01/07/2021
Sometimes when I talk to women who ask about my online coaching, they say that they need to speak to their partners before making a commitment.
Loads of trainers hate this objection.
It can feel like a clumsy "no”. Before you know it, you’re avoiding the coach…
The coach is left feeling confused, awkwardly following up but not wanting to be a pest.
You’re stuck playing messenger tennis in which you don't want to leave that person with their problem… but also just want to close the open loop.
But: I actually like "I want to speak to my partner first".
I think it's a respectful move to make time that same evening to speak to your partner about a financial decision.
Even when the decision to invest in your health is entirely your call, financially.
You’re not asking for permission. It’s your money and your body, at the end of the day.
But there’s nothing wrong with including them in a decision about your health.
To me, that shows the person's values: Family. Respect. Loyalty...
And most importantly to the coaching process: a willingness to communicate about important, and sometimes difficult, topics.
Like health, and feelings, and money. That stuff matters, and it shows emotional maturity to ask for help.
Personally, I reckon if coaches were a little more patient about that request to speak to the husband they would find themselves with more clients.
Great clients, with awesome communication skills and values that likely match their own.
They wouldn't unethically lean on people that weren't in the financial position to make a commitment to coaching - which they'd leave after a month anyway and ask for a refund.
They wouldn't try to undermine the most important relationship their client has, damaging their relationship with the client before it's even begun.
They wouldn't place sales above helping someone. So talk to your partner. Bring ‘em to the call, if you want to. I’d love to include them in your decision making process.
People matter. Communication matters. Values matter.
At least, I believe they do.