5 Proven Ways to Get Coaching Clients Fast (No Audience)

The most successful coaches didn’t start by building funnels, courses, or $27 ebooks.

 

They started by turning simple conversations into high-paying clients.

 

So, I’m going to share with you 5 ways to quickly fill your client list even if you’re just getting started and don’t have an audience yet.

 

These are the strategies that I used to go from years of struggling to land clients to running a six-figure coaching business in just 20 hours a week.

 

I’ve also helped dozens of other coaches fill their calendars practically overnight using these same strategies.

 

You can start using these today to begin booking clients as soon as this week.

 

Let’s get into it…

 

Start a Podcast

 

Podcasting is one of the fastest ways to fill your client list and grow a coaching business IF you do it the right way.

 

I podcasted for years without making a dime. Then, by making one small tweak, that same show brought in $12,000 in a single month.

 

And it happened by doing this …

 

When most people think of podcasts, they think of a “content platform.”

 

Something you use to grow an audience, build a brand, and maybe someday, if you’re lucky, get some clients.

 

But I can tell you from experience that growing a podcast from scratch is like watching paint dry.

 

Unless you’re already famous, or have a big following, it can take years of consistent posting before you start making some real money.

 

So, how is podcasting going to get you clients?

 

When done right, podcasts aren’t just about content - they’re about relationships.

 

Think about it, when you host a podcast, you get:

 

• Direct access to your dream clients, summit hosts, event organizers, and other influencers with massive audiences.
• Every episode becomes an open door to someone who could hire you, refer you, guest you on their podcast, or put you on their stage.
• A 30-minute podcast interview builds more trust than 30 days of posting.

 

That’s why podcasts are one of the fastest ways to land high-paying clients.

 

You’re not focusing on building the biggest audience as fast as possible. You’re shifting your focus to the people who guest on your show.

 

Instead of begging for attention, you are creating opportunities.

 

And starting a podcast is incredibly easy and affordable.

 

My podcast ranks in the top 2.5% globally with over 500 episodes. I don’t do video, I don’t edit, and I record everything on Zoom.

 

Yet it brings in tens of thousands in revenue and only costs $350/year to run.

 

To start your podcast, just go to creators.spotify.com and in a few minutes you can launch a podcast that instantly distributes to all the major platforms.

 

From there, get a decent microphone like the Samson Q2U or the Rode PodMic and start inviting your dream clients and collaborators as guests.

 

Hit record, have a fun conversation, and when you’re done, get curious about how you can help them.

 

Not every conversation will lead to a client but if you do it right, every interview should be generating income and opportunities to grow your business.

 

And if you want to see exactly how I do this step-by-step, I put together a full training that walks you through the process.

 

I’ll show you how I turn just one social media post into $10k/mo using my podcast.

 

You can watch it right now totally free by clicking the first link in the description.

 

When I made this one shift, my podcast went from making nothing for years to bringing in $12,000 in just one month to my coaching business.

 

I’ve interviewed hundreds of successful coaches and creators, and networking has been one of the top ways they’ve grown their businesses.

 

Podcasting is so powerful for getting clients because it brings the networking to you.

 

And once you start podcasting this way, you’ll be surprised how quickly and consistently clients start showing up.

 

But podcasts aren’t the only fast way to land clients. 

 

This next strategy is one of the quickest and most effective ways to start filling your client list.

 

Leverage Your Existing Network

 

Historically, one of the fastest ways most coaches get their start is by reaching out to the people you already know.

 

Friends, colleagues, communities, professional networks are all great places to find your first batch of clients because these are the people who already know, like, and trust you. 

 

And trust is the hardest part of selling coaching. 

 

When someone already believes in you, the leap to becoming a client (or referring to you one) is a lot smaller.

 

I got my first client when I was a 22-year-old spiritual life coach, and it was actually an old family friend.

 

We bumped into each other at the grocery store and they asked what I was up to.

 

When I told them about my coaching they asked if we could sit down and talk more.

 

A few days later, I had my first paid client at $2,400.

 

But here’s something important that a lot of people won’t tell you about this strategy…

 

If you just say, “Hey, I’m a coach now, let me know if you know anyone who needs help,” don’t expect to get flooded with business. 

 

People need specifics and by saying that, you’re being way too vague. 

