NLP Conference 2023
Time to Connect
The sun was streaming through the roof lights at Lakeside Lodge as the Magenta Coaching NLP Community came together for their first NLP Conference. Whether an NLP Practitioner, Master Practitioner or new to the world of NLP, being in a group of likeminded people looking to connect and develop, made for a wonderful atmosphere.
Do You Have a ‘Purple Cow’?
Starting the day right, with a hot beverage and a cheeky biscuit, whilst chatting to friends old and new. The attendees then took their seats to begin the presentations.
Kylie Anderson: How you can stand out in a crowded marketplace
Kylie Anderson kicked off the day, exploring how you can stand out in a crowded marketplace.
The attendees were challenged to find their ‘purple cow’ (inspired by Seth Godin’s book). In pairs they had to succinctly explain what their business is and why it’s unique, in just a short sentence. Not an easy feat, however showcased the importance of making your business understandable to your target audience.
Could Your Process be a Method?
Most coaches have a process they prefer when working with a client. The idea of taking this process and turning it into a methodology can open up numerous opportunities, Kylie explained. Including: books, workshops, courses or events. An eye opening talk with practical advice to help with your business branding, growth and not being afraid to push those boundaries.
What is Values Speed Dating?
Bevis and Paul presented Values: Attitudes & Beliefs. They gave insight into how the values we have may not always be aligned with our goal and vision. Then, how you can begin to work with your client to ascertain where changes need to occur to make them more aligned.
To get a taste of how this will feel in a session with a client, attendees went Values Speed Dating. An interactive experience where they worked in pairs to discuss values around a particular area in their life e.g. career, family, relationships, health. During this session they discovered a number of values associated with their chosen area of life and the importance of their then chosen top 5 or 6. An incredible way of gaining a quick understanding of the power of Values.
It All Depends on the Direction
During the Values Speed Dating the direction in which we move with regards our values and beliefs, whether you are moving away or towards, was brought up. At this point Bevis had the attendees on their feet. Looking to the right of the room, Bevis named the wall in front of the attendees the ‘wall of woe’ and in it the windows of financial breakdown, relationship breakdown, ill health and everything going wrong. Quite the woeful wall!
Bevis then asked everyone to step towards the ‘wall of woe’, he then asked them to get closer. At this point it is likely the attendees began to feel uncomfortable. He then asked them to touch the ‘wall of woe’, push off and return to where they started. The attendees expressed how they felt lighter or better. Bevis then went to highlight, they’re still looking at the ‘wall of woe’ and therefore likely to repeat the same process again.
So, next he asked them all to turn to face the left hand side of the room, turning their backs on the ‘wall of woe’. Therefore turning towards: opportunity, abundance, freedom…
And Finally…
Chris Billington Hughes finished the day with a brilliant talk taking you through the 5 steps to strategise your sales and marketing.
Chriss Billington Hughes: 5 steps to strategise your sales and marketing
Likening it to a recipe, to make it work you need to include all the ingredients and remember to test, refine, review and revise.
Sometimes having to sell your businesses can make you feel uncomfortable, Chris advised the attendees to instead think of it as educating. Making it feel less aggressive and an easier approach for the coaches in the audience to get behind.
Some top tips to take the marketing of your business to the next level.
What Those Who Attended Thought of the NLP Conference
‘I just wanted to say thankyou for the wonderful event that you, Danie and team organised. It was truly inspirational and I connected with some very talented and genuinely lovely people. The perfect way to spend a Friday. The best part was that it felt like coming home . I felt so welcome and comfortable.’
‘A great and informative day. Some excellent speakers too. I walked away with new ideas adding great value to my coaching business.’