I finally established my full-time career coaching practice but my “elevator pitch” was far from stellar. There were dozens of other coaches saturating the landscape: life coaches, career coaches, purpose coaches, coaches for coaches… so how would I stand out? It was time to hone my elevator pitch, add a TWIST that would distinguish me from other coaches and be more compelling. When faced with skepticism or confused stares, how could I succinctly explain to people what I did for a living, and powerfully demonstrate my value in a less-than-two minute pitch?
And then, I happened to notice a TV commercial for a local gym. Actually, it hit me like a ton of bricks (or maybe a dumbbell): I’m like a fitness trainer, but for your job search and career development. What would it look like if I TWISTED my career coaching business with a gym instructor?
- A fitness trainer guides you but you do the heavy lifting. I provide the guidance and outline the career roadmap, but my clients have to take the action themselves to achieve their professional goals.
- A fitness trainer helps you to be fitter and more attractive. I help my clients polish their professional skills and appear more attractive to current bosses and prospective employers alike.
- A fitness trainer boosts your confidence. I empower my clients to impress their colleagues at the next big meeting, or crush that important company-wide presentation, or ace their next job interview.
- A fitness trainer helps you increase your speed and agility. I help my clients achieve their professional goals more efficiently, with less time spent on excuses and more time spent on action; I provide critical support and guidance to accelerate career progress and overcome past hurdles.
- A fitness trainer is a waste of money if you’re not ready to hustle. I only work with clients who want to improve on their weaknesses and are willing to put in the work on a regular basis. Whether they want to level-up in their current company or switch careers entirely, the path to success often requires weeks or months of effort. It doesn’t happen overnight.
So, much like a fitness instructor, I provide a strategic mix of support and heavy-duty accountability, with a kick in the rear when it’s needed most. Now my elevator pitch has the TWIST to help my business get remembered, “Take a gym instructor and TWIST it with business goals and you have a career coach.”
About the author:
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David Wiacek is a NY-based, globally-minded career coach and copywriter. He helps squash his clients’ fears and brings back wonder into their professional lives. He also crafts catchy copy for businesses—both in print and online. Check out his work at davidthefixer.com
Finding the right TWIST can help your brand innovate and deliver. In TWIST: How Fresh Perspectives Build Breakthrough Brands, Brand School founder Julie Cottineau provides a clear road map to build a stronger more distinctive brand – complete with examples from real life small business owners who have successfully completed our Brand School program. Pick up your copy today.