 

So instead, be crystal clear and say something like:

 

“Hey! I’m starting this coaching business and am looking to work with dads who want to lose 15-20lbs in the next 90 days. Do you know anyone who might be interested in that?”

 

They’re either going to say “no”, “I know someone”, or “that’s me!”

 

You’ll be surprised how many referrals you can get just by asking - which is what 90% of coaches are too scared to do.

 

Most people either want help or they want to help you, but they need to know exactly what you’re looking for.

 

So start by making a short list today of 10-15 people in your network.

 

Think about past clients, business contacts, or even supportive family and friends. 

 

Then send each one a quick, specific message like the example I just gave.

 

You don’t need to beg or be pushy.

 

You’re simply planting seeds in the minds of people who already care about you and want to see you win.

 

And often, those seeds turn into high-paying clients faster than any social media post ever could.

 

But if your network feels too small, or not very supportive, don’t worry.

 

This next strategy puts you in front of entire rooms of your ideal clients without needing an audience of your own.

 

Speak at Virtual or In-Person Events

 

You don’t need a giant audience to position yourself as the go-to expert in your field.

 

You just need a stage.

 

This is actually how I started my coaching career.

 

I’d speak at events all over the Bay Area and invite people onto calls with me afterwards. 

 

One of those talks even landed me in front of the executive board at MassMutual Insurance. 

 

I was just 23 years old, and I ended up enrolling the Vice President of Mass Mutual into my coaching program.

 

Crazy story … I’ll save it for another day.

 

When you speak at a  summit, a local meetup, or a bigger conference you instantly gain authority. 

 

75% of people are terrified of public speaking.

 

So the very fact that you’re even on the stage makes people admire, and respect you.

 

And you don’t need to do a big 90-minute keynote. 

 

I’ve done 10-minute talks that led to $5,000 clients just because the right people were in the room.

 

Oftentimes, those smaller, more intimate groups bring in more money than big keynotes.

 

One short talk can shortcut months of content. 

 

I mean think about it, the host has already built the audience, and when they hand you the mic, that credibility transfers to you. 

 

It’s like being endorsed in front of a room full of potential clients.

 

Your job is just to get into the right rooms.

 

But how do you do that?

 

1. Find the right events. Search “[your niche] + summit/meetup/conference/association” and you’ll find tons of opportunities, both online and in person. 

 

1. Build Relationships With Organizers. When you know the people who run the show, getting booked is a lot easier. Eventbrite or Meet Up are great sites to get into mixers, events, and groups where you can meet key people. Also, inviting these people onto your podcast is a great way to build that relationship quicker.

 

1. Pitch a focused topic. Don’t offer to talk about “mindset.” Pitch something specific like “3 Mental Shifts to Double Your Sales Without Working Longer Hours.” Specificity sells. Just make sure that your topic is positioned to serve the group you're speaking for.

 

1. End with a clear invitation. When you speak, don’t just thank people and leave. Say something like: “If you’d like help applying this to your own life/business, I’d love to offer you a private session with me, totally free. Come see me after this or grab a slot on my calendar.” You could even have a QR code to your calendar link on a slide.
   
   

You don’t need to be a polished or professional speaker to make this work.

 

You just need to deliver real value, share a simple framework, and invite people to take the next step.

 

One stage, one clear message, one offer is all it takes to walk away with high-paying clients.

 

And even if you’re not speaking, you can still get clients by going to events where your ideal clients are likely to be. 

 

Paid events are usually better because the people there are already investing in themselves, so they tend to take things more seriously. 

 

And when you’re networking, keep it intentional.

 

Share what you know, let your expertise come through, but don’t force it. 

 

Just have fun, be curious, and connect with people. 

 

And if you’re in a conversation that feels like a good fit, invite them to a session and either book it right there or follow up once the event’s over.

 

Speaking on stages is incredibly powerful, but it can take time to line up the right events. 

 

If you want results faster, the easiest wins usually come from people you’ve already talked to.

 

Follow Up with Old Leads and Past Clients

 

One of the simplest, most overlooked ways to land high-paying clients fast is to follow up with people you’ve already talked to or worked with.

 

Think about it, most of us have people sitting in our DMs, on our email list, or past calls we’ve had where the timing just wasn’t right. 

 

They said no, or maybe they ghosted, and we assume they’re gone forever.

