Power of Your Words

John Jantsch Duct Tape Marketing

Reading a post on Coaches vs Consultants by mentor John Janstch. (He will be guest on Breakthrough Business Strategies radio 2-1-2010-join us).

I took the time to read the comments, this is where I glean my market research.  The understandings, definitions and beliefs were all over the place.  Depending on what they grew up believing had more to do with their understanding of these roles and words than business experience.  And why not since there is not a clear definition in the market.

More than discussing the difference between the words coach vs consulting, let’s look at what you want from each?

Why do you think you believe a consultant just gives assessment or outline, then either does it for you or finds solution resource to implement.  Vs a coach as someone who invests in you and works with you on a regular basis to get you to the goal.

I read comments sharing how they perceived a coach as someone who kicks you in the arse, someone with less credibility than consultant works besides you.

Vince Lombardi Excellent Coach

Then learned that they felt consultants were from someone who has an expertise and shares it for a fee to clinical advisement, wow! Someone who is out in front of you.

Can you see the various definitions and the limited beliefs associated with the results of each coach and consultant.

I agree the labels have lost their meaning and clarity as we have changed and business has changed.  How do you gain clarity around who you are in the market place so that the average busines person “gets it” when they hear who you are and what you do?

Navigator for Your Business

What clearly defines the benefits you offer your client?  I did see a great solution-in the intellectual and definition basis- Navigator.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navigator) My question is will the business person “get it” or be perplexed what does that mean thought in their head when they hear you use that label.  When I went to click on their contact info in comments their site is no longer in existence.  Does that mean calling yourself a navigator is bad, no, but it does make you think about is too much newness, change and unfamiliarity a limit on your business growth.

Do you see how just looking at this ONE simple choice between two words Coach vs Consultant is powerful?  What path are you taking with your “label” in the market?