“Everyone needs a coach.”
– Bill Gates
I’m on the verge of confirming the subtitle of my new book. Once I do, I’m going to reveal the title, subtitle (and maybe even give you a glimpse of the cover). But for now, I’m going to share another excerpt from it (to be published by Wiley-Capstone, Autumn 2016). This is from a chapter called “The Principles of Impact”:
“Would you like me to collaborate with you on growing your business?” Pete Bryceland responded to my message minutes after I’d sent it. “Yes I would!” As our conversation unfolded, he revealed that he’d been making a living as a transformation professional (he’d earned a little less than £20,000 that year, coaching people) but was finding it challenging. He wanted to earn significantly more money, enjoy the process more, and feel greater freedom. It emerged that Pete loved coaching, and got great results with his clients, but found charging by the hour frustrating and difficult. He wanted to move to a high-value coaching package model so he could have more committed clients, increase his income and stabilise his cashflow.
But there was a problem: Pete hated selling.
I invited Pete to join the beta-test group for a new programme I was developing, and ended up coaching him in front of a live audience a few weeks later. He explained that when he had conversations with potential clients, they were excited about working with him, but as soon as they started asking about what it would cost, Pete became awkward, disconnected and tongue-tied. He’d lost three sales in the previous few weeks due to this “selling-anxiety”. As we talked, Pete started becoming more reflective, and a sense of connection started developing between us. About 20 minutes into the conversation, Pete had a realization, and started to see the situation differently. He got in touch with me a month later to let me know that he’d signed up two clients on packages of £10,000 each since our coaching conversation. He’d made more money as a result of that one insight than he had in the previous year!
Many of the greatest performers on the planet have coaches. From golfer Rory McIlroy to Google CEO, Eric Schmidt; from pop diva Beyonce to surgeon Atul Gawande. Why? Because the perspective, understanding and mindset of a powerful coach can unlock your potential and bring out your best performance. A truly transformational coach is able to speak to a person’s deepest wisdom and their highest inspiration. They’re influential, wise and impactful enough to call forth profound changes and extraordinary results from others.
And what does this have to do with the principles of impact?
It turns out that you can realize the leverage points the world’s most transformational coaches use to create massive impact; in your own life, and in the lives of others. You see, the principles of impact apply in every situation, whether you’re giving a speech, or out on a first date; whether you’re parenting your teenager or applying for a job. The principles of impact apply in the domains of leadership, management, performance, innovation, friendship, parenting, public speaking, selling, negotiating and even dating.
The Clarity Impact Model
You know those days where you can’t put a foot wrong… When everything falls into place, you get the ideas you need exactly when you need them, and you finish the day feeling productive and fulfilled… And then there are those other days, when it really seems like you would have been better just to stay under the duvet… The days when everything seems like a chore, and it’s tough to find your groove. The difference between those two days is the state of mind you’re in… your level of clarity. Your level of clarity determines how you’re showing up in the world, and the impact you’re going to have. The Clarity Impact Model is a simple way of relating to your innate capacity for learning, changing, growing, communicating and getting results. It applies equally to individuals, 1:1 relationships, and groups. You can think of it as a metaphor that points to the principles behind clarity and your innate capacity for having an impact. It includes the following elements:
1. Clarity of connection
2. Clarity of thought
3. Clarity of understanding
Over the next 3 weeks, I’m going to be diving into each of the 3 elements of the Clarity Impact Model. Whether you’re a transformation professional, or just want to have more impact on a day to day basis, you’re going to get a lot from it. By the way, if you’re already a transformation professional, then you may be a good fit for something I’m doing next month. Here’s what I’m looking for:
– You have at least one year’s experience of working with clients (either paid, pro-bono or both)
– You probably charge by the hour, but want to use a “coaching package” model to increase your income & make it more consistent
– You have space in your practice to work with at least one longer term contract client, starting in May
– You’re an enthusiastic, friendly people-person
– You have a coachable spirit, and are willing to step out of your comfort zone if necessary, and
– You can keep a secret
If that’s you, then just email me at jsmart@jamiesmart.com, and let me know where you’re located and a little about yourself (if you don’t know what to tell me about, look at the list above for inspiration). Make the subject line “Project Glasswing JST”. I’ll be choosing people in the next couple of weeks. Talk to you soon!
Big love
Jamie