Using video calling to strengthen 1:1 coaching relationships

Intro

Videoconferencing is the new texting. It’s the way everyone is staying connected in 2020, and that change in habit is here to stay thanks to accessible video calling apps like Kovii, Zoom, and FaceTime.

But making a video call isn’t just for your family circle or close friends, it’s a fantastic way to grow your business, too. Video calling for coaching provides a more intimate, 1:1 experience for both a coach and a client.

Whether you are a life coach, job coach, or athletics coach, consider adding videoconferencing to your coaching style – it will benefit both you and your clients in the long term.

Video calling for coaching

Types of businesses that thrive with video calling

Regardless of what field of work you’re in, you’ve likely had at least one virtual meeting before. But there are certain types of career fields that thrive with regular use of video calls.

• Life coaching
• Job coaching
• Athletics coaching
• Therapy
• Consulting

Any type of coaching business needs to prioritize establishing good rapport and trust with clients. Interacting with clients on a video call allows the client to feel comfortable around you, and gives a client a sense of who you are as a person, not just as your job title. 

As a consultant, video meetings give you the opportunity to share your screen and map out a direction for your clients’ businesses. This helps clients feel confident in their choices and how they are spending their time and money.

When to have a video call with a client

Lauren Vallee, owner and founder of BASE Tri Fitness and a USA Triathlon Level II and 10-year veteran triathlon coach, is a fan of using video calling to get the “real story” with her athletes. 

“I use video calling quite frequently,” said Vallee. “As a coach, there is a lot from seeing my athletes in a video meeting versus just talking on the phone.”

Video chatting with clients is a great idea for monthly check-in meetings, calls where more emotion is needed (think: sorting through a tough situation with a client), or to explain complex ideas or concepts. 

Vallee uses video conferencing with her athletes to:

• Debrief with a client after a challenge workout
• Instruct athletes on how to complete a movement with proper form
• Conduct real-time workout sessions with athletes
• Connect during a stressful time like before a competition or to sort through equipment problems

“My job as a coach is to teach my clients to be flexible, adaptive, and disciplined in any scenario,” said Vallee. “Visual information from a video call helps eliminate miscommunication and allows both parties to feel confident they are on the same page.”

Client video call etiquette

Even after all those video calls we’ve had this past year, there are still some basic video chatting etiquette lessons to learn. 

It may be tempting to treat videoconferences more informally, but keep in mind that regardless of the medium, first, second, or even third impressions are still being made. Keep it professional! 

Video call etiquette closely follows what you’d expect of an in-person meeting, and for good reason – your business and your reputation is always up for assessment.

• Make sure both you and your client are in the optimal spot for a video call. This means in a quiet, well-lit room without any background distractions (although we do encourage furry friends to pass through!). 
• Limit eating and drinking during a video call. No one wants to watch or hear what you’re having for lunch. 
• Set a time limit. Just like regular meetings, video meetings should have a defined start and end time. This helps set expectations.
• Dress to impress. Wear professional and appropriate attire during a video meeting. As tempting as pajamas are, they’re not the best choice for a video call.

Closing

Be welcoming to video calls

Ultimately, using video calls are a fantastic way to strengthen a 1:1 relationship, especially as a coach. To be more accessible to your clients, consider offering flexible or set office hours with Kovii. This can help your clients feel more welcome to video call, allowing you to have a more personable relationship.

How do you use Kovii in your business? We’d love to know – pop us a note!