to get there.
Can you relate? I was operating unconsciously. Big mistake.
Find the full transcript and more resources for coaches here.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll…
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May 9, 2023
230: 5 Rules to Write Better Copy for Your Coaching Business - Listener's Choice
*Get Your Special Download of the 5 Rules*
Get it. Print it out. Keep it next to your desk so that —whenever you write — you’ll apply and ultimately integrate these tools into your writing.
Writing smart copy is both an art and science. You’ll be amazed how using these rules will turn you into a significantly better writer. And, you will attract and enroll more coaching clients because your communication speaks to the heart of your ideal clients.
I wished I'd had a list of copywriting tips back in the day when I started my coaching business. These rules apply to your:
* benefit statements
* titles, subject lines, headings
* web copy
* emails
* freebies
* blogs
* show notes for your podcast episodes
* social posts
Copy that’s written with these 5 Rules will be evocative and action inspiring.!
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply f…
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May 2, 2023
229: Why Is It Hard to Sell Coaching?
Because I know it will help I wanted to bring back one of my most popular episodes that is essential for all coaches.
This might blow your mind. But I hope that it OPENS your mind instead.
And I think that you've probably suspected the truth of this already, but you haven't known what to do about it. Here’s what it boils down to …
Coaching is a hard sell.
Few people wake up knowing that they want coaching. It is a burden for coaches.
I’ve figured out a way to solve this challenge so you can more easily attract clients and coach to your heart’s content, without having to convince people they want coaching. It’s at the center of the way I help coaches build a profitable business.
And, there’s a super critical mindset shift so bear with me. I know that once you understand, you’ll not only be relieved you’ll be empowered. Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/229.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of geniu…
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Apr 25, 2023
228: Is Your Coaching Niche Missing Something Vital?
Did you know I started as a spiritual coach? It was the seed of a coaching niche idea that I never fully formed.
I put up a vague website that sat there collecting cyber dust. I had a few short-term clients but no consistent income.
Is that happening in your coaching business?
Many coaches get attached to being what I call a fill-in-the-blank coach. A transition coach, a confidence coach, a leadership coach, a burnout coach – that last one at least has some specificity in it but is still missing some vital pieces.
With a vague niche comes a flimsy feeling for you and potential coaching clients too.
Enough of that! Let’s shift your coaching niche from flimsy idea into a certainty that your ideal clients can wrap their arms and investment around. Find the full transcript and more resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/228.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step s…
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Apr 18, 2023
227: 3 Things Coaches Must Stop Doing to Be Excellent Coaches
Coaches have similar origin stories.
I’m a 2 on the Enneagram – The Helper. In my last corporate job, it was difficult to get work done because people would stop by all day to tell me their problems. I joked that I needed a sign saying “The Doctor is Out”.
Observing that confidante talent in me, motivated a friend to ask “Have you ever thought about being a life coach?”
Within days I enrolled in coach training and negotiated an independent contractor role with my boss so I could work at home on select projects while I studied and built my business.
Are you an innate helper? Do you love to make it all better when someone is hurting? I bet you’re good at it.
Coaching attracts people who love to support and guide others. It’s a natural fit. And, that same energy, if not tempered, can cause problems in coaching relationships. Let’s talk about that.
Find the full episode and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/227.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches le…
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Apr 11, 2023
226: Should Coaches Care About SEO?
Recently, one of my VIP clients read an article about SEO — search engine optimization — and quickly went down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out for her new coaching business. And it stressed her out.
I assured her that we had already addressed important aspects of SEO by doing market research on her chosen target audience. We’d applied what she heard from them to develop the language for her Signature Program, web copy — everything!
Beyond that, she could put off digging further into SEO … maybe forever. Her relief was palpable.
The reality is for a unique service business like coaching, especially in its early days, SEO is a hit and miss prospect at best.
You’ll be glad to know that this episode doesn’t get technical about how SEO works so you can let your left brain relax.
That said, if you are online to attract coaching clients you need to know a bit of intuitive SEO for your business. Find the full transcript and other resources for new coaches at prosperous…
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Apr 4, 2023
225: Earn Well as a Coach on 30 Hours or Less Each Week
Do you ever have FOMO about aspects of your coaching business?
For example, maybe you want to keep your audience and niche broad because you don’t want to exclude anyone. Or it could be that you bend over backwards to make something easy or more appealing for a potential client even though that doesn’t jive with your preferences.
Or maybe it’s just not being able to say ‘no’ to opportunities. When someone wants you it doesn’t matter if it fits your niche or will help you attract ideal clients, you are there!
I learned that these things can land you with a chaotic business that doesn’t earn well.
Smart entrepreneurs know how to focus and make choices between this and that. They are decisive, and they are discerning about opportunities. They set boundaries on their time and so many other things.
The result is more financial success and more freedom in their life. So that’s what this short episode is about. Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at p…
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Mar 28, 2023
224: Words Your Future Coaching Clients Want to Hear
A new VIP client of mine hired me because she wants to enroll more clients at higher prices than she’s been charging. She wants to end this year with significantly higher income. Can you relate?
Some of the clients that hire her through LinkedIn posts just aren’t ideal and many of her new clients are low hanging fruit— colleagues from her previous corporate career — that flow will taper off soon.
Also, she’s tired of rejection. It flags her confidence and she puts a lot of pressure on herself, which doesn’t help.
I think all of these things are related. The solution might surprise you. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/224.
Other episodes mentioned:
1. Episode #57 is called Coach, Is It Time to Give Yourself a Raise and it explains a practical way to price your services with the right mindset behind it. Listen to that next.
2. Episode #187 has 25 powerful questions to ask yourself about your most ideal client.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage th…
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Mar 21, 2023
223: These Are the Actions That Reliably Attract Paying Coaching Clients
You’ve invested in training … likely more training than you'll ever need. Hopefully, you’ve targeted a viable audience and unique niche to stand out in the crowd. And hopefully, your website and social profiles are customized for the outcomes that audience most wants.
Now, you are longing for paying clients to coach. Where are they?
You’ve spent endless hours creating social posts and admittedly developing content for an online training program that you’ll promote … someday.
You’ve worked so hard but at the end of the month there’s still not enough paying clients or income to show for it.
I’ve been there. It’s disheartening. And it was my story until I created a system to take high payoff actions every day. You know, the strategic and powerful actions that make you squirm? Find the full transcript for this episode and more resources for new coaches at prosperouscoach.com/223.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coac…
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Mar 14, 2023
222: The Power of Niching By Targeting a Coaching Audience Like You
I was chatting, recently, in a patch of sunshine, with one of my brothers about how some hard things from our past have made us who we are today. . We connected the dots about what drives us and how that repeatedly influences our behaviors, choices, failures and successes.
Thanks brother, if you’re listening!
That conversation brought home again something I’ve acknowledged before but sometimes forget … my wounds can help me transform in a way that most of my successes cannot.
Know what I mean?
And surprisingly, as a coach, something challenging in your past could be a powerful clue to a smart and meaningful coaching niche.
I’ll explain how and all the benefits to this approach in this short episode. Find the full transcript and other resources for new coaches at prosperouscoach.com/222.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coachin…
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Mar 7, 2023
221: 5 Business Success Skills for Coaches
Aren’t coach training skills so juicy? You can’t wait to get out there and use them. For new coaches that’s where most of their investment of time, money and energy is spent – on coach training. Soaking in the techniques.
But the reality is that it’s tricks of the trade that will help you earn well and stay in business. Coaches need business training specialized to coaching businesses as much as coach training.
I did not give a thought to business skills until I floundered in my fledgling business and then I scrambled because I had already let go of my job.
Along the way I learned that it’s not only okay to be a beginner but it helps to get the most out of the beginner mindset. Learning incrementally is how you integrate what you’re learning.
So let’s start with that …
Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for new coaches at prosperouscoach.com/221
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching…
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Feb 28, 2023
220: Should Coaches Post Pricing on Their Website?
How do people make buying decisions? Is it always about price? Well, it’s different for each person and each buying situation.
If you’re in the grocery store and your primary goal is to save on groceries then you will look at the price of each similar product and choose the least expensive. Someone else with different priorities will read the label to see what is in the product and choose that way. Still, others will be attracted by packaging or brand.
The same will be true of your coaching prospects. Some are price conscious. Some take cues from how you show up in the world and make decisions based on their intuition or gut about whether they want to work with you. Some will compare all possible service providers and make their decision analytically.
The question is — *WHO do you want to attract?* The person who decides everything by price or the person who is guided by a more holistic decision?
Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/220.
* Rhon…
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Feb 21, 2023
219: 7 Powerful Questions to Help You Reach Your Full Potential
It’s easy to get bogged down in the daily details of your coaching business especially when you’re not yet earning the way you want to. You are developing content, posting on social channels, speaking, networking — hustling in every way you can.
But have you ever tried doing nothing to build your business? I’m talking about scheduling at least a half day each quarter to just be with yourself, think and reflect. It will help you reach your full potential.
This is not just a pretty idea. It’s achievable, but maybe not in the way you’ve been imagining.
*This episode has 7 powerful questions* to ask yourself during this half day break that will raise self-awareness so you can see yourself in a better light and then move forward grounded in your genius. We’re talking evolutionary power here, guys. Find the full transcript, the 7 QUESTIONS and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/219.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profi…
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Feb 14, 2023
218: Is People Pleasing Keeping You Overwhelmed and Unsatisfied in Your Coaching Business?
It’s not unusual when coaches first start their business to bend over backwards to enroll a client. But people pleasing can become a reliable method of self-sabotage.
This 218th episode covers 3 ways to know if you are people pleasing and 3 ways to set your coaching business up so you will quickly stop that habit.
Find the full transcript and other resources for new coaches here.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Episode #21 - How to Spot the Right Opportunities for You Coaching Business
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Feb 7, 2023
217: 5 Changes I Made That Positively Affected Discovery Call Results
You’ve spent money and time to train as a coach. You’ve chosen a narrow and viable niche (at least I hope you have!) You’ve branded, put up a website and faithfully posted on social media … so MANY times!
And now you’ve got a Discovery Call scheduled. You want to enroll this client! You need to enroll this client!
But already, before the call, you can feel imposter syndrome creeping in. You don’t like to sell. You don’t want to have to sell yourself but YOU THINK that’s what this call is all about.
You must convince this person that you are their best resource right now so they can be more and accomplish more.
It’s too much pressure. Stop pressuring yourself! Instead prepare yourself for your call in a more peaceful and client-centered way. Take the spotlight off of you.
Find the full transcript and other resources for coaches at prosperouscoach.com/217.
Other resources mentioned:
Episode 216: 5 Secrets of Selling for Coaches
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches l…
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Jan 31, 2023
216: 5 Secrets of Selling for Coaches
I can hear you thinking … “I’m not good at selling!” Not true. It’s all about mindset. Yes, mindset AGAIN! Coaches are masters at helping others shift their mindset – to get out of their own way. Guess who else needs mindset shifting?
Old stories about marketing, selling and rejection have crystallized in your mind. Let’s dissolve them now. There’s an authentic, caring and detached way to sell that I will teach you in this episode.
So first, in this episode we will distinguish selling from marketing then I'll talk about how to stop feeling rejected and ace selling with 5 smart moves. Find the full transcript and other resources for new coaches at prosperouscoach.com/216
Also mentioned in this episode:
Episode 108 - How to Develop Your Signature Coaching Program
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthro…
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Jan 24, 2023
215: 4 Ways to Stop Feeling Lonely in Your Coaching Business
The biggest downside to being a solopreneur coach is that you are ... SOLO! Unless you do something strategic about that to reduce isolation, which is a contracting force that could make you want to quit your coaching business.
Find the full transcript and other resources for new coaches at prosperouscoach.com/215
This 215th episode of Prosperous Coach Podcast has 4 practical ideas to help you put community in place.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Jan 17, 2023
214: Is Your Lead Magnet Too 'Coachey'? - Listener's Choice
On too many new coach's websites, I’m seeing either:
1. No lead magnet but instead an offer for a free call high up on the website. Truly, offering a free call as a first offer is like asking a first date to meet your parents. It’s too much too soon. There’s a better way.
2. Or a lead magnet that with a Google search for the topic would turn up hundreds of thousands of articles on the same concept. So not unique enough.
And that’s what this episode is about – what I call coachey lead magnets that won’t build the kind of trust you need to attract ideal paying clients. Find the full transcript and other resources at prosperouscoach.com/214.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nai…
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Jan 10, 2023
213: Tradeoffs of the 3 Popular Coaching Formats
Have you decided what format you’ll use for your coaching? It’s simple but important.
There are tradeoffs to all 3 real time methods — in person, on web cam, or simply by phone. (For the sake of this episode, I’m not going to talk about coaching online through writing. While I have coached some through writing it’s my belief that real coaching is done in real time, where you and your client can hear each other and respond.
There’s a whole mindset around that, which I’ll dig into first before I get into details about these different formats of coaching. Find the full transcript for episode #213 at prosperouscoach.com/213
Also mentioned in this episode are:
Episode #160 about gaining credibility.
All my episodes on pricing your coaching.
Shawna Warner of Cultivating Resilient Teens
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching…
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Jan 3, 2023
212: 4 Mistakes I Made in Coaching Business Startup That You Don't Have To
I made 4 big mistakes during the start-up of my coaching business and lived to tell the tale. But I've also experienced multiple magical turning points in my business as well. Wonderful things will come to your coaching business if you don’t let mistakes stop you.
I’ll dish the dirt about my 4 big mistakes in coaching business startup guessing that you'll recognize yourself in some or all of them. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/212.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Dec 27, 2022
211: Pick Branding Designed to Attract Coaching Clients
Branding may be the first thing people will see on your website. Is your brand/company name relevant to your coaching audience? After all if your website is (your name) Coaching, how will a client know they have come to a place where they will feel served and understood?
This episode is 2 best approaches for coaches to choose their coaching business brand and 1 to avoid unless ...
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Dec 20, 2022
210: What's Your Zone of Genius As a Coach?
What’s a unique and innate talent that only you possess that’s also a glowing clue to your coaching niche? Something that's effortless for you but difficult for others.
It's not coaching. It's more specific than that. Be on the lookout for what emerges as your zone of genius then make it known to everyone in your target audience that you have this special talent.
Be patient! It will find you!
Find the full transcript here along with other resources for new coaches: https://prosperouscoachblog.com/ep-210-whats-your-zone-of-genius-as-a-coach-replay/
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Dec 13, 2022
209: How Will Your Ideal Coaching Clients Find You?
After choosing a niche, the #1 problem coaches face is attracting enough clients who are able and ready to hire them. Some days you feel like you’re working so hard and there’s this sense that no one is out there noticing. It’s de-motivating to say the least.
I thought you might need a pep talk because there are so many surprising and wonderful ways that clients can find you IF you are strategic, consistent and speak the language of your audience.
And it’s important to know that when you market or create content you are not just building relationships with potential clients for today but also with people who will hire you later. With every smart action you are securing your future in your coaching business. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/209
Related episodes:
Episode 19 about how to enroll clients
Episode 160 about how to be credible as a coach
Episode 51 about why coaching is a hard sell
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zon…
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Dec 6, 2022
208: Coaching Your Clients Past the Stuck and Overwhelmed Place
Doesn’t it seem lately like everyone is feeling overwhelm these days in higher proportions than before? I’ve been feeling it myself and I know some of it is not mine but rather the collective. And, I think overwhelm can become a habitual state that needs an intervention before it becomes anxiety and depression.
What can you do to help your clients release overwhelm, get unstuck and move forward again on their big goals?
This 208th episode of Prosperous Coach Podcast has an approach that might work for you and your coaching clients. Find the full transcript here.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Nov 29, 2022
207: When and How to Stop Coaching for Free or Too Little - Listener's Choice
If you incrementally charge higher fees you’ll become more confident and also become a much better coach. It worked for me and I’ve seen it work for my clients as well.
Setting fees that pay you well is one of the 3 big thresholds that holds coaches back. And it’s always about limiting beliefs.
This episode is part of the Money Mastery series and it’s a Listener’s Choice episode, which means a lot of other coaches have already listened to this and found value in it. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/207.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Nov 22, 2022
206: Is it Okay for Coaches to Teach Their Clients?
Have you ever wanted to teach your clients what you know to help them take leaps in mindset and action?
This episode covers concerns related to that idea and smart ways to include training in your coaching business so you can earn more. It’s also a follow up to Episode 175 called *Should Coaches Know More Than Their Clients?* That episode is a different angle about this topic.
Find the full transcript for episode 206 at prosperouscoach.com/206
Other resources related to this episode:
Episode 170 - Get Into the Habit of Drawing Out Your Own Genius
Episode 73 - Do You Fit One of These Archetypes?
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Nov 15, 2022
205: 10 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Own Coaching Services
Hey Coaches!
A favorite question I like to ask coaches is: Would you buy what you’re selling? And, if so, what amount would you be willing invest? Your answer is telling and it might have you re-evaluate your offer, your pricing, your messaging, website and more.
This episode is short and has 10 powerful questions to ask yourself that will help you know if you’re on the right track. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/205.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Nov 8, 2022
204: How One Coach Niched and Found Her Voice
I think it's really helpful for coaches to hear other coaches’ experiences of niching as an example and also about the ways they've decided to market their coaching effectively.
I am so excited to share with you a human being who I had the privilege of working with in my 5-month VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough program earlier this year, and I'm so excited to introduce her. ...
Her name is *Elana Israel.* She has a business called — and also a podcast called the same thing — *Partnership Aligned**.* She is a relationship and intimacy coach, *helping moms with little kids reach greater happiness with their life partner through self-empowerment, better communication, and deeper intimacy**.
Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources mentioned at **prosperouscoach.com/204.*
Also mentioned in this episode is Elana's 2nd podcast episode called The Secret to Ending Conflict in Your Relationship
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius int…
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Nov 1, 2022
203: How Do Coaches Make Money?
You are more business savvy by far than I was! And still, you might not have thought much about this aspect of your business that I’m about to share. It’s an eye opener. Find the full transcript for this episode plus resources for new coaches at prosperouscoach.com/203.
All businesses, including coaching businesses, need a business model. It defines exactly how you will earn profits, what you will offer that is highly desired by a unique target audience and how you’ll attract that audience. Pretty essential stuff.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Oct 25, 2022
202: The Best Coaching Tool to Help Your Clients Release Drama
Coaching is really a collection of tools and techniques that you take out and employ when the moment is right. The more you coach, the more savvy you become about when and how to use those tools and techniques. It helps you create a style.
Today, I will share with you *my absolute favorite coaching tool* to help clients release drama. Find the full transcript with the details of this tool at prosperouscoach.com/202.
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Oct 18, 2022
201: 7 Challenges New Coaches Face and How to Solve Them
New coaches reach out to me every week with the same set of 7 challenges related to getting traction in their coaching business.
All of these challenges have root causes in perspective and the solutions have a similar thread. Read about the root causes and solutions here.
Listen to other episodes related to this episode:
7 - Why is Coaching a Hard Sell?
20 - How to Stop Saying Yes to Bright Shiny Objects
22 - Why Should a Coach Do Market Research?
108 - How to Develop Your Signature Coaching Program
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches leverage their zone of genius into a profitable coaching niche and launch with confidence.
* For VIP step-by-step support apply for Rhonda's VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough Program here and she'll be in touch to invite you a discovery call.
* Or if you're stuck on your coaching niche, grab a Nail Your Niche Strategy Session with Rhonda here.
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Oct 11, 2022
200: Attract Motivated Coaching Clients Who Will Invest - Listeners Choice
Today we’re digging into something that’s rarely talked about by marketing experts. It is about why you only want to attract people who do have the motivation and the financial ability to hire you. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/200
*Woohoo, this is the 200th episode of Prosperous Coach Podcast!* Thank you for listening and sharing this podcast with other coaches!
Links mentioned in this episode:
1. Coaching Business Checkup series - If you find yourself working hard but not getting traction, this episode series addresses what’s usually missing.
2. Grab a single Strategy Session with Rhonda Hess, International Business Coach for Coaches to strategize something specific about your coaching business solved such as choosing a viable audience of seekers and a smart coaching niche!
3. The simplest coaching business model. Low labor, high profit!
4. Create a high ticket Signature Program.
5. Be sure that your program solves your audience's BIG problem on the way…
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Oct 4, 2022
199: 7 Things You Can Do to Tip a Maybe Over to Yes
I thought long and hard about what, over the years, clients have told me tipped them over from 'maybe' to 'YES'. It's powerful!
This episode gives you 6 simple things plus 1 strategic action that you can do now to help your coaching prospects shift from just considering your services to clicking onto the certainty button and committing. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/199.
*Are you a new coach who is ready for step-by-step hand-holding to create everything for your business with expert support and then launch with confidence?* I have 2 openings now for the VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough -private program with me - Rhonda Hess of Prosperous Coach.
Together we will land your niche, craft messaging & web copy, develop your Signature Program, handle pricing, packaging and positioning, marketing strategy, content and everything in between.
IT'S TIME FOR YOUR SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH
If you're serious about getting your coaching business launched with expert support, fill out…
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Sep 27, 2022
198: The Secret to Answering Potential Coaching Clients' Objections
This episode is a mindset shift and hack for that moment when your coaching prospect starts to question you or object about your program as you are trying to enroll them. Find the full transcript with notes you’ll want to refer back to at prosperouscoach.com/198.
There you are in a Discovery Call to enroll a new coaching client into your Signature Program. You are connecting, enjoying each other, engaging with curiosity. You’ve learned some things about them and they have about you too because of the way you are showing up.
Then, the moment comes for you to invite them to enroll. Suddenly your energy, your pace, and maybe even your tone of voice, shifts. You go shaky inside. Imposter Syndrome jumps in. Fear takes over.
And, you’ve stopped using coaching skills in the conversation.
· Now you’re performing when before you were connecting.
· Now you feel attached to outcome when before you were present and detached.
· Now it feels like it’s all about you when before it…
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Sep 20, 2022
197: 4 Scheduling Tips From a Pro Coach
Okay, so this episode might seem like a good one to skip. But DON’T! You’ll be thanking me someday if you listen and pick up the 4 coaching business logistical tips I have for you. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/197.
