I was on a call yesterday with a potential client. She was asking questions about how I do my check-in process -- is it weekly? Daily? What information do I need? What if she has questions?
All valid things to know before getting on board with a coach. As I answered her question about the check-in process, I was at first afraid that she may not like my answer. I mean, what if I say weekly, but she wants to check-in daily? Or what if I say daily and that's just unrealistic with her job schedule?
A coach/athlete/client relationship should be fluid. Meaning, as the weeks go on, my clients and I generally find a way of communicating that works for us. This may go against what other coaches do or feel is right. Perhaps some coaches say, "I want daily updates and that's just how it is." My coaching style.... I just can't do that.
I've already had to shift gears with some clients. We started off doing weekly check-ins and realized a couple quick texts every couple days proved to be more beneficial. Others were just fine with weekly check-ins.
In my nutrition coaching, we've come to similar conclusions. Many potential clients ask me how I do the meal plans. Do I just give macros? Do I write out specific foods and meals? Do I offer substitutions? Do I need to put my food in an app tracker?
Again, some coaches have found what works for them. Perhaps they've just decided to stick to their way of doing it and if you as the client don't like that, then it's not the right system for you. After all, there are many things in life that work this way.
So what's the BEST way? As a coach, I like to find what works best for the client. If they are self sufficient and macros work just fine, then that's what we go with. If they need more detail, then we go that route. And it's dynamic... so if after a month, they are finding they need something different, we switch gears.
I truly believe a good coach will find what works for the client. Within reason and set expectations of course. If a client needs daily hand-holding, it may require a larger investment. And as the coach, I also want to teach them self responsibility. So I may help them navigate a bit on the front end, educate as we go, so they can be independent down the road.
Knowing what your client needs is crucial for their success. I've written other posts about communication, so it really does boil down to that. Meeting them in the middle can be a game changer for their confidence and success.
