When I first started practicing as a professional photographer, I knew I needed to create a contract for clients to sign upon confirmation of a booking. Going through this process of creating a contract helped me think of scenarios that might happen so we can avoid misunderstanding in the future. It lists my responsibilities as a photographer and protects me in case any unforeseen circumstances happen. I am now into my 12th year of business, and interestingly, through the years, the contract has changed and gone through multiple amendments because of new scenarios that I have personally experienced.
When I created my first contract, I had this mindset that it needed to be long, filled with jargon and complex… something only a lawyer could draft. But I realised I didn’t need all of that to make a contract or agreement binding. All I needed to do was to write it in simple, plain English that is easily understood by both parties.
Now that I am starting to view coaching as a potential career path, I know that I have to begin thinking about creating this contract or agreement. It is important to highlight the details in the agreement to the Coachee verbally as most people usually skim through contracts without reading it properly. Here are some of the key details that need to be included in this agreement:
- The definition of my role as a coach and what coaching is not
- Duration, frequency, length and location of the coaching sessions
- The fees agreed upon & payment terms
- Confidentiality statement
- Responsibilities of the coach and coachee
- Expected outcome / goals of the coachee
- Clause on rescheduling
- Exit clause
And lastly, it needs to be signed by both parties to be complete and binding. Then the coaching sessions can begin!
