Help on how to have a successful start in Business Coaching

[SaraBK]

Hi,

I recently bought a franchise to start my own company focused on Business Coaching is Science and Tech. I specialise in
Strategic Leadership, Innovation Management, Investor Engagement, Exit Strategies.

I am wondering if you have any advice or suggestions on how to best focus my prospecting efforts to get to a successful start.

Thank you

 

[Mark T Jones]

This is precisely the support I'd expect the franchisor to be offering.

 

[fantheflames]

Hi @SaraBK ! Welcome to UKBF, I'm glad you reached out and introduced your business with us.

I work with a lot of personal and leadership coaches, and many of them struggle with marketing their business. I think transitioning from working with an organisation or relying on a platform, which many coaches do, to then running your own practice takes a lot of adjustments!

Has the franchisor offered any training or support? Are you able to use their current clients or have access to their information? What worked and didn't work? Despite your area of expertise, attracting and retaining clients for your business is different to how you help your clients.

Make sure you're aware that marketing should be your highest concern. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask anymore questions.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Welcome @SaraBK.

What experience do you have in starting & running a small business and coaching?

As mentioned, your franchisor should be giving you lots of help to get you up and running.

Is it AC, by any chance?

 

[SaraBK]

Hi @SaraBK ! Welcome to UKBF, I'm glad you reached out and introduced your business with us.

I work with a lot of personal and leadership coaches, and many of them struggle with marketing their business. I think transitioning from working with an organisation or relying on a platform, which many coaches do, to then running your own practice takes a lot of adjustments!

Has the franchisor offered any training or support? Are you able to use their current clients or have access to their information? What worked and didn't work? Despite your area of expertise, attracting and retaining clients for your business is different to how you help your clients.

Make sure you're aware that marketing should be your highest concern. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask anymore questions.

Thank you so much for your warm welcome and great reply. It is definitely a different world to what I have been doing before.
As part of the franchise, I went through extensive training and certification. Some of the successful coaches talked about the start of their journey and what didn't work for them. Unfortunately I have no access to their clients database.
I have developed a website and am starting to rump up my LinkedIn activities and participation in networking events. Is there anything else you think I should focus on immediately?

 

[SaraBK]

Welcome @SaraBK.

What experience do you have in starting & running a small business and coaching?

As mentioned, your franchisor should be giving you lots of help to get you up and running.

Is it AC, by any chance?

Hi Paul, thank you for your reply.
As part of my corporate role, I worked closely with their VC arm and investments and M&A and supported our portfolio of startups in shaping their strategy, preparing for upcoming rounds of investments, and preparing their exit (only one in this case).

 

[Shopclicks]

I recently bought a franchise to start my own company focused on Business Coaching

A franchise that offers no leads or branding is called a course.

LinkedIn will be your best friend. Create informative posts several times per day.

 

[SaraBK]

A franchise that offers no leads or branding is called a course.

LinkedIn will be your best friend. Create informative posts several times per day.

Thank you for your reply. They do offer branding but no leads unfortunately.

Sure, I will prepare relevant posts and start sharing on LinkedIn

 

[Shopclicks]

They do offer branding but no leads unfortunately.

If they call a course, a franchise, what do they call branding?

 

[fisicx]

@SaraBK - what exactly does this franchise do?

It seems like it’s just training and then you are on your own. Which doesn’t sound much like a franchise.

However, people don’t want business coaching. What they want is lower costs, higher profits, better leads, more conversions and so on. Sell the benefits of using your services rather than what you plan to deliver.

LinkedIn might work but getting out the office and meeting people can be better. See if there are breakfast clubs near you. Or start building a local network of potential clients.

A blog where you discuss ideas can generate interest.

And welcome to UKBF.

 

[SaraBK]

If they call a course, a franchise, what do they call branding?

Basically what you get access to is all the coaching material to use with clients, workshop material, assessment tools, etc
What they call branding is everything related to their logo, marketing decks, newsletters, website building tools, etc

 

[Shopclicks]

What they call branding is everything related to their logo, marketing decks, newsletters, website building tools, etc

Branding is the reputation associated with those marketing tools.

 

[SaraBK]

@SaraBK - what exactly does this franchise do?

It seems like it’s just training and then you are on your own. Which doesn’t sound much like a franchise.

However, people don’t want business coaching. What they want is lower costs, higher profits, better leads, more conversions and so on. Sell the benefits of using your services rather than what you plan to deliver.

LinkedIn might work but getting out the office and meeting people can be better. See if there are breakfast clubs near you. Or start building a local network of potential clients.

A blog where you discuss ideas can generate interest.

And welcome to UKBF.

Thank you for your reply.

There is quite a lot of support with coaching material, tailored newsletters, and marketing materials. But you're right when it comes to prospecting, I feel a bit lost.

I appreciate your advice of focusing on the benefit and I certainly will do that when meeting potential clients.

Sure thing, I will check now if there are breakfast clubs and start joining them.

