1 Understand the reason

Before you agree or disagree to renegotiate, you need to understand why your client is asking for it. Is it because they are facing a financial hardship, a personal crisis, or a shift in their priorities? Or is it because they are unhappy with the results, the pace, or the style of your coaching? Listen to their concerns and ask open-ended questions to clarify their expectations and motivations. This will help you assess whether the request is reasonable, feasible, and aligned with your coaching philosophy.

2 Communicate your value

One of the challenges of renegotiating is that it can undermine your perceived value as a coach. You don't want to give the impression that you are desperate, insecure, or flexible about your rates and boundaries. Therefore, you need to communicate your value clearly and confidently. Remind your client of the benefits and outcomes of working with you, the credentials and experience you have, and the testimonials and referrals you can provide. Highlight how your coaching agreement reflects your value and supports your client's success.

3 Explore the options

Renegotiating doesn't have to mean compromising or sacrificing your interests. It can be an opportunity to explore different options that can suit both parties. For example, you can offer to adjust the frequency, duration, or format of your sessions, to include or exclude some services or resources, or to create a payment plan or a discount for a longer-term commitment. You can also suggest alternative solutions that can address your client's challenges or goals, such as group coaching, online courses, or referrals to other professionals.

4 Set the boundaries

While you want to be flexible and accommodating, you also need to set some boundaries and limits to protect your time, energy, and income. You can do this by establishing some criteria and conditions for renegotiating, such as the timing, frequency, scope, and duration of the changes. You can also specify some consequences or penalties for breaking or modifying the agreement, such as fees, cancellation policies, or termination clauses. Make sure you communicate these boundaries clearly and respectfully, and get your client's consent and confirmation.

5 Update the agreement

Once you have reached a mutual agreement on the new terms, you need to update your coaching agreement accordingly. This will help you avoid any confusion, misunderstanding, or dispute in the future. You can use a template or a software to create a new contract, or simply amend the existing one with the changes. You can also ask your client to sign or acknowledge the updated agreement electronically or in person. Keep a copy of the agreement for your records and reference.

6 Review the results

Renegotiating is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires monitoring and evaluation. You need to review the results and feedback of the new agreement regularly, and check in with your client about their satisfaction and progress. You can use some tools and methods to measure and document the impact and value of your coaching, such as surveys, testimonials, case studies, or metrics. You can also ask your client for referrals, reviews, or testimonials to boost your credibility and visibility.