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You don’t need to “know it all” to succeed as a coach
Hi friend!
I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a few weeks since I published the Coaching Flywheel newsletter. A number of big developments have occupied my time and I can’t wait to share more soon. Now, however, you can expect to receive these weekly from me.
As I sat down to write to you this week, after a few exhilarating days in the Dolomites hiking for hours every day in the glorious sunshine and fresh air, I found myself reflecting on some powerful ideas that have really moved the needle for hundreds of amazing coaches I’ve worked with.
I wanted to share these with you, in hopes they might spark some inspiration or provide a fresh perspective for you, too.
1. The “Inverted Pyramid” For Getting More Clients
You know, conventional wisdom in coaching often tells us to start small and gradually increase our offerings.
But this strategy is one that's been a game-changer for many coaches I work with. I call it the 'Inverted Pyramid' approach, and it challenges everything you might have learned about client acquisition.
Here’s how it works.
Start by offering your highest-value, most comprehensive service for free, but only for a very limited time or to a select few.
For instance, you might offer a full 60-minute strategy session to the first five people who respond to a social media post or to an email. This might sound counterintuitive, but it does three powerful things:
It creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
It allows potential clients to experience your best work firsthand.
It builds immense goodwill and often leads to long-term, high-value client relationships.
After this initial offer, you can then introduce paid services at varying levels. The key is that clients have already experienced real value with you, making them more likely to invest in your other services.
2. Embrace the “Confident Learner” Mentality
Can I share something personal with you?
There was a time when I felt this immense pressure to have all the answers as a coach. It was exhausting and, frankly, not sustainable. That's when I had a mindset shift that changed everything for me: instead of striving to be the “all-knowing guru”, I decided to become a 'confident learner'.
This approach has been transformative.
It allows me to stay curious and continuously improve my craft. More importantly, it helps me connect more authentically with my clients. After all, they're on a learning journey too.
Next time you're faced with a challenging question or situation, try saying, "That's an interesting point. Let's explore it together." Trust me, it takes the pressure off and creates a collaborative environment where real growth happens – for both you and your client.
You don’t need to be a “know it all” to succeed as a coach.
3. The "Micro-Niche Amplification" Strategy
As coaches, we often find ourselves at a crossroads. You've honed your skills, built a solid client base, and you're making a difference. But there's this nagging feeling that you could be doing more, reaching more people, and yes, increasing your income too.
Many coaches respond to this by broadening their offerings, trying to appeal to a wider audience. But what if I told you that the key to scaling your impact and income might actually lie in getting more specific, not less?
Enter the "Micro-Niche Amplification" Strategy.
This approach flips the traditional scaling model on its head, and it's been a game-changer for many coaches I've worked with.
Instead of broadening to appeal to more people, you drill down into ultra-specific sub-niches and create highly tailored, short-term intensive offers for each.
Let me give you a concrete example. Say you're a relationship coach. Instead of generic "couples coaching," you might offer a series of 2-week intensive programs like:
"Empty Nesters Rediscovering Romance": For couples whose kids have just left for college.
"Newlywed Navigation for Intercultural Couples": Specifically for couples from different cultural backgrounds in their first year of marriage.
"Tech Detox for Couples": Helping partners reconnect by reducing screen time and digital distractions.
The magic happens when you rotate through these micro-niches. You might run each program for a month, then move to the next. This approach allows you to:
Command premium prices for your specialized expertise
Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity ("Only available this month!")
Tap into multiple markets without diluting your brand
Rapidly test and refine your coaching methodologies
Build a reputation as the go-to expert for specific relationship challenges
But here's the coolest part: As you cycle through these niches, you're not just helping more people – you're gathering incredibly specific case studies and testimonials. This rich, diverse portfolio of success stories becomes a powerful marketing tool, attracting both niche clients and those looking for more general relationship coaching.
Whatever niche you’re in, identify your sub-niches, then create specific programs for those… and watch your coaching business scale.
That’s all for this week!
I'd love to hear which of these ideas resonates most with you. Hit reply and share your thoughts or experiences.
Your insights always inspire me and help shape future newsletters.
Kavit Haria