February
19
There are hundreds and hundreds of people out on the web giving advice on how to brand yourself. Pick your niche, create your brand and be clear.
We all know the rules. Part of the rules and not to limit yourself.
I have been told over and over again that I shouldn’t tell people I am gay. Why not just keep it quiet or it is something they will find out on their own. You do not need to tell people upfront.
I am gay.
I just did it again and why I did it, is because it is part of brand. It is part of me.
I remember a business coach once told me, “If you tell people you are gay, then you can only work with gay people. Is that what you want to limit yourself to?”
Well, would that be so bad? Or what is funny is that I have told people I am gay for a long time. I have plenty of straight female clients. And guess what, a few straight male clients as well.
I am not telling people I am gay because I wanting to get your attention. I am telling you I am gay because it is who I am. It is part of my authentic self.
People work with me to find that authentic self. To start living life out loud.
How could I help people, if I can’t do it myself?
I know a lot of coaches who are part of the GLBT community. For the most part, I am one of the only who states upfront I am gay. Who has it on his blog, Twitter, Facebook, and bio. Most keep it hidden.
Of course they will share it with me in private but some are scared of what will happen. People might not hire them. People might judge them. It is is better to blend in.
I do not blend in. I never did and I never will. I am me.
So I am gay, so what? That is just a part of me. A part of me I am proud of and refuse to be ashamed of.
Now I ask you, are you living life out loud? What are you afraid to share with the world?
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Iris Arenson-fuller
on 19 Feb 2010 at 4:07 pm #
Michael,
It is sad that some people are limited and narrow in their views but I hear you loud and clear. How do one’s sexual preferences have a bearing in how good a coach you are? If you don’t care to limit yourself to the gay community exclusively, then why should prospective clients give a hoot if they get to know you and find you have something to offer them.? It doesn’t make sense to me. I am not gay but I work with a lot of gay clients.
It is their loss if they want to live their lives categorizing and putting everyone in little boxes.
To me, your value as a coach increases when clients can be sure you are totally honest and authentic.
Joseph
on 20 Feb 2010 at 5:17 am #
Michael,
Just like Iris said, and as you pointed out, how can you help people be themselves if you are hiding as well? We shouldn’t hide what we are, but unfortunately today’s society judges by appearence. So what if you’re gay? Who you sleep with has nothing to do with your work. That is your private life, but also a part of what you are, just like your work. Being yourself can be the most amazing thing an individual can do. I truly respect what you do and like you said, it’s time to live out loud, don’t be afraid of who you are. I always say, if people have issues with the way I behave/dress/speak, it’s their problem, not mine. I heard that if something bothers you in a person, it means you are not tolerant with that same thing in yourself. It is so easy to judge, rather than understand. I’m on that tough road of self-discovery but each step I take is lighter because I feel good in my skin and I start to understand and know what I want in life.
And on that happy note, I just completed a little test on my website that pinpoints my desires, amongst other things…feel free to fill it out and if you want, post it here as well, so your readers can give it a go