I've learned some cool slang from the coaches that I've met in the UK ...
But one term that I really don't like is: "Mate Rates."
A "Mate Rate" is when someone expects a discount just because they're your friend.
To use it in a sentence re: coaching, someone might say; "I know you charge $x, but
can I get a 'Mate Rate'?" ("Pretty please???")
Bobby was your best friend in grade 3, so he expects you to cut your fees in half.
Sarah was your maid of honour, so naturally you should give her a couple free months of coaching, right?
There are good arguments to be made against coaching friends and family members to begin with, but throw in an expectation of a discount and it gets
really messy.
Mate Rates are the same as when you own a truck, and friends assume that commits you to helping them anytime they move for the rest of eternity.
Here's one way around the dreaded Mate Rate:
- The next time Bobby (who's now a lawyer) asks for one, say: "Sure ... and I assume you'll be reducing your legal fees in half should I hire you?"
- Or for Sarah, your maid-of-honour-turned-coffee-shop-owner, you can say: "As long as I get free coffee from you for life?"
That should smarten
them up ...
If you're looking for help enforcing your coaching fees and being paid what you're worth, my next group coaching program starts in a few weeks.
Marc