When you think about the best and fastest way to make money in your business, what’s your first thought?
Maybe your mind automatically goes to creating a group program, designing a course, or developing products to bring in passive income. And maybe that leads to you dreaming of a big launch with all kinds of glitz and glam.
I used to think the same thing.
Courses and group programs are appealing because they have the potential to generate big profits, overnight success, and tons of adoring fans. They promise a full-time income “on autopilot” so you can spend more time doing what you love.
The online business world makes you believe these are the tried-and-true ways to make money, grow your business quickly, and make a name for yourself.
You want to know what I think?
If you’re dying to grow a successful business and you need to make money NOW, I wouldn’t touch a course or a group program with a 10-foot pole.
That’s right: I want you to stay focused and not get sucked in to all the hype.
That’s because when you’re just starting out, investing your time and energy in an all-or-nothing strategy will NOT work.
Click to TweetWhen you’re just starting out, investing your time and energy in an all-or-nothing strategy like a course or group program will NOT work.Here’s why and what you should do instead.
Ditch all the hype and play it safe
Yes, this is a really unpopular opinion.
Especially among all the business owners who love dazzling you with their seven-figure launches and promising it’s possible for you, too.
I’m not saying it’s not possible. You absolutely can have epic launches.
Just not right away. Or even in your first few years. (Unless you work long hours, which I can’t recommend if you don’t want to burn out, get chronically ill, not have a real life.)
What no one else wants to tell you is that you need to have tons of things humming effectively in your business before you’ll ever make money with a big launch. Things like a humongous list full of warm leads, massive marketing chops, and a solid, life-changing offer that people can’t wait to buy.
When you’re newer to business, you won’t have all those things in place. And it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong, it’s because it takes time.
So, when you hang all your hopes and dreams on a big dramatic launch and it fails, well, you’re shit out of luck.
You spent months creating all the content and thousands of dollars promoting your program through paid advertising and…
You made no money. You’re no further along than when you started. And you’re stressed beyond belief.
You can’t pay your bills. You can’t pay yourself. You have no clients and nothing to show for all your hard work.
That’s a pretty bleak place to be.
Instead of chasing those highs and taking on tons of risk, I absolutely recommend playing it safe if your ultimate goal is to make money and grow your business.
And you do that by…
Starting where you are right now
If you’re thinking, “But, Jenny, you have a group program. You have big launches,” you’re absolutely right.
But that’s not where I started.
I started out in corporate America, managing multi-million dollar projects spanning four continents and overseeing dozens—and sometimes hundreds—of team members.
I didn’t like stress. I refused to get burnt out or work long hours, so I learned how to apply time management, efficiency, and delegation techniques to my job so I could manage my staff, get my work done, and have a life outside my job.
Because I like to play it safe and keep things predictably boring.
That’s why, when I started my business, I made sure I had a plan in place that involved predictable income and low risk. Because I pay the bills in my household, I couldn’t afford to take big risks and place all my eggs in one basket. (And launching is a huge risk!)
I took the time to set a solid foundation, and I did everything I teach my clients to do: get clear on who I am, what I love to do, and who my clients are; develop an offer that was an easy yes; and apply the serve and learn method to make my offers better and deliver massive value for my clients.
This strategy allowed me to run a six-figure, service-based business, working 1-1 with clients, for three years.
You read that right—my business was bringing in more $300k/year, and my primary revenue was 1-1 services!
And you know what? Even when I got to six figures and was in a comfortable enough place where I could create programs with minimal risk, I still didn’t stop offering 1-1 services. I kept that consistent stream of income coming in so there was less pressure on the launch performing.
That’s how I was able to grow my business to a place where I could plan and execute those six-figure launches.
Without stress. While being able to pay my bills, my taxes, and myself, take vacations, and even save for retirement.
If those things aren’t important to you, then by all means, plan the biggest launch the online business world has ever seen!
But if you’re interested in doing things in a way that provides consistent, predictable income and security for today and for tomorrow, here’s what I suggest you do.
Focus on delivering 1-1 services
I’m all about running a 1-1 business!
That’s how I started, and it’s what got me to six figures in 18 months. Not launching courses. Not selling group programs. Not creating products.
Here’s the beauty of this approach: Offering 1-1 services, and constantly tweaking them over time, sets the foundation for courses and programs that sell.
Working with clients 1-1 helps you learn what your clients really want, what works for them, and how to reach them in a crowded, noisy market. Once you know all those things, you’re better positioned to successfully launch a group program or course down the road.
