Since I started as a general life coach 1.5 years ago, several people have asked me about the number of clients I have.
– A former prospect
– My husband’s family, 2 or 3 times.
– 2 or 3 people that I don’t know well, in discussions where I mention my work.
I’ve noticed that each time, this question triggers me. I get annoyed. I feel judged and even ashamed. Not because I don’t have any clients, I got a few and most of them have always renewed with me, but because this question doesn’t make sense to me. I wish I didn’t feel this way if I were asked again.
My models:
C- People ask how many clients I have
T- You don’t ask a therapist or a lawyer how many clients they have. I’m a professional, so why would they ask me?
F- Annoyed
A- I say I have a few more clients than I actually do
R- None. I still feel annoyed.
C- People ask how many clients I have
T- How is this relevant to the fact that my clients always get results when they work with me?
F- Judged
A- I say I have a few more clients than I have
R- None. I still feel judged.
C- People ask how many clients I have
T- If I say I don’t have many, they’ll think I’m not a good coach, or that I’m not credible.
F- Ashamed
A- I say I have a few more clients than I have
R- F line ends up in R line, I still feel ashamed.
Thanks for your help!