Sometimes misunderstandings happen, even between the best of friends, which is why you should have the proper paperwork in place for your coaching business to prevent an awkward situation. Your expertise is certainly the foundation of your business, but the necessary forms also lend support to the structure of your business.
Where to Start
Don’t get sidetracked with the creation of the forms. I’ll show you where to get these for free.
Here’s a list of common forms all coaches should use to avoid misunderstandings and possible legal action.
- Coaching Agreement – spell everything out as clear as day. Include the expectations of both you and the new client for each of your sessions. Don’t assume anything. If it’s not spelled out in this agreement, it doesn’t happen. Make sure your client understands and reads the agreement, too.
- Confidentiality Agreement – this protects both you and your client. Everything shared between you and the client remains confidential by both parties. This allows your client to be more open and honest without fear that secrets will be revealed to any third party.
- Client Invoice and Payment Arrangement Forms – just as the coaching agreement is specific, so is this payment form. Your agreed upon pricing plus any special payment plans should be filled out, signed, and fully understood prior to the first session.
- Intake Form – this will likely be the first form filled out, simply gathering information about your client and specifics about what they need from a coach and what they hope to accomplish with these sessions. You’ll know from this form if this client is a right fit for you or not.
- Business Goals Worksheet – an action plan should always be a part of the client’s homework and this form helps spell out what they need to focus on and what action steps are necessary. Some people are better at taking action than others but with this form there’s no hiding the next steps.
Get 17 forms for free right here:
New Client Kit: Includes 17 Done-for-You Forms
Bonus –
How Coaching Works Form – not all coaches work the same or have the same processes and each client should be fully aware of those things. Using a form like this explains the expectations you have as a coach and how the client should prepare for the next session. The only way coaching is beneficial is if the client does the work. Remember, you’re not a hand holder, you’re a coach.
Don’t Shrink Away From Paperwork
Paperwork can become overwhelming, but these forms are extremely easy to keep on your computer and email to a new client to fill out and return. Your desktop folder might get filled but you don’t need to worry about piles and piles of papers cluttering your desk.
As always, use the forms that make the most sense to you and forget about the rest. It’s always better to start off with too many forms than to realize after a problem arises that you were missing something crucial. Fail to plan and you plan to fail.
Get 17 forms for free right here:
