Shine is helping people become their best possible selves – all over text message. The startup has launched a new on-demand life coaching service, offering subscribers individualized, full-time access to a certified coach who can help them map out a personal plan to success.
Shine has been sending free, inspirational text messages every morning for the past year. Subscribers wake up to motivating messages that encourage them to focus on their strengths, minimize decision-making time, or spend an hour a day on accomplishing their long-term goals. Shine also sends inspiring memes, insightful articles, and energizing playlists.
A brief rousing message may be a great boost for some. However, an article in TechCrunch reports that many Shine members were asking to talk to a real person for more sustained, personalized school, life, and work advice.
That’s why Shine decided to launch Shine Talk. Each subscriber get matched with a “Shinevisor,” a trained professional who will send daily motivational texts, help people process low moments, and guide them on the path towards their ultimate goals.
TechCrunch writes:
This real-world life coach will listen to your venting, your problems, and your life goals, via text, then write back with customized advice, feedback, and guidance. They’ll also send articles on the subject, so you can learn more about whatever it is you’re facing. Paid members are guaranteed at least one texting session per day, and the messages are sent asynchronously.
Site co-founder Naomi Hirabayahi told TechCrunch, “We’re meeting people where they are in terms of the platform – which is on the go. So you can text your coach at any time, and they’ll get back to you when they’re able, and vice versa. So it’s a fluid conversation.”
“We’re meeting people where they are in terms of the platform – which is on the go.”
– Shine cofounder Naomi Harabayahi
While traditional life coaching can cost as much as $300/hour, the