How to Build Trust – engaged
ISSUE #4
How coaches can build trust in a distrusting world
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“You should trust me…”
The statement alone is enough to put most people on guard.
And that’s because trust isn’t earned through cheap words.
People who have truly earned your trust don’t have to tell you that you should trust them!
Trust is the most important and valuable thing a client can ever give you.
But the unfortunate truth is that few coaches truly know how to build it.
Meaning the ones that do are able to attract and keep the best clients, secure a steady stream of referrals, and massively increase their earning capacity.
Put simply, the best coaching businesses are all based around trust.
In this issue, we’re walking through exactly how to build trust with each client and develop long-lasting relationships with clients you love to work with.
Let’s dive in!
The Deep Dive: Building Trust With Clients
Picture the classic trust fall exercise (the iconic activity often seen in team building workshops and sitcoms alike)
You’re standing there, heart pounding, about to fall straight backwards as you trust that you will be caught in the arms of your colleagues.
Even if you trust the others to catch you, there is always a risk involved in making yourself vulnerable.
(Image Credit: mltshp)
If that feeling of vulnerability isn’t palpable in the moments before the fall, then my friend, you’re merely participating in a “fall,” not a “trust fall.”
And the inherent vulnerability of that exercise is reflective of the depth of trust required for a successful coaching relationship. It’s this trust that enables us to foster an environment where clients feel secure enough to be open, vulnerable, and receptive to change.
And trust is forged in the fires of vulnerability.
When you lead with your own vulnerability and as an advocate for them and their goals (even if it doesn’t align with what is best for your business), you show up as someone who is inherently trustworthy.
Here are some ways that you can cultivate a deep level of trust with others:
Display Authenticity from the Very Start — Trust begins from the moment you initiate contact with a prospective client. Authenticity is key here.
If you believe they are not a good fit for your coaching style or services, do not hesitate to express that honestly.
Such transparency can be unexpectedly refreshing and demonstrates that you prioritize their needs over your gain.
Be Client-Centric — Rather than focusing on retaining clients, devote your efforts to deeply understand their unique needs and aspirations.
Intend to facilitate their personal growth in each session, and you’ll find that retention naturally follows.
When clients see and feel how genuinely invested your are in their progress, their trust in you flourishes.
Share Personal Experiences — It can be incredibly impactful to share your own experiences and challenges, especially those that mirror your client’s.
This demonstrates empathy and serves as proof that overcoming struggles is achievable. It humanizes you, making you more approachable, and fosters a deeper connection between you and your clients.
Go the Extra Mile — Exceeding client expectations consistently is another potent trust-builder.
This could mean offering additional resources, providing personalized feedback, or simply being available for a quick chat when they need it.
Turns out the secret to building trust is being worthy of it!
All right, let’s move right on before we get too philosophical here and keep this in the realm of coaching.
Diving right in…
The pulse
Latest Insights, News & Tools for Online Coaches
➦ Know What To Charge & How It Impacts Trust and Positioning — Your ideal pricing shouldn’t be based on the quality of your sales abilities, but rather should hinge on a few mindset shifts that can completely change how clients think and feel about you.
➦ How To Build Trust In A “Digital First” World — Trust starts (or even stops) the moment someone sees you for the first time on social media, looks at your website, interacts with customer support — every touchpoint increases or decreases trust, and it’s essential to make every impression trustworthy.
➦Six Steps To Build Trust In A Coaching Session — Are you an expert to your clients, or a guide? The subtleties of how you communicate have a huge impact on how easily you’re able to build trust and build genuine connections with clients. This doesn’t have to be difficult, either; you can improve this in just 6 simple steps!
PLAYING THE GAME OF TRUST:
It’s no secret that trust is an essential ingredient to great relationships, and it’s no different with clients.
Trust is like a mirror – you can fix it if it’s broken, but you can still see the cracks in the reflection (thank you, Lady Gaga, for this wise nugget).
So let’s ensure we’re furnishing uncracked mirrors from the get-go.
Follow the advice above to build authentic connections, deepen trust with your clients, and have fun while doing it!
That’s a wrap
Until next time,
The Next Era Coach Team
PS
Found this issue fun and practically helpful? Sick of our terrible jokes? Don’t be a stranger, reply and let us know what you thought!
Reflection
How are you currently positioning yourself in the market, and how can you improve your unique selling proposition?
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Written By:
Zachary J. Radford
Editor & Copy Chief Of FunnelMemo.com