Networking for Coaches and Consultants

I'm surprised more people don't start their own coaching or consulting business using LinkedIn. So many of my corporate friends have incredible expertise. They solve complex problems daily, lead teams, drive results. But when I suggest they could turn that into a coaching or consulting business, the response is always the same: "Who would pay me for what I already know?" And then there are the coaches I know who already started their business but are stuck in feast-or-famine mode. Great at what they do, but struggling to get clients consistently. Here's what I've learned after working with both groups: Your expertise isn't the problem. The challenge is that most of us were never taught how to package our knowledge or consistently find the people who need it. That's where LinkedIn comes in. I used to think LinkedIn was just for job hunting. Turns out, it's the best place to connect with people who have the exact problems you've been solving for years. It is THE best place to build a coaching business organically (no ads required). A few months ago, I teamed up with other successful 6/7-figure coaches Adam Broda, Daniel Botero and launched something called the LinkedIn Coaches Accelerator - a 12-week program to help people turn their expertise into a thriving coaching business using LinkedIn. Some highlights from our first cohort blew us away: -Someone landed 25 clients -Another client made $30K while in the program -Several people landed their first $5K-$25K clients within weeks One person 2x’d their followers and increased their LinkedIn reach by 18,279% (yes, this number is correct) On average, people in our first cohort got an average of 4 high-ticket clients while working with us. The common thread? They all started where you might be right now…either thinking about coaching or struggling to get consistent clients. We're now accepting applications for our second cohort. It's designed for two types of people: → Corporate professionals ready to monetize their expertise → Existing coaches who want consistent client flow (no more feast or famine) What we cover: → How to package your experience into something people will pay for  → LinkedIn strategies that feel authentic (no sales-y tactics)  → How to have sales conversations that don't make you cringe  → Building a business that works around your life, not the other way around Our promise: Help you land 3 clients in 12 weeks, or we keep working with you until you do. If you've been thinking about this transition or you're tired of the client rollercoaster, now might be the time. Application here → https://lnkd.in/gzY6-yYj P.S. I'm dropping my LinkedIn strategy guide below.  Use what helps, ignore what doesn't. Just wanted to share what's been working! ⬇️

Here’s a secret to help you supercharge your networking. Stop trying to hit home runs with every touch point. Instead, focus on small wins that move the conversation forward. I see so many people making big / vague asks up front: “Can you hop on a 30 minute call?” “Tell me how you accomplished [Big Thing].” These people are super busy and they’re receiving this email from you - a total stranger. The last thing they want is another item on their to do list. Instead, start with a small, simple ask that they can reply to in <30 seconds. Here’s a formula that's been really effective for me: “Hey [Name], your experience in [Industry] is really impressive. I know you're busy, but I just had to ask: If you had to start over and work your way back to [Insert Achievement], would you do A or B? A: [Insert Actionable Thing] B: [Insert Other Actionable Thing]” This formula makes is incredibly easy for them to say "I'd do A" or "I'd do B." Now the door is open! Go do thing A or thing B, get results, and report back. Let this person know you took their advice and then ask for more. This positions you as someone who values their advice and has an action bias -- someone worth investing in. That's going to lead to deeper conversations and stronger relationships!

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

I get 400+ connection requests every week. 99% make the same mistakes. Only 1% get it right. Here’s how you can be that 1%. Before I preach: I’ve also made all these mistakes. I’m no exception. But, by now I’ve learned from it. I hope this post helps you avoid them. ❌ SENDING REQUESTS WITHOUT A NOTE. 99% of connection requests I get have no note. By adding no note, you’re asking the other person to spend at least 30 seconds looking at your profile title, understanding what you do, & decoding whether that’s relevant. Sure, they can do it for 10 people. But not 100+. You’re wasting an opportunity EVERY time you send a request without a note. ✅ SEND A NOTE, EVEN IF IT'S 2 SENTENCES. Forget writing detailed & specific notes. Just write 2 sentences. “Hi Pooja! I enjoyed reading your recent post on how to send connection requests. Now, I’d love to follow along your journey and hopefully contribute in a meaningful way.” That’s it. BOOM. You just 5x-ed your acceptance rate. ❌ ASKING FOR A "20-MIN CALL" No, most people don’t have time for a “20-min call.” I don’t have time for a “20-min call.” Because you haven’t convinced me what’s in it for me. Instead, here’s an idea: ✅ ASK, "HOW CAN I HELP?" That’s it. So simple. “Hi Pooja! I enjoyed reading your recent post on how to send connection requests. I also see you publish regularly. I’d love to follow along your journey. Also, if I can help in anyway, just let me know.” I will 1000% accept a request with such a note. Most people would. Build a relationship before asking for more. ❌ SENDING AN ESSAY FOR A REQUEST By sending long essay messages, you’ve made 3 mistakes: - You wasted your time - The other person probably didn’t read it - Your request got lost in the abyss ✅ SENDING A SHORT, SPECIFIC REQUEST WITH A COMPELLING WHY Make it easy for the other person to help you. Keep your message short, specific, and give them a REASON to help you. “Hi Pooja! I’ve read most of your posts on LinkedIn. There’s so much value in them. Thank you. I aspire to publish my book next year. Can you point me to any resources/tools that was helpful for you? If you already have it written down somewhere, let me know. P.S. I can help you compile a post on this if you’d like!” Now, you’ve given me 3 reasons to help you: - You’ve done your homework in reading my posts - You have a clear goal in mind - You already offered value in your “P.S.” I get it. All this is extra work. It takes time. But, these few minutes will make or break your chance to find your co-founder, next job, or even a best friend. If this helped you, please re-share the post and help your network! 👉 And, follow me if you'd like more of this. I publish a resource every day. P.S. Wanna send me a connection request? Now you know how to do it 😉 #writing #freeresources #unshackled #advice #linkedin

