Written by: Karen Cappello, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What does it really take to start your career as an executive coach and consultant? If you’ve been a leader in corporate and you’re eager to make those skills work for you in your executive coaching profession, this article is for you!
Now I’ve worked with a LOT of leaders who want to start and scale their executive coaching careers. The people who get the best results are those who’ve come from the corporate world ‒ just like you ‒ and are eager to use their expertise to help businesses and organizations flourish.
So it makes sense, right? When you aren’t aware of the strategies that are attracting corporate clients these days, it’s pretty hard to get business. The last thing you need right now is the exhaustion and uncertainty of working long hours and seeing zero results.
I’ll Let You In On a Little Secret
In order to be successful, you want to have a PROVEN system of landing corporate clients. Having a system in place is very reassuring, and it creates confidence that you're on the right track. After that, it's only a matter of implementation!
When you don’t have a system in place, it’s like throwing darts in the dark – at a target that’s constantly moving. You take a lot of detours, make a lot of (avoidable) mistakes, and waste a lot of time and money doubting yourself. I’ve been there.
Today, I want to share three strategies that will give you direction and momentum! I figured these out through a lot of trial and error. You don’t have to. Follow these three strategies and your business will be stable, viable, and profitable!
Strategy 1: Know Your Expertise Keystone
What is your Zone of Genius? This is a sweet spot where your talents, credibility, interests, and passions converge!
As a new coach, you may feel like you're just getting started, but that's not true. You've had years of experience, expertise, and connections that you can leverage to begin your coaching business.
So ask yourself – When you were in corporate, what was it that you wished you could do all day and get rid of the rest? Another way to look at it ‒ What was the recurring challenge that you helped others solve? What was the main thing that made your colleagues seek out your expertise?
Reflect on these questions and you’ll arrive at your genius work, i.e., your Zone of Genius!
Strategy 2: Communicate Your Expertise to the Right People
Now that you have your keystone expertise, you want to communicate that expertise to the right people and get their attention. You could share this via a blog, podcast, bio, or LinkedIn article (here I am as an example of that) or use any other medium! The key here is to find out where your ideal clients ‘live’, i.e., consume their content.
Focus on creating impactful messaging that is targeted toward your ideal clients. And once you have your message and your ideal client really dialed in, you can become a thought leader in your field and get the recognition you deserve in coaching.
And this has some really positive knock-on effects. Namely, this strategy will make it so easy for your ideal clients to find and hire you!
Strategy 3: Expand Your Reach
My third strategy is to expand your reach and collapse the time to business success. There are umpteen ways to catch the attention of the people you’re meant to work with. One way is to offer a complimentary masterclass that showcases your expertise. Invite your corporate connections who could benefit and also refer your ideal clients to the class.
Don’t build from scratch. Create your executive coaching business from all the lives you've touched throughout your whole entire career.
One of my favorite corporate and coaching engagements was my work with the Ford Motor Company. I was referred there by a colleague who knew me from my work as the Chief Learning Officer at International Coach Academy.
Remember, you've done great work as a leader in corporate. It’s time to leverage your reputation and connections to grow your executive coaching business.
Here's my question for you. Are you ready to utilize your talents and expertise, to help others become the best leader they can be?
If the answer is yes, follow these three strategies – find your genius work, identify and connect with your ideal clientele, and leverage your existing corporate connections – and you should have no problem making huge waves in your corporate coaching career. And all the while maintaining the lifestyle you’ve become accustomed to.
Thanks for being here and being willing to help other leaders get to their highest potential. Your presence is very much appreciated!
Karen Cappello, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Karen Cappello, MCC, BCC, is a business and executive coach, communication specialist, motivational speaker and coach trainer. She collaborates with leaders and executive coaches to promote highly beneficial business outcomes. With over 30 years of experience and expertise in business management, financial planning, and higher education, Karen has brought a broad-based background to her coaching clientele.
