I’ve been running my coaching business for nearly twenty-five years, and during this time, I’ve relied heavily on word-of-mouth to attract new clients. It’s a method that has served me well, and I believe it can be incredibly effective for others too.
When I talk about word of mouth, I often refer to the concept of connectors—people who know a lot of other people and have a knack for making things happen. Building relationships with connectors has been a cornerstone of my business strategy. These relationships are built on trust and mutual respect, and they often lead to referrals.
One of the key advantages of word of mouth is that it helps build a solid reputation. If you want to be around for twenty or more years as a coach, your reputation is going to matter. Over time, word gets out, and people start talking. They share their positive experiences with others, which can lead to new opportunities.
For example, I once landed a significant client through a referral. Before our first meeting, I did some research and found out that he loved golfing and was heavily involved in his church and various nonprofit organizations. This information helped me connect with him on a personal level, even before we had our first conversation. It was a great way to build rapport and establish a connection.
Maintaining good relationships with past clients is also crucial. Whenever I have a slow month, I reach out to people I’ve coached or trained before and let them know I have a few openings. Often, they know someone who could benefit from my services, and this keeps the business flowing.
Word of mouth is a powerful tool for attracting new coaching clients. It takes time and effort to build and maintain these relationships, but the long-term benefits are worth it. A good reputation and strong connections can keep your business thriving for years to come.
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