But not right now.
Right now, if your business is newer, you need to be making a predictable income, even if it’s not five figures.
It might sound counterintuitive and it might conflict with every other piece of business advice out there, but I’m not interested in being popular or agreeing with everyone else. I’m interested in helping you build a successful business, and this is the best way to do that.
Planning on the success of a big launch is not predictable. It doesn’t allow for consistent income.
Building a service-based business centered on delivering amazing results for your clients, one that might look boring and old-fashioned and safe on the outside, is what positions you to experiment in the future.
When you know how to make consistent, predictable income, you can safely play with new ideas without worrying and betting it all on one epic launch.
Even though it’s not flashy, it’s smart. I can tell you with certainty that, had I not run my business this way from the beginning, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I wouldn’t have felt comfortable trying new things or confidently launching without stress. When you don’t have to rely on a big launch or a new idea paying off, when you have a consistent baseline income each and every month, you give yourself more freedom to do business your way.
If making money now and setting yourself up for success without creating any extra stress are important to you, I cannot overstate this: Stick with 1-1 services. Don’t fall victim to the lure of courses and group programs. It’ll be the best business decision you ever make.
Click to TweetIf making money now and succeeding without creating extra stress are important to you, I cannot overstate this: Stick with 1-1 services. My Personal Recommendation for YouHow to bring in a steady flow of new customers and consistent income
This is such an interesting perspective! And now I find myself saying something I never thought I’d say – I want to embrace predictable and boring. 😉 The bigger launches can then be far less pressured and more open to being experimental. I find launching draining and not at all fun, so it suits me not to have to do it too often, and certainly not to have to rely on it. I also prefer to work behind the scenes so the ‘predictable and boring’ model allows me to do that and put my energy where I work best. Thanks for articulating this Jenny – I’ve never seen it explained like this and it makes so much sense.
YES yes yes!! I’m a new mini mission to show women business owners that predictable and boring is where it’s at!! It totally takes the pressure off of experimentation. And most people do find launching exhausting and draining. We go into these businesses because we love what we do. So why not love the way we do it, too?!
Thanks for commenting and letting me know what you think. I have more to say on this and it really helps to see what resonates with everyone.
I’m a brand new coach, so your idea of boring sounds like my idea of heaven. 🙂 I love this post – it’s so refreshing to hear, and such a relief for all us ‘quiet’ types. (The idea of a big launch makes me want to hide under the duvet.) And in the noisy online world, it’s lovely to see such an inspiring example of a quieter, calmer route to success. Thanks Jenny!
There is room for us quiet types for sure, Danielle! I love quiet, calm, and no drama. So many people don’t like the big launch approach but don’t realize that you can be super successful this other way, too!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This really helps me see that I need to talk about this more!
Hi Jenny – Thank you for this post! It’s so easy to start getting swept into all the “launch big” and “JV” promotions online recently, that it is SO refreshing to hear that all that drama is NOT necessary for a successful biz. And honestly, when people claim they made 5 figures in a few days – they are TOTALLY disregarding the time they put into creating their product/program in the first place (I find it quite misleading to only consider the time put in for the launch day/week, and NOT the time put into the blood-sweat-tears research/creation/testing weeks). Jenny, you rock!
Absolutely! You do not need to do mega launches to have a successful business. In fact, most of the launch-based business you see now didn’t start out that way! They practiced their marketing chops on one-on-one clients, small group programs, etc. Eventually they got to launches, but not right away. It’s like learning to ice skate and then immediately trying out for the Olympics!
You’re totally right that when they say “$60k launch!” that they are not counting the countless hours it takes to create it — because it did take a TON of time!
Thanks for commenting here. You rock, too!
Oh lordy Jenny, love this and true confession: both. OK, there I said it. I admit it. LOL
Because I have lived the “drama life” for most of my years, which has caused an endless array of both personal and professional challenges, I’m learning toward the predictably boring so I can build a new foundation under my feet.
Thanks, as always, for such wonderfully YOU posts!
Excellent, MamaRed! It’s okay to lay the drama to rest and embrace a strong foundation and predictably boring awesomeness!
Thanks for being here!
It’s funny how important that drama “seemed”…now I wonder WTH!!!!!!!!!
Big hugs Jenny…thanks for all you be and do!
