34: Coaching Client Management the Free and Simple Way

This episode is part of the Smart Mindsets & Habits series. And it was inspired by a segment in the last episode called 3 Power Packed Online Tools Every Coach Needs.That episode has been super popular so I'll do a quick review to set up today's episode. I covered 3 critical tools all coaches need:·      A client-winning website preferably on a WordPress theme.·      An email campaign service — Aweber (affiliate link) is my favorite·      And an online scheduler. The main message I had for you was to invest wisely in your success. Not all expenses have the same long term value to your coaching business success. For example, it's worth it to invest highly up front in creating a client-winning website with a conversion process to help you enroll clients.But, investing in a lot of apps with monthly fees is not the best investment unless those expenses directly supports you to earn more. For example, why spend $20 - $30 per month for an online scheduling system when you can spend 1/2 - 1/3 less using a great service like TimeTrade?In that episode I warned about those all-in-one online services designed for coaches that include a website with a client portal and a scheduler all bundled into one high monthly payment.Beware of this kind of investment because at best, the websites are clunky and don't allow for much customization. They're set up as online brochures only without a conversion process to help you attract and enroll clients who pay well.I totally get the attraction of a single solution offer especially when you're new to running your own business and have so much to learn and do. It seems like the right thing to do. And I know that the idea of a client portal is tempting. Maybe you've never been paid for services directly from a client and there's a desire for something that seems more professional. But, in reality, client portals are a hassle for clients and there are free ways to serve your clients well.So, over the next few episodes I'm going to share my client management systems with you. They are ultra simple and work beautifully. At the end of the day, they cost little or nothing and are easy to use.No client portal or hundreds of dollars in monthly fees necessary!Client Management Begins Before a Coaching Client Hires YouBefore I dig in to the actual moving parts of my system, consider this ...Connection, not selling, is what attracts and enrolls coaching clients.And so, client management actually begins the moment you have a first connection with a potential client. That might be through social media or a networking event. It might be through your blog or podcast.Your care and attention comes across in absolutely everything you do when:Your website speaks the language of your target audience and names their specific challenges and desires.You deliver unique value and invite a Discovery Session in your free offer and follow up emails .You hit the mark about what's important to your target audience in your blogs, podcast episodes and social posts.Before you can do those things, you'll need to ...Learn more about client management here.