The Magnet Model: How to Attract Clients by Leading with Your Mission
Sep 23, 2024Hello everyone! James Marland here, and welcome to my blog, where we empower mission-driven leaders to launch life-changing online courses! Today, I want to talk about something that will resonate with those of you building your own business or creating an online course for a side hustle. Whether you're a therapist, coach, social worker, or entrepreneur looking for passive income, there's a powerful lesson in how we approach our work: the idea of attraction rather than promotion.
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sophie Lechner, creator of The Magnet Model, a concept that revolves around attracting clients who resonate with your mission. Sophie’s story as a course creator is not just inspiring but also full of actionable advice for all of us who want to make an impact and grow our businesses authentically.
1. Course Creation is a Journey: Why Less is More
One of the first lessons Sophie and I bonded over is the tendency to pack too much into our online courses. It’s a common mistake many course creators make, myself included. As Sophie shared, she packed so much into her first course that it became overwhelming, both for her and her students. "I had packed so much stuff in there, way, way, way, too much," Sophie explained. "I think that's one of the biggest mistakes that people make when they create a course."
The generosity we feel as creators can lead us to overload our students with information, which can backfire. Instead of focusing on everything you know, zoom in on one specific module or concept. It’s more effective and manageable for students, and they’ll experience greater transformation. As you create your online course, remember: sometimes less is more. This approach ensures your course aligns with your mission while serving your audience at a pace they can absorb.
2. Pivoting with Purpose: The Power of Adaptation
Sophie’s entrepreneurial journey had its twists and turns. Like many of us, she started in one direction but realized that to truly fulfill her mission, she needed to adapt. “I was so in love with what I was doing that I locked myself into a box where there was no other option,” Sophie said. Her initial business didn’t go as planned, but by listening to her audience’s needs, she shifted her focus to teaching LinkedIn—a topic people were asking for help with.
This lesson is vital for anyone building a side hustle or creating a course. It’s not just about what you think people need but what they actually want. Sometimes, the greatest act of courage is recognizing when it’s time to change direction. Your mission doesn’t change, but the path to get there might. Don’t be afraid to pivot—adaptation is key to success in the online world.
3. Simplify to Scale: Systems and Time Management
As Sophie’s business grew, so did the demands on her time. At one point, she was running a full coaching program with 12 clients, only to realize it was unsustainable. “I was going crazy,” Sophie admitted, and it hit her that managing six clients was more in line with her personal and professional goals. This led her to scale back on one-on-one coaching and introduce group programs and courses.
Time and energy management are crucial, especially if you're building your business alongside a full-time job or other responsibilities. By creating systems—like automated courses and group coaching—you can maintain your passion without burning out. Passive income from courses can give you the financial flexibility to focus on your mission while ensuring you don't stretch yourself too thin.
4. Community and Connection: Finding Your Audience
Building a community around your mission is essential, but it can also be a challenge. Sophie shared her experiences trying different platforms to foster community among her course participants. While some efforts didn’t work as expected, she found success through live group calls and her LinkedIn community. “The community element for me has been mostly through group calls,” she said.
For course creators, fostering a sense of community can help keep your students engaged and invested in the process. Whether through live sessions, group coaching, or LinkedIn groups, connection is a key driver of success. Your mission is not just about what you teach but also about how you create a space for your audience to support each other.
5. Leading with Your Mission: The Magnet Model
Finally, one of the most profound insights Sophie shared was her framework, The Magnet Model. This model is about attracting clients by leading with your mission, rather than traditional hard-sell marketing tactics. "If you really center your marketing around your mission, that is completely going to change how you present yourself," Sophie explained. The Magnet Model focuses on three key drivers: mission, message, and movement. It’s about aligning your business with your passion and attracting the right people to you—people who resonate with your values and are ready to engage with your message.
This lesson is vital for those of us building online courses. When you create from a place of passion and authenticity, you naturally attract the people who need what you have to offer. The goal isn’t to sell—it's to serve, educate, and inspire.
Conclusion: Put Your Mission in Motion
Sophie’s story is a testament to the power of adaptation, focus, and leading with your mission. If you’re a therapist, coach, or mission-driven entrepreneur looking to create a course as a side hustle or passive income stream, remember that success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most to your audience.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, focus on building systems that support both your mission and your life. Simplify where you can, listen to your audience, and, most importantly, lead with your passion. As I always say: go put your mission in motion.
Learn More about the Magnet Model and attracting your ideal clients.
Connect with Sophie Lechner on LinkedIn: Https://linkedin.com/in/soohielechner
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