F.023 Pay It Forward - Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Show Objectives
“Pay it forward”, “Good karma”, “Give to get”.
There are many ways to express the idea of creating value for others before expecting something in return even though it might seem counterintuitive. We add value when we make ourselves more valuable. When it comes to growing, and developing people, value is that quality that makes somebody desirable, highly regarded, esteemed, and respected. 

Add Value by serving People
Coaches add value by serving others. The bottom line in coaching isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others. Think about the people closest to you. What is their biggest struggle right now? How can you add value to their lives with the power of coaching? 

Several ways for your to add value include:

1. Creating videos, daily thoughts and webinars offering a snapshot of your coaching philosophy and ideals
2. Offering a complimentary coaching session to help local businesses jump start their business
3. Delivering a Lunch & Learn style presentation in person or virtually to help employs deal with stress and change

What is your motive?
If you are a coach, take a moment to ask yourself, “Why do I want to be a coach?”
If you desire to be a coach because of pay or power, you will find it difficult to serve others or add value to them. Don’t get me wrong, money is good and getting paid for your services is expected. 

Add Profits by adding value
Not many coaches I talk to say, “What’s in it for me?” But we all know that a business without profits is just an expensive hobby. 

Adding true value to your prospective clients is easier said than done in many cases, especially since many coaches prefer to stay behind the scenes and work one to one with clients.  

When we take a counterintuitive approach to add value first, the result builds trust and an interest in your services. Listen for and be prepared to have sales conversations as you continue to add value. You deserve to get paid for the value you add. 


Add Value to Change Lives
An intentional Pay It Forward program will not only build your coaching practice, it will also allow you to change more lives. In order to maximize this effect, you will need to add value in three specific areas: 

1. We add value when we make ourselves more valuable.
2. We add value to others when we know and relate to what others value.
3. We add value to others when we create valuable content and share with others.

Learning how to add value  is an ongoing process. The key is to be intentional about adding value. Humans are naturally selfish; it takes an intentional effort to steer away from those patterns and towards a life and a career of service. Make a daily effort to serve others without looking for credit or recognition. This will help you develop the right habits. Start doing these things and watch your coaching practice thrive.

​​Written by: Donna Kunde