The Map is not the Territory
Since I started my life coaching business up in April, it’s gone through a few changes. First I was a Whole Person Design coach, then a Prosperity coach, then a Creativity and Wealth coach for entrepreneurs and Professionals. And finally, I’m now a marketing and career coach.
Whew! That’s a lot of changes isn’t it?
And yet the labels, the map, etc, isn’t the territory. For every label I changed to, for everytime thought I had my business nailed down and figured out there were other realizations, other questions. Who am I really serving? How can I help my clients achieve their goals? What is it I can offer to these people. What makes me happy when I’m doing it?
As I’ve asked these questions over the last few months, even as I’ve worked on my marketing plan, I’ve come to realize just how important it is to answer these questions. The answers are what informs your belief in your business and your clients. When I finally decided on being a marketing and career coach, with some focus on creativity I felt that I had recognized my strengths and how I could really help my clients reach their goals.
The territory is the answers to those questions. the map, the labels of different types of coaches shows just a bit of my journey. Reading my different versions of my market plan shows more information, but the deepest part of the territory is answering the questions:
How will I serve my clients?
What do I have to offer?
How can I help my clients achieve their goals?
Am I honoring my client’s agenda?
Am I honoring my time by putting it to the best possible use?
These questions and more have gone through my mind a lot these past few months. I think they can be answered, but I also know I will revisit them at different points in my journey over the years.
Today I’m a marketing coach who also specializes in careers and creativity. Down the line? Who knows…right now though I think I’m ready to settle into the territory I have found and be the best coach I can be.
