When I left corporate America several years ago to strike out on my own I was so happy to leave behind corporate greed and lack of loyalty.
I’d come of age as a professional in the 1990’s—the era of rightsizing, downsizing and reengineering. And I’d personally handled the layoff or reorganization of over 1000 people. I’d also done high level consulting, where again I was working on projects to streamline processes and improve profits while shuffling headcounts and impacting people’s livelihoods.
Now those are worthy efforts (streamlining, profitability, stability) —especially in the automotive industry where the tide needed to be turned (and still does). But I was tired of HOW it was done—over focusing on the bottom line, and under focusing on the people. We’re still seeing the impact of the damage done to worker confidence in the 80’s and 90’s.
When I found coaching as a small and burgeoning industry I was enamored! I found a way to do the kind of work I love—helping people navigate the dark and murky waters of change—but in a whole new, more positive and contributing way. I finally felt like I had found a place where I could thrive.
But in the last couple of years I’ve grown slightly disillusioned with my industry. I know many others from various industries share that feeling ….from financial services to real estate to automotive….feeling like the industry you once loved isn’t what it used to be.
In the coaching industry there has been growth, which is exciting. But there has also been a shifting tide which I believe is the result of trying to make it a legitimate industry and lucrative business. Not a bad goal at all. It’s HOW it’s happening that’s making me weary (just as before when I was a corporate change agent).
So many people have gotten over focused on the ‘holy grail’ of becoming coaching millionaires. In and of itself, that’s not a bad goal. We want growth in any industry, and need the creation of solid, stable coaching companies. However, what has happened is a loss of focus on the mission of coaching (the purpose for why we exist in the first place) and a shift toward over focusing on the bottom line. You don’t have to look too far back in history to see the downstream impact of that.
I feel the quest for Millionaire status has become the holy grail of the industry…at the expense of what got most of us started in the first place…making a difference.
There’s talk of private jets, million dollar homes, spa trips, bling, big ticket packages that price many people right out of the market and lots of bragging about who’s making what. In the age of social networking we get videos and pictures too boot! We’ve definitely accomplished the goal of not looking like psychotherapists…and instead started looking like Hollywood celebrities branding lifestyles instead of our contributions. Is that what we want?
Personally, I’m unimpressed. I care about the carbon footprint on this planet, so flying private just seems garish and egotistical. I don’t know of very many industries where the leaders talk so openly about their balance sheets—with the exception of sports and entertainment—and I’d prefer to be taken more seriously than that.
And worse, there’s a subculture telling us that if we aren’t playing that game our mindset is a problem. We’re not playing a big enough game. Hmmm. I know that you can make a great living at coaching. I know that coaching is a powerful force that dramatically changes lives. I also know that focusing on making money at all costs, forgetting your core mission, and overinflating the value of anything leads to a crash. I’ve watched the housing market, the automotive market and the financial market go the same route. My mindset is just fine, thank you.
So what’s a disillusioned coach to do?
I left corporate America to get away from the greed. I’m not planning to leave coaching on the same terms. What I am ready to do is stay grounded in my values and to stay ‘on mission’. I’m prepared to ride this wave, staying true to myself, my voice and my vision.
And, I know I’m not alone. At least 3 times a month I hear a client or colleague struggle with what to ‘call themselves’—not wanting to use the word Coach anymore. And there’s a groundswell of support for a new, more realistic way of approaching our craft. The change leaders are emerging as I write this and I couldn’t be more excited!
If you are disillusioned in your industry, here’s a few strategies to keep grounded and focused when things around seem to be going in a direction you can’t get behind.
- Upgrade your environment as much as you can. I’m removing myself from the kinds of people who aren’t on the same page as I am. In my own business I get to choose the culture I play in. I’m only following people who are still ‘on mission’ and are shining examples of the best of what coaching has to offer. If you work for a company, you can still, to a limited degree, choose who you spend time with. Limit time around those you find toxic, draining or derailing.
- Trust that this too shall pass. Everything shifts with time. In my case, I know this is a product of the newness of the industry and that eventually the pendulum will swing back to a more moderate ground. In the meantime, I have to stay my course and not let the trends cast a shadow on what I am most excited to do and become.
