We have been working with expert coaches for a combined 50+ years; with businesses both big and small. If there is one thing we’ve heard over and over it is that the most frustrating challenge expert coaches face is getting their clients into action! If you are an expert coach, I’m betting that you’ve experienced this issue in your own business.

In order for our clients to get the results they desire, they have to take action. That seems obvious, but we are constantly amazed at how few coaching clients actually do it! Why would they spend all that time and money hiring a coach and attending training and then do nothing about it? That is the age old question. In fact it is so common that there is a term for it – “shelf help.” Shelf help refers to the materials a client gets as part of a coach’s training that they place on their shelf when the coaching/training is finished and never look at again. It probably doesn’t need to be said, but shelf help doesn’t usually lead to any real change for the client.

But, isn’t getting results for our clients and truly making a difference in their lives the reason we got into coaching in the first place? To get results, we as coaches first need to get our clients into action, and that’s the real challenge. How can you get your clients into action so they get the results you know they deserve? Research tells us there are two things that get clients into action more than anything else.

There has to be consistent follow-up after the initial training/coaching has been completed. Training isn’t just a “one and done” solution. We need to follow up with clients to ensure they use what we teach.
Follow up isn’t enough by itself, though. There also needs to be accountability and recognition. Nothing breeds success like success! If your clients feel like they are making progress, and that someone (you) notice their success, they are much more likely to want to continue taking action.

Get your clients into action and they can truly transform their business and their lives. If you can do that, there is no limit to the influence your coaching can have in the world!