Consulting Matters

Consulting and Coaching in The Messy Middle (Ep159)

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Why is the messy middle a big part of our experience as consultants and coaches, and what we do with our clients?

Find out on today’s episode of the Consulting Matters podcast.​

So, I just got back from the second annual in-person retreat with my client, of four years, Katie Anderson, who is the messy middle of writing her second book.

On the last day, we recorded a podcast for her show Chain of Learning on how our work together during the retreat on the messy middle is part of the learning, how to embrace it, and how it helped Katie and her growth, leading to clarity on the shape of the next book.

If you’re a fan of Katie’s work or want to see first-hand the struggles and payoff of getting clarity on your big ideas, check out our conversation. You can find that interview here.

But our conversation got me thinking about the messy middle for myself and why it’s such a big part of our work as consultants and coaches, and our experience as we grow our businesses to continue the conversation on the power of the messy middle – what it means to be in it and how to help ourselves and our clients navigate it… and that is what today’s episode of the Consulting Matters podcast is all about.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • The meaning and power of the messy middle (and why it’s so darn uncomfortable)
  • Why your approach to handling your own experience with the messy middle impacts your effectiveness with your clients and their messy middle navigation
  • How to recognize the messy middle as the real reason behind why clients hire consultants and coaches (regardless of what clients ask for)

    • Let’s dive in!

    Where to dive in:

    00:00 – Why the “Messy Middle” Matters

    00:14 – Episode Intro + Context

    02:33 – What the Messy Middle Really Is (and isn’t)

    04:53 – Transformation, Identity Shifts & Why It’s Uncomfortable

    07:04 – The Hero’s Journey Explained

    11:42 – Your Role as the Guide (Consultant/Coach)

    14:04 – Seeing the Pattern Everywhere

    16:19 – You Have to Go First (Your Own Journey)

    21:00 – Why Clients Actually Hire You

    27:51 – Messaging: Speak to Transformation, Not Tactics

    30:13 – Final Takeaways + Next Steps

    Next steps:
    1. If you are in the messy middle, and that’s why your lack of clarity in what you do and confidence in your messaging is becoming so pressing, or you want to pivot your positioning to work with more clients who are in the messy middle, let’s chat.  Head on over to my website at www.betsyjordyn.com
    2. Start to notice the heroic journey in what you read and watch, and try to connect your own experience with transformation to those stories – see yourself in the larger transformation narrative.
    3. If you’re in a time of transition, don’t go it alone. Experience the value of getting help to accelerate your own journey and gain insight into the value you provide your clients.
    4. Evaluate how you’re positioning yourself with your clients – from transactional service provider to transformational strategic partner.

      5. Other articles you may enjoy:

      • Finding Clarity Through the Messy Middle: Reflections from My Book Retreat with Betsy Jordyn 
      • How to Become a Confident Speaker with Dr. Christina Madison 
      • Do You Love Consulting or Coaching but Hate Marketing?
      • The Consultant or Coaches's C.U.R.E. for Fear & Self-Doubt
      • Starting a Consulting Business: How to Get It Right from Day One

        • About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services 

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