First Coaching Clients: Roadmap for Female Entrepreneurs
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- May 18, 2024
- 8 min read
From Zero to Your First Coaching Clients: An Empowering Roadmap for Ambitious (Mom)Entrepreneurs to Authentically Connect & Convert, Without the Overwhelm
That little flutter in your stomach, a mix of sheer excitement & let’s be honest, a healthy dose of terror. You’ve got this brilliant coaching idea, this passion to help others, & you’re ready to take the leap. But then comes the big question: how on earth do you actually get your first paying clients? Sound familiar? Thought so! If you’re nodding along, lovely, you’re in exactly the right place.
As a fellow entrepreneur who has navigated this path (often with a toddler literally hanging off my leg & the delightful background hum of children's TV – yep, I see you!), I know that landing those initial clients is about so much more than just income. It’s about validation. It’s about that incredible confidence boost that whispers, "Yes, you can do this. This is working." It’s the bedrock upon which your future success will be built. Imagine that first client excitedly sharing how your guidance helped her finally ditch her 9-to-5 & launch her dream business!
So, grab a cuppa (or perhaps something stronger, no judgement here!), & let’s walk through a practical, empathetic, & empowering roadmap to help you authentically connect with those first dream clients & convert them, without sending your stress levels into orbit. This is especially for you if you're in that "Foundation Builder" stage, perhaps juggling this incredible adventure with motherhood, & you're ready to turn your passion into a paying reality.
The Mindset Shift: Your First ‘Yes’ is Closer Than You Think
Before we dive into strategies, let’s talk about what’s happening between your ears. Because, trust me, that’s where the biggest battles are often won.
That little voice piping up with "Who am I to do this?" or "What if no one signs up?" or "I hate selling!"? We all have it. Honestly, I’ve certainly had my moments, especially in my early ventures, where the fear of putting myself out there felt like trying to scale a mountain in flip-flops. The truth is, these fears are normal. But they don’t get to drive the car.
Selling as Service, Not Sleaze: One of the biggest mindset shifts is to reframe "selling." Forget images of pushy salespeople. For coaches like us, selling is simply an extension of our desire to serve. It’s about genuinely connecting with someone, understanding their struggles & aspirations, & then clearly articulating how we can help them bridge that gap. When you come from a place of authentic service, the "icky" feeling dissolves. You’re not pushing; you’re offering a solution, a pathway.
Embrace Personal Responsibility (Lovingly!): While it’s easy to get caught up in external factors, the real power lies in focusing on what you can do. This isn't about blame; it's about empowerment. It’s about taking consistent, smart action, even when it feels scary. Your journey to your first client starts with your decision to actively seek them. Remember, even if your path feels a bit slower because you’re juggling, say, four amazing kids & a PhD like I am, owning your progress is key. It’s not about the speed, but the direction & the ownership. What’s that saying? "You might twist your ankle, but the difference is, is you get back up again!"
Connect to Your Core Purpose: Why do you want to coach? What impact do you want to make? When you’re deeply connected to your ‘why’, it fuels your confidence & makes those initial outreach efforts feel much more natural. Honestly, it's this sense of purpose that often shines through & truly resonates with potential clients. If you're looking to dive deeper into this foundational piece, exploring resources on finding your purpose can be incredibly illuminating. Femmeprenista Female Entrepreneur Support: Find Your Purpose
Authentically Articulating Your Value: Let Your True ‘Flair’ Shine
Once your mindset is geared for connection, it’s time to talk about what you do & how you do it – in a way that feels completely, authentically you. This is where your unique brilliance, your personal style, really comes into play.
Focus on Transformation, Not Just Tasks: Instead of listing services, talk about the transformation you offer. What will be different for your clients after working with you? Will they feel more confident, less overwhelmed, achieve a specific goal? Paint a picture of their desired future & how you help them get there. As Rory Sutherland says, "Stories are the PDF files of human information." So, tell a story about the transformation you offer.
Your Unique Voice is Your Superpower: You don’t need to sound like some guru you saw on Instagram or mimic the language of other coaches. Your clients are looking for you – your personality, your experiences, your unique way of seeing the world. It sounds simple, but I distinctly remember when I was first trying to explain my services, I felt so awkward & inauthentic. I almost gave up! I felt like I was trying to wear someone else's designer shoes but in reality, I'm more of a fluffy slipper type of gal! It wasn't until I embraced my "kitchen table" style that people really started to connect! Whether it's your sense of humour, your empathetic approach, or your no-nonsense style, let it shine. This authenticity is magnetic. About Carlene Nisbett & Femmeprenista
Simple, Clear Messaging: At this stage, clarity trumps cleverness. Can you explain what you do & who you help in a couple of simple sentences? Practice articulating your value proposition until it feels natural & easy to share. Imagine you're explaining it to a friend over coffee.
Low-Cost, High-Connection Strategies to Land Your First Clients: Smart Action in ‘Flow’
Right, let's get practical! You don’t need a massive marketing budget or a complicated funnel to get your first business coaching clients. What you do need is a willingness to connect authentically & take consistent, smart action. Remember what Jim Rohn said: “Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action.”