Love this post! It’s perfect timing because I’m in the middle of my first “launch” and it’s way too much for me. It’s going great but I’m more of a behind-the-scenes introvert to it’s totally exhausting me. I definitely want to take what I’m doing now for this first ‘live’ launch and translate it into something more “boring” going forward. I can’t imagine going through this drama over and over throughout the year! Thanks for sharing your perspective – it’s so refreshing.
We learn so much by doing, so I love that you’re seeing that launching isn’t your thing. Clarity comes from taking action, as I say!!
You can absolutely turn whatever you’re launching into something more predictable and boring. It’s so fun to do that! And the drama you can let go of in the process…. relief!!
Thanks for sharing here. I love hearing what you all think!
Hi,
Of course I want a steady income, so predictable and steady is good 🙂 I totally agree with you on not putting eggs in one basket. I’m not at the predictable and steady yet. Thank God for savings. I’m hoping that when I am, I’ll feel more comfortable trying to do launches, etc.
I don’t agree that predictable is boring. I would steady it’s steady. Right now, I just want to the predictable phase. To get there I’m trying different things. I have my funnel. And I’m trying different things(namely Webinars , guest speaking, my self-hosted events). I have a few clients, more and more repeat business.
Thanks for this.
Nathalie
We get there slow and steady, Nathalie, and it sounds like you’re doing your part. Consistency is key. Keep doing the webinars, keep speaking, hosting events, blogging, sharing on social media, being of service, growing your list, improving your offers, working on your consult process… (there is an incredibly long list!)… and you will get there. Keep at it!!
I’m glad you don’t think predictable is boring. I don’t think it is, either 🙂
Thanks for being here!
I really loved this perspective! I’m a designer, and I’m just starting to enter into the predictability phase with my flow of clients. I have to say, that it is really nice, and there’s no lack of excitement in getting a new client!
I’m also interested in launching products and going after the “big” drama but I’d like to do that while I’m making predictable money! Do you think it’s possible to have both?
Once you start getting into that predictable flow, it is bliss, isn’t it?!! Delicious!
You definitely can do launches and products while doing client work. In fact, that’s the genius behind predictable income is that you can do the launches and not be stressed about needing to make a certain amount of money. You can experiment without the stress because you know you have other money coming in the door. You’re not banking on the success of the launch. Though it’s a little woo woo, I think there’s something to be said for not putting financial pressure on a launch… they often turn out better when you’re not desperate for them to succeed!
Enjoy the predictability and have fun experimenting! And thank you for sharing here today!
Hi Jenny —
I think this is a great message. Having just gone through a six-month period of totally redesigning my website (much overdue), I am happy to get back to a more steady and predictable schedule where I can build on and execute everything that I’ve created.
I also remember from my corporate days, when I was in a role where I was managing the budget for my marketing team, the most important thing for the finance department was predictability — hitting the numbers you committed to for the quarter, on both the revenue and the expense side. As entrepreneurs, we may not have a large corporation depending on us to hit specific numbers, but as you say, it sure helps with your own finances to know that you have steady revenue and predictable expenses!!
Julie
I love when people reference corporate stuff with entrepreneurship because corporations have to run ‘smartly’ like that — and we can learn a lot from the formality of it (and enjoy the lack of red tape, too!).
Congrats on your website update and wishing you a ton of success in creating a steady schedule again. Thanks for being here and reminding us how real businesses do it! (Because we are real businesses, too, and need to do the smart things to be successful!)
ahh….big sigh of relief 🙂 I feel the pressure of big launches. To know that doesn’t have to be my thing is very encouraging and motivating!
So glad to give you that relief, Gillian! You can do your thing your way and succeed at it. Go for it, woman! And thanks for being here!
There is beauty in the slow and steady. Let it grow organically and be committed for the long term. Your business does not have to be a race to six figures if you are getting consistent and steady business. I definitely spend more time building and nurturing business relationships than on product developments or marketing splashes. It is never boring, it just looks that way from the outside!
I totally agree, Ken. Commitment to our businesses for the long term, nurturing relationships with customers, and building a steady business isn’t boring from the inside. It’s fantastic! It just looks boring from the outside (and that’s why I felt so passionate to mention it today!).
I’m glad to hear business continues to do well for you! Thanks for sharing here!
This seems like a really good article, however I new to starting a business, so I don’t quite understand the difference between the two business models here. Jenny or anyone – can you explain what predicable and boring means? How is anything really predictable.
Versus the launches – why it takes so much time versus getting clients another way.
Happy to help, Alexis!
