Have you stopped to consider the hidden side effects of giving away your services for free? When I started my online business I struggled with the belief that the services I provided were valuable and worth paying for. I don’t know about you but I feel going from employee to business owner requires a lot of mindset work. Don’t get me wrong, I believe there is a time and place for giving away your services for free. However, if the decision is driven by self-doubt that the coaching you provide is not worthy that is another thing. How do you prevent free coaching when you’re unsure about the service you offer?

Be Honest, How Do You View Free?

When you come across a service for free, do you question the value? Is this coach really able to help solve my problem? Or what’s the catch if this is free? Are they trustworthy?

Come on really, examian what you think of free? Take a step back and be honest with yourself, if you're given something for free do you appreciate it or give it much value?

Granted something may unexpectedly surprise and delight you, but more times than not it will be pushed to the side and disgarded. 

Based solely on my past experience, when I gave away my services for free, they weren't appreciated. It can be difficult enough to get people to show up for a coaching session, but when it’s a free coaching session, let’s just say I’ve spent time sitting on a Zoom call alone.

Your coaching will be undervalued and underappreciated is a hidden side effect of giving away your services for free.

The Hard Truth Ah-Ha

Hey, I'll admit I did this longer than I should've and then it hit me like a ton of bricks. You see providing my time, energy, and knowledge for free or little to nothing wasn't going to allow me to support my family and give me the freedom to be present for them. 

Continuing down this path of fear and self-doubt about charging money for my coaching, wasn't going to allow me to support my family or actually create an impact. 

You will limit your ability to create an impact and support your family is a hidden side effect of giving away your services for free. 

The Mindset Shift Needed to Prevent Free Coaching

Once I had my hard trust ah-ha, then I finally understood I had to become mindful of giving away my services for free. But that's not all, it pushed me to start to do the mindset work necessary to move from employee thinking to business owner thinking. 

Because Friend, not stepping into business owner thinking is a hidden side effect of giving away your services for free.

You Have To Get Good At Asking

The solution is simple, you have to get good at asking. Friend, if you don't ask, the answer is always no. Not asking will leave you sitting in the world of the unknown, struggling to make ends meet in your online business.

It's okay to ask for something in return even if you're not comfortable with charging money as you gain experience.

Let me clarify for every service you provide for experience, it needs to have a clearly defined agreed-upon in writing exchange. The first time starts at zero, the next time you charge for the service, it can be $10 an hour, then the next time $20 per hour.

All that experience is causing you to become an expert, a specialist at that service.

Clients pay for your experience. They pay for someone that can do it better than they can in less time. That's what you're building up too. 

When you step into your power it's a beautiful thing.

When we don't ask, the answer is always no this is a hidden side effect of giving away your services for free. 

If you need more on this subject here are a few other great articles that are in alignment with working for free for potential clients. 

Should You Ever Work for Free? at Women Who Money https://womenwhomoney.com/work-for-free-exposure-experience/ external_link 

The Marketing for Health Coaches Podcast Episode #9 How to Avoid Coaching for Free

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-for-health-coaches-podcast/id1667866641?i=1000605953298 

One Final Point | Consistent Content Creation

You had to know this one was coming, right? One final point, the content that you create on a consistent basis is your free coaching.  

By consistently creating content, you build trust with your ideal clients. All of this free content will increase your visibility, and build relationships with potential clients. 

When you consistently provide valuable content, you give your ideal client a sneak peek into your knowledge and how you can help them solve a problem. 

You see, if your content is helpful the right people will find you. When you’re consistent this is a gateway to success, so it is essential to make sure it's packed with valuable content.

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Time To Wrap This Up

The journey from employee to business owner mindset is not an easy one, but it is essential for the success and impact of your coaching business. 

By being mindful of when and how you offer your services for free, you can prevent the hidden side effects that can undermine your value and limit your ability to create change. 

Remember, your time and expertise are valuable resources that deserve to be exchanged for something of worth, whether it's money, testimonials, or referrals. 

As you continue to grow and develop your skills, don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve. 

And finally, by consistently creating valuable content, you can attract the right clients and build lasting relationships based on trust and expertise. Embrace your role as a content creator and watch your coaching business thrive.

Do you want to know a key content system that every small business needs in their online marketing? It is an efficient lead capture workflow. Trust me, getting this right can transform your business from chaotic to polished professional.

Do you know that feeling when a potential client first reaches out? Excitement bubbles up, but so does the realization that there's a ton of back-and-forth emails, scheduling, and info-gathering ahead. That's where a slick lead capture workflow steps in. It's like having a virtual assistant who never sleeps, ensuring you make a fantastic first impression while staying organized.