Here’s the new coach scenario … you get out of coach training and set up your potential client times on your calendar. If you’ve quit a job to start your coaching business you might think, well my clients have jobs and won’t be able to meet until evening and I should also offer a weekend day too.
Or maybe you still have a full-time job and you’re trying to build your coaching business as a side hustle and, in that case, nights and weekends may be all you have to offer.
Or, when you enrolled your first client, you just asked your new client what time is best for them and rearranged your life to make that work.
With any of these scenarios, you might regret the decision to do what’s convenient for your client.
*Scheduling…
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Sep 13, 2022
196: 8 Smart Moves to Become a Coach in High Demand
Hey Coach,
*If you are connecting with the strategies I share in Prosperous Coach Podcast, let's work together to get everything for your business foundation done for you with VIP 1:1 support. **Fill out the application here and I'll be in touch to set up a Discovery Call with you.**
I work with just 20 coaches each year in this Coaching Business Breakthrough program. Let's get started now so you can be a coach in high demand much sooner!*
This episode may surprise you. And I think that you will want to see the full transcript for this episode so you can make shifts in your mindset and business approach. Find that at prosperouscoach.com/196
A coach once asked me a shocking question in a Strategy Session. She said: “When will I know that I’ve failed at this and should just go get a job?”
All sorts of thoughts and feelings went through my mind – mostly sadness because it felt like she’d given up on herself before she had even launched her coaching business. But I understoo…
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Sep 6, 2022
195: Can You Market Coaching Services Without Selling Yourself?
When coaches reach out to work with me, they almost always say that their biggest fear is marketing. They say: “I’m not good at selling myself.” Then I say, “Well, that’s okay because you don’t have to sell yourself to be a prosperous coach.” And I mean it.
This episode will be a huge relief. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/195.
*Selling is Not the Same as Marketing*
So, first, let’s distinguish between marketing and selling because they often get lumped in together.
Marketing is a part of your service. You relate to your ideal clients and let them know that you are here for them. You create a customer journey to attract the people you most want to work with.
It’s an ongoing process for anyone who has a business. And it’s not at all unsavory. In fact, it’s an authentic act of caring because you are a genuine human being with real value to offer.
Whereas, selling is transactional. It happens at a moment in time where you invit…
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Aug 30, 2022
194: The 4 Essential Parts of Your Coaching Intake Packet
I think every coach knows that before they work with a client there are two crucial things to do. One is to receive the client’s payment and the other is to help the onboarding process with a smart intake packet. That’s when the co-creative relationship becomes official and professional. Find the full transcript for this episode with helpful links at prosperouscoach.com/194
When I first started as a coach, I didn’t have a smart intake packet. I had copied another coach’s documents with their permission, and honestly, with so many other things to learn, I didn’t give it a lot of thought.
That way until I was asked to develop certification curriculum for Coach Training Alliance and I buttoned up a lot of my practices. CTA still uses my finessed intake packet and the curriculum 21+ years later and I’m honored.
By the way, that’s one of the benefits of stepping into a leadership role — you rise to the occasion. *Think of your coaching business as a leadership role and yo…
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Aug 23, 2022
193: How to Avoid and Fix Aimless Coaching Sessions - with Laurie Cameron
Rhonda Hess: Hey coaches, I've got something special for you today. Find the full transcript plus helpful links and specific words to say in coaching sessions at prosperouscoach.com/193. Also, there’s a link to *a free downloadable infographic* that you’ll want to click to on that page.
I don't know if you got to listen to the previous session that I did with my good friend and amazing coach, Laurie Cameron, where *we talked about Powerful Questions *(Episode 139* – **The Art of Crafting Powerful Coaching Questions*.)* *If you have not heard that one, go get it* *because it's really, really good. And this one's also going to be really, really good. We are going to talk about something different having to do with coaching skills today. So let me first introduce you to Laurie.
The world that Laurie Cameron wants to leave our children is one where we feel safe, valued, and connected because that's when we can accomplish meaningful work together. Her part in creating that world is…
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Aug 16, 2022
192: When to DIY or Delegate Tasks in Your Coaching Business
When it comes to what you delegate and what you do yourself, it’s a question of workstyle preferences. But that’s not the whole story. I’ll share 4 criteria to help you make strategic decisions about delegating. Find the full transcript at *prosperouscoach.com/192*.
When I first started my coaching business, my motto was don’t be cheap with your coaching business. This meant that I hired out a lot. I spent money on experts of all sorts and hired a full time VA to do all the little things I couldn’t be bothered with.
I believe my time is highly valuable — good mindset there — so I didn’t want to do anything except what I started this business for … to coach. That was a bit short sighted.
I went too far to the delegating side of the continuum, which cost me in 3 ways:
1. Low profits because my expenses were high
2. Not learning things that I should have learned
3. Time because managing others wasn’t my forte (and it took far more time to manage their work produc…
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Aug 9, 2022
191: Low Pricing Could Kill Your Coaching Business
In this episode I’m going to give some tough love to those of you that are charging low prices because you figure you’re a relatively new coach and that’s what you should do until you have more experience. Find the full transcript of this episode at prosperouscoach.com/191
The reality about charging low prices at the start of your business is that it could stop your business from getting off the ground. It can even be a form of self-sabotage.
I get it. There’s fear of rejection. There’s not believing that you’re worth it. Usually that’s an unconscious belief that’s driving your actions. I’ve been there too.
*But I’ve learned a strange secret and that’s this …* the sooner you ask for higher prices the sooner you’ll get them. And you must earn well to survive in your business.
Think of it this way you’ve already done your apprenticeship in your coach training program. It’s time to graduate to being a business owner and pricing for profit.
Profit isn’t…
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Aug 2, 2022
190: How to Quickly Gain Expertise in Your Coaching Niche
Perception is a huge factor in early coaching business success. The way that your target audience perceives you makes all the difference in how easily you attract clients, how many clients you enroll and how well you earn. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/190.
So where does that leave you if you’re a new coach? Isn’t this a Catch 22? Well, no, because a new coach can show expertise from day one.
Look I’m not talking about being an expert coach … although if you already have years of coaching under your belt and have coached hundreds of clients – that’s a certain kind of expertise that’s marketable. But a new coach wouldn’t have that yet.
*Your Experience Could Be a Primer for Expertise*
Let’s get a more fluid definition of expertise here.:
What do you bring to the table
to help your target audience solve their BIG PROBLEM and reach their ultimate goal
based on your life and work experience?
Sure, you might be new to coaching and/or new to running…
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Jul 26, 2022
189: How the Enneagram Can Help You Feel Confident About Coaching
This episode is special because my closest friend, Susan DeGenring, is with me today. We're going to talk about the Enneagram in coaching. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/189.
Before I introduce her, let me explain two things that inspired this episode. First, some of my recent clients learned as part of their coach training, how to use a scientifically rigorous assessment tool with their clients.
And I noticed that those coaches felt more confident about coaching and charging higher prices, and they have thrived in their businesses.
The other thing that inspired this episode is that I recently had a chance to be on the receiving side of coaching with the Enneagram.
I was going through a tough time. Yeah. Even coaches with 20 years of experience of those. And I had lost my joy for life and went into a bit of a depression. So I reached out to my closest friend, Susan, who is a brilliant coach, and she studied the Enneagram deeply in a few sessions with her.
I felt l…
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Jul 19, 2022
188: How to Market Just Like You Coach
If you want to thrive in your coaching business, it’s time to change your perception about marketing. Let’s bust some myths about marketing and look at it from a different point of view. Find the show notes for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/188.
First, I wanted to share a win with you because YOU helped to make it possible and I’m grateful ...
Prosperous Coach Podcast recently hit 150,000 downloads. That’s momentous. My latest 5 start review said: “A well appreciated podcast! Rhonda tackles issues that any coach could face and provides useful tips on how to deal with them in a profitable way.” Sweet!
I wanted to share that news with you because I market through my podcast. That’s called generosity marketing, which is about giving away value to attract ideal clients. It’s one of the non-salesy approaches.
So … when you think of marketing, do you cringe? Are you thinking:
· Marketing is going to feel sleazy no matter how I do it.
· I have to become good a…
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Jul 12, 2022
187: Why and How to Create an Avatar for Your Ideal Coaching Client
This episode is inspired by conversations with two of my VIP clients – both are coaches working with a professional audience. I will share details about why it’s smart to create an Avatar for your target coaching audience, how to do it and use it effectively for everything in your coaching business.
By the way … I’m not talking about those cute little characters that represent YOU on social media. This is about your ideal client. Find the full transcript with the list of questions to develop your Avatar at prosperouscoach.com/187.
So here is what was going on with my two VIP clients that inspired me to create an episode for you about this. Both, independently, were having trouble with their messaging.
*Connect Don’t Perform with Your Coaching Prospects*
One was not getting engagements from her posts or enough downloads of her podcast. As a result, not enough people in her audience were going to her website and taking actions to get on her list, fill out her application an…
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Jul 5, 2022
186: 4 Ways to Help Your Coaching Clients Feel Safe
This episode is about strategizing ways to help your clients feel safe in their professional relationship with you. Safe feelings will help your clients have a better experience in your coaching program. That in turn translates into longer term and return clients, more referrals and great testimonials.
This episode is also a Listener’s Choice episode, which means it’s a favorite of coaches who have listened before you. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/186.
*Do you ever feel nervous with your clients or have performance anxiety during sessions?* If you’re a new coach, that’s totally normal. And you want to be sure that feeling diminishes with each client you serve.
In my early days, I was so anxious about delivering value that I lost my personal power by inflating my role by over-delivering and people pleasing. And I ended up feeling drained instead of energized by sessions. Do you know what I mean? I’ll talk all about this challenge in another episode soon.…
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Jun 28, 2022
185: Have You Found the Sweet Spot in Your Coaching Business?
Today’s episode is about the intersection of 3 things that could raise your coaching business above the competition for clients. When you know what that intersection is and organize your business around it everything gets easier.
Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/185.
Have you ever heard of the sweet spot? In your coaching business, your sweet spot is that place where you are reliably earning well for a unique service you provide that’s in high demand.
You are THE BEST at this specific thing and it is highly prized by your ideal clients, who look for, find you and hire you with enthusiasm.
You get a lot of satisfaction from helping others through your sweet spot. It makes your heart sing!
*Now, your sweet spot is **not** coaching.* It’s a lot more specific than that. It’s not your target audience or coaching niche either, although knowing and targeting those will help you get closer to your sweet spot so figure those out first.
Your sweet sp…
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Jun 21, 2022
184: How to Charge More for Your Coaching
If you’ve never run a business before it can feel scary to charge enough to sustain you and also open yourself up to bigger opportunities. There are 4 mindset shifts to make. You can do this! Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/184.
Fear of charging enough is one of the reasons why so many coaches close up their businesses before they gain traction. In other words … even as a new coach it’s critical that you learn to charge well for your services.
*Mindset Shift #1 — Investing is Empowering*
After 23 years of working with clients, I believe with all my heart that when you charge well for your services, everyone wins.
It comes down to this … when people invest in themselves they get more out of the experience. When you charge prices that feel like an investment to your clients they will invest energetically into their own growth. It’s a win - win.
Whereas charging low fees is a lose - lose.
Don’t get me wrong … there is never a need to gouge people or b…
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Jun 14, 2022
183: Do This 2x Each Week to Enroll More Coaching Clients
This episode is about how to focus your mind and prioritize your time in your coaching business so you can attract a constant stream of new clients and earn well. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/183 *plus get my free download to help you ace your enrollment conversations.
*
When you’re in your first few years of your coaching business you are learning so many things. There’s the coaching process with clients, basics of running a business and all the marketing pieces plus client management.
It is challenging to keep your focus on the most effective things to bring the results you want. That’s often why results come slowly for anyone in startup.
Once you begin to get comfortable with most tasks – creating content, social posts, finding your audience and connecting in a more high-touch way – it’s time to turn your attention to the most strategic things you can do to earn well as a coach.
*Do Everything in Your Coaching Business with the Desired End in Mind…
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Jun 7, 2022
182: Coaches Attract More Clients When They Stop Selling Coaching Packages
Today’s episode is about earning more through a high-ticket coaching program that inspires enrollment. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/182.
I’m going to say something that may shock you … selling coaching by the session may keep you from earning more than few thousand dollars each year.
That was my sad story. So excited about coaching, after training I did what most coaches do, I started offering sample coaching sessions to anyone who would take one and enrolled a few short -erm clients at low fees.
My first full year of being a professional coach I earned $3000. I kid you not. The second year was not much better. People said they appreciated the sessions and got value but they weren’t excited enough about having a coach long term.
What was I doing wrong? I figured that out … later.
1. I called myself a life coach and was trying to coach everyone about anything. The lack of specialty was not confidence inspiring.
2. I was charging fees that were far too…
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May 31, 2022
181: 8 Secrets to Attract Coaching Clients with Your Content
This episode is inspired by all the coaches out there heartfully doing things every day to attract ideal coaching clients and help them transform. Find the full transcript for this 181st free episode of Prosperous Coach podcast at prosperouscoach.com/181
Last week, a coach asked me to review the content she was putting out to attract paying clients — her podcast episodes, social posts and presentations. Her business hadn’t reliably taken off yet and she wondered if she was on the right track.
It’s smart to take a step back and look dispassionately at everything.
I was super impressed by her discipline. It was clear to me that she was DOING all the right things – daily social posting, building her network on LinkedIn, publishing an episode every week and getting in front of her audience with presentations.
Technically, everything was on track. She had all the processes down. She was taking all the right steps with admirable dedication.
*What’s Missing in Your Coaching Con…
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May 24, 2022
180: Have You Found the Niche Within Your Coaching Niche?
This episode is about the un-mined gold in your coaching business. It’s also a Listener’s Choice episode, which means it’s popular with coaches. I’ve updated it because, you know … continuous improvement. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/180
Because I’ve studied the strategic art of niching and coaching niches for so long I’ve noticed something that no one is talking about.
There are niches within your niche that will serve you better than staying broad. There are layers. The surface is not the most exciting or lucrative layer. In fact, the most exciting and profitable niche is many layers deeper.
*The Layers of Your Coaching Niche*
When I work with my VIP clients we begin by discovering a niche ideal for them that’s a few layers down to something more strategic than where they started.
Let me give you an example …
I had the pleasure of doing business mentoring with Maria Napatov, who helps stepparents transform family chaos into…
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May 17, 2022
179: Are You Worried About Promising Coaching Results?
So there you are. You’re trying to choose your niche. You’re trying to write your web copy. Or maybe you’re trying to figure out exactly what you help your ideal clients accomplish in your Signature Program. And, I hope you are!
But you feel stuck. Fears and doubts are clouding your judgment. You are in danger of playing too small in your coaching business, which will cost you.
You are worried about promising too much. After all, who are you to take a client’s fees and make them believe you can help them achieve … anything!?
This 179th free episode of Prosperous Coach Podcast is about that worry that you might be promising too much. Get ready for a mindset shift! Find the full transcript of this episode at prosperouscoach.com/179
*Experienced Coaches Don’t Worry About Promising Too Much*
So first, all new coaches worry about over-promising. But experienced coaches don’t. What do you think is going on there?
It’s certainly NOT because they soft pedaled the specific…
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May 10, 2022
178: How Can Coaches Work Less and Earn More Profit?
This episode is inspired by an excellent question a coach asked me. And I love answering your questions so ask away. You can ask me easily from my website contact page. Start by finding the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/178 and then enjoy all the resources waiting for you there.
The simplest, least expensive business model for coaches is to offer a high-ticket one-to-one VIP Signature Program geared towards helping your target audience solve the big problems that have been in the way of achieving their big goal.
Oh, how I wish I had started my coaching business this way in 1997 when I finished certification! It would have saved so much frustration. I would have earned more faster and not wasted so much money trying all sorts of other business models.
*2 Big Mistakes Coaches Make That Are Easy to Fix*
The two biggest mistakes I see new coaches make are:
1. They aren’t serving a big enough problem, which keeps the coach from earning enough.
2. *They offe…
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May 3, 2022
177: Is It Strategic for 'Coach' to Be Part of Your Professional Title?
Now that you’ve taken the training, what you should call yourself? Should you be a life coach or something else? Should the word ‘coach’ even be in your personal title? That’s what this episode is all about. Find the full transcript and personal title examples at prosperouscoach.com/177.
So first, let me say that I don’t think your personal title is remotely the most important decision you need to make for your coaching business. In my mind, that decision is informed by WHO you serve and WHAT you help them accomplish. Those two things – your audience and their most desire outcome – are powerful concepts.
That first decision is the centerpiece of every other decision you’ll make for your business.
Still, just getting to be the one who decides what you call yourself can be fun. After all, how many jobs allow you to decide your title?
So first, let’s talk about something that might be hard for some coaches to hear.
*Some People Poke Fun at Life Coaches*
I’m not a…
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Apr 26, 2022
176: 8 Powerful Coaching Questions to Ask Any Client Anytime - Listener's Choice
Don't you just love having ready made questions you can ask your clients that are so powerful they will send your client into self reflection? Me too. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/176 .
The right question can really help anyone zoom past obstacles and into a power zone of awareness and action on their own behalf.
That's why questions are so valuable to coaches and in coaching session.
So the first question that you can ask that of course really unlocks a lot for your clients:
*What do you want?*
Well, sometimes people have a hard time answering this question, but with probing questions beneath it, you might be able to get them to it.
The second question is:
*What's holding you back?*
As human beings, we do generally have a sense of this. We might be in denial about it, but we generally do know what we're doing that's either sabotaging ourselves or what we're thinking, what we're feeling that is lingering too long for us to be able to transform.
So what's hol…
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Apr 19, 2022
175: Should Coaches Know More Than Their Clients?
This episode is an eye opener. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/175.
I don’t think there’s a new coach anywhere who hasn’t wondered … should I know more than my clients? Won’t they expect that I have expertise to guide them? Otherwise, why would they pay me … right?
I’ve heard coaches from all walks of life question their fitness to be a professional coach — whether the coach is younger or older, highly credentialed or not at all, has vast work experience or none. It’s what I call a garden variety doubt. It comes with the territory of offering services in exchange for fees.
Let’s look into this powerful question a bit more because the answer is a paradox. And paradoxes are full of possibility.
So, should you know more than your coaching clients? It completely depends on what you’re offering – what you’ll be doing with your coaching skills. And it’s also a matter of semantics – what is knowing anyway?
*What Do You Want t…
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Apr 12, 2022
174: How to Write Emails Your Coaching Audience Wants to Read
Recently, I asked my Facebook group of new coaches what topics they would like me to cover in my upcoming podcast episodes. By the way, I LOVE it when coaches like you ask me burning questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out and ask me something specific. I’ll answer in a solo episode or find an expert to interview.
DeShawn, this episode is for you. And, it’s dedicated to all coaches who want to build an online community of potential coaching clients called a leads list! Find the full transcript with links to related resources at prosperouscoach.com/174.
I’ll cover the goal of marketing emails, do’s and don’ts, plus the top 5 quick tips for more effective emails.
First …
*Don’t Sell Coaching By Email*
Being sold to by email feels skeevy. You don’t like this and neither will your audience. So, resist the temptation to sell to people who do not already know, like and trust you well. That causes unsubscribes.
By the way, unsubscribes aren’t all bad. Part of what…
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Apr 5, 2022
173: Your Intuition is Your Superpower with Shannon Kaiser
Rhonda Hess:
Hey coaches, I have something really different and exciting today. I'm doing an interview today with the awesome Shannon Kaiser. I'll introduce her in just a minute, but let me tell you how this came about.
I came across her website and on her website was an assessment to test what your intuition style is. And I could not resist taking it. Great questions on it, by the way. And as soon as I received the results, it told me that I was clairsentient. I had known that before, but I didn't know an assessment would be able to evaluate that about me. This was kind of fun. I want you to know a couple of the things that the results told me. It said that:
* I feel drained being in a large group of people.
* I have awesome instincts about people, places, and situations.
* I find it difficult to watch the news.
* I am super sensitive to my environment.
* I can't shop at thrift antique stores.
All true. This last one made me laugh because I can't touch other people's stu…
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Mar 29, 2022
172: The Fastest Way to Get Overwhelmed in Your Coaching Business
This episode is about anxiety that some coaches feel caused by one specific action they take repeatedly. It can keep you from moving forward in your coaching business and enjoying the journey. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/172.
I once worked with a coach who kept backsliding between sessions. We’d have a dynamic conversation in session. Their passion would pour forth. Certainty would click into place and I’d set them onto a task to take their decision into action.
A day or two later all the certainty had dissolved and in its place was paralyzing overwhelm and doubt.
We’d meet again and the passion would come back full force. They would leave the session feeling sure of their direction and ready to take action. But then a few days later slide back into a deep internal struggle.
I have great compassion for all new coaches. These highly intelligent and personally powerful human beings can really going through it!
I’ve been there and specifically at that tend…
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Mar 22, 2022
171: The #1 Trait of the Best Coaches
This episode is inspired by children who are born with a sense of wonder for the world and all the beings in it. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/171.
Recently, I asked the members of my Facebook Group called Prosperous Coach Club what topics they would like a podcast episode about. One person said:
“How to be curious. Is it something that can be learned and trained and if yes, how?”
What a wonderful question! Thanks for asking for that O.G. This is for you.
And, by the way, if there’s a topic that YOU want me to coach about, let me know through my website.
First, I want to say that curiosity is an innate skill. It’s a survival strategy as well as a way to be delighted by the world. It’s a love of learning.
And as we get older, we tend to close off curiosity because we’re encouraged to KNOW.
Have you ever watched a person you admire admit they don’t know something? How did it make you feel? For me, there’s this sense of wisdom that the person knows…
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Mar 15, 2022
170: Get Into the Habit of Drawing Out Your Genius
This episode is inspired by all my VIP clients, who are far more intelligent and gifted than they give themselves credit for. You too are gifted and intelligent. Believe it! Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/170.
Being the CEO of your own coaching business is a great way to uncover and set loose your creativity. I’m not talking about poetry writing, painting and sculpting here. I’m talking about the vast reserves of your innate ability to create something from nothing. Out of thin air.
