Here's how you can build relationships in the Life Coaching field through informational interviews.

Research like you’re hunting for treasure. Know their background, their favorite coffee, and their cat’s name. The more you know, the more you’ll look like you’ve done your homework—because you have!

Taking time to connect the dots with fellow life coaches is hugely valuable, and I am a big believer in #bettertogether and #collaborationovercompetition. We can’t thrive in a bubble, so put aside any concerns about sharing ideas and be open to being inspired. Fellow coaches make great accountability buddies too. So whether it’s in a shared niche, or your overarching shared passion, nurturing these conversations and connections is a wonderful n-win.

In my experience, people really like to help and share their experiences. Such conversations help not only gain valuable insights, but also discover opportunities for collaboration and support.

Slide into their DMs, send an email, or show up at their office with a giant check (just kidding, or am I?). Make it personal and intriguing, like you’re the VIP guest at a secret party they’ve been waiting for.

Active listening involves: - Listening to What’s Being Said: Pay close attention to the words and content of the conversation. This provides the basic information and context. - Noticing Body Language: Observe non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, posture, and gestures. These can offer insights into the speaker’s true feelings and attitudes. - Listening for What’s Not Being Said: Read between the lines to understand underlying emotions, concerns, or unspoken thoughts. This helps uncover deeper challenges and needs.

Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes. Don’t just nod and smile; absorb every word, read between the lines, and make them feel like they’re the most fascinating person you’ve ever met. This isn’t just an interview; it’s a masterclass in making friends.

Send a thank-you note that doesn’t just say, “Thanks.” Mention something specific they said, and maybe throw in a joke or two. Make them remember you for being not only professional but also a bit of a charmer.

Don’t be a one-hit wonder. Check in every now and then, share useful resources, or invite them to events. Build a relationship like you’re growing a garden—water it, give it sunshine, and don’t forget to pull out the weeds (aka irrelevant small talk).

Building relationships in any field, including life coaching, requires time, effort, and genuine interest in the people you are connecting with. Informational interviews provide a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts on a one-on-one basis, allowing you to learn from their experiences, share your own insights, and establish a rapport based on mutual respect and understanding. Before reaching out to potential interviewees, take the time to research their background, expertise, and achievements. This will not only help you tailor your interview questions to their experience but also show them that you are genuinely interested in learning from them.

In my experience, I found doing your homework on your niche and connecting with other coaches who think like you can lead to great collaborations. By knowing your area well and linking up with people who share your goals, you create chances for working together, sharing ideas, and supporting each other. Overall, this helps you grow your expertise and build a team environment that can spark new ideas and boost your coaching success.

Open doors for other coaches and allow them to take up space as well. Never treat others as competition and be open to learning from them. Remember: you have your own style and take on certain subjects so never be afraid to give others a chance to speak about their own during interviews????