Now, let's talk tech tools. Whether you're a fan of Dubsado, swear by Honeybook, or are just starting out and leaning towards budget-friendly Google Forms and Google Sheets, there's a solution for everyone. Each system has its own flair for making your lead management as smooth as your morning latte. ☕

So, are you ready to dig in and find out which one is your perfect match? Let's get to it and turn your lead capture process into a seamless, stress-free journey for both you and your future clients.

Understanding Lead Capture Workflows 

Alright, let's break it down. What exactly is a lead capture workflow? A workflow is every step from the moment a potential client says “hello” to the point where they're ready to dive into your services. It's not just about collecting contact info; it's about creating a smooth journey for your leads, automating communication, and ensuring that no one slips through the cracks. Essentially, it's your business's first impression – and we all know how crucial that is!

Now, why is this so vital for your business efficiency? Well, I know you already have too many balls in the air. Most days, you’re praying for a miracle that nothing will slip through and drop. A solid workflow keeps those balls seamlessly gliding in mid-air.

In the first few years of my budding business, my lead capture was pretty much a manual process of one application to another. While I did create a few zaps with Zapier to make it a bit more streamlined, I still had information in a number of applications. Leading me to feel a bit out of control and disorganized. 

But, the straw that broke the camel's back was discovering that my lead forms from my website were filtering into my junk mail. I don’t know about you, but I still, to this day, rarely check my junk mail. 

My lead capture process was, let's just say, a bit of a hot mess. I was spending more time hopping between emails, spreadsheets, and all the different tech tools. If I didn’t reference my lead capture checklist, I’d very likely forget an important step along the process. Or get something out of sequence that required me to double back. Sound familiar?

Fed up and frustrated from losing leads that I worked hard to attract, I knew I needed an easier, more efficient system. I decided to use a CRM, Client Relationship Management, to implement a structured workflow, and guess what? Suddenly, everything clicked. My leads were tracked seamlessly, follow-ups were a breeze, and I had more time to focus on what I love – handling the online marketing services for my clients.

In a nutshell, a well-oiled lead capture workflow is not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for keeping your business running smoothly. Trust me, your future self will thank you for setting it up!

Diving into Dubsado

Dubsado is not just a Client Management System (CMS); it's the heartbeat of your business's workflows and processes. Designed to consolidate the tracking of leads and clients, Dubsado is a one-stop solution where you can manage client communication, paperwork, and day-to-day activities. Imagine the relief of not having to jump between multiple applications throughout your workday. This integration alone is a game changer for efficiency.

Described by Dubsado themselves as a tool “built to save you time, impress clients, and grow your business,” it truly lives up to that promise. From invoicing and contract signing to scheduling appointments, Dubsado streamlines the essential tasks of your business.

In my journey with Dubsado, I’ve discovered its versatility and the power it holds in transforming business operations. Here’s where Dubsado became integral to my daily workflow:

Applications: Simplifying the client intake process.

Invoicing and Recurring Invoicing: Streamlining the billing cycle.

Contracts: Ensuring clarity and security in agreements.

Questionnaires: Facilitating easy information gathering.

Email Communication: Keeping track of client interactions.

The impact of Dubsado is most evident when comparing the “Before and After” of my lead capture process. Initially, it was a chaotic mix of various apps and manual interventions. Now, with Dubsado, it's a masterpiece of efficiency. A client fills out a form on my website, setting in motion a seamless workflow where everything from scheduling to follow-up emails is automated and effortless.

To get the most out of Dubsado, here's my advice:

• Start Small: Focus on one workflow at a time, such as lead capture.
• Customize: Make sure Dubsado reflects your unique brand and voice.
• Automate: Use automated emails and scheduling features to free up your time.
• Test and Tweak: Implement your workflow, then refine it based on your needs.

Embracing Dubsado marked a significant turning point in my business – from feeling overwhelmed to being in control and efficient. It’s not just a tool; it’s a transformation.

Budget-Friendly Option: Google Forms with Google Sheets 

For those just starting out or operating on a shoestring budget, there's a wallet-friendly solution to manage your leads: Google Forms and Google Sheets. These tools are a great option for early-stage entrepreneurs. They’re simple, efficient, and best of all, free!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a straightforward yet effective lead capture system using these Google tools:

• Create Your Google Form: This is a simple way to capture new lead information from your website, or if you do not have a website you can direct leads from social media to the Google Form. Customize a Google Form to capture essential information from potential clients – think name, email, service interest, etc. The beauty of Google Forms lies in its simplicity and customization options.
• Link to Google Sheets: Once your form is ready, connect it to a Google Sheet. Every time someone fills out your form, their information will automatically populate in the sheet. It’s like having a self-updating database without the need for manual data entry. In addition, make sure to set up it up to send you an email when a form is completed.

