It goes without saying the best way to secure clients is through positive word of mouth. This is difficult, but not impossible, if you’re a new life coach without clients. As such, many life coaches take initial clients as ‘Pro bono’ to secure referrals. In itself this isn’t always enough; however, its an amazing first step to a successful career.

As you start your life coach career you will want to spread positive word of mouth quickly and effectively. You can do this

through social networking, personal networking, online directories or through your own website. If you chose to offer initial Pro bono services you’ll secure your career as a coach who emphasizes your client’s well-being above your own financial gain. Keep in mind your long-term goals. It’s not that you don’t seek financial independence and security, much like your many clients, but sometimes a new life coach must sacrifice in the present to reap future success.

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Word of Mouth

Not everything in life is free, but until you have a few clients under your belt helping you spread positive word of mouth — your services are more valuable as NO CHARGE — FREE. If you secured start-up funding, then money often does the talking, but ‘word-of-mouth’ is still vital. Many people are hesitant to offer Pro bono sessions, as perceptually it devalues your service and skills. It doesn’t. It does the opposite — it establishes your name, allows you to obtain awesome testimonials, and your client’s results will illustrate your value. In turn, your clients have friends and they have friends. Freebies can sometimes be invaluable.

Online Directories

Life Coach HQ offers a directory of certified and non-certified life coaches. Obviously, you can use our services but you can also take advantage of:

• Craigslist;
• Coaches and Mentor;
• Click A Life Coach
• The Coaching Directory
• The Life Coach Directory

Any of the above resources can assist you with listing your services. Given they each appear on the front page of Google and are the first directories many people use when seeking coaching services, it could pay off to list with each of them.

Networking – Personal and Social

All successful businesses and services require social networking. If you don’t already have a Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, and FourSquare account, prepare to establish your online presence. You can do these all yourself OR you can outsource the social media management to companies like FlutterHub. Through these social networks you will work to engage clients, post positive and shareable information, and watch your followers and subscribers grow. As you gain clients you will also need to enhance your Yelp and FourSquare reviews, which also go the distance to increase positive ‘word-of-mouth” when managed correctly.

While everything has gone social in online marketing it’s vital to enhance your professional network too. Reach out to licensed therapists, attend conferences, search for local meetups, and even use the grocery store bulletin board. Get your name out any way possible. You never know who will refer you, as such don’t forget to develop a professional website and business cards. You need something to mark your physical presence and legitimacy in this fast-paced industry.

At the end of the day, securing clients is ultimately your chosen method. A few life coaches start with funds to do a proper marketing campaign, HOWEVER, you don’t have to start with upfront capital. Of all the methods listed above, and there are many more that are not, choose the one that is best for you. For many people social networking is their best friend — even more so when they combine online coaching sessions. For others, they prefer the physical leg work, directory listings and Pro bono work. These people tend to have a lot of free time and are social butterflies by nature. Do what comes natural, think outside the box and keep success in mind!