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Today, I'll share my top tips for having a reliable Wi-Fi connection when running executive function coaching sessions online.
With a stable Wi-Fi connection your sessions will be smooth and uninterrupted, rather than choppy and confusing for clients.
With this addressed, you can then focus on enhancing your coaching practice, improving client satisfaction, and building a successful business.
When your connection is unstable, it makes everything challenging and could be a reason clients look for another executive function coach to work with.
Why does a stable internet connection matter for online executive function coaches?
A stable connection ensures smooth communication, preventing mid-sentence cut-offs or choppy audio. This enhances session quality and demonstrates professionalism and technical competence.
Without a strong Wi-Fi connection, there can be interruptions during sessions, making it hard for students to stay engaged. Many clients with executive function challenges have Autism or ADHD and they may become bothered with the technical challenges from your end.
This may lead to a higher customer churn rate, with new customers disappointed with a poor online experience, leading to bad reviews and a business that suffers.
Here are common connection-related issues executive function coaches have 👇
What are the most common Wi-Fi related challenges for EF coaches?
An Unstable Internet Connection
Frequent disconnections disrupt sessions and frustrate both the coach and the client. This may look like the audio or video is "lagging," creating an unnatural effect for both people.
Inadequate Wi-Fi Setup
Misunderstanding Wi-Fi placement leads to weak signals and poor connectivity. The main thing to know is that you should aim to allow the Wi-Fi signal to expand by not blocking it with large items or covering it.
Technical Overwhelm 🫨
Coaches may feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of setting up strong Wi-Fi and want to delegate to an expert. However, by following the steps below, you can likely address the issue without needing to hire someone.
Here are 5 steps you can take today to improve your Wi-Fi connection and connection with your clients.
5 steps you can take to improve your Wi-Fi connection
Before you run to pay someone to try and solve this problem, try these five steps.
1. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection
Contact your internet provider to find out if you have an up-to-date router. Many providers offer free upgrades.
Next, test your Wi-Fi speed. You can do so by Googling "wi fi speed test" to determine if your speed matches your plan. If your speed does not match the plan you are paying for, contact your provider.
Lastly, choose a solid plan. Opt for a mid-range plan with reliable speed, rather than the cheapest or most expensive plan.
2. Optimize Wi-Fi Placement
Position your workspace close to the router to ensure a strong signal. For even more stability, use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to the router.
Additionally, make sure the router is not blocked by objects like bookshelves or metal cases, which can weaken the signal.
3. Utilize Mesh Networks
If your workspace is far from the router, consider using mesh network devices to extend your Wi-Fi signal for better coverage and connectivity.
4. Restart Your Computer Before Sessions
Restarting your computer before Zoom meetings ensures that it runs efficiently by clearing out temporary files, freeing up memory, and resolving background processes that could slow down performance.
This helps prevent lag, freezing, or other technical issues that could interrupt the meeting, ensuring a smoother and more reliable video conferencing experience.
5. Communicate Expectations With Clients
Include in your terms of service that clients must have a strong Wi-Fi connection to ensure smoother sessions.
Additionally, make it clear that sessions will still be charged even if the client’s Wi-Fi is not properly set up. Here is how we describe this requirement in our Terms of Service at EF Specialists:
Students must engage in the session with their cameras on and be able to share their screen. Your student is required to join our sessions from a computer device, in a location with reliable internet service, and in a distraction-free environment.
Prior to starting, ensure your Zoom application is updated and works on the computer where sessions are held.
In the case of technical difficulties, the specialist will do their best to ensure the session can continue, however, if the specialist does not think the session will be successful due to technical difficulties, the session will be ended and counted as used.
Summary
Investing time and resources into optimizing your Wi-Fi demonstrates technical competence and commitment to providing excellent service to clients. When you are running your own business the little things stand out for clients.
Here are five steps you can take today to ensure a stronger connection with your clients.
1. Ensure a stable internet connection by contacting your provider, testing your speed, and choosing a solid plan.
2. Optimize Wi-Fi placement by staying close to the router, using a direct connection, and avoiding obstructions.
3. Extend your Wi-Fi signal with mesh network devices.
4. Restart your computer and monitor connection quality.
5. Set clear terms for client Wi-Fi setup and session charges.
Hope this helps 🤙🏻
P.S. These are skills that executive function coaches work on with their students. If you want to try working on them with your students, consider joining hundreds of other educators and parents who have completed my Semester Success Blueprint Course. In less than 2 hours, this comprehensive course will teach you and your student the system I developed to help hundreds of students learn how to manage school effectively and raise their self-awareness and engagement with school.
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.