Episode 280 – Coach, Are You Worried About Promising Results? - Listener’s Choice
https://prosperouscoachblog.com/ep-280-coach-are-you-worried-about-promising-results-listeners-choice/
Summary: Should coaches promise their clients results?
You’re trying to write your web copy and trying to figure out exactly what you help your ideal clients accomplish in your Signature Program.
But fears and doubts are clouding your judgment and you are in danger of playing too small in your coaching business, which will cost you.
You are worried about promising too much.
Get ready for a mindset shift!
So first, all new coaches worry about over-promising. But experienced coaches do not. What do you think is going on there?
It’s certainly NOT because they soft pedaled the specific outcomes they help their clients achieve. Because coaches who stay safe in their messaging will not attract and enroll enough clients to survive in their business.
And it’s NOT because they are lying. You can’t stay in business long as a coach if you don’t operate from integrity.
So where is the line between what you can promise and what you shouldn’t promise?
Coach and Client Have Responsibilities Are Not the Same
Hey Coaches!
Where is the line between what you can promise and what you shouldn’t promise?
Well, here’s the eye opener … don’t promise anything!
I don’t promise my clients anything. I help them make smarter decisions and take more strategic actions.
You see, I can’t promise anything because ultimately my client’s success is not up to me. No matter how good my guidance is and how well I work with them, in the end, THEY have to make things happen.
That’s why my motto and podcast sign off are: Stay inspired and make things happen! My motto is not: With my help you can achieve anything! ; )
If they don’t make things happen that’s not on me. That doesn’t mean I don’t care and do all I can to support them to success.
This should be a relief, because your clients’ results are not on you either. Period.
And that may be a bit humbling because you might have been under the impression that you will make THE difference between whether your coaching clients sink or swim with regard to their goals and your niche. Nope.
What Exactly Can You Control, Coach?
Let’s think this through. This is a matter of survival and mastery for you. The only person you can control in this life is you.
You can inspire, motivate and guide others in this life. You can lead by example. You can shine a light on a path. But you cannot control :
- The actual steps they take on that path.
- Their mindset.
- Their habits or behavior.
- The world around them.
Now, let me make this clear … as a coach, you are 1 of 2 responsible parties in the co-creative relationship. You can /will make mistakes. You might mishandle some aspect of the coaching relationship. Be aware of your impact and take responsibility for it.
That doesn’t mean you need to be perfect or never make a mistake. It does mean don’t be blithe or reckless about your role in the co-creative relationship.
Be intentional. Check your integrity often. Own up to mistakes. And be clear that your clients have agency for everything in their own life.
Let’s go deeper here. What specifically can’t you control? Your client’s feelings, thoughts and actions. What engenders a positive result for any human being? Repetitive right thought and right action.
A lawyer studies and researches then tells a client what the law allows them to do in a given situation. The lawyer is fully responsible for that advice. It’s similar for a doctor, CPA and some other professionals.
Coaches are not trained in absolutes. You train in a specific toolkit and process. As you coach, you’ll get better and better at this craft.
But you’re not saying to any client at any time “if you think this and do this you will absolutely have this exact result.”
Make Your Coaching Client’s Responsibility Clear From the Beginning
When I enroll a client, I have them read and acknowledge by the typing of their name an agreement that clearly states “I understand that I am responsible for my own feelings, thoughts and actions.” Consider having a statement like this in your Welcome Packet too.
I never use the word ‘promise’ verbally or in any written message.
I do address my client’s big problems and goals that are covered in my niche, messaging and offers. If you want to attract ideal clients, use evocative language about the big acute problems and specific goals of your audience in your niche, messaging and offers.
Make it clear to your prospect that you are a thinking partner, an accountability partner. If you have expertise, own it. But even credentials and expertise don’t set you up as responsible for your client’s success unless you expressly claim that. And you never would, would you?
Now … banish those fears and move forward with intention and integrity!