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Twitter.
It’s not just “OMG! I’m having the best lasagna for dinner” anymore.
As The New York Times put it last month, “Twitter’s rapid growth made it the object of intense interest and a fair amount of ridicule, as it was derided as high-tech trivia or the latest in time-wasting devices.”
But one thing is clear: coaches see serious money to be made, and they’ve set up camp in the Twitterverse, sending and receiving short “tweets” and attracting huge numbers of Twitter followers.
Coach Lolly Daskal has 24,359 followers at the moment of this writing. Jay Cataldo, a life coach, has 31,597.
All those followers look like potential clients to Kristen Beireis, a coach and author who works with coaches on marketing. She’s passionate about Twitter’s potential as a means of carving out a niche and delivering clients: “You get to help people think differently (about coaching) just through Twitter conversations, and then when they’re ready to buy, they’re like ‘I know just who to talk to.’ You’re already there, you’re in front of them, and once they get to know you on that level, it’s easy for them to make the leap.”
Coaches on Twitter share thought-provoking quotes, affirmations and anecdotes, pitch their podcasts, and ask questions.
Emma-Louise Elsey, a Canadian life coach, even uses the Twitter ID “CoachQuestions” (a recent example: “In a pickle? Think of someone you respect and admire ‘How would they look at this situation, what would they do?’”).
By asking questions and linking to blogs, coaches build an identity that can lead to new business, says Beireis, who’s written a book advising coaches on how to Twitter their way to new clients: “Your ideal clients are likely to be on Twitter. Your referral partners are likely to be on Twitter,” she says. “Relationships are being formed and businesses are growing by leaps and bounds because of Twitter.”
But for a growing number of coaches, Twitter’s more than a marketing tool. It’s actually a way to coach–140 characters at a time.
“I think that’s what I do daily on Twitter,” said Tony Morgan, a South Carolina coach with a niche: he works with leaders of local churches to help them build stronger ties with their congregations and with their communities. He’s also a multi-platformer, working with his coaching clients by phone, writing on his blog, and engaging his coaching clients through the day via Twitter.
The concept of “Twitter Coaching” reminds some of a blunt, immediate form of laser coaching, with focused back and forth happening not on the phone or in person, but in a small text box on a computer screen.
“Coaching itself is already a discussion and more of a conversation anyway,” said Coach Tanya Smith, a Dallas career coach with over 4,000 Twitter followers. “It’s only natural that the Twitter conversations I’m having feel like coaching.”
She’s not formally calling herself a “Twitter Coach” just yet, but she’s looking at the idea as a way to grow her business. “I’ve thought about the possibilities there,” she said. “It’s an attractive idea.” Part of the appeal is the ability to coach a client even when coach and client can’t be on the phone or in the same place at the same time. “People send me quetions or have thoughts about a specific area. I shoot them back a question, and it’s almost like a verbal coaching session.”
Other coaches won’t be Twittering with clients anytime soon. Coach Ellen Brown’s reservations aren’t about the technology, just the limitation on lengthy sentences. “I love Twitter (too much!) but it’s hard for me to visualize how Tweetcoaching would work. I’d have to use 20 tweets to answer one question.”
Beyond the need to keep it quick and to the point, there’s a deeper concern about Twitter coaching, says DeeAnna Nagel, a New Jersey therapist who counsels clients online, but is very careful about the content she tweets. “As a therapist, I’m not going to solicit feedback from my clients on Twitter. Most of my tweets are geared to the professional audience, but I also tweet ’8 Stressbusters’ or ‘How to Protect Yourself in a Violent Relationship’ and those are ways I’m speaking to my clients in a general sense.”
Speaking–or counseling–clients directly on Twitter, Nagel believes, carries confidentiality risks. “The onus is on the therapist to protect the confidentiality. Clients don’t always know the implications of disclosing personal information–especially on the World Wide Web.” Tweets, like blog posts and Facebook status updates, don’t ever “go away,” and can even appear in Google searches.
To ensure clients’ privacy, coaches using Twitter keep coaching out of public view and in private “direct messages,” but Nagel suggests that may not go far enough. “I know a lot of coaches are doing phone work and online work. They need to be thinking about what phone line they’re using, and if they’re doing online work through email or chat, it really needs to be in an encrypted environment.”
And Twitter advocate Kristen Beireis agrees. “You have to be careful on all social networks.” Not only careful to protect a client’s personal information, but also, the coach’s own online identity. “For a coach, you’ve got to be conscious of the things that go against what you’re coaching.” Keep the tweets, essentially, on message. “If you’re not staying on your mission for your coaching business,” she warns, “you can create confusion for clients–or potential clients.”
