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In this post, you'll learn how to craft the perfect outreach email using a value-first approach tailored explicitly for executive function coaches reaching out to neuropsychologists.
This technique is the exact process I used to gain my first 100 hundred clients at EF Specialists and something I have taught to hundreds of EF coaches in the Executive Function Coaching Academy membership.
Why does outreach matter as an executive function coach?
Mastering the art of outreach emails can significantly elevate your impact as an executive function coach. Neuropsychologists are often the first point of contact for families seeking help for their children's ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia.
By positioning yourself as a recommended provider in their reports, you can gain access to a steady stream of clients. This enhances your business and allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
And that's what I call a win-win.
Why do most executive function coaches fail to attract clients?
They give up too early
So many coaches send 5 or 6 emails and then give up. It would be best if you planned on sending these emails weekly for at least 6 months before expecting to get any clients.
While things may shape up sooner, being ready for a long-term commitment here is key.
Lack of personalization
Many coaches struggle to personalize their outreach emails, which can lead to generic messages that fail to resonate with neuropsychologists. Without personalization, your email may be overlooked or ignored.
They focus on theirselves
Coaches often focus too much on their own services without adequately addressing how they can support the neuropsychologist's work. This misalignment can hinder the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.
Ineffective call to action
Crafting a clear and concise call to action is challenging for many coaches. Your email may not prompt the desired response without a compelling invitation to connect.
Here is how you can overcome those barriers and create more meaningful connections with referral partners who send countless clients your way.
How to craft the perfect outreach email as an executive function coach
Step 1: Start with a pleasant and knowledgable introduction
Spend 10 minutes scanning the neuropsychologist's website to gather relevant information. Look for any books they've written or podcasts they've hosted.
Reference this content in your email to show genuine interest in their work. For example, "Hi, Dr. Brown, I noticed that you wrote a book on how to support kids with ADHD, and I was very inspired by it."
In the first lines of your email, start with a pleasant introduction that focuses on them and what they do.
Dear Dr. Gray,
I noticed on your website that you provide comprehensive evaluation services for children.
The mistake most coaches make here is that they focus on themselves:
Hey! Look at my one-sheet and what I do. Want to send me clients? 🙈
Step 2: Incentivize a response by offering value
Next, you can say you are creating a resource for parents you work with to help them find local assessment professionals.
Even if you don't have any clients yet, there will undoubtedly come a day when having a robust referral network will be beneficial, so why not start now?
I am creating an article on my website to list out local neuropsychologists who support students with ADHD for the families and education community I serve.
Here is an example of a blog article I created to list local mental health professionals in my area. You could create something like this on a basic Tutorbird website.
The mistake most coaches make here is that they focus on what they can GET, rather than what they can GIVE:
Can you send anyone my way? Is there anyone else you suggest I talk to? Could you pass this along to someone else?
Step 3: Name your offer
After acknowledging their work, introduce yourself as a certified executive function coach. Clearly explain how your services can complement their assessments and benefit their clients. Highlight your local presence to emphasize accessibility.
If your offer is clear and straight forward, it will stick and the neuropsychologist will know how to refer to you:
As a certified executive function coach for students, I guide clients to reduce missing assignments, improve their communication with teachers, and manage their time more effectively.
The mistake most coaches make here is that they try to offer too much:
I coach people of all ages on all issues, including life coaching, career coaching, personality assessment coaching, and math and Spanish tutoring.
Step 4: Request a meeting
Precede your request for a meeting by explaining what is in it for them if they take the meeting.
I believe I have many clients who would benefit from knowing about your services, but I would like to learn a bit more about your approach so I can make a targeted recommendation.
Step 5: Make a specific request
Conclude your email with a straightforward call to action. Suggest a brief meeting, such as a 15-minute Zoom call or a coffee chat, to discuss potential collaboration. Ensure your request is respectful of their time.
Request the meeting within the next two weeks so they don't push it off too long. Urgency is key, but not too much.
Can we meet for 15 minutes sometime within the next two weeks so I can learn more about your practice and how I might refer clients to you?
Looking forward to talking with you,
Ginger Shantz, M.Ed.
Enhance your email's credibility by including hyperlinks to your certification and any relevant higher education degrees. This provides easy access to your qualifications and reinforces your professionalism.
Don't give up
If you don't get a response to your email, that is ok!
After 7-10 days, follow up with the person using this approach:
Forward the original email, but change the subject line to a simple question mark like this: ?
In the body of the email, write this: Did you receive my last message?
This approach is non-threatening AND shows the person that you can track things to completion, making them more likely to refer to you.
I've used the boomerang technique to build amazing referral partner relationships -- don't neglect it.
Summary
I had to send at least 50 of these emails before I received my first referral, but once they started coming in 2020, they've been flowing ever since.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively engage neuropsychologists and build a thriving coaching practice.
Remember, the key to a successful outreach email (and most relationships in life) is offering value before asking for something in return.
To craft the perfect outreach email, follow these key steps:
Review the neuropsychologist's work and reference it in your email.
Start with a positive introduction that highlights their contributions.
Clearly explain how your services can support their assessments.
Suggest a brief meeting to discuss collaboration.
Hope this helps 🤙🏻
P.S.
Consider joining hundreds of educators and professionals who have completed our executive function coaching certification. You'll gain all the tools, templates, and techniques you'll need as a coach, plus you'll make new friends and have a community you can rely on to grow and learn. Learn more.
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About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and expanding my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.