In a recent blog post, I talked about the difference between 1:1 Coaching and Group Coaching contracts, including what clauses you need to include and how they differ.
Both of these models of coaching are incredibly common in the online business space, but I work with a ton of service providers who offer 1:1 client services, so I thought you deserve your own moment.
Mainly because when working 1:1 with clients, the boundary lines can get blurry real quick.
This tends to happen less often with group coaching clients because there’s typically less opportunity for a group client to push a boundary since most of the work you’re doing is in a group setting.
But when you’re working with someone 1:1, you typically grow closer and communicate more often, making it easier for boundary lines to get crossed at some point.
And don’t get me wrong – offering 1:1 services is amazing and they’re so needed in the online business space. You have a unique opportunity to make a big impact in your client’s lives, tailor your services to what they really need, and build close working relationships.
What we don’t want happening is for boundaries to get crossed that make you regret offering those services in the first place. And that’s where your Independent Contractor Agreement comes into play!
A well-drafted 1:1 coaching agreement or independent contractor agreement is more than just a legal formality – it’s truly your first line of defense when it comes to setting and enforcing client boundaries and in this blog post, I’m going to share exactly how!
The Most Common Forms of Boundary Breaking with 1:1 Clients
Before digging into the nitty gritty of how to make sure you keep your boundaries intact as a service provider with 1:1 clients, I want to briefly break down some of the most common forms of boundary breaking in the online space.
Because even though it might sound obvious, there’s a chance a client is pushing your boundaries without you even realizing.
Some of the most common red flags include:
🚩 Constant communication outside agreed hours, like late-night texts, early morning DMs, or “quick questions” that never seem to end
🚩 Payment issues, such as delayed payments, missed invoices, or clients who expect more work than they’ve actually paid for
🚩 Last-minute cancellations or reschedules that throw off your calendar and cut into your time with other clients (or your personal life)
🚩 Scope creep, which is when a project or coaching container starts expanding beyond what was originally agreed upon, without additional compensation
🚩 Lack of respect for your process, like skipping onboarding steps, ignoring your systems, or disregarding policies you’ve put in place.
These are the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways client relationships can shift from professional to draining, but the good news is that this is exactly where your independent contractor agreement or 1:1 coaching agreement comes in as your first line of defense.
How Your 1:1 Client Contract Becomes Your First Line of Defense
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for – how to actually protect yourself from all the potential boundary breakings with a 1:1 client contract.
A lot of times when people hear the word “contract,” they automatically think of it as a thing that’s used to protect you in the event of a lawsuit. And while that’s completely true and is a very important reason to have a client contracts, it’s also needed to simply set the expectations with your clients from the very beginning.
Think of it as a professional safety net: when something comes up, you can point back to what was already agreed upon, instead of scrambling to explain your policies on the spot.
Here are a few examples of how your contract can do the heavy lifting for you:
DMs at Midnight (or other communication you haven’t agreed to)
Scenario: Your client starts messaging you outside of office hours – late at night, on weekends, even during your family time. And worse, they might even be using forms of communication that you didn’t agree to.
For example, let’s say you solely use Slack for your client communications, but your client starts emailing you, DMing you, or even texting you about work related questions.
Yeah… not cool and a prime example of a boundary crossing. 🙅🏼♀️
Solution: Include communication boundaries in your iIndependent contractor agreement so that if or when this scenario shows up, you can point your client back to your agreement so it can be resolved.
In this contract clause, be sure to specify how exactly clients can contact you (email, Slack, Voxer, etc.), when they can expect a response, and what’s considered “off-limits” (like texting your personal phone).
Ghosting on Payments
Scenario: A client keeps delaying or “forgetting” to pay invoices, leaving you chasing down money you’ve already earned.
Solution: Your independent contractor agreement should include payment terms that outline due dates, late fees, and consequences for non-payment. This way, you’re not sending awkward “just checking in” messages and instead, you’re simply enforcing agreed-upon terms.
Last-Minute Cancellations
Scenario: A client cancels your call an hour before your scheduled session, or doesn’t show up at all.
Solution: With a clear cancellation and rescheduling policy written into your independent contractor agreement, you can protect your time.
For example, require 24-48 hours’ notice for cancellations, or specify that missed sessions won’t be rescheduled or refunded.
Scope Creep
Scenario: A client pushes for “just one more call” or additional services that were never part of your original agreement.
Solution: Your contract should clearly define the scope of your services, meaning what’s included, what’s not, and how additional work can be added (with an additional fee).
In each of these cases, your independent contractor agreement allows you to stay calm and professional, instead of getting defensive or scrambling to make a new policy – with a contract in place from the very beginning, you can simply point back to what the client already agreed to.
How Boundaries Protect Both You and Your Clients
Now that we’ve covered how a 1:1 client contract can protect you, it’s important to understand that the contract actually isn’t just about you…
And that’s an important distinction to make because setting boundaries like this can often feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re a people pleaser of any kind.
But your clients actually benefit from this clarity, too. When expectations are set from day one, there’s no guesswork or confusion about how the working relationship works.
Your clients will know:
✔️ How to reach you and when
✔️ What exactly they’re paying for and when it’s due
✔️ What happens if they cancel or don’t follow through
This makes the working relationship smoother, more professional, and ultimately more effective. Instead of worrying about logistics, you can both focus on the transformation they hired you for.
What Happens If You Don’t Have These Boundaries in Place
Okay, soooo what happens if you don’t make your client boundaries clear?
Well honestly, there’s a lot at risk here including:
👎🏼 Burnout from overextending yourself
👎🏼 Awkward conversations when you try to enforce boundaries retroactively
👎🏼 Lost income from unpaid invoices or frequent cancellations
👎🏼 Damaged client relationships when expectations aren’t met
At the end of the day, the boundaries you set with your client contracts aren’t just to protect you personally – it’s to protect the long-term success of your business.
The Independent Contractor Agreement That Every Service Provider with 1:1 Clients Needs
Overall, your independent contractor agreement is so much more than just legal jargon that can protect you in court. It’s a true boundary-setting tool that gives you the confidence to say no, the professionalism to back up your policies, and the freedom to focus on what you do best.
So, if you’re ready to set stronger boundaries in your business, click here to grab your very own Independent Contractor Agreement template, which includes every clause you need to set clear boundaries and protect yourself (and your clients) along the way!
PLUS, when you purchase your template, you’ll get an attorney walkthrough video from yours truly, Word and Google Doc versions (so you can easily edit in whichever platform you love best), a customization guide that you can follow step by step, AND future updates included if the legal landscape ever shifts.
* * *
If you like what you just read and want more cool lawyer things in your life, here’s a few ways to stay connected:
Let’s be pen pals! Subscribe to my email list to receive all of my best biz tips and behind the scenes goodies to keep your business bringing in sales (legally of course).
Binge the blog to get all of the legal information you need about running a business in a way that actually makes sense to your non-legal brain.
Come hang with me on the ‘gram! I often do AMA’s on stories, so you can submit your specific questions when they come up.
And if you’re in need of legal resources that you can ACTUALLY understand? Here’s a few ways I can help:
Step into TBL’s free library of legal resources for creative entrepreneurs where we throw open the doors and spill the tea on what works and what doesn't when it comes to legal protection, systems and sales.
Browse the contract template shop to find what’s missing in your biz and easily implement it with a plug and play template!
Need something else? Send me a DM! Always happy to lend a legal hand when I can.