See I met with a potential coaching client who had approached me for executive coaching and from all all accounts the meeting went wonderfully
. They talked about relatives, work, future career designs and ended with the ideal question
I had a fascinating experience this month that made me realise how quickly the table can turn in business.
Great so what is the next step?
To which I replied I will drop you an electronic mail with a full proposal outlining a program and we will go from there.
So off they went and a week and half later I emailed a full proposal outlining a comprehensive 12 month program to my new coaching client of the desires and needs they discussed with a note advising I would call in two days to see what questions they might have.
I called and left a message with a promise to call back the following morning. The following morning excited about the chance to work with my new coaching client over the next 12 months you can imagine my surprise when they said I have signed with another coach!
What happened next?
Short answer I got lazy and dropped the ball on what was important for my prospect. Yeah there's a heap of excuses I could use about what got in the way that took priority in my personal life but is that important to my market? No, it is what I did not do that spoke volumes.
In fact it was a conversation together with his Managing Director that led to a referral to another coach who acted faster, met with & signed the agreement in a few days that taught me not to take my eye off the ball again no matter what might be happening in my own world.
Imagine knowing my potential coaching client worked in sales, was driven, highly competitive & keen to start as soon as feasible & I take long to receive a proposal to him!
It was a costly lesson to learn yet I am grateful because I could improve my internal method & now have a ten point check I provide to clients as part of their knowledge pack sent before they even start speaking.
What do you send potential clients before you met with them?