How Do You Attract Executive Coaching Clients?
Coaching Article

How Do You Attract Executive Coaching Clients?

November 14, 2023
By Jeffrey E. Auerbach, Ph.D., MCC, NBC-HWC

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If you are thinking about how to recruit more executive coaching clients, the secret is to build your reputation, create awareness of your specialty and develop connections.

In this article I will share with you the best strategies that build on these core principles.

Here are the twelve most effective coach practice building strategies. As you read these think about what you will do to take action with at least three of these strategies.

How Do You Attract Executive Coaching Clients?

Clarify How Coaching Will Help Your Ideal Clients
Figure out the value you bring to your ideal clients. What will they get from coaching with you that they believe is valuable enough for them to hire you?

Network Strategically
Attend industry events, conferences, and networking groups where your ideal clients gather. Build relationships and share your expertise with your network. Join the professional associations your ideal clients belong to.

Guest Speaking or Workshops
Offer to speak at conferences, lead webinars, or develop workshops. Position yourself as a leadership development authority in your ideal clients’ industry. Provide valuable insights and demonstrate your coaching skills.

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Content Marketing
Create valuable content such as articles, blog posts, or videos related to executive coaching and your desired clients. Share these on your website and social media.

Interview or Get Interviewed
Contribute to podcasts, magazines, or other media outlets. Interviews will showcase your expertise and you will reach a wide audience.

Pitch to Reporters
Reach out to journalists covering leadership, business, or personal development. Offer insights or expert opinions for relevant articles.

Guest Blogging
Write guest posts for industry blogs or websites. Tactfully include your biography with information about your coaching services.

Social Media Networking
Engage with promising executives on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other platforms. Share valuable content and participate in relevant discussions.

Inspire Referrals
Mention to satisfied clients that you are open to referrals from their colleagues or other executives. Word-of-mouth referrals are the most effective way to build your coaching practice because of the credibility they convey to you.

Extend Existing Engagements
Consider exploring additional coaching opportunities within organizations you are already working in.

Offer Add-on Services
Provide supplementary services such as assessments, workshops, or team coaching to enhance your coaching engagements.

Collect Testimonials
After successful coaching sessions, gently and ethically invite client testimonials. Testimonials will provide you credibility that is influential to potential coaching clients.

The next step is up to you. Which three to four of these strategies are most promising to you? What is the first step you will take to put those strategies into action?

Do you want to become a certified executive coach or set up an internal coaching program?

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