In the online world, many people see launch-based businesses (where there’s a video series, or a free training, for example) as “the way” to be successful. They think this because they see the big named people doing it, figure the big names are making big bucks, and then want to emulate them.
The problem is that you have to have a ton of experience, marketing chops, and big list to successfully launch things like a class or training. It’s possible to get there, but it doesn’t happen overnight.
I’m calling a one-on-one, service-based business predictable and boring. Because most of us who take private clients or work in a service-based way take in clients in a “rolling” fashion, meaning new clients are steadily always coming in and finishing up. So there’s a steady stream of predictable clients, resulting in predictable income.
From the outside, without mega launches, this business model looks boring. But as Ken said above, it’s really not – it just looks that way from the outside. 🙂
Super helpful Jenny!
Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome! Anytime. I’m here to help women like you build kick-ass businesses they love.
I love this post, I will take steady and predictable income any day. Though I don’t consider that boring I consider that fabulous!
I agree. It’s fabulous!!
Predictable and boring is the best — because then you not only avoid the potential for big fail, but you know absolutely that you can deliver what you promise, no problem. I heart less stress! And in my business — teaching anxious prelaw students how to write their application essays — even the predictable can be fairly stressful. I guess it’s a cross between the two, because application season (i.e. now) is definitely busy season, and the rest of the year is far less predictable.
Totally, Eileen! I love not having to bank on a launch and also know that I can deliver on what I promise for my clients (of course, they have to show up for themselves and do the work!).
I wonder if you could add some predictability into the slower season by marketing to the people who plan ahead? Or by helping people decide if they want to apply to law school? (Not that you asked for advice!)
Thanks for being here!
Love this post!! No one talks about this and you’re so right. The people getting a lot of attention are typically doing huge launches, so that’s where new entrepreneurs tend to look for inspiration when deciding on a business model. But they aren’t seeing behind-the-scenes. Are those people really making money? How long did it take to build up a large enough audience that they could make money from a launch like that? What’s their security plan if the launch bombs? etc. Love hearing this from you, Jenny. So honest and thoughtful. One thing I think we also don’t talk about, though, is how a new entrepreneur builds that “predictably boring” model. It can cause a lot of accidental “high drama” because every potential client when you’re starting out means everything and if you lose them you feel like you’ve lost everything (and you might have when your business is in those first stages and needs a certain number of clients every month just to stay afloat). So there needs to be more talk about that too – how do you build in ways to lead your audience all the time to purchasing in the predictably boring way so that you DO get steady and predictable income instead of just crossing your fingers for it – which is just as high drama if you ask me.
Oh, Laura, you gave me the insight I needed today!! Seriously! I am feeling pulled to something slightly new in my brand but I haven’t been able to totally put my finger on it. When you asked me those questions at the end, you were showing me where my next breadcrumb is. Thank you!! I will definitely talk more about those things!! I’d LOVE LOVE to share those things with all of you!
You’re right – there is SO MUCH backstory to each “big name” person who’s doing a mega fancy launch. Years in business. Tons of experience. Huge lists, and SHIT TON of work!!!
You’ve given me my next mission: talk more about building a predictably boring business. I’m on it. Thank you!!
(Reason #27 why I love all of you who comment!!)
That is so exciting!! I can’t wait to see everything you will talk about. And it’s so nice that I sparked inspiration for someone as wonderful as you! Makes my day!
I have to say, this article hit home and is so deep for me. I would much rather have the steady income going as I am a single mom of 3 beautiful children. So, I need to feel stable with my income. I wouldn’t mind mixing the 2 models…maybe a product launch once a year which could be seen as a bonus on my end. But the steady income seems quite more appealing. I’d like to know more about your system so I’m definitely going to browse your site to learn more about you.
Shun
You can totally have both, Shun!! Stable income plus an occasional product launch or evergreen offer – it’s a great combo. The one-on-one gives you the predictability and the and launches add in some spice! I’m 100% supportive of women who need to support themselves and their families financially and want to do it reliably and stress-free (I’m one of you!).
Thanks for being here and best of luck as you build your business!
I love coming here because I think of you as the voice of reason, Jenny. I’ve been building a local biz for years and when it reached the predictable phase I was ecstatic and a lot less worried/anxious. So for me it’s maybe more of a place of comfort/peace than boredom.