When I started as a coach I had no idea I would create so much. I figured that everyone else’s ideas were better than mine and that I would read books and apply those ideas to my coaching. Know what I mean?
*Create From What’s Inside of You*
Well, sure, I did some of that. But I will tell you … I feel much more engaged in my business when I create from my own ideas. I’ve created my own models for processes, my own terms and a lot more. I’ve shared those with you. Coaches t…
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Mar 8, 2022
169: What It Takes to Be Successful in Your Coaching Business
This episode might surprise you ... Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/169.
New coaches often ask me what does it really take to be good at this ... to earn a good living at coaching by running your own business? Great question!
*Welcome to Your Coaching Business Journey*
You want to make a good living at this, help people, and be the director of your own career and lifestyle. Your coaching business can bring you all of those things and more.
After 20+ years growing my own coaching business I've realized that it's been the territory of my greatest personal transformation. It’s been a spiritual journey because I’ve raised the courage to stay in it and ride all the waves. I’ve evolved and have more to do there.
So here's my invitation to you … if you're going to build your own coaching business — go for it without limits. Stay the course. Keep the faith. Believe in yourself even and especially through the down times when you're not meeting your goals or feelin…
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Mar 1, 2022
168: Smart Apps Your Coaching Business Needs
I bet you think I’m going to talk about apps for tracking your clients here. No! You don’t need that. I’m talking about reasonably priced apps that help you run your business rather than give you more tasks to do.
Every couple of years I announce my favorite apps. But, you know what? My favorites don’t change much because these are the best I’ve found. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/168.
*I keep my systems and processes for my business ultra simple and think you should too.* That means using some old fashioned methods like Excel spreadsheets instead of Trello and emailboxes for clients and more spreadsheets to keep track of clients. Why? Because they work, are free and don’t add a lot of labor.
When I do spend money on my business I’m strategic about it. Check out episode 111 called Smart and Not So Smart Coaching Business Expenses.
If you are just starting out as a coach you’re probably tempted by dozens of apps and systems that target coaches. Many are…
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Feb 22, 2022
167: Why You Get Stuck After Coach Training - Updated
This episode is about why you (and every new coach) get stuck and 4 ways to breakthrough to forward momentum again. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/167.
You've been learning a lot, cramming coaching techniques into your head and transforming yourself from the inside out. Coach training sets the pace and you keep on going until you graduate and stuff gets REAL!
It's time to shift from student coach mode to professional coach mode. They are very different states of mind and practice. Learning curves accelerate because the business side of coaching is more complex than the coaching skills side.
And suddenly you're stuck. The best thing to do is get back into strategic action as soon as you can. However, if you don't exactly know what to do you’re still stuck. I’ll address that in a minute.
*All Coaches Feel the Imposter Syndrome*
Also you may have a mental block and feel you’re not worthy. Imposter Syndrome is one of the main reasons new coaches get stuck.
So t…
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Feb 15, 2022
166: Don't Let Fear Hold You Back in Your Coaching Business
In a Discovery Call with a coach today, (who did hire me by the way) I asked what inspired her to reach out to me. She honored me with a list of things that made me feel good. They were also confirmations that my customer journey is working.
Helping YOU create that customer journey for your audience is what this podcast is about.
She told me that a quote on the Coach Training Accelerator, curriculum I co-wrote for Coach Training Alliance made an impression on her. It was something along the lines of “Fear lives in your head. Courage lives in your heart.”
I didn’t remember I said that, but when you write as much as I do over decades it’s a strange echo from another time to hear my own thought forms come back to me.
So yes, courage is where it’s at when it comes to launching, running and growing your coaching business. But fear will hover around.
You see our big brains are designed to be wary of things and they get caught up in a loop of worry and fear. But your heart has…
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Feb 8, 2022
165: Wait to Create Your Coaching Website Until You’ve Done 3 Things
This episode shares steps you should take BEFORE you create your coaching website. I’m talking before you pay a designer, before you decide to buy a Wix or Squarespace template and do it yourself ...or before you ask your well-meaning friend who has a bit of skill to do it for you.
Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/165.
I am not a web designer. But as an international business mentor for coaches with 20+ years experience in solopreneur business development, I know how websites work for coaches if done right and what doesn’t work to attract paying clients.
I'm the TEACHER Archetype. If you don’t yet know your archetype, listen to Episode 12.
I tend to learn from my mistakes by studying solutions then creating step-by-step guides for others. It’s the way I roll. So, after I launched a couple of dud coaching website when I started as a coach a couple of decades ago, I decided to study to understand what makes a coaching website client-winning. Le…
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Feb 1, 2022
164: Why Your Personal Story is Valuable to Coaching Clients
This episode is about how to be authentic in your coaching business and share your personal story to attract ideal clients. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/164
*Vulnerability Wasn’t Always Prized*
When I launched Prosperous Coach, sharing your mistakes or shortcomings was not a great strategy. Unless you were famous already, sharing that you went bankrupt, ruined your marriage or lost your business wasn’t received as a reason to listen to what you have to say. Marketing and selling had a different style and come from.
Facebook had only been around for two years. And few people were sharing selfies.
If you were looking for help to achieve something you were looking for an expert who had significant credentials and social proof in the old fashioned way.
And if you wanted to attract clients you needed to toot your own horn without much airtime, if any, on the zigzag it took you to get to where you are. Trust was built by showing people how you hav…
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Jan 25, 2022
163: How Many Coaching Clients Can You Serve at Once?
This episode is about thinking through how you’ll earn as a coach based on how many clients you can feasibly serve at a time. It requires a bit of math and strategic thinking. And, it will be eye opening! Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/163.
*Are You Charging for Coaching by the Session?*
Most often, when I meet new coaches in a Discovery Call or Strategy Session where I help them with a bite-sized topic such as determining their audience and niche — if they have paying clients at all, they are charging by the session.
Speaking in terms of US dollars, they’ve set their prices anywhere from $25 to $150 per session. Some may be packaging sessions of say … 3 sessions for $450.
At the top of that range, coaches tell me they feel uncomfortable. $150 per hour sounds exorbitant! I mean aren’t those getting close to lawyer rates? Would anyone or should anyone pay more than that for coaching?
So I get it. These are the same concerns I had as a new…
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Jan 18, 2022
162: How to Handle Price Objections When Enrolling Coaching Clients
I’ve never known a coach who wouldn’t get value out of this episode even a few years in to their coaching business … or ten. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/162.
Just the idea of money is fraught with complicated beliefs stemming from our childhoods and even further back than that. Unhelpful beliefs about worth and earning and money are deeply rooted into our cultures and ancestry. So it’s not surprising that we all struggle with money mindset.
· Most of us have worthiness issues and that feels like imposter syndrome.
· Some people don’t think they should charge for coaching because it’s a helping service.
· And for some, money is distasteful — a dirty thing. No doubt many dirty things have been done in the pursuit of money since humans started walking Earth.
But money itself is just a tool. That’s an important shift right there. It’s a neutral tool that, at this point in human existence, most of us need to employ to live.
And here’s the thi…
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Jan 11, 2022
161: The Identify Shift in Transition to Full Time Coaching
This episode is for new coaches who are shifting into full time coaching from a full time job. That transition is a big leap mentally and emotionally. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/161.
Building a business and then sustaining it is an amazing personal journey. More and more people are deciding to be their own boss because they want to have more lifestyle freedom and to be at the cause of their own circumstances.
But if you are taking the leap from employment into entrepreneurship it’s no small thing. There are big shifts that require mindset mastery as you transition.
· You go from being directed by a boss to supervising yourself in every way.
· You go from a defined infrastructure and role to creating your own systems and functions from scratch.
· You go from working collaboratively to working alone, at least at first.
· You had a regular paycheck, which will become an irregular income you have to generate on your own.
· Someone else ad…
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Jan 4, 2022
160: How Can New Coaches Be Perceived as Credible? – Listener’s Choice
This episode is a Listener's Choice episode, which means it's a favorite of coaches. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/160.
You’ve heard that you need to build the know-like-trust factor with your target audience before they’ll hire you. It’s true.
Imagine that your ideal clients reach out to hire you already feeling a deep connection with you and want already what it is that you offer. It raises their willingness to invest at a high level and fully dedicate themselves to the work.
*So how can you convey credibility as a brand new coach?*
So to answer that question – how can you convey credibility as a new coach – let’s l=turn this around. Shift your perspective on the problem. It’s nearly always the best way to solve problems.
What inspires YOU to feel that a resource is trustworthy?
You’re listening to this. I bet you heard about me from another coach or saw something posted somewhere. If this is your first episode you might not feel trusting of me…
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Dec 28, 2021
159: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Charge More with Coaching Clients - Listener's Choice
This will be a super short episode. And it’s part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series. *Also this is a LISTENER'S CHOICE episode* meaning it's a favorite of coaches. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/159.
I feel so honored that when I work with my clients I get to see them shift their mindset in ways that will help them succeed faster at this game called entrepreneurship.
By the way, thinking of building your coaching business as a game is one way to take the pressure off and enjoy the journey.
So the specific mindset I’m digging into today is about OWNING your right:
· Own your right to be in business for yourself
· Own your right to earn well
· Own your right to live the life you want
That may sound odd. Let me explain.
*My Early Coaching Business Was An Albatross*
When I was new to my own coaching business I treated myself like I didn’t deserve to be in business, like I didn’t deserve to earn well and have the life I want. Here’s what I did inst…
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Dec 21, 2021
158 Test Your Coaching Niche Profitability with 5 Powerful Questions
This episode is meant to help you earn more by strategically determining your coaching niche and all that goes with it. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/158.
When coaches ask me in a Strategy Session: "Is this a good coaching niche?" What they really want to know but don’t know to ask is:
*Will focusing my energy this way repay me with a consistent flow of clients who are willing to invest?*
That's the 6-figure question.
A strategically determined coaching niche is the linchpin for your financial success. Without that direction and focus your messages and offers will be vague and won’t capture attention. Which means you won’t have that consistent flow of paying clients.
A profitable coaching niche helps you to:
* Quickly become a coach in high demand through momentum.
* Leverage your efforts and contextualize your messages and offers, instead of being all over the place.
* Command higher fees.
Test the financial viability of your current coaching niche with…
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Dec 14, 2021
157: 3 Mindsets That Could Kill Your Coaching Business
This episode is inspired by earnest new coaches everywhere. May you uncover your greatness and personally evolve through your coaching business. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/157.
I’m privileged by my long-term experience and my long-range view of this industry and entrepreneurship.
Because I have the honored role of mentoring other coaches to build their coaching business, I get to somewhat re-live those early years over and over.
I know what you’re going through. And I also know the high potential ahead of you if you stay the course.
So I want you to know that I realize that it’s easy for me to say what I’m going to say. You are in the thick of things and I’m observing it.
But because I’m an empath – I feel what people around me feel in an energetic way. It can be a gift and it can be ... painful to watch the mindsets that trip coaches up. They tripped me up too.
You know the power of mindset in working with your clients. What a person believes c…
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Dec 7, 2021
156: Write Faster in a Way That Attracts Coaching Clients
If writing for your business is your nemesis or you just wish it wouldn’t take so long, this episode is for you. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/156.
Also as a bonus to help you write more effectively grab your copy of my free downloadable guide called 5 Rules to Write Better Copy at prosperouscoach.com/47.
You know this … writing well is one of those skills that can catapult your business into a more profitable gear. If you can learn to write in a way that your audience wants to read, you can:
· write and publish your own books
· develop online training programs
· publish a weekly blog
· post articles on well known platforms
· create excellent scripts for your podcast
· write better presentations, lead magnets and guides
And all of that would help you attract and enroll more high paying clients and earn in other ways too.
But for most coaches I meet they say that writing doesn’t feel easy and it’s so time consuming. One of my cl…
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Nov 30, 2021
155: Have You Aced Your Coaching Business Benefit Statement?
This episode is for all the coaches out there struggling to tell people what they do in a way that gets a positive response. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/155
Many coaches design a statement to tell people what they do. It’s a misunderstanding that your benefit statement is about you or coaching. Those tend to be non-benefit statements.
For example: I coach people to live the life of their dreams.
How would most people respond to this message? Their eyes would glaze over and they’d disconnect. People do want to live the life of their dreams. But it doesn’t feel believable. It feels like a pie in the sky.
Unbelievable messages don’t inspire a strong positive response — such as to hire you!
To make messages believable so they inspire a strong positive response, you need SPECIFICITY.
*Your Core Message for Your Coaching Business*
Your benefit statement is the first and arguably most important message for your business. That’s why I cal…
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Nov 23, 2021
154 - Are You Manifesting Ideal Coaching Clients for You?
This episode is inspired by a rarely used skill that we all have and that can greatly help you attract more coaching clients that you’ll love. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/154.
I recommend you also listen to a previous episode called Can You Manifest Coaching Business Success with Your Mind? Find that at prosperouscoach.com/106, that's episode 106 in your favorite podcast app. It talks about different aspects of manifesting.
This episode won’t be repetitive as it’s about one particular part of manifesting, which is attracting ideal clients.
Back in 2001 when I was writing curriculum for Coach Training Alliance I came up with the term ideal client. I doubt it was a wholly original idea but it was an aha in my mind.
Coaches want to have a financially successful business. I love the idea of prosperity thinking and wanted to include elements of that in the curriculum. But I’ve also used this idea in my own coaching business.
Every coach will…
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Nov 16, 2021
153: How to Stop Chasing Coaching Clients and Attract Them Instead
This episode is inspired by all of my wonderful clients … coaches who are so smart. They have so many skills and advantages. And … they still have to attract a steady stream of clients and that can feel hard. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/153.
I remember a couple of years into starting my coaching business having a regular walk with another relatively new coach friend of mine. We often commiserated about how most of our clients only stuck around for 3 months of coaching. That meant we were in a constant state of chasing clients.
We felt truly clueless about how to find more clients. All the low hanging fruit had been picked — you know, the colleagues, friends, and friends of friends — people we already knew.
I’d had a sample coaching session with them all and few invested in a package. Those who did seemed to be constantly questioning whether they wanted to continue the investment. They said they valued our conversations. But they just di…
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Nov 9, 2021
152: The Best Lesson I've Learned 20 Years In To My Coaching Business
Recently, a client asked me to share the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my 20 years of running my coaching business. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/152
I have a feeling you’re going to be surprised by my answer … the best lesson boils down to less is more.
It took me a long time to learn this lesson. Now that I have integrated it fully into my business and coaching mindset and habits I see the real power of this lesson. It applies to so much, not only in business but other aspects of life.
And I’m so grateful to the experienced coaches and business owners who shared this wisdom with me long ago.
So coaches often struggle to reach simplicity in their business in a number of ways. Of course, the first way is about who they serve. You hear me say this often enough so I’ll just reinforce this quickly.
Choose one viable target audience and develop one specific niche for that audience. Less is more. You’ll market less and earn more.
And now…
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Nov 2, 2021
151: How to Not Slide Back to Your Life Before Coaching
This episode is about allowing yourself to fully evolve into your coaching business. The full transcript can be found at prosperouscoach.com/151.
Take a journey back in time with me and imagine …
Who were you and what was your life like before the idea of becoming a coach inspired you and made you leap?
Maybe you had a job and a comfortable routine. Maybe you were used to your paycheck and working certain hours. Your family knew what to expect of your time and attention. You knew what to expect of yourself and your day-to-day life.
And that was part of the problem — part of the growing discontent that causes all people to seek.
Maybe your colleagues were a daily respite from the mundanity of work or maybe you felt drained by all of it.
A dream began to form. It was just a little spark.
Something awakened in you and made you think.
Maybe you could break away and breakthrough to a life where you could be your own boss and do more meaningful work. One where you had more flexib…
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Oct 26, 2021
150: All Coaches in Every Niche Do Life Coaching
This episode is about a mindset shift that could free up mental blocks you might have about choosing or sticking with a specific niche. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/150
The two concerns I hear most from coaches about choosing a narrow audience and developing a unique niche to serve them are:
1. “But I don't want to exclude anyone.”
2. "But if I limit myself to a particular track — such as career coaching, business coaching or relationship coaching — I won’t get to do life coaching."
I’ll talk in another podcast soon about the exclusion worry. Let’s tackle this life coaching concern.
*Coaching is Coaching*
First, repeat after me … coaching is coaching. The skills of coaching are the same no matter what topic you coach around or target audience you serve.
Listening on many levels, asking powerful questions, mirroring what your client said back to them — all those excellent skills and more are the same no matter who you’re coa…
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Oct 19, 2021
149: 3 Easy Ways to Stay Organized in Your Coaching Business
If I’ve learned anything from life it’s that simple is better. Less is more. And that’s true when it comes to staying organized in your coaching business. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/149
I happen to be one of the most organized people I know. But I wasn’t always like that.
I also used to be a lousy money manager.
I also used to be hopeless at writing.
I also used to suck at managing people.
So, no matter what you think you’re hopeless at now, you can change that. You can grow into whoever you want to be and however you want to live your life.
What changed those things for me? First, I stopped telling myself what I’m no good at.
The harsh way you talk to yourself is the main habit to stop. You’ll be so glad you did. It’s a life skill. If I can do it, you can do it.
Now try this … every time you think you’re not good at something get curious.
Curiosity is a powerful game changer. It quiets the amygdala – the part of your…
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Oct 12, 2021
148: Is it Wise to Have 2 Coaching Niches?
This episode is inspired by an excellent question posted by two coaches in my Facebook group called Prosperous Coach Club. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/148
Before we dig into this, let’s get on the same page …
*What is a Smart Coaching Niche?*
To me, a smart coaching niche has 3 clear components:
1. One unique viable target audience full of seekers – people who want to grow personally and professionally and are actively seeking solutions. Without this, it’s hard to have a successful niche.
2. A strategic coaching business model built around what that audience urgently wants and the BIG problem that’s in their way. If you don’t know what will motivate investment for your audience you don't have a robust enough niche to earn well.
3. Your skills and talents applied to those other two things. This is more than just coaching skills. This is bringing forward all the skills and maybe even expertise that will make you credible to your audience – somethin…
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Oct 5, 2021
147: Will Coach Certification Make You a More Successful Coach?
Today’s episode is inspired by a sticky question. Do you really need to be certified in order to say that you're a professional coach? Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/147
It's a sticky question because there are two camps — the yeas and nays — and both have strong opinions.
I say … whether you certify or not is your decision.
*2 Types of Coach Certification*
1. *Certifying through a coach training organization.* You enroll, complete training and certify through a review process when training is complete.
2. *Independent certification such as through the International Coach Federation (ICF)*. You work towards it by completing requirements and paying an application fee. You'll need a certain number of hours of paid coaching, completed training with an accredited organization, and being mentored by people who are certified at the master level.
To maintain or advance ICF certification you have to re-up every few years and also take continuing…
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Sep 28, 2021
146: Should You Start a Podcast for Your Coaching Business?
This episode is inspired by YOU. You’ve helped me surpass 100,000 listens of Prosperous Coach Podcast. I’m so grateful to you for binge listening and sharing my podcast with other coaches.
Now, maybe I can help you start your own podcast.
I’ll tell you what podcasting has meant for me and I’ll share some details about what it takes, what it costs plus a few powerful questions to ask yourself about whether podcasting is right for you. Find the full transcript of this episode at prosperouscoach.com/146
My podcast has revolutionized my business and also given me great joy.
I posted a blog for over 8 years and it was hugely instrumental in attracting ideal clients to my services. But it was never as impactful as my podcast has been.
I think it’s because listeners hear my voice weekly so there’s more of a sense of intimacy. People feel like they get to know me in ways that can’t come across only in words on a page.
And because my episodes are short and I’m consistent a…
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Sep 21, 2021
145: What's Your Coaching Business Kryptonite?
This episode is super short and inspired by the saboteur in all of us who keeps us from greatness.* Find the full transcript and links to related episodes at **prosperouscoach.com/145**.*
You remember Superman — the dude who could do anything and seemed unstoppable except when he encountered Kryptonite. That green crystal weakened Superman so he was powerless.
Your coaching business kryptonite is something you avoid. It’s the thing that keeps you from your super power.
You want to coach for a living. You want to help people achieve and transform. And you want to earn well at this so you don’t have to work at someone else’s company on someone else’s goals with their rules.
So what’s your kryptonite in your coaching business? It could be something deeply personal and unique to you.
I’ve said this before … a recurring lesson for me is about personal power. When I stand firm in my personal power and do what’s right for me with integrity everything in my business work…
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Sep 14, 2021
144: When is the Most Effective Time to Promote Your Coaching Business?
This episode is inspired by a recent look at my business analytics, which are confirming that my business is surging right now and yours could be too! Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/144.
What are business analytics and why am I talking about them?
Well you can’t know what times are most effective for promotion unless you set up and track analytics. Sound complicated? Not really.
For me, there are 7 sets of numbers I regularly review and track that tell me how many people:
1. are on my website and how long they engage there
2. are subscribing to get my freebie
3. open and click through on the links in my emails
4. listen to my podcast and what percentage of the episode they listen to
5. respond to my posts on social channels.
6. fill out my application to work with me and sign up for a Discovery Call
7. are enrolling in a Strategy Session
These are all my opportunities for a future connection with a person who could become my paying client.…
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Sep 7, 2021
143: Should You Stick with Your Coaching Niche?
Do you have a coaching niche that hasn’t paid off yet? This episode explores 10 strategic things that could be missing for you. The full transcript of this episode can be found at prosperouscoach.com/143.
Nearly all coaches are hoping for more traction in their niche. And I want you to understand something that may take the sting out of this. *Nearly all businesses of all kinds are hoping for more traction all the time!*
So you may be thinking: “It sounds like it’s not worth it to start a business!”
It absolutely is worth it if you’re serious about being the driver of a career that’s tailor made for you. If you want to choose how and when you work and with whom … if you want to be the one who decides your own fees, when you take time off and how often … your own business can give you that.
BUT you have to be in it to win it. Win it a bit at a time until you find the sweet spot. Screw your courage to the sticking place— as Shakespeare advised — and take risks kno…
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Aug 31, 2021
142: How Long Will it Take You to Reach Coaching Business Success?
