For NLP Coaches

A reference guide to effective complimentary/introductory coaching sessions.

To ensure your potential clients always come back for more!

Many professional coaches offer a short complimentary coaching session to potential clients as the first stage of the coaching relationship.  It's a way to get to break the ice with a new client and allow the client to experience what it will be like working with you. Here is a quick reference guide to a complimentary session, to ensure you make the most of it.

There are five things you really want to accomplish during your first coaching conversation:-

1.  Connection.  Make a personal connection with your client.  Build rapport with your client so conversation flows easily and the relationship gets off to a great start. 

2.  Motivation.  What motivated the client to call you today?  Explore and understand what the client is motivated to pursue, and how you can help.  

3.  Presentation.  Once you know what the client is motivated to pursue, show the client how coaching can help them. 

4.  Information.  What information does the client need to make a decision? What is making them hesitate? Provide the client with all the information they need to allow them to make a well informed decision.

5.  Decision.  Ask for a commitment. Ask the client what time/dates are best to begin working together.

And here are some all important key questions to get you started as you work your way through the 5 stages ...

Connection

• What inspired/motivated you to call today?
• Tell me more about yourself
• Let me tell you a bit about myself
• What interests you most about coaching?
• What do you think would be the best thing about having a coach to work with?

Motivation

• What are the top three challenges that you face right now?
• What is the biggest thing that you would like to change right now?
• What is motivating you right now? Are you keen to work towards something or are you eager to move away from something?
• What would it be like experience a change in this area? How good would it feel? How good does that sound?
• What would it mean to you if this was never to change?
• What's your main hesitation about working with a coach?
• What outcome would make this coaching relationship a great success?

Presentation

• What would a great coach be like for you? How would they keep you motivated?
• What will be the greatest challenge the coach will face in working with you?
• So here's how I work with that kind of goal...
• Here's an example of how I helped someone with that kind of goal...
• Here's what I do best as a coach...
• Do my skills as a coach match your needs as a client?
• Here is what you can expect whilst working with me...

Information

• This is what a typical session will be like...
• How often we will meet, and for how long
• I will call you/You will call me
• What is expected of you in between session...
• Fees/Procedure/Commitment  
• Is there anything else you are curious about?
• Is there anything you are not sure about?
• Does this answer all your questions?
• How does this sound/feel/look?

Decision

• Is there anything else you need to know to help you make a decision about working with a coach?
• How would you like to proceed?
• Would you like to take the next step and arrange your first coaching session?
• I noticed a hesitation, what's stopping you?
• What would you like to know to help you move forward right now?
• Shall we set a date? What times/dates are best for you?

Hopefully by the end of the five stages you will know whether you can work with the client; you will have a detailed understanding of your clients main concerns and motivations, in life and in starting a coaching relationship; and you will have a date in your diary for your first coaching session.

However, if the client decides not to proceed with a coaching relationship, you will know why. You will know at which stage the client hesitated, broke rapport or voiced a concern. You can now consider whether you want to be flexible to the clients exact needs, whether you want to do something different, and at what stage that difference will make the biggest difference. 

If you have any ideas or great coaching questions that will make this reference guide even more effective please let us know.   

Email:  nlppracticegroup@gmail.com

Good Luck with your coaching and let us know how you get on.

Sandie

High Peak Life Coach