This year I’ve been experimenting with taking some of my services into the online world and learning more about online marketing, and I’ve been surprised by how much marketing emphasis is placed on launching and trying to get big enrollments in courses, programs and membership sites. I imagine it would be exciting if it worked and could be easily reproduced, but I’ve seen a lot of people struggling with it and it just doesn’t seem sustainable. I recently took an SEO course from Rachna Jain that was geared specifically to local businesses in my niche doing mostly 1/1 work. She talked about the big drama launches and said lots of them are driven by ego and aren’t successful. So that was a wake-up call and I love how your post validates that for me.
The other thing that I think is really important to consider is how are our clients best served? Of course I’m a little biased, but I believe service-based 1/1 work is usually what truly helps people make changes or reach goals in their lives. And all the research out there about how people learn best points to the importance of keeping groups and classes small.
Thanks for what you do, Jenny. Looking forward to reading more.
I’m so happy for you that you find comfort in your ease. You should!! And congrats for getting here with your business!
You’re right — there is a lot of emphasis on launching. I see it but didn’t really realize it until I read your comment. (Thanks for that!) And you’re totally right that many aren’t successful. But of course they don’t tell us when they fail 🙂
I LOVE that you’re asking what the best way is for your clients to be served. SO TRUE and SO IMPORTANT! Our clients must be at the forefront of our business planning. Making money and sacrificing their results is a horrible idea (they have to do the work, of course), especially if we want our businesses to stick around and be profitable for the long run.
Thank you for bringing these insights into the conversation. It’s great to have you here!
WOW again. This really cleared up a lot for me, Jenny!
I’ve never done a proper launch but would love to have a business that combines both.
I like predictable and steady… and a little bit of drama too 🙂
So clarifying to see that these are just two different business models.
Carla
You got it, Carla – just different ways to run a business. And you can totally mix and match in whatever way suits your personal style. 🙂
Predictably boring would feel like a blessing. Glory Be. #idreamofbeingboring.
Thanks for that, Kimberly! I had a good morning chuckle. #bestmorninghashtag
This post could not be more perfectly timed! I recently launched my business and after a few months of being in “business,” I’m still providing free content. Meanwhile, I’m busy writing my content that will have a price tag, and I’m having such a hard time fleshing out (1) what that paid content will be, (2) how to manage the logistics of how it will feed into bigger, long-term (predictable) income-providing content, and (3) coming up with a big fantastic splash of a launch to get people’s attention.
I’ve gotten so overwhelmed and stressed about it, today in particular. I swear, I could feel my shoulders relaxing as I read through your post. What a relief to hear that I don’t have to have some fancy, dramatic “ta-daaaaa!!”
Now, where do I find this magic pill for the predictably boring business model? I want it, I don’t care how much it costs, or even if you want one of my kidneys, or children.
First off, congrats on your launch, Kristan!! A lot of my clients get themselves into that swirl of a million things to do that brings them straight into overwhelm. Heck, even I go there!
I don’t have the predictably boring business manual (yet!). To start with, when it comes to creating the paid part of your business, don’t think 10 steps down the road. I know that sounds crazy, but this is what I teach my clients and it works! Start with the ONE thing you can give them right now that will solve an immediate problem they have. Make it simple, affordable, and easy to say “yes” to.
At the beginning it’s not about making big bucks. It’s about doing your work, getting your name out there, serving people, creating great results, and having them be so thrilled they spread the word.
Then start spreading the word. To your list. Add autoresponders. Be of service on social media. Grow your list…. Start here. Step by step.
And stay tuned for that manual (sometime next year — it’s a biggie). 🙂
Start with ONE thing! That is exactly what I needed to hear and makes so much sense.
Thank you for this Jenny 🙂
Focus on that one thing and everything changes, Lizzie!! So glad it helped!
Thank you! I am currently in overwhelm mode, trying to figure out an ecourse, and dreading the whole launch thing. I prefer steady and predictable, and there’s nothing boring about it! Just last month I got my first monthly billing customer – big win for me! I want more solid, actionable ideas to build my business foundation so I can finally draw a salary. It’s almost two years since I started, and I NEED stability! Thanks for the article, it was the right message for me.
Congrats on your win, Kim!!
You all here are definitely showing me that I need to share more about the “predictably boring” business model. It’s the foundation of my coaching with clients in my programs, but it’s only in bits and pieces here. Time to change that!!
Look at what you offer in your biz and see what can be rolling enrollment. For me and many of my clients, that’s 1-1 clients. You can do the same with an ecourse. Instead of worrying about big launches — esp if you don’t like them — see how you can make it slow and steady, with people always coming in, as opposed to just once or twice a year.