I was having the last session of my signature program with a favorite client the other day. This short episode is inspired by that conversation. Find the full show notes at prosperouscoach.com/142
It’s bittersweet having a final session with a client. For them, they’re losing an accountability partner and the structure that helps them stay inspired and make things happen. From here on out they’ll have to hold themselves accountable.
For me, I lose their unique presence in my life session-to-session. I’ve been holding space for their growth. I’ve been responsive to emails and getting comfortable with their learning style, their work style.
All my clients are truly brilliant in their own way. And I come to feel a kinship with them.
My signature program is 5 months long so I have the honor of seeing my clients transform – not only the nuts and bolts of their niche, business model, website and program but also in mindset and approach.
There’s a lot of teaching and learni…
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Aug 24, 2021
141: 5 Questions to Test Your Coaching Business Integrity
This episode is inspired by my own breaches in integrity over the 2 decades plus that I’ve been a coach and some I see other coaches stumble with as well. Find the FULL show notes at prosperouscoach.com/141.
If you took coach training, hopefully you were provided with some standard ethical guidelines that need to be followed with your clients. Things like:
· Keeping your coaching client’s contact info and what they say confidential unless they give express permission for you to share some part of it.
· Setting personal and time boundaries with clients.
Beyond that, no one talks much about ethics and integrity in coaching.
Coaching is not currently a regulated field so it’s doubly important that you, as the professional coach, regulate yourself. That helps all coaches and the future of coaching.
Complaints about coaches hurt the field of coaching. And we really don’t want this field to be regulated, as it would greatly change the coaching industry for the worse.
*What I…
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Aug 17, 2021
140: What's Missing From Your Coaching Niche?
This episode is a refresher about what components are needed for a strategic coaching niche — one that will bring you clients who are inspired to invest and engage fully. Find the FULL show notes at prosperouscoach.com/140.
Look, I know this whole niche thing is aggravating. And that’s because it takes a few mindset shifts to approach this decision intelligently.
Simplifying this complex thing is my super power. I help coaches strategically develop a smart and profitable coaching niche and build their entire business foundation around that.
That’s my niche because I’ve seen too many coaches throw up a coaching business, website and all, without thinking it all the way through. And then the business only works well enough to keep you struggling but not to earn well.
Partially creating a niche is like building a new house without a foundation.
Think about it. If the foundation is good, the house is solid and secure. It will last. If the foundation is non-existent or poor, th…
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Aug 10, 2021
139: Listener's Choice - The Art of Crafting Powerful Coaching Questions
This is a replay of one of the most popular Prosperous Coach Episodes.
I have the pleasure of introducing you to Laurie Cameron of WAKE UP Enterprises.
*Laurie is literally the best coach I know.* She is also the best coach trainer I know.
In 2001 I co-created curriculum for Coach Training Alliance and I designed their certified coach program, I was their first trainer. Then I brought Laurie in. She surpassed me significantly and she is their Senior Mentor Coach now.
I first met Laurie 20 years or so ago at the Denver chapter of the International Coach Federation and we became fast friends. We were both on the board there. Beyond that, Laurie and I have been accountability partners for each other and doing a little co-coaching now and then. Something every coach needs.
LAURIE CAMERON: I am really excited and thank you for all those kind words that made my week as well. So I’m really thrilled to be here.
*The Most Powerful Coaching Skill*
*Rhonda:* Laurie, I'm going to ask you…
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Aug 3, 2021
138: A Coaching Skill You Might Not Have Learned Yet
This episode is about a coaching skill you might not have learned in coach training school. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s a relationship skill. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/138.
A few weeks ago one of my VIP clients emailed me asking if she could coach me in our next session to get more practice. It totally took me by surprise. No client had ever asked that before.
And I felt conflicted about it so I gave it some careful thought before responding. It wasn’t without risk. How might it affect our mentoring relationship?
I decided to say ‘yes’ if I could think of a good topic. It had to be something real for me because making something up would not give her practice. And it needed to be complex enough to truly challenge her.
And then I realized my topic was staring me in the face. I had been deliberating about a very serious decision. Something that involved my health, finances and it affected my partner too. Suddenly I felt gifted by the Universe becau…
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Jul 27, 2021
137: Your Future Coaching Clients Might Be Turned Off By Automation
You might be getting tired of me pointing out mistakes coaches make. The only reason I do is because it is how everyone learns best. You make a mistake then you learn a better way. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/137.
So, today’s highlighted mistake is … putting too much distance between yourself and your future coaching clients by having everything automated on your website and beyond. I see this all the time and it makes me a bit sad.
There is a belief out there that you want your website and business to require little of you. Pour most of your energy into your clients and little into getting them. Market in an automated way, enroll in an automated way — for goodness sake don’t do anything manually until they pay for your services.
While it’s good to look at ways to reduce labor, pick your spots strategically because some things should not be circumvented.
Let me explain.
*Who Wants a Free Call with a Coach?*
I was reviewing a client’s website the other d…
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Jul 20, 2021
136: The Downside of Coaching for Corporations
This episode is for those thinking they’ll make a lot more money coaching for corporations. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/136
I had a Strategy Session recently with a client to help him choose his target audience and niche. We were discussing whether he wanted to target individuals or corporations.
I asked that because I could see his expertise and interests were centered on helping execs develop talent.
At first he wasn’t sure so I told him the pros and cons of targeting corporations. Mainly, it’s about the hassle factor.
When a corporation hires you you will have to:
· Compete for the many corporate and executive coaches plus coaching firms.
· Write proposals and give presentations to get the contract.
· Invoice the organization and be paid slowly.
· Be certified by the International Coach Federation or another well-known accreditor.
· Have significant expertise in corporate and possibly in the roles you’ll coach.
· Possibly report to the supervis…
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Jul 13, 2021
135: Are Your Coaching Packages Keeping You From Earning Well?
This episode connects the dots between your website, coaching packages and pricing as a reason you might not be earning as well as you’d like.
Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/135. I’ll be providing links to episodes that go into more detail on each of those topics so you can make clear, strategic shifts.
I didn’t start my business knowing how to be successful at coaching. Everything I’ve learned has come from studying my own many mistakes as well as what works and why.
Let’s start with websites because this is the biggest and most expensive bungle most coaches make.
*Did You Just Slap Up a Coaching Website?*
When you completed coach training, did you rush to put up a website? You might have thought, as I did, that:
· A website is the first step to getting clients. It’s not.
· A website will make you legitimate. Other thresholds come first.
· Your website should be about you and coaching. Not true.
After redoing my website 4 times now my site is like a…
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Jul 6, 2021
134: How to Feel Legit as a Coach
This episode was inspired by a conversation with one of my VIP clients. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/134.
As an adult, when you’re starting something new – such as learning how to coach or building your coaching business — what’s the most natural way to feel?
Like an imposter.
Everyone experiences that feeling. Even the most impressive people with vast experience feel it sometimes. It’s human. And it feels worse if you beat yourself up for feeling that imposter syndrome.
You won’t likely feel confident when you’re new at something so don’t try for confidence right away.
· Begin with courage to learn and do the new and difficult things.
· Follow courage with allowing yourself to be new and make mistakes.
· Soon, confidence rises. And you don’t even notice the shift because you’ve moved on.
There are many milestones to pass and thresholds to cross as a new coach.
· Your first time to try a coaching model
· Your first coaching session outsi…
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Jun 29, 2021
133: When Is It Okay to Slack Off in Your Coaching Business?
This episode is for all the perfectionists out there and can be found at prosperouscoach.com/133
Creating and growing your coaching business can be stressful, right?
In my experience, when creative tension ceases to be a positive driver and morphs into anxiety, efforts are counter productive. They don’t produce results because they are guided by desperation rather than strategy.
And you know what I think … strategy is the key to long-term business success.
I have seen coaches under tremendous self-imposed pressure quit their coaching business before they really started or sabotage opportunities. Some drive themselves crazy. Nothing is worth that.
But the solution isn’t to quit.
Instead learn to reduce and modulate stress. I am a long time student of this wisdom and it’s not an easy thing to learn. It is a highly valuable life skill.
If you believe you have to reach perfection — and most coaches I meet are guided by impossible expectations — self-imposed stress is a w…
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Jun 15, 2021
132: Why Coaches Need to Be Coachable
This episode is serious. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/132.
I totally get the attraction to become a coach. Many who get the training and launch a coaching business had been coaching for years without even knowing it.
That’s why I encourage my clients to not think of themselves as new coaches.
In my last job before launching my coaching business, my colleagues used to seek me out. They wanted to be heard, reassured and sometimes brainstorm. They knew I’d be a sounding board for them.
It got to be that sometimes I couldn’t get my work done and I joked about putting up a sign on my door that said The Doctor Is NOT in. But in my heart I knew those types of conversations were thrilling to me.
Well before that at University, my work-study job was Peer Counseling. I loved it!
And I know I pick my closest friends partially on their own ability to listen and challenge me if I’m screwing up or thinking small. I’m pretty coachable – at least most of the time.
So,…
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Jun 8, 2021
131: 5 Critical Skills to Be Successful in Your Coaching Business
This episode is short and powerful. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/131.
When I was in coach training all I thought about was coaching skills. And after coach training I just wanted to use those skills and help people.
I wasn’t thinking about the other skills that are equally important for me to succeed.
The reality is that coaches need coaching business training as much as coach training. I learned this the hard way and it became my mission to supply this support to coaches.
Now, all skills have to be learned. AND it’s okay to be a beginner.
So let’s start with that …
*The #1 Skill You Need to Be a Coaching Business Owner*
It’s the ability to learn from your mistakes. And that means you need to be willing to make them.
Learning how to run your business well never ends. It’s like learning to be your true self or learning to be a contributing and compassionate human being. All the best things in life require continuous improvement.
And, I know this for su…
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Jun 1, 2021
130: A Surprising Way to Boost Your Coaching Income
This episode is short and eye opening. Find the Show Notes at prosperouscoach.com/130.
The other day I was helping one of my VIP clients set her fees for her Signature Program and our conversation inspired this episode.
Anything having to do with money in your coaching business such as income and fees brings up old emotions:
1. Fear of succeeding and failing.
2. Insecurity about worth.
3. Family or cultural beliefs about money.
4. Fear of rejection.
5. And, mistaken assumptions about why people buy.
I always encourage my clients to “do the math” rather than choose fees emotionally or based on erroneous ideas about what the market will bear.
By becoming somewhat dispassionate and stepping into the practical coaches can begin to understand how they can help themselves earn well.
Setting low fees is the most common way that coaches shoot themselves in the foot. Another way is by not setting goals. And coaches aren’t the only ones who fail to set business goals.
Why don’…
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May 25, 2021
129: The Single Most Important Thing About Your Coaching Lead Magnet
This is the final episode in the series about lead magnets. Coaches have told me they are getting a lot of value from this series, so listen to the whole thing.
I’ve been promising you a downloadable assessment to test your own free offer. Well it’s finally time for you to grab How to Make Your Free Offer Irresistible.
In this short episode I’ll reveal what inspires your audience on your coaching website to opt in for your lead magnet. *Find the show notes and get that downloadable assessment at **prosperouscoach.com/129*.
The single most important thing about your lead magnet is the title.
Of course, your freebie should be valuable, but the title you give it may make or break your leads list development because it’s likely to be the deciding factor whether someone will bother to opt-in and read it.
Look, unless you have trained in marketing you’re probably not that good at titling — whether it’s your free download or a blog or a podcast episode.
Titling is an art a…
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May 18, 2021
128: Listener's Choice - What Exactly Makes a Coaching Website Client Winning?
This episode is a Listener’s Choice episode, which means a whole lot of coaches have listened to it. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/128.
*Think of this as a master episode* – it’s almost like a seminar and it covers nearly all of the most important principles I impart to you about having a successful coaching business.
And, because I’m finishing up a series on Lead Magnets, I wanted to remind you about something that’s critical to the success of your freebie – you must have a sticky website. That’s a website that inspires visitors to hang out, read everything and of course, sign up for your downloadable lead magnet. It’s what I call a Client Winning Coaching Website.
Without that all the effort you spent on your lead magnet will be wasted.
Also a reminder … at the end of this series on Lead Magnets for coaches I’ll have a free downloadable assessment for you to test your own lead magnet to see if it’s irresistible or not. So keep listening to this…
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May 11, 2021
127: Does Your Lead Magnet Pre-Sell Clients to Hire You?
This episode is the 4th in my series about Lead Magnets for Coaches.
See the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/127. By the way these show notes have loads of links to other episodes on related topics I mention in this episode. If you’re serious about getting your lead magnet and other aspects of your coaching business right you’ll benefit from experiencing those earlier episodes too.
I’ve already had a bunch of great reviews from this podcast series. Thank you for not only listening to my episodes but also for passing them forward through social media to other coaches and coaching groups. I’m so grateful!
Amy said: “This is an amazing podcast. I have two lead magnets but they are not hitting the mark. I’m so confused about attracting the right people.” Amy, you are not alone in that. It’s a bit of a puzzle with several moving parts but you can make the connections. I will help you.
*Shift From Chasing Coaching Clients to Attraction Through Credibility*
I don’t kn…
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May 4, 2021
126: Is Your Lead Magnet Too Coachey?
This episode is the 3rd in my new series about Lead Magnets. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/126.
In all the time I’ve been an entrepreneur, I’ve downloaded hundreds of freebies.
I’ve gone seeking solutions to specific problems, found websites and lead magnets that seem to address my problem.
I give my name and email, somewhat begrudgingly I must say, and faithfully go through the process to download my prize.
I’ll be honest, I can still count on one hand the free offers that have provided real insight, delight or a sense of desire to pay for the services of the person who wrote the freebie. And in each of those cases I did hire them.
But really, 5 out hundreds. That’s not good odds.
Is that your experience too?
So what do you do then? If you’re like me the lead magnet goes quickly into the trash and with the next email I receive from that person, I’m unsubscribing and feeling like I’ve just swept up the messy crumbs of an unsatisfying snack that wasn…
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Apr 27, 2021
125: Your Ideal Coaching Clients Respond Best to Slow Marketing
This episode is part of the series about lead magnets and how to make sure yours will help you enroll ideal clients who pay you well. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/125.
And, if you haven’t heard it yet, first listen to Does a Coach Need a Lead Magnet? at prosperouscoach.com/124. It’s super short.
When I started my coaching business, if you would have asked me my marketing approach I would have said “I let people know I’m a coach and offer a free sample coaching sessions to enroll clients.”
Everything I did reflected that basic misunderstanding about what effective marketing is — from the topics of public speaking I did, to the types of articles I wrote, all the way to the messaging on my website.
Did that approach work for me. Not a wit. Even though I got a lot of praise for the sessions, people who had a free session said “Thanks” but had no interest in long term coaching. And sometimes I fell into the trap of coaching them for many, many free session…
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Apr 20, 2021
124: Does a Coach Need a Lead Magnet?
This episode is part of a new series about lead magnets or what I call freebies. Find the Show Notes for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/124.
I bet you’ve opted in for dozens of lead magnets since you decided to become a coach.
In case you haven’t, a lead magnet or a freebie is just what it sounds like. The idea is that you offer something of unique value related to your niche that your audience wants in exchange for their name and email address.
Then they become a lead for you – a potential future client.
Future clients are the gold mine in your business. They are just as important as current paying clients.
It’s important to build relationships with future clients otherwise you’ll find yourself having to chase potential clients rather than attract them. I labored so hard chasing clients for the first few years of my business.
If a lead stays on your list, you have the opportunity to continue to communicate with them by email.
Those emails could be anything from a…
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Apr 13, 2021
123: Coach, You Don't Have to Sell Yourself!
This episode is short and sweet. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/123.
When coaches reach out to work with me, they almost always say that their biggest fear is marketing. They say: “I’m no good at selling myself.”
And I say, “Well, that’s okay because you don’t have to sell yourself.” And I mean it.
Sure, you’re the coach and you’ll be delivering coaching to your client. Although, I really believe that coaching is co-creative. It’s not at all about performing.
But if you go about your business the way I suggest, you won’t sell coaching at all.
Coaching is a hard sell. People don’t know they want it. I’ve talked about this many times before. If you haven’t heard it I recommend you listen to episode #66 – How to Describe Your Coaching Program Without Selling Coaching.
Still, this is important. Do NOT sell yourself. Don’t be salesy and promotional. It doesn’t feel good and it’s not effective.
Instead be about what your prospective clie…
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Apr 6, 2021
122: How to Ace the Money Conversation with Coaching Prospects
This episode is inspired by brilliant coaches everywhere who, no matter how many skills and talents they bring to the table, are afraid to own their worth and go boldly into the money conversation. Show notes can be found at prosperouscoach.com/122.
*Take On The CEO Role and Own Your Value*
Chances are you came to coaching from a job where you were paid a salary or an hourly rate. Someone else set that amount. And you received the same basic paycheck over and over.
The control was out of your hands. And you probably just did the job without thinking a lot about the money piece.
Now, you are the boss. You are the CEO. You decide how much you charge for your services, how much you earn and when you pay yourself.
It’s time to make that mindset shift. Own your role as CEO of your business.
Have you done that yet? You’ll be amazed at the difference in your self-esteem when you do.
If you take on that role with enthusiasm, you’ll pay yourself well. You’ll stop doubting your va…
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Mar 30, 2021
121: How to Not Freak Out If a Coaching Prospect Does Not Enroll
A favorite past VIP client of mine, Shawna Warner, emailed me saying that she had challenging enrollment situation that didn't end well. She thought, and I thought too, that it would be valuable to all coaches to hear about this situation and discuss it a little bit. See the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/121.
First. I really want you to know more about Shawna and her business and how she started. So, Shawna, I'm going to turn it over to you. Thank you so much for taking the time to connect with us today and to share your story.
Shawna: Hi, Rhonda. Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to be here. I think I met you in the spring of 2017 and that's when I launched my coaching business, Cultivating Resilient Teens.
And then I kind of followed in your footsteps and launched a podcast by the same name last fall, because I really wanted to try to reach out on a different platform and help parents empower their teenage daughters to build that confidence, integrity, and resi…
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Mar 23, 2021
120: Should You Partner With Another Coach?
Some time ago a topic came up in Prosperous Coach Club, my Facebook group for new-ish coaches. The coach was talking about the challenge of networking with other coaches.
And that topic spurred me to talk about something related but not exactly the same, which is about partnering with another coach either short or long term. Find the full Show Notes for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/120
By the way, for this episode partnering could be anything from partnering on one small project to going all in and building a business together in partnership.
So first, I want to own my bias. I’ve always been a bit of a maverick. I have unconventional ideas and like to be the sole driver of those ideas. I very much enjoy the challenge of running my business driven by my own values and desires. I want to be able to turn on a dime. Make decisions quickly knowing it affects only me.
For those reasons, I’m not a good partner candidate. And that’s okay. You might be a good partner candidate.…
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Mar 16, 2021
119: Find the Niche Within Your Coaching Niche
This episode is about the un-mined gold in your coaching business. Find the Show Notes at prosperouscoach.com/119.
Because I’ve studied the strategic art of niching and coaching niches for so long I’ve noticed something that no one is talking about.
There are niches within your niche that will serve you better than staying broader. There are layers. The surface is not the most exciting or lucrative layer. In fact, it’s many layers deeper.
*The Layers of Your Coaching Niche*
When I work with my VIP clients we discover a niche ideal for them that’s a few layers down to something more strategic than where they started. Let me give you an example.
· Layer 1 of course is coaching. Coaching itself is a kind of niche.
· Another layer in might be relationship coaching
· Another layer beneath that is to pick a particular type of relationship, let’s say marriage.
· Then you can niche deeper than that to put some context about the specific PROBLEM you help the married indivi…
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Mar 9, 2021
118: How Coaches Devalue Themselves Which Keeps Them From Earning Well
This episode is a story about a coach whose business has yet to pay off 5 years in.
If you’re in a similar situation where your coaching business hasn’t paid off after years of significant investment I hope this will be an AHA for you.
Show notes for this episode are at prosperouscoach.com/118
A few weeks ago, a past client of mine re-emerged. She was clearly frustrated about the lack of income from her coaching business. Feeling defeated but also at an important crossroads in her life she was considering whether she should shutter the business we created for her a year ago or pivot somehow.
I invited her to have a call with me.
And by the way, this generous coach gave me permission to share some of our conversation with you. For her privacy, let’s call her Sherrie.
Sherrie was acutely aware of the large investments she had made over 5 years to learn how to coach, to create websites, to purchase mentoring to build her business and more.
It’s not unusual for a coach (and…
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Mar 2, 2021
117: How to Attract Ideal Coaching Clients Who Can’t Wait to Work with You
I’ve been promising this episode to you. Find the Show Notes at prosperouscoach.com/117.
Before we dig in I want to thank you for all the 5 star ratings and great reviews you have bestowed on Prosperous Coach Podcast and me.
Here’s a recent review from someone who used the moniker Soulful Coach. I think I know who you are and I’m bowing to you right now. Thank you for honoring me with your praise!
Here’s what this coach said:
This podcast is my go to for encouragement and quick reminders on specific topics that I’m struggling with. Rhonda is an amazing business coach and person. Her VIP program for coaches not only helps you identify your niche and much more but also helps you achieve personal growth in all dimensions of your life.
This review fits today’s topic about attracting ideal clients. I feel so blessed that I get to work with amazing human beings like Soulful Coach. How did that happen?
Most all of my clients apply to work with me because they like what they…
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Feb 23, 2021
116: Why Losing Potential Coaching Clients Is a Gift
This episode is inspired by the wisdom of hindsight. Don’t we all love hindsight! Show Notes can be found at *prosperouscoach.com/116**.*
As a highly experienced coach, I can say without hesitation that not every coach will be the best client for me. And not every client will be the best client for you either.
In fact, some clients could end up being difficult to work with. Episode #98 was about this. In that case you and the client may suffer each time you have a session. And that’s sad because here you are intending to do good yet harm could be done.
I assure you, it’s not because there’s anything wrong with that client or that there’s anything wrong with you. It comes down to how well the client aligns with you and you align with the client.
*Differences in Pace, Style and Values
*When communication style, pace and guiding values align there’s a harmonious coaching relationship.
