Look, we all know clients are what keep the lights on in your coaching business. But here’s the thing – just because someone waves their credit card at you doesn’t mean you need to roll out the red carpet and let them trample all over your life. Seriously.
New coaches often fall into this trap. You’re keen to get those first few clients through the door, so you say yes to everyone who rocks up. But this needs to be a two-way street. You’re helping them level up their life or business, and they should be decent humans who actually listen to your advice instead of treating you like their personal 24/7 hotline.
What happens without boundaries?
- You reply to pings at all hours and start resenting your phone.
- Calls run over, your lunch disappears, and your focus goes with it.
- You become the emergency hotline for things that belong in a worksheet.
- Payments drift and you become a debt collector.
- Worst of all, your best clients get less of you because the squeaky wheels are squeaking.
Time to draw some lines in the sand
The best time to set boundaries? Before you even accept your first client. But if you’re already dealing with someone who thinks 11 PM texts are totally fine, don’t stress – it’s never too late to sort this out. Once you’ve got clear boundaries and share them with all your clients, the demanding ones will usually weed themselves out, while the respectful ones who value your time will stick around.
Here’s where you need to put your foot down:
1. Communication Expectations
How are clients allowed to reach you? Let’s say you offer weekly coaching calls – brilliant. But does that mean they can text you at 10:30 on a Saturday night because they’re having a meltdown about their marketing strategy? Probably not, right?
For example: You might say, “Our scheduled calls happen on Tuesdays at 2 PM. If you have urgent questions between sessions, email me and I’ll respond within one business day. After-hours emergencies can be handled via text, but there’s a $150 premium fee.” See how that works? Clear as.
2. Your Actual Working Hours
When does your workday actually end? I know, I know – shutting that laptop at 5 PM feels impossible when you’re running your own show. But if you don’t protect your time, no one else will.
For example: Set your hours as Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Make it clear to clients: “I check emails twice daily during business hours. If you message me at 8 PM on Thursday, you’ll hear back from me Friday morning.” Then stick to it like your sanity depends on it (because it does).
3. Contracts and Payment Terms
Every single client needs to sign a contract – no exceptions, not even for your friend’s cousin who seems really nice. This contract should spell out everything: your fees, what they’re getting, payment schedules, and what happens if things go pear-shaped.
For example: “All payments are due by the 5th of each month. Late payments cop a $50 fee after a 7-day grace period. If you need to exit the contract early, you’ll need to give 30 days’ notice and pay for any unused sessions at 50% rate. No refunds after the first session.” Crystal clear, no room for funny business.
4. Crystal Clear Package Details
Don’t leave any wiggle room for clients to claim they “didn’t know” what they were paying for. Spell it all out like you’re explaining it to someone who’s never hired a coach before.
For example: “Your three-month package includes four 60-minute calls per month via Zoom. Calls that run over 60 minutes will be charged at $3 per additional minute. You get unlimited email support (responses within 24 hours on business days). Need an extra call? That’s $200 for an additional hour. The initial consultation is free, but after that, we’re on the clock.”
The Bottom Line
Think about your worst nightmare client. What would they need to do for you to fire them? Got one already who’s making you question your entire career choice? Time to implement these boundaries and have a frank chat with them. Yeah, they might not take it well and leave, but honestly – isn’t that better than dreading every notification that pops up on your phone?
When you’ve got solid boundaries and you actually enforce them (this is key!), good clients will respect your time. They’ll show up prepared, use their sessions efficiently, and treat you like the professional you are.
Need Help Dealing with a Difficult Client?
My new home study course has an entire section dedicated to setting business boundaries and dealing with those clients who test every limit. “Self-care Reset for Entrepreneurs” is about looking after your whole self so you can run your business without burning out or losing your mind. You get four lesson modules, each with exercises and action plans you can work through at your own pace. No stress, no deadlines – just practical strategies you can actually use.
