What does a freelance coach do?
In this context, a freelance coach will offer help and support to freelancers and the self-employed in setting up and developing their business.
This can be in one-to-one sessions delivered in-person or virtually, or by supplying courses and material. And the topics can be both strategic and tactical, covering subjects such as how to set up a freelancing business, finding clients, marketing yourself, and growing your career in the future.
So, the advice may cover the legal and financial side of self-employment, attracting new clients through email marketing, SEO or social media, or developing the best method of working to be productive and keep your schedule under control. You’ll find that many coaches choose to specialise in particular areas as becoming an expert in every area would be difficult, if not impossible.
If you’ve ever tried finding coaches or mentors if you’re self-employed, you’ll know there’s often some confusion between the two terms. But mentoring will tend to be experience-based, whereas coaches will offer professional advice and formal assessments.
You may have offered informal advice to friends, or volunteered to mentor people in the past. But it’s important to realise that if you’re offering a paid coaching service, it will involve more structure and accountability to your clients. Anyone hiring you will expect to see the impact on their careers and lives, with some measures of their progress and success.
Legal and insurance requirements for freelance coaching
Beyond the tax and legal obligations of setting up as a sole trader, partnership or limited company, there are no specific requirements in general for freelance coaches.
Obviously rules on client confidentiality and data protection will apply, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). And if you might be working with younger clients, it may be worth going through a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
It’s also important to ensure that you’re insured against any potentially costly issues which may crop up. The most common option for freelance coaches will be Professional Indemnity insurance (Also known as Professional Liability), which will cover you if a client takes legal action against you for a financial loss due to an alleged mistake or negligence on your part. The IPSE website includes advice on the various types on insurance that any freelancer or self-employed professional may need.
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