Let’s take pace. Have you ever had a client who talks so fast you can’t understand t…
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Feb 16, 2021
115: How to Market Your Coaching Business Just Like You Coach
Today I want to change your perception of marketing. Find the full transcript for this episode at *prosperouscoach.com/115**.*
When you think of marketing, do you cringe? Have you been thinking things like this?
· Marketing will feel sleazy no matter how I do it. I hate the idea of it!
· I have to become good at selling myself.
· Marketing, selling and advertising are all the same thing.
· I don’t know how to market.
I thought those things too. And I think our response to high-pressure marketing tactics is what formed those beliefs. The sad thing is some of those tactics work and then you feel ashamed of having fallen for it.
I’ve surveyed coaches on their thoughts about marketing over decades and the urban myths about marketing remain much the same.
Most coaches think of it as a necessary evil.
Here’s what I think … if you believe you have to sell your soul to market you’ll never market effectively. But marketing is critical to attract clients. Without it, your…
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Feb 9, 2021
114: 10 Things That Help You Become a Coach in High Demand
This episode is pretty short but it will help to read the show notes to remind yourself of the “10 things” after you listen, which you can find at prosperouscoach.com/114.
One of my VIP clients was researching other coaches in her niche last week. She came away from that shocked and concerned.
So many of the sites felt like ghost towns. A lack of current content or pages out of date seemed to signify the sites were abandoned.
Besides this one, three distinct fears crop up fast from researching other coach’s websites:
Is the coaching field too saturated?
Should I be doing things this way instead?
Should I even try to make it in coaching?
First, I assure you the coaching field is not too saturated, especially if you do things to stand out in the crowd, which you’ll hear me reinforce a lot.
And should you even try? Only you can answer that. You know your mind and heart. If this truly important to you, you’ll go after it with singular focus and true grit.
It may be hard…
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Feb 2, 2021
113: Is it Okay to Coach Without Permission?
This episode is super short. Show notes can be found at prosperouscoach.com/113.
Recently, I heard a group of new coaches discussing the challenges of coaching someone who is un-coachable.
As one coach continued to describe the situation it came out that this was a conversation between friends not a coaching session. They hadn’t talked in years. The friend was having a rough time and the coach, wanting to help, tried to coach her.
Hearing that, took me back to an unpleasant memory from early in my years as a coach when I tried to coach a friend and it ended our friendship. At the time, I thought my friend wasn’t coachable either.
As a new coach, I was so eager to use my newly trained coaching skills that I attempted to coach nearly every one if I thought they needed it.
And that’s the big mistake – believing that people NEED coaching. No one NEEDS coaching.
Now, I’m very careful to never step into the coaching role unless I’m directly asked to. And I’ve realized the…
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Jan 26, 2021
112: Fall Back In Love With Your Coaching Business
This episode is a surprise package. It was to me and hopefully it will be to you too. Find the full transcript at *prosperouscoach.com/112*.
The longer I’m in business for myself — and it’s been a couple of decades now — the more I realize that once you have the strategy in place, success at your coaching business is largely an inner game.
And that’s mostly true about all aspects of life.
In a few minutes I’m going to share something radical that could help you to fall bacj in love with your coaching business and your life. But first let me take you back 14 years to an inspiring moment in time.
In 2006, when I first launched Prosperous Coach, it was a membership program with a year’s worth of curriculum for new coaches. One of my members made a huge impression on me. And I realized that while I was teaching other coaches how to launch, one of my Prosperous Coach members became my teacher.
This isn’t unusual in coaching by the way. Our clients have a lot to teach us…
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Jan 19, 2021
111: Smart and Not So Smart Coaching Business Expenses
This episode is inspired by a smart question from one of my VIP clients.
So I’m going to reveal where expenses go for my coaching business. And while I’m at it, I’ll share common expense pitfalls for coaches and finance savvy mindset tips.
I know this might seem boring but earning well is not boring. Losing profit after all you work feels like a tragedy. Don’t go there.
Reading the show notes for this episode will be especially helpful because I’ll list the sources of my expenses but I’m not going to bore you by listing them out verbally. Find those complete show notes at prosperouscoach.com/111.
*Bright Shiny Apps & Services Steal Your Coaching Profits
*First let’s talk about not-so-smart uses of your money for your coaching business.
There are multitudes of ads for bright shiny apps and services coming at you in your inbox and on social media. And in a moment of scarcity thinking you might be tempted to buy one, and another, and then another.
You know, you might t…
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Jan 12, 2021
110: 6 Services Every Coach Needs for an Easy Business
There are 6 services I use for my coaching business that I could not live without. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/110
I keep my business super streamlined for expenses, which means I keep most of what I earn. I want you to have high profit and the best support too.
*1. Custom Website on a WordPress Theme*
There are loads of debates about which is best web platform ... the venerable WordPress or newer on the block Wix and Squarespace.
I always advise WordPress over the others for 3 main reasons:
* WordPress is self-hosted. Which means you own your website.
* It has unlimited customization capabilities.
* It gives you access to more 3rd party plugins.
Bottom line ... *if your intention is to succeed in your business and be in it for the long run, WordPress beats the other platforms hands down because it can grow as your business grows*.
WordPress templates can easily morph into a home for your blog or podcast, a membership site, an online store. You can add sales…
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Jan 5, 2021
109: Are You Casting a Spell Against Your Coaching Business Success?
In episode 106 I talked about practices I use to help me manifest more ideal coaching clients and income. In this episode, let’s talk about the other side of that – how coaches cast a spell of failure on themselves. Find the show notes for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/109
A couple of caveats first …
· I believe that I can change my mind. I can change my beliefs. I can change the way I respond to things. It may take time and it’s doable with awareness.
· I believe that success requires more than positive thinking. Positive thinking lightens the way. It helps me put the focus on what’s working and gratitude. Strategic action joins with positive thinking to help me attract what I want.
So with that in mind … *imagine that money and success are simply a flow of energy*. Visualize them as a river. A river wants to flow, right? And it will find the way of least resistance to keep flowing.
*What can you do to encourage the flow of money and success towards you?*
Con…
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Dec 29, 2020
108: How to Develop Your Signature Coaching Program
This episode is part of my Money Mastery series. The whole series has been getting great response from listeners and this specific episode is be reprised as Listener’s Choice because it had a record number of listens.
Today’s episode is about a better way to package a coaching program and earn more than by the session or group of sessions. *You can read the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/108*.
First, let’s talk about schools of thought. If you’re still in coach training some trainers may insist that coaching should not be programmed. In other words, you shouldn’t create an offer other than coaching sessions because it means that you take away the coach’s agenda.
If you’ve been listening to me for a while you know I believe that you can both serve a client’s agenda AND offer a specific program for a specific audience that solves their biggest problem and gets them where they want to go.
After 22 years of experience in my own coaching business and helping hund…
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Dec 22, 2020
107: 7 Tips to Keep Coaching Clients Happy and Coming Back
Before we dive in, I’ve got a FREE gift for you because it’s been a hard year and you deserve this …
Have you been wondering why your coaching business hasn’t taken off the way you hoped?
There could be one or several things that need adjustment. Most likely it comes down to the wrong strategy or a lack of strategy somewhere.
*My free gift to you is a downloadable assessment called Coaching Business Checkup*. It will reveal any holes in your strategy so you can do everything more effectively and earn more in your business.
*Get your copy of the FREE download at **prosperouscoach.com/107**.*
Now let’s dig into today’s Listener’s Choice episode …
There’s plenty of information out there in training programs about how to coach. And there’s lots of attention out there on how to market and enroll clients plus the various tactics to earn well as a coach.
But there’s little communicated to coaches about exactly how to serve your coaching clients well so they love t…
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Dec 15, 2020
106: Can You Manifest Coaching Business Success With Your Mind?
I’m going to share something deeply personal in this episode, which is super short. This is part of my Money Master series.
When I launched Prosperous Coach in 2006, I was a new student of prosperity. At that time I called myself a spiritual coach and the basis of my work with other coaches was about the power of prosperity thinking combined with strategic actions.
I created a membership program with 22 weeks of study called The Coaches Power Path.
I stumbled upon a book that made a big impression on me called True Prosperity by Yehuda Berg. The concepts in the book are based on the Kabbalah – the word literally means receive.
His idea is that fear of success is inverted ego. And that fear is not a wall keeping you from what you want but rather fear arises to pinpoint what you need to focus on.
Fast forward many years … now I practice a few practices for my business that I believe help me focus on what I want and to detach from outcome. They reduce stress and worry while set…
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Dec 8, 2020
105: 3 Ways to Keep Momentum If Coaching Clients Aren’t Flowing In Yet
This episode is dedicated to the brilliant members of Prosperous Coach Club — my Facebook group — full of coaches who support each other to stay inspired and make things happen. Find the show notes for this episode at *prosperouscoach.com/105*
Here’s the truth … business startup requires deep reserves of patience and endurance. Perhaps more than nearly any other situation in life.
It’s not easy.
Perseverance, grit, determination, discipline and belief in self – all those life skills that might not be your strengths yet are what you need to build to keep your momentum going.
The only way to get those skills is to master your mindset and habits.
If you do learn to master those things, you will be amazed at what it brings you. Not just income, not just great clients and coaching experiences but the joy of respecting yourself.
Getting your coaching business established and working for you absolutely requires you to believe it WILL happen — even when there’s evidence t…
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Dec 1, 2020
104: How Celebrating Wins Helps Your Coaching Business Thrive
This short episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series. Find the whole podcast series at prosperouscoach.com/mindsets.
As human beings few of us celebrate the small in things in life.
If we’re lucky, growing up, our parents noticed our daily progress — encouragement for sitting up, eating well, for taking a step or being clever with toys.
But at some point a long the way that cheerleading slows down.
· Some of us are taught that tooting your own horn is bragging and immature.
· Others become high achievers and expectations run so high that even big wins don’t get much notice. It’s onto the next goal without a pause.
In any case that sense of personal pride shuts down.
The sad thing is that often means we don’t celebrate other people’s small wins either. All this means there’s less celebration in life, less joy, less encouragement.
*Lack of Celebration May Stunt Your Coaching Business Success*
I myself have been a late bloomer celebrating wins of adult…
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Nov 24, 2020
103: Should Coaches Have Expertise?
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series. Find the whole podcast series at prosperouscoach.com/mindsets
I wanted to let you know that my last episode had record listens. I was sharing how there’s one thing you must have going for you to be successful in your coaching business. It’s worth a listen because it’s likely not at all what you think. Check it out at prosperouscoach.com/102 or find it on any podcast app as episode 102.
Many coaches worry that they need expertise to be successful as a coach. Well … do you need expertise?
I say no.
But if you cultivate expertise you will gain credibility and find many ways to serve others with it.
*Experience is the Primer for Expertise As a Coach*
Sometimes I’ll talk to a coach who has decided to focus on a target audience and niche because they think that’s where the money is.
For example a coach who has never been in corporate decides to become a corporate coach. Or a coach who has never had any business e…
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Nov 17, 2020
102: You Can't Succeed in Your Coaching Business Without This
This episode is short and may surprise you. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/102.
A quick shout out to Reggie Scott . . . Thank you Reggie for your review in the Apple Podcast app. Reggie said: “I can binge listen. With her episodes being so short, sweet and to the point I get so much insight within 30 minutes. Thank you Rhonda for being kind with your listeners. I always look forward to your next podcast.”
I’m so honored that you binge listen, Reggie! And I appreciate you all for listening. I’m always so happy to share with you.
Okay let’s get to this little gem. I hope it’s an AHA for you.
Because I’ve been working with coaches to build their businesses for so many years I notice patterns. And I’m going to share something with you that sometimes gets me down a bit …
About 1 in 5 of my clients don’t make it in coaching. I know that is also the statistic in all types of entrepreneurial businesses. But it still shocks me a bit.
These heart full coache…
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Nov 10, 2020
101: Authentic Marketing is Alot Like Coaching
This episode was inspired by a recent conversation. Find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/101.
I’ve never met a coach who loves the idea of marketing. And most coaches tell me they hate the idea of selling. And that’s why it always surprises me when I see coach’s websites, emails and social posts worded in a salesy way.
I made up that word. Salesy is when you make your marketing about you and what you do instead of your target audience and what they want. Salesy is about pushing and convincing prospects to buy your program way before trust and connection are established.
For example, imagine …
· a coach’s website whose brand, domain and messaging is mostly about them and the wonders of coaching. That’s salesy.
· or social posts that spout the tenets of coaching. That’s salesy.
· or a lead magnet — also called a free offer or freebie — that delivers a bit of coaching guidance about limiting beliefs, balance or imposter syndrome — a…
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Nov 3, 2020
100: How 5 Coaches Leveraged Their Coaching Niche Into a Smart Podcast
Today feels special. I’m airing my 100th podcast and celebrating my 2nd year anniversary of podcasting!
Thanks to you — binge listening and sharing Prosperous Coach Podcast with other coaches — my show has hit 60,000 downloads and listenership is growing fast!
I’m so grateful to you and to the podcasting community, which is filled with some of the kindest, most generous people I’ve met. They genuinely want every podcaster to thrive. And so I have!
And I’m here to tell you that podcasting revolutionized my coaching business. Coaches reach out to me ready to enroll because they already trust me from listening to my podcast.
That’s why I recommend podcasting to my clients. For coaches — who are willing to choose a narrow viable target audience full of seekers and taken the time to research what those people want so much they’ll invest in support to get there — podcasting is a great fit.
Think about it … if you speak directly into the ear of your target audience…
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Oct 27, 2020
99: What Coaching Clients Want Vs. What You Think They Need
This episode is short and part of the series called Smart & Profitable Coaching Niches. If you’re new to this podcast and struggling to determine a strategic coaching niche, this series is for you. Check out all the episodes in this series at prosperouscoach.com/niche.
There’s something I hear nearly all new coaches say … they say “there’s a real need for that niche” or “that audience really needs help with this”. If I’m their business coach I encourage them to think differently.
*Shift from Tracking Needs to Tracking Wants*
In the world of attraction, wants are more compelling than needs with few exceptions. So instead of thinking about a person’s or a group’s needs, think instead about their wants – the desire that compel them to action.
All people have needs. And as newly trained coaches we have a heightened sense of this.
But not all people are seekers — people who do invest in their own personal or professional growth. Seekers are people with urgent…
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Oct 20, 2020
98: How to Handle Difficult Coaching Clients
This is part of the series about Managing Coaching Clients. Find the show notes for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/98 and the whole series at prosperouscoach.com/manage.
This subject isn’t talked about much in the coaching world. But it is a real thing. I decided to be brave and broach the subject with you because I know, as a new-ish coach, you’ll appreciate the straight talk.
What I’ve discovered having conversations with therapists, lawyers and other coaches is that all professionals that serve people in a fairly intimate way, especially one to one, are likely to have difficulty with some clients.
I’m talking about the kind of difficulty that can ruin your day and raise dread for future conversations if you let it.
I’ve had my share of upsetting coaching sessions and coaching relationships over 20 years as a coach. I’ve flubbed up so many times, was inarticulate and cloddy in my attempt to clear the air.
Some situations have resulted in significantly improved…
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Oct 13, 2020
97: What If Your Coaching Clients Have Strong Emotions In Session?
This episode is super short and it’s part of the series called Manage Your Coaching Clients, which you can find at prosperouscoach.com/manage.
As a new coach, it can be unnerving if a client displays strong emotions.
Anger, frustration, guilt, grief, sorrow, intense excitement — they are all natural feelings that usually move on when a person can express them.
They don’t define your client or their future and rarely indicate that something is wrong.
And here’s the thing … even if something seems “wrong”, it’s not up to you to make it all better.
*Don’t Take On Your Coaching Client’s Feelings*
Deep and even dark feelings can herald the beginnings of transformation.
When your client feels deep feelings during a session try this:
1. Hold space for them metaphorically to fully express their emotions.
2. Don’t TAKE ON their feelings. If you notice that your body or emotions are affected do your best to release the energy while in session and then also after th…
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Oct 6, 2020
96: Can You Want Too Much for Your Coaching Clients?
This episode is part of the series called Manage Your Coaching Clients.
I clearly remember a moment in the first few years of my coaching business where I was sharing with my mentor coach some feelings I was having about a client.
Then she asked me a powerful question:
Do you want more for your clients than they want for themselves?
That woke me up! I began to examine my motivations and set healthier boundaries for myself with clients.
Have you ever sensed that you might want too much for your clients?
Most new coaches fall into this trap on some level.
The trick is to let go of your desire to effect change ON your clients. In other words, don’t try to fix them or heal them.
Build up within yourself the belief that your client alone drives their desire and ability to change and grow. They have to want it!
*2 More Powerful Questions*
You can never know the path of another person.
If you try to anticipate and course correct for your client’s potential mistakes, are you kee…
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Sep 29, 2020
95: Is Coaching a Seasonal Business?
Recently I overheard a coach saying that her business had been doing well and then over the last two months everything came to an abrupt halt.
Prospects weren’t showing up. People stopped opening emails and engaging on social media. And her income slowed way down.
She was ready to give up on her business. And I thought to myselt, “Don’t do that! Instead accelerate and expand your efforts to attract ideal clients.”
Hearing her anxiety made me remember when I was a new coach. But here’s what I realized down the road. That daily pain I felt about fluctuations in my business came down to one mistake …
Taking things personally instead of responding strategically.
Do you know what I mean? If you are feeling blown around in the wind and like you have no control over your coaching business, it’s time for a mindset shift.
*You Control Your Results in Your Coaching Business*
Here’s the truth … you do have control over your business. Yes, you may need to may small increme…
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Sep 22, 2020
94: Maybe You Don’t Need a Coaching Niche
When I help a new coach develop their audience, niche, brand, messaging, web copy and more … part of what I’m doing is helping them to become an entrepreneur – the CEO of their own business.
My goal with helping them niche first is not to limit them but rather to help them leverage and have a powerful springboard to launch. I know that if they stand out in the crowd they have a greater chance of being a financially successful coach more quickly.
There are coach mentors out there that say you don’t need a niche. I have a theory about that. I imagine that those people are what I call PURE COACHES. Hopefully, they have found their own success without a niche before they tell other coaches that they don’t need one.
I’ve published a previous episode called Which Coach Archetype Fits You? You can find that at prosperouscoach.com/12. It’s worth a listen.
By observing successful coaches over 2 decades I cam up with 5 main archetypes for coaches … the Teacher (that’s my ar…
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Sep 15, 2020
93: How to Bring Your Full Self to Your Coaching Business
Having a coaching business may be the only income-producing role in your life where you get to bring your full personality, values and life experience together to serve others.
You get to be authentic and vulnerable.
Yes, put your best foot forward whenever you can. But you don’t have to pretend or puff yourself up.
Instead draw from and OWN all that you are.
Human beings tend to forget to OWN their intrinsic value and earned wisdom.
Truly, if you’ve never had a paying client before you can be honest about that.
In fact, I suggest to my clients to say with their first coaching prospects “I’d love it if you’d be one of my first clients!” It takes the pressure off. And your prospect will appreciate your honesty.
But you say it with enthusiasm for the person you’re enrolling and what you offer, right?
*Build Your Coaching Business On Your Values*
I took my training at Coach U, one of the first coaching schools, which was created by Thomas Leonard, who is often calle…
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Sep 8, 2020
92: A Sad Preventable Thing That Happens to Too Many Coaches
This is a super short episode with a bite sized but powerful message for all the new-ish coaches out there. It follows on the topic of the last episode called Should You Launch Your Coaching Business at a Better Time?
I was working with a favorite client last week who only has two more sessions in her 5 month VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough program with me. She was super busy with recent opportunities and finding it more challenging to get tasks done in order to launch her coaching business
I mentioned how important it will be to give her new coaching business enough day to day and week to week time to launch, build momentum and thrive.
It’s like giving love to a new born.
When we met the next week she told me that she took that to heart and was renewing her commitment to her coaching business. I could feel the shift in her energy. Well done!
A sad thing happens to too many coaches … after they spend significant money learning how to coach and then more money on programs to…
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Sep 1, 2020
91: Should You Launch Your Coaching Business at a Better Time?
I hope a day will come very soon when new listeners come across this episode and Corona Virus is a dim memory. I dream of that day when we’re all free to hug, hang out without distancing and go to work and school safely.
At this point, the pandemic has been going on a lot longer than we all imagined.
Many coaches are hesitating to launch their business *even though they are as ready as they will ever be*.
They are thinking:
“It’s not a good time to launch a business because no one can afford the services I offer.”
This misunderstanding is why I wanted to do a mini episode on this topic. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/91
*Should You Launch Your Coaching Business Now?*
So, you probably know what I’m going to say … YES! Now is always the best time to launch your business!
You can’t let global crises shut you down.
In fact, it’s just the opposite.
During a crisis is THE best time to be doing meaningful work. It’s THE best time to get your messages an…
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Aug 25, 2020
90:Test Your Coaching Niche with 4 Powerful Questions
This episode is part of the Smart & Profitable Coaching Niche series. And … it has eye opening questions to help you test the viability of your coaching niche. So test your niche with those questions, which you can find the full transcript for this episode here.
By the way, there are 14 episodes in that niche series – lots of intel for you —so if you’re having trouble choosing a viable target audience and developing a niche that solves a BIG enough problem so clients pay you well, check that whole series out. It’s easy to miss the earlier episodes if you are new to listening to Prosperous Coach podcast.
I decided to take a break from the Client Management series because there’s a louder cry out there in the coaching community for help to choose a coaching niche.
I have several clients who are still enrolled in coach training and they tell me that the other coaches are really struggling with all the business steps especially the niche part.
What usually happens is coache…
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Aug 18, 2020
89: Do You Shrink or Inflate Your Power with Coaching Clients?
This episode is part of the Client Management series. *Find the full transcript here.*
In the last episode, I covered 7 RED FLAGS to watch for with clients and also how you need to watch your feelings for indications of losing your integrity in sessions with clients.
Well, this session is one way you can lose your integrity and disempower your client.
What do you do when a client comes to a session resistant, as if their arms are folded across their chest? Coaching seems to bounce off them.
Or worse they seem to have the expectation that you’ll fix or figure out things for them, but aren’t willing to be part of the solution. What’s going on there?
