Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a coaching proposal only to have a client say no? Or worse yet, have them tell you that you’re too expensive? It can be a crushing blow to your confidence and leave you feeling discouraged about coaching business. But fear not, my fellow coaches, for there are ways to handle these situations gracefully and professionally.

As a coach, you know the value of your services and the impact you can have on your clients’ lives. But not everyone may see it the same way, and that’s okay. It’s also important to remember that rejection is not personal. It’s part of the process, and it doesn’t mean you’re not a great coach.

In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into ways to handle no as a coach professionally and confidently.

So if you’ve ever felt discouraged or unsure what to do when a client says no or places a ‘price is too high objection’, you’re in the right place!

Let’s dive into client rejections and learn how to handle them like a pro.

What To Do When A Client Says No In A Coaching Business

1. Client: “Your Prices Are Higher Than Standard Market Rates”

As a coach, you know you have unique skills and expertise that sets you apart from others in the market. You have invested significant time, money, and effort to acquire this knowledge and experience. And because of that, you offer a premium service that commands higher coaching prices.

The best way to handle “your price is too high objection” is to approach it with curiosity and an open mind. Ask the client for their specific concerns or objections. Listen attentively and try to understand their perspective. This shows them that you value their opinion and allows you to clarify any misunderstandings or address any concerns.

They may have compared your prices with others in the market, believing they can get the same services for a lower cost. 

If that’s the case, it’s important to remember that you provide unique value that others may not. Be confident in your abilities and the value you bring to the table. You can explain the benefits and outcomes of working with you that differentiate you from others. Highlighting your expertise, experiences, and successful case studies will help your client realize your worth.

Help them understand that their investment in your services will pay off in the long run.

Alternatively, the client may have hinted that they are not interested in your services. They might not have the right mindset to work with you now. If this happens, handle no as a coach. Be open to feedback and try to understand their perspective. 

Ask them about their goals and the challenges they are facing. If they need time to think, respect their decision and open the door for future opportunities.

If the client still declines, don’t burn bridges. Thank them for their time and consideration, and let them know that you’re open to working with them in the future if the opportunity arises.

2. Client: “But What Exactly Will I Get Out Of It?”

Sometimes clients may not fully comprehend the return on investment they will receive from working with you, leading them to decline your offer.

In such situations, the second step to handle no as a coach is to make them aware of the ROI they can expect. 

Educate them on the specific benefits they will gain from your coaching services, whether it’s increased confidence, better time management, or achieving personal goals. This will help them see the value in investing in your services.

Share testimonials from previous clients to give them a glimpse of the kind of success they can achieve. 

Propose to them what they feel is valuable.

For example, don’t tell them you’ll fix their money beliefs, help them build a mindset.

Instead, tell them you can help them attract more money and abundance.

Don’t be afraid to be assertive and confident in your coaching abilities. If you genuinely believe in the transformative power of your services, communicate this to your clients. 

Guarantee them results if you can!

3. Client: “Okay, But May Be This Is Not What I Seek To Achieve”

As a life coach, you know the importance of setting clear goals and staying focused. But what if your clients aren’t on the same page? 

What to do when a client says no to working with you because they aren’t sure what they want to achieve or aren’t fully committed to their goals? In these situations, it’s important to take the time to identify where the disconnect is and how you can help them overcome it.

One of the first things to do is to ask your client about their goals. If your client is struggling to define their goals, you can use coaching techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, or journaling to help them gain clarity and focus.

Another important factor to consider is whether your client understands the value of coaching and how it can help them achieve their goals.

It’s up to you as a coach to educate them about the positive impact coaching can have on their lives, whether improving their productivity, boosting their confidence, or helping them achieve their personal or professional goals.

For example, if your coaching helps your client land a new job or grow their business, they will see a significant return on their investment. 

By providing real-life examples of the positive impact your coaching has had on previous clients, you can help your new client see the potential benefits of working with you.

4. Client: “Are You Sure You Can Help Me With This? I’m Still Confused To Take This Step”

The last step to handle no as a coach is one of the most crucial ones – building trust.

Building trust is key in any relationship, and it’s especially important when it comes to the coach-client relationship. Clients need to believe that you understand them, can help them, and are the right person for them to seek help from.

Share your personal experiences and struggles. 

This will help clients see that you’re human and that you understand what they’re going through. Listen to them carefully, and ask questions to show interest in their needs and goals. This will help build a connection between you and your client.

It’s also important to be patient and understanding. 

Remember that not everyone is ready to take the leap and invest in a coach immediately. Give them space and time to decide, and don’t push too hard. Show them you’re there for them when they’re ready, and continue providing value through your content and social media channels.

Building trust in a coaching business is all about being authentic and creating a safe space for your clients to share their thoughts and feelings. When they feel heard, understood, and supported, they’ll be more likely to trust in your coaching abilities and take that next step with you. So keep building those relationships, and watch your business thrive.

Love From Your Coach

Now you know what to do when a client says no!

I understand, handling a client’s rejection or refusal of your offer can be tough in the coaching business. However, it is important to understand why they said no and address their concerns make them see the value of your coaching.

Remind your client of numerous famous successful people in the world who have appointed coaches for themselves. 

One such example is Oprah Winfrey, who has always been very vocal about how much her coach, Martha Beck, has helped her. Another examples include Bill Gates, Serena Williams, Steve Jobs, and the list goes on.

Make your client understand that having a coach is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and a commitment to personal growth.

A coach can help you see things from a different perspective, challenge you to push past your limits, and hold you accountable for your actions. With the guidance of a coach, you can achieve your goals faster and with greater ease than if you were to go it alone.

Start implementing the above-discussed pointers, and remember that you can turn a ‘no’ into a ‘yes’ with the right approach and attitude.

Remember, rejection is a part of the journey to success. It’s how we handle these situations that truly defines our character and sets us apart as professionals. 

However, if your client still say no, wait for my next blog on How To Convert a No to a Yes, Even After Trying Everything.

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