New Client Consultation Guide

Consultations typically last around 20 minutes. They are typically free or low-cost, allowing the coach and potential client to get to know one another and the coach to screen for fit prior to a commitment from either side. 

**Do not coach during a consultation as no contracts are in place.

Sponsor Consultation (e.g., parent, manager, guardian, etc.)

• Begin by asking the prospective sponsor about why they’re seeking coaching services for the youth.
• Let them talk.
• Listen for the client’s needs and goals.
• Listen for ways coaching may or may not be the best fit.
• Determine what they know about coaching.
• Make any clarifications necessary.
• Explain your thoughts on if the young person could be a good fit for coaching – why or why not.
• Discuss logistics (pricing structure, session structure, etc.)
• If the sponsor wants to proceed, conduct a separate consultation with the youth.
• This is imperative to ensure that the youth is a good fit for coaching and to provide the youth choice and voice.
• Coaching clients are willing, ready, and able to commit to the coaching process.

Youth Consultation

• Begin by asking the prospective client what they know about why they’re speaking with you. Confirm what they know about coaching.
• Clarify what coaching is and is not.
• Check in on what goals or aspects of life they may be able to use support working through.
• Explain the coaching process and how you could support them through coaching.
• Answer any questions they may have about you or the process.
• Check in on their thoughts about working on those things with you through coaching.
• If you believe they’re a fit for coaching, ask that they discuss it with their sponsor and have the sponsor reach out for the next steps, if they’d like to proceed.
• If you don’t believe they’re a good fit, for coaching, let the sponsor know and make any fitting recommendations or referrals.