177: Is It Strategic for 'Coach' to Be Part of Your Professional Title?

Now that you’ve taken the training, what you should call yourself? Should you be a life coach or something else? Should the word ‘coach’ even be in your personal title? That’s what this episode is all about. Find the full transcript and personal title examples at prosperouscoach.com/177.So first, let me say that I don’t think your personal title is remotely the most important decision you need to make for your coaching business. In my mind, that decision is informed by WHO you serve and WHAT you help them accomplish. Those two things – your audience and their most desire outcome – are powerful concepts.That first decision is the centerpiece of every other decision you’ll make for your business.Still, just getting to be the one who decides what you call yourself can be fun. After all, how many jobs allow you to decide your title?So first, let’s talk about something that might be hard for some coaches to hear.Some People Poke Fun at Life CoachesI’m not at all a fan of the personal title “Life Coach”. Here are 2 good reasons not to go with that moniker:1.     Some people like to poke fun a life coaches. There are TV shows, films, articles out there that smirk at the concept. And I think … why set yourself up for that ridicule? Why climb the mountain to prove your value when just a shift in language could do that for you? Unfortunately, the phrase ‘life coach’ doesn’t inspire confidence.2.     Life Coach is non-specific. If there is anything I’ve learned about success in business it’s that specificity grabs attention whereas generality does not. Life is everything. Calling yourself a life coach is like saying “I can’t decide how to specialize so for now I’m just an everything coach.” That will likely keep you from earning much. Specializing garners credibility so you can charge more.It’s time to get more specific and creative than ‘life coach’ or other fill-in-the-blank coach titles.You Are Not Limited to Your Certification TitleJust because the certification you received is a life coach or wellness coach or relationship coach certification does not mean you can get creative and stand out in the crowd with your title and all of your messaging.Standing out in the crowd is important. If you’re on any social media channels regularly you’re going to see a lot of coaches trying to ply their trade. Most of them are selling coaching. That’s a hard sell. While some people know they want coaching, most do not. Coaching is not the top of mind benefits people look for.If you haven’t already listen to Episode 51 – Why is Coaching a Hard Sell? I think it will open your eyes to a challenge you’ve already been trying overcome. In a nutshell use your coaching skills to serve paying clients but don’t push the idea of coaching because it’s not outcome people know they want. It’s part of your toolbox.Professionals don’t always need to point attention to their toolbox. Sometimes, it’s a disadvantage.Learn how to make your personal title more specific and strategic here.