Your business model is limited only by your imagination
One of the most common questions we receive from those individuals going through our CWC certification process is how they should design their business model, especially when it comes to the options around face to face or telephonic coaching (or a hybrid of the two). Frankly, we don’t know what is best for your model, but here are some things to consider when making your decision.
- Face to face – This one may seem like the obvious best-case-scenario. Certainly, there are many advantages to meeting with your clients face-to-face. However, there are also many drawbacks to consider. On the positive side, you’re likely to develop a very strong relationship and you’ll be able to read body language during your time together, which can certainly be valuable. However, your client will likely have to spend twice as much time to meet with you based on the commute (or you’ll have to drive to them), you’ll need to pay for a place to meet that will be private (fixed cost), and the flexibility with scheduling options on a broader scale will be significantly limited.
- Telephonic – While this may seem less personal, it doesn’t have to be, and it can even open up some doors of communication initially that may not have otherwise been available due to the additional feeling of confidentiality experienced over the phone. Telephonic coaching provides the ultimate in flexibility for scheduling, requires less time on the part of the client (no commuting involved) and allows you to lower your rate without influencing your margins due to no travel time, cost or the fixed cost involved in having an office. If you decide to go this route, set ground rules for yourself and your clients about distractions (ie, scanning the internet, cooking dinner, etc. while talking).
- Hybrid – This may be your best option, and can even be incorporated into the tiers mentioned above. For example, maybe you meet face to face the first session and once/quarter thereafter. In between you provide a mix of phone and email check-ins. Whichever format you determine is best for you and your business, consider all the costs involved in terms of time, energy and setup.
