Understanding Why
Pro bono publico is a Latin phrase for “professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment” and usually, “for the public good.” So you are doing a good thing when you give away your coaching services.
In some cases, it’s wise to do so because your eye is on another prize for the future. For example, maybe you are pursuing a non-profit or school whose budget is already set for the year. They would love to accept your coaching… next year. The risk is that when next year comes, they may choose a different option, so offering some type of coaching in advance might give you an advantage. It keeps you top of mind when they are crunching numbers next year.
Understanding WHY you are giving your services away and the strategy behind it is important.
Know the value of what you are giving away before you coach for free.
Know your Value
Free Feelings
Understanding your own feelings around your free offer is important, too. What’s going on inside of you? Are you offering to coach for free because you lack confidence? Do you feel unqualified to charge for your coaching services? Are you coaching for free because your potential client cannot afford you?
Examining what has you making the offer to coach for free will help you determine whether it’s a reaction or a strategy. If giving away your services feels good and right and fits in with your strategy of securing future business, then do it guilt-free. But if you come to the end of the month unable to pay your bills because you neglected to charge and then feel bad, then there may be something else going on under the surface. You may need to rethink your strategy.
Accountability
If you find yourself offering free coaching so often that you are unable to develop a thriving coaching practice, accountability may help. Set up responsible guidelines for when you will coach for free and when you will not. Determine in advance how many free sessions you will offer each month. This may keep you from giving too much away. Having someone to hold you accountable can help, too.
Planning and accountability can put limits on how often you coach for free.
Should Coaches Coach for Free?
Maybe. Maybe not. As mentioned, there are personal and professional reasons for doing so. If you do, know your value, understand your feelings, make sure your client knows the value of your free service, and build in some accountability. You can still coach for free on occasion, while ensuring a thriving coaching practice!
To learn more about what drives you and your coaching business, check out Chapter 3, Your Calling, Your Vision, Your Beliefs in the book, The Coach Business Guide, The Path to Launch and Grow Your Coaching Practice.
SOLID ADVICE => “If you find yourself offering free coaching so often that you are unable to develop a thriving coaching practice, accountability may help.”
If you do offer free coaching, plan to get paid later on, and at least get the client to commit to doing a raving testimonial — and both of you aim to get amazeballs results so both (1) they win, and (2) you get a great testimonial.
This’ll lead to referrals anyhows.
Thanks! Hope more coaches will start to measure how often they give themselves away and either 1. be at peace with it or 2. get the accountability they need!
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