So, you’ve obtained your coaching certificate and you’re buzzing with enthusiasm, ready to take on the world. That’s fantastic! Earning your certificate is a great foundation to start your coaching journey. However as many coaches soon realise that they also need to focus on the business side of things. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is branding.
Successful coaches—those you’ve likely looked up to—have strong personal and business brands. When you think of them, you immediately know who they are, what they offer, and how they benefit their clients. That kind of brand clarity is something you should aim for.
Why Copying the Big Names Won’t Work for You
It’s easy to look at well-established coaches and think, “I should do exactly what they’re doing.” Hold your horses! These professionals have spent years and a significant amount on resources developing their brands. They’ve tested different strategies, made countless mistakes, and refined their approach over time.
If you simply mimic what they’re doing without understanding your own unique position in the market, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. The path they’ve taken won’t necessarily fit your current situation. Sometimes these industry leaders even come under criticism for not heeding their own advice—that’s because different strategies work at different levels.
Craft Your Unique Identity
How do you avoid falling into the trap of imitation?
Build your own brand based on your unique abilities, values, and offerings. Your brand should resonate with your specific target audience and provide a clear picture of how you can help them.
Don’t be in a rush to write your success story overnight. Building a brand takes time, effort, and a fair amount of trial and error. Your brand will evolve as you do, so give yourself the freedom to learn and grow.
The Journey: Chapter 1 vs. Chapter 20
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Don’t judge your chapter 1 on someone else’s chapter 20 and beyond. Each phase of your journey will require different strategies, and that’s perfectly okay.
In your early stages, focus on understanding your audience, solidifying your unique value proposition, and communicating that effectively. As you grow, you’ll adapt and add more layers to your brand, just like those big names did when they were in your shoes.
Ready to start building a brand that genuinely reflects your coaching prowess and can help you create a thriving business? Let’s make it happen together. Feel free to reach out for personalised guidance on shaping your coaching brand, contact me and let’s have a chat.