How to Maximize Your Use of Business Templates
Coach Cheryl Thacker PCC, BCC, Coach Trainer, ICF Mentor Coach, Business Coach
I train, mentor and certify coaches in ICF Core Competencies, Emotional Intelligence, and Coaching Skills, while helping coaches, consultants, and service providers build thriving businesses.
So, you’ve taken the first step and started using templates in your coaching business. Congratulations! This is a smart move that will save you time, reduce errors, and help maintain consistency. Now that you’re on board with the concept, let’s explore the next steps to maximize the benefits of templates and ensure your business runs smoothly and efficiently.
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Assessing Your Template Needs
First things first, it’s time to take a closer look at your operations. Where else can you integrate templates? While you may already be using them for emails, invoices, and client onboarding, there are likely many other areas where templates can make a big difference.
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Expanding Template Use
Consider the following areas for additional template use:
Client Session Notes: Create a standard format for session notes. This ensures that each session is documented consistently, making it easier to track progress and reference past sessions.
Feedback and Testimonials Requests: Develop templates for requesting feedback and testimonials from your clients. This can streamline the process and ensure you’re gathering valuable insights and social proof.
Social Media Content: Use templates for your social media posts, including image designs and captions. This will save time and keep your branding consistent across platforms.
Workshops and Webinars: Create templates for planning and promoting your workshops and webinars. This includes everything from promotional emails to presentation slides and follow-up materials.
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Customizing and Personalizing Templates
While templates are fantastic for saving time, it’s crucial to personalize them to maintain a genuine connection with your clients. A template should serve as a foundation that you can quickly adapt to fit the specific situation.
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Personalization Tips
Client Names and Details: Always include the client’s name and specific details relevant to them. This makes your communication feel personalized and thoughtful.
Personal Messages: Add a few lines that are unique to each client or situation. Mention something specific from your last conversation or session to show that you’re attentive and invested in their journey.
Adjust Tone and Style: Ensure the tone of your communication aligns with your brand voice and the context. Sometimes, a more formal tone is appropriate, while other times, a casual and friendly approach works best.
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Regularly Updating Your Templates
Your business evolves, and so should your templates. Regularly review and update your templates to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Outdated templates can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
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Update Schedule
Quarterly Reviews: Set aside time each quarter to review your templates. Look for areas where updates are needed based on recent changes in your business or feedback from clients.
Solicit Feedback: Ask your team or clients for feedback on your templates. They might have suggestions for improvements or identify areas where the templates could be more effective.
Stay Current: Ensure your templates align with the latest trends and best practices in your industry. This includes updating branding elements, language, and format as needed.
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Automating Template Use
Take your efficiency to the next level by integrating your templates with automation tools. This can further streamline your processes and reduce the manual effort required.
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Automation Ideas
Email Automation: Use email marketing tools to automate your email templates. Set up automated sequences for onboarding new clients, sending reminders, or following up after sessions.
CRM Integration: Integrate your templates with your CRM system to automatically populate client information and track interactions seamlessly.
Project Management Tools: Incorporate templates into your project management software to standardize workflows and ensure consistency across your team.
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All in all, templates are a powerful tool for any coaching business, but their true potential is unlocked when you strategically expand, personalize, update, and automate their use. By following these steps, you can ensure that your business runs smoothly, allowing you to focus more on what truly matters—helping your clients succeed.
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Ready to take your coaching business to the next level by using templates? Here’s one for you to help get started! Get your FREE copy of my Coaching Agreement Template with the link below.
PROGRAMS:
Making sales without annoying people || Helping B2B coaches & consultants get clients without being pushy, needy, salesy, or generally obnoxious
5 个月Huge point about updating regularly. I've worked in businesses where the templates are years out of date and no longer useful. Good stuff!