How to Get HR to Approve Your Coaching Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide for Coaches
Learn how to get HR to approve your coaching budget with our step-by-step guide, complete with practical tips and actionable advice.
You've spent years honing your coaching skills, and finally, you've landed a high-profile client. But just as you're about to start the coaching sessions, HR shoots you an email asking for approval of your coaching budget. You've never worked with HR before, and you're not sure where to start. This is where many coaches lose their momentum and fail to get paid for their services.
Why this keeps happening
The problem lies in the lack of clarity around your coaching services, the payment terms, and your budget. HR may not understand the value you bring to the organization, and they may be hesitant to approve your budget without proper justification. Additionally, the approval process can be lengthy, leaving you without a clear understanding of when you'll get paid.
Real example
Take Sarah, a life coach who landed a coaching contract with a large corporation. She had to submit her coaching plan, payment terms, and budget to HR for approval. However, the approval process took weeks, and Sarah was left without a clear understanding of when she'd get paid. She had to wait for weeks before she could start the coaching sessions, and by then, the client had lost interest.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Step 1: Define Your Coaching Services and Value Proposition
Start by defining your coaching services and the value you bring to the organization. Develop a clear and concise pitch that highlights your expertise and the benefits of your coaching services. Use language that resonates with HR and other stakeholders. For example, instead of saying 'I'll provide coaching services to the team,' say 'I'll help the team develop leadership skills and improve productivity.' This will help HR understand the value you bring and increase the chances of approval. Sarah, for instance, developed a coaching plan that focused on improving employee engagement and retention. She was able to clearly articulate the value she brought to the organization, which helped HR approve her budget.
Step 2: Establish a Clear Payment Schedule and Terms
Establish a clear payment schedule and terms that work for both you and the client. Determine the frequency of payments, the method of payment, and the late payment fees. Make sure to include a clause that outlines the consequences of non-payment. For example, you could include a clause that states if the client fails to pay on time, they'll incur a late payment fee of $50. This will help ensure timely payments and reduce the risk of non-payment. Sarah, for instance, established a payment schedule that included bi-weekly payments, which helped ensure timely payments and reduced the risk of non-payment.
Step 3: Create a Comprehensive Coaching Plan with Measurable Outcomes
Develop a comprehensive coaching plan with measurable outcomes that demonstrate the value of your coaching services. Break down the coaching plan into smaller, manageable chunks, and establish clear goals and objectives. Use language that resonates with HR and other stakeholders. For example, instead of saying 'I'll provide coaching services to the team,' say 'I'll help the team develop leadership skills and improve productivity by 20% within the next 6 months.' This will help HR understand the value you bring and increase the chances of approval. Sarah, for instance, developed a coaching plan that focused on improving employee engagement and retention. She was able to clearly articulate the value she brought to the organization, which helped HR approve her budget.
Step 4: Develop a Budget that Includes All the Costs Associated with Coaching
Develop a budget that includes all the costs associated with coaching, including your time, travel expenses, and any other costs. Make sure to include a contingency plan for unforeseen expenses. For example, you could include a clause that states if the client fails to pay on time, you'll incur a late payment fee of $50. This will help ensure timely payments and reduce the risk of non-payment. Sarah, for instance, developed a budget that included all the costs associated with coaching, including her time and travel expenses. She was able to clearly articulate the value she brought to the organization, which helped HR approve her budget.
Step 5: Build Relationships with HR and Other Stakeholders
Build relationships with HR and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth approval process. Attend meetings, respond to emails, and provide regular updates on your coaching progress. Use language that resonates with HR and other stakeholders. For example, instead of saying 'I'll provide coaching services to the team,' say 'I'll help the team develop leadership skills and improve productivity.' This will help HR understand the value you bring and increase the chances of approval. Sarah, for instance, built relationships with HR and other stakeholders, which helped ensure a smooth approval process and increased the chances of approval.
The Becflow solution
Becflow is here to help you streamline the approval and payment process with our AI-powered contracts, payment links, and automatic reminders. With Becflow, you'll be able to clearly define your coaching services, establish a clear payment schedule, and develop a comprehensive coaching plan with measurable outcomes. Say goodbye to the hassle of manual invoicing and payment tracking. Sign up for a free trial today and start getting paid for your coaching services on time!
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