Turning Conversations into Clients

As a parent coach, your ability to create meaningful connections can transform casual conversations into opportunities for growth—not just for your potential clients but for your business as well. Whether you’re chatting with other parents at school pickup, mingling at a networking event, or speaking at an event you’ve organized yourself, every interaction holds the potential to showcase the value of the work you offer and to plant the seeds for a client relationship.

Here’s the beautiful thing: turning conversations into clients doesn’t require hard-selling or perfect pitches. Instead, it’s about listening deeply, sharing authentically, and trusting that the right people will feel drawn to your energy and expertise. Just like in parenting, it’s less about “getting it right” and more about showing up with presence, care, and curiosity.

Start with Connection, Not Coaching

When you meet a fellow parent, resist the urge to jump into “coach mode.” Instead, focus on connection. Ask about their family. Show genuine curiosity about their world. The more you listen, the more you’ll understand their unique challenges and dreams—valuable insights that can naturally guide the conversation toward how you can support them.

For example, if you’re chatting with another parent who shares that bedtime battles are a nightly struggle, you might respond with empathy:

"Oh, bedtime can be so challenging. I hear you—it’s not easy when everyone’s tired and emotions are running high. I’ve worked with many parents trying to figure out that critical time of day and its nearly universal challenges. It’s amazing how just a few small shifts can make such a difference for the whole family. All things I wish I’d known when my kids were young!”

This response does two powerful things: It validates their experience and introduces your expertise without imposing it. You’re planting a seed, showing that you understand and that you have the right coaching tools that can help.

Share Your Why

Parents (and people in general) are drawn to authenticity. When they hear your story—why you became a coach, what lights you up about this work—they’re more likely to feel connected to you and see you as someone they can trust.

Let’s say you’re at a networking event, and someone asks, “So, what do you do?” Instead of launching into a generic answer like, “I’m a parent coach,” try something more personal:

"I help parents find more joy and ease in their relationships with their kids. I started this work because I struggled as a parent myself—I wanted to parent differently than I was raised, but I didn’t know how. Learning new tools transformed my family, and now I get to share that with others. It’s such a privilege to watch parents step into their confidence and create the connection they’ve always wanted with their kids.”

This kind of answer is warm, relatable, and inviting. It gives the other person a glimpse into your heart and mission, which is often more compelling than a polished elevator pitch.

Be Generous with Your Expertise

You might worry that sharing too much in casual conversations will make people feel they don’t need your services. But here’s the truth: offering small pieces of wisdom freely can inspire trust and demonstrate your value. 

For instance, if a parent at one of your talks mentions feeling stuck with a defiant toddler, you might share a quick, actionable tip:

"One thing that can really help is validating their feelings before setting a limit. Something like, ‘I see you’re upset because you want to keep playing, and it’s time for dinner.’ It’s amazing how often that simple acknowledgment can diffuse the tension."

By sharing a helpful nugget, you’re showing them what it’s like to work with you—supportive, practical, and empowering. And if they see results from your advice, they’ll be more likely to reach out for deeper support.

Extend an Invitation

If a conversation feels aligned, don’t be afraid to let people know how they can work with you. This doesn’t necessarily mean pushing hard for a commitment on the spot—it’s about inviting them to explore further. If it feels right, pull out your calendars and set a time. If not, get their contact info and reach out with some times to chat. 

You might say something like, “I love talking about this! If you’d ever like to dive deeper, I’d be happy to set up a free consultation to talk about what’s going on in your family and see if I can help.”

This kind of invitation feels natural and low-pressure. You’re offering the next step without expectation.

Trust the Process

Building your coaching business, like parenting, is about planting seeds, nurturing relationships, and trusting that growth takes time. Not every conversation will lead to a client, and that’s okay. What matters is showing up authentically and serving with heart.

When you focus on connection and generosity, people will remember how you made them feel—and when the time is right, they’ll think of you. Whether it’s weeks, months, or even years later, those seeds you planted will bear fruit in beautiful and often unexpected ways.

So go ahead: have the conversations. Share your story. Listen deeply. The parents who need you are out there, and your unique light will guide them to follow their longing to create the family life they so deeply desire.

Parent coaching is one of the most impactful jobs in the world. Learn more on how to become an empowered parent coach by downloading your free e-book. Join more than 2500 parent coaches worldwide and change the world one family 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!