Over on Career Hub, Billie Sucher wrote about what constitutes a good client for her. That got me thinking about the same question for me (answered below), and about you. Who is a great client for you? I'm not talking traditional market segmentation here. Rather, the question is, "What client behaviors do you love, and which do you hate?" Read my list, check out Billie's list, and then figure out your list. Please share your list in the comments section, if you like.
For me, great clients...
...are willing to do the hard work that coaching demands.
...are willing to stretch beyond surviving and toward thriving.
...keep promises made to me.
...do all the fieldwork they promised.
...do not cancel appointments with less than 24 hours notice.
...pay on time, without any nagging from me.
...send me testimonials (email and LinkedIn) without my asking.
...regularly refer other potential clients to me.
...are willing to get beyond "I don't know" and to try out new ways of being.
...regularly give me feedback on my coaching (good and bad).
...understand that coaching requires an investment of time, and sees the return on that investment.
...eagerly tell friends and colleagues how useful coaching is.
...appreciate my commitment to them.
...expect me to be an excellent coach, and to work at getting even better.
...avoid blame, and focus on moving forward.
...are people I respect, and whose respect I wish to earn.
...value the partnership we create.
What about you?