 

[fisicx]

That’s not a franchise.

Training is available from many places, newsletters you can create yourself and do you really need marketing materials?

What I’m suggesting is you don’t need this franchise.

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

I'm video production for marketing so video is what I know about. One idea for marketing is video.

Show advice, expertise. Talk about stuff that's useful to business owners or whoever your target market is. If you're talking about stuff that resonates and you post this stuff on Linkedin and social, you'll get customers.

 

[fisicx]

Have you spoken to these guys:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com

 

[SaraBK]

Have you spoken to these guys:

No I haven't. Thank you so much, I will check them right away

 

[SaraBK]

I'm video production for marketing so video is what I know about. One idea for marketing is video.

Show advice, expertise. Talk about stuff that's useful to business owners or whoever your target market is. If you're talking about stuff that resonates and you post this stuff on Linkedin and social, you'll get customers.

Thank you Paul, I will start making short videos related to different topics. You're absolutely right that people would tend to click more on videos than articles. On top of LinkedIn, what other social platform do you recommend? Youtube? Tiktok?

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

Thank you Paul, I will start making short videos related to different topics. You're absolutely right that people would tend to click more on videos than articles. On top of LinkedIn, what other social platform do you recommend? Youtube? Tiktok?

So the biggest mistake you can make is trying to boil the ocean. Each platform has its own idiosyncracies. What works on one doesn't work on the other.

So my strong recommendation is to start with one, say Linkedin, start getting it right and then if you have the time, adopt another. E.g. these two vids absolutely wouldn't work on any platform other than Linkedin:

Sign Up | LinkedIn

500 million+ members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities.

www.linkedin.com

Sign Up | LinkedIn

500 million+ members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities.

www.linkedin.com

They work on Linkedin, they help me generate revenue etc... Then after that, go to a different platform. But don't try to do all of them at the same time. One at a time will work beautifully.

 

[SaraBK]

So the biggest mistake you can make is trying to boil the ocean. Each platform has its own idiosyncracies. What works on one doesn't work on the other.

So my strong recommendation is to start with one, say Linkedin, start getting it right and then if you have the time, adopt another. E.g. these two vids absolutely wouldn't work on any platform other than Linkedin:



They work on Linkedin, they help me generate revenue etc... Then after that, go to a different platform. But don't try to do all of them at the same time. One at a time will work beautifully.

It makes sense and I really enjoyed watching your videos. One day, when I can afford your services, I will certainly come back to you Paul

 

[SaraBK]

Hi Sara, I'm in this area too and have some thoughts including possibly collaborating. Please feel free to contact me on [email protected]. Kind regards, Alan

Email sent Alan

 

[fisicx]

@SaraBK. Can you extricate yourself from the franchise?

You really don’t need it.

 

[SaraBK]

@SaraBK. Can you extricate yourself from the franchise?

You really don’t need it.

I have thought a lot before buying it. I currently see great value in the reputation that their founder has (very famous globally). I am also really benefitting from the structure and depth of their of their material as I really don't have to prepare any content, there is enough to cover over 2 years of coaching per client. This will enable me to fully focus on prospecting. If I no longer see value in it, I will of course consider exiting. I have literally just started the journey today

 

[Shopclicks]

I really don't have to prepare any content, there is enough to cover over 2 years of coaching per client.

How much of that content is relevant to your target client?

I currently see great value in the reputation that their founder has (very famous globally).

You get that your clients only care about the value you add to the relationship? Nobody cares who founded the course you took. It's not relevant to your experience.

I specialise in
Strategic Leadership, Innovation Management, Investor Engagement, Exit Strategies.

These are skills which are learned through experience, not on a course and especially not if you expect people to pay for your experience.

An acquaintance works as a business coach for a platform which sends him leads. His specialty is restaurant management. He has owned and operated restaurants for many years and is a chef. He knows something about building restaurant trade and buying and selling. He's the ideal mentor if you want to pay for someone's experience.

You need to ask yourself the question.

I realise my posts have been negative but what I see is someone who fell for somebody else's marketing in order to extract money. These courses are everywhere and rely scaling by selling a dream.

I hope I'm wrong.

 

[SaraBK]

How much of that content is relevant to your target client?


You get that your clients only care about the value you add to the relationship? Nobody cares who founded the course you took. It's not relevant to your experience.


These are skills which are learned through experience, not on a course and especially not if you expect people to pay for your experience.

An acquaintance works as a business coach for a platform which sends him leads. His specialty is restaurant management. He has owned and operated restaurants for many years and is a chef. He knows something about building restaurant trade and buying and selling. He's the ideal mentor if you want to pay for someone's experience.

You need to ask yourself the question.

I realise my posts have been negative but what I see is someone who fell for somebody else's marketing in order to extract money. These courses are everywhere and rely scaling by selling a dream.

I hope I'm wrong.

I hope you're wrong too, I guess time will tell and I certainly never shied away from a challenge. Don't be too quick to judge

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Welcome to the forum

I am surprised just like the others that there appears to be a total lack of support from the franchise
We give free business coaching on here and its very good .

