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What Legal Processes Are Non-Negotiables for Your Online Coaching Business…

Aug 23, 2021

Setting up your business in an efficient and legally effective way from day-1, ensures that both you as the coach, and your clients, are protected. Registering your business and securing your business name, partnered with a solid client contract are a few significant non-negotiables worth exploring. Think of the following 3 legal essentials as the ideal prep work to avoid any big business issues down the road.

1: Legally Registering Your Business

The first step for any good business is ensuring that it is legit. Seems straightforward, right? As the owner you want to make sure you will not be operating your business under the registered title of someone else’s coaching business. You will want to set up a business structure that fits the needs of your business and the way you operate. The two most popular options to choose from are sole proprietorship (if it’s just you owning and operating), and incorporating (creating a legal entity separate to you as the owner). This step is key (that’s why it’s the first on our list!) because you can’t progress and build your business safely until you have peace of mind that it has been done correctly.

Registering your business name does come with some upfront costs, but trust us when we say it’s A LOT less than the costs attached to finding out you’ve been using the same name as someone else who has already registered it. The registration of business names/trade names other than your legal name must be done in accordance with provincial and state guidelines, and each through their registry systems. It may be worth contacting a lawyer to see if a comprehensive name search can be done to be absolutely certain that you can secure the business name you desire.

2. Your Coaching Agreement

It doesn’t matter if you have 2 clients or 200 (we hope it’s the latter!), it’s important to protect yourself and your brand. Formulating a coaching agreement that fits your brand and business policies is essential for business success! Not only will it show your clients the legitimacy and seriousness of your business, but it forms a veil of added protection that sets out the specific services your client will receive and the obligations of all parties. Within your contract, outline your service costs, how you are going to get paid (the exciting part!), and what your missed payment protocol is going to be. Missed payment protocol will cover you if your client misses a payment, or in the unfortunate event they refuse to pay entirely.
BONUS TIP: Including disclaimers, limiting your liability as the coach, and outlining your professional abilities are crucial requirements. If you aren’t a lawyer or a doctor, your contract should make it clear to your client that while you are providing outstanding coaching services, you are not a substitute for them seeking medical treatment or professional services where necessary. These disclaimers serve as the more legal term of “at your own risk” and should not be missed. Ready to get started on your perfect Agreement? Find the right template for your coaching business here!

3. Media Release

A Media Release Form can be a vital part of a successful relationship and growing business. As the owner, it’s likely you will want to show off the progress your clients are making as it’s a direct reflection of the services you offer. So why not build it right into your coaching agreement. This clause will allow you to use recordings and photos of your clients as marketing and promotional tools in the future, without leaving any doors open for client compensation or royalties. Testimonial statements are also a great way to entice new clients into joining your programs, and the use of these would be covered under your media release clause as well. Getting the word out about your business is challenging enough, don’t pile more on yourself by not including a media release clause for promotion!
Depending on your business, you may find that a separate Media Release Form is better suited and more detailed for your services, but we did include this as a single clause in our Coaching Agreement as an added bonus! Why not head on over to our Coaching and Consulting section of Contracts for Entrepreneurs and see how easy it is to get your legal contracts in order. Whatever direction your business takes, we are always rooting for you and wish you nothing but the utmost success!
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