You’ve completed your training, refined your skills, and now you’re ready to welcome your first paying client. It’s an exciting step – and like any new endeavor, it can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. Here’s a straightforward checklist to help you prepare with confidence and create a professional experience from day one.
🗂 1. Your Assessment Kit
Before your first session, ensure you have your assessment materials ready. If you’re using the P-ESL system, this means:
- One online assessment for each client. In the P-ESL instructor’s course this assessment is sometimes referred to as an assessment “kit” or assessment “suite” because it contains many useful tools: the Initial (pre-training) and Final (post-training) recordings of your client, a phonetic transcription tool with access to 51 language specific protocols, detailed trainer and client reports (Pattern Analysis, Personal Speech Analysis), and a Final Program Results with Before and After Summaries.
The online assessment is your starting point for designing an individualized program that meets each client’s goals.
📝 2. A Clear Plan and Course Design
Clients feel confident working with an instructor who has a structured approach. You don’t need every detail mapped out in advance, but you should know:
- How many sessions you will recommend after the assessment
- Which targets and skills will be addressed in each session
- The recommended approach to modeling, session structure and motivating your client toward measurable progress
If you’re unsure how to design your course plan, revisit the modules in your Certification course that cover assessment interpretation and lesson sequencing.
💻 3. A Professional Setup
Whether online or in person, your setup matters. Check that you have:
- A stable internet connection for video conferencing
- A good-quality microphone and camera (clients must hear and see you clearly)
- A neutral background or professional setting free from distractions
- Session materials easily accessible (digital files, PDFs, client practice resources, etc.)
💬 4. Confidence in Your Introduction and Process Explanation
Your client is investing in your expertise and their future performance. Practice explaining:
- What they can expect from the assessment
- How your training qualifies you to help them
- What their sessions will include and how progress is measured
- The importance of their practice between sessions
Clear, confident explanations set a professional tone and build immediate trust.
💰 5. Business Essentials
Finally, ensure the administrative side is ready:
- How will the client pay you? (PayPal, Venmo, Square, Stripe?)
- Do you have a clear rate and cancellation policy?
- Have you communicated how scheduling will work?
- Is your intake form ready to gather important client details?
🎧 6. Client Practice Program Access
The Client Practice Program is an essential tool for your client’s success, and is available at comptonpeslonline.com/practice. Each individual client should have their own practice program, which will become their hub for recorded practice assignments and your feedback throughout their training.
Key points regarding the practice program:
- Only certified instructors can purchase the Client Practice Program.
- Clients should pay for the program, either as a standalone practice program fee or as part of the total training fee you charge.
- The program organizes daily practice, tracks recordings, and allows you to provide targeted feedback, ensuring efficient progress.
If you haven’t reviewed the Client Practice Program recently, visit the link above to see its current features and integration with your training workflow.
Final Thoughts
Starting with your first client is an empowering milestone. Remember: you don’t need to know everything right away. Each client will teach you something new, refine your approach, and build your confidence for the next.
If you’re a P-ESL instructor and want to review your assessment process, marketing approach, or course design, revisit your Certification modules or explore our Marketing Pro course to strengthen your practice foundation.
✅ What about you?
If you’re about to see your first client, what questions or concerns are on your mind? Share them in the comments or in our Student Forums – we’re here to support you every step of the way.