To get a new client, we might be inclined to make concessions no matter what the cost: offer a second or extra long sample session; reduce fees; set session times we dont want to work. We might leap at any opportunity before looking at the possible return on investment of time. These situations end up being lessons learned, sometimes painful ones.

Before you get caught in another good lesson, set up your business with strong boundaries. They create a friendly and ethical structure that allows others to find their place with you. They speak volumes about your professionalism and keep both you and your clients on track.

Want only as much for your clients as they want for themselves.

If you find yourself feeling frustrated about your clients results, you are wanting too much for your client. Challenge them and let go of the outcome. If you cant let go of the outcome, you may need to let go of the client.

If this is happening often, consider setting criteria for your prospective clients. In my own business as a mentor coach, to avoid getting started with someone who isnt ready to make progress, I pre-qualify possible clients by asking:

Are you committed to building a successful coaching practice and ready to invest your resources (time, energy and money) to making this happen now? I may even go further to inquire about how much time they will dedicate and how many months of coaching they will budget.

Ive found this puts clients on notice that the success of the coaching is largely up to them. It also raises the perceived value of my coaching services because they see that I dont take on just anyone.

Stand firmly by your chosen fees.

Set fees that will pay you well for the time it takes to market to, coach and manage your clients. If you discount your services because a prospective client wont afford your fees, in essence youve discounted the value of your services. So will your new client. The coaching wont be as effective because they will be depending on you to take on some of the burden of their financial limitations. This forces you both out of the Co-creative Relationship.

Consider developing group coaching at half price for individuals on a tighter budget. This way you offer them something of value without taking on their financial problems as your own. Once your practice is well developed you can have a client or two on partial scholarship where they pay at a reduced rate for a limited time, say two three months. Then the fee goes up to your full rate. Youll want to be sure theyll make a strong commitment to doing their own work. And never call it a discount.

Create and hold time boundaries.

If your stated session time is an hour, do your best to keep that boundary. When answering inquiries, let the caller know you are available for a specified amount of time. These are courtesies that also keep you on track.

I enjoy my work and have often forgotten to hold time boundaries. Im learning to value my time and energy in new ways. If I do spend extra time with a client, I note it by saying: Id like to gift you ten extra minutes today. This effects my client two ways: one, they understand Ive loosened the time boundary, and two, they perceive additional value.

When someone says Jump! look before you leap.

When asked to do something take on a role, task or project give yourself time to thoroughly review how well it:

- Fits your interests.
- Aligns with your business purpose and niche.
- Provides a good return for your investment of time.

Say no, unless it will pay off for you. This applies to non-business opportunities as well. If youre overcommitted, youll not be able to dedicate enough time and energy to satisfy any of your priorities, especially your business goals.

Turn down work that isnt ideal. If clients are not a good fit refer them to another coach that fits the clients interest, values or price range better. It will make room for the right opportunities and your ideal clients.

Enjoy the structure and professionalism these boundaries bring to your business. In the next edition well discuss coaching ethics, another set of important boundaries.