Ever wondered what separates the top coaches of the world from the ones who fail to taste success?
Having worked with many big names in the coaching industry over the past decade, we’ve noticed a few similarities between those who’ve reached the peak…
In this episode, let’s learn about the traits that helped these coaches achieve phenomenal growth and success in their careers!
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
- How HONESTY is the best policy when it comes to setting expectations for clients
- Why acting QUICKLY is key in whether or not a business survives
- Something ALL top coaches know when it comes to marketing
- How does building AUTHORITY help you also build SALES?
5 Key Traits That Differentiate Struggling Coaches from Successful Ones
In today’s episode of “Founders Go Naked,” we’re diving deep into the factors that distinguish struggling coaches from those who thrive in the industry. After a decade of working closely with over 50 experts and coaches, I’ve gleaned some insights that I believe can help you scale your coaching business to new heights.
OR listen on:
Integrity: The Foundation of Trust
One of the most critical elements that separate successful coaches from those who struggle is integrity. In today’s transparent online world, any discrepancy between what you promise and what you deliver can quickly come to light. It’s tempting to “fake it till you make it,” but honesty is far more valuable. If you’re on your way to achieving your goals, be upfront about it. For example, instead of exaggerating your success, share your genuine progress, like achieving 50% growth over the past three years. This authenticity builds trust and credibility with your audience.
How do you know if you have integrity? Reflect on your marketing messages and see if you ever find yourself exaggerating. Also, pay attention to your reviews—if customers are complaining, it’s a sign that you need to reassess your approach and improve your product or service.
Flexibility: The Ability to Adapt Quickly
The second key trait is flexibility. The ability to pivot and seize new opportunities can make or break your business. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a surge in leads for webinars at incredibly low costs. Some of our clients quickly adapted, transitioning from in-person seminars to webinars, and reaped significant rewards. Others hesitated, preferring to “wait and see,” and ended up missing out.
The lesson here is clear: be willing to adapt quickly to new trends and opportunities. Those who can act swiftly and decisively often find themselves ahead of the curve, while those who wait may find themselves left behind.
Clearly Defined Target Market
A clearly defined target market is another hallmark of successful coaches. Many coaches make the mistake of casting too wide a net, trying to appeal to everyone. However, the most successful coaches have a specific, well-defined audience. For instance, I recently spoke with a coach who targets solopreneurs in the UK who are doing everything themselves and have an annual revenue of around $100,000, aiming to double or triple that figure.
By narrowing your focus, you can tailor your message and offerings to meet the specific needs of your target audience. This specificity not only makes your marketing more effective but also makes it easier to stand out in a crowded market.
Unique Solutions to Defined Problems
Successful coaches don’t just have a clearly defined audience; they also offer unique solutions to well-defined problems. One of our clients, for example, struggled with ads for a seminar on real estate investment. We identified that the primary barrier for their audience was a lack of capital. By repositioning the seminar to focus on how to raise money for real estate investment, we significantly reduced the cost per lead and turned things around.
The takeaway? Understand the specific problems your audience faces and tailor your offerings to solve those problems uniquely. This approach not only attracts the right audience but also positions you as a valuable resource.
Building Authority and Personal Brand
The final key trait is the consistent building of authority and personal brand. Successful coaches are not just selling their services; they are constantly creating content to establish themselves as thought leaders. This could be through podcasts, YouTube videos, books, social media posts, or speaking engagements. They understand that building a personal brand takes time and consistency.
If you’re worried about content creation, don’t be. There are many AI tools available today that can help. For example, you can use ChatGPT to generate scripts, HeyGen for creating a video avatar, and 11 Labs for an AI voice that sounds just like you. These tools can help you produce content without much effort, allowing you to maintain a strong online presence.
Conclusion
These five traits—integrity, flexibility, a clearly defined target market, unique solutions to problems, and consistent authority building—are the key differentiators between struggling coaches and successful ones. If you’re finding it challenging to implement these strategies, we at Radical Marketing are here to help. We’re currently accepting one new client a month, so if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, reach out to us at radical-marketing.com.
By focusing on these key areas, you can transform your coaching business and achieve the success you desire. Until next time, keep innovating and stay true to your path!
This podcast is hosted by Terence Tam, author of Lead Surge: 8 Radically Effective Marketing Funnels for Coaches and Experts. He is also the Founder of Radical Marketing, a digital marketing agency that partners with high-ticket coaches to scale their businesses with Webinars – by using a proprietary blend of story ads and battled-tested sales funnels to achieve better returns on ad dollars.