The #1 mistake I see in client relationships? (It took me years to learn this) Confusing contact with connection. Most professionals think staying “top of mind” means constant contact. So they: ❌ Send generic check-ins. ❌ Ask for meetings without clear value. ❌ Share the same articles everyone else does. Then wonder why response rates keep dropping. 20+ years in client relationships has taught me: The best way to stay memorable? Show up as someone who genuinely cares about them  (and their success). Instead of asking: ❌ “How do I stay visible?” Ask: ✅ “How do I show I care?” Here are my favorite 6 ways to show you care: 1. Spot Opportunities They Might Miss ↳ Share competitor moves and market shifts before  they hear it elsewhere. 2. Be Their Connector ↳ Introduce them to people who can help them grow. 3. Offer Insights They Can Use Immediately ↳ Send relevant research they can apply right now. 4. Celebrate Their Successes ↳ Spotlight their wins like they’re your own. 5. Invite Them Into Your World ↳ Include them in events and conversations that matter. 6. Check In With a Personal Touch ↳ Reach out with no agenda, just genuine care. Here’s the truth: Most people only show up when they want something. Top performers show up because they genuinely care. Because they know when someone’s ready to buy, they don’t research who’s available. They call those who’ve already proven they care. Agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear your take on it in the comments below. ♻️ Valuable? Repost to help someone in your network. 📌 Follow Mo Bunnell for client-growth strategies that don’t feel like selling. Want the full cheat sheet? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/e3qRVJRf 

Networking changed my life. It helped me secure my first big consulting deal that let me quit my full-time job. Here's how to build relationships on LinkedIn (the right way): Networking can either make or break your career. Do it wrong: You’ll ruin your reputation. Do it right: You’ll have people speaking well of you when you’re not around. Here’s how to network like a pro: 1) Be genuine People can sense fakeness from a mile away. Instead, speak with them to get to know them. Not just because you want something. Besides… There’s no point in building relationships with people you don’t like. 2) Be a friend We want to feel cared for. Reach out once every 3 months to see how they’re doing. • Offer help • Schedule a coffee chat • Ask about their recent trip Don’t build connections. Build friendships. 3) Change your intent Turn your “I want this” mindset into a “I want to help” mindset. Start conversations without trying to sell something. But because you want to help them. Stop asking. Start giving. 4) Think long term It doesn't matter if they can’t help you now. In the long run… …you’ll be able to reach out when you need it. Be there for them now. They’ll be there for you later. That’s a real relationship. 5) Don’t ask for immediate favors This is where most screw up. They’ve barely met someone and immediately: • Ask for a job • Request a resume review • Or want some other big favor You wouldn’t do this to a stranger on the street. Why do it on LinkedIn? 6) Be mutually beneficial Start by building foundations. When/if it makes sense, think of how you can collaborate. Just like in business… This isn’t a one-way street. I help you. You help me. That’s how the world works. 7) Create on LinkedIn You never know who’s watching. Share your thoughts on the feed daily. And give people a glimpse into what you’re doing. You may not realize it… But others are going through the same as you. One of them might just come back with a life-changing opportunity. P.s. - What's one more tip you'd recommend for people networking on LinkedIn? Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Follow Jordan Nelson And share it with your audience.

𝐈 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐃𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝. Traditional networking felt like a full-time job. Attending events, making small talk, collecting cards I’d never follow up on. It was exhausting and rarely meaningful. So I stopped forcing it. And I started using LinkedIn to build real relationships on my own terms. Here’s what changed: ✅ I show up through content that reflects my expertise and values ✅ I leave thoughtful comments that turn into real conversations ✅ I reply to DMs without a pitch, just genuine curiosity ✅ I connect with people I’d actually want to learn from or work with LinkedIn isn’t about growing a list. It’s about growing a network that matters. And you don’t need to be everywhere or talk to everyone to do that well. The best connections are built through value, relevance, and consistency. Not loud events. Not forced follow-ups. If you’ve been avoiding “networking” because it feels like a chore, maybe it’s time to redefine what it looks like. Let your content do the intro. Let your curiosity do the rest. #LinkedInTips #NetworkingStrategy #RelationshipMarketing #ContentThatConnects #LinkedInGrowth