Power dynamics.
For coaching to happen, both coach and client must show up co-creative, resourceful and whole. In other words … standing in their personal power.
How can you do your part to encourage that?
*The Helper in You May Overdo it*
Most coaches I meet genuinely want to help others. In fact, it’s often a driving forc…
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Aug 11, 2020
88: Watch for These Red Flags About Coaching Clients
This episode is part of a series called Manage Your Coaching Clients, which already has 3 important episodes about setting boundaries clients, the intake process and keeping your clients on track.
Recently in my Facebook group called Prosperous Coach Club, members have started discussions about specific challenges with current clients. And that’s what inspired this series.
The topic of client management is deep. And there’s not a lot of intel out there about how to deal with paying clients. It’s one of trial by fire things. But you know me, I want to bee line you to success so I’m going to cover this stuff!
As a new coach there are certain challenges that will come up with paying clients that diminish as you gain experience. When you charge highly for your services, clients are more committed and generally easier to work with. So do yourself a favor and charge more. I have a whole series on Money Mastery at prosperouscoach.com/money
This episode covers the red flags to watc…
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Aug 4, 2020
87: How to Rise Above Skeptics of Your Coaching Business
This episode is a super short but potent. Find the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/87.
Do you ever have the feeling that people in your inner circle aren’t supporting your choice to grow a coaching business?
It can be subtle … family or friends seem not to take interest when you talk about it. Their eyes glaze over or they change the subject quickly.
Or it can be overt … someone directly questions your wisdom in starting a coaching business or taking a bold step in it.
Or it can be in shadow where someone teases you about coaching.
Coaching is misunderstood by most people. The field’s reputation has been damaged by too many people calling themselves a coach who aren’t and it’s been made fun of in the media.
It’s one of the reasons why I encourage coaches not to sell coaching but rather target a narrow viable audience and solve a problem. You’ll use your coaching to serve your clients but not try to convince prospects of the value of coaching.
Coaching is a tool…
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Jul 28, 2020
86: When and How to Stop Coaching for Free
This episode is part of the Money Mastery series. *Find the full transcipt for this episode at **prosperouscoach.com/86*
It’s totally normal to give some coaching away free while you’re in coach training school. Schools encourage this because they want you to practice coaching skills with as many people as you can as often as possible.
Practice integrates learning.
The downside of offering free coaching over a long term is that it becomes increasingly difficult to shift from free to charging fees.
Resistance gathers … and soon simply the idea of charging fees looms large in your mind.
That’s why many coaches get stuck in practice or what I call Perpetual Student Mode.
*Patterns Become Habits and Habits Become Mindset*
It’s critical to cross that threshold away from offering free coaching to becoming a professional coach and charging fees quickly.
You see, our brains have a need for order. Anything you do repeatedly can become habit. Your mind SETS.
That can be a posi…
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Jul 21, 2020
85: How Can New Coaches Be Perceived As Credible?
You’ve heard that you need to build the know-like-trust factor with your target audience before they’ll hire you. It’s true.
Imagine that your ideal clients reach out to hire you already feeling a deep connection with you and want what you offer. It raises their willingness to invest at a high level and fully dedicate themselves to the work
*But how can you convey credibility as a brand new coach?*
That’s what today’s episode is about.
To answer that question, let’s turn this around. Shift your perspective on the problem. It’s nearly always the best way to solve problems.
What inspires YOU to feel that a resource is trustworthy?
Some people say things like credentials, years in business, reviews or testimonials. Absolutely. Those things help.
But there’s something that grabs attention and builds trust even faster …
*Coaching Prospects Trust Coaches Who Understand Them*
I hear constantly from clients, prospects and fans of my podcast that they feel like I’m…
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Jul 14, 2020
84: Are You Afraid to Ask Coaching Clients to Pay You?
You may have noticed that many of my recent episodes are about mindsets. It’s a deep topic. Human beings are so good at stopping themselves from success simply by the way we think. I often wonder how my life would have been earlier in life if I’d known about mindfulness and the power of shifting mindsets.
A while ago I did a whole series of episodes called Smart Mindsets and Habits. You can find that series at prosperouscoach.com/mindsets. If you’re feeling stuck and in your own way I recommend listening to those episodes.
Today I want to dig into something that all new coaches struggle with especially as they are launching. You can find today’s Show Notes at prosperouscoach.com/84
*Coaches Often Have Money Money Issues*
It’s fascinating because it doesn’t matter how high powered a job the coach had before, how much money they earned, how many certifications or degrees they have or even how confident they appear — I hear the same basic thing from them …
I hate sell…
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Jul 7, 2020
83: Overwhelm is a Bad Habit Coaches Need to Break Now
I’m tired of overwhelm. Aren’t you?
Nothing sucks the joy out of your coaching business like that over-burdened feeling:
· An endless to do list
· The overflowing inbox
· Too many learning curves to climb
I know overwhelm. I remember what it feels like to launch. It’s a project with so many moving parts and you can easily get ahead of yourself.
The truth is, *most often overwhelm is a bad habit wanting to be broken*. Whatever your reasons, some part of you is choosing to feel overwhelmed. It’s a choice. But it’s not a conscious choice.
Like in the story of the boy who cried "wolf", your brain and body has been trained to perceive challenges as emergencies.
You’re actually OK, but you don't believe that you are OK.
Now is your opportunity to teach yourself how to be conscious and not choose overwhelm. The are 4 main reasons overwhelm occurs:
1. Non-stop stimulation
2. Chronic disorganization
3. Scarcity consciousness
4. Lack of inner resources
And, as this e…
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Jun 30, 2020
82: The Mindset Shift That Helps You Charge More with Coaching Clients
This will be a super short episode. And it’s part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series.
I feel so honored that when I work with my clients I get to see them shift their mindset in ways that will help them succeed faster at this game called entrepreneurship.
By the way, thinking of building your coaching business as a game is one way to take the pressure off and enjoy the journey.
So the specific mindset I’m digging into today is about OWNING your right:
· Own your right to be in business for yourself
· Own your right to earn well
· Own your right to live the life you want
That may sound odd. Let me explain.
*My Early Coaching Business Was An Albatross*
When I was new to my own coaching business I treated myself like I didn’t deserve to be in business, like I didn’t deserve to earn well and have the life I want. Here’s what I did:
1. I overcomplicated my business model by offering too many options.
2. I undervalued myself and charged way too little to sustain my…
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Jun 23, 2020
81: How Shame Crushes Momentum in Your Coaching Business
This episode, which is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series, is a follow on to Episode 80, which was called Competition, Comparison and Shame in the Coaching Industry.
I received many brave and heart felt comments on that episode, including this one from Marian:
“Thank you for this episode, Rhonda. I feel like you’re responding to what’s inside my head! This was amazingly helpful to me and has inspired me to reach out more to support and share with other coaches, especially my classmates.”
Well done, Marian, because that kindness you shared to other coaches goes a long way for making the coaching industry a more friendly and encouraging field. We need that.
It’s not easy to talk about shame.
But the upside, is that once you acknowledge it you can quickly realize what triggers it and that helps you let it go.
A private client in my VIP Coaching Business Breakthrough program was baring her experience of shame with me in our session today.
And I’m so grateful to y…
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Jun 16, 2020
80: Competition, Comparison and Shame in the Field of Coaching
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets and Habits series. You can find the full transcript at https://prosperouscoach.com/80
The last episode was about the crucial role of courage in success and how it comes before confidence.
I received a lot of sweet comments about that episode along of the lines of “Thanks, I needed that!”
Yes! Every coach needs encouragement, especially in the early days. Have you ever noticed the word ‘courage’ within the word ‘encourage’? I encourage you to encourage other coaches too.
Now I want to talk about adverse affects on your confidence as a coach. Namely, petty competition, comparison and shame. One leads to the next.
*Shame is the Dark Secret in the Coaching Industry*
I’m going to get right to the elephant in the room … the toxic result of comparison.
Have you ever felt a sense of shame when you compare yourself to other coaches?
It’s okay if you have. And actually it’s healing to acknowledge it.
Just thinking about it m…
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Jun 9, 2020
79: For Your Coaching Business Courage Comes Before Confidence
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series.
Today I’m talking about courage – something all successful coaches had to raise within themselves long before they felt confident about anything. Find the full transcript here.
This episode is for you if you are feeling afraid of crossing any threshold large or small to launch your business and build it into something solid to support your family.
If you’ve been looking for confidence in a crucial moment and feeling none here’s the truth …
It is courage not confidence that will help you break through. Courage is the fire within you. Confidence is earned through repetitive acts of courage.
Before we get into that, I want to share something deeply personal …
Courage has been asking me to step up lately.
I’ve lived a life boosted by centuries of privilege. My parents were middle class and worked hard. My dad was educated by the GI bill and got a good job. Their parents scraped by through the Great Depression…
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Jun 2, 2020
78: The Art of Crafting Powerful Coaching Questions
I have something really special for you today's episode, which is about powerful coaching questions and is a part of a new series on Coaching Skills.
*Get your FREE COACHING SKILLS DOWNLOAD at **prosperouscoach.com/78*
First, I want to share something personal with you. I have been so buoyed up by wonderful reviews lately. So I want to give a shout out to Gemma who said recently to me:
“I'm sending a heap of gratitude to you, Rhonda, your generous podcast has helped me identify my platform and program. Also, I know that I'm not alone in this. You've helped so many coaches. Thank you for cutting through the noise.”
That made my week. So I'm grateful to you, Gemma, for taking the time to write that review for me on iTunes.
So let's roll with today's episode.
I have the pleasure of introducing you to Laurie Cameron of WAKE UP Enterprises.
*Laurie is literally the best coach I know.* She is also the best coach trainer I know.
In 2001 I co-created curriculum for Coach Training A…
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May 27, 2020
77: 7 Ways to Create a More Valuable Experience with Coaching Clients
*FREE DOWNLOAD - Go to **prosperouscoach.com/77** to get your copy of **Coaching Business Checkup**.*
There’s plenty of information out there in training programs about how to coach. And there’s lots of attention out there on how to market and enroll clients plus the various tactics to earn well as a coach.
But there’s little communicated to coaches about exactly how to serve your coaching clients well so they love the experience, come back for more and refer others to you.
Client service goes beyond coaching skills but does stem from the way you market and engage your target audience from the get go.
Your coaching client’s satisfaction in you and your program begins before they hire you and continues after they finish with you.
If you’re following the guidelines I’ve given to you in episodes 62 through 77 in this Coaching Business Checkup series, then you’ll be strategically setting everything up for your coaching business in a way that guarantees satisfaction for i…
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May 19, 2020
76: Will You Exclude Some Coaching Clients If You Narrow Your Audience?
Today’s episode is short and sweet. *The full transcirpt can be found at **prosperoucoach.com/76*
It was inspired by something that came up in Prosperous Coach Club, my Facebook group.
Several new coaches were having trouble drilling down to a narrow and viable audience to serve because they didn’t want to exclude anyone.
I had that concern myself in my early days of coaching. I waffled and stayed general for far too long. I didn’t realize how much easier it would be if I did narrow my audience.
But as time passed and my income from coaching remained small I became keenly motivated to do anything I could — including things I was afraid to do — to change that.
With hindsight I know without a doubt that finally narrowing my audience catapulted me to success so that now I reliably attract ideal clients and earn well – even during the pandemic.
Now I fully understand that my choice to narrow was a strategic choice.
I’ve been talking a lot about strategy in my current p…
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May 12, 2020
75: How to Produce Content for Your Coaching Business That Inspires Engagement
Today is all about creating smart content as part of a visibility strategy for your coaching business.
*Grab the FREE Download called **5 Rules to Write Better Copy for Your Coaching Business.** *
I want you to know why I veered away from finishing that series after 9 popular episodes.
It takes tremendous brainpower to delve into strategy in a clear and useful way. The pandemic has had me swimming through brain fog. I know I’m not the only one affected in that way.
But finishing this series now is important to me for a few reasons:
1. It’s high time to get back to it. Procrastination steals energy!
2. I know will help you start thinking strategically for every area of your coaching business
3. I’m putting the finishing touches on a free download for you. It’s a series of powerful questions to help you assess if you’re doing all the right things to grow your coaching business and attract clients who pay you well.
So let’s get this topic rolling …
*Content is Still…
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May 5, 2020
74: Is Fear Holding You Back From Launching Your Coaching Business?
Today is all about the F word. *The full transcript can be found at **prosperouscoach.com/74**.*
Fear is a powerful force. It can move you toward safety and it can keep you from your destiny.
The feeling is no fun. But, like all feelings, it holds the possibility of transformation.
On any given day, I feel some amount of fear. What about you?
Fear could show up while I’m listening to the news. Or, if I’m in a car and I or someone else makes a mistake in judgment. It could be a deep concern that rises up about someone I love.
During my work, it could be a moment of uncertainty. Or, maybe I’m trying to learn something new or take a big step that I’ve rarely or never taken.
Fear is a fairly present emotion.
But most of the time fear doesn’t stop us. It might give you pause, but it doesn’t ultimately stop you from moving forward in your life.
And that’s totally appropriate.
Everyone feels fear. So it’s not something we want to turn off or stop feeling. It’s not e…
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Apr 28, 2020
73: Do You Fit One of These Coach Archetypes?
This episode is another REPRISE during the pandemic to give me a chance to be with my emotions while still providing something helpful to coaches. Bless my foggy brain. I need a break, ya’ll!
You’re going to love this if you haven’t already heard it. And if you have already heard it consider listening again.
And, I double dog dare you to choose just one of these archetypes as your primary archetype and not just say “Oh, I can relate to all them.” In my experience, one rises to the surface like cream.
So this is a creative exploration of how personality can affect your choice of coaching niche.
When I work with coaches to help them determine their niche, I ask a lot of questions to uncover clues that, when strung together, point us to natural possibilities for them.
I've been playing with this idea for years — that coaches often have a natural inclination, which influences how they will build and grow their business. And that can influence what type of audience and nich…
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Apr 21, 2020
72: Are You Stuck in the New Coach Swirl and Spin?
Do you know how sometimes it helps to be reminded of something?
Coaches are smart people. We have lots of wisdom brimming inside of us. And, during the pandemic, I especially need reminding about many helpful things.
And after recent conversations with past clients and current clients I thought it might be helpful to reprise an older episode.
This is all about why it’s so easy to get stuck as a new coach and how to snap out of it! *You can find the full transcript for this episode and links to other helpful information at **prosperouscoach.com/72*
Let’s roll!
It's got to be said because it's breaking my heart to see so many coaches bogged down and unable to move forward with clarity ... because they've overloaded their brain with unnecessary ideas and future tasks for your coaching business.
I've talked about overwhelm before in Ep #20 - How to Stop Saying 'Yes" to Bright Shiny Objects
That episode was mostly about wasting money, time and brain power on programs that you're…
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Apr 14, 2020
71: Are You A Highly Sensitive Coach?
This episode is about … being highly sensitive as a coach. *The full transcript is at **prosperouscoach.com/71**.*
If you don’t identify as highly sensitive, consider listening to this short episode anyway because a significant percentage of human beings are highly sensitive and you might learn something new.
Last week I didn’t post an episode. It’s the first time in 18 months of podcasting that I’ve skipped airing an episode except for Christmas Day.
And the last two weeks when I sat down to focus on my podcast I’ve been blank. Sure, I’ve felt a bit blank before when I sit down to create. I’ll take a walk and come back with a burst of creativity.
But this blankness has gone on for weeks. My pre-recorded, pre-published episodes have caught up with me.
Finally I realized that I’m deep in grief. At times of grief, business as usual doesn’t feel right. And there’s no bandwidth for generative thought.
I spoke to a past client of mine. She encouraged me to share…
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Mar 31, 2020
70: Attract Motivated Coaching Clients Who Will Invest
This episode is part of my Coaching Business Checkup series. The ful transcript can be found at: *https://prosperouscoach.com/70*.
This series is getting deep and that’s because sometimes you find yourself working hard but not getting traction. And, this series addresses what’s usually missing.
Today we’re digging into something that’s rarely talked about by marketing experts. In fact it’s something that’s only recently dawned on me, even though I’ve been acting on it for a long time intuitively.
It's all about why you only want to attract people who do have the motivation and the financial ability to hire you.
Before I go further …
How are you holding up? I know you’re scared about how Corona Virus might kill your coaching business dreams.
I want you to know something … during 20 years in my own coaching business, the economy has crashed big time twice and other disasters have derailed the normal flow of business.
Yes, there is an adjustment period. But in e…
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Mar 24, 2020
69: To Attract More Coaching Clients Plan Their Journey To You
Have you ever considered exactly how coaching clients will find you? That’s what this episode is all about.
Here I am in Week 2 of social distancing during the pandemic and I’m attempting somewhat of a structure for my life but definitely not business as usual. It does help to establish habits and a schedule as you can.
With so much suffering none of us can be in that default mode we had before. That said, I believe these times are an opportunity for learning new ways of managing our states of mind, taking extreme care and being community minded.
I hope you’re staying healthy. Many blessings to you.
Getting back to the Coaching Business Checkup series. This episode is all about mapping the journey your potential coaching clients will take to find you. Show notes can be found at *prosperouscoach.com/69*. And this episode follows on the topic of Episode 67, which was all about strategizing your coaching business model.
You can’t strategically map your customer’s journey un…
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Mar 17, 2020
68: Calling All Coaches To Innovate And Lead
I’m taking a break from the Coaching Business Checkup series because … times are strange and business as usual just doesn’t feel right to me.
I found it difficult to get things done. My head was fuzzy and I didn't know what to do with my time.
If you’re listening to this episode in spring of 2020 individuals in our earthly community are either anticipating the pandemic to arrive in their neighborhood or are already in lock down. It’s unsettling to say the least.
I’m an empath. You may be too. Many coaches are highly sensitive people and we feel more than our own personal condition.
And so I took more time to:
1. Spend more time in nature and connect with earth.
2. Meditate more on what it is to be part of the global community.
3. Reduce my consumption of news.
If you find yourself weighed down these days, do things like this to let the anxiety flow through you rather than letting the heaviness stick around. It will help your immune system.
There’s no doubt in my…
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Mar 10, 2020
67: What Is Your Coaching Business Model?
This episode, called What Is Your Coaching Business Model? is the 6th in my Coaching Business Checkup series, which is all about how to strategize the most important parts of your business. If something isn’t working well in your coaching business, it might be a lack of strategy holding you back.
At the end of this whole series I’ll have a downloadable Coaching Business Checkup Assessment you can use to diagnose and treat what’s ailing in your business so you can fix it and thrive.
The full transcript for today’s episode can be found at *prosperouscoach.com/67**.*
Just in case this business model idea is totally new to you, let’s define what a business model is and why you want one.
*Why Have a Business Model for Your Coaching?*
A business model is literally a design for the success of your business. It’s a structure you create that makes your business viable. In other words, it’s your plan for earning good money as a coach.
Essential, right?
Like many aspects of y…
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Mar 3, 2020
66: How to Describe Your Coaching Program Without Selling Coaching
This episode, which is part of the Coaching Business Checkup series, is going to be short. The full transcript for this episode is at prosperouscoach.com/66.
You’ve probably noticed that there are overlapping themes in this series episode to episode. That’s because strategy intentionally connects one thing to another.
Forgive me for the repetition but it’s not possible to talk about one strategic action or decision without mentioning what goes before it. Strategy is about connecting dots. It’s about congruence.
*Strategy – The Many Layered Cake*
I’ve been making a many-layered cake for you.
We started with the strategy of choosing a viable target audience full of seekers and then moved onto the central task of developing a smart coaching niche — centering on a big enough problem your audience faces.
Now, if you are continuously visible out there speaking your audience’s language about their big problem and show that you have a solution without being salesy, they w…
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Feb 25, 2020
65: Are You Solving a Big Enough Problem In Your Coaching Business?
This episode is part of the Coaching Business Checkup series. Show notes can be found at prosperouscoach.com/65.
If you’re not attracting enough paying clients to sustain your business there could be several reasons why. The episodes in this series are designed to help you isolate what needs attention.
But don’t let these errors move you to give up on your coaching business unless you’re truly done with the dream of being a successful coach and helping loads of people with your unique talents.
*To Succeed You Have to Be Willing to Flail and Fail A Bit*
I encourage you to be willing to make mistakes and realize they don’t define the possibility of your future success.
Jumping out there without strategy is a time honored mistake. Nearly everyone makes these mistakes if they are willing to risk success.
On the other side of this is the person who does not risk anything and misses out on the chance to learn from their mistakes. And those are the folks who may regret staying i…
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Feb 18, 2020
64: How To Strategically Choose Your Coaching Niche
.In my last episode I listed off 10 Ways To Be More Strategic In Your Coaching Business as an overview to my next 10 episodes. Find the full transcript for this episode at *prosperouscoach.com/64*.
In this episode I’m focusing on the FIRST way to be strategic in your coaching business. In other words, strategizing this step is what you do before you do anything else — website, offers, social media marketing.
What is this #1 way to be more strategic? Choose a viable coaching niche, of course.
This episode and the other 9 to follow are all part of my Coaching Business Checkup series. I will have a free downloadable Coaching Business Checkup for you at the end of this series, so stay tuned!
*One Decision That Rules Them All*
MBAs and business experts agree that if you niche your business in a strategic way from the get go you’ll dramatically increase your ability to succeed and sustain success.
And that’s truer than ever in this information age where there are more entrepren…
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Feb 11, 2020
63: 10 Ways To Be More Strategic In Your Coaching Business
In the last episode I talked about high payoff actions you can take in your business. High payoff actions are the ones that get you the results you want.
Those actions are always strategic – based on a strategy that you’ve thought through.
In this episode, which is the 2nd in the series called Coaching Business Checkup, I’m going to talk about the top ways for new coaches to be strategic in their business.
Show notes for this episode can be found at prosperouscoach.com/63.
*No Strategy is a Slow Strategy*
I was thinking about this recently … when did I begin to be more strategic in my coaching business?
It began when I targeted a viable audience and figured out what they want so much they’d invest in my help to reach that goal.
That was my first point of strategy. That’s #1 because if you don’t target a viable audience no other strategy after that will work.
