The Ultimate Guide to Building Powerful Connections as a Coach

Networking can feel like attending a social gathering where everyone’s already formed their cliques and you’re the awkward new person with a plate full of mystery dip. You hover on the edges, desperately trying to avoid eye contact and the inevitable “So, what do you do?” question.

But fear not! Today, we’re ditching the networking dread and transforming you into a Networking Ninja with a system inspired by the ruthless efficiency of Neil Patel’s marketing strategies and the master communicator himself, Jordan Harbinger.

Why Networking Matters for Coaches (Let’s Be Honest, It Does)

Look, you can have all the coaching knowledge in the world, but without connections, getting clients can be like trying to win a swimming race with a backpack full of bricks. Networking opens doors, leads to referrals, and helps you build credibility. Here’s the harsh truth: successful coaches are masters of connection, not recluses hiding behind their laptops.

The Networking Star Model: From Awkward Newbie to Social Butterfly

Let’s dissect this “Star Model” and break down the 5 pillars that will turn you from a networking wallflower to a confident connection machine:

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience (Not Everyone is Your Client)

Think of yourself as a skilled sharpshooter, not a confused kid spraying paint everywhere. Who are your ideal clients? Entrepreneurs struggling with work-life balance? Mid-career professionals seeking career clarity? Understanding your target audience helps you tailor your approach and identify the best networking events or online communities to connect with them.

Pro Tip. Leverage data! Check industry reports, online forums, and social media groups to see where your ideal clients are hanging out virtually. Don’t waste time at networking events filled with people who have zero interest in your coaching niche.

Step 2: Define Your Value Proposition (Why You, and Why Now?)

People connect with value. Don’t be that person at the event who just spews out their business name and expects clients to fall at their feet. Craft a compelling elevator pitch that highlights your unique coaching skills and the specific benefits you offer.

1. Who you are
2. Who you help
3. What their challenges are
4. What remarkable services you offer to solve those challenges
5. What gains your services provide

Tip – Don’t make this too long as it can sound too ‘salesy’. 30 seconds or so will inform but lead to people wanting to ask questions. try to avoid fluffy words and use plain English to avoid putting people off. If you are speaking with someone who may be in your audience, don’t be afraid to add in a call to action ‘If this sounds good, we are having an online event next week that you should come to’. This is a soft but assertive way to get people into your sales funnel.

Action Step: Think of a concise answer to the question: “What do you do, and how can you help my clients?” Focus on the transformation you offer, not just your skills or experience.

Step 3: Master the Art of Conversation (No More Small Talk Torture)

Let’s face it, typical networking conversations are about as stimulating as watching paint dry. Ditch the “What’s the weather like?” jokes and delve into meaningful conversation starters. Here are some tips:

• Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Go beyond the obvious. Instead of “So, what brings you here?”, ask “What are some challenges you’re currently facing in your business/career?” This sparks deeper conversations and showcases your genuine interest.
• Become a Master Listener: Listen to understand, not just to reply. This builds rapport and allows you to identify potential areas where your coaching can help.
• Focus on Shared Interests: Find common ground! Did you both attend the same university? Share a passion for rock climbing? Use these connections to build a stronger rapport.

As some of the great leaders say, Change your questions, change your life. Become the most interesting person in the room because of the conversations you are having.

Step 4: The Power of Follow-Up

The real magic often happens after the event. Don’t be that person who disappears after exchanging business cards. Within a day or two, send a personalised follow-up email reminding them of your conversation and offering a valuable resource (e.g., a free consultation, a blog post relevant to their challenge).

This can take effort and a lot of people forget about this. However, a good follow-up can ensure that people stay in touch. Don’t be afraid to use a spreadsheet if you know you may forget some details.

Step 5: Nurture the Relationship (This is a Marathon, Not a Sprint)

Building relationships takes time and effort. Connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn, send them occasional messages to see how they’re doing, and share content they might find valuable. The goal is to establish a genuine connection, not just make a quick sale.

Remember: Your network is your net worth, especially in the coaching world. By applying these 5 steps, you’ll transform yourself from a networking noob to a charming connection machine, ready to build a thriving coaching business.

**So, what are you waiting for? Step out there, embrace the Networking Ninja

If you’re ready to overcome your limiting beliefs and become a successful coach, I encourage you to attend one of our 1-Day Coaching Diplomas to start your coaching journey. For those who want more speaking support, here is the link to our speaking training. It’ll help you to develop a plan to achieve your goals and build a successful coaching business.