This is the third of a three-part blog series about value-based pricing for financial coaches. For the first part of this series, Ditch Your Hourly Rate, click here. For the second part, Determine Your Value, click here.
Knowing your value is one thing. Selling your value is a whole other ball game. But one that deserves your attention and practice.
If you’ve done the exercise in the second part of this series, you already know there is an immense value in the service you provide, one that has both an immediate impact and long-term benefits for your clients. Knowing those benefits will allow you to properly communicate them when the moment presents itself during your sales conversations.
But how do you know when the moment is right?
Listen then Speak
When I conduct a discovery call or have a 15-minute Q&A call, I let my clients do most of the talking. I am trying to learn as much about them as I can because once I know them, I can determine the best strategies to help them achieve their financial goals.
I also listen intently, knowing that I can better communicate my value if I know what particular values interest them. What are their financial goals? What are their main struggles? How do they feel about their money? The answers to these questions will help me more naturally talk about my values at the end of our discussion when I will pitch my coaching program.
If you struggle with these beginning conversations, download our free quick audit training guide to help you master the art of the initial consultation.
Timing is Everything
Toward the end of my Eureka sessions or discovery call, once I have covered everything I typically cover in that time, I will ask a client,
“What kind of support do you think you need in order to achieve your goals?” Then I’ll ask, after they answer, “Can I tell you how my X program can deliver what you’re needing plus some?”
I gently open the door that way by asking if they would like to hear how I can help them. I don’t tell them how I can help them. I ask first because the truth is not everyone is ready to dive in at that point.
It’s possible that with the strategies I’ve provided them during the Eureka session that they’ve been given enough tools to try to work on things on their own. And if they say no, then I honor that. This isn’t the time for a full court press to try to make a sale. That is a sure fire way to make these conversations awkward. You want them to feel natural.
If they say yes, that is when I will talk about the benefits of working with me and the value I provide. But I am particular in which values I talk about. I don’t need to run down a list of everything I can do. I only talk about the values I provide that pertain to that particular client.
For example, if I’m talking to a single person, there’s no reason to bring up that working with me helps my clients better communicate with their spouse about finances. That benefit won’t resonate with them, even if they plan to get married someday.
And keep in mind, I haven’t discussed pricing at all at this point. We’ve solely talked about their situation, their needs, their goals and my value as it relates to them. Pricing isn’t part of the conversation yet.
Not only have we not discussed pricing, we have not talked about the number of appointments, the number of sessions, how those are scheduled – none of the logistics or the how behind the program. Clients truly do not care about any of that. They want the benefits and the value we provide first and foremost. If you haven’t convinced them of your value, none of that other stuff matters.
It is only once they have shown an interest in learning how I can help them achieve their financial goals that I talk about my coaching programs and the details of working with me. And if they’re still interested after we go over the details of the program, and that’s when we talk pricing.
If I’ve correctly communicated my value, by that point they are usually ready to become financial coaching clients.
In Summary
Pricing conversations don’t have to be scary. If you clearly understand your value, you can confidently state your price, knowing you are worth every penny. I have seen lives transformed over my 10 years as a financial coach. My clients have paid off debt they assumed they’d have for years longer. They have opened their dream businesses. They have dramatically improved their relationships with their significant others. These are not small things. These are the things that make life worth living and as a financial coach, you have the ability to help your clients transform their lives too.
Know your value. Be confident in your pricing. You’re not helping someone for an hour. You are giving them the skills to create a better life. And that, my friend, is truly priceless.
If you are struggling with pricing and sales conversations, you are not alone. Many coaches do. That’s why we cover both extensively in our signature financial coach training course, the Financial Coach Academy. Learn how to find your ideal clients in Module One, how to price your services in Module 2, and how to sell your services in Module 4. We even include sales scripts! You can learn more about the Academy here.
