As a coach, you're juggling a million responsibilities—building your brand, acquiring customers, delivering products or services, and managing your team. But there’s one crucial responsibility that often gets overlooked: protecting yourself legally and that can get coaches sued.
The truth is, no one starts a business expecting to get sued, yet legal disputes are one of the biggest risks coaches face. And the #1 mistake that get coaches sued?
Not having clear, legally binding contracts in place.
Let’s dive into why this mistake is so costly, what you can do to avoid it, and how to safeguard your business starting today.
Contracts aren’t just boring legal documents—they’re your safety net. When you skip having a contract or rely on vague agreements, you leave yourself wide open to misunderstandings, disputes, and even lawsuits. Here’s why:
Without a written agreement, each party may have a different interpretation of what was agreed upon. For example:
These misunderstandings often escalate into costly legal battles.
A contract clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. It’s your best defense if someone doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain. Without one, you’re essentially relying on goodwill, and that won’t hold up in court.
Ever had a client ask for “just one more thing” that wasn’t part of your original agreement? Without a contract, it’s hard to push back. Even worse, if a client refuses to pay for completed work, you may have no recourse. And Coaches get sued by clients for verbal contracts, when a written one is missing.
If you create content, designs, or ideas for a client or partner, who owns them? Without a contract, you could lose ownership of your intellectual property—or end up in a dispute over who has the rights.
Whether you’re hiring employees or working with contractors, misclassifications and unclear terms can lead to lawsuits or government penalties.
Here are a few scenarios to illustrate the risks:
The good news? This mistake is 100% avoidable. Here’s how to make sure you’re covered:
Whether you’re hiring a contractor, selling a service, or entering a partnership, always get a contract signed. Even basic agreements are better than nothing.
Clearly outline:
Don’t rely on templates from random websites. Work with a business attorney to draft contracts tailored to your specific needs.
If you’re running an online business, make sure your website has:
Keep records of emails, agreements, and communications to protect yourself if disputes arise.
Here’s the thing: preventing legal trouble is much easier (and cheaper!) than dealing with a lawsuit. By putting contracts and policies in place now, you’re protecting your business, your reputation, and your future success.
If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone.
To make it easier for you, I’ve created a Legal Protection Checklist that outlines everything you need to safeguard your business. This checklist will help you:
Don’t leave your business open to unnecessary risks. Download the Legal Protection Checklist now and take the first step toward peace of mind.
By taking proactive steps to protect yourself legally, you can focus on what you do best—growing your business and serving your clients—without worrying about unexpected legal troubles.
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