Holly recently asked us this question on Facebook:
“I’m involved in many coaching programs and have kissed many toads. How do I pick a coaching program that shows me how to market myself well? The bottom line, most of us want to coach others. How do we help each other with our collective wisdom and not kiss toads? And if a program is a “toad,” is that an opinion, or is it just not a good fit for me?”
GREAT question, Holly! Thank you for asking. 😊
Below are some critical things to consider when selecting a coaching program for marketing your expertise. I hope you find some helpful ‘nuggets’ in the advice Mark and I share below.
(NOTE: No toads were harmed in making this content) 🐸
Choosing the right coaching program is one of the most important decisions you can make as an entrepreneur. With the rise of coaching in our culture, more program options are available than ever, so picking one can be daunting, though it doesn’t have to be.
Here are a few things to consider as you evaluate program options for marketing your coaching/consulting program(s):
➡️ Assess the marketing approach.
One important factor to consider – especially for a program focused on helping you with marketing – is how the coaching program itself is marketed. Does authenticity shine throughout their own marketing approach? Or does it feel brash, pushy, and ‘in your face?’ Any coaching program for marketing your business should feel authentic, as it’s an indication that what they teach is what they preach. It’s important to consider how the program and its facilitators are marketing themselves. Are they active on social media? What kind of content are they putting out there? Is it content that highlights their authority and expertise just as they would teach you to do?
➡️ Review the curriculum.
A program that offers a comprehensive approach should address all aspects of the challenge you are having, including mindset and skillset. Does the program have a proven track record and a history of helping people overcome similar challenges? Take a look at the curriculum and structure of any program you’re considering. Does it provide a clear path, or is it vague and open-ended? Is there a proven process and a roadmap to follow? How much support does it offer? A well-designed program will offer guidance and support while still customizing your experience. You want to make sure you choose one that is reputable and has been around for a while. At the same time, you don’t want to pick a program that is so popular that it’s impossible to get into or is so crowded you become a ‘number’.
➡️ Pinpoint the promise(s).
Look for a proven process that has helped many coaches/consultants achieve their goals. Does it promise quick results with little effort? Or does it present a more realistic picture of the work required to reach your goals? Does it make grandiose claims that seem too good to be true? If so, it’s likely not the right fit. A good coaching program will be upfront and honest about what it can provide and give you realistic expectations. Be wary of any program that seems too good to be true – it probably is.
➡️ Identify the benchmarks.
Make sure the topics covered align with your goals, that there’s a balance of theory and practical application, and that all are designed to meet specific benchmarks. Also important is to know a definitive date when you can expect to see results. Steer clear of coaching with an open-ended timeframe for meeting criteria, is offered hourly or for an indefinite period of time.
➡️ Gain intel from insights.
Reviews from past clients will give you an idea of what the program is like and whether it is likely to help you achieve your own objectives. Take some time to read reviews of any coaching program geared toward helping you with marketing and client acquisition. Have they helped people like you? What was their experience like? Would they recommend it to others? These personal recommendations can be very valuable in making your decision. Look for a program with raving fans and glowing reviews. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and whether or not it’s right for you.
In Part Two of this post, we will share more things to consider as you evaluate program options for marketing your coaching/consulting program(s) –->> Click Here To Read Part Two.<<–
✅ If you’re ready to examine how our ‘90 Days to Clarity & Clients’ program can help you to market your coaching program ~ without ‘kissing toads’ 🐸 and without being inauthentic or pushy, click here now to book your game plan strategy session.