How To Get Your First Executive Function Coaching Client (Part 2)
- Sean G. McCormick
- Aug 13, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Updated: December, 2025
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Are you struggling to get EF coaching clients and don't know how to approach building your professional network of referral partners?
In this post, you'll see why outreach is so important, what mistakes to avoid, and 3 steps to run outreach that builds trust, credibility, and brings in clients.
Table of Contents:
Now that you have your value proposition written from part 1, your next step is to go out and share your offer and value proposition with people who will refer to you.
This is one of the quickest ways to build trust in your community and establish a strong network of referral partners.
And if you want to commit to 90 days of daily 10 minute tasks to get your first paying client, you can join my 90-day Get Your First Paid Client Challenge.
So, why run outreach and what are the steps?👇
Why Does Outreach Matter When Trying To Get EF Coaching Clients?
Outreach matters because it is how people who already trust you or could trust you find out you exist.
Great coaching does not sell itself and a simple, consistent outreach habit puts you in front of referral partners, parents, and professionals who are already working with the exact students you want to support.
It also helps you test your message fast, learn what families are actually asking for, and build a predictable pipeline instead of hoping a random Instagram post changes your life.
Lastly, outreach builds credibility because repeated, respectful contact signals that you are stable, professional, and serious about serving their clients long term.
Common Mistakes EF Coaches Make When Running Outreach To Land Their First Client
Mistake 1: They reach out with a vague, generic message
A lot of new coaches send outreach that could have been written by anyone, for anyone, about anything.
It is usually a long introduction that never clearly says who they help, what problem they solve, and what outcome the family gets.
Referral partners and parents do not have time to decode your vibe.
They need a simple, specific reason to reply.
Mistake 2: They pitch the service instead of the result
If your outreach focuses on “executive function coaching sessions” you are selling a category, not a transformation.
People do not wake up wanting coaching, they wake up wanting fewer fights about homework, fewer missing assignments, and a kid who can start tasks without a meltdown.
When you lead with the result, the other person can instantly picture who to refer you to.
Mistake 3: They treat outreach like a one time event
Most coaches send one email, hear nothing, then decide outreach does not work, when really they never followed up.
People miss emails, get busy, or need to see your name twice before they trust you.
Consistent, polite follow up is what separates “trying outreach” from building a referral network.
3 Steps to Run Outreach That Gets Replies
Step 1: Identify 10 prospective referral partners
To start, download this outreach tracker template below and click "File" --> "Make a copy"
Then, go on to Google, and search the following terms:
(your county or city) ADHD assessments
(your county or city) + ADHD therapist
(your county or city) + ADHD evaluations
(your county or city) + ADHD psychiatrist
Copy down at least 10 people and include their name, phone number, and email of these people directly in your outreach tracker.
Step 2: Make contact with those 10 people
Let's quickly differentiate between your offer and your value proposition.
Your offer is something very simple like:
I offer online executive function coaching for teens.
Your value proposition is more in-depth and could be something like:
At EF Specialists, we guide middle, high school, and college students in overcoming procrastination, disorganization, and anxiety by teaching time management, prioritization, and communication skills so they feel motivated, prepared, and empowered.
If you haven't created your value proposition yet, read Part 1 of this series, then come back to this article.
Using this template, email those ten people and introduce yourself, your offer, and your value proposition:
Hi (prospective partner name),
I hope you are doing well. I learned about you (how did you learn about them) and wanted to reach out.
My name is (your name) and I am (position, business name). We offer online executive function coaching for (age group and where they can reside).
Our mission is to (insert your value proposition).
I imagine many parents first connect with you when their child struggles to turn in assignments, follow through on directions, and may not be maturing at the same rate as their peers.
I’d like to learn more from you about what your clients with ADHD are struggling with – could we connect for 15 minutes via Zoom or phone call in the next two weeks?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
(Your name)
If you are not getting people responding to your outreach try the following:
Record a Loom video with the same information
Call their office and get them on the phone
Write them a handwritten note
Step 3: Hold a short meeting with prospective referral partners and gather key information
Now that you have been able to arrange a meeting with them, use the following questions to gather more information about the pain points of their clients and them.
Here are some great questions you can ask:
What are your clients with ADHD struggling with most?
What resources are you currently recommending to support these clients? Why do you choose those?
What do you look for in a referral partner?
Do you have any colleagues you would recommend I connect with?
Are there any professional associations, groups, or conferences you find valuable in supporting your clients with ADHD?
After the meeting, send a short thank you email the same day and include two things:
a one sentence summary of who you help and the outcome you create
the easiest next step for them to refer someone to you
Then add your notes into your outreach tracker, set a reminder to follow up in 30 days, and actually do it.
For more tips on how to get more clients, watch this👇
The Bottom Line
If you want your first client, you need to do the outreach work. It's guaranteed you'll get your first client if you build your professional network and consistently show up with a clear, valuable offer.
Here's a recap of the 3 steps to run outreach that will help bring in your first client:
Identify 10 prospective referral partners
Email those 10 people
Hold a short meeting with prospective referral partners and gather key information
Hope this helps! 🤙🏻
FAQs
What if I feel awkward reaching out to referral partners who do not know me?
That feeling is normal and it usually means you care, not that you are doing something wrong.
Lead with curiosity, keep it short, and ask for a quick 15 minute chat to learn about their clients, not to beg for referrals.
How long should I wait before following up if they do not respond?
Follow up after 5 business days with a shorter version of your message and a clear ask.
If you still hear nothing, try one more touch like a quick phone call to the office or a Loom video, then move on and keep your outreach list full.
What should I do if someone says they already have a coach they refer to?
Thank them, ask what they like about that referral partner, and ask if you can stay in touch in case their needs change.
You can also ask if they know anyone else in their network who would be open to a brief intro call.
This article is a part of the larger category of:
Related Articles:
How To Get Your First Executive Function Coaching Client (Part 1)
How Arlene Cook Landed Her First Executive Function Coaching Client
How To Build A Website As An Executive Function Coach Without Breaking The Bank
What Is A Funnel And How It Will Help You Get All The Clients You Need
How To Build Your First Lead Magnet as an Executive Function Coach
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About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and expanding my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.