Learn how to assess, communicate, customize, monitor, and plan for your new vocal coaching client’s needs, goals, and progress.

It is important to set boundaries early on in a professional relationship. If your client can call you at any time and you answer your phone, they will always expect you to answer your phone. If your client emails you and you respond immediately, they will always expect you to respond immediately. Your time is valuable, and your client needs to know. How you carry yourself and the boundaries you set will set the stage for expectations they will have from you in the beginning. Limit your time, over deliver on value, never put yourself in a position where you need to apologize. Show up on time, every time, and make your client's investment in you worth your time; and worth their money, energy, and commitment spent on you.

You’re working with a new client. What are the most important things to consider?

As a vocal coach, you know that every client is different and has unique goals, needs, and challenges. Whether you’re helping them improve their singing, speaking, or overall vocal health, you want to make sure you provide the best service possible. But how do you get started with a new client? What are the key factors to consider before, during, and after your first session? Here are some tips to help you create a positive and productive relationship with your new client.

1 Assess their level

Before you plan your coaching strategy, you need to assess your client’s current level of vocal skills and knowledge. You can do this by asking them some questions about their background, experience, goals, and preferences. You can also ask them to perform some vocal exercises or sing or speak a piece of their choice. This will help you identify their strengths, weaknesses, habits, and potential areas of improvement. You can also use this opportunity to give them some feedback and encouragement.

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Monica Kaila

Soft Skills Trainer , Free-Lance ,Consultant
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When you start working with a new client, you must have an open mind. You may have spent time and prepared a session based on the needs that were conveyed to you. But once the client is in front of you, you find the needs of the session to be completely different. This should not fluster you. So the first need is to analyze the needs of the client and as you are doing that , start breaking the ice and start building a rapport. So you are actually doing two things at one time. Once you are done with this, then you need to have a customized approach to your client as well as the specific needs. Even two clients supposedly having the same needs may need to be handled very differently.

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2 Establish rapport

Another important aspect of working with a new client is to establish rapport and trust. You want to create a comfortable and supportive environment where your client feels free to express themselves and ask questions. You can do this by being friendly, attentive, respectful, and empathetic. You can also show interest in their personal and professional lives, hobbies, and passions. You can also share some of your own stories and experiences as a vocal coach or performer. This will help you build a connection and rapport with your client.

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3 Set expectations

Once you have a clear idea of your client’s level and goals, you need to set some realistic and specific expectations for your coaching process. You need to communicate clearly what you can offer, what you expect from them, and what they can expect from you. You need to explain your coaching methods, techniques, tools, and resources. You need to outline your session structure, frequency, duration, and fees. You need to also discuss your feedback and evaluation methods, and how you will track and measure their progress.

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jason criddle

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It is important to set boundaries early on in a professional relationship. If your client can call you at any time and you answer your phone, they will always expect you to answer your phone. If your client emails you and you respond immediately, they will always expect you to respond immediately. Your time is valuable, and your client needs to know. How you carry yourself and the boundaries you set will set the stage for expectations they will have from you in the beginning. Limit your time, over deliver on value, never put yourself in a position where you need to apologize. Show up on time, every time, and make your client's investment in you worth your time; and worth their money, energy, and commitment spent on you.

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4 Customize your approach

Based on your assessment and expectations, you need to customize your coaching approach to suit your client’s individual needs and preferences. You need to design a personalized plan that covers the topics, skills, and exercises that are relevant and beneficial for your client. You need to also adapt your teaching style, pace, and tone to match your client’s learning style, personality, and mood. You need to also consider your client’s motivation, confidence, and feedback preferences. You need to make your coaching sessions engaging, enjoyable, and rewarding for your client.

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5 Monitor their progress

As you work with your new client, you need to monitor their progress and adjust your coaching plan accordingly. You need to observe their performance, behavior, and attitude during your sessions. You need to also ask for their feedback, opinions, and suggestions. You need to also review their assignments, recordings, and notes between your sessions. You need to celebrate their achievements, acknowledge their challenges, and address their concerns. You need to also provide them with constructive feedback, guidance, and support.

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6 Plan for the future

Finally, you need to plan for the future of your coaching relationship with your new client. You need to review your coaching goals, outcomes, and results. You need to also evaluate your coaching effectiveness, satisfaction, and value. You need to also discuss your client’s next steps, options, and opportunities. You need to also ask for their testimonials, referrals, and reviews. You need to also thank them for their trust, cooperation, and commitment. You need to also maintain contact and follow up with them until your next session or contract.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’re working with a new client. What are the most important things to consider?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess their level

2 Establish rapport

3 Set expectations

4 Customize your approach

5 Monitor their progress

6 Plan for the future

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

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You’re working with a new client. What are the most important things to consider?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess their level

2 Establish rapport

3 Set expectations

4 Customize your approach

5 Monitor their progress

6 Plan for the future

7 Here’s what else to consider

Vocal Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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