So health coaches shouldn’t be tweeting about that delicious lasagna? LOL
Coaches, have you tried Twitter coaching?
Tell us about the hits and misses! And if you’re curious–or skeptical–about the ability to truly coach a person without ever speaking, but only through tweets or online chats, have a look at an ongoing online coaching experiment I’m doing with New Zealand coach Nicola Bird, who’s coaching me for all to see.
You can read the back and forth–and offer comment or criticism on the experiment website (encryption? heck no!).
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There are 35 Responses so far...
I’ve been advocating Twitter for coaches for about 9 months now, and have delivered Twitter teleclasses for coaches through the Newfield Network and the Coaches Console as well as through http://www.suzipomerantz.com/twitterwithsuzi.htm and it is truly the ideal vehicle for coaches because it is the most like a real life conversation and it aligns with the mindsets of being of service and making a difference for people. I have a vision of getting all coaches worldwide active on Twitter…just imagine! We could all be in a streaming conversation online! One important first step, though, is to be clear about your strategy and purpose before you engage in any social media activity. Be consistent with your brand, and be intentional about your posts. If you are new to Twitter, don’t get frustrated because it is not at all intuitive at first. I’ll see you in the Twitterverse! Follow me there @suzipomerantz if you wish!
Interesting post Mark, I have an audio here about coaching online: why and how which includes information about how to use Twitter amongst other tools to make the most of using technology in coaching http://www.yourjigsawbox.com/coachonline/. Hope this is useful to add to the debate
PS I’m actually a UK coach, I was just based in NZ for a while. Just about over the jet lag and back to your online coaching today!
Hi Suzi and Nicola,
Thanks for the comments and resources. I wonder which coaches you–and other readers–believe are the Top 10 best “follows” for information, insight, inspiration, etc?
If we compose a list, I’ll share it with everyone…
Mark
I am not familiar with using Twitter as a coaching vehicle. For those using Twitter as a coaching vehicle, what would be your answer to the question: “To what extent can Twitter accomplish, that other coaching vehicles may not?”
Billy C H Teoh
Malaysia.
Mine would be @bianababinsky @candocanbe @hannahmcnamara @andreajlee @karenpurves @dsmpublishing @perrybelcher @jeffherring @lkr and @techcoach for starters and of course me! (@nicolabird!!)
I did a live “twoaching” session a few weeks ago and it was great fun. I simply let people know I would be available for 2 hours one evening and invited all and any questions about growing your business. I ended up ‘laser’ coaching several people and it was a great way to showcase your expertise publicly as well as meet some really nice people and have fun! But then I’m a big fan of all coaching online!
Nicola Bird
http://www.JigsawBox.com
Great post, Mark! And thanks for the mention. I hadn’t even realized I was being quoted. I’m not complaining; I thought it was kind of funny …
I ask people “coaching-type” questions on Twitter all the time, though I wouldn’t consider it coaching per se. I love when people answer my questions, and after going back and forth 10 times we have a great dialogue.
I do love the immediacy of Twitter. And I love the idea of online coaching in an environment that allows for privacy and confidentiality. I think it’s great if Tweetcoaching works for some people …
I just think I’d rather work in an environment that allows people (including me) to process their thoughts freely and easily beyond the box of 140 characters. I’m big into journaling and stream of consciousness. Great for online coaching. Not so great for Twitter!
Great thought-provoking post, Mark.
While I have tended to resist coaching via email (as the coach and as the client), I do love offering and receiving resources, inspiration and ideas via Twitter.
How cool to have various tools and then each of us gets to play with the best fit for us, our clients, our strengths . . .
Ann Strong
Founder and instigator of http://ThrivingCoaches.com
Great article!
You can add yourself to the growing list of Twittering coaches over at the TwitterPacks wiki – http://twitterpacks.pbworks.com/COACHING
10 favorite coaches to follow: @BianaBabinsky, @donnagunter, @lablebraun, @andreajlee, @robertmiddleton, @boxofcrayons, @inspiredjen, @havi, @markheartofbiz, @shaboom
P.S. Now if only there was a “Tweet this” button at the bottom of the article so I could easily inject it into my Twitter stream. hmmmm… (hint hint) =^)
Thanks Nicola, Ellen, Ann, for sharing insights into the use of TWITTER as a tool in coaching; and Mark for your exploration on this social networking tool. Are there other technologically-driven tools out there where we coaches have yet to exploit to the fullest beside TWITTER?
Billy C H Teoh
Malaysia
I just had a look at the ‘TWITTER coaching experiment’ script between Mark and Nicola. It reminds me of my e-coaching session. The challenge is always ‘calibrating’ the coachee’s responses; and ‘check questions’ would be required to at least get the ‘calibration’ right?
