This is how I start working with a client
The exact breakdown of how I start working with a new 1-1 client. Part 1 of 2.
Last week I wrote to you about the mistakes you might be making if you’re trying to find more clients. Today, I’m building on the theme of clients but from a slightly different angle… how I actually work with my clients.
There are so many ways that 1-1 support can look, and so I thought it was about time I broke down the nuts and bolts of what exactly goes on inside my 1-1 coaching engagements, from start-finish.
Today: How I start working with a new 1-1 coaching client, from the enquiry to the discovery call process through to the first session, part 1.
Next Wednesday: How I coach 1-1 clients, from session two all the way through to the end of our time together, and ongoing repeat work in some cases.
I’ll be writing this from the perspective of what might be good to know if you are a potential client. So, if as you read this you think “I’d like to be her client”… know that I usually have space for one or two new clients each month. You can book a discovery call to explore 1-1 coaching together, HERE.
OR, you might well reading as a coach yourself. And you might want more context and details about these concepts, and think “I’d like to know more about how she runs her coaching practice”… in which case, fellow coach, hi!
For a limited time only you can join me in a 7-day private podcast community of details on how I *run* my six-fig coaching practice HERE.
So, let’s get into it shall we?
How I start working with new 1-1 clients.
→ On first point of contact
I am either referred to clients by a current/past client (the number of romantic partners of clients I have now coached is quite astounding!) or I will have met you in person or you found me online, and you left details via the enquiry form on my website, DM’ed me on LinkedIn or replied directly to one of these emails!
However we first connect, we’ll schedule a virtual meet and greet, which I call a ‘Discovery session’ as its designed to help you to discover more about coaching, about me, and about our fit for partnering together.
I will likely send you some resources to review ahead of time, such as prompt questions to get you in the headspace for reflection, and maybe some blogs I’ve written that relate to the question /challenges you’re bringing to coaching.
I’ll also google you, read through anything about you I can find and generally get a sense of what I can. Basically, it’s nice if we don’t feel like total strangers when we first speak, but have a chance to both do a bit of ‘homework’ on each other.
→ During your discovery session
My discovery calls are designed to be a high-value use of your time, whether you decide to work with me or not.
It’s not a high-pressure sales pitch—it’s a real conversation which will leave you with clarity on your next steps, a refined vision and a strong sense of whether I’m the right person to help you make it happen. Usually 40-60mins long.
I might say something like….
"What I love to do with these calls is to start with understanding your vision in a bit more depth. I've read a little about you already, and I see your influences and the pieces of the puzzle you are trying to put together. But tell me in your own words, what does the future look like for you if everything goes to plan?"
I’ll listen for themes, contradictions, and opportunities you might not have fully articulated yet. Often, by the end of this section you’ll be able to say, "That’s actually much clearer than how I was thinking about it before."
I bring a healthy dose of pragmatism and ambition, helping you define clear markers of success and ensure avoiding vague, overwhelming plans. So that might feel like a reality-check on the action items you are bringing to coaching meaning identify what is important to achieve, and what is a nice to have or longer-term play.
I’ve done upwards of 500 of these discovery calls by now, so nothing surprises me.
Think you’re waffling? You’re not. Start crying? It happens a lot. Get excited and start telling me your dreams? Love it. Realise you are blocked by a parental figure in some way still? Yep. It’s all part of this rich, awareness-building conversation… and a part of the journey of change you are about to go on.
Then, if I think I can help, I might say something like…
I see your coaching requiring three phases. We’d start by defining your core expertise and how you want to be known. Then we would set up your business operations to be entirely ready to create and work with clients. Then, we’d build the assets that position you as an authority—whether that’s your book or workshop, this is your vehicle for opportunity that will bring more people into your world.
We will then co-create a plan for the future sessions — covering all the areas you’d need to cover to reach your goals.
On the call I will share the investment for working together, and proposed timeline for a coaching commitment. This may be 2 months, it might be 6 or even 12, we’ll discuss it together.
Often you’ll know right away on that call, or might want to sleep on it. But typically within seven days of speaking, we’ll agree to work together, or decide ‘not now. I might even refer you to a better-fit coach for your situation.
→ Before your first session
After our discovery call, there’s a bit of admin and onboarding. You’ll get a follow-up email from me recapping key points from our conversation and presenting tailored options for working together.
Once you’re ready I send a coaching agreement to ensure we are on the same page about the terms, timelines and outline what we’ve agreed. Your invoice and calendar invites to lock the times on the calendar.
Then, you’d set aside 30-60 mins before our first session, to fill in your pre-coaching questions.
My clients have had a lot to say about these questions! Some find them emotional, thought-provoking, challenging, and always, deeply reflective.
Your responses to these questions are needed 48 hours before Session 1 so I can really study where you’re at, your values, beliefs, goals and motivations, and plan ahead for a powerful first session onwards.
Expect to answer questions like…
“How would you describe the kind of LIFE you want to live?”
”How do you tend to make decisions?”
”What self-sabotaging behaviours are you aware of doing?”
”Whose career path do you admire (famous or not) and why?”
”What unabashed dreams do you have for your business?”
” What specific milestones or shifts would signify a successful coaching journey for you?”
→ During your first coaching session
Ideally, we meet for a ‘double’ session the first time we start working together. My single sessions are 50 minutes, so 100 minutes is on the clock. We’ve already met, and I’ve been sitting with your pre-coaching questions ready to hit the ground running. You might have even had some homework I set you from the discovery call that you’re updating me on.
I begin by reflecting back and clarifying the goals for the coaching engagement, or what I like to call your ‘Ask’!
There are also lquestions I have about your pre-coaching questions, as I’ve already begun pulling out themes, patterns, or gaps I’ve noticed. It’s more than just ticking boxes; I’m helping you see what’s working, what’s not, and where you need more clarity.
Then we build some goal posts and make sure we’re on the same page about what good would look like from coaching.
Your ‘Ask’ might be something like…
Clarifying founder-product fit — aka why YOU are the right person to run this business and ensure its a great match for your unique authority, skills and strengths
Review the foundations of your business and ensure they are solid & ready for scale
Learn how to effectively build demand before launching rather than hoping people will buy.
Build a plan for sales and marketing that suits your personality and temperament
Find a repeatable, structured approach to marketing rather than scrambling to sell
Define a messaging strategy that resonates with your ideal buyers
Tap into a new market, e.g. b2b after a few years focused on b2c exclusively
Rarely is it just one thing, but a combination of goals, which, together, combine to putting you on a path to running a fulfilling, authority-led business that makes money you can rely on to live a great life, too.
Session 1 makes good headway on exactly what you want (because in a business world obsessed with shortcuts and one-size-fits-all tactics, the real risk isn’t moving slowly; it’s moving fast in the wrong direction). And we don’t wait to take action, either.
I’ll leave you with some clear actions and next steps, typed up in your private coaching portal. You can message me in between sessions if things come up, too.
Before you know it, session 2 will roll around… but you’ll have to stay tuned for next week’s email to learn more about session 2 and beyond!
I hope this insight was valuable! And, before you go….
Did you read this and think “I’d like to be her client”… ?
You can book a discovery call to explore 1-1 coaching together, HERE. Readers of this newsletter are usually such wonderful, smart people and so if that’s a next step you’re considering, I’m always excited to hear from you.
Or did you read this and think “I’d like to know more about how she runs her coaching practice”… ?
You can join me in a 7-day private podcast community of how I *run* my six-fig coaching practice HERE.
Thanks so much for reading as always.
Until next time,
Ellen from The Ask.
