299 I Why Social Media Should Be Your Last Priority as a Coach (Do This Instead)

I listened to two fascinating coaching conversations today. The first was with Daniel Corbett, who has an interesting dual role as both a minister and a fitness coach. He came seeking advice about why his in-person clients stick around longer than those he finds online. Throughout their discussion, they explored how he could authentically bridge his religious work with his fitness business, particularly through his connection to the International Churches of Christ. The conversation was really about finding that sweet spot between digital presence and real-world relationships.

Then the conversation shifted to Miles, who shared his experiences networking within the Filipino community in Toronto. He's been actively attending cultural events and making meaningful connections, including building relationships with high-achieving members of his community. Both conversations really drove home a key theme: the power of genuine, in-person relationships over purely digital connections in building a sustainable coaching business.

What's particularly interesting is how both cases show coaches finding success by engaging deeply with communities they're naturally part of - whether that's through religious affiliation or cultural heritage - rather than trying to be everything to everyone online.

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Timestamps

0:00 Daniel introduces himself as both a full-time minister and online personal trainer, working primarily with career-driven men 25-35. He explains his challenge: clients he meets in person tend to stay longer than those he acquires online.

1:43 Discussion about Daniel's ministry work with college students at University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University, and his approach to incorporating his religious background into his fitness business.

3:18 Jonathan discusses the importance of trust in coaching relationships, explaining it as a triangle of affinity, familiarity, and community. Daniel reveals all his long-term clients come through church connections.

6:13 Exploration of Daniel's church structure (International Churches of Christ) and its potential as a platform for business growth.

10:30 Strategic discussion about incorporating Daniel's faith background into his social media presence and bio without limiting his client base.

14:41 Jonathan suggests viewing social media as a nurturing tool rather than lead generation and proposes creating content specifically for church leaders.

19:14 Discussion about organizing minister workshops and networking events, with emphasis on letting participants share their stories rather than just presenting information.