Also there is the challenge of the responses being not spontaneous; and me missing out, or not picking up the ‘leverage points’ that would make the coaching effective. One of the obvious difficulty I face in e-coaching is the language proficiency of the coachee – not all coachees are comfortable with writing?
Any tips to make TWITTER coaching more efficient & effective? I am sure these tips would also help in my e-coaching.
Billy C H Teoh
Malaysia.
HI Billy, you can check out http://www.JigsawBox.com – this tool is designed specifically for online delivery of coaching. we’re not taking on any new JigsawBox owners just yet but you can sign up to be first on the list when the new version is released in a few weeks.
Hope to see you there!
Nicola
Billy,
Great insight into the online coaching experiment–and good questions on Twitter. Also really appreciating the recommendations for following coaches on Twitter (and don’t forget your @CoachReporter).
Mark
Nicola, I just had a look at your website; and you have a great business model for coaching, harnessing electronic technologies as vehicles to deliver coaching. And there are multiple income streams possibilities!
I am sure your business model would be attractive to individual coaches. Though for corporate coaches, I am not sure whether JigsawBox would be a great platform for corporate coaching? Most Organizations would prefer their proprietary platforms? Perhaps you could shed light into how your business model can be applied in corporate coaching?
Billy C H Teoh
Malaysia.
Hi Billy and Mark,
I conduct online therapy via chat and email and I used to assume that proficiency with the written word was essential, assuming the client would think that as well, but after working in an EAP environment using short term, solution-focused processes, I am learning that many clients love text-based interventions regardless of their reading and writing skills (within reason of course).
Best,
DeeAnna
Hi Billy – thanks for your comments. Yes, some organisations may want to spend time and money developing and building the technology, but most organisations tend to spend time on doing what they do well and outsourcing the rest. JigsawBox can be branded to reflect that of the organisation, and the content is obviously the unique and intellectual property of the JigsawBox owner (as long as they choose to amend the provided content). It’s actually a great tool for organisations as it allows many more people to access coaching than just the senior management team for example.
best wishes
Nicola
http://www.JigsawBox.com
Thanks DeeAnna for sharing what works for you. Are there coaching moments that particular texts have made the differences for your clients? Would you be willing to share an example of a coaching moment of a text message, provided it is not subjected to a non-disclosure clause?
You may share with me off-line, if that is more appropriate. Thanks.
Billy C H Teoh
Malaysia.
Hi, Mark and everyone…just to get back to you about compiling a list of top coaches to follow on twitter….that’s already been done for us! I stumbled upon it a little while back. Here’s the link to Michelle MacPherson’s list: http://www.michellemacphearson.com/master-list-of-coaches-on-twitter/
Cheers!
Hi everyone! Very interesting post and responses. I’ve been holding off from Twitter and its subsequent Twittering for several reasons, not least of all a concern about time. Another is I’ve yet to hear of actual business/clients results. I’d like to hear some success stories – providing of course there aren’t so many it’ll clog the site!
Warmest to all
Hi, Glenne! YOU SO have to get in the Twitter game. I’ve had some great business and client results…of course it is important to keep in mind the distinctions between networking, marketing and sales. Twitter is a networking and marketing tool, so it supports the sales work you do to get clients and business, but it is not a direct sales tool. You still have to sell!
More info about why it is ideal for coaches: http://www.innovativeleader.com/twitterwithsuzi.htm
Cheers!
Although I am not into Twitter, I perceive that Twitter could be a good sales and marketing tool for not only coaches but for many other professions as well (provided it is not unethical to use Twitter to market one’s services or products).
I am more interested in how to use Twitter to coach, rather than as a selling and marketing tool. Anyone would want to share how they coach using Twitter, and share the successes and challenges using Twitter to coach?
Bily C H Teoh
Malaysia.
Hi Suzi! Ok, I’m getting tempted! Thanks for your response, very interesting reading. I wonder, how does everyone cope with yet another, albeit beneficial, time consumer? I spend SO much time reading/writing emails as it is and I’m not even up and running yet!!
Warmest
Glenne
Great question, Glenne! In fact, it was Twitter people that taught me how to control my email using rules as well as all the great third-party applications that help you make Twitter not be a huge time-suck.
I can tell you that I am only on Twitter twice a week for about 15 minutes at a pop. That’s it! There are lots of great tools that automate various parts of it for you that you can learn fairly quickly — just don’t expect Twitter to be intuitive, because it’s not.
Great post, Mark! I’ve found Twitter a useful tool to augment phone coaching with a client, but would be challenged to use it as the sole vehicle. Your questions about client confidentiality in this environment are important ones to ask. Thanks for a great post!
