Why Your Retreat Isn't Selling: The Overlooked Mistake That Might Be Sabotaging Your Success

A few weeks ago, I was on a 1:1 coaching call with one of my students when we hit a major breakthrough. She’d been struggling to fill spots in her upcoming retreat, and we couldn’t figure out why—until we uncovered something unexpected.

Through curious, open-ended questions and coaching, we identified a huge barrier that had been standing between her and her sold-out event. And here’s the thing...

It had nothing to do with her sales page.
Nothing to do with her email funnel.
Nothing to do with her marketing strategy.

What we found went much deeper.

It was a misalignment in values and vision with her retreat collaborator—and it was silently sabotaging her ability to communicate the retreat clearly and confidently.

The Real Cost of Misaligned Collaborations

I’ve seen this happen more than once. Many retreat leaders come to me struggling with marketing, only to realize that the root issue isn’t strategy—it’s misalignment.

In this student’s case, she and her collaborator had two different ideal clients in mind. Two different messages. Two different outcomes they wanted for attendees.

And when that happens?
Your marketing becomes muddled.
Your energy gets drained.
Your retreat doesn't sell.

Here’s the truth: the people you choose to support your retreat—co-leaders, speakers, facilitators—are extensions of your retreat’s energy, values, and vision. If you're not aligned, that disconnect will show up in your messaging, your planning process, and ultimately, your results.

Shared Vision = Strong Foundation

Imagine this: you’ve spent months designing a transformational retreat. You’ve poured your heart into every detail. But you’re working with someone who doesn’t quite see the vision the way you do.

Maybe they don’t prioritize guest experience the same way. Maybe they want to take the retreat in a direction that doesn't feel aligned with your purpose. The result? Confusion, miscommunication, and friction—both behind the scenes and in your marketing.

A misaligned collaborator can:

• Water down your messaging

• Create inconsistency in your promotional content

• Confuse your audience and split your client pool

But when you’re aligned? It’s magic. You complement each other’s strengths, support each other fully, and amplify the experience for your guests.

How to Choose the Right Retreat Collaborators

Here’s how to avoid the mistake my client made—and ensure your retreat has a solid, supportive foundation:

1. Have Conversations Early On

Before committing to a partnership, get clear on your values, vision, and communication styles.

Ask:

• What’s their vision for the retreat?

• How do they handle stress or conflict?

• What values do they hold as leaders?

Early conversations can uncover red flags or confirm alignment before you dive in too deep.

2. Identify Each Other’s Strengths

The best collaborations bring together complementary strengths, not carbon copies.

Get clear on:

• What each person brings to the table

• Who handles what

• Where your strengths overlap—and where they don't

3. Test the Waters First

If possible, co-host a smaller event, like a workshop or a one-day experience, before planning an entire retreat together. This gives you a low-stakes way to see how your energy meshes and how you each show up under pressure.

4. Prioritize Shared Goals

Alignment means more than liking each other—it’s about a shared purpose.

Ask:

• What do we want participants to walk away with?

• What kind of energy and environment do we want to create?

• What do we each see as the “success” of this retreat?

The more unified your goals, the more cohesive and impactful your retreat will be.

Collaborators Can Make or Break Your Retreat

Let this be your reminder: choosing the right collaborators is just as important as choosing the right location or theme. It’s about protecting your energy, your vision, and your ability to show up fully as a leader.

Because when your team is aligned, your marketing becomes easier. Your message becomes clearer. And your retreat? It sells itself.

Ready for Eyes on Your Retreat Strategy?

This client’s breakthrough happened during a single coaching session. Imagine what could shift for you with the right support.

👉 For the first (and only!) time this year, I’m opening up 2 custom 1:1 coaching spots to help retreat leaders just like you confidently launch, market, and sell out your next retreat.

Whether you're:

• Struggling to fill your retreat

• Feeling disconnected from your message

• Or simply want to launch with more clarity, ease, and success

I’d love to help.

Click here to apply and I’ll follow up with next steps.

With love and a deep bow,
Brockell