I recently had a conversation with my mastermind group about testimonials. One of my clients acknowledged that, when he looked through the testimonials on his website, some of them were ten years old!

It brought attention to something that commonly happens in a coaching business: once we get really great testimonials, we can get lackadaisical and don’t consistently ask for new ones or update the ones we have.

My recommendation is that when a client completes, you ask him or her for a testimonial. Do this whether you perceive them as your Divine Ideal Client or not, and do this whether you think they received tremendous breakthroughs through your work or not. Sometimes getting testimonials from clients you weren’t sure really got what they came for can be enlightening to the huge value they felt they actually received.

If the client has decided to continue working with you, ask them for a testimonial at the time they renew the agreement. Then, periodically ask if they want to change or add to the testimonial so you keep everything up to date.

Ask every single client. It will be great feedback for you one way or the other.

Here are some questions you can ask to prompt the kinds of responses that will be useful for you:

Before I was coaching with [insert your name] I was in this situation…
As a result of my coaching with [insert your name], this is what has changed in my life…
My coach helped me create that bridge by…

This way, people who read the testimonial will be able to see a clear transformation as a result of your work. I also encourage you to ask for specifics that pertain to your particular niche: how much did their business grow? Did they find the love of their life? How did their team dynamics shift as a result of your work together? It’s wonderful to be able to share quantifiable results.

Once they answer the questions, you can compile their answers in a way that flows smoothly, using their words, and send the written document back to them for their final approval. And now you have a system for collecting testimonials and keeping them updated!

One final highlight – tell them that you may use their testimonial for your marketing purposes (rather than you will). This gives you the flexibility to use it if you feel it’s powerful or relevant, and archive it if you don’t.

With Appreciation,