The age of the internet for coaches
It has been estimated that two thirds of the internet population is using social networking websites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook and that nearly 10% of all internet time is spent on social media sites.
Many of these people on internet users are potential clients for coaches. When that many people are spending that much time on something, you might think it's important that every business needs to consider it seriously. You'd be wrong: it's not important, it's essential.
What is it?
For the uninitiated, it can seem like an impenetrable jungle of websites with poorly-spelt names: Flickr, Bebo, SmugMug (yeah, I know). But they do have something in common. They're part of a new way of working with the web; one that puts you in the driver's seat.
Brand-building in the Virtual World
As a coach, if you're thinking of entering the social media world to extend awareness of your brand, think hard. You need to understand the environment and the culture before you jump in. Remember that when you write on Facebook or send a Tweet, the whole world can read what you say.
In coaching you have your professionalism to consider. Do you want people to know you got wildly drunk the night before? What would that say to a potential client?
To get off on the right foot, you need to learn the three P's of Social Media:
Participation
It's not about broadcasting what you want to say, it's about participating. Join in other people's conversations only when you have something worthy to contribute. The audiences here are not passive recipients, talk to them with respect. Build relationships - not customer relationships, people relationships.
Personality
Define yourself to differentiate. Nobody wants to talk to a corporate entity (they never pay for the drinks). What makes you special is your passion for what you do. My Twitter ID is and that's my personality too - I love to inspire other people.
Use your enthusiasm to express your brand values. Always remain professional; what you say is visible to everyone, so remain an honest ambassador for your brand and your coaching organisation.
Patience
This is not like marketing offline. There is no quick fix. You can't just place an ad and wait. Working within the social media world is an ongoing activity. Allow some time each day to devote to it and treat it with the same dedication as you would attending networking events. Stay the course, it works.
There is a lot more to say on this subject, but the key thing is to remember why you're doing it. If it's just to make a quick buck, forget it. That won't work. If you want to participate in what I believe is going to be one of the most significant areas of business activity in the next few years, then you'll be welcome.
Whether you want to promote a corporate brand or your own personal brand, the rules are the same: an honest, generous approach can open doors that you never even knew were there. Of course, that's always been true, hasn't it?
about the author
Ash Mashhadi is the founder of successful internet design and publishing business, Design Inspiration. They have been helping businesses to promote themselves for over 15 years, both online and offline.
People who know him often refer to Ash as "The Inspiration Guy" because he loves to help people and businesses to succeed.
Ash works with clients to discuss their brand using social media
Design Inspiration
more info
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Marketing mistakes to avoid - excellent guide to keep your marketing slick
Developing a coaching niche - developing your own niche and brand
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