Hello Genius, welcome back to another episode of the Own Your Genius podcast the space where we encourage you to use your education and experiences to create dope businesses. I’m your host, Brand Attorney LaConya Murray, owner of Off the Mark IP Solutions and founder of MARKEDlegal.
I’m thrilled to have you here as we dive into this month’s theme: business structure and liability. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or speaker, today’s episode is packed with practical wisdom to keep you safe as you help others unlock their greatness.
Let’s face it—being a subject matter expert means your clients look to you for guidance and transformation. But what happens if they don’t get the results they expected? Are you personally liable for their outcomes? This is a question that keeps many experts up at night, and it’s one we’re tackling head-on today.
Personal Liability: What It Means and Common Misconceptions
First things first: personal liability is when you, as an individual, could be held legally responsible for something that goes wrong with a client. It’s a scary thought, right? It’s tempting to believe that your passion and good intentions shield you, but the reality is, even the most well-meaning experts can face legal claims.
Here’s a common misconception I hear all the time: “If I do my best and follow my process, I can’t be blamed for a client’s lack of results.” Unfortunately, the law doesn’t always see it that way. If a client feels misled or believes you guaranteed a specific outcome, you could find yourself facing a claim for damages.
But don’t worry—there are smart, practical ways to protect yourself without losing the trust and connection you’ve worked so hard to build.
Disclaimers and Contracts: Your First Line of Defense
Let’s talk disclaimers and contracts. Think of these as your business’s seatbelt—they don’t prevent every bump in the road, but they do keep you safer.
A disclaimer is a simple statement that sets boundaries on what you can and cannot guarantee. For example, “Your results may vary depending on your effort and circumstances.” It’s not just legal protection—it’s an honest way to keep expectations realistic.
A contract spells out the terms of your working relationship. It covers what you’ll do, what you won’t do, and what’s expected of both sides. Clear contracts reduce misunderstandings and give you something solid to point to if a dispute ever pops up.
Here’s a quick practical example: Imagine you’re a wellness coach. Your contract might clarify that you provide educational information, not medical advice, and that clients are responsible for their own results. Adding a disclaimer to your website, emails, and presentations reinforces this message.
Setting Clear Expectations: Communication Strategies to Reduce Risk
I can’t overstate the importance of setting clear expectations from day one. When clients know what they can (and can’t) expect, they’re less likely to feel disappointed—and less likely to blame you if things don’t go as planned.
Start every engagement with a candid conversation. Be up front about the process, potential outcomes, and what’s required for success. Use your contract and disclaimers as talking points, not just paperwork.
Here are a few communication strategies to help:
- Repeat key points verbally and in writing
- Check for understanding—ask clients to paraphrase what they’re agreeing to
- Document important conversations
- Encourage questions and address concerns early
When you set and reinforce boundaries with compassion, you build trust and minimize the risk of legal headaches.
Professional Liability Insurance: Why It’s Critical
Let’s talk about insurance—the unsung hero of business protection. Professional liability insurance (sometimes called errors & omissions insurance) covers legal costs and damages if someone claims you made a mistake or failed to deliver as promised.
Why is this so crucial? Because even if you do everything right, you can still be sued. Insurance helps you cover attorney fees, settlements, and other expenses so a single claim doesn’t ruin your business or personal finances.
If you don’t already have coverage, I highly recommend talking to an insurance advisor who understands the needs of coaches, consultants, and speakers. It’s a small price for huge peace of mind.
Imagine a seasoned business coach working with a client who doesn’t achieve the growth they were hoping for and subsequently blames the coach for the outcome. With a solid contract, clear disclaimers, and professional liability insurance in place, the coach is able to resolve the situation without it escalating into a legal nightmare.
Real talk—legal protection isn’t just about paperwork and policies. It’s about safeguarding your business, your reputation, and your peace of mind. You deserve that protection as much as your clients deserve honest, transparent support.
Conclusion
Let’s recap today’s main takeaways:
- Understand your personal liability and don’t rely on good intentions alone
- Use disclaimers and contracts to set clear boundaries and protect yourself
- Communicate openly to ensure clients know what to expect
- Invest in professional liability insurance for extra security
As you continue to own your genius, remember: protecting yourself legally isn’t selfish—it’s smart, responsible, and part of serving your clients with integrity. Don’t let fear hold you back. Put these tools in place and keep showing up as the confident, caring expert you are.
Thanks for tuning in to the Own Your Genius podcast. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow expert and let’s keep raising the bar together. Until next time, stay keep building your business, growing your brand, and owning your genius