- Take the longer term view. I look ahead, to where I want to be and where I want my industry to be in the future. I look forward to the impact, growth and contribution that will come from coaching when making a million dollars is no longer worth talking about and we’re on to bigger and better innovations in this great industry.
- Reconnect with your own voice. We become disillusioned when we can’t find the leaders we’re excited to follow. That just tells you there’s a leadership gap and you may have to go within to fill it. Yes, search for likeminded people who get you. And step up as the leader you are.
- Be the change you wish to see. As Ghandi reminded us, change only comes when we take a stand and serve as an example of what we want the world to reflect back. Be a successful, clear, confident, mission-minded expert and do great work. The rest will take care of itself.
I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever experienced disillusionment in your career? How did you navigate it?
{ 7 trackbacks }
{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks Shawn for your insight. I appreciate that you are a voice to what people are feeling but haven’ had the courage to say so publicly.
Just today I was on the phone with a coach who was traveling to an event to be a speaker. She was dreading it because of the hype and untruths that some of the other presenters bring. She was taking it personally so my counsel to her was to focus on her truth, her authenticity, and her brilliance. But doing that she’ll shine, and those who resonate with that other energy will find what they need as well.
Let’s all have the courage to speak our truth, be more fully who we are, and continue to make a big difference in the world.
Thanks for being such a great leader in this movement!
Thanks Therese. You have long been a champion for me to boldly speak my truth!
With the caliber of coaches and business owners posting to this blog, and having such strong, clear, confident voices, I am reminded why I DO love this industry!
Thanks everyone for posting.
Great article!
Having worked hard for my coach certification, I have experienced disillusionment with how easily people have grabbed that title and claimed it as their own, without the education or training to know the true roots of the profession. And I don’t particularly like where that carte blanche attitude has led the group as a whole.
We need to stop often and review our businesses and where we are and where we’re heading. I love that you are willing to claim that time for yourself, despite the outside influences that have insisted you do. It would be easy to walk away and release it, but you’re willing to hang in there and that’s great. What will emerge is a stronger sense of purpose and an even greater group to work with.
Good luck!
Ann,
Thanks for reminding us all of the value of taking time to stop. Sometimes I get frustrated and forget the value of reassessing…. It’s easy to get slightly off course from time to time. And it’s perfectly OK to redirect things as needed once you realize it.
It’s great having coaches like you in the community who are committed to the craft. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Hey you know how I feel about this too well. I have been in this industry for over 10 years now and have to say about 4 years ago I distanced myself from anything with the word coaching in and that included most coaches.
I have been coached by mnay of the greats and most of them were shocking and did not know the first thing about how to be a coach.
I have got over what to call myself I am a Sarah a girl with a mission and that is enough.
Hey just come out and hang with me in my paddock :-)
Sarah
Sarah,
A girl with a mission. I like it. Coaching needs thought leaders like you in the mix!! So don’t keep too much distance….;-)
Hey I am nearly ready to step up…:-)
Looks like you have started something here……
Sarah
Hi Shawn,
I loved your article because of your authenticity. What you wrote about truly reasonates with me and, I believe, many others. I’m going through some huge changes and in the process of following my true passion. It’s not about the money…it’s about making a difference for people. It’s important to be true to yourself. Warmly, Rochelle
Rochelle,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your point of view. I know how passionate you are about making a positive difference and can’t wait to see what your next evolution is!
Shawn
And you are not alone! Thank you for being the voice of reason. My mindset is well and healthy too-thank you. I think the mindset is a masterful marketing ploy to tell others if ‘it’ isn’t working from the outside then it MUST be what’s going in on the inside. Really?!?
I have friends who are many times millions-more than some we read about, that have their own personal jet, helicopter, yacht AND who have several big homes (up to 7 for one of them). Plus have the best of luxury that life has to offer and NOT ONCE do I ever hear them talk about their money. They don’t have to. The ultra rich don’t mention their wealth. It’s not a life style. It’s just a style of life they have been accustomed to.
