I was working as a TV network executive while I was quietly going to school on the side to become a certified life coach. Only a handful of people knew about my secret plan to start my own business—which was pretty extraordinary considering that it’s in my nature to share. At times, I admit, it was hard to contain my excitement about coaching, especially on the day I became certified.
 
The staff at the TV company where I worked was about 90 percent women, so you probably won’t be surprised to hear that the ladies room was a hot spot for juicy information, emotional breakdowns, and a place to take a step away from the daily drama.
 
On the day I got certified, I rushed to the restroom with a co-worker/confidant in tow. I was telling her the news and doing a happy dance when one of the stall doors suddenly swung open. Out walked a fellow employee I had only met once before. I froze mid-dance move and tried to wish this moment away. She looked at me, smiled and said, “I didn’t know you were a life coach. I’m looking for a life coach.”
 
And thus my business began.
 
As I thought about this story and the ease in which I received my first client, I realized there were four key factors that led to the launch of my business:

1. Enthusiasm – My celebration of becoming a certified life coach was genuine, as was (is) my belief in this work and the service it provides.  That excitement, which I often refer to as "getting your shine on" was strong and palpable from the inside out.
2. Listen – When I turned to this person who was seeking support, I became fully present to her, asked her powerful questions and listened intently.
3. Connect – In learning what was most important to her in that moment, I was able to connect with her immediately. I spoke directly to her needs and told her how I could specifically meet them.
4. Be Open to Outcome – Throughout this entire exchange, I was completely detached from the outcome.  After all, I never expected, nor was I looking, to find my first client in the ladies room that day.  I was open to this person becoming my client or not.  This was freeing.

As you think about starting a business and promoting yourself and/or your product and services, ask the following questions: 

• How am I authentically expressing my enthusiasm? 
• What information and needs am I hearing from my potential clients? 
• How can I use that information to connect with my market? 
• How willing am I to let go of the outcome and be open to outcome?

If you can keep these questions and the four key factors above top of mind whenever you speak to people, I trust your business will grow and prosper. 
 
And on a side note, I’m happy to share that more than two years later, this amazing woman who approached me in the ladies room remains my client to this day.
 
For more information about Ziev Coaching and upcoming events, including the visual goal-setting workshop The Big Boards: Plan Big 4 Big Plans on Saturday, February 6th in NYC, please visit www.ZievCoaching.com.