In Part One of this post, we shared five things to consider as you evaluate program options for marketing your coaching/consulting program(s).

In this post, we will share some other things to consider, but first, we revisit Holly’s question posted here in the group:

“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 more things to consider as you evaluate program options for marketing your coaching/consulting program(s):

➡️Meet the facilitator(s).

Those who’ve ‘been there / done that’ often make the best teachers. Overcoming challenges is a process that requires time, effort, and perseverance. It also requires a coach who is familiar with the ins and outs of the challenge at hand. A consultation will allow you to get a feel for their personality and style and to ask any questions you may have about the program. During your meeting, ensure they pinpoint why you’re currently struggling (a competent coach will have this already identified before your meeting) and share how they will help you overcome your challenges and meet your goals. They will come to the meeting prepared with a brief understanding of your current marketing and some suggestions of where the gaps are in your current process. 

➡️Understand accountability structure.

Make sure the facilitator(s) of the program will hold you accountable for your actions and ensure you follow through on your goals. They’ll provide the tools and resources you need to succeed, but it’ll be up to you to do the work and follow through. The important thing is to find a program that’s aligned with your goals and preferences. Are there opportunities to ask questions and get feedback?  Is the program able to adjust to your unique situation and provide the support that is tailored to you? Do they offer 1:1 coaching and community resources? Can you review recordings for any training pieces you can’t attend live? Think about what style of learning you prefer. If you’re the type of person who likes a lot of hand-holding, then look for a program that provides step-by-step guidance. On the other hand, if you prefer to have more freedom to explore on your own, then a less structured program may be a better fit. 

➡️ Align your expectations with your investment. 

Look first at the return you desire, then create a budget so you can invest to ensure you get that return. Instead of being limited by a budget, when you set your sights on what you want to gain vs. what you want to save, you release the potential for a full/complete return on your investment. 

➡️ Confirm guarantee of results.

A guarantee of results shows that the company stands behind its program and is confident in its ability to deliver. Don’t pay for a program that does not deliver the outcomes you require. Make sure the program is designed to meet specific criteria. Your financial investment in the program needs to be commensurate with the measurable results you’ll get out of it. 

➡️ Trust your gut. 

A good coaching program will have a methodology that has been proven to work. This will give you confidence that you’re making a wise investment. In the end, the best coaching program is the one that feels right for you. Go with your instinct and choose the program that seems like the best fit.

Conclusion

Ultimately, picking a coaching program that will be effective in helping you to market your coaching/consulting program/services is a personal decision. By doing your research, you can find and invest in a program you feel comfortable with and believe will help you reach your full potential.

When you find a program that feels right, commit to it. Follow the instructions and do the work. The only way to see results is to put in the effort.