 

The work you do today doesn’t always pay today - so follow up.

 

What was a “no” six months ago could be a “yes” today, you just have to check in.

 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sent a two-line message like:

 

“Hey [Name], I was thinking about you and wanted to check in.

 

Are you still looking for help with [specific challenge]?”

 

And that tiny nudge has turned into thousands of dollars in coaching sales without hunting down a single new lead.

 

This works so well because these people already know you.

 

They’ve already shown some level of interest.

 

And sometimes, life just got in the way the first time.

 

The real problem here is that most coaches and thought leaders are too scared to simply reach out.

 

So here’s what you can do today:

 

• Go back through your old leads, past clients, DM’s, podcast guests, and even people who grabbed a freebie but never booked a call.
  
  
• Make a list of 10–20 names.
  
  
• Send each one a short, personal check-in this week.
  
  

It's good practice to have a simple spreadsheet or system to keep track of people who were interested in your work but it wasn’t the right time.

 

You’ll be surprised how many people say, “Actually, yes, I’d love some help. When can we talk?”

 

Sometimes the fastest way to new clients isn’t finding new people; it’s reconnecting with the ones you’ve already met.

 

Now, following up with leads is incredibly simple and powerful, but it’s not enough on its own. 

 

If you want an audience that no algorithm can take away, then you need to start implementing this next strategy.

 

Build an Email List (And Actually Use It)

 

I see so many coaches make the mistake of building their following on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, but the problem is that you’re on RENTED LAND - you don’t own any of it.

 

When the algorithm shifts, your posts stop getting the same reach, and suddenly you’re invisible to the people you worked so hard to attract.

 

That’s why an email list is so powerful.

 

It’s the one audience you truly own. 

 

Nobody can take it away from you. If you’re storing your list on ActiveCampain, MailChimp, or ConvertKit, they legally need to give you all of your contacts back if they went out of business.

 

Social media platforms won’t do that.

 

When done right, an email list becomes a consistent client-generating machine.

 

And you don’t need thousands of subscribers to start making a solid income.

 

Even a targeted list of 200-300 people can be more valuable than 10,000 random followers because those people raised their hand and said, “I want to hear from you.”

 

Take my client Wendy, for example.

 

She was running ads to book coaching calls, but one day her ads just stopped working

 

Suddenly, she was struggling to find clients and wondering how she was going to pay her bills.

 

But what Wendy had forgotten about was the email list of 5,000 targeted leads she built with those ads. 

 

Like most people, she’d completely neglected her list and was too focused on BUILDING a list rather than NUTURING it.

 

So we started by sending some regular emails to warm up her list, and then used one of my plug-and-play templates inviting people to book a call.

 

The very next day, she sent me this:

 

“In the 24 hours since I emailed my list, 24 moms emailed me their interest in booking a session with me!!”

 

That one simple action turned into thousands of dollars in sales practically overnight.

 

So how can you do this even if you don’t have an email list yet?

 

• Create a freebie that solves one very specific problem your ideal client is struggling with. Not a 50-page ebook. Just a short, punchy resource that get’s them a quick win in 10 pages or less.
• Set up a simple landing page where people can opt in to join your list and get their freebie.
• Email them 1-3 times a week with tips, stories, or insights that help them move closer to their goals.
• Make invites to work with you regularly and blend them with value. You never know when someone is ready to sign up.
  
  

Most coaches spend so much time and money building a list, but then they never email it. 

 

Or they only email when they want to sell something.

 

That’s like only calling your friend when you need a favor.

 

Instead, treat your list like an ongoing conversation and focus on building a relationship. 

 

Share value consistently, and when you make an offer, people will already know you, like you, and trust you.

 

Even when I had a couple hundred people on my list, I was still able to make $5,000 from a single email.

 

 At the end of the day, landing clients doesn’t have to be complicated.

 

You don’t need a massive audience, fancy funnels, or a viral post just a few intentional conversations with the right people.

 

Start with one of these strategies today.

 

Reach out to someone, record a podcast, follow up with an old lead whatever feels simplest.

 

Momentum builds fast once you start moving.

 

Because the truth is, every client, every opportunity, every win begins with a single connection.

 

And if you want to see exactly how I turn one simple conversation into consistent $10K months, you can watch my free training just click the first link in the description and let’s get your calendar booked.