Priorities

5 Things I Learned (the hard way) at Converge

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I just got back from the ICF Converge conference, and WOW! I had expected to pick up some new ideas, but what I didn’t expect was to come home with a list of lessons that were equal parts insightful and humbling.

Enjoy!

1. You can survive embarrassing yourself. I mean, really embarrassing yourself.

Not the “toilet paper on your shoe” kind – the cringey, make a bad impression in front of people you respect kind.

I went to a session on branding with Lisa Madaschi. Her neuroscience-based take on branding? Fascinating. We just happen to have different views on niche.

I got up to share mine… and then nerves took over. What I meant as a contribution came out sounding cringingly argumentative – maybe even self-promoting.

It was mortifying.

I did follow up with a message to her on LinkedIn, owned it completely, and apologized. She was so gracious about the whole thing. 

Here’s what I learned: I can survive embarrassing myself – even in front of people I deeply respect. Even when it feels like my reputation might’ve just taken a hit. 

And if making an impact is one of your core values too, you have to survive it. For me, that means forgiving myself quickly and getting back to the work that actually matters.

2. AI is fascinating – and completely distracting.

Let me be clear: I’m not anti-AI. It’s important to stay informed.

But at Converge, it seemed like every other session was about AI.

And while the tech is fascinating, the emphasis was felt way out of proportion to what coaches actually need to grow their businesses. Just like social media, it takes over the conversation – and pulls focus from what’s really important.

AI, like social media, is a tool. It should serve your strategy, not become your strategy. Otherwise, you end up chasing what’s new instead of focusing on what actually helps you reach your goals.

Sustainable growth still comes from strategic clarity, connection, and consistency.   

3. A renewed empathy for the awkwardness of networking.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been the “new kid in the cafeteria.” Usually, I walk into events knowing the culture, the players, and at least a dozen people I can wave at from across the room.

But Converge? It was different.

Global scale. Thousands of coaches. And the focus was squarely on the practice of coaching – not the business of it, which is where I tend to live.

For the first two days, I felt like a fish out of water. Then it hit me: this is what my clients feel when I encourage them to attend a networking event or start putting themselves out there.

That experience deepened my empathy. The risk they take isn’t theoretical – it’s real. And the courage it takes to show up in an unfamiliar space deserves to be celebrated every time.

4. When you sponsor an event, have a Plan A… and then about four backups.

I sponsored the coworking space at Converge – great concept, fun design, all the right intentions.

Except… there was no signage pointing people to it.

Combine that with me feeling a bit out of my depth and still cringing from my earlier “branding moment”? Plan A fizzled out fast.

So I created a Plan B (and C… and D). I jumped into morning learning circles, visited sponsor booths, introduced myself to coaching schools, and focused on one thing – connection.

Because of the pivot, I ended up having real conversations, making new contacts, and gaining valuable insights.

The lesson? Sponsorship is a tactic – connection is the strategy.

5. Rephrase instead of repeat.

During her opening keynote, Heather Hansen shared a simple communication tip that instantly stuck:

When you can’t understand someone – especially if they have an accent – instead of asking them to repeat what they said, ask them to rephrase it.

It seems like such a small thing, but it completely changes the energy of the conversation. It removes the awkwardness, helps both people feel understood, and opens the door for genuine connection.

Any tip that helps others feel more understood? It’s a keeper!

Converge, in a Nutshell

The most valuable lessons don’t come from the slides – they come from the awkward moments, the honest conversations, and the magic that happens when you have the courage to keep showing up.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between a Niche & Success

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NOTE: for additional training, join me for my no-fee workshop, Attract Great Clients, with or without a Niche on August 22.  Click here to RSVP.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between a Niche & Success

Ever felt stuck trying to define a niche? You’re told it’s essential for success, but every time you narrow your focus, you end up more confused and frustrated. 

And worried that you’re going to miss out on clients you could truly serve.

You’re not alone. Many coaches face this pressure, especially in the early stages of their business.

But here’s the good news: while a niche can help focus your efforts, it’s not the only path to attracting great clients. In fact, staying open to different types of clients can be just what you need to grow your business without feeling boxed in.

To let go of the niche anxiety and build a thriving coaching practice, here are three simple tips to help you succeed:

  1. Focus on Your Strengths: Instead of narrowing your focus to a specific niche, play to your strengths. What do you naturally excel at? What problems are you passionate about solving? Let your unique skills and interests guide you to the clients who need what you offer.
  1. Build Genuine Relationships: Success in coaching comes from building strong, authentic relationships. Focus on connecting with potential clients, understanding their needs, and offering value. Referrals will follow when people know, like, and trust you.
  1. Pay Attention to Patterns: As you gain experience, you’ll naturally discover which types of clients and projects resonate most with you. Notice the patterns, the similarities between your clients and this will help you focus your client generation efforts as your business evolves.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Trust your instincts, stay open to possibilities, and know that your path to a thriving coaching business is unique – just like you!

