When Your Coach Gives You the Ick
A Story of Integrity Over Profit
Wanna hear a story? ☠️
I HAD a coach once (key word: HAD). She was supposed to help me refine my marketing strategy, and since I run my own business AND work with a nonprofit, I figured she’d be the perfect person to guide me through expanding my reach. Turns out, I was dead wrong.
Let me set the scene.
I work with a nonprofit that, for the most part, has been stuck in 2005 when it comes to running things. Up until recently, my role was fairly simple—boosting their online sales, lightly handling their social media, and making sure they at least had a digital presence. You know, bare minimum survival mode.
But then, everything changed.
We needed to get this hidden gem of a location SEEN. Picture this: an eerie, historical mansion with all the vibes of an old-world ghost tour waiting to happen. It was deliciously untapped potential, and I knew exactly what to do.
The “What Do You Even Do?” Moment
There I was, sitting in a board meeting, listening to them discuss how sales were up (pats self on the back), but growth still wasn’t where we needed it to be. And that’s when it hit me—why was I treating this like a side project when I could apply the same strategy I use for my clients?
So I did what I do best:
🔹 I coached them on what actually needed to happen.
🔹 I offered to build them a website to sell online tour tickets and events.
🔹 And THEN… I found out they were still making people fill out a paper slip to pay by card.
IN. 2025.
A PAPER SLIP. Can you believe it?! 😭
Cue me, sitting there, trying not to audibly scream while brainstorming all the ways I could bring them into the modern world.
Then, the treasurer of the board turns to me, eyes wide, and loudly asks:
"TABITHA, WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING???"
So I say, “I’m a business coach and web designer. This is what I DO all day.”
And just like that, I had a room full of instantly sold people. They had me write a whole strategy for them. They begged me never to move so I could always do this for them. They were thrilled about what I do for a living.
Enter: The Coach Who Missed the Bigger Picture
Fast forward to me telling my (now ex) coach this story, excitedly asking how to use this momentum to generate even more awareness and leads.
And instead of, I don’t know, being helpful—she rips into me for doing the work for free.
🙃 According to her, I should have charged them.
Never mind that I’m literally on the board. Never mind that I volunteered over 100 hours last year because I believe in this nonprofit’s mission. Never mind that this massively boosted awareness of my business, built trust, and created an entire room of potential leads.
Nope. All she could see was the immediate dollar amount I “should” have collected.
And honestly? Fucking gross.
Because here’s the thing: not every moment in business has to be about instant profit. Sometimes, the long game matters more. Sometimes, showing up, delivering value, and proving your expertise without immediately demanding payment is the smartest move you can make.
And if your coach doesn’t get that? They’re not the coach for you.
Integrity Over Transactions
Let’s be real: I’m not saying you should work for free all the time. Boundaries matter. Getting paid what you’re worth matters. But so does knowing when a strategic yes can open more doors than a short-sighted invoice ever could.
This situation wasn’t about “free labor.” It was about showing up, making an impact, and creating relationships that will pay off in ways a single transaction never could.
I trust my instincts. I know when something is worth my time. And if a coach ever tells you that every action must have an immediate price tag—run. Because they don’t see the bigger picture, and they sure as hell don’t see you.
Ever Gotten the Ick from a Coach?
Have you ever had a coach, mentor, or advisor completely miss the point of what you were doing? Someone who made you second-guess something you knew was right?
Share your story below—I wanna hear it. ⬇️