Every week, I share one tip to help coaches and speakers go from invisible to in-demand. Learn how to capture leads and stay connected. ⏳️All it takes is 5 minutes.
I wouldn't have joined his list if he hadn't done this
Published 28 days ago • 5 min read
THE STRENGTHS LETTER
(YOUR WEEKLY NOTE FROM ANGELINE)
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Hello Reader,
If you're new here, welcome! In this newsletter, I help coaches and speakers create email systems for nurturing leads and turning audiences into clients.
In February, my calendar almost resembled my corporate days—but instead of status meetings, it was packed with networking events. I was out and about, meeting new people and reminding familiar faces that I exist.
But what I kept finding myself doing was watching how others talked about their business. I took notes. There are good marketing lessons everywhere, if you pay attention.
Last week I shared an example from a coach who ran a "Shoot the Sh#t with AI" session—I loved how she used that to expand her network.
This week I'm back with another story of a coach who asked for permission in a way that's hard to say no to.
Let's get started!
On Wednesday, I walked into Hendricks BBQ for the Women Empowering Women (WEW) St. Charles chapter meeting.
Bob Baker was the speaker. His topic: "Perfect Pitch: How to Introduce Yourself with Confidence and Clarity."
After I scanned the QR code to check in, I noticed the tables that usually fill the middle of the restaurant had been pushed aside. I found an empty seat and joined the women at the table.
After introducing himself, he got us out of our seats to form a circle in the open space. He warmed us up by teaching us how to use a mic, and how to project our voice without a mic.
Then he dove into the most painful problemin every networking room: how to introduce yourself with clarity and confidence in 30 seconds.
On the TV screen, he showed us his Brand Identity Formula, asked us put together our pitch and take turns saying them out loud in front of everybody 😅. Then he handed out a half-sheet flyer with the formula printed on one side, and a new program he is launching on the other side.
I noticed he didn't spend much time talking about the program at all. I think he's letting his session do all the convincing.
Bob's Brand Identity formula. On the flip side is his Impact Formula Lab info sheet.
The next morning, in my email inbox, I saw an email from Bob.
It was personalized, referencing the WEW event from the day before. He very politely asked: "May I add you to my local St. Louis events email list? You'll get an occasional reminder of [list of events and updates]."
👉🏼 Then this line: "Just hit reply and say yes. I'll only add you with your permission. If you're already getting emails from me, no need to reply."
I was already (in my head) revising my pitch based on Bob's session and the feedback from the women there. So when his email landed, there was no "ugh, another email" resistance. I was genuinely curious what else he had to share.
• ♥️ • ♥️ •
I love observing and unpacking these marketing lessons.... what I noticed:
Bob gave first. Then he asked.
He solved one painful, urgent problem for all of us in the room. That built goodwill. Then his follow-up email gave people a low-pressure way to say yes. Since this was over email, it removed any awkwardness that otherwise would be present if he asked on the spot.
And because I got a useful formula that I'm using immediately, saying "yes" to Bob's request felt natural. I want to reciprocate.
If you run workshops or free sessions for networking groups, you can do this too.
We always do a group photo at WEW Chapter meetings. I love it!
Here's a simple version to try:
Lead with a session that solves one specific, painful problem your audience has right now. Bob's was the 30-second introduction. Very strategic right? because every WEW meeting opens with round-the-room introductions.
Follow up by email the next day. Reference the event. Keep it personal.
Ask permission to stay in touch. Be specific about what they'll receive.
One thing to confirm beforehand: does the event host collect emails? Are they willing to share the list? Bob's situation worked because the WEW check-in collected emails at the door.
That third step is the one most coaches skip. They don't send any follow-up at all. Bob's version worked well because it felt personable and respectful of boundaries.
If follow-up emails still feel uncomfortable, ask yourself this: Is the cost of sending more painful than the cost of not getting new leads?
Most coaches I talk to aren't avoiding follow-up because they don't care. They're stuck because there are too many possible next steps or no clear system. That's exactly where I come in.
• ♥️ • ♥️ •
Three ways we can work together:
Newsletter ghostwriting – I write your weekly or monthly newsletter in your voice. You share ideas, I handle everything else (strategy, writing, scheduling). Perfect if you have tons of ideas but translating them into consistent emails feels impossible.
Educational email series – I turn your workshop or program into a 5-email nurture series that educates leads and moves them toward booking with you. One-time deliverable that works for you forever.
Newsletter setup workshop – I set up your QR code, opt-in landing page, and automated email confirmation so your next event becomes a list-building opportunity. You show up and speak. I handle the system that captures who was in the room.
Whew, two whirlwind weeks of networking! Worth it though, I got two solid examples of coaches growing their list the organic way.
Have a fantastic March, everyone. Till next week!
P.S. I'll be meeting up with CliftonStrengths coaches in Singapore on Saturday, April 18th. I'd love to meet you there! Also working on a similar meetup in Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾. If that's you or you know someone, hit reply and let me know!
May your strengths be with you always,
Angeline Soon
I help coaches and speakers turn applause into leads. Email marketer | CliftonStrengths Coach | IT project management.
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The Strengths Letter
a weekly note from Angeline Soon
Every week, I share one tip to help coaches and speakers go from invisible to in-demand. Learn how to capture leads and stay connected. ⏳️All it takes is 5 minutes.