Everyone is talking about having a platform, but nobody is saying exactly what it is and how to build it. Having a platform in your coaching business is an amazing way to dominate your niche. No amount of coach training or coaching certifications can compete with a really strong platform!
There are many ways to define it, but I won’t bore you with definitions. Instead, let me share with you the top 16 indicators that you have a strong personal platform:
- You have specialized knowledge
- You have a place you call home – your blog!
- You post frequent, quality, and relevant content
- You have products that demonstrate your expertise (book, program, event, etc.)
- You have testimonials from clients and recognized experts in your field
- Your have a professional polished web site
- You partner with recognized experts
- You create original ideas and concepts
- You have a strong opinion and are considered a thought leader in your field
- You can communicate your ideas in a clear, compelling, and fun way
- You get frequently quoted by the media, books, and colleagues
- You are the headliner of an active community of fans and followers
- You have a large mailing list
- You have a strong memorable brand
- You feel like a star!
- You’re INSTANTLY recognizable for something specific, for example:
- Seth Godin is “that Purple Cow guy”
- Mari Smith is “that Facebook gal”
- Thomas Leonard is “that coaching guy”
- John Kremer is “that book marketing dude”
- Jeff Walker is “that product launch guy”
- Sanyika Calloway Boyce is “that TV publicity gal”
- Joe Sugarman is “that blublockers guy”
- Craig Duswalt is “that rockstar marketing dude”
- and, hopefully, Milana Leshinsky is “that Coaching Millions chick”
You also know that you have a strong platform when:
- A book publishing company approached you with an offer
- Seminar promoters and conference leaders give you their best time slot
- Clients never try to negotiate your fees
- Everyone wants to partner with you, even those who previously never answered your e-mails
- A client pays you $2,000 to $10,000 to spend a day with you
- Your spouse thinks you’re making way too much money!
One more point about a platform. With a strong platform in your coaching field you have no competition. Coaching clients no longer compare you to other coaches. They simply make a decision whether you are the right coach for them.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Milana,
Inspirational. I trust everything said all of the time.
Great post for visualizing and planning the steps and connections that are needed in growing one’s business, on the Internet or off. Concise and useful. Thanks again Milana, for sharing your understanding ,to help us be more successful.
This is a great post Milana and so true.
We coaches need to really dig deep down into that niche of ours (or find one quickly) to become seen and known as the expert and command higher fees and recognition to have our clients SEEK us out, instead of the other way.
Awesome!
Sandra Baptist
http://twitter.com/SandraBaptist
Milana:
This is awesome. I am going to print out this list and post it on my wall as a reminder of what I need to do to keep building my platform. Thanks for the great content – as always.
Kim Dushinski
Author of The Mobile Marketing Handbook
Milana,
Great list to get things moving towards implemeting a working platform!
BJ
http:www.twitter.com/spiribiz
Wowee, Milana – this is an excellent post. Love it!! Great educational points and super list… whew, I’m honored to be included!!
Cheers!
Mari
Milana Leshinsky! You are an amazing business consultant. This list applies to every Chamber of Commerce Member – no matter what their business! – Mick Monroe – Chamber Strategic Alliances Coordinator
Are you available to mentor Chamber Members ? We work with a businesses from every industry and WE MEAN BUSINESS!
Hi Mick – e-mail me with more info to milana AT milana.com
Hi Milana, thanks for this inspiring (and call to action list) – I am having fun creating my Spirited Self Care Coaching Community for helping professionals and my Leaders in Balance Coaching Community for non-profit leaders thanks to your BLISS Factor program. Thank you for your support and wisdom. To your continued success and well-being, Lynda
http://www.creativewellnessworks.com
http://www.twitter.com/LifeWriterCoach
This is such a clear, quick and list for building and maintaining a platform that I’ve just printed it and highlighted the ones that I need to get better at -and I’m on the list – LOL
Having just appeared on The Today Show for the 3rd time and with someone who has a strong platform, David Bach ” The Finish Rich Guy” I can say first hand that you’re most definitely “that Coaching Millions chick” that millions need to listen to!
Sanyika
http://www.gettvpublicity.com