I was recently at an event with a group of professional speakers. Perhaps surprisingly, almost all of us were introverts. Getting up on stage and delivering a keynote? Totally calm. What *really* provokes my anxiety: walking into a crowded room where I don’t know a single person. I hate that feeling so much that years ago, I vowed I’d never again go to a big “networking event.” Instead, I follow a few strategies that make life easier as an introvert who still wants — and needs — to meet interesting people and make business connections: 1)  Host instead of attend — Organize small dinners or gatherings. It flips the dynamic: people come to you. 2)  Leverage 1:1s — Reach out in advance to meet someone for coffee instead of “working the room.” 3) Leverage other events — Invite someone you want to know to join you at a talk, performance, or workshop. For more practical strategies to connect without burnout: ·              Join my newsletter: dorieclark.com/subscribe ·              Share your go-to networking tips below ·              Repost this to help other introverts

Recently, I've had 40+ conversations with founders, investors, and partners - here's what I learned about building a powerful network. I remember attending a national training at KPMG with thousands of professionals from across the U.S. They asked each team: "What's the most valuable thing you'll get out of this event?" We submitted "Networking will be the most valuable thing we get out of this event." I was shocked when they called out our answer as the winner across all teams. It took me years to really understand this. When I launched Mighty Digits, my first 2 customers came from within my network, giving me freedom to build while securing income. Some of my largest customers came from relationships with VC firms who trusted us with their portfolio companies. As the saying goes: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." To me, it's both - but if I had to choose one, it would be the people in my network. A good network naturally raises your IQ and yields 10x dividends. ➡️ IDENTIFY WHO YOU WANT TO NETWORK WITH Everyone wants to connect with their ideal customer, but don't stop there. Connect with other service providers who serve your target audience but aren't competitive - alternate services or same service in different regions. My favorite people to connect with are investors, since there's strong correlation between investing in a company and wanting confident financial records. Start by making a list of the most ideal people to network with and work backwards. Avoid focusing only on customers to sell to. ➡️ HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE "Ask for money and get advice, ask for advice, get money twice." Your goal with networking is NOT to sell anything. Your goal is to provide value and establish relationships. Sales come naturally as relationships are nurtured. Four ways to connect: — Reach out for warm intros through mutual connections — Send targeted cold emails that are relevant and personalized — Host events that allow them to expand their network too — Attend events and approach people in groups or standing alone ➡️ THE FOLLOW-UP FRAMEWORK This is the most important part. After connecting: — Send follow-up email with thanks and conversation recap — Find ways to offer value first - referrals, advice, resources — Keep in touch quarterly to see how you can be of service — Treat your A-list players with appreciation - gifts, meals, personal thanks === Networking is a long-term play. Relationships take time to build, and many may not go anywhere. But for those that do, you can build an entire business on them. What's been your experience with networking? Do you have any tips for building powerful relationships? Share your thoughts below 👇

Because I started coaching when the Internet was still called the "World Wide Wait" and wasn't yet important for attracting clients, I had to develop marketing skills that many of today's coaches lack. Specifically, I learned to attract clients without needing the internet at all. I can use the internet, but don't need it. Let me give you four examples that you can still use today, and maybe give you an edge: 1. I picked 10 companies where I wanted to get hired and found ways to engage one or two leaders there. Once a month, I would drop off (YES -- I drove there and dropped envelopes off!) 3-page executive briefs, chapters from a book I was writing, or articles or book reviews that might be of interest. I would follow up just enough -- without being a pest -- to see if the prospective client wanted to meet for coffee. If it became clear a prospect/company wasn't going to work with me, I found a different company for my "Top 10" list. (If you have more energy than I do, you could do a Top 25 list; a consulting firm I worked with had a Top 100 list and every partner had to develop relationships with a share of that list). 2. I became a leader at an industry association. I led seminars about topics they cared about (a strategic seminar got the best response), interviewed members for research and benchmarking reports, and spoke at conferences. This made me the resident expert on their leadership issues, and got me lots of work. 3. I formed a few quality alliances. I'm an extreme introvert, and so I had to outsource my networking to those who had access to lots of prospective clients. I worked with a local bank to do seminars for their business clients. I coached executives in the portfolio of a local investor/venture capitalist. I had reciprocal lead generation relationships with an assessment company, HR consultant, and even a former professional athlete. All I needed was for each alliance partner to get me 1-2 clients per year and I was set. 4. I conducted research about leadership issues in my target markets. This is a great way to reach leaders without coming across as a salesperson. I'd come up with benchmarking studies, or interview leaders about best practices. Participants saw me as a serious professional and expert. This work also gave me content for writing articles in industry publications. When the internet became a real thing, it only augmented the business development discipline I had already developed. Websites, LinkedIn, and YouTube: these helped but didn't replace the above, and other tactics. Today the internet is a blessing and curse for new coaches. It provides the illusion of visibility, but you still have to build relationships with quality and dedication. Get online to meet people and then build relationships offline. Don't be dependent primarily on the internet for leads. Do the work. As the classic (also pre-internet) ad slogan said, "We make money the old-fashioned way. We earn it."