Do you ever wonder how all the big name coaches and thought leaders got to the top? I used to think it was about years of experience, but it’s not. And, it’s not even about expertise or how much your clients love you (although it can help).

When it first happens it feels like you’re stepping onto a fast luxury train. It’s very exciting and smooth. Some sort of critical mass is reached where suddenly you’re the bomb and everyone knows it:

• The right opportunities roll in (instead of the kind that waste your time).
• Someone gives you a book advance or you’re asked to keynote for 5 figures.
• People come out of the woodwork to promote you to their big lists.
• You hear all the time “You’re the best there is.”
• Your list suddenly grows exponentially.
• Your time is in such high demand you must double or triple your fees.
• And you realize you have to hire money managers because it’s flowing in.

Your star has risen! And now you’ve got the high-class problem of having to turn down opportunities and clients. But then you expand your team (into a lovely little family) so it’s possible to scale up without having to work harder.

I know not everyone wants a business like that, but don’t you want some measure of “having arrived”? At the very least you want to become THE top of mind go to person for your niche so it makes your life easier, more enjoyable and prosperous.

But what do you really need to have going for you to become well known?

Continue reading Why it Pays to Be Well Known (and what might be keeping you from it)

Have you ever felt like you’re all over the place with your coaching business?

Today, you’re speaking at a brown bag association meeting about team leadership. Yesterday you gave a talk at your church about relationships. Next week you’ve got a gig at Borders where you’re giving a career choice seminar. You’re versatile, but are you building a sustainable future?

It feels good to be recognized, so you say ‘yes’ to speaking and training opportunities even if there’s no continuity to the topic or niche market. But what are you recognized for? And is it something you can leverage to become financially successful in your coaching business?

Or maybe you’ve committed to one topical coaching niche (like leadership, career, relationships) but you’re offering that topic to everyone, with no unique market or message. The same question applies. What are you known for? Is it something you can leverage for financial success?

If you’re morphing your message to fit any opportunity or potential client you could possibly attract, you’re just making more work for yourself. Leverage comes when the market you’re serving and your message are congruent and consistent. Then you can leverage everything you do, because it’s all aimed at the same target.

If you’re tired of working really hard for every client and never building momentum, the fix is simple. Here’s how to coach more, earn more and market less:

Continue reading What Are You Recognized For?

Ever feel scattered or aimless in your coaching business? Like you just can’t get any traction?

You’re crystal clear about your desire to make a big impact and contribute to the success of the human race. But somewhere in the drive to do that, your energy and attention gets scattered and ineffective. It’s pretty painful, especially if the lack of clarity sticks around for very long.

Of course, focus is the answer. Focus clears your mind and spotlights what to do next. Pinpointed focus renews your courage and confidence.

I’ll tell you, on days when I feel unfocused, nothing worthwhile gets done. My response? I’m outta here. I had a day like that last week and, seriously, I just blew off my to-do list and took a mini vacation.

I’ve learned to let myself have days like that, because 85% of the time I am focused, and the result is always awesome!  On those days, I start my day feeling on purpose, energized, motivated, and ready to take high payoff actions. And I end the day feeling grateful, more prosperous and relaxed.

What Makes the Fog Gather

What causes that feeling of ineffectiveness to creep in? I’ve seen it over and over in the coaches I work with, and it usually comes down to this. They don’t have a solid grip on who they serve and what those folks really want.

If you’re even a little fuzzy about who you serve, what they want, and how you fit into that picture, then you don’t have a clear direction for your business. So, it’s more difficult to push forward on projects, create and fill your coaching programs, and attract a steady stream of clients. Of course, that means you’ll miss out on making a great income too.

The good news is, clarity on those points is closer than you think. Commit yourself to finding the answers for a few fundamental and pithy questions about your coaching business, and you’ll have pinpointed focus most of the time. Then you’ll be able to cover lots of ground quickly and get where you want to go.

Continue reading 4 Questions to Bring Your Coaching Business Out of the Fog and Into Focus