Embarrassingly, it was only after my 2nd coaching website and after my 3rd year in business for myself that…
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Feb 4, 2020
62: Coach Are You Focusing On The Right Things?
This episode is the first of a new series called Coaching Business Checkup which is about the top reasons why coaches struggle to earn well and how to shift it.
At the end of this series I’ll give you access to a free downloadable checklist so you can give your business a checkup from time to time.
I’m starting off with something that covers a lot of ground. Strategy.
Find the full transcript for this episode at *prosperouscoach.com/62.*
*Do you ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels* and going nowhere despite staying busy in your coaching business?
That doesn’t feel good. You’re left scratching your head wondering what you’re doing wrong.
Well, first let me say I get it. I’ve been there. And you’re in good company if you feel this way.
Here’s the big question … are you doing the right things every day? I’m talking about efforts that will pay you back with clients and income?
There is so much out there to distract you. The bright shiny object syndrome…
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Jan 28, 2020
61: Get Out Of Your Own Way To Earn More As A Coach
This episode is an add on to the Money Mastery series because, while I’ve been getting a lot of praise for these episodes, I hear and can feel the fear out there holding you back from putting these things into action. Find the full transcript at *prosperouscoach.com/61*.
A listener, Jil, said:
“I would have never considered odd number pricing. Great tips! You continue to challenge my mind’s instinct to want to charge lowers prices than I should. It does freak me out though.”
And that’s why I’m doing this episode today because Jil isn’t the only one feeling freaked out about pricing enough to earn well.
Find show notes for today’s episode at prosperouscoach.com/61
You took a huge leap not long ago … deciding to invest significant money and time into learning how to coach.
Your dream of having your own coaching business doing something you love has driven you forward so far.
But now, it’s time to prove to yourself that you can make a real business out of this.…
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Jan 21, 2020
60: How to Price Your Signature Coaching Program
This episode is part of my Money Mastery series. It’s the follow on episode to How to Develop Your Signature Coaching Program.
The full transcript for this episode are at *prosperouscoach.com/60*
*Common Pricing Strategies and What Works Best for Coaching*
I can think of 3 common pricing strategies for pricing:
1. Cost plus pricing – where you calculate your costs then mark up the program so it pays you well.
2. Competitive pricing – where you set your price based on your competition.
3. Value based pricing – where you set your price based on the value of your offer to the client.
I do encourage you to the do the math of what it will cost you to deliver your program. Most coaches miss this piece. And it’s quite eye opening to realize the cost of the time you spend getting a single client in addition to specific costs of marketing and inclusions in the program.
That said, to ultimately determine the cost of your program I prefer VALUE based pricing.
Here’s the reali…
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Jan 14, 2020
59: How To Develop Your Signature Coaching Program
This episode is part of my Money Mastery series. The series has been getting great response from listeners. See the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/59.
About the last episode —planning for profit in your coaching business — Roger said he had several takeaways.
· Having a real understanding of the stages of business.
· The idea to set an expense budget.
· “The big one is that I realize I was relying on my part time paid employment to support my coaching business as more of a hobby. So I have a shift now into thinking of it as more of a business and your great tip of taking a salary from my coaching business to pay bills will be fantastic.”
Thanks for sharing that, Roger!
Today’s episode is about a better way to package a coaching program and earn more than by the session or group of sessions. You can read the show notes at prosperouscoach.com/59.
First, let’s talk about schools of thought. If you’re still in coach training some trainers ma…
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Jan 7, 2020
58: Start Planning For Profit In Your Coaching Business
This episode is part of my Money Mastery series. To see the show notes for this episode go to https://prosperouscoach.com/58
I’m about to suggest a new mindset and practice that will help you take a big leap in the amount of money you earn from your coaching business — even if you’re a brand new coach.
It’s all about taking yourself seriously as a business owner and graduating from that hobby-like coaching business to what’s called a going concern – a sustainable business that reliably provides for you and your family.
There are two parts to this episode. In the first I’ll explain the 3 phases of coaching business development. You’ll see why soon.
The second part is about planning. Are you wincing at that? Planning to earn could actually mean that you do earn and earn well.
I’m purposefully keeping this part very basic so if you’ve been a CFO in a corporation or a CPA or this is your 2nd entrepreneurial experience, you may not need this episode.
But if you’r…
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Dec 31, 2019
57: Coach, Is It Time To Give Yourself A Raise?
This episode is the 5th in the series called Money Mastery. Find the full transcript at prosperouscoach.com/57.
The last episode called Are You Turning Away Coaching Clients with Your Pricing explained a more strategic approach to pricing than charging by the session or a package of sessions. I highly recommend that you listen to that.
In this episode, I’ll focus in on the mindset and simple mechanics of how to give yourself a raise, no matter what approach you’re using to charge right now.
*Shift Your Money Mindset*
If you’re a new coach chances are you’re not thrilled with your income yet. And there may be conflicting ideas in your head about taking money for coaching.
First there’s the idea “Well, I’m a new coach so I shouldn’t charge much.”
But totally at odds with that is the desire “I want to be financially successful at this.”
And then, there’s this other idea that can come with the helping professions “Money isn’t that important to me.”
It…
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Dec 17, 2019
56: Are You Turning Away Coaching Clients with Your Pricing?
This episode is the 4th in my Money Mastery series. I’ll have the link to the whole series so far on the show notes, which you can find at prosperouscoach.com/56.
In this episode you’ll learn a powerful shift in the approach to your coaching business that will dramatically boost your earning power.
*Are You Charging Fees for Coaching Sessions?*
Raise your hand if you’ve ever priced your coaching by the session or by the hour.
You’re not alone in that. It’s the typical pricing strategy for new coaches. I raised my hand too.
I used to charge by the month for a certain amount of sessions. Now, that’s slightly more strategic than charging by the hour, but as pricing strategies go, it’s on the low side of effective.
Today, the only time that I charge by the session is for my Strategy Session. You’ve heard me mention this from time to time. It’s a one-off 90-minute session where you can get my expertise to help you choose a smart target audience and coaching niche.
T…
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Dec 10, 2019
55: Is What You Love to Coach About Marketable?
This episode is part of the On Air Coaching series where I coach coaches while on the air.
What follows is a transcript of our conversation.
*Rhonda:* I'm so excited to be talking to a young woman who has so much to offer and she's here to talk to me about her coaching niche and target audience. I know you're going to get great value from listening.
Welcome Alexia Mellor! Alexia, I would love it if you would tell everyone a little bit about what led you to this moment where we're having this conversation and that can be anything about your background.
*Alexia:* Sounds good. Well first of all, thank you so much for having me here. It's such an honor and a privilege to be able to share the space with you. So thank you so much Rhonda.
So I have a bit of an eclectic background I think career wise and life wise, that has taken me on lots of lovely detours that's led to this point. But I recently finished my PhD where I was looking at the potential of participatory art practices — whe…
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Dec 3, 2019
54: Awaken Your Money Making Mojo
A quick announcement … Have you been stuck on something that’s holding you back in your coaching business? It could be something small but critical, such as:
· choosing a narrow and viable target audience so you stand out
· discovering the big problem you help your audience solve
· crafting your compelling core message
· branding your company
· brainstorming an irresistible free offer
· planning your transition to full time coaching
· developing or pricing your program
· or working on a mindset issue that’s been blocking you
These are all perfect topics for a 90 minute Strategy Session with me. If you’ve been stuck on some aspect of your business, give yourself the gift of a Strategy Session.
>>> *Learn more and sign up at **prosperouscoach.com/strategy**.*
This episode is part of my new Money Mastery series in which I’ll be talking about money mindset, charging what you’re worth, profits, pricing and revenue planning. To see the show notes for this episod…
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Nov 26, 2019
53: Get Prosperity Thinking Working for Your Coaching Business
This is the first episode in the new series called Money Mastery. In this series I’ll dig into pricing strategies, revenue planning and liberally sprinkle in money mindsets and prosperity thinking, which make all the difference in attracting coaching clients who pay well.
>>> *The full transcript for this episode can be found at **prosperouscoach.com/53*
After all, success is part mindset, part strategy and part right action.
First for a bit of gratitude …
Prosperous Coach Podcast has just hit 20,000 downloads and that’s because you have been generously passing forward this podcast to your coach friends and colleagues. Thank you!
Every day I hear from another coach how much this podcast has meant to them and I feel so grateful. That fills me with joy.
Speaking of gratitude … are YOU feeling it?
I ask because I’ve seen a direct relationship to gratitude and financial success for coaches. For one thing, gratitude is attractive in the most literal sense of the word.
And…
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Nov 19, 2019
52: How to Enroll More Coaching Clients Without Being Salesy - Listeners Choice 2019
Last week I shared the Listeners’ Choice #1 Best Episode and again it had record plays!
A shout out to Susan who wrote:
“So Much truth. It was like a choice of angels harmonized in the background as I understood. Happy Anniversary to you and Prosperous Coach Podcast. You’ve helped me get to someplace new and exciting in my business, thank you.”
I love that, Susan!
Today, I’m sharing a second Listeners’ Choice for Best Episode in 2019 — How to Enroll More Coaching Clients Without Beings Salesy.
I’m not surprised that this episode was super popular. For one thing who wants to be salesy? But also this episode also has a content upgrade – a downloadable guide you can get for free that walks you through my step by step questions to ask coaching prospects during your Discovery Session.
The questions actually inspire people to hire you.
>>> *So don't forget to get that download which you can find at **https:prosperouscoach.com/19*
* Rhonda Hess helps new coaches le…
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Nov 12, 2019
51: Why is Coaching a Hard Sell? - 2019 Listeners Choice #1
I’m proud to say that Prosperous Coach Podcast is 1 year old and going strong with over 18,000 downloads thanks to you.
I’m grateful for the continuous stream of enthusiasm I hear from you and how generously you’ve shared my episodes with other coaches.
Keep that up because coaches need this kind of community support.
We’re in this together. Whatever generosity you have towards other coaches comes back to you many fold.
Very soon I have a new series for you. I’ll be digging into pricing, packaging and all the mindset issues that I know coaches have about asking for fees that pay you well. I had them and I see the same limiting beliefs in my clients.
The good news is you can leap over those issues with a bit of coaching. I’ve seen lots of coaches go from stuck and limited to suddenly understanding why it’s so important to charge more than you think you’re worth in order to realize your worth and help clients transform significantly.
More about that and all the MONE…
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Oct 29, 2019
50: How to Get Authentic and Useful Testimonials from Coaching Clients
This is a short episode with practical suggestions that work for how to get useful testimonials from clients.
After a 2 episode hiatus, I’m getting back to the Client Winning Coaching Website Series. You can find the full transcript for this episode at* **prosperouscoach.com/50*
*Not All Testimonials Are Useful*
Think about what you like to read when you’re considering hiring a professional. A testimonial that reads like this is sweet, but not compelling:
Rhonda is such a great coach. She’s kind and gentle but also tells me the truth when I need to hear it. I always enjoy our sessions and feel energized afterwards. I’ve learned so many things from her. I think every coach should hire Rhonda.
Now, I just made that up but it’s the kind of testimonial I used to get and I stopped posting them because they aren’t helpful.
You want testimonials that have substance not just ooey gooey praise for you.
People read testimonials to hear results. So good testimonials reveal the…
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Oct 22, 2019
49: The Only Good Reason to Give Up On Your Coaching Business
Okay so the title of this episode is a bit tongue in cheek. Really, it’s more about — Bad Reasons to Give Up On Your Coaching Business. For the Show Notes on this episode go to https://prosperouscoach.com/49
The truth is there are several good reasons why a coach might choose to give up on their coaching business but they all fall under one overarching reason … that it’s not a priority.
It’s been said that timing is everything. When you’re undertaking something big, timing matters.
I’ve shared in a few earlier episodes that when a coach is interested in hiring me to help them develop their coaching business from niche to messages to offers and website – all the little and big details – I ask several questions to see if they are ready to do this.
Most of the time people can sense they’re ready and we’re off on the path, dreaming it up together.
Now, I’ve known coaches who dropped their coaching business because …
· they found out they were pregnant and t…
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Oct 15, 2019
48: The Meanest Mindset That Holds Coaches Back From Success
I’m taking a break from the Client Winning Coaching Website series to talk about 2 widespread coaching business killers — perfectionism and analysis paralysis.
This episode fits into the series on Smart Mindsets & Habits. Show notes for today’s episode are at prosperouscoach.com/48
Perfectionism and Analysis Paralysis are two mean siblings. And they may be holding you back from … well, so many things in life.
By the way, perfectionism is an older cousin of Imposter Syndrome. Check out episode 1 for more about that.
Think of it, if we could all cure ourselves of these things for good, there would be a lot more happiness in the world — happier kids, happier students, happier entrepreneurs, definitely happier coaches.
First, I want you to know, I am not cured of perfectionism and I do still find myself stuck in analysis paralysis from time to time.
But I’ve studied these 2 mean siblings. I’ve put the spotlight on them. And you know what happens when you raise awareness…
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Oct 8, 2019
47: 5 Rules to Write Better Copy for Your Coaching Business
Today I am diving into the 8th episode in the series called Client Winning Coaching Websites.
Writing smart copy is both an art and science. You’ll be amazed how using these rules will turn you into a significantly better writer. And, you will attract and enroll more coaching clients because your communication speaks to the heart of your ideal clients.
If you want support to write powerful copy for your coaching business, let’s talk. Fill out the questionnaire on my Work with Rhonda page of my website and I’ll be in touch quickly.
I wished I'd had a list of copywriting tips back in the day when I started my coaching business. These rules apply to your:
* benefit statements
* titles, subject lines, headings
* web copy
* emails
* freebies
* blogs
* show notes for your podcast episodes
* social posts
Copy that’s written with these 5 Rules will be evocative and action inspiring.
*Get Your Special Download of the 5 Rules*
*Go to the Show Notes for this episode…
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Oct 1, 2019
46: 6 Steps to Ace Your Coaching Website ‘About’ Page
This episode is the 7th in the series called Client Winning Coaching Websites.
In past episodes, I’ve covered
* what to do before you start your website
* what exactly makes a website client-winning
* branding
* benefit statements
* and an interview with the best web designer for coaches
It’s worth listening to the whole series because we’ve been building up a clear picture of exactly what a client-winning coaching website looks and sounds like copy-wise.
If you know your target audience well and have drilled down your niche, you can follow the series to create or improve your website so it attracts and pre-sells clients to work with you.
If you know right now that your coaching website is not going to help you build the business you want full of ideal clients who pay you well, let’s have a Strategy Session.
I’ll review your site and share my recommendations based on two decades of expertise about client-winning websites.
If you’re stuck, reach out. One c…
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Sep 24, 2019
45: Custom Coaching Website Vs. DIY Template
Find the full transcript of my Interview with Nichole Betterley, where you'll also find a link to Nichole's free guide for you, *5 Things for Powerful Coaching Websites*.
Nichole Betterley is the Owner and Chief Web Wiz at "N" Powered Websites. She helps coaches, consultants, and other solopreneur service providers create websites that get noticed, get used, and get clients. She has more than 13 years of experience with what works for the ever-moving target of powerful websites and online marketing. Nichole lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, daughter, and the obligatory, work-from-home cat (even though she’s really a dog person at heart).
*Rhonda Hess: *Hey coaches, I am so excited to share a special person in my business life with you. And this is the sixth episode of Client Winning Coaching Websites series.
Today we're going to be talking about the difference between a DIY website, one that you do yourself using something like Wix or Squarespace or having a profess…
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Sep 17, 2019
44: Craft a Compelling Benefit Statement for Your Coaching Business
This episode is part of the Client Winning Coaching Website series.
In the last episode I described 3 approaches to choosing your brand or company name and domain.
Today we're diving into how to create your benefit statement so that it's attention-getting. It's the second thing your web visitors should see on your website to help them feel at home and interested in what else you have to say there.
You've no doubt heard the concept of a Benefit Statement. It's a single well-crafted sentence that describes specifically how people in your target audience will benefit from working with you.
I like to call it a Core Message because it identifies your coaching niche and all of your other messaging and offers will stem from the concept. But for the purpose of this episode, I'll stick with Benefit Statement.
If you've ever done any live networking, you've probably experienced that dreaded moment when it comes around the table to you and you're supposed to say what you do.
I remember tim…
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Sep 10, 2019
43: How to Brand Your Coaching Business
This episode is part of the Client Winning Coaching Website series.
In the last episode, I detailed exactly what your website needs going for it to be a client-winning website — the type of site that helps you attract and enroll new clients.
Branding is the first thing people will see on your website and you want to leverage it by having it be on every page, plus anything else you create — a blog, a podcast, a business card, social profiles, letterhead. You get the picture.
*What is a Coaching Business Brand?*
It's best known as your company name. You'll have a logotype made for your brand. But branding goes deeper than that. It's about the personality of your business.
Words are powerful!
When I first launched my coaching business, the brand I chose was Bubbling Well. That's still my dba and what I use for the legal entity, copyright and other official things.
But, while the word is lovely, it only meant something to me. And it didn't help my clients — who are coaches —…
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Sep 3, 2019
42: What Exactly Makes a Coaching Website Client Winning?
Hello coaches! Today we are doing something a little bit different ... I'm going to take you on a journey. And, this is really about websites and how they work on your behalf to bring you clients and future clients and get people on your list so you can connect with them and build relationships of trust with them over the long term.
I've been talking about websites for a couple of episodes recently in a new series that I'm working on called Client Winning Coaching Websites. This is the third episode in this series.
If you haven't heard the first two, I'd recommend that you go back and listen. But after you listen to this one.
Okay, so today what we're going to dive into is what is it that makes a coaching website client winning.
And remember last week I talked about how so many coaches are putting up what I call an online brochure, which is really not geared for attracting and enrolling coaching clients.
As a result, the website just kind of sits there and does nothing. And it's f…
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Aug 27, 2019
41: Some Coaching Websites Aren't Set Up to Enroll Coaching Clients
Hello Coaches, this episode is the 2nd in a new series called Client Winning Coaching Websites.
Your website can help you attract and enroll clients IF, but only if, you create it and write copy in a specific way so that it will attract and enroll clients.
It also requires quite a bit of strategy. I can help you with that.
In addition, it requires you or your web designer to choose a certain type of website template.
*Not all web templates are set up for conversion.* More about how conversion works in a minute.
The previous episode, was about 3 things to do prior to creating your coaching website and meant to help you out especially if you're about to create your website. But it also can help you if you already have a website for your coaching business.
The main point to that previous episode was that, BEFORE you create your coaching website ...
* choose a viable target audience full of seekers
* conduct market research with them
* and then tailor your web copy and offers…
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Aug 20, 2019
40: Do This Before You Create Your Coaching Website
for mThis episode is part of a brand new series called Client Winning Coaching Websites.
It's especially for new coaches who don't have a website yet. I want to help you do it right the first time.
This series is also for you if you have a coaching website already and it's not serving you well. No one is going to the website, signing up on your list or contacting you for a Discovery Session.
There are good reasons for that and I want to help you get your website working for you.
So be sure to stay tuned for each successive episode in this series because I'll be going into details. And I truly believe you'll have some big AHAs about how to improve your website.
This episode is about first steps to take BEFORE you create your coaching website. Before you hire a designer. Or before you decide to buy a Wix or Squarespace template and do it yourself. A dubious choice! Or, before you ask your kid or your best friend's cousin to slap up a website for you.
All tough choices especially i…
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Aug 13, 2019
39: How to Assess if a Potential Coaching Client is a Good Fit for You
Hello coaches, this is my fourth mini episode for you on the topic of Client Management that started with Episode 34. It's part of my series called Smart Mindsets & Habits.
My husband and I have been getting our house ready for sale. Now we've got a fabulous buyer and it is time to pack. That's why the mini episodes. And coaches have been loving them. Thank you for listening!
Today, we're talking about how to assess whether a potential coaching client is right for you.
Ideally, fit is assessed during the Discovery call. That's the Discovery Session, not a sample coaching session. There's a difference.
That's a time where you ask powerful questions to draw out what's going on with your potential client, what's in their way of the thing that they want the most. And then, you establish how you can help them in your signature program to achieve that thing they want most.
*Fit Starts With Your Coaching Niche*
Fit partially depends on your target audience and coaching niche.
You know…
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Aug 6, 2019
38: Should You Send Gifts to Your Coaching Clients?
This episode is a mini ... because I am selling my house and moving, so these are short, unedited off-the-cuff episodes for you.
I'm getting some really positive comments about these!
Today's topic is ... should you send gifts to your coaching clients?
The first answer is that it's totally up to you and you should always do what you feel is right. I think that every coach deserves the opportunity to try things out and see how they work for them. We're not all the same.
That said, I'll tell you that I have changed my tune about giving gifts to clients over the years.
When I first started my business, I got pretty precious about every aspect of my business. I bought all these beautiful little envelopes and cards and all sorts of paraphernalia with my coaching business logo on it. (That was the old fashioned thing that people said you should do and I bought into it.)
I would also send my clients birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. I put a lot of thought into them.
But over the year…
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Jul 30, 2019
37: 8 Powerful Coaching Questions to Ask Any Client Anytime
Hey coaches, I'm excited to talk to you today about eight powerful questions that you can ask your coaching clients nearly any session, any time, any client.
These are powerful questions that are standard in the coaches toolbox.
As you know, I am selling my house and all of the things that we are doing to get it sold. I just decided I wanted to do some mini episodes for you that don't take much time to listen to. They also won't be edited. So I'm doing this off the cuff and I hope that you find it valuable.
You can see these questions written down on my website.
The right question can really help anyone zoom past obstacles and into a power zone of awareness and action on their own behalf.
That's why questions are so valuable to coaches and in coaching.
So the first question that you can ask that of course really unlocks a lot for your clients:
*What do you want?*
Well, sometimes people have a hard time answering this question, but with probing questions beneath it, you might be…
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Jul 23, 2019
36: 10 Big Questions for Intake with Your New Coaching Client
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets and Habits series. And it's a continuation from Episode 34 about client management systems.
This questionnaire I'm about to take you through is one piece of a good client management system.
This episode and the next 3 will be mini episodes because I'm moving house! So you'll get a bitesized idea in a short time. I hope you find them valuable.
