Success in Service: Effective Networking for Parent Coaches

Networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your parent coaching business. But it’s not just about handing out business cards or attending events—it’s about building genuine relationships, creating connections, and becoming a trusted resource for parents who need your help. 

When done thoughtfully and intentionally, networking can expand your reach, bring in new clients, and even open doors you never imagined. Here’s how to network in ways that are not only effective but also aligned with your values as a parent coach.

Branching Out into New Social Circles

It’s easy to stick to familiar communities, but true growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Begin by identifying groups, events, and communities where your ideal clients spend their time. Are there parenting support groups, school PTA meetings, or local family-focused events in your area? These are prime opportunities to introduce yourself and your services.

Don’t limit yourself to just parent-focused spaces. Think about adjacent industries that serve parents, such as pediatricians, child therapists, or educational consultants. Building relationships with professionals in these fields can lead to mutually beneficial referrals and collaborations. 

When joining new circles, remember to lead with curiosity. Ask questions, listen attentively, and find ways to be genuinely helpful. For example, if you meet a parent who’s struggling with a particular issue, you might share a quick insight or resource without immediately pitching your services. This approach builds trust and lets them know you’re someone who truly cares.

Getting Responses to Your Requests

Whether you’re reaching out to offer a free talk, set up a coffee meeting, or propose a collaboration, how you communicate makes all the difference. Here are some strategies to increase your chances of getting a positive response:

1. Personalize Your Message

Avoid sending generic emails or messages. Take the time to research the person or organization you’re contacting. Mention something specific that caught your attention, like a recent event they hosted or an article they wrote. This shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just sending a blanket request.

2. Offer Value

Frame your request in a way that highlights how you can help them. For example, instead of saying, “Can I give a talk to your group?” try, “I’d love to share some simple, effective strategies for reducing power struggles with children—a topic I know many parents find challenging.” When people see the value you bring, they’re more likely to say yes.

3. Follow Up

If you don’t hear back, don’t be discouraged. People are busy, and emails can get lost in the shuffle. A polite follow-up a week or so later can be the nudge they need to respond. If you still don’t hear back, don’t give up, and don’t assume they’re not interested. Assume they are busy and look for other creative ways to connect.

4. Leverage Warm Connections

If you have a mutual connection, ask for an introduction. An opening introduction from someone they trust will make your request far more compelling. We are all much more likely in our busy lives to respond to people we have any kind of connection with.

Encouraging Clients to Talk About You

Your current clients are one of your greatest assets when it comes to networking. When they have a positive experience with your coaching, they naturally want to share it with others. Here’s how to encourage referrals and word-of-mouth:

• Make It Easy: Provide clients with simple ways to share your work, like a digital flyer, a referral link, or a short message they can forward to friends. The easier it is, the more likely they are to do it.

• Ask for Testimonials: Reach out to clients who’ve had great results and ask if they’d be willing to write a testimonial or share their experience in a short video. Highlight these stories on your website, social media, and marketing materials to build credibility and trust. Hop on a call with them and record or take notes with their permission. Again, the less they have to do, the better!

• Create Incentives: Consider offering a referral bonus, such as a free session or a discount on their next package, to clients who refer new families to you. A small gesture can go a long way in motivating people to spread the word.

• Foster Community: Build a sense of community among your clients by hosting group events, workshops, or online meetups. When people feel connected to you and your mission, they’re more likely to become advocates for your work. 
  

Maintaining Passion and Enthusiasm

Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious and play a critical role in how others perceive your work. When you show up with passion and excitement, people are naturally drawn to you and your mission. Here are some ways to stay motivated and bring your best energy to your networking efforts:

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small. Whether it’s getting a positive response to an email or signing up one new client, celebrating these moments keeps you motivated and focused on the bigger picture.

• Practice Looking After Yourself: Burnout is the enemy of enthusiasm. Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s a walk in nature, a yoga session, or simply relaxing with a good book. A well-rested mind brings fresh ideas and positivity to your interactions. Don’t forget to prioritize this by putting these activities in your calendar!

• Focus on Your Why: Remind yourself regularly why you became a parent coach in the first place. Reflect on the impact you’ve made in families’ lives, and let that fuel your drive to reach even more people. A visual of this in your office is a great constant reminder. Write it, frame it, and put it on your desk.

• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with supportive peers, mentors, and friends who uplift and inspire you. Their energy will reinforce your own and keep you motivated. The more time you spend in community with other parent coaches who are motivated to succeed in service, the more energy you’ll have for your work!
  

What to Do When You’ve Run Out of Ideas

If you ever feel like you’ve hit a networking wall, don’t worry. Here are some ways to reignite your creativity and keep the momentum going:

• Reconnect with Past Contacts: Reach out to people you’ve met in the past but haven’t spoken to in a while. A simple check-in email or message can rekindle the relationship and lead to new opportunities.

• Host Your Own Event: If opportunities aren’t coming to you, create them! Host a free workshop, webinar, or Q&A session on a parenting topic you’re passionate about. Invite your network and encourage them to bring a friend.

• Join Online Communities: If in-person networking feels limited, explore online spaces. Parenting forums, social media groups, and professional networks like LinkedIn can be valuable places to connect with new people and share your expertise.

• Invest in Professional Development: Attend conferences, webinars, or programs where you’re likely to meet other professionals in your field. Not only will you expand your knowledge, but you’ll also meet like-minded people who can open doors for you.

• Ask for Feedback: Reach out to trusted colleagues, mentors, or even clients and ask for feedback on your current networking and marketing strategies. A fresh perspective can spark new ideas and help you see opportunities you might have overlooked.

• Get Inspired: Read a new book by a favorite parenting expert, have conversations with parents, be curious about new ways to be in service, check out content other leaders in the field are putting out, and let your ideas flow from there!

Effective networking for parent coaches is about creating meaningful connections and showing up as your authentic self. It’s not just about selling; it’s about serving. When you approach networking with a mindset of generosity, enthusiasm, and curiosity, you’ll find that opportunities naturally come your way.

Remember, building relationships takes time. Be patient, stay consistent, and keep the focus on how you can support others. Over time, your network will grow, and so will your business—one genuine connection at a time.

Meet Your Author, Katie Owen

Jai Business Coach & Marketing Mentor

As a former practicing therapist turned copywriter and marketing strategist, Katie is passionate about the intersection of marketing and mindset. Katie embodies the practices of taking the simple actions, consistently over time, that create epic results.

A master storyteller, Katie works with our coaches to refine their message, increase their visibility and get clients!