I’m curious… with 2018 right around the corner…
Have you decided yet how you’re going to leverage “The New Year Effect”?
As I’m sure you know, the beginning of a new year is a time when people naturally focus on making a fresh start, setting important goals and going for the things they most want to achieve.
That’s why January and February are two of the best months to attract and secure new coaching clients. I call this “The New Year Effect.”
How are you going to leverage The New Year Effect in your business?
Here are some suggestions…
1. Send a Holiday Greeting with a Value-Add
Successful business owners are masters at keeping their name and their business on people’s minds. Send a heartfelt holiday greeting and be sure to include something of value that relates to your coaching and specialty.
For example, you could include a goal setting worksheet, a Top Ten List about keeping New Year’s Resolutions, an article or report that you’ve written, an invitation to attend a free teleclass or webinar, or a gift certificate for a complimentary coaching session.
IDEA: Avoid having your greeting get lost in the holiday shuffle by sending a New Year’s card the first week of January. (Also great for procrastinators :-)
2. Acknowledge Current Clients
It is smart to thank customers for their business around the holidays. This can be a small gift, a nice hand-written note or a bonus coaching session. Clients appreciate the acknowledgement and it’s an easy way to add value.
Here are some gift ideas: bubble bath, herbal teas, an inspirational daily calendar, candles, a copy of your favorite book or CD. And for those “hard to buy for” people, you can’t go wrong with a gift card.
3. Reconnect with Past Clients
As I’m sure you know, it is much easier to sell to a former customer than it is to find a new one. The holidays and new year are an excellent time to reconnect with past clients.
Consider giving former clients a complimentary “New Year Goal Setting” coaching session. A percentage of them will likely begin coaching again. Or give former clients a gift certificate for 50% off of one month of coaching that they can use or give to someone they know.
4. Provide Gift Certificates
Enable people you know to give the gift of coaching by offering gift certificates. Get even better results by picking a specific focus for the gift certificate. For example, choose a theme that is applicable to who you coach and what you coach on, such as:
– Career Breakthrough Coaching Package
– New Business Jump Start Package
– 90 Days to Feeling Great Health & Wellness Program
5. Offer a Free Training
The best and most effective marketing is education-based. When you provide a high-value training that relates to the topic you coach on, you develop credibility and expertise with your target audience, and are seen as a resource and “go-to” person in your niche. You attract new potential clients and grow your email list.
Your free training can be an in-person speaking event or workshop, a teleclass or webinar or even a video training. Here are a couple of quick keys to success:
– A good topic will address an urgent, top-of-mind problem your ideal client has.
– Focus on connecting with the audience.
– Less is often more. Keep it simple by delivering 3 key points or “nuggets of value.”
– Make an offer about how people can move forward and take the next step with you.
6. Get Creative With The Complimentary Coaching Consultation
Create a special client enrollment strategy session that you offer in the beginning of the new year. Give it an enticing name, such as “New Year Success Strategy Session.” Or better yet, customize your offering so it is very attractive and appealing to your target market. Here are some examples:
– Career Jump Start Session
– Fitness Breakthrough Session
– Relationship Revitalization Strategy Session
– Soulmate Finder Strategy Session
– Authentic Leadership Strategy Session
– Profit Acceleration Strategy Session
– Client Attraction Strategy Session
Challenge yourself to do a certain number of strategy sessions during the first two months of the year.
7. Launch a Group Coaching Program
If you’re not already coaching groups, consider starting one in the new year. Group coaching is an excellent way to coach with more people, including price-sensitive clients, grow your business and increase your income. It’s also a ton of fun. Plus, people like joining groups, especially in the beginning of the year.
If you’re new to group coaching I recommend you take advantage of my free online training class:
“From 1-1 to Groups: How To Launch Your 1st (or Next) Coaching Group in the New Year!… Even if you’re brand new and don’t have a list!”
>> Get your FREE seat in the online Group Coaching Training Class here! <<
So…
Are you excited to leverage The New Year Effect?
Post your comments, questions or share your favorite strategies below!
Here’s to preparing now for an amazing start to 2018!
“I hired Michelle when I first launched my coaching business. I appreciated her sense of humor and fun, and was impressed by the CAGR system and Michelle’s marketing knowledge. One of the biggest benefits of working with her learning how to adapt the CAGR marketing principles to my specific business needs.
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