Jeannette
Good Vibe Coaching
Hi Jeannette,
Thanks for joining the lively conversation on Twitter and coaching. There’s definitely a lot of potential and lots to talk about.
Glad to see you here on the site!
Mark
Hi! Very interesting post and conversation. I would like to ask all of you what is the difference between Facebook and Twitter and why everyone talks about twitter as a marketing tool and facebook is not mentioned?
Thank you ! Cheers
Ola
Hi everyone,
Thank you for the very interesting post and all answers. I was only wondering what do you all think: Facebook or Twitter to reach new potential clients? Which is a better marketing tool, which has a greatest potential for the coaches?
Cheers
Ola
Hi, Ola! It is critical to be engaged in multiple social media platforms. Facebook and Linked In are the ones I recommend in addition to Twitter. Second to those would be Plaxo and Ecademy. They are all different and all require a strategy that’s clear. All are powerful for networking and marketing in different ways. I wrote a couple blog posts that might answer your question:
http://www.suzipomerantz.com/social-media/whats-better-for-coaches-twitter-linkedin-or-facebook/
also
http://www.suzipomerantz.com/social-media/whats-better-for-coaches-twitter-linkedin-or-facebook/
Thanks Suzi!
So do you use these tools/social media platforms to interact with coaches or with prospective clients? And what is the average time per day that you spent “tweeting”, etc.?
Nicola Bird…I love the idea of twoaching on a particular topic for a limited period of time. What a great way to interact with your clients or prospects!
Thanks for the lovely idea.
I absolutely love Twitter…love the breadth of audience that it offers, the interactive nature of it, and the opportunity to create new relationships through ideas and material that other tweeters may have in common with me.
I’m in for the long term!
Please follow me at: twitter.com/CoachFloSchell and twitter.com/No1Mentor
Hi Flo – yes I love using twoaching as a good way to identify potential clients/coaches who also love using new technology as they’re ideal people who would benefit from receiving/delivering coaching online on a more indepth basis, which is what I do with http://www.jigsawbox.com.
If people are on twitter, by implication, they’re more likely to be into what I’m doing there.
Any other great new technology gadgets and widgets anyone else loves that help in their coaching business?
Hi, Ola! Yes, I do use all the social media platforms to connect with both colleagues as well as prospective clients. I love that you asked about the amount of time I spend per day tweeting. I’m not on it every day. I use a lot of 3rd party apps to streamline and make efficient my social media activity, so I’m only tweeting about 15 minutes twice a week.
I also just realized that in my last post I mistakenly posted the same blog post twice, when I meant to share with you a second blog post. Silly me, must be moving too fast! Here’s the one I’d intended to show you: http://www.suzipomerantz.com/executiveexcellence/yes-but-how-are-companies-using-social-media-to-increase-engagement-revenue-and-profit/
And Flo, I totally agree with you! I LOVE twitter!
I know of businesses that use Twitter as a marketing tool to keep customers updated, engaged, create loyalty, and ultimately advocacy for their products, services, branding, etc. I also know of an Organization that is experimenting with Twitter among their self-directed teams, on issues pertaining to their respective ‘group coaching’ (using Twitter to support group coaching, just like e-coaching).
If I may ask the obvious questions; ‘what is the going rate/fee to coach using Twitter?’ ‘Is Twitter being used as a supplementary/support to coaching or purely as a tool for coaching?
Billy C H Teoh
Malaysia.
Questions that I’ve been pondering with regard to Twitter…
Are there any coaches who are now popular because of Twitter or did they simply bring their following to Twitter?
Some of the popular follows mentioned have mailing lists approaching 50k and up in size.
I’m more interested in the stories of a following being built than otherwise. Raving fans will pretty much do and follow you where ever you go.
James
Hi there Mark and fellow coaches,
First of all, thanks for the mention Mark (I’m CoachQuestions on Twitter)! I only just found this article as I was barely online for most of August.
So, don’t know if you’ve come across this – but I found this post using http://addictomatic.com You can type in your name or any search phrase and it searches several places at once for a snapshot of your search term (I searched for my name out of curiosity).
Check out http://addictomatic.com/topic/mark+joyella
Good to know where you show up on the internet, and who’s blogging about you…
And re: using Twitter with coaching. It’s a great way to build an online presence, drive traffic to your site. But it does have it’s drawbacks and concerns – confidentiality and who you associate with/what they’re saying…
Still, will be launching new (coaching-y) blog soon for women – and excited to use Twitter to drive traffic. Love the challenge of using social networking – how, when, where, why!
Emma-Louise