Are You a Cheap Coach?

by Jennifer Koretsky

Published on this site: May 19th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

Are you a cheap coach? The world is full of them. And I'm not talking about your pricing structure...I'm talking about your spending habits.

About once a week, I get an email from a cheap coach. And I run into them at conferences and networking events all the time. I know them instantly because they are very upfront about wanting my help and my time - for free.

Here's an example of a real-life email that I received earlier this month.

Dear Jennifer,
Hi there! I have been coaching for a year and can't get my practice off the ground. I see you everywhere and I know you are quite successful and I would like to know how did you get so many clients? How do you do your newsletter? How did you get in ADDitude Magazine?

I would love to pick your brain. Please call me at 555-555-5555.

I look forward to speaking with you! Coach X

Dear Coach X,
Thanks for your email! I'd love to help. Please visit my website for ADD coaches at http://www.ADDcoachingbusinesschool.com. There you can sign up for a business building newsletter and also register for a coaching session in which I'll be happy to coach you on business building and/or answer as many of your questions as time allows!

All My Best,
Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,
I can't afford coaching right now. We are all trying to make it in coaching I hope that you will help out a fellow coach and at least email a response to my questions.

Thanks.
Coach X

Coach X is the perfect example of a cheap coach. (A coach friend of mine calls them "Dollar Store Coaches.") They want help and coaching, but aren't willing to pay for it.

Pretty odd, I think, when all coaches know that if you don't charge for your time and service, you can't make a living coaching. So why expect another coach to?

The Secret of My Success

All of Coach X's questions can actually be answered in one sentence: I spend about 20% of my business budget each year on professional development, which includes coaches, coaching programs, business training, etc.

Plus, I take action and work very hard at implementing what I learn.
(So make that two sentences.)

I understand the old adage "you have to spend money to make money." I understand that investing in my own professional development - be it additional coach training, or additional marketing training - will pay off for both me and my clients in the long run.

And I wouldn't dream of asking a coach or any other professional to provide me with their knowledge, time, and expertise without payment in return.

Cheap coaches just don't get that. In fact, most cheap coaches will never make it in coaching because although they may be excellent ADD coaches, they just don't understand the business aspect of it. It's a shame.

The lesson here is don't be a cheap coach. Recognize that in order to be successful in your coaching business, you must seek out the knowledge that you are lacking, and seek out coaching to help you reach new levels. It's the only way to grow a successful coaching business.

Jennifer Koretsky is an ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She publishes The ADD Coaching Business Report, an eNewsletter that helps other coaches succeed in their business and marketing efforts and create viable coaching businesses. Subscribe to The ADD Coaching Business Report at http://www.ADDcoachingbusinessschool.com