You've started your coaching business, you've put yourself out there, and you've made your voice heard. You're excited to utilize your talents to help others. But after the big launch, you're hearing ... crickets.
If your business just can't seem to generate any buzz, don't worry: I've got you covered. I've seen it all -- both in clients' experiences and my own -- and I know what's keeping your goals from manifesting.
Once you can identify what's holding you back, you'll have the tools to turn the chirping of crickets into a much sweeter sound: cha-ching.
1. You're marketing to your peers instead of your clients.
This one comes up all the time with my clients: let's say you're a life coach, and you help people overcome their limiting beliefs. So, who are you pitching your services to?
If you're marketing your services primarily to a group of already-evolved people who have a substantial set of tools under their belt, you're missing the big picture. Unless you're trying to coach other coaches, you should be directing your services to people who haven't already discovered these tools and skillsets.
2. You're using language you've evolved to with clients who don't yet understand it.
Think about the lowest point in your life. Were you saying, "I need to manifest abundance" or "I am self-sabotaging my results"? Most likely, you were probably saying something more along the lines of, "I need to get my sh*t together and start doing something with my life."
If you use language that your clients don't understand, they'll leave feeling worse about themselves and certainly won't follow up with you. You need to put yourself in your clients' shoes and use language that they can relate to.
3. You're biting off more than your clients can chew.
I know for a fact that I can help my clients make six-figure incomes. But if I lead in with a new client by promising $10K a month, it will seem too good to be true, and will turn my clients away from me. It will more likely sound overwhelming than inspiring.
Think about where your clients' headspace is: your sweet spot isn't their ultimate goal, but rather the next best place that they can feasibly get to.
4. You're talking about tools your clients don't understand.
WTF is EFT? These were my exact thoughts before I embarked on my self-development journey and learned about the Emotional Freedom Technique. Fast-forward to today, and I'm a huge fan.
The important point here is that learning terminology is a gradual process, which is easy to forget when it's such a natural part of our vocabulary. Use language that any client can understand, even one who isn't quite up to speed with the industry jargon. Instead of talking about "Reiki sessions", for instance, use more accessible descriptions, like "transformational healing tools" or "integrated healing techniques".
5. You're making decisions for your clients instead of letting them come to you.
Once you have a business plan, it's easy to become fixated and rigidly stick to your original idea. But to be a successful coach -- and a successful entrepreneur -- you've got to be flexible.
When I first launched my business, I had no idea that my tribe was struggling to the degree that they were in finding their ideal clients. So I changed my business model -- and even its name -- to helping people find and vibe their tribe.
When I deviated from my original plan and responded to the needs my clients presented to me, I was met with instant success: within three weeks, I was completely sold out of my coaching program.
6. You're caught up in someone else's process.
When you see other successful entrepreneurs, it's easy to try to exactly imitate their systems and delivery. This happened to me: at first, I thought that my services had to look exactly like theirs in order to be successful.
While others' businesses can serve as models or inspiration, remember that your success is about you. Nobody can think or strategize like you: use this to your advantage! The second I started showing up as myself, the sales followed.
You've got the skills, you've got the talents, and now all you need is to get people talking about your business. And I can speak from experience: once you remove the things that are in your way, the money will flow. Do what you love and have faith: the universe has your back, and so do I.
Danielle Sabrina is a heart-centered business intuitive, monetization strategist, and writer who contributes regularly to the Huffington Post. After leaving a successful career in Financial Planning, Danielle developed her freedom-based business What Vibes Your Tribe, where she helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs monetize their passion and do what they love full-time. Danielle is known for helping her clients connect with their tribe, turn followers into fans, and fans into paying clients.