Being a coach in “this economy”

Are you experiencing clients who are afraid, stressed and/or feeling stuck given our economic climate?  And what about you?  How well are you sustaining your level of energy, thought, action and optimism for your business and for the world?

I see several ripple effects from the environment around us.

• We are being challenged as coaches and citizens of the world to notice the symptoms of past actions that brought us to this situation and to be optimistic and take action to live our life “as if.” As if there is still much to be grateful for, as if the economy will improve, as if our actions matter… and they do.
• We are hearing our clients (and everyone, everywhere, at every un- happy hour) talk endlessly about the drop in their investments, fear about their jobs, evidence that the economy is so bad, etc.
• We might be feeling some of this ourselves and want to find ways to reach more people in 2009 and grow our businesses.

Based on my close proximity to a market maker with 35 years’ experience and study, we are likely to be in this economic recovery for 5 years or more.  It’s interesting that the market and the economic world have their own cycles of rise and fall, about every 15-18 years.  We were due.  And it needs to run it’s course.  (Some would say the bail outs will slow this natural healing.)

So, now what?  Let’s start with your own self-care and professional self-management as a coach.  It’s critical that you are doing more than usual in the self-care department as your clients and target market may expect more from you.

When have you had something like this happen before? When have you had to face the facts and buckle down and make adjustments for an extended period of time?  Perhaps you had a health issue or a delay in selling your home or a setback in a career.   What did you do then to keep yourself “level?”  I know you are all knowledgeable about self care and so let’s jump to your business and client care.

What can you act on now that you DO have control over?  How can you help your clients through this tough time?  I can just hear that famous phrase attributed to mothers, with a variation.  ”If all the other coaches are afraid and not marketing out of fear, would you just blindly follow them like a lemming, too?”

Marketing and Services.  This may be a time to really listen to your clients and prospects, your target market.  What is their pain?  What do they need?  What is their behavior right now?  Some are rushing to be more active on social media to create a sense of community, sympathy, and support.  (See the NCC calendar for the telecall on using social media 1/20/09).  Some are withdrawing and scaling back on social outings and spending.  This is resulting in more isolation.

How can you take what you do 1:1 and do it on a telecall, in an article, in a workbook or coaching group?  If people are cutting back on spending, and you have some tools, techniques, or exercises that really help people with balance and staying focused in the Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle), how can you share this with less interaction time with you, at a lower price, by leveraging groups and the Internet/email/documents?

In closing, I know that we are facing a time where people are more spiritually hungry, uncertain, afraid and seeking comfort.  For the sake of our collective mindset, be the beacon to people around you.  Listen to your heart and their needs.  This is a time to be MORE… courageous, committed, creative and compassionate.  Let’s hold that belief and space for each other on the NCC list and in the world.

(tears… I feel this SO strongly… we can do this and that is what we as coaches are called to do!)

Comment now or start a conversation on our NCC Yahoo list… WHAT WILL YOU DO differently to respond to the needs of your Self, your clients and your prospects?

Gail Sussman Miller of Inspired Choice, teaches women solopreneurs and business teams how to love marketing obstacles and overcome them with ease. For specific help on one of THE best marketing methods for coaches, public speaking, check out 2 no-cost teleclass tastes and a 6-week teleseries at www.HowToLoveSpeaking.com.