Description

In this eye-opening episode, Sarah exposes a troubling business model that's exploiting coaches in our industry. She reveals how one company is selling coaching services for just £49.99 for four hours of coaching per month (that's £12.50 per session!) while paying their coaches absolutely nothing.

This isn't pro bono work – it's exploitation disguised as "opportunity."

Key Points Discussed:

The Shocking Business Model:

• The Setup: A coaching company selling 4 hours of monthly coaching for £49.99 (including VAT)
• The Math: That's just £12.50 per hour session, or £10.42 without VAT
• The Reality: Coaches receive zero payment – not even an associate fee
• The Clients: Include household-name organisations that should know better

Why This Matters

• Professional Devaluation: When coaching costs "less than a pizza," it undermines the entire profession
• Exploitation of Vulnerability: Takes advantage of new coaches desperate to build hours for accreditation
• Market Impact: Organisations paying below minimum wage for professional services sets a dangerous precedent

The LinkedIn Poll Results

Sarah's community spoke loud and clear:

• 90% found the practice exploitative
• 5% deemed it acceptable
• 5% had other concerns

The Vulnerability Factor

Why do coaches fall for this? Sarah reveals the "dark underbelly" of our profession:

• Lack of Transparency: Coaching schools don't explain the scarcity of employed opportunities
• Missing Skills: New coaches aren't taught client acquisition – the essential complementary skillset
• False Expectations: Students expect clients to come easily post-certification
• Desperation: Struggling coaches become vulnerable to exploitation

The Bigger Picture

This isn't just about one company – it's part of a larger pattern of advantage-taking in the coaching industry, from:

• "Six figures in 90 days" charlatans charging tens of thousands
• Companies that promise to sell your coaching but never pay you

Sarah's Position

This is NOT pro bono coaching because:

• The client is paying
• The company is profiting
• Only the coaches work for free

True pro bono coaching:

• Serves those who couldn't otherwise afford coaching
• Should come after coaches have covered their financial bases
• Doesn't involve a middleman profiting from free labour

Discussion Questions

• How do we better prepare new coaches for the business realities of coaching?
• What responsibility do coaching schools have to set realistic expectations?
• How can we protect vulnerable coaches from exploitative practices?
• What constitutes fair compensation for professional coaching services?

Resources:

📖 Read the Original LinkedIn Post: Sarah's viral LinkedIn post that sparked this conversation

🎧 Related Episode: Listen to "Monetisable Credibility" to understand what gives coaches leverage in the marketplace

The Bottom Line

Professional coaches deserve professional rates. When we allow our services to be valued at "less than the cost of a pizza," we don't just hurt individual coaches – we damage the credibility and sustainability of our entire profession.

The coaching industry needs to have honest conversations about business realities, fair compensation, and protecting new coaches from exploitation.

What are your thoughts on this practice? Have you encountered similar situations in the coaching world? Share your experiences and join the conversation.

Stats That Matter:

• 13,500+ coaching sessions delivered unpaid through this one company
• £10.42 per hour – well below UK minimum wage
• 90% of respondents called it exploitative

Originally posted a year ago, this issue remains relevant as the coaching industry continues to grapple with fair compensation and professional standards.

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