I’ve been calling myself a sounding board for a while now but while the words are common, the service isn’t well understood.
Many others stick to a broad definition like an advisor, mentor or coach. There is a difference between these terms but it’s fairly subtle and does the average person seeking help truly understand the variation?
I love the term thought leader and people have described me this way but again, do potential clients understand what this could mean? To be honest, I also struggle to anoint myself with a title like this.
I don’t want to sell myself as someone with all of the answers. I don’t want to have three set models that solve every business challenge.
I want to talk through issues to see if I can spark a solution in someone else, help them test their thinking or to find some simplicity or connection in their complexity.
Maybe there isn’t an issue, maybe someone just needs to let their mind wander for a while. Technically speaking, solving the world over coffee.
How would you describe this?
Is a sounding board too wishy washy?
Is the term thought leader too pretentious for a simple bloke like me?
I would love to hear your views.