 

[SaraBK]

I just wanted to send a note to thank you all for taking the time to send me your thoughts and suggestions. I am incredibly surprised by the level of support and kindness and I will make sure I action all the suggestions I received. I wish you all the best luck in your businesses and I hope we will interact more in the future.

 

[fisicx]

There is always a need for mentoring and coaching here on UKBF. Upgrade your membership, add your signature link and join in the discussions. You may be surprised about how much business you pick up.

And on that point, how much coaching have you actually done? Experience and demonstrable results are a big selling point.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

there is enough to cover over 2 years of coaching per client

But coaching them in what? What you have experience in?

Please do not be offended by this, but one of the issues I have is someone trying to help me who does not have experience or knowledge in what I do (or what they claim to do) i.e. starting, running and growing a business.

Assuming it is AC, they have a great funnel to churn people into but the advice is very generic. You will quickly learn as to what people think they need and what they really need can be very different.

Use your franchise as a period of learning, but build your own process and materials (with a ficus on your experience) and get out when possible.

 

[SaraBK]

But coaching them in what? What you have experience in?

Please do not be offended by this, but one of the issues I have is someone trying to help me who does not have experience or knowledge in what I do (or what they claim to do) i.e. starting, running and growing a business.

Assuming it is AC, they have a great funnel to churn people into but the advice is very generic. You will quickly learn as to what people think they need and what they really need can be very different.

Use your franchise as a period of learning, but build your own process and materials (with a ficus on your experience) and get out when possible.

Thank you Paul and no offence taken. The only thing I'm not sure I understand is how you are so quick to judge with minimal knowledge of the content.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

OK, what franchise are you now part of?

 

[fisicx]

Thank you Paul and no offence taken. The only thing I'm not sure I understand is how you are so quick to judge with minimal knowledge of the content.

I’d put money on most of that content being available elsewhere.

Not trying to put you down, it’s just that nothing you have said suggests this is a franchise.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Thank you Paul and no offence taken. The only thing I'm not sure I understand is how you are so quick to judge with minimal knowledge of the content.

I am guessing that Paul is thinking the same as me . These people dont know more than us and I would not say it is a quick judgement but that of an experience business person that does not need knowledge of the content.

Possibly you best help might be the usual suspects on this site and all their little tricks

 

[fantheflames]

Thank you so much for your warm welcome and great reply. It is definitely a different world to what I have been doing before.
As part of the franchise, I went through extensive training and certification. Some of the successful coaches talked about the start of their journey and what didn't work for them. Unfortunately I have no access to their clients database.
I have developed a website and am starting to rump up my LinkedIn activities and participation in networking events. Is there anything else you think I should focus on immediately?

@SaraBK, if you become a member of UKBF, myself and other professionals can review your website and marketing plan in more detail if that helps?

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

@SaraBK, if you become a member of UKBF, myself and other professionals can review your website and marketing plan in more detail if that helps?

This is a fantastic idea and the site review is just the tip of the ice berg

You can self promote and manipulate the situation to your commercial advantage just like I do

Was I supposed to say that

 

[Paul Carmen]

@SaraBK Who are you target customers, and why will they use your services. You need to think about, what type of businesses can you help, how do you help them, and what is the outcome of the help; e.g. why would they use you?

The detail above forms the basis of your marketing and lead generation plan. As others have said, some people will search for business coaching, but they are far more likely to search for solutions to a problem, so "XYZ type of business coaching", or "need help to make XYZ business profitable", or "how to get more customers for XYZ business" etc.

There will then be a customer type and market for each of these (XYZ) business types. You need to research what customers want and analyse what the competition does to make sure your offer is compelling.

Trust also comes into it, so testimonials, reviews and promoting successful outcomes for other clients is a key part of signing new clients up.

 

[Mattymoomoo]

@SaraBK. Can you extricate yourself from the franchise?

You really don’t need it.

I agree with this point. No doubt you have paid for the training, if they are not giving anything else of value, then you are just going to pay them each year to then build their brand further. When i use professionals, im buying into the person delivering, not the brand.

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

@SaraBK. Can you extricate yourself from the franchise?

You really don’t need it.

I'm a 100% with you on this. I speak to a guy every now and again and someone I use for a bit of mentoring. He's a customer who created a business from scratch, made it super successful and his advice is always stunning. Just the best, business mentor because he's been there and got all the T-shirts.

It takes me a while to figure out what he's said because I'm not the sharpest tool but it's always superb. Just incredible. And all from his experience.

The price is a night out. Bizarrely, I did a little bit of work for him (I'm just video production) and he literally made a million out of it so he pays for the night out. He credits me with helping make that money but it was just that he took my idea and ran with it, elevating it to an incredible degree. We drink beer, talk nonsense and then he'll give me a great piece of advice.

It's his experience that really, really counts. I want him all the time but he's too busy doing stupid hobbies that only rich people do!