The 6-Million-Year Secret That Fills Coaching Calendars

Last month, a leadership coach with 15 years of experience, reached out to me in frustration.

"Caolan, I've got more certifications than I can count, but I'm still struggling to fill my calendar. My LinkedIn posts get likes, but no one's reaching out for calls."

The problem wasn't her expertise. It was her message.

You see, humans have spent 6 million years perfecting one skill: avoiding pain.

When our ancestors heard a rustle in the bushes, they didn't stop to analyze if it was a gentle breeze or a hungry predator.

They ran. That same instinct drives every decision we make today.

Here's the truth most coaches miss:

Executives don’t buy "leadership skills" – they run from the pain of losing top talent and missing targets.

This is where most coaches get it wrong on LinkedIn.

They lead with promises:

• "I'll help you become a better leader!"

• "Learn advanced management techniques!"

• "Develop your executive presence!"

But pain moves people to action faster than promises.

When I helped Michael reframe his LinkedIn presence around pain points, he got 2 inbound leads and 2 booked calls in the first week.

Here's exactly how:

The Pain-Point Blueprint

1. Transform your LinkedIn presence:

• Headline: Don't say "Executive Coach" - say "I help CEOs stop losing top talent to burnout"

• Banner: Skip the inspirational quote - showcase the cost of poor leadership

• Content: Lead with the problem, not your solution

2. Before posting, ask yourself these questions:

• What keeps my ideal client awake at 3 AM?

• What conversation with their team makes their stomach churn?

• What's the cost of them not solving this problem?

3. Pain Point + Future Pacing = Compelling Offer

Show them:

• Where they are (the pain)

• Where they could be (the potential)

• What's at stake (the cost of inaction)

Remember: You're not just selling coaching.

You're offering an escape rope to someone hanging off a cliff.

Your expertise is the difference between their success and failure.

Between peace of mind and anxiety,

Use this primal instinct to your advantage.

Watch your LinkedIn presence transform from a professional billboard into a client-converting machine.

 📌 Let this be your reminder:

Your next LinkedIn post could be the one that lands your dream client.

To your success. See you next week. Happy Monday.