Lately I've been pondering on the marketing of my business. I look at the sea of other coaches out there and think, they look so professional and polished. I wonder why I'm trying to compete with them. And today, I decided I'm not.
I'm not competing with them and, surprise! I don't want to. Here's why...
I think professional and polished is perfect - if you're a business coach.
I'm not. I'm a life coach. And life is messy. Which also means being a life coach can be messy. There's a lot of time helping individuals dig through the layers of crap they've accumulated to uncover their true soul essence. It's hard work, for the individual and the coach, but it's also necessary for people to move forward and grow.
Being a coach of any sort is about creating trust.
And I'm sure there are those who will disagree with me, but I don't think that comes from being polished and professional. It comes from being authentic. Especially, when you're a life coach.
That's why when you go to my website or read my blog or follow me on social media, you won't find any professionally done pictures. There aren't any filters. No Photoshop. There are just selfies or snaps my hubby took. At our house. In our yard. Or somewhere else we were at, not because we thought it would make great marketing copy or a pretty picture, but because we were already going there. I also don't edit my videos. So, don't be surprised when my hubby or our cats end up on screen. They've been know to pop in when I'm taping.
Why do I skip doing things that would make me seem more polished and professional? Because I want my followers and clients to know it's okay to not be perfect. (No one is BTW) It's okay to be real, and imperfect, and well, messy.
Now, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with doing things the other way. It's just not me.
Can I be polished and professional? Absolutely. I spent nearly 30 years in corporate America. But my life has been anything but. It's been a roller coaster ride filled with highs and lows, sharp turns and dark tunnels. I've hit loop-di-loops that have turned my life upside down, only to have to straighten them out again. It's been chaotic and heartbreaking, amazing and mind-boggling. In other words, the exact opposite of polished and professional. And I want my brand, my business to reflect that reality because life isn't perfect. Not for anyone.
You see, if you work with me, we're going to get messy. That's how it works. Because if you want to grow and bloom, you have to dig through the dirt. When that happens, do you want a coach who seems polished and perfect, or one who's willing to be totally authentic?
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