Is a measure of success a balance sheet? Hmmm. Not everyone is as interested in hearing how you hold your standard of success to a place that you thinks makes you important.
Thanks for your candor and insight. #reasonsiadmireyou
Shawn,
Brilliant article. Very eloquently stated.
Olessia
Thanks Olessia! Nice to see your name pop up here.
Shawn, you nailed it!
The race to 7 figures will be unimpressive when suddenly someone breaks 8 figures then everyone will be racing to that goal… then forget millionaire status, everyone will have to be gazillionaires!
It’s like the real estate bubble, at some point we do have a choice to be happy with the blessings and bounty we have.
I love your commitment to the coaching profession as a source of transformation. I understand your disillusionment too when the focus shifts from helping people to buying more diamond encrusted flip flops to wear in your new mansion.
Here’s how I navigate it:
As soon as I start to feel pressured to keep up… and it’s coming from a place of anxiousness like I’ll miss out on something major if I don’t run myself ragged trying to keep up… I pause.
It’s hard, because I’m a bright shiny object addict, those are my weak spots! But I also know I have to keep the quality of my life and the integrity of my spirit in check.
I’m all for making money, by the way… but not at the expense of quality.
thanks for the thought provoking post!!
Thanks Nancy for sharing your way of dealing with it. The pressure to keep up does show up from time to time for everyone, I think. It’s human nature! But to be able to put the breaks on really helps (and takes some discipline!)
I agree…making good money is a good thing! But like you, I’d rather my quality speak louder than my financial statement.
Keep on being a shining example Nancita!
Love your reality Shawn! And yes, disillusionment has been in my forecast. I’ve navigated through it by pausing from all of the noise around me. I took a break from several ‘expert’ business strategists, marketers and the like to get in tune with my process and what I see working for local-based businesses. Sometimes, hearing so much stuff from the outside can seem to influence us. Like you, I’m just now getting back to what I believe in and am slowly letting the experts in again, but with a grain of salt this time!
Thanks for another amazing post. You’re a teacher beyond measure.
Desiree
http://www.venturewalk.com
Desiree,
Isn’t pressing the pause button so much help!?
Clearly there’s a valuable place for outside mentoring and guidance, but only when we can first tune in to our own process. You are so powerful and I’m glad you’re listening to yourself above all others (me included!).
Be well.
Thank you for speaking what I’ve been feeling – I have been so turned off by the millionaire, “I’ve got a personal chef and you don’t” coaches I’ve encountered that I was sure all coaches were like that. It’s refreshing to hear someone in the industry bring this up. Thank you.
Jeanne…Nope, we’re not all like that! (Though my kids might prefer a chef’s meals to mine…they are stuck with my mediocre cooking!)
In fact, as you can see here on the blog (which is the tip of the iceberg) there are MANY coaches who have a whole different value set and point of view. We just need to get the word out over the noise ;-)
Be well!
Thanks for the great post, Shawn! This line really hit home:
“And worse, there’s a subculture telling us that if we aren’t playing that game our mindset is a problem. We’re not playing a big enough game.”
I’ve spent years believing that I was doing it wrong and just recently woke up to the realization that there is more than 1 way to build a fulfilling and sustainable coaching business and it can be done without all the hype and fear. The time has come for me to really and hone and honor *my* way.
Thanks for the brilliant and beautiful reminder to stay focused on what matters most.
Lisa,
Yes, there IS more than one way to build a fulfilling coaching business. We all have to forget the idea of doing it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ and just get on with doing it well. Thanks for sharing!
You are inspiring, Shawn. What you wrote today is your manifesto of sorts, and a manifesto that is this grounded and mission minded, will only yield good fruit. Keep holding up the standard for yourself and the industry. You ARE making a difference!
Brenda,
Thanks for sharing how this impacted you. I hadn’t thought of it as my manifesto, but you’re right! It kind of is ;-) Thanks for showing me that.
