“Do I have to have a coaching niche?” is the wrong question.
Instead, ask: What Kind of Coach Do I Want to Be?
How do you choose a coaching niche?
You’ve probably run into some articles online talking about the importance of choosing a coaching niche in order to find clients. That has you wondering, “How do I choose a niche?”
This question implies that you need to land on the “correct” answer somehow—like choosing the right niche is all part of your financial success. In reality, to choose a coaching niche you need to take a few steps back.
What kind of coach do you want to be?
What kind of coach do you want to be? That’s a better question to ask than, How do you choose a coaching niche?
Asking questions that are about who you want to be tap into authenticity and values. Those are the foundational places to start in determining how you want to support your clients.
Take time to journal on this question—to really dig into it. Who do you want to be, as a coach? What kind of problems do you want to help people face? What solutions would you like coaching to provide?
Some coaches even ask themselves what the pivotal experiences were that had them get interested in coaching in the first place as inspiration for who they want to serve.
Do you have to have a coaching niche?
No, you do not have to have a coaching niche. If you are able to speak to the problems people face and solutions they desire in a way that is clear and resonant, then there’s no need to define yourself as being a “health and wellness” coach or an “executive coach.” For some coaches, this is a liberating idea because they’ve felt like they “had to” figure out a niche and then stick to it. Instead, you can speak to broader problems—like perfectionism or people-pleasing—and how coaching can help with those problems, rather than isolating a specific niche.
Our Program Offers Support
Many people who are drawn to becoming a coach will initially feel overwhelmed.
How exactly does it work, to become a life coach?
How are they going to choose a coaching niche?
And having chosen a niche, how will they figure out if it's right for them? What if they put a bunch of effort into one particular niche, and then realize...it's not the niche for them?
Watch the video below for more.
*The Credentialed Life Coach Collective was formerly known as the Courageous Living Coach Certification program.
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Bree Overly
Not only have I learned how transformative coaching can be from the coach’s perspective, I have also experienced the transformative power of coaching from the client’s perspective. I know how important and powerful the work is from both sides, which makes me a better coach, and a more confident, fulfilled person. The leadership of CLCC are amazingly talented, and the work they have done to create a holistic, experiential program that not only teaches skills but also creates community is unique and life changing. I have benefited so greatly from the connections I have made with my fellow cohort members. They are kindred spirits, and the connections are deep and life affirming.
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Sally DeArmas
I'm not sure I can accurately articulate all the ways in which I've benefited from being a part of CLCC. It has been mind-blowing! I am taking away that I felt loved, cared for, and supported from the get-go at the retreat, and that continues today. I have never in my life felt more advocated for or corroborated with in such a tender, affirming place and from such beautiful people. It actually makes me wonder how I didn't know it was possible to feel accepted and appreciated so fully. I have felt challenged by the curriculum as a new coach in a very 'good way'; like when you have a really sore muscle that needs to stay limber, but yikes, it doesn't feel the best when it is moved or massaged, (and also it 'feels so good'!=). It has felt AMAZING as well as liberating to stretch myself fully! The confidence that Kate, as well as the Lead and mentor coaches, have had in me is exactly what I needed to step out and show up as my most courageous deliberate self. I am proud of how I have grown personally and professionally making me feel as if I am not the same person as when we started CLCC in January, but a much better version of myself now. I am equipped with the tools needed to contribute to my life as well as the lives of others in a way that is impactful and meaningful, something I have desired for as long as I can remember. I will also say that I am deeply honored to know the leadership team, my CLCC peers, and to be walking this Oh-so-glorious, deeply moving journey with all of you. I will always feel like you are my people, and I am yours.
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Kim Romain
I received such an amazing breadth of training through CLCC. From where I stand today, I recognize how much I have deepened my skills through in-session practices as well as through our field work calls, in addition to having an opportunity to learn how to focus my coaching on the whole person vs. the problems clients identify with, creating long-term, systemic change in their lives. But, I think my greatest takeaway from my time at CLCC is the opportunity to do so much inner-work for myself, as well. For me, this comes from deeply wanting and needing to feel a part of something bigger than myself, to step out of my comfort zone of doing it all for and by myself. Over this time with CLCC, I have been able to lean into the larger community, both as a client, as as a friend. Thanks to my time with CLCC, I feel like I have an extended family, a true team, I can call my own. Although I've heard others say this before, I never really understood its true meaning until my time with CLCC. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and am excited about where this journey is going to lead us all to next.