Coaching business surviving the recession

So what’s a coach to do when a client is too broke to pay?

Here are some ways you and your business can survive:

1. Barter
Your clients may be short on cash, but are they rich with chickens and eggs? Ok…maybe not chicken and eggs. Coach Kathi Smith, has traded services with six clients over the last year. “I have to get my driveway plowed and teeth taken care of somehow,” she says. For example, a dentist replaced two fillings and cleaned her teeth in exchange for two hours of coaching.

2. Remember that publicity can lead to payment
Michelle Casey offered 12 free phone sessions as part of her “When I grow up” scholarship. Twenty-seven people entered the contest, which she publicized on Twitter, Facebook and her blog. Five of the applicants ended up becoming paying clients.

3. Shorten the session
Dr. Anita Mentoris normally coaches people for 45 minutes or an hour. But if someone can’t afford her full rate, she’ll offer a 30 minute session. Dr Mentoris doesn’t feel the clients get shortchanged in the shorter session. “The primary difference is that in shorter sessions, we only focus on one issue each time,” she says.

4. Offer discounts
Consider having a sale or a package deal. Coach Daniela Schmitdt says, “I’ll give long term clients a break on one month of sessions or offer ten sessions for a certain amount of money.”

5. Accept due after payments
Career coach Karen Rosemary has clients pay what they can up front with the remainder due after they find new employment. “If I’m any good at what I do, my clients will be able to afford to pay me at the conclusion of our work together,” she says. “And if I’m not good, they shouldn’t have to pay me anyway.”

6. Institute a sliding scale
International Coach Federation President, PCC, offers one rate for people who make under $50,000 per year and more for those with bigger paychecks.

7. Make your office child-friendly
Moretti ended up booking one more session because her coach said she could bring along her toddler to avoid paying a babysitter. The coach stocks her office with crayons and coloring books so she and Moretti can talk. Moretti says, “That little offer made me willing to come again.”

The Coaching Commons.

Cristina Madeira, Certified Executive and Team Coach by ICF

Cristina Madeira
Certified Executive and Team Coach by