Week Three: There Is No Such Thing As A Crowded Marketplace
Cooperation, Not Competition
Cooperation, Not competition
Here’s what I love about the women I work with. Even the ones who are or want to do exactly what I do… I feel a sisterhood with them. That we are in a cooperative, not a competitive relationship. The marketplace doesn’t feel crowded - it feels necessary!
Why do I say this?
I’m noticing that many women, particularly those over 50, are taking a moment to reflect on their career paths and life choices. This pause often marks a turning point—one that inspires deeper introspection and prompts a shift toward what truly brings fulfillment and meaning.
This time - when they take it - is an opportunity to prioritize their passions, relationships, and personal growth… especially over the pressures of societal expectations. (Like colleagues and family and spouses who are saying WTF are you thinking????!!!!)
The Unexpected Role Reversal
Here’s what happens for a lot of us. This reflective time leads to a powerful realization: We go from seeking guidance from a career or life coach to considering your own career in life coaching!
As we get older we often find ourselves in the mentor's seat, drawing on our experiences to steer others toward their own wins in life and business. So it’s natural that we want to make it official and start coaching others, in some capacity or another.
Having been in our mentees' shoes not so long ago, we bring a unique empathy and understanding to the mentorship. We know the struggles, the doubts, and the fears that come with navigating uncharted territory.
As we share our knowledge and insights, we’re not only helping others grow but also paying it forward. We’re creating a ripple effect of positive change, inspiring others to do the same when their time comes.
A Legacy of Leadership
In this new role, we’re not just mentors – we’re leaders and role models. We’re shaping the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and change-makers, leaving a lasting legacy that will outlive us.
However, the prospect of entering the coaching space, especially as a woman over 50, can feel intimidating. We're left wondering if our experiences, the things that make us who we are, are still worth sharing in a sea of sameness.
We’re also walking away from teams, support systems, and, in many cases, a comfortable salary. But the perks of our previous lives often aren’t enough to keep us in businesses where we feel so trapped.
Then, we find ourselves trying to start a brand-new business in what might seem like an overcrowded space. But the reality is, there’s plenty of room for all of us—especially for women coaches over 50. Each of our stories is like a unique musical note, resonating with the right people at the right time.
Embrace your age and experience—they are absolute gold in the world of coaching. You have so much to offer, so don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
Finding Your Authentic Voice: You Are One-of-a-Kind
In some Native American culture, there’s a powerful concept known as 'the hollow bone' or 'the hollow tube.' It symbolizes the idea of divine guidance flowing through us, much like breath or a song.
This guidance, while originating from a universal source, is shaped and colored by the individual instrument it passes through—our unique life experiences, with all their highs and lows. Our successes, our failures, the lessons learned along the way—all contribute to the distinct timbre of our voice.
When coaching, your voice is your most potent tool.
Don't shy away from it. Take the time to nurture, discipline, and challenge yourself—and then watch yourself shine. Your slant on things is precisely what's been missing from the discussion.
Women age and we ripen. The very act of living life makes us a good fit for our ideal client.
Your Experiences are Your Assets
There's a pervasive misconception, particularly in the online world, that coaching is about fitting into a pre-determined mold and promoting a "one-size-fits-all" solution.
Nothing could be farther from the truth, especially for women coaches over 50. At this crossroads, our satchel of life experiences is overflowing with the quiet strength that comes from having faced our fears, shouldered our doubts, and pushed through the dark times. The stories we've lived shape our coaching philosophy, transforming challenges into teachable moments that spark real change.
I know several women who have transitioned from a successful corporate career to in order to pursue their passions for holistic wellness. I love how they are harnessing the power of shared experience in order to empower other women to:
Revolutionize their careers
Break free from perceived limitations
Restore their youthful enthusiasm
Its proving to be an empowering, never-regrettable path forward.
The art of coaching is inherently intertwined with our individual quests; the breadcrumbs we leave behind forge a trail for others to follow.
I may or may not be preaching from a pedestal.
I want to be that trusted friend who lends a supportive ear, walks alongside you, and shares the burden of your struggles.
Imagine waking up every morning feeling passionate, energized, and fully alive - that's what I help women achieve by supporting them in shaping a life that honors their deepest desires and values. And like me, there are many of us who want to help other women and men live life and love life—and to do that, we have to offer more than just a generic approach to personal growth.
Shifting from Competition to Collaboration
The coaching landscape may seem crowded, but it’s not a zero-sum game. There's a heartening shift occurring, especially among women coaches over 50—a movement away from fierce competition towards a spirit of cooperation and community building.
We're figuring out that genuine support and real results come from sharing our expertise and drawing from each other's strengths—not going it alone.
Women coaches in their 50s are a force to be reckoned with—their wisdom, expertise, and collaborative spirit create a ripe environment for innovation and lasting change. At the core of every flourishing coaching practice lies a web of strong, collaborative relationships that foster growth.
Embracing Your Unique Journey
To truly resonate with your ideal audience, you must first own and embrace your authentic self.
RAW honesty, it turns out, speaks directly to our hearts, and shared weaknesses make lasting bonds.
When you bring your true self to the table—your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs—it not only sets you apart from the crowd but also attracts those who resonate with your energy and message. Sincerity is what propels people to put their faith in you from the get-go.
Building a Thriving Coaching Practice
Here are some key steps women coaches over 50 can take to build a thriving coaching practice:
Identify Your Niche: What are you passionate about? What problems can you uniquely help solve based on your experiences?
Craft Your Story: Your story is your superpower. Humans crave authenticity, so ditch the script and be vulnerable.
Network Authentically: Engage with other coaches and potential clients. Share your knowledge generously, and don’t be afraid to collaborate.
Embrace Digital Presence: Start with a website that boasts your brand's personality and values, then vibe with your audience on social media.
Conclusion
Entering the coaching space as a woman over 50 can feel like stepping into a crowded room, but your voice, shaped by years of experience and wisdom, holds unique value.
Women coaches over 50 can stake their claim by staying true to themselves and working together with others. This potent combination paves the way for a richly rewarding career guiding others.
I need to say this one more time…
Your age is not a liability—it’s an asset.
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