Clients are created in conversation
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Unfortunately, you were not successful. Over the years, I've received versions of this statement many times. For job interviews. Auditions when I worked as a professional dancer. And, for funding applications when raising money to create new dance work. No one likes being rejected. Whether that's asking the person you admire out on a date, or applying for your dream job only to get turned down. Real talk. Rejection stings. And, depending on how you're rejected (and by who), it can sting even more. But rejection is part of business (and life). It's inevitable. Yet, it's an experience that many of us unconsciously avoid. We try to control our experiences to steer clear of rejection. But, what if rejection wasn't something to run away from but walk towards? Non attached. What if we viewed rejection not as a door slamming shut in our face, but a door opening? Revealing a more aligned path to take. Maybe it's not rejection, but redirection. Yet the memorable heaviness of past rejection holds us back from moving forward. The good thing? It doesn’t have to stay that way. You don't have to allow your past to dictate your future. You have the choice to change. Clients Are Created In Conversation I created my first client before I qualified with The Somatic School as a somatic coach mid 2023. I’d nearly finished the self-guided Udemy transformational course I bought for $40. I had the basics of coaching. But I lacked the confidence I have now. So, creating my first client so early in my one-person business-building journey was a shock. The connection between us formed organically from an IG live panel discussion I was invited to. The individual who soon became a client liked what I shared in the discussion. Later that week, we connected on a call. I learned more about them and shared more about myself. They were experiencing challenges navigating their personal and professional life as a creative artist in the entertainment industry. The challenges of being a partner and parent… Wanting to do more in their day, but struggling to find the hours to do so… A strong desire to show up for themselves more. To fill up their cup so they can pour into others. But not wanting to neglect their romantic relationship and parental responsibilities, as a result of focusing more on themselves… I resonated deeply with where they were in life. As a parent to an 11-year-old son, and step-son, and a partner, I know the struggle of trying to juggle it all. I deeply believed I could help. So, I invited them onto another call to explore their challenges a bit further. On the second call, I remember the discomfort of words dropping out of my mouth, as I overexplained what I do, and how I could help, whilst wondering… Is this making any sense to them? Surprisingly. After I made the offer to work together. They said yes with no hesitation. Just like that. I’d created my first client. On the inside, my stomach was doing windmills. But, on the outside, I was trying to remain cool, calm, and collected. I didn't want to get to the end of the call only to realise I missed out on sharing vital information about the next steps of our 3-month journey. That moment will stay with me forever. It proved to me what was possible as a coach. It wasn’t about my credentials (or lack of). It was about my confidence. My boldness to make an offer. Position myself to be of service, and sit with the tension of what's next? on the call. Waiting for a response from the person opposite me — which could have been a rejection. When I told my partner about my first client, she shed tears of happiness. She'd seen how hard I'd been working up until that point. Late nights studying the Udemy course. Jumping on calls, connecting with other coaches and creatives after my 9-5, but spending less time with her in the evening. She saw the work I put in, and it literally paid off. But, I wouldn't have been able to experience that had I not been unafraid of one thing… Rejection. If I'd allowed the possibility of a no to hinder me from making a bold offer for me and my first-ever high-ticket client to work together, I would have never created that opportunity for him to accept the invitation with a yes. Here’s 1 powerful truth I've realised whilst building my one-person coaching business: (Coaching) clients are created through conversation. Whether that's an ongoing conversation on the timeline underneath one of your pieces of content. Your messaging directly speaking to the heart of your ideal client, continuing the conversation. A DM conversation. Or jumping on a call. In my experience, all coaching clients are created in conversation. Yes, we'd love to have our inboxes full of inquiries on how we could work together. But, it isn't always that way. Often, as leaders, we must move first, and that requires an invitation into our world as an intimate service-based provider. As a coach, part of your role is to cultivate connection. With yourself. Others. And inviting the clients you work with to do the same. If the thought of jumping on a call with a stranger makes your palms sweaty and your heart race. I get it. You aren't alone. It can be a daunting experience. Especially if you are an early-stage creative entrepreneur still figuring things out in this digital landscape. But let me tell you a secret... Most of us are still figuring something out (including me). No one is perfect. Lead From Presence, Not Pressure If you’re an early-stage coach, and you’ve been feeling the fear of connecting deeper with people in your audience in the hopes of creating clients. Here’s what I would do if I just started building online: 1. Follow and engage with someone whose content you relate to. Send them a genuine message to connect.
2. Engage in the conversation with no pressure, just presence. Flow, don’t force. If they share something that you think you can help with. Speak it. Own it. Boldly. Invite them onto a call. Not to sell. But to serve. And let them know that. Be non-attached to the possibility of working together. At this point, you're simply exercising curiosity and leadership in your actions. 3. Send them a digital diary link to meet. If you haven't got a diary set up, I highly recommend it. Platforms such as Calendly, and cal.com are great as you can integrate with other helpful platforms for your business. When you're on the call, continue the conversation. Get to know them more. Share more about yourself. P.S. I tend to limit these calls to around 30 minutes. 4. Then, if it feels aligned, invite them to experience how you coach. I do this with every potential client before we even discuss committing to working together. Why? Because it’s important to me for people to experience that depth and scope of change I facilitate as a coach and guide. This work isn’t for everyone. P.S. If you’ve been curious about experiencing my work but have been on the fence, questioning whether it’s for you. Reply to this email with the word TASTER. I’ll personally send you a link to book a complimentary session. 5. If they accept your offer to experience your coaching... Then the next conversation is about what it might look like to continue working together To recap:
I hope this helps. As always. Thank you for reading. Coach Mike |