As a Speaker and Coach, if I'm not speaking to audiences on stage or coaching clients virtually, I'm doing Discovery Calls. Discovery Calls fill up a lot of my day-to-day. These are "getting-to-know-you-calls". They are NOT an opportunity to hard-sell anyone and that's the advice I give to other Coaches. In fact, I like to Coach clients on my Discovery Calls. I like to give them an experience of what it would be like if we were to continue the coaching relationship beyond our initial interaction. Give heaps of value first!

As a Coach, you've probably heard of the term "Discovery Call." A Discovery Call is a critical step in the coaching process. It's an opportunity for you and your potential client to get to know each other, discuss their needs and goals, and determine if you're a good fit to work together.

In this blog post, I'll unpack what a Discovery Call is, why it's important, and how to conduct one effectively. 

What is a Discovery Call?

A Discovery Call is an introductory call that coaches use to assess a client's needs, goals, and expectations. It's an opportunity for coaches to get to know their potential clients better, understand their challenges, and determine whether they can help them.

A Discovery Call typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is usually conducted over the phone or via video conferencing. During the call, the Coach asks open-ended questions to get a better understanding of the client's needs and goals.

Why is a Discovery Call Important?

The Discovery Call is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows the Coach to determine whether they can help the client. Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the coach needs to assess whether they have the skills, experience, and expertise to help the client achieve their goals.

Secondly, the Discovery Call is an opportunity for the coach to set expectations with the client. The coach can explain their coaching process, the time commitment required, and the expected outcomes. This helps the client to understand what they can expect from the coaching relationship and determine whether it's right for them.

Finally, the discovery call allows the coach to build rapport with the client. Coaching is a collaborative process, and the coach needs to build trust and establish a good working relationship with the client. The discovery call is an opportunity to start this process and establish a strong foundation for the coaching relationship.

How to Conduct a Discovery Call

Here are some tips on how to conduct a Discovery Call effectively:

1. Set the Agenda: Start the call by explaining the purpose of the call and the agenda. This will help the client to understand what to expect and make the call more structured.
   

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Use open-ended questions to get a better understanding of the client's needs and goals. Avoid yes or no questions as they don't provide much insight into the client's situation.
   

3. Listen Actively: Active listening is critical during the Discovery Call. Listen carefully to the client's responses and ask follow-up questions to clarify their needs and goals.
   

4. Explain the Coaching Process: Take some time to explain your coaching process, the time commitment required, and the expected outcomes. This will help the client to understand what they can expect from the coaching relationship.
   

5. Set Expectations: Be clear about what the client can expect from the coaching relationship, and set expectations upfront. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a successful coaching relationship.

Conclusion

A Discovery Call is an essential part of the coaching process. It's an opportunity for Coaches to assess a client's needs and goals, set expectations, and determine whether they can help them. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can conduct a Discovery Call effectively and start building a successful coaching relationship with your clients.

Your Turn

This bit is called a Call-To-Action. More about that process in later blogs. This is where I ask you to take action. It normally happens at the end of ads, social media posts, articles, and blog posts like this. It's where I make a request of you so that we move our relationship forward so we can eventually co-create a solution and a plan of action for you.

Asking you to book a time, submit your email address or even reply below is a Call-To-Action. I like to encourage people to book a time so that we can do a Zoom call together. That can be intimidating for some. But honestly, it's the best way to ascertain whether we'd be a good fit or not.   

So, let's do it. Book a time here and I'll show you the format of a Discovery Call and we'll discuss how you can integrate them into your business. Go ahead...

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