Does that help?
Thank you for sharing this as we struggle with the best way to promote our business. This give us hope!
You’re welcome!! Anything I can help with in particular for you two?
I don’t like drama in my personal life, so I don’t know why I would want it in my business/blog either!!
Totally hear you!
Exactly what I needed to read today. I just came up with a new product idea that I want to try and I don’t want to deal with all the sparkle and glitz of a Launch with a capital L. Am I just going to throw it up there and call it a day? No. There is a middle ground. But I’d rather keep things somewhat predictable for myself, my wallet, and my audience.
I love it when the right thing lands in your inbox at the right time!!
Love this =) One of my businesses makes a steady $10K every single month; I can count on it, no fail, no doubt. It’s always there. It’s completely boring. And I LOVE it! When my other businesses make some money, then – hey, it’s a bonus.
So, at the beginning of this year, I signed up for a big coaching program with some superstars. They have a “$10K per month club,” and I thought that was a great idea! I couldn’t wait to let them know “hey! I wanna be part of that club! I made it already! I can learn from the other club members, and they can learn from me, and we can be a happy family!”
THEN… I noticed who was in the $10K/month club. They were ONE-HIT-WONDERS! Basically, they would make $10K in one month, and then flat line down to $1K or $2K for all the other months of the year. That was, in fact, the goal of the coaches! The coaches even mentioned – yeah, just work your bum off this one month, the relax for a few months, then do it all over again in another 6 months. I was shocked and disappointed… Needless to say, I quickly fell out of love with the coaching program, and the club.
I so value steady, consistent, boring, predictable results in business. That, I agree, is the ultimate freedom. Thx for articulating it all for us, Jenny =)
I’m with you!! $10k/month in a one-hit-wonder isn’t something I need. I’m not saying $10k isn’t great — it is — but I want $10k (or more!) I can count on month after month!! I’d fall quickly out of love with a program like that, too, Kat!
Congrats on your successful business at $10k/month. That’s phenomenal. And thank you for being here and sharing what you’ve observed out there on the interwebs!
Hi Jenny,
Thank you for sharing such great advice. As of this April I will be an integrated health and wellness coach. Certification will begin in July. I plan to start coaching in April and already I have my first client. I’m all for boring and predictability and understand paying 6 months in advance is not for me. However, if my offers for coaching is one month instead of per session. To start seeing change requires at least 3 months. So do my offers be per session, one month, or 3 months? Also, do you have a separate phone for your business?
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge it is much appreciated.
Barbara
Great question, Barbara! I don’t know the details of what you plan to offer but I want to offer this really important reframe on the bite-sized offer and how it’s worked for my past clients.
A lot of the health coaches I work with are taught that it takes X months for clients to see real results, and they’re told to start out selling 3-6 month packages. While this may in fact be true — long-term health changes take time — I also know for a fact that with one single session, a coach can teach a client something tangible and results-orented that can put that client on a path to making major, long-term health changes.
The idea behind a bite-sized offer is to give someone a bite-sited (often a single session), results-oriented option to try you out with a low commitment (financially and time-wise). This is important when you’re new and don’t have a ton of testimonials or success stories to share.
When I teach this to my clients, I put it this way:
“What one thing do you know without a doubt that you can teach your clients in 90 minutes that will give them a specific, tangible result?”
You’re not promising 50 lb weight loss or a 180-degree change in a relationship. Never promise something you can’t deliver on. Instead, narrow what you offer down to what you can promise in a bite-sized way.
Over and over I see how this approach is easy for my clients to sell and boosts their confidence and reputation in major ways as they take action and work with new clients. (I need to write a blog post or two on this bite-sized offer approach!)
My suggestion would be that as a new coach, find the one thing you know that you can nearly guarantee for your clients and create a bite-sized offer for that. Start there. Over time, with experience, you’ll make your offer bigger, especially as you know you can deliver on that.
Regarding your phone question…
I do have a separate business line, thought when I started I just got a google voice number and had it redirect to my home phone. It worked really well.
Hi Jenny,
Thank you so much for the quick response also for such great advice. It actually eliminates the stress initially to begin with your bite-sized offer approach. I will have fun with this. I’ll also try the google voice number to start. Thank you again.
Best,
Barbara
Love this. I wrote a similar post on being boring after I had met with a client who had become addicted to the drama, and felt like his business wasn’t progressing if that didn’t exist.