Can we size it down (i.e. the coaching package)?
“make it smaller please” - can we do that with a coaching offering?
Can we size it down – that’s a question that lingers in (too) many client interactions. I’ve basically seen it in any industry that sells a customer specific solution. And while we can often answer with “theoretically yes” – it will usually be followed with a variation of: “and it will feel differently”.
Undoubtedly, a miniature train is different from the highspeed trains on our rail systems. A light intraurban train is different, too.
The tiny house in a remote, maybe mountainous, location will offer a roof, walls, windows, doors, etc same as the suburban family home. And that may well be where the similarities end.
We are used to seeing objects of different sizes with different purposes. So why should an in-depth consulting project be shrinkable without impact on the project result? Way to often, we have been faced with the demand to size down and deliver the same result. Or, in the same vein, keep the project size and increase the outcome. The dreaded scope creep.
I guess we know where this is going, right? What about the coaching package proposal that you received from me? Let’s break it down:
If you have a proposal, you came to a vibe check because you heard about me, saw my socials, my website, etc, and assumed that I might know what I’m doing. At least enough of it to spend the 30 minutes (sometimes it’s closer to an hour and that’s ok too. I invest in you and getting to know you).
Based on that interaction, I’ve put together a proposal that’s based on your experience (with coaching) and what I learned about you so far. There’s usually a tiny bit of leeway in there as a buffer for any urgent situation that might arise during our time together (usually about 3 months). If nothing urgent comes up – great, you gained a bonus session.
You’ll be able to address any issues you have with said proposal personally with me before signing. There are T&Cs, and I believe them to be fair, especially as they explicitly state the possibility of ending the agreement early.
Given all that – any time the downsizing question comes up, it’ll leave me a bit puzzled and weary.
Coaching is all about trust from the start. And as I trust you to not freeload on the free parts of our interaction, or end the agreement after the fist session, I sort of expect you to trust that I did not grossly inflate my offering.
So – is it a lack of trust in my expertise?
I get that a coaching package is a significant expenditure. And if you want to have that experience with me, I promise to give my all to make it worth it. If not, feel free the end the agreement early.
Or do people want to have someone to make decisions for them? Because I cannot size down without decisions that are not mine to make! My package is based on the goals and topics you gave in the vibe check. When you ask for me to downsize, you’re asking me to prioritize the items you addressed in our discussions. And I don’t believe in doing that for another adult.
Number one of my coaching principles is that the client is in the driver’s seat taking the wheel of their own life. Prioritizing items for you is taking away that control. And that’s a no-go for me.
If you feel that the expenditure is too much: it’s tied to the topics you wanted to address. Let me know how you prioritize and what you’ll leave out and we can go from there.
Five takeaways if you think your coach is charging too much:
Do you have prior experience on being coached? If no, allow a bit of leeway and acclimatization effort aka get to feel comfortable at the wheel.
Are they worth it? What’s their experience and how did they come across in the vibe check?
What is your goal: do you have a clear picture or do you need your coach to whittle it down with (!) you?
Does the offer / T&Cs have an opt-out clause? Ask for it and don’t be afraid to use it!
Coaching is not a school or study program. There is no predetermined outcome – you and only you should decide how much time, effort, and money you are willing to spend on which topics. Take the wheel! Do not delegate your decisions to your coach (or anybody else, really)!
Wishing you the best of luck! And never hesitate to book your free vibe check!
Here’s more on Coaching…
“make it smaller” – can we do that with a coaching offering?
We are used to seeing objects of different sizes with different purposes. So why should an in-depth coaching approach be shrinkable - IF you've had an extensive vibe check and listed your goals and topics. Read to find my FIVE KEY POINTS.