In my coaching practice, I’ve discovered the incredible power of setting clear expectations when working with clients. Like many coaches, I was caught up in the urge to serve and help everyone, even when that wasn’t practical or beneficial. The real turning point came when I decided to get clear about the kind of clients I would love to coach.
A vivid example of this shift occurred when I hired my personal trainer. He was direct and unapologetic and only interested in committed clients. His rules were simple: no junk food, train hard every session, and punctuality was non-negotiable. If I couldn’t stick to these guidelines, our partnership wouldn’t work. This clarity didn’t just catch my attention; it made me more eager to work with him and comply fully.
In coaching, I find it important to identify and embrace the qualities of my ideal clients. Instead of casting a wide net, take the time to define what commitment and enthusiasm mean to you and who would be fun for you to work with. For instance, think about focusing on people who prioritise personal growth or those who genuinely embrace the coaching journey.
One coach I spoke with in 2013 told me her favourite clients were the ones that no one else wanted to work with and were labelled “difficult”. This is a personal preference, and there is no wrong answer. The more specific you are, the easier you’ll spot the people who will benefit most from your work together.
This doesn’t mean you’ll automatically exclude other potential clients. Being of service as a foundation will always come first. However, you can also focus on those whom you ideally want to work with and who will likely experience more impact from working with you.
