Don't Give Your Prospects "The Ick"!

We are all on various social media platforms for a multitude of reasons. Keeping up with family, getting information from various sources, learning how to do literally anything, and if you are an entrepreneur, you’re on here to get in touch with your ideal clients. We are all on here putting our energy and our “brand” out here, hopefully delivering value to our audience, diving deep into topics, being transparent with our accomplishments and our obstacles. And depending on who your market is, you may also reach out to the people you think are potential clients in a cold direct message.

As a coach in today's digital landscape, social media platforms like LinkedIn offer unprecedented opportunities to connect with potential clients. However, the key to success lies in approaching these connections with authenticity, value, and genuine interest. I wanted to explore how to cultivate clients on social media without triggering "the ick" factor. Ready?

The Power of Personalization

One of the most common mistakes coaches make, especially in the high-ticket coaching space, is reaching out to prospects without proper research. Take a moment to review the prospect’s profile on whatever platform you are contacting them on. Look at their website, if applicable. Take a peek at their posts, reel, stories, etc. I can tell you from personal experience that it is a huge turnoff for someone to contact me wanting to set up a call only for the next message to be “Can you tell me what type of client you work with?” or “Can you tell me a little bit about your business?”?

Instead, take the time to thoroughly review and look for:

1. Their current role and career trajectory
2. Recent achievements or challenges they've shared
3. Interests and values they've expressed
4. Mutual connections or shared experiences

By doing this groundwork, you'll be able to craft a personalized outreach that resonates with the individual, showing that you've invested time in understanding their unique situation.

Two Effective Cold Approach Methodologies

1. The Value-First Approach

This method focuses on providing immediate value before any mention of your services. Here's how it works:

1. Identify a specific challenge or goal from the prospect's profile or posts.
2. Craft a short, personalized message offering a relevant insight or resource.
3. Share this value without any strings attached.
4. Only if they engage, follow up with a gentle inquiry about their current situation.

Example:

"Hi [Name], I noticed your recent post about scaling your startup. I've compiled a list of often-overlooked growth strategies that have worked wonders for similar businesses. Would you be interested in taking a look? No strings attached – just sharing knowledge between professionals."

2. The Curiosity-Driven Approach

This method aims to spark a conversation by showing genuine interest in the prospect's experiences and insights.

1. Identify an interesting aspect of their work or a recent achievement.
2. Craft a message that asks for their perspective or advice.
3. Engage in a meaningful dialogue based on their response.
4. If the conversation progresses naturally, you can introduce how your coaching might be relevant.

Example:

"Hello [Name], your recent article on sustainable business practices caught my attention. I'm curious – what inspired you to implement these changes in your company? I'd love to hear more about your journey and the impact it's had."

The Importance of Providing Value

In the world of high-ticket coaching and masterminds (and I think in coaching as an industry), providing value is not just a strategy – it's a necessity. The community at large knows what the strategies are, and have grown extremely tired of hearing the same regurgitated catch phrases. You have to be able to prove to your prospect that you are worth the investment of their most precious commodity, their time. We can make more money. We cannot make more time.?

I have to know before I jump on a call with a prospect that I can actually help them with starting (or growing and scaling) their business. No longer to I try to find a square peg into a round hole. I know what I am excellent at - I can help anyone focus in on a niche that will be profitable, fulfilling and transformational, and then help you create the business that is adaptable to the times yet has a strong foundation to build on. I am not one that can teach you Affiliate Marketing, or selling hard goods like t-shirts. Because of that, I research my prospects, ask targeted questions, and give a high level of value from the outset.

Your initial interactions should focus on giving rather than taking. This could mean:

1. Sharing relevant industry insights
2. Offering a free resource or tool
3. Providing a mini-coaching session on a specific challenge

By leading with value, you demonstrate your expertise and build trust, making potential clients more receptive to learning about your services.

Understanding Your Audience

Before reaching out to anyone, especially in the high-ticket program world, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of who you're contacting. This means:

1. Researching their business stage and current challenges
2. Understanding their industry and market position
3. Identifying their goals and aspirations

This knowledge allows you to tailor your approach and offer relevant solutions that align with their specific needs.

Building Genuine Relationships

Remember, the goal is not just to make a sale but to build lasting professional relationships. Show genuine interest in your prospects' success, engage with their content regularly, and be patient. The most valuable clients often come from long-term nurturing rather than immediate conversions.

Conclusion

As we focus on personalization, providing value, and building genuine relationships, coaches can effectively cultivate clients on social media without resorting to pushy sales tactics. Remember, your goal is to be a trusted advisor, not just another salesperson in their inbox. With this approach, you'll not only avoid giving "the ick" but also establish yourself as a respected professional in your field.