How can you build and keep a career counseling identity and network?

As a career coach, I have discovered the transformative power of self-awareness in guiding individuals towards fulfilling and purposeful careers. By understanding our own unique strengths, skills, and passions, we can effectively support others' professional journeys. Self-awareness is the foundation for building meaningful careers. It enables us to align our passions with our professional goals, leading to increased motivation and engagement. As career counselors, we have the opportunity to contribute to the development of future leaders in fields that resonate with our own passion areas. By helping individuals uncover their authentic selves, we empower them to make informed decisions about their careers.

In a world filled with experienced, passionate and purpose driven career counsellors and career coaches, it is important to be known as the 'go-to' in your niche and have a uniqueness about how you work that stands out. Create an ideal client 'avatar'. Who do you wish to serve? Do you specialise in a specific area, with a specific gender, age group, experience or seniority level? What are the unique concerns of your client avatar? How do you deliver your services? Virtually or face-to-face? What additional support do you provide that other counsellors don't? The best way to set yourself apart is to publish a book in your niche - it is your business card on steroids and educates potential clients on who you are and how you help others.

Being a career practitioner I have developed the art of being a good communicator that offers customizable strategies to help my clients progress to achieve their goals. In addition, I use a holistic case management approach that allows for me to leverage certain skills that provides a unique experience. Furthermore, helping clients today requires good listening skills, being empathetic, strengthening self awareness and establishing a accountability partner framework. This has helped me evolve as a service provider and brand. Please feel free to take a look at recommendations left on my LinkedIn profile to give you a greater insight of my impact and results.

Publishing content that helps to create an awareness of the value you bring to clients in your specific niche is an excellent way to build your personal brand and identify as a career coach or counsellor. I have found that my podcast, Your Career Podcast, and my book, Navigating Career Crossroads in addition to my blog and LinkedIn Newsletter are excellent ways to enable my audience to become aware of my services, the way I work and my personality. As 'fit' is so important when coaching clients, being 'Google-able' and easily found so potential clients can read your reviews, experience your voice (via a podcast episodes and the written word) helps them to make the decision to work with you.

I have found the best way to build my identity as a career coach is to collaborate with my peers through LinkedIn Live broadcasts, LinkedIn Audio Events and webinars. As coaches enjoy supporting their clients, many also enjoy supporting each other. I have found that through collaborations we are able to boost each other's profiles and consequently our businesses to serve our clients better referrals for the specific support the may need.

Start by connecting with peers and professionals in your field through platforms like LinkedIn, industry events, and webinars. Share your insights, achievements, and expertise to establish your identity as a knowledgeable and approachable career counselor. Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with industry trends, and participate in mentorship programs to both guide and learn from others. Collaborate on projects, publish articles, or contribute to discussions in relevant forums. Nurture your network by maintaining regular communication, offering support, and celebrating milestones with peers. This fosters trust, visibility, and long-term professional relationships.

I can’t stress the importance of personal and professional growth enough. Personal growth so you can continue to be a safe mentor and coach, and professional growth so you can give the most up to date information and advice to your clients. The best coaches are those who believe in life long learning!

A career coach should stay on top of emerging trends like AI, video resumes, and non-traditional career paths. By understanding where industries are heading, coaches can prepare clients for future success. This foresight allows coaches to guide clients towards developing adaptable skillsets and mindsets for evolving workplace dynamics. It also enables coaches to better advise clients exploring non-traditional roles. By staying ahead of the curve, career coaches position themselves as knowledgeable leaders in their field. This proactive approach attracts more clients seeking an informed perspective on upcoming career landscapes. Being future-focused establishes a career coach as a strategic partner for navigating change.

Authenticity is the key to success as a coach. Allow your clients to know what drives you as a coach or counsellor through your communication - when working with them and also through the content you share on various platforms. Authentic leadership is appreciated and respected.

While authenticity is key for coaches, it's also important to adapt your style to each client's needs. Coaches must be able to mold their approach based on factors like culture, age, gender, personality, or values while staying true to themselves. Shaping your communication, activities, and tone to different preferences while maintaining your integrity builds better client rapport. The most skilled coaches balance flexibility with being genuine. They remain authentic to their core methodology and personality while customizing how they connect and tailoring discussions to nurture each client. This adaptability paired with authenticity makes coaches more effective.

Be always available to guide, be forthcoming & open to happily sharing your knowledge and experiences. Your mentees look up to you for practical guidance on the myriad issues they face at various stages of their career transition. I have guided mentees on Resumes, LinkedIn visibility, interview success, salary negotiations, resigning, and more. As a counselor, you are happy to hear the success stories of the mentees who have been guided by you!