The 3 non-negotiables for getting your coaching business legally protected
The world needs you on your A game! Now more than ever, we need light-workers like you going all in with your clients and working your magic. So let’s get you sorted with your essential legal protection - so you feel safe to do your best work
Here is my no frills list of the three non-negotiables you need in place as a coach:
1. Your client contract
This one is not up for discussion! Even if you are just starting off. Even if you are still at the family and friends/ friends of friends stage (arguably it’s even more important at this stage).
Every day I hear my members tell me that they used to:
- play small,
- shrink from signing people up,
- avoid advertising and spreading the word,
- delay following their true passion,
- not charge properly (or at all!) for their services
all because they didn’t have a client contract, or they had something they pulled together themselves and couldn’t rely on it.
Your client contract does all sorts of fabulous things. It protects you legally AND it saves you loads of hassle. Here are some of the main things it does:
- Sets a solid foundation for your relationship with your clients
- Saves you the hassle factor by making sure your policies are respected
- Manages expectations about the nature of coaching and how it differs from medical treatment
- Explains your client’s responsibility for taking action (you’re a coach not a miracle worker!!)
- Makes you look professional and like you know what you’re doing (which of course you do :)
- And protects you if things go wrong (HINT – this is the bit that helps you sleep soundly at night….not to mention your partner if you jointly own your home!)
2. Your documents that make your website legally compliant
These documents: make sure you comply with GDPR, cookie and other regulations; protect your content; and limit your liability in respect of the information on your website.
They also make you look professional and like you are on top of your game (can you see a theme developing here?!). So make sure you get the right things in the right place and that they are up to date.
Even if you don’t sell your services through your website, you need the following:
- Website terms of use
- GDPR compliant privacy notice
- Cookie policy in line with the IPO 2019 guidelines (see here for more information)
- Cookie consent in line with the IPO 2019 guidelines
- Wherever you collect contact details (check your contact form and any free gift opt ins), the correct consent to use personal data as you would like going forward
3. Written agreements with your VA and other people you outsource work to
Unfortunately I have lots of conversations with members who fall out with VAs and other services providers. Heck, it’s happened to me too! It’s such a drag on your time and your energy and we just haven’t got time for that when we have people to serve and magic to get out into the world….
The one thing that will reduce the likelihood of this happening is a clear written agreement. It’s a good example of using your legals not just to protect you legally, but also to head off the hassle factor once again.
These agreements do also have a super important legal function too because they:
- Make sure you get the IP in anything they create especially for you
- Protect your tax position and make sure you have protection from any unwanted tax consequences.
- Make sure you comply with GDPR (if your VA or other service provider has access to your clients’ personal data)
If you're serious about getting your legal essentials in place, I have a package to suit every coach. My Legal Essentials Bundle provides everything you need to get moving, or why not check out my Legal Hub for Coaches, which is there to support you on every step of your business journey.