Want to get my earn-while-you-learn approach to growth?

Join my free workshop – Attract Great Clients with or without a Niche – and develop the structure that allows you tons of freedom while attracting the variety of clients you crave!

3 Essentials for Coaches to Attract More Clients

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As a coach, you know the value you bring, but figuring out the daily steps to grow your business can be like throwing spaghetti against the wall.

Every coach I’ve worked with is crystal clear about the difference they want to make in the world. But to keep making that difference, you need to STAY in business: which means figuring out how to earn an income doing what you love.

I’m going to give you some essentials, but let’s take a moment for a pre-essential: Keep your vision in mind as you grow your business. I was reminded of mine the other day, here’s a 90-second video on how I reflected on my own vision and impact.

1. Ideal Client Clarity

Stop trying to reach everyone – focus on the ones who value your services enough to pay for it without you having to over-explain or convince them. It’s not about casting the widest net but about speaking directly to those who are looking for exactly what you offer. When you hone in on your ideal clients, your message resonates more, and you naturally attract those who are ready to work with you.

2. Structure & Systems

You’ve probably heard that having systems is crucial, but the real secret? Keep it simple. A good system is easy to follow and focuses on consistent, repeatable actions. Don’t get lost in the noise of countless strategies. Find what works for you and stick with it, so you can concentrate on what matters most: helping your clients.

Side note: Structure & Systems are my superpower, and I teach the foundational client-attraction system every month for free!

Let’s make it easy on you, come to my “More Clients. Less Marketing” workshop.

3. Accountability

Accountability isn’t about being micromanaged; it’s about having someone in your corner, supporting your journey. Like my star client Ben Grimes from BKG Leadership Coaching says, “It’s comforting to know someone’s there to help me stay on track and meet my goals.” Don’t be afraid to seek guidance – it’s a powerful way to ensure you stay focused and motivated.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Reaching out for support can be incredibly empowering, freeing you to do what you love: making a difference through your coaching.

You can reach out to me here, anytime: mary@simplygetclients.com.

Questions Coaches Should Ask for a Successful 2nd Half of 2024

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You know me… I’m a total geek when it comes to planning, so let’s take a minute to evaluate your year so far and set you up for a strong finish in 2024!

Ready to dive in?

Here are four key questions to unlock your best year yet:

1. What do I WANT for the second half of 2024? Start by reviewing the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Are they still relevant and exciting?

2. What happened in the first half of the year? Reflect on your actions and results. Which strategies worked, and which didn’t? Were there any surprises?

3. What needs to change? Based on your reflections, identify necessary changes. Do your goals need adjustment? Does your action plan need a revamp?

4. What do you need to get rid of? My favorite question! Consider what’s no longer serving you—whether it’s a strategy, a mindset, or a habit. Simplifying your efforts can lead to significant progress.

Take some time to answer these questions honestly. Talk them over with someone in your support system, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me for personalized guidance.

Happy planning!

 Making Peace with Time (low-tech, no cost)

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I’ll admit it: I have a troubled relationship with time.

I’m always searching for the perfect way to schedule my calendar. The perfect scheduling tool. The perfect reminder system.

This year I made three simple changes that cost me nothing and make a big difference in how I feel every single day.

  1. For as long as I can remember, I have hung a one-year dry-erase laminated calendar on the wall that I face while sitting at my desk. Time was literally looming over me. I was facing off with it every single day. So I moved 2024’s calendar behind my office door and filled the space I face with the things that are most important to me: family, pets and inspiration.
  2. Another long-time practice that I changed is I stopped wearing my Apple watch. Even though I have all the notifications turned off, it was a distraction. I could check the weather, my exercise rings… so many ways to waste a little bit of time here and there. I’ve swapped out the techy nagging device for a watch my Dad gave me one Christmas. It’s sentimental and low tech. Doesn’t even have the date on it.
  3. With this last one, I may be veering into the neighborhood of TMI, but an idea from my fab time management coach Lisa Crilley Mallis of Impactive Strategies, I go to the downstairs bathroom instead of the one right next to my office. A mini-break from my day.

I’ll wrap up with this thought: when you have a busy life and business, making huge sweeping changes is hard. And then maintaining them? Almost impossible. So while these 3 changes might seem too small to actually make a difference, the power behind them is that they are sustainable.