The Steps to Carrying Out an NLP Modelling Project

NLP Modelling is one of the most powerful tools in the field of NLP. It allows you to identify, replicate, and transfer the strategies of highly successful individuals so that you or others can achieve similar results. Whether you’re looking to improve your business, enhance your marketing, or master a particular skill, modelling provides a structured approach to learning from the best.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to carrying out an NLP modelling project effectively:

Step 1: Define Your Modelling Objective

Before you begin, you need clarity on what you want to model. Ask yourself:

• What specific skill, behaviour, or ability do I want to develop?

• Who demonstrates this skill at an exceptional level?

• What outcomes will tell me I’ve successfully modelled this ability?

The clearer your objective, the more effective your modelling project will be.

Step 2: Identify an Expert Model

Next, you need to find someone who excels at what you want to model. This could be a business leader, a top-performing salesperson, an influential marketer, or anyone who demonstrates consistent excellence in the area you want to master.

• Look for observable, repeatable success rather than someone who has just had one lucky break.

• If possible, choose more than one model to compare patterns across different experts.

Step 3: Gather Data on Their Behaviour

Once you’ve selected a model, your next step is to study their patterns. NLP modelling focuses on three levels of observation:

1. Physiology – What are their posture, gestures, breathing, and facial expressions like?

2. Language – What words, metaphors, and phrases do they frequently use?

3. Cognition & Strategy – How do they think, make decisions, and sequence their actions?

Ways to Gather Data:

• Observation: Watch them in action (live or via video).

• Interviews: Ask them about their thought processes and decision-making.

• Self-Reflection: If they’re self-aware, they may be able to break down their own strategies.

• Third-Party Feedback: Speak to people who have worked closely with them.

Step 4: Uncover the Deep Structure of Their Success

Success is not just about what someone does—it’s about how they do it. Your goal is to decode their unconscious strategies by examining:

• Beliefs & Values: What beliefs drive their behaviour? What values guide their decisions?

• Internal Representations: How do they mentally picture success? Do they visualise, talk to themselves, or feel their way through decisions?

• Filters & Meta Programs: How do they filter information? Do they focus on big-picture strategy or fine details?

This step requires deep questioning to go beyond surface-level behaviours and uncover the internal structure of excellence.

Step 5: Break Down Their Strategy into a Repeatable Model

Now, you translate your findings into a structured process that others can replicate. The key is to chunk the model into steps that anyone can follow.

Example: A Sales Expert’s Strategy

• Step 1: Build rapport by mirroring body language and tone.

• Step 2: Ask questions that uncover deep emotional needs.

• Step 3: Use stories to create emotional connections.

• Step 4: Position the offer as a solution to their core desires.

• Step 5: Overcome objections using reframing techniques.

• Step 6: Close with confidence and certainty.

Once you structure the model, test it to see if others can achieve similar results by following it.

Step 6: Install & Test the Model

To truly integrate the model, you need to practice it until it becomes second nature. You can do this through:

• Mental Rehearsal: Visualising yourself using the strategy effectively.

• Physical Practice: Repeating the behaviour in real-world situations.

• Feedback & Refinement: Testing the model, getting feedback, and adjusting where necessary.

If the model doesn’t produce the desired results, revisit the expert and refine your approach.

Step 7: Teach and Transfer the Model

Once you’ve successfully replicated the strategy, you can teach it to others. NLP modelling is about transferring excellence, so creating training materials, coaching guides, or workshops based on your findings can help others benefit from the model too.

• Can you explain it clearly in a step-by-step way?

• Can others follow it and get the same results?

• Can the model be adapted to different contexts?

Once you can transfer the skill to others successfully, your NLP modelling project is complete.

Final Thoughts

NLP Modelling is a game-changer for business, marketing, and personal growth. By breaking down unconscious competence into conscious, teachable strategies, you can accelerate learning, improve performance, and unlock new levels of success.

If you’re ready to take your business and marketing to the next level, start identifying the top performers in your field and begin modelling their success today.