Hey, I need your help. Starting February 1, I'm going to be offering a service that I've been thinking about for a while and feel now is the time. The problem is, I don't know what to call it. Let me share a few details of my vision.
Simply put, I want to take on a few clients and 1) help them identify their talents and/or goals, 2) create a road map to take them from where they are now to where they want to be, and 3) support them along the way. Basically, it's "you tell me where you'd like your life to go and I'll help you get there."
I'm thinking I'll charge $150/month in exchange for 3 hours of my time. A portion of that time will be used for personal contact ("check-in" time) via phone or Skype; the rest would be for work on my part, such as research or resume writing. Most of the work, of course, is up to the client; my role is to help chart a course of action and keep you on track.
A big impediment when it comes to creative or personal goals is that we're not accountable to anyone; there's no one saying, "Hey, did you sign up for that Tai Chi class yet?" And if you're shelling out $150 month you're gonna want to make sure you see results, so you'll be more likely to actually follow through to make it worth it. The ultimate goal is that after a couple of months, you won't need me anymore.
The idea to do this came from a few of my readers who suggested I become a life coach. I didn't give it much serious thought until recently. God knows I love to tell people what to do--you know I would tell the pope how to say Mass--but beyond that, I'm starting to see that I may actually have something of worth to offer people.
For one, I know how to live. I do have my a-hole tendencies, but you can't deny my joie de vivre. I delight in being alive and wish the whole world could, too; I know how to have fun. In my professional life, I worked as a career counselor for many years and have the writing skills to help anyone create a kick-ass resume if they need one. I can ghost write things to make you look brilliant at work or even help you compose an online dating profile or a love letter. On top of that, I've been around the block a few times and have shown that I can pull myself out of the shitter and create a life that's better than I ever could have imagined. I know how to get things done and I have a pretty decent list of accomplishments myself.
So what do I call this service? I really don't like "life coach," although what I have to offer is probably very similar. The thing is, life coaches seem to charge a fortune and I always think of them as being kind of, I don't know... just not me. I recently came across the term "motivational humorist," and that applies to a lot of my writing, but I don't think it quite nails this service I have to offer.
What do you think? What should I call this? Any ideas?
15 comments:
My husband had a weekend job a few years ago. He held a sign at an intersection for a real estate company. I'm sure you've seen these animated sign holders advertising pizza, computer services, new businesses, tax services, whatever. When we filed our income tax, we learned that the official term for his job was "Human Directional". When I read your blog describing the service you want to offer, that term came to my mind! I realize it's not exactly the term you're looking for, but I thought you would enjoy the comparison. Carol
I'm going to give this some thought, but whatever you end up calling it, sign me up! I have a lot I want to do in this next year and could us the an outside, objective motivator. Plus, I've never seen myself as someone who could deal with the "seriousness" of a "life coach"--I need the humor you will bring!
What about Life Plan Motivation with Humor...or Life Plan Motivator.... I think you will be GREAT!
I think it's time to break out the tiara! Check this out:
"In fairy tales, a fairy godmother is a fairy with magical powers who acts as a mentor or parent to someone, in the role that an actual godparent was expected to play in many societies."
I'm sure there are plenty of people that would like to say: "With the helpful guidance of Linda Lou, my Fairy Godmother...."
Coaching services seems like the term most people would understand, and it certainly is what you would be doing. I do like the "Human Directional!"
From Wiki: "Coaching ... has been used in language to describe the process used to transport people from where they are, to where they want to be." Hmmm..."Transportation Services" comes to mind but that would REALLY throw people of the track!
I like the word "coaching" in your service title, and I like "humour" too, but I'd like to see some of the "getting it done" come across too.
That doesn't answer a 2 or 3 word-title, but I'd really like to see your blurb include "helping you turn your wildest dreams into reality, and have fun along the way".
Lol re "I would tell the pope how to say Mass"!Maybe he could use your service!
Happiness Mentor?
All great ideas--keep them coming! Thank you so much for your input.
Gina, I would LOVE to take you on as my first client!
Motivational Enhancement Specialist?
What you would be offering is a sort of Dominatrix service for their goals but using humor and wit instead of high heels and whips.
The existing term really is life coach but its such an undesirable term that the best thing would be for you to simply start out and let your satisfied clients refer clients to you and not worry too much what your business card has on it.
Its like a breakfast meeting for women, those who had not met their goals from the previous week had to put a fifty cent fine into the box on the table. Some of them were making eighty grand a year, the fifty cents was not a problem for them. The public shame was!
You got it then! I'll be you're first challenge. ;)
Virtual motivational mentor
Director of Future Bliss.
How about "Back on Track"? This will indicate it will help people that need to focus on their career or life path. Sort of a gentle butt kicking.
BC Angel
Gentle butt kicking... dominatrix... fairy godmother... Loving it!
Clearing the Path?
I know you have no intention of going in the woods or picking up sticks...
ClearPath maybe?
Okay Linda, I need your help. If you do this, I'm in.
Maggie
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