To Niche or Not To Niche?

To niche or not to niche?

That is the question…Or is it?

For many coaches the question of whether or not to niche is not only a preoccupation, but a headache!

It’s a topic on which there is no shortage of opinion, guidance, or even unsolicited advice.

And it’s a topic that can generate a lot of self-talk around “should” and “should not”, even though, as coaches, we are trained to challenge this very thinking as a sign of external pressure that can get in the way of the answers we seek.

So what can we do?

·       We can dismiss the question. But we might be missing an opportunity.

·       We can seek to answer it. But it may lead to circular thinking.

·       Or we can consider it might be the wrong question.

A better question (maybe!)

Maybe a more helpful question than whether or not to niche is: “what is my niche already?” 

This may not generate an immediate answer, but it may well stimulate a lot more curiosity about what you already know, and what you already do well!

To break it down you may want to think about the following:

·       Who you are as a coach – your passions, strengths, interests, values and even your sense of purpose

·       Your clients – who they are, what they want, why they choose you and what they value from you as a coach

·       Your niche – how might you describe what you already do, why you do it, who benefits, and how you help?

This may lead you to some fresh insight on what you want, what your clients want, and what you already do well – much of which can become lost in plain sight as we scratch our heads looking for what's missing.

The search doesn’t end here, but in my experience working with many coaches, it’s a very healthy place to start!

Now what?

If this frees up something for you and sets you off in a new direction, great!

If you feel it’s a topic you want to explore more fully, you may want to join our limited place workshop coming soon.

Find Your Niche Workshop

This workshop is a chance to address this very topic with likeminded coaches, helping you slow your thinking and decision making down in order to rediscover who you are, what value you add, who you help and what your unique niche might just be!

The workshop is co-created and facilitated by 2 experienced supervisors, running over 2 days. To find out more and book your place click the link below:

https://www.stillwater-coaching.co.uk/find-your-niche

And finally...

If you’re asking yourself whether to niche, you’re not alone! 

If you’re stuck, you’re not alone either! 

Try asking yourself some different questions to see what a more curious approach gives you.

Try asking yourself what the coach in you would do!

Good luck!

Martin

For more information go to www.stillwater-coaching.co.uk

Email: martin@stillwater-coaching.co.uk

Phone: (+44) 07969 653 024