Great post Shawn. I’m with you and agree this too shall pass, and that yes, the bubble will burst. I notice there’s a lot of hype out there, a lot of cross referrals (that often end in “whoops” scenarios on the purchasers side, but lucrative scenerios on the affiliates side), a lot of incongruencies with what’s shown and promoted on the outside, vs. what’s actually happening internally and behind the scenes, and the list goes on. Any one of these, vs. just a glimpse of one, is enough to create a feeling of “there is no Santa Claus”. I’m actually not picking on it, we’re all human and do the best we can, and it’s important to grow a business and be profitable…but the way that it’s done – when the “machine” gets bigger than the mission (or becomes the mission) – creates an impact and a ripple effect, and to your point, definitely contributes to a lack of trust in the profession and some of these programs that are being offered out there. When you talk about disillusionment, I think you’re pointing to a lack of trust. Funny, as I write this, I’m aware that there are those out there who would challenge my mindset on that and “call me forth to my greatest good” to think bigger, to sign on, to check my mindset, to get serious about my business and my “potential” (which is another word that is making me a bit nuts right now, but that’s another discussion!), to use the laws of attraction, etc. And I do. I do it every day, and I do it in a way that has me think bigger about the vision for the business, the vision for my clients, and the vision for the energy, attention and level of engagement I like to have with each of them. If I get caught focusing on the disillusionment – my energy goes bad…so if I can keep myself focusing on what I want AND doing actionable steps everyday to make it real in a way that is authentic – I start to forget about that ‘disillusionment’ – and it’s all good again.
Truth be told, I’ve been in the midst of disillusionment over this past year. Not so much with the coaching industry in general, but with some of what I’ve seen and experienced happening with mentors and programs that follow this explosion model. So much so that I actually put myself on a “time out” from working with anyone, relying more on my close circle of business allies, engaging successful high integrity business owners as an “advisory board,” doing the work to build a business with solid steps and action plans, and taking a really deep look into what’s congruent for me with building my business.
Disillusionment is rampant out there right now, here’s what I say to “get back on track and get the energy going”: get present, own the disillusionment, find your part in it (where am I contributing to my story here or making things worse? I know for me there were a couple of places where I had to “heal” and clean up my mindset, but I didn’t need to sign up for a bigger program to do it), clean it up, focus on the bigger purpose of your business and what it’s in service of, get help that resonates, and do the work. In the meantime, surround yourself with other like-minded business owners who you respect and can create a “energy-reciprocal” relationship with and then get busy. I’m still, in some ways, coming out of the woods of disillusionment and here’s what I’ve found: while I need people who are smarter than me, and more capable, in doing certain types of business activities – ultimately, I know what’s best for me. If I put myself through my own model and “work myself over” ;) – I can do it at cost and then it makes my material even more alive and applicable to help others, and finally, if I purposely surround myself with clean relationships, I can have the accountability piece covered. In addition, I do have a couple of trusted coaches/colleagues that I’ll hire to work with me as needed if I get stuck on something or need that external sounding board/view to help me stay honest. So that’s where I’m playing now. Of course all things said, in my experience, self included, we all want someone (or a group of someones) to see the bigger picture for us, to see what we’re capable of, to give us a “map” and to challenge us into it…it feels like the easiest way, and a core human need is to be SEEN and held bigger…but until we connect with that person that truly resonates, we have ourselves to look to to fill the gap, to lead, to trust our own internal wisdom, to hold ourselves bigger…and as the disillusionment subsides, and we fill our own gaps, the right mentors may just present themselves.
Wow Anese,
First, I’m grateful that you took the time to read my post. But I’m both grateful and impressed with your lengthy and thoughtful response. Really, you added some amazing insights to the discussion. Yes, we all are capable of filling our own gaps and finding mentors who hold us bigger, rather than making us feel less than. Keep working your own method and sharing your great work! You DO know what’s best for you and it sounds like following your own voice is leading you right where you need to be (and that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone…) and to the people who can help you fulfill your big vision. Thanks for sharing so deeply with us all!
Thank you Shawn, once again for your insight and your candor. As a brand new coach, newly exposed to social media and the plethora of big name business coaches, I found myself getting caught up in all of the hype and becoming very anxious about how I was possibly going to ‘make it’. I subscribed to countless newsletters, listened in to many teleclasses (where in the end I was sold the program that was going to change my life), and felt like I had to jump on every bandwagon in order to be a ‘success’.
