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Client FAQ

Last Updated: 14th November 2023


Before embarking on our work together, you may have a few questions. I've included the most frequently asked below, which I hope you'll find helpful. It covers everything from the services I offer to pricing and billing. Need more? Please get in touch.



COMMIT -A

Q: Who is COMMIT -A for?

COMMIT -A is designed for founders and solo practitioners running creative and digital businesses.

Q: How is COMMIT -A different to your 1‐1 coaching service?

COMMIT -A is a time-bound fixed fee program designed to get results. It's about defining what you need to change, agreeing on what needs to be done, and working as smartly as possible to achieve it. It's a mixture of coaching, accountability, mentorship, and advice.

1‐1 coaching isn't a program, and packages are tailored to your needs. I've worked with some clients for years, others for a few months, and have helped many on just a couple of thirty-minute calls. I like to see COMMIT -A as a great introduction to working together. If you like what we do and see results, then moving onto a bespoke 1‐1 coaching agreement after completing the program is a great option.

Q: Can the coaching be customised to my specific business or personal goals?

Absolutely! The program is highly personalised and tailored to address your unique goals, challenges, and aspirations throughout the 13 weeks.

Q: How will progress be measured throughout the program?

We'll agree and set measurable goals and outcomes at the beginning. Our regular check-ins and weekly surveys will track your progress, ensuring you stay on track.

Q: When can I start?

Right now! If not today, then whenever you like.

Q: Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. I am happy to offer a 3-part payment plan via GoCardless (UK Customers) or Stripe (Worldwide).

Q: What happens if I miss a 1‐1 coaching session?

If you can't make a 1‐1 session, we'll work to reschedule for a convenient time during the same week (your calendar and mine permitting).

Q: How often will I have access to you during the 13 weeks?

Outside of our regular 1‐1 coaching sessions, you can contact me via Slack, WhatsApp and email as much, or as little, as you like. I do my best to respond within 24 hours (more often than not, much much quicker, but time zones can play a part).


1-1 Coaching

Q: What type of coaching clients do you work with?

I specialise in working 1-1 with founders (often solo founders) and solo entrepreneurs running digital and creative businesses.

While I initially established my coaching practice within the Shopify ecosystem, I've since expanded to support a diverse range of clients. This includes founders of SEO companies and emerging leaders within creative agencies. Regardless of your industry or preferred platform, my mission is to provide tailored guidance and support to help you make significant strides towards success.

Q: How do I know if I'm a good fit for your coaching service?

To help us work this out, I'll ask you to complete a short survey before your free initial consultation. This will help me understand more about you, your business, and your challenges. Being open and honest in your replies will help me determine if I can help you move forward.

After our initial conversation and assuming a good fit, I'll send you my simple work agreement, and we can get started.

Q: What's the time commitment?

Sessions are generally 60‐90 minutes and their frequency will depend on your needs. You'll also need time to think, review, and implement the ideas and changes we discuss.

Q: Will you give me homework?

Not as such! However, our engagement will likely create work for you. This could be in the form of deeply thinking through a problem, implementing a change in your business, or an exercise we will review together.

Q: How do I know if coaching is helping?

At the beginning of our engagement, we'll take time to work out a handful of longtail goals. I like to think of these as a "trajectory" instead of a definitive outcome. For example, one might be to "develop more confidence in giving feedback" or "saying no to projects that aren't a good fit". We'll use these to measure progress.

Q: Is there a minimum term?

No. In most cases I operate on a monthly rolling basis billed in advance.

Q: If I miss a session, can I bank it for another time?

My service offering is based on access, not hours/sessions. Whilst we agree to meet on a regular cadence 1-1, you will also have direct access via Slack or email when needed. Of course, if you are unable to make an agreed session, I'd be happy to rearrange calendar permitting.


Admin & Logistics

Q: Where are you based?

I live and work from the city of Bath in the South West of the UK (GMT+1).

Q: I'm based outside of the UK. Can we still work together?

Absolutely. I work with clients in Europe, the USA (EST & PST), Canada and beyond. Some early starts and late finishes on either side may be required, but we usually make it work!

Q: Can we add you to our Slack workspace and/or email you for advice between calls?

Yes! I'm happy to be added to one or two dedicated channels in your Slack workspace (preferably via Slack Connect) and make myself available via email in-between sessions. I can't promise to reply within 2 minutes or even 2 hours, but I will get back to you within 24 hours (often much sooner).

Q: Will you sign an NDA agreement?

My reputation rests on the fact that I keep our conversations private. However, if you want me to sign an NDA/confidentiality agreement, please let me know in my initial survey, and we can work it out together.

Q: May I speak with a couple of references about working with you?

Of course, please get in touch, and I'll join the dots.


Billing

Q: Can we pause or downgrade our ongoing engagement during the holidays?

Politely, no. Our agreement will cover a fixed period and account for the eventuality of you, and occasionally me, taking time away from our businesses. I'll ensure we recognise this at the outset, so neither of us feels hard done by!

However, you can press pause on our agreement in case of a family emergency or something of similar seriousness.

Q: Do you offer refunds?

If you're unhappy with our first paid session, you can ask for your money back. After that, I do not offer refunds under any circumstances. If you choose to end our agreement early, I will issue an invoice for the remaining amount due.

Q: Do you have your own consulting agreement, or do we need to provide one?

I have a short and easy-to-understand agreement that I provide for us to both sign. Put simply, it covers how we work together, IP and confidentiality, and that I am responsible for paying my own taxes!

Q: What are your invoicing terms?

I issue all invoices on the first of the month in advance on seven-day payment terms. I will issue a pro-rata invoice if we start work halfway through a month.

Q: Can I pay by credit/debit card?

Whilst direct wire transfer is preferred, I am happy to accept payment by credit/debit card. Feel free to mention this in our initial conversation.

Q: Do you always invoice in £GBP?

I do. My invoice will include full details for international bank transfers. If this is a concern, let's talk about it.

Q: Are you a sole trader or a limited company?

I own and run a registered UK limited company incorporated in 2004. It's listed as Metro 55 Limited #05243642, and I trade as "Keir Whitaker" for simplicity.

Q: Are you registered for VAT in the UK?

Yes, my UK VAT registration number is #177672955. If applicable, VAT will be charged at 20% and clearly stated on the invoice.

Q: Do you charge for travel expenses?

I love to travel and am happy to get on a train or plane to meet you in person. All reasonable travel expenses will be agreed upon in advance, and I will pass on copies of all receipts with my invoice.

UK meetings outside of the South–West generally require train fare and a single night's accommodation. For longer trips, I respectfully request flights and a minimum of two nights' accommodation (i.e. the night before the meeting and the night of our meeting. This means we can get the most from our time together).

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About This Site

This is the web site of Keir Whitaker — I'm a UK-based coach and event host working with founders and solo entrepreneurs running digital and creative businesses.

Fancy a chat? Book a free consultation with me and let's talk about how I can help you and your business.

Please connect on Linkedin and follow me on Instagram.

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