When I was in my corporate job, I knew a few coaches. Some were good. But I only ever referred one to my company, Jamie Smart.
Not because the others weren’t good. But because I knew the impact Jamie had on my work performance.
I wouldn’t just refer any coach. I cared about my reputation in the company and I didn’t want to vouch for someone who would make me look bad.
That’s the thing with referrals inside organisations. They’re not casual. There’s always something at stake. Reputation, status, trust…
So if you’re a coach who wants more corporate referrals, this might help: instead of chasing introductions, start planting seeds.
When I was looking for corporate clients, I didn’t wait for people to say yes. I just served.
I’d send leaders books, handwritten messages and audio and video clips that had moved me. I wasn’t trying to sell. I was focused on giving.
At the last AJC Coaching Career School, I shared this idea with a room of 45 coaches. One of them was Julie Brown.
Julie really listened. Not just with her ears, but with her heart. And then she took action.
She thought of the hotel we host the school in, The Rubens at the Palace. She reached out to the manager. Sent them a book. Started a conversation. And offered to do a workshop for the staff to improve performance and give them an experience of her work.
They said yes.
They were deeply impacted by what she shared and genuinely curious to learn more about coaching.
What do you think were the chances of them working with her after that? Much higher.
Not because she followed a strategy. But because of where she came from: service.
This is farming, not hunting. I plant seeds every day. Some sprout months later. Some, years. But the soil gets richer the more I serve.
So if you’re looking to create more corporate clients, start with this question:
Who do I know who works in an organisation? How can I serve them this week?
That’s where your next client is waiting.
We will host our last AJC Open Webinar on Thursday at 19h30 UK. This is an opportunity for you to get an experience of the school and grow your business right away. Last time we had 100 coaches attending and I am committed to making these better each time. We will be covering how to serve people powerfully without being salesy.
Sign up here – https://tally.so/r/wdy0eN
With love and appreciation,
Ankush Jain
Coach and Author of Sweet Sharing – Rediscovering the REAL You