How to get your first executive function coaching client (part 1)

Updated: April 30, 2024

I recently got this question from a member of the Executive Function Coaching Academy:

I have been doing coursework for several of the courses, but I don't know what my first step is to begin. I want to take my first paying client and grow a practice. I need help, please!

I am going to walk you through each step you need to take until you have your first client. That is my guarantee! All you need to do is keep letting me know when you feel stuck by dropping a comment below.

Step One: Write Your Value Proposition

So, step one is to write your value proposition.

Your value proposition is how people know what you are offering them and can then choose to utilize your services.

It can be as simple as:

"I offer online executive function coaching for teenagers with ADHD."

The best way to write an attractive value proposition is to interview a few parents about their struggles and hopes and use their language to write out your value proposition.

Ask them the following questions while taking detailed notes (or recording the conversation if they give you permission):

1. What do you struggle with most when it comes to supporting your child with executive function challenges?

2. Can you tell me more about this issue? How is this problem getting in the way of your life? How does it make you feel?

3. What have you tried so far to support your child with improving their executive function skills? How well did it work?

4. Why is it important to foster improved executive function skills right now? Why now?

5. If you hired an executive function coach, what would you like to be different in your life after working with them?

Then, using their actual phrasing, craft your value proposition by answering the following questions:

1. What is the transformation/outcome most desired by your ideal audience? What do they want? (Client desires)

2. What are the roadblocks holding your ideal audience back from reaching their desired transformation? (Problems)

3. Based on your expertise, what solutions would you recommend to solve the roadblocks above? (Solutions)

This will give you the raw information to then convert your answers into a beautiful value proposition using this format:

My business called (the focus of your business):

Helps (specific audience):

Overcome (roadblocks/struggles):

By teaching them (solutions):

So they can (desired transformation):

Here is mine -- feel free to borrow as much or as little as you'd like:

At EF Specialists, we help middle, high school and college students overcome procrastination, disorganization and education anxiety by teaching them time management, prioritization and communication skills so they can enjoy school and lead happier lives!

Wondering where to find parents to interview?

Download my free workbook with 6 different places parents of kids with executive function challenges hang out, as well as my step-by-step workbook on how to craft your value proposition:

About the author

Sean G. McCormick founded Executive Function Specialists, an online EF coaching business that guides students to overcome procrastination, disorganization, and anxiety by teaching time management, prioritization, and communication skills so they feel motivated, prepared, and empowered.

He is also the co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, a coaching organization dedicated to supporting adults in enhancing their EF skills to create rewarding careers.

He founded the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains special education teachers, school psychologists, and other professionals to support students with ADHD and executive function challenges.