I’ve always present my published agreements, procedures, and a code of ethics before meeting with a client, which sets the tone before we get involved.

Up to now, I have only recommended that they read my company’s “bible,” but now, I’m thinking insisting on it might make a giant leap forward.

Faithfully in Freedom,
Mike

Therefore, for one-on-one coaching clients, I ask them to read my book (or at least look through it) and to fill out a questionnaire, at least briefly, with some basic questions about where they are at. I also ask for their resume or LinkedIn link.

People know what I recommend and if they hate the idea of phoning, they don’t follow through on coaching with me. That’s best for all involved.

Understanding the person’s background and goals is also helpful. Why should they pay good money to explain to me in our conversation what I can read before we talk?

-Diana

Maybe I’ll catch you next time round in the UK and know I won’t be a nuisance…..

Kind regards,
L

We’ve had great success with both our work (and our breaks) because we have clients who are a lot like us. And they realise, that the best things in life require some work.

It’s easy to get creepos who can boss you around and demand the world. It’s a lot harder to get quality clients. And to get them you have to set rules.

It depends if you’re the kind of person that’s fussy, or just will take anyone who is willing to pay you—or rather “buy you”.

Stuck is great. That’s why you’re there: to help.
Disruptive is when you stop a presentation to ask: What’s for dinner? Disruptive is when you don’t pay attention to instructions and then ask stupid questions later. Disruptive is when you don’t do as you’re told and get in the way of others.

Stuck is fine. Disruptive is just being a pain in the butt!

The key is NOT to get them necessarily to read the entire document. In the case of The Brain Audit, most people have read the entire document. But in other cases, reading the recommended portion is part of the rules.

Can you still be disruptive? Of course you can. We’ve had situations where the person is disruptive. But the odds are very, very low. In 10 years (yes, we started our 10 year run yesterday) we’ve only had two or three situations. And two out of those three were because they didn’t read the document.

excellent post! And immediately actionable. I have been kicking some ideas around in my head for quite a while and this instantly crystalised them all into the perfect solution.

I already have strict Terms and Conditions that users of my service have to tick the box for, but that’s after they have made the significant commitment to me.

The Document Barrier will bring me the right people from the outset – thanks Sean!

@Linda – I guess you always get disruptive clients, but if they’ve hurdled the document barrier as Sean suggests, then they’re not disruptive for the wrong reason.