Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Getting the Word Out about Our Work: A bakers dozen ideas

It is International Coaching Week and an opportunity to spread the word about what coaching is, what
Getting the Word Out - Source: Dollarphoto
coaching is not, and how it can look in all its' varied forms. What are you doing this week to get the word out?

Recently as I have launched my latest on-demand learning program for coaches and others who are wanting to fill their own workshops, retreats, teleclasses, and group/team programs, I have been coaching a number of people who are wanting to get the word out about their programs. The Marketing Tips For Your Group and Team Program is a self-paced four-hour video based course, geared to give you some foundations, and practical tips, in marketing your next program. It was inspired by the hundreds of questions I have been asked over the years about getting "voices on the line" and "bums in the seats" particularly around filling public programs, and building a brand for your coaching business.

Today's post is intended to get you thinking about how YOU can get the word out about your work as a coach. Given that it is International Coaching Week how might you connect with others to talk about, and bring to life the work you do. Here's a bakers dozen (13) ideas to get you started:

  1. Write a series of blog posts on coaching
  2. Write a series of  articles
  3. Host a "drop in" coaching cafe - virtually or in person - so that others can experience coaching
  4. Band together with other coaches and have a table at a local trade show (this was something I did a couple of times in my first year of business and it was a lot of fun and great about getting the word out!)
  5. Host a focus group with past clients to see what they have enjoyed about your work and found as beneficial (be aware of confidentiality so some of you may want to hold these calls 1-1)
  6. Develop case studies based on past examples of work you have completed (again maintaining confidentiality)
  7. Host a coach-a-thon
  8. Develop a flash-mob
  9. Volunteer your time to host a coaching conversation/program at a local non-profit
  10. Record a series of audio posts or podcasts on what you focus on as a coach, OR key topics of interest to your clients
  11. Book speaking engagements with organizations related to your focus area for the next quarter
  12. Consider developing a Frequently Asked Questions sheet about your work
  13. Capture testimonials from your clients
How else might you get the word out this week, or in the near future, about coaching and the work that you do?

Have a great International Coaching Week!

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials | Potentials Realized
 

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)

A reminder that the Advanced Group Coaching Practicum starts this Thursday at 10:15 am ET. Geared for coaches who want to sharpen their group caochign skills and receive feedback, while taking a deeper dive into the topic of group coaching. 10 CCEs (including 9.25 core comp). Click here for more info and to grab one of the last spots!

1 comment:

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