– The Google Sheet will be where you keep track of your lead follow-up.

• Set Up Gmail Canned Responses: Now for communication. In Gmail, you can create canned responses for common scenarios, like thanking someone for their inquiry or providing additional information. This saves you the time of crafting individual replies while ensuring prompt responses.
• Integrate with Google Calendar: To streamline scheduling, use the appointment slots feature in Google Calendar. You can share your availability with leads, allowing them to book meetings with you directly. This integration cuts down the back-and-forth emails to find a suitable time for both parties.
• Use Google Meet for your discovery video calls and weekly client meetings.
• Monitor and Follow-Up: Regularly check your Google Sheets for new entries and follow up as needed. This hands-on approach keeps you engaged with your leads and helps build a personal connection.

Using Google Forms and Sheets may not have the bells and whistles of Dubsado or Honeybook, but it’s a practical and effective starting point. It provides a solid foundation for managing leads and can significantly improve your efficiency and organization, all without breaking the bank

Mapping Your Workflow: A Practical Exercise

Mapping out your lead management process might sound like a chore, but trust me, it's will make the process so much easier!

Grab a piece of paper (or open a fresh google doc) and let’s map out your journey from lead to client. This simple exercise is your roadmap to automation and efficiency.

List Your Current Steps: Jot down each action you take when a new lead comes in. From receiving the inquiry to your final follow-up, document every single step, no matter how small. This is your process.

Identify Key Information: What details do you need from your leads? Name, email, specific service interests? Pinpoint exactly what you need to know right from the start. This will shape your lead capture form, whether it's on Dubsado, Honeybook, or Google Forms.

Consider a Discovery Call: Do you want a personal touch with a discovery call for each prospect? If yes, outline what this call entails. Draft a framework of questions that will help you understand the client’s needs and showcase your value.

Automate Email Responses: Look at your typical email responses. Can you turn them into canned responses or automated emails in your CRM? This step saves heaps of time and ensures timely communication.

Post-Call Actions: Decide what happens after the call. Will you send a proposal, a follow-up email, or maybe schedule another meeting? Having a clear post-call action plan is crucial.

Create a Workflow Template: To help you out, I’ve created a downloadable template. It’s a simple yet effective tool to map your workflow. [Insert link to template] Use it to visualize your process and pinpoint where automation can make your life easier.

By mapping your workflow, you're taking the first step towards a more organized, efficient business. This clarity is not just about saving time; it’s about creating space for what truly matters – connecting with and serving your clients.

Gathering and Utilizing Data

Data collection and analysis might not sound like the most thrilling part of your business, but it's essential to the growth of your online business. It's all about gathering insights from your leads and clients to steer your business toward growth and success.

The Role of Data in Lead Management: Every interaction with a lead or client generates valuable data. From basic contact information to detailed preferences, this data is a goldmine. It helps you understand who your audience is, what they need, and how they found you. Tracking these details enables you to refine your marketing strategies, personalize your communication, and ultimately, convert more leads into clients.

Collecting Data Effectively: Whether you're using Dubsado, Honeybook, or Google Forms, ensure you're capturing the right information. Tailor your lead capture forms to gather not just contact details but also insights into what your leads are seeking. This could be their pain points, interests, or how they heard about your business.

Analyzing and Acting on Data: Once you have this data, the real magic happens in the analysis. Look for patterns and trends. Are there certain services that are more in demand? Do your clients come from a particular source more than others? This analysis can guide where to focus your marketing efforts or even suggest new services or products to offer.

Using Data for Personalization: Personalization is key in today’s market. Use the data you gather to tailor your communications. Address leads by name, reference specific interests they’ve shared, and make them feel seen and understood. This personalized approach can significantly increase engagement and conversion rates.

Data for Long-Term Growth: Regularly review the data you collect to inform your long-term business strategy. It can reveal insights into market shifts, evolving client needs, and areas where your business can expand or improve.

In essence, the data you gather and analyze is a compass guiding your business. It informs your decisions, shapes your strategies, and helps you navigate the ever-changing world of entrepreneurship. So, dig into your data – it’s one of your most valuable assets in the journey to business growth.