Why Coach Has Become a Bad Word

<p>I offer services that help business owners and other self-employed creatives in various ways. I've never liked using the word "coaching" for those services, but I'm especially moving away from it now after seeing what's been going on in that space lately. What should I call myself?</p> <p>DM me @aardvarkgirl on any social platform and let me know!</p> <p>Shout out to Arzo Yusuf of the Sexy Boss Babe podcast for inspiring this episode. Check out Episode 22 for her take on <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-e22-predatory-coaching-programs/id1363101836?i=1000510613541'>Predatory Coaching Programs</a>. Join us Tuesday nights at 6pm Pacific time on Clubhouse for discussions based on her weekly podcast episodes!</p> <p>--</p> <p>I have had issues with the word "coach" for years when it comes to that line of my business helping services. I've never really figured out what to call myself in that capacity. Consultant sounds too stuffy and corporate. Advisor sounds too hands-on. Mentor sounds too egotistical. Coach is the most commonly accepted, but it has a lot of negative connotations, especially lately. I have gone back and forth with what to call myself for years and have never settled on anything I love. In March of 2020 when I updated my website, I finally caved and decided to use Coach, because that’s the word people search for when looking for those services. I still didn’t love it, but I was willing to concede that it was the best choice.</p> <p>But then, during the pandemic, it seems that everybody became a coach. A lot of people were looking for new ways to make money from home, and that seemed to be an easy transition. And with that surge of new coaches in the market came a slew of horrible practices - bad advice, sleazy marketing, and false promises. I've been hearing way too many horror stories about these predatory coaches and coaching groups taking advantage. They are targeting vulnerable women and pressuring them into spending money they don't have in order to "achieve their dreams."