Sep04
My origin story actually starts with my name. My parents chose this name with great intention. Little did they know that they were creating the framework for me to find my coaching niche!
I have lost count of the number of times I have been asked whether I like my name. It is about as many times as I have been asked to describe my coaching niche.
Many people know this name is biblical but they don't necessarily know much about the character Ruth, a woman who traveled away from her own people, and when offered the choice to return decided to stay with her new family in an alien land. She decided to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Finding a coaching niche is essential and hard. How do people know they should work with you if you cannot explain what you do, who you work with and why they should choose you?
Many coaches don't want to name a niche because it feels limiting, and yet we all come to realize that a niche is necessary. Just as noone wants to read a book for everyone, noone wants a coach who coaches everyone and anyone.
In this article, I am sharing my long-awaited niche insight. I have tried many descriptions of my work (and passion). Some have been too cute (Unicorn Coach) some have been too complicated, some just have not conjured up anything anyone could recognize as a need they have. But most of all, none of them have felt "like me". I am not a great salesperson - and I am not able to sell anything if I don't believe in the product!
Don't get me wrong, there are lots of things I have been able to do of which I am very proud such as my two books, the people I coach, the speaking I get to do, the courses I have been invited to create. But getting to the core of who I am and what I do has been hard... until now!
Thank you to the many many people who have travelled this journey with me so far. We have further to go, but you have get me to this milestone. Thank you friends, coaches, teachers, influencers and naysayers! You all play your part
What does your origin story tell you about your purpose?
What does your name mean to you?
What name would you choose for yourself?
I look forward to your replies!
By Ruth Pearce
Keywords: Leadership, Future of Work, Mental Health
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