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Georgetown ITL Ahead of the Curve

 

You Are Your Own Niche

Authenticity as Your True Competitive Edge

 

Here you'll find resources and references from our session! 

Downloadable Resources

  1. Presentation Slides - Please use, quote, and create from these materials - but please do not distribute widely.
  2. Strengths Inventory template - A self-awareness exercise that helps identify and own your unique strengths and gifts in the world. This exercise brings clarity to your tangible and intangible qualities. 
  3. Value of Coaching List - Serves as a reminder for coach and client alike about the exponential potential that exists in the conversation between them. Feel free to copy, brand and make it your own. 
  4. iOS Template - An individual operating system, or iOS, is an internal ‘compass’ you can reference when your external ‘map’ or path is unclear.

Key Concepts

Niche (n.): the people you are uniquely qualified to serve and the problems you are uniquely qualified to solve. There are two parts: 

  • Authenticity
  • Direction

There are 3 Fundamental Levers that allow us to empower our Niche: 

  1. Everyone is an Entrepreneur
  2. We are the Architects of our Lives
  3. Your Expansion is directly proportional to your Gravity 

Your Niche requires Ownership & Clarity of...

 

I. Your Unique Value

  • Confidence vs. Humility... what is more important? 
  • Trust Continuum
  • Unique Value Exercise 
    • [Name], I’ve got a quick favor to ask. I’m working with a new coach and was tasked with asking former teammates/clients for a recommendation/testimonial that answers, “what unique value do I provide?”
      The format can be text, email, and/or carrier pigeon! Would you be willing to write one in the next day or two?
  • Four Parts of Enrollment: Me, You, Vision, Structure
  • Strengths Inventory

 

II. Your Craft 

  • Be aware of the specific value your role creates – tangible and intangible. 

 

III. Your Offer 

How to Make Authentic Offers & Generate New Clients

  1. Make cool stuff that you believe in
  2. Think of the places and people to do the cool stuff with
  3. Then, go ask/enroll others to do the cool stuff

Steps to Create Your Golden Offer

  1.  Purpose: What is this offer’s reason for being? Why is it important to you? What problem does it solve? What possibility does it unlock?
  2. Story: What’s the origin story? How did this offer come to be?
  3. Audience: Who’s it for? If ANYONE could have it, who would you want to have it?
  4. Model [Structure & Parts]: What are pillars or process that underlie it?
  5. Form & Delivery: How is it packaged? What’s included? How is it delivered? Via what medium? Over what period of time?
  6. Visual: What does it look like? 👀 What’s the wrapping paper? How can you match a visual with the story and purpose to address different learning styles?
  7. Price: What does it cost? Are there payment plans available?

Continued Practices

  • Download the iOS Template on Notion or Docs. Give yourself 10 minutes to play with the template.  
  • Create a professional/coaching blurb to send to friends and colleagues that uses your language to introduce coaching. It's not fair or right to assume that even people that know us well can speak to our work on our behalf. Give them a 2-4 sentence overview of what you do and how you do it. (hint: use ChatGPT if you need a hand)
  • Authentic Expression: Journal on the ways you naturally show up and express yourself in community, whether it's through writing, art, speaking, or other means. Note any fears or insecurities you have around expressing yourself authentically and how you plan to overcome them.
  • Owning Your Spotlight: Journal on where your ego or survival mechanism has led you out of integrity in owning your spotlight. Share your thoughts with a buddy and discuss any patterns or habits you have around playing small in visible spaces. Brainstorm ways to hold yourself accountable to stepping into your power.
  • Unique Value Exercise
    • Collect all responses in one place that will be easy for you to access. I have all of my responses in an iPhone Notes App that is pinned to the top of my list. If you get a complimentary email, audio message, or text, save it and add it to the collection.
    • Like a journalist, look for through-lines and common themes. What are you often seen and appreciated for?
    • Consider adding reviewing this note to your normal routine. You might habit stack this with your AM cup of coffee... but ya know, do you tho 🤷🏽‍♂️

Learn more about Authentic Business Mapping 

A business development program for ICF coaches looking to take their business to the next level. 

Learn about ABM Here

Want to chat? Book a call below 👇🏽