Then, I remembered why I pursued coaching in the first place. I unsubscribed from most of the newsletters (which I never had time to read anyway) and gave myself permission to put aside focusing on ‘how’ to become a ‘successful’ coach, and to trust that if I continue to follow my heart and my purpose, that the rest will take care of itself.
Becoming disillusioned about coaching so early on really had an impact on me. What I realized I was watching all around me, made me both disgusted and sad. Like Anese said so very well…”until we connect with that person that truly resonates, we have ourselves to look to to fill the gap, to lead, to trust our own internal wisdom, to hold ourselves bigger…and as the disillusionment subsides, and we fill our own gaps, the right mentors may just present themselves.
Thank you again Shawn for continuing to share your wisdom and grace with the world.
Linda,
Yes, being new to this world during the time of all these paradoxes must be unnerving! I was lucky…I came in early and in many ways made my own way. I’m thankful for that! I’m so glad to see you out there shining your light as a wonderful coach and trusting yourself. Parents of children with ADHD need your wisdom, experience and support!
Hi, Shawn,
Thank you. Your soul comes through with a Warrior’s Song that leads us through the dark. One of the trends that I dislike is the manipulation of emotions and subconscious to get people to buy or act in certain ways. As a shaman, I’ve been in training for more than 12 years to see what is invisible to many. I have learned to see not only minute reactions, but to perceive energy, read thought patterns and much more. My stomach turns when I just imagine using this to manipulate people’s choice. The most valuable treasure we have is our personal freedom. How can we, pledged to help people in their path to freedom and wellness, use our knowledge to trigger their fear for our personal gain? I also dislike the lies, even what seem tiny ones sold as selling strategies. I have seen really talented young people with a higher mission become trapped in the money and fame making machine in certain environments and lose their way. It is sad. We cannot commit self-betrayal in the name of success. I feel that those who fall for this trap have a hidden polarity of money vs. spirituality that plays out this script.
This said, I am glad to know so many beautiful, soulful coaches, like Nancita, who brought me to this page, and now you and the beautiful people here. Your existence, integrity and commitment makes me want to sing. As a matter of fact, I’ll do it right now.
Here’s to you, sister.
Tiny light that guides my way.
In the dark you shine so bright
that I no longer walk afraid
And if I forget my name,
the unique sound my soul makes,
you awaken with your voice
the compass to find my way.
Light and love,
Maria Mar
The Dream Alchemist
Maria,
First, welcome to my blog! I’m glad you were inspired enough to share your insights and inspiration. Just reading all the responses to this article has renewed my spirit for what it is I do and made me proud to be a coach in this community of wonderful, smart, insightful and caring people.
There is a way to speak into people’s experience, let them resonate with you (or not) and do great work while making a great living. Manipulation not required.
Be well. Continue to follow your Vision, Your Voice, Your Path.
Shawn
Wow – can of worms officially opened and mass worm escape underway! It’s time to just come out and say Ali Brown and David Nagle have become poster children for ego and greed gone wild enabled by Internet marketing. The numbers they foist on the world have poisoned the minds of other greedy people – and “what to call myself” is a sign.
The problem on this matter is the backasswards view that coaching is an industry, that coaching ought to be an escalating business growth prototype, and that while your advice might be “worth millions” you would be wise to charge $100,000 per year for it.
None of these are true – and I’ll bet the same soul-preneurs who operate this way decry Wall Street greed – considering themselves to be so enlightened and valuable.
Coaching ought to be run like a boutique restaraunt in Scottsdale Arizona. A small converted house with a few tables, awesome chef, charging premium prices, focused on a target clientele or menu, offering some tasty upgrades in wines etc, busy the 4 nights a week it’s open, with a little civilized line outside waiting to get in.
It ought NOT to be franchised like Wolfgang Puck, primarily because a good coach – ie; YOU – cannot be cloned.
The decision to coach ought rightly to be a lifestyle decision with financial limitations – because there is only one of you.
The corporate mentality of “ALWAYS GROWTH” does not belong in a lifestyle business – it’s not a proper model.
