Discover Your Coaching Niche

In the first part of this article, we looked at clients who refuse to take action, and outlined what to do about that.  Let’s continue with problem no. 2… 

Problem 2 – Listening to their story

Then there are the “Yes, but…” clients.  Many have rehearsed their stories of “I want, but I can’t get” so often, that coaches get sucked in.  The story is how much they want this change, but because of their circumstances/their age/occupation/immediate family/their education/pets they can’t.  These clients always have a ready answer as to why they can’t change their situation.  They are fond of pointing out “…it’s just that…” this particular set of circumstances stops them progressing.

Don’t get suckered.  Don’t listen to the story!  It’s well rehearsed!!  I’m not being cruel – I genuinely care for people.  But I can’t help a client if I listen to the story they’ve told friends, relatives, spouses and colleagues over and over again.  These stories outline the problem but then lay out all the excuses why their desired outcome cannot be achieved.

If you’re going to help a client, don’t listen to the story.  Get their desired end state in clear, sensory-specific terms.  Ensure they are the ones in control of getting it.  Then explore a route to getting there that is feasible.  And ensure they’re committed to it.

Solution 2: Refuse to listen to the “story”.

Problem 3 – Tolerating bad client behaviour

You may have clients who are sapping your life-force.  You know the ones.  They pay late and you spend inordinate amounts of time chasing them.  After they’ve asked for special rates.  They miss sessions.  And then they don’t take action.

And to add insult to injury, they are exactly the clients who suck their teeth and grimace when you tell them your fees.

But there’s a simple solution.  And in your heart of hearts, you know it already.  Fire them. You’re not under any obligation to coach everyone, under all circumstances.  Some clients can be helped, others refuse to help themselves, even when it’s brought to them on a silver platter.  So do youself a favour – dump them.  You’ll feel better for it.

Solution 3 – Fire your worst clients.

This article will continue in the next post.

Comments are closed.