Coaching slowdowns occur at various times of the year – summer, holidays, school breaks and family vacations.
During slowdowns, many coaches do one or more of the following:
- Take the time off, putting a virtual “do not disturb” sign on their business.
- Coach their few remaining clients and enjoy the slow pace.
- Pause marketing until business picks up again, assuming that no one will read their emails or social media posts.
- Stop communicating with existing clients planning to return after the break.
So, what’s my point? Don’t stop coaching or marketing when you experience a slowdown! Use your time wisely, planning out business building activities to keep your name out there with prospects and existing clients.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Send an article of interest to current and former clients. I have had former clients stay in touch and come back for more coaching years later.
- Catch up on your vlog or blog posts.
- Check out current data on neurodiversity and coaching to use as a marketing touchpoint. Remember the marketing rule: GIVE, GIVE, GIVE, ASK.
- Investigate and create new marketing strategies.
- Notify everyone on your mailing list and social media pages that you are taking reservations for coaching NOW. First come, first served.
- Connect with other JST Training Grads in the LinkedIn Group.
- Update ALL of your online profile information with your credentials and a current photo.
- Do a website “refresh” – Ask trusted friends and colleagues to review your website and provide objective feedback. It’s surprising what other people notice.
- Connect with other coaches and allied professionals. If your client load decreases, use your free time to schedule in-person and virtual coffee or lunch.
What are other marketing strategies that will help you maintain and grow your business? The idea is to try out new ideas to be noticed and contacted.