Speakers in the Natural Speakers Association (CSP/CPAE) LOL _ see my article CSP/CPAE/EIEIO on SpeakerMachine.com who kept raising their fees without regard to value – find themselves today too expensive for a tight declining market.
Coaches who soar into these insane stratospheric fees will find themselves, like Icarus, falling to Earth – where they will either manufacture another hype rocket or hopefully, wake up, and apologize to the people they squoze for cash.
IMHBAO
Rick Butts
Rick,
I love the analogy of being a boutique restaurant. I have always held the vision of being a boutique business that creates a powerful experience for clients and your analogy gives that concept some legs. I also agree that ‘coaching’ itself isn’t an industry. The question is, which ‘industry’ are we fitting into? Online Marketing? Self help? Training? and what ways can we deliver great value, great EXPERIENCES. Yes, we’ve opened Pandora’s box! But I think it’s a worthwhile exploration each of us needs to undertake as we put our work out in the world. Thanks for weighing in! I knew you’d have a sharp eyed perspective!
Thanks Rick for calling a spade a spade.
So often, we don’t want to step on toes or rock a boat because if we name names the boogey man might come to get us.
Hogwash.
The wax wings are already melting on the very same coaches you’re pointing to. And they’re not being transparent about it at all. When the only way to continue to grow your income is to continue to inflate your prices, you’ve proven your limited value.
I think there’s a fine line between embracing your true value and egotism. Well said, Rick.
Shawn,
I love this article. As Nancy said, you nailed it. I have been so disillusioned that I have removed myself from the fray. I have felt that I have had to pull away from all of it (which isn’t that great either) because when I am in the middle of what is going on I feel totally depleted. I remain to the extent I need to as I have clients I love working with and I don’t have the luxury of not working at all but I’d be lying if I said I don’t fantasize about walking away completely. But, I know that’s not the answer either. In the meantime I have been very conscious about who I hang with, who I talk to and where I spend my time learning.
I hope that you are right when you say “that eventually the pendulum will swing back to a more moderate ground.” I look forward to that day.
Thanks for a great post.
Melani
Hi Shawn,
I’ve always admired your style. You have a really grounded approach.
A few years back, I started following people who were in the coaching industry because they were doing some really cool things related to Internet Marketing. And they were really providing valuable information through innovative tools like ezines. And then, one day, I realized they had all become each others’ clones. They were one like the Borg with messages like these:
If You Want to Make More Money While Working Less…
Create the Business and Income of Your Dreams…
I’ll Show You My Secret Step-by-Step Process to Earn $xx,xxx More a Month
I Understand Because I Was Just Like You…
Get My Proven Million-Dollar Success BluePrint…
And on and on… all of a sudden these people who had started out doing something really exciting and innovative and interesting became just one more pushy Internet Marketing, caps, highlighted text, and all (I can come up with almost 10 examples of the top of my head).
Anyway, I unsubscribed to all of their newsletters because they seemed so disingenious.
I think what you are doing is perfect. So, please keep on doing it! I, for one, appreciate your style!
Best, Wendy
Wendy,
I know. How sad is it that you can roll those headlines off the top of your head w/o hesitation! They are meaningless.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep doing it my way! I intend to…especially if it keeps great folks like you engaged in the conversation.
All the best,
Shawn
Hi Shawn,
Great post…beautifully written and OH so true!
I’ve read through everyone’s comments and can only say DITTO, DITTO, DITTO!
The internet bubble is bursting and, in my opinion, it’s about time for a return to sanity.
Thanks for a great post,
With love and abundance,
Sandy :-)
Thanks Sandy.
I’ve seen your comments and articles about the burst of the bubble and I for one am most ready!
Keep up your great work and being an example of how to do this work with grace, intelligence and integrity. I love your work!
shawn
You tell em!!
Used to be a coach, this is one of the reasons I’m not.
People get attracted to the industry (at least for life coaches) out of the natural desire to help others, then they’re told if they haven’t made a million, they’ve failed.
And as we’re seeing, there is more money in teaching people how to make money :)
Love this post, you’re awesome
Thanks Scott.
