My name is Val Nelson and I have helped hundreds of people clarify their vision and activate their superpowers (their amazing unique strengths) — and we have gotten results.
I specialize in helping heart-centered people make their mark — despite any blocks about key strategies like networking and communications.
I start by sincerely getting to know you and your goals (love that part!). Together we clarify the goals and create a plan to reach them — in a way that is manageable and fun for you.
My services include career and business coaching, coaching for introverts, workshops, and public speaking. [more]
I also offer lots of free tips via my blog and my Facebook Page. Join the convo!
My office is in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts (in “Western Mass” as we fondly call it). I’m a transplant from the South. I work with people all over the U.S. and can speak both Southern and “Yankee” as my Cajun dad would say.
My Superpowers
- Uncovering and activating your unique superpowers!
- Matching the real you with the right roadmap for you.
- Bringing our hearts to online and real-life communications.
- Making networking fun – even for introverts!
- Getting you unstuck – today.
My Approach
My methods are informed by these approaches or beliefs:
- More you = more ease = more impact. (I call this my black swan formula.)
- You can think big and keep it simple.
- Authenticity is the most effective way to be successful. (Oprah and other proof)
- You don’t have to spend a fortune to rise above the noise, but you do have to invest something — strategically.
- It doesn’t have to be that hard. When it feels hard, it’s time to get help.
Specialty: Helping You Rise Above Self-Promotion Blocks
I specialize in helping service professionals, introverts, and women who are feeling challenged to promote themselves. You didn’t start a business to focus on the marketing part, you just want to bring your gifts to the world; sound familiar?
If you’re following your calling or passions, or want to do so, you’re right up my alley! The world needs you and I want to help you make that difference.
I have the experience, the understanding of your needs, and the supportive coaching skills to make it easy.
See also: Coaching for Introverts
Thinking Big. Keeping It Simple.
A highlight of my career was when I was invited to speak at an international AIDS conference about our successes with involving volunteers.
I am still humbled when I recall sitting on a panel next to a woman tackling the AIDS front in Africa. I learned a lot from her about not letting lack of resources get in the way. With her beautiful smile, she explained the creative ways her group was making a difference in devastated communities.
I know from her and a thousand other examples that we can think big and still keep it simple and affordable.
Credentials
- Featured expert on self-employment concerns, in the media (e.g., radio) and speaking engagements (See speaking and media links)
- Graduate of the Coaches Training Institute. (Loved it!)
- Committed to following the International Coach Federation (ICF) ethical standards.
- Chair, Western Mass Coaching Alliance
- 20+ years in health and human services
- 12+ years in management (non-profit and business worlds)
- 20+ years in marketing and communications (non-profit and business worlds)
- 10+ years helping with websites and web marketing, especially for healing arts professionals
- Inbound Marketing Certified Professional
- Successful experience in a range of settings — including education, human resources management, and self-employment
- 5 years of training in and practicing conscious communication, also known as non-violent communication (NVC), a powerful tool in the workplace
- Longtime veteran of 12-step living
- Activist: LGBTIQQA, human rights, peace
- Former illustrator and ad designer (award-winning)
- B.A., Tulane University (Double major: Sociology, Latin American Studies)
And I’m a proud introvert who loves networking. Go figure. (Psst, networking is a fancy word for making friends.)
For the real-world credentials, check out my testimonials.
And if you like those résumé-like credentials:
My Coaching and Consulting Business History
I first opened my own business as a consultant for businesses who wanted help with communications — especially online communications (e.g., social media), because I already had a solid reputation for it.
I soon found that many of my clients had fears that got in the way of their success, such as networking or self-promotion anxiety or fear of exposure. So my natural coaching style kicked in, and we’ve all been a lot happier and seen more results since then.
Finally, after some additional coach training, I started calling myself a coach more than a consultant, but I bring both skills to my work. I switch hats as needed. (See Business Coaching for details.)
Then I officially added coaching for individuals, especially coaching for introverts and career coaching. I’ve been doing something like it for ages under different names (mentor, program manager, human resources manager, friend). It’s been a joyful birthing process of bringing more of the real me to work.
If I would just stop changing things, I could save some money on business cards. Oh well.
Contact
You can email me or call me at 413.320.2182 for more information.
I look forward to hearing from you.