Here are some low-cost strategies that work wonders:
Leverage Your Existing Network (The Warm Welcome):
Who do you already know? Think friends, family, past colleagues, people from previous communities or courses.
These people already know, like, & trust you to some extent.
The Authentic Approach: Don't just blast them with a sales pitch. Share your excitement about your new coaching venture.
Explain who you help & the transformation you offer.
Ask if they know anyone who might benefit (a gentle way to also see if they are interested).
A Personal Story: Honestly, I remember when I launched one of my earlier ventures; some of my first supporters were people who’d followed my journey from my university days. It wasn’t a hard sell; it was a natural evolution of our connection.
Show Up Where Your Ideal Clients Are (Simply & Authentically):
Choose one or two social media platforms where your ideal clients genuinely hang out. Don’t try to be everywhere – that’s a recipe for overwhelm.
Share helpful tips, insights, or ask engaging questions related to the problems you solve.
Focus on giving value before you ever ask for anything. As Robert Collier (via Sabri Suby) says, "Enter the conversation already taking place in the customer's mind.”
Join relevant groups or conversations.
Be helpful, supportive, & build genuine connections. This isn't about dropping links to your services everywhere; it's about becoming a trusted voice. For example, if you help overwhelmed mums, look for relevant parenting groups – but focus on being a helpful member, not just a promoter.
The "Soft Offer" or Gentle Invitation:
Once you've built some rapport & provided value, you can offer a gentle invitation.
From Conversation to Call: This could be something like, "I've really enjoyed our chat. I’m actually offering a few complimentary discovery calls right now for people who are . Would you be open to a no-pressure chat to see if it might be a good fit for you?"
Frame the call as an exploratory conversation, not a high-pressure sales pitch.
It’s about discovering if you’re a good match for each other. Think of it as a friendly chat over coffee, not a grilling session!
Your First "Practice" or "Beta" Clients:
Consider offering your coaching at a significantly reduced "beta" rate for your first 2-3 clients.
The Win-Win: In exchange, ask for detailed feedback & a testimonial upon completion.
This is invaluable for building your confidence, refining your coaching process, & gathering those crucial early testimonials that will help you attract future full-paying clients.
Building Proof & Confidence: It takes the pressure off "getting it perfect" from day one.
Overcoming the Overwhelm: Simple Systems for Early Success
One of the biggest traps for new coaches is getting bogged down in trying to set up complicated systems before they even have a client. Honestly, at this stage, simplicity is your best friend. We're aiming for streamlined processes that support your client attraction, not create more work. As my partner always says, "It's the system that's going to help us".
Simple System Checklist:
Genuine Conversations: Skip the complex funnel. Your "funnel" is simply a genuine conversation, a clear invitation, & an easy way for them to say 'yes' & pay you.
3 Essential Tools for Day 1:
A simple way to schedule calls (e.g., Calendly, Acuity Scheduling – many have free plans). Example prompt: "Book your free discovery call here!"
A reliable way to communicate (email, a dedicated platform for clients if you wish). Example prompt: "Check your inbox for details!"
A straightforward method to take payments (e.g., PayPal, Stripe). Example prompt: "Secure your spot now!"
Consistency Wins: Focus on consistently implementing the simple client attraction strategies above rather than trying to master complex marketing automation from day one. As your business grows, you can layer in more sophisticated systems.
Smooth & Easy: The key is to create a smooth & easy experience for both you & your new clients.
These principles of clarity in your mindset, authentic messaging, & streamlined, consistent actions are at the heart of building a thriving business that truly flourishes. If you're keen to understand more about how these elements work together in a holistic way, you might find our approach at Femmeprenista, the Business Flourish Framework, really insightful.
The Power of Support & Connection: You’re Not Alone!
Launching a coaching business, especially when you're juggling other life commitments, can sometimes feel isolating. Please remember, you don’t have to do this alone.
Connecting with other female entrepreneurs who get it can make all the difference. Peer support provides encouragement when you’re feeling doubtful, accountability to keep you moving forward, & a safe space to share your wins & challenges. Honestly, it’s like having your own personal cheerleading squad! This is why communities like our free Femme:Connect Community Page are so vital – they offer a space for that essential peer support, encouragement, & networking.
Your Roadmap to Client Confidence: It Starts Today!
Securing those first business coaching clients is a pivotal moment. It’s the tangible proof that your vision has wings. By focusing on an empowered mindset, articulating your value with authentic flair, taking consistent, smart action, & keeping your early systems simple, you’ll not only attract those clients but also build a strong foundation for sustainable success. After implementing this approach, one of my clients, who was really struggling with marketing, secured 3 clients in her first month! As Michelle Obama says, "Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives."
Remember, this initial phase is all about genuine connection, building trust, & leaning into service. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
Ready to turn your validated coaching concept into a client-attracting reality? Our Launch Programme is designed to give you the focused implementation support & acceleration you need. You can find out more about how we can support you here: Launch Programme Page.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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