By the way, Prosperous Coach Podcast just passed 10,000 downloads! That's one sign among many that these episodes are landing well with you. Thank you for listening and sharing this with other coaches! We are growing a community.
If you'd like to be part of that community, join us in the Prosperous Coach Club on Facebook.
Questions are the life blood of what coaches do with clients. Open ended questions are so powerful that a single one can evoke a positive shift.
It makes sense that the coaching client intake would include powerful open-ended questions!
Here are the 10 questions I have in one docu…
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Jul 17, 2019
35: 2 Powerful Shifts To Enroll More Committed Coaching Clients
This episode is an ON AIR Coaching Session with David Smith.
David Smith is a Washington DC - based career coach. He is a Fulbright scholar. After 30 years in law, as a University professor and overseas working for a think tank, he came to realize that his collective experiences provide insight into inside DC careers.
For two years he has coaching two different audiences:
· people 20 - 30 emerging into international or policy based careers inside the beltway
· people 50+ looking for their encore career
*Two Problems Related to Coaching Client Engagement*
David said he was looking for some wisdom. Specifically he was having two challenges in his coaching business:
1. Sometimes clients disappear without notice.
2. Younger clientele are difficult to engage into a longer term coaching relationship.
These classic challenges are related. And both are things that David can fix with a shift in his approach to enrolling.
I asked David to describe what he tells prospects about his o…
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Jul 9, 2019
34: Coaching Client Management the Free and Simple Way
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series.
And it was inspired by a segment in the last episode called 3 Power Packed Online Tools Every Coach Needs.
That episode has been super popular so I'll do a quick review to set up today's episode. I covered 3 critical tools all coaches need:
· A client-winning website preferably on a WordPress theme.
· An email campaign service — Aweber (affiliate link) is my favorite
· And an online scheduler.
The main message I had for you was to invest wisely in your success. Not all expenses have the same long term value to your coaching business success. For example, it's worth it to invest highly up front in creating a client-winning website with a conversion process to help you enroll clients.
But, investing in a lot of apps with monthly fees is not the best investment unless those expenses directly supports you to earn more. For example, why spend $20 - $30 per month for an online scheduling system when you can spend 1/2 - 1…
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Jul 2, 2019
33: 3 Power Packed Online Tools That All Coaches Need
This episode is about the minimum online tools you'll need to effectively run your coaching business. It's part of my Mindsets & Habits series.
I'm going to share my 3 all time favorite online tools. The kind of apps that save brain cells, time and money.
We'll also talk about pitfalls new coaches fall into when they grab up lots of tools with monthly costs.
For every tool I mention I'll share the link on my Show Notes for today, which you can find at prosperouscoach.com/33
If you're totally tech savvy, this might be remedial for you.
But most coaches I meet are a little tech shy. They don't love learning how to use online tools. They just want to coach so every additional thing they need to use to find, attract and enroll their clients feels heavy.
I've heard many a sigh and fear in the voices of my clients who worry about how tech will impact their time.
If that's you, I get it. When I started as a coach I was a total luddite — the last to know anything tech related. Now, on…
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Jun 25, 2019
32: Would YOU Buy Your Own Coaching Program?
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series. I hope it inspires you to make a shift in the way you're thinking about coaching that will help you attract more clients. The kind of clients who will invest more to work with you.
I'm all for less selling and more connecting authentically to attract clients.
Let me ask you this ...
· Have you ever felt weird trying to convince someone about the value of coaching?
· Have you ever told someone about your coaching business and you can see their eyes glaze over?
· Have you ever had an incredible sample coaching session with a prospect and they loved it but they didn't enroll in your ongoing coaching program?
· And what about this ... have you ever gotten a single client from your coaching website?
Well, that was me for the first 3 years of my coaching business. I know, that's crazy, right?
When I came out of coach training school I was what I call a Pure Coach. Episode #12 is called What Coach Archetype Fits You? and…
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Jun 18, 2019
31: The Coaching Niche of Least Resistance - On Air Coaching with Ellen Fowler
This episode (show notes here) is an ON AIR Coaching Session where I coach a coach to help them click on the certainty button for a unique target audience and then we formulate their coaching niche.
It's clear from reviews that you really like these coach the coach sessions, so it's my goal to do one every month.
Ellen Fowler has worked in the field of training, organizational and leadership development for over 25 years. Her experience includes work in the public and private sectors as well as academia.
She lived and worked in Ireland for 12 years, so she has firsthand understanding of the challenges of cultural diversity and radical life change.
She is also an ordained Christian minister. Ellen's career has always involved working with individuals whether as a counselor, teacher, consultant or coach.
When I help coaches choose a profitable coaching niche, I always start by asking about their background so I can guide them to pull in experience, expertise, interests, gifts and pa…
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Jun 11, 2019
30: How to Transition from Your Job to Full-Time Coaching
This episode is part of the Start Smart series. It's worth the listen because this topic is eye-opening. And, if you're planning to transition from your job to full-time coaching, I've given you a 5-step plan near the end of this episode.
Creating a smart transition plan to move into full-time coaching is an important step. If you're serious about making your dream happen, this is something you'll want to do with the help of someone who has transitioned.
Sometimes coaches hire me when they don't have a current job. They've been raising kids or were laid off or they quit a job to create their coaching business. They have plenty of time to work on building their business foundation and launch in a systematic, organized way.
Obviously, there are some huge advantages to that scenario. But there are also some hidden challenges. If you're not currently in the rhythm of working for a living, you might have trouble finding that rhythm and dedicating time to your business.
On the opposite e…
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Jun 4, 2019
29: Set Smart Boundaries with Coaching Prospects and Clients
This episode is on a challenging topic that's critical for all coaches. And it's part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series.
I've been a life long student of boundaries. That is to say, boundaries have been a core issue for me in the past and now it's much less of an issue. When I sense myself leaning in too far, trying to do too much, to people please or over-deliver, I rein myself in.
Still, I occasionally fall into old patterns, even in coaching relationships.
I'm a 2 on the Enneagram. That's "The Helper." More than anything I want to be of service to others, to help them better their circumstances. It's a good fit for being a coach. And a strength overused becomes a weakness.
In the past, it's often meant that I gave too much in all of my roles and relationships. And, I allowed some people to step on me ... repeatedly.
*Powerful Questions to Uncover Boundary Challenges*
What about you? Do you like to fill in the holes and make sure everyone is taken care of? Are you a natural…
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May 28, 2019
28: Getting into a Rhythm in Your Coaching Business
This episode is short and sweet. And it's part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series.
In these early days of your coaching business, before you are booked with clients it may be tempting to fit your coaching business into whatever time you have left in the day.
The truth is that you can't build a business on fumes. And you certainly can't grow a business that way.
There's a mindset that goes with that fit-it-into-the-downtime approach. And it's usually not a conscious one.
It's the hobbyist mindset. Or the perpetual student mindset.
Please know that I get it ... if you're a stay-at-home parent, adding in a new business to your day is totally disruptive. You have a rhythm of what you do day to day. You know your priorities. Now, you have to re-make that rhythm to a new beat.
It's also super challenging to add a new business in when you've got a full-time job.
And, if you're adding a business to a full-time job plus caring for children, it's downright heroic, if you ask me.
Even…
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May 21, 2019
27. Break Through the New Coach Swirl and Spin
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series.
It's got to be said because it's breaking my heart to see so many coaches bogged down and unable to move forward with clarity.
You know how they say that multi-tasking isn't good for your brain? The best case scenario is that you do a lot but nothing well. It actually lowers your IQ!
Well, the same is true for your brain when you overload it with unnecessary ideas and future tasks for your coaching business.
I've talked about overwhelm before in Ep #20 - How to Stop Saying 'Yes" to Bright Shiny Objects
In that episode the focus was mostly about wasting money, time and brain power on programs that you're not developmentally ready for yet as a business owner. Advanced strategies and tactics that won't work well for you until you have the business foundation in place.
In this episode, I'm going to dig in deeper to what's actually happening in your mind and your emotional body when you heap more and more information on yours…
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May 14, 2019
26: Can You Attract Coaching Clients As A Thought Leader?
This episode is an ON AIR Coaching session where I get to work with with a real human being instead of just speaking out in the air by myself. It's so much fun for me to do these Coach the Coach sessions and I hope you find value in them.
Today, I'm working with Je'von Ikner to help him finesse his target audience and niche.
Je'Von's background includes 4 years in Wallstreet and a stint with Club Med working as a personal trainer, which he segued into owning a gym with a partner.
Je'Von explained that he wants to take a more holistic approach to wellness with his clients. He let go of the gym recently to focus in on developing his coaching business.
He is also a new husband and father. His son, Maxwell, is just 10 months old.
*Why Not Coach People Like You?*
I had an instant idea after meeting Je'Von in a Discovery Session that young men with new families could be a great audience for him. He agreed but he was a bit hesitant, thinking that he needed to have everything figured out…
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May 7, 2019
25: The Irresistible Thing About You That Enrolls Coaching Clients
This Episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series. Today we're exploring how to show up for Discovery Sessions and other enrollment moments in a way that inspires a person to sign up for your coaching programs.
I'm glad to report that I no longer worry about the enrollment moment, even when I'm sharing the price of my signature VIP mentoring program. There are a few reasons for that ...
First, I've been having Discovery Sessions nearly every week for the last 17 years. Experience does count.
If this is a scary thing for you, that's understandable.
Have as many Discovery Sessions as you can, because you'll get better and better at it. And, it is the best way to enroll clients.
Another reason I don't worry is that I've learned to detach from outcome. It's a critical mindset for anyone who is selling something — especially when you're selling you!
And the amazing thing is that taking the expectation or desperation for 'yes' out of the moment actually relieves pressure for…
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Apr 30, 2019
24: Choosing a Viable Target Audience for Your Coaching Business
We're taking a pause from the Smart Mindsets & Habits Series. This episode is another On Air Coaching Session (there are 3 previous) where you get to listen in as I work with a coach to decide on a viable target audience for her coaching business.
I'm sorry, I no longer offer On Air Coaching Sessions but you can grab a Strategy Session if you want help choosing your target audience and coaching niche.
Today, I have the pleasure of working with Deborah York. Deborah introduced herself this way ...
I am a divorced mother of two young men that are coming into their own. My younger son will be graduating soon and going off to med school. And my other son is working full time and taking classes and still trying to figure out what he wants to do.
That kind of makes me think about my coaching and trying to wrangle it in to determine which direction I really want to go into. I tell people all the time that I'm a Jill of all trade and master of some because I have two master's degrees.
I…
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Apr 23, 2019
23: 3 Ways to Quickly Build Confidence As a Coach
This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series.
If you're struggling with your mindset, there's help for you in this series. You can find the link to all the episodes in this series on today's show notes https://prosperouscoach.com/23
And soon, I'll be focusing on the habits part because smart mindsets and habits are the dynamic duo for leaping forward in your coaching business.
A shout out to Mona, a listener, who said:
I have been enjoying listening to your podcast. I find it a very genuine-inspirational resource. Thank you for offering such AMAZING content! I always look forward to the next episode!
Thank you, Mona! I appreciate you for your classy note to me.
And a quick request for everyone listening, please help other coaches find my podcast. It's easy to share any episode whether you're listening on my website or on a podcast app. I appreciate you for being a resource to other coaches! Let's help each other on this journey.
*Elusive and Much Sought After*
Con…
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Apr 16, 2019
22: Why Should A Coach Do Market Research?
This episode is part of the series called Smart Mindsets & Habits.
Mindset is a huge driver of success. When you have powerful mindsets motivating you AND you're taking strategic actions — that combo will get you anywhere you want to go in life.
This episode is about market research — an often skipped over strategic action that helps you attract clients who want what you offer.
I'm also going to cover 2 mindsets related to market research that will literally make the difference in whether you'll have a thriving coaching business or not.
So let's start with 2 mindset shifts that I encourage you to make, if you haven't already. These mindsets help you to embrace the idea of market research and other strategic actions.
*Act Like the CEO of Your Coaching Business*
When I finished coach training, I launched a coaching practice rather than a business. I hung my shingle as a coach and I was open for clients.
That mindset kept me from what I really wanted for nearly 3 years — to b…
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Apr 9, 2019
21: How to Spot the Right Opportunities for Your Coaching Business
This episode is part 2 about how to selectively and wisely decide when to say 'yes' to coaching business opportunities. It's about teaching yourself to stand in your power and answer from your highest self.
Part 1 was about how to breakthrough the bright shiny object syndrome so that you're not wasting money on webinars, online programs or masterminds that you're not ready for yet. That's probably because your business foundation isn't solid yet. I know that's frustrating and it's a good time to stop and get that all nailed down before getting into advanced business programs.
Many of you have been letting me know that that episode hit the mark. Thank you for reaching out. I love hearing from you.
Ellen wrote to me: "I've taken many courses and been part of many mastermind groups and webinars but it's all come to naught because I haven't converted that learning into practical actions. That's because I've been struggling to figure out who I'm called to serve and what pain point or pro…
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Apr 2, 2019
20: How to Stop Saying Yes to Bright Shiny Objects
Notes for this episode can be found here.
This episode is part 1 about how to selectively and wisely decide where and when to invest your time, energy and money in opportunities that come your way as a coach. Opportunities such as:
* more skills training
* how-to programs that teach a marketing tactic
* offers to send you leads or promote you
* offers to partner with another coach or expert
Today, we'll dig into the bright shiny object syndrome. That's when you have a incredibly strong impulse to invest money in training, apps - all sorts of bells and whistles - for your coaching business.
Have you ever taken expensive training or a mastermind and, though you enjoyed the experience, you didn't forward in your business? You couldn't apply what you learned.
There's a simple reason for that ... you may not have been developmentally ready for that program yet.
Spending like can quickly eat up your profits! So I have tips and mindset mastery coming your way here.
Before we di…
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Mar 26, 2019
19: How to Enroll More Coaching Clients Without Being Salesy
This is the first episode in a new series that I'm doing called Smart Mindsets, Habits, and Systems. There's a ton of juicy stuff that's going to be in this series.
Now, in this session we're going to dig into something that I know is critical and also difficult for a lot of people — how to actually enroll clients.
How can do enroll clients in a way that doesn't feel like you're selling? How can you do it authentically standing in your power with ease and grace?
I'm going to explain how.
When I shifted to this method of enrolling, it changed my success rate at how easily I enrolled clients. I've taught this to every coach that I worked with. It takes a little bit of practice, but it's not hard.
It's much easier than giving a free sample coaching session!
We're going to get down into it in just a minute. This session is sponsored by my own free offer to you.
*DOWNLOAD your free copy *of a cheat sheet that walks you through *10 Steps to Enroll More Clients*.
You'll find this ch…
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Mar 19, 2019
18: What's Holding You Back From Your Coaching Niche?
This is the last episode in the current season called Smart and Profitable Niches. Show notes and mentions from this episode are at https://prosperouscoach.com/18
Because I can tell everybody's really liking the On Air coaching sessions I've been doing with coaches to help them find their niche, I'll keep doing those. They're really fun, arent' they?
Unless you're in coach training you don't get to hear other coaches coach. It's a meta world, where you get layers of information. You get to hear how someone else coaches, which is always interesting. You get to hear how someone like you, a coach, is being coached. And it's inspiring to hear people go from confusion to illumination on a topic that you may be challenged by — choosing your niche.
Also to look for and interview other coaches who have chosen a unique and narrow niche and who are well into their business. So you can see what it's like, four years, six years, 10 years in or 20 years. As in my case.
The Big Mindset Shift…
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Mar 12, 2019
17: 10 Years Into Coaching and Going Strong with Tami Stackelhouse
In this episode I interview my first guest on Prosperous Coach Podcast — a coach who is 10 years into her unique and narrow coaching niche.
And her business is going strong.
Tami and I, 10 years and 20 years into our coaching business respectively, both targeted a unique audience and build our coaching niche around their top problem. It's the main reason for focus, longevity and financial success. Not to mention great joy!
Tami is a great example of the Teacher Archetype because she turned her personal and professional challenges into solutions for others with the same challenges.
Listen in as Tami effortlessly shares words of support and wisdom to all coaches.
We want to see YOU reach 10 years of success and more!
Tami Stackelhouse dreams of a day when all fibromyalgia patients have access to the care and support they need to thrive. She is doing all she can to make that dream come true. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from disabled to thriving. Her compassion, g…
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Mar 5, 2019
16: Why Not Coach People Like You? with Casey Onder
In this episode, I'm doing another ON AIR COACHING Session (where I coach the coach) with Casey Onder. We're going to determine her ideal target audience for her coaching business.
*A Better Definition of Success*
Casey is an industrial organizational pyschologist by training. A year ago she left a job in leadership consulting to pursue a career as a coach.
Her life's work from here on has to do with reforming what success and work could look like in the US because she's done a lot of traveling and seen how different it can be in other countries.
*Too Many Ideas = Stuckness*
When choosing a target audience it really helps to eliminate as many choices as possible so there's just one or two left to discuss and then only one to refine.
Casey came to our session feeling like she had a bunch of disparate ideas about potential target audiences for her coaching business.
* She is interested in people who are in a similar state that she was in career-wise —" hating what you're doing…
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Feb 26, 2019
15: What's Your Zone of Genius As a Coach?
This episode is about your unique talent and how, when it's applied to your coaching niche, and you allow yourself to shine, doors open to you.
Find show notes and more at prosperouscoach.com/15.
Gay Hendricks coined the term -- Zone of Genius -- in his book The Big Leap.
You might have heard of this even if you haven't read his book, because it made a big splash and has stood of test of time. He defined 4 zones: incompetence, competence, excellence and genius.
Most of us operate day to day in those first 3 zones.
You run up against incompetence and avoid those tasks and experiences.
You find a day to day competence in most things and it's an acceptable place to hang out in but not stellar.
And in a few areas you rise to excellence.
If you're in your zone of excellence, you're performing better than most people. It feels good, it's easier than other areas for you.
For me, that's stuff like writing and copy-editing. Things I truly enjoy and I'm better at than most, but still, i…
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Feb 19, 2019
14: The Success Factor: Is It Working for Your Coaching Business?
Okay, so this may sound corny. And I'm not trying to put you in one of those competitive reality shows. But there truly is a success factor that can be applied to anything in life that YOU want to win at.
And when I say win, I mean achievement that comes from passion and commitment, not purely for the sake of fierce competitiveness.
Whether you want to succeed at love, sports, or reaching your full potential, you need this factor.
Olympians have it in spades. And it's a huge part of the entrepreneurial spirit.
If you want to win at your coaching business, you especially need this thing going for you.
Why especially? Because growing a successful coaching business is a significant effort and accomplishment. The good of that achievement ripples out into a larger community and positively affects lives.
I think that small business is the territory for heroes. And it's an apt place to grow your full potential.
It's incredibly rewarding to succeed at business and it will bust your ass…
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Feb 12, 2019
13: When Your 2nd Coaching Niche Choice is the Best Choice
This episode is the second ON AIR COACHING session where you can listen in while I work with a coach to narrow her target audience and uncover clues about her coaching niche.
Cynthia Brown recently graduated from Coach Training Alliance where she met one of my clients, Audra, who referred her to me. That and my podcast encouraged Cynthia to apply for On Air Coaching with me.
Let me introduce Cynthia Brown ...
Cynthia is the founder of New Lane Coaching. One of her main concerns is that women business owners often sell themselves short. She wants women to know that their small businesses can become more than they originally dreamed. All it takes is one small step each day.
Cynthia is currently involved in Toastmasters International to learn to speak at women business own associations. She's a certified coach and member of the International Coach Federation.
While Cynthia has initially targeted a broad audience — women small business owners, she wasn't certain about it, partially…
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Feb 5, 2019
12: What Coach Archetype Fits You?
This episode is a creative exploration of how personality can affect your choice of coaching niche. It's part of Season 2 - Smart and Profitable Coaching Niches.
When I work with coaches to help them determine their niche, I ask a lot of questions to uncover clues that, when strung together, point us to natural possibilities for them.
I've been playing with this idea for years — that coaches often have a natural inclination that influences how they will build and grow their business. And that can influence what type of audience and niche will fit them best.
This is not usually a conscious choice, but rather a subconscious leaning. I've decided to call these archetypes.
I'll explain those 5 major archetypes and how they emerge to influence the direction of a coaching business.
They are:
* Teacher
* Healer
* Pure Coach
* Icon
* CEO
One of them might be a clue for you.
A few caveats here ...
* Not every coach will have one clear archetype.
* You might not relate t…
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Jan 29, 2019
11: Clicking the Certainty Button for One Coaching Niche with Marshall Stern
This Prosperous Coach Podcast episode is a departure from the usual format because this episode is the first ON AIR COACHING episode where you get to listen in on a real strategy session with me and a coach who is ready to choose a smart niche.
First, let me introduce you to Marshall Stern ... then we'll get into the session.
Over the past 35 years Marshall has started & led several businesses. In 2009 he published a book Now is The Time... The Stern Truth on Growing a Business in Any Economy.
In 2011, he partnered with Leadership Expert, John Maxwell, and became one of his certified Leadership Coaches & Speakers.
Currently CEO of Sandbox Signs + Graphics and also Business & Life Mastery, Marshall believes that self-leadership is the key to business & life success. Over the years he has seen many businesses fail and he is passionate and committed to helping others not just build a business that works but also a life they desire and deserve.
Marshall became inspired to coach partia…
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Jan 22, 2019
10: Why Do Some Coaching Niches Fail?
It's heartbreaking but some niches never pay off. They just don't ever get off the ground really.
And it's confusing because they are often about topics everyone cares about or targeting audiences that NEED so much help.
But that's part of the problem.
When people buy support to get what they need they'll most often turn to free resources or to known resources like therapists or doctors.
It's WANTS that inspire investment in programs that lead to personal transformation and most other expensive services and products.
WANTS drive investment in things and experiences, not needs.
*Seekers and Non-Seekers*
Seekers are what I call the type of people who invest time and money from their own pocket into their personal and professional growth.
Coaches are seekers.
Seekers:
* Are driven by their desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
* Have social personalities (even if they are introverted) and enjoy influencing others.
* Are always actively working on themselve…