I’ve kept the same cell phone number for the past 7-8 years. I’ve lived in NYC, NC, and now Florida, and in all that time, I’ve never changed phone numbers. Nor will I. Sure, it’s inconvenient for my mom who lives across town to have to dial an NYC phone to get me, and I’m only a few miles away, but for me, it’s worth it.
I have clients that still call me periodically for coaching that used this cell phone years ago. They like knowing that I’m just a call away if they need me. Several of these clients would probably have names that you might recognize and don’t use a coach regularly, but if the need arises, they know I’m there.
I’ve spent a large part of my career working with and for celebrities. Whether I market for them, do PR for them, or consult and coach with them, I’ve made a part of my career working in that market. As a result, I’ve gotten to know many agents, publicists, and Event Planners.
I also coach individuals in business. Right now, it seems that a large bulk of my clients are in new jobs, businesses, or about to make a transition. I don’t work by contract, only on an as-needed basis. Some of my clients show up every week. Others are clients that are only once a month. I’m flexible because my clients are busy. So am I, and I’m fine with them rescheduling with me a day in advance.
I started coaching this way because the high-profile clients that I served couldn’t meet regularly. They were traveling or unavailable at normal business times. so I made allowances for them. As my business and experience grew, I found that working with high-profile types was different than a traditional client.
I work on a project basis with many of these high-profile types. Some of them are high-level executives aside from celebrities. I’m there as a personal consultant that they call upon for many different issues. Most of them found me through the communication coaching that I provide, and we’ve kept the relationship going through the years. Whenever they call, I merely write it down and keep a log. I usually bill once a month. On projects, I estimate a project cost and always try to come in under the estimate.
I have clients that will fly in for the day. For that, my fees are a bit higher than on the phone. It’s a concentrated coaching session that can deal with family issues to create a workout schedule or recreate a brand or speech. We’ve discovered projects to create that they can market, and we’ve written the outline of books.
I noticed right up front that celebrities are keenly aware that people try to make a buck off of them, so I charge them less in some cases. Regardless, overestimating the bill is the way to go, and they always appreciate the financial break. I learned this early on when I had a repeat customer, and I sent a bill that she questioned. She didn’t feel that I had put in that much time with her so I told her that I had struggled with the bill myself because the project was so “off and on”. So, I told her to rip up my invoice and pay me what she thought she should. I got a nice check in the mail that was just a little less than I had originally charged, and it had a nice note attached. It was the right decision because I’ve continued to coach this person here and there over the last many years.
Coaching high-profile types are a great gig if you can get it. But don’t make the mistake of holding to your exact requirements, or you might lose a client in the process. The ones that I know appreciate my willingness to be flexible with my schedule and to reschedule if something else comes up. I’m fair with the money, and I always try to deliver more than promised.
I love coaching people who are successful, energetic, and ambitious. They never refuse a challenge, and they’re always up for new ideas. They appreciate others who are hard-working like them.
That is why I keep my cell phone number the same. Being available to these people is the name of the game.