Yes, lots of good folks like you step away rather than be part of the fray. I’m hoping, as the bubble bursts, that it creates opportunities for new voices to be heard above the noise.
Until then…keep on doing your great work
Great article Shawn. I am one of those who felt like I didn’t want to be called a “Coach” anymore. In fact, I was upset for a while because I thought the Coaching Industry was growing into a MLM type business where the top person is the millionaire and the others are well….
Too many coaches have never even worked with business owners or companies, but they were teaching other coaches to follow this group think model ($47 product w/ long yellow highlighted sales pages, “big” thinking, etc.); the small barrier of entry is a double-edged sword where everyone was buying into this “lifestyle-based business” vs truly putting in the work to help others succeed.
Anyway, I’m so glad that you started this conversation, can’t wait to see where it goes.
Kimmoy,
I’m excited to see where this conversation goes too. thanks for stopping by and chiming in to the wonderful conversation.
As I’ve shared with a few who’ve commented here…don’t get too far away from the community…we need smart, independent thinkers like you around! It keeps things grounded and in perspective!
be well,
Shawn
Shawn,
Not surprising – your post and all of the previous comments are singing right to my heart. And in or conversations over the last couple of months you have witnessed my own process of grounding. I, too, love Rick’s boutique restuarant analogy…he is a concept genius! I am taking away much wisdom today from you and all those who commented.
;)
Amy
Amy,
Yes, there is so much wisdom being shared on this page. And all from a blog post I wondered if I should publish!
I’m glad the folks here have supported you and helped your heart sing. We all need your wonderful song.
Shawn
Shawn,
I hereby declare that YOU are the bright shiny object I’m gonna follow!
When I read a coach who pitches their “I’m-a-Millionaire-and-I-Can-Teach-You-to-Be-Just-Like-Me” schtick, I glaze over and quickly move on. I left Corporate America for the same reasons you did. I am grateful that my work makes me feel happy and alive each and every day. And I earn the amount of money I want to earn. Success for me is defined very differently than it was when I worked for IBM. The amount of money I make is a small piece of that definition.
Thanks for shaking things up.
Lead the way, Coach!
Lara, I bet your clients are grateful that your work makes you happy (and your husband and kiddos too!) because they get the benefit of all that juice! And that juice is what fuels your success –and kickstarts the mompreneurs you work with!
Amazing article Shawn. Thank you for your incredible insight and candor.
When people ask me what I do these days I never call myself a coach. It gives me douche chills.
I also encourage my clients to build their business and lives the way THEY want to. No blueprint or roadmap or friggin step-by-step system needed.
This often includes some evil “non leveraged” activities like actually SPEAKING to your customers; meeting them in person without getting paid; having one-on-one clients (oh noooo trading hours for dollars!!): and often times NOT starting a business at all if what they really crave is to find a satisfying position in another organization that allows them to express their greatest gifts and love their life.
I really really love what you’re sharing here. I’m super excited to read more. Rock on woman. xo M
Marie,
Thanks for stopping by and weighing in! I love your comments about the taboo strategies you teach…and your sense of humor about it all.
Being accessible, working 1:1 and having contact with your followers are about as sound a business strategy as I know. And it is the most fun when you are expressing your greatest gifts, as you say, and loving life.
So, keep on loving life!
Shawn
Amen!
I LOVED this post. You really talk my language and how I feel about the coaching industry. I have been in the industry since leaving the Corporate world in 2001. Then, I was in awe of a profession so based in integrity and making a difference after my corporate experience and delighted to be a part of it. However, in recent years I have distanced myself from calling myself a coach because of what seems to have been happening and not wanting to be tarred with the same brush.
Great to see someone calling it as it is.
You are so right Shawn. I am sick of all the millionaire – make a million – now! phone calls I get daily. The network marketers are starting to act like tele-marketers… and giving the industry a bad name which we have long worked to overcome. I am featuring this article on this month’s blog carnival at http://www.BestBlogReview.com Thanks, I feel the same way.
Deb, thanks for stopping by and for the generous sharing of the article with your readers. It feels so good to know we’re not alone in our make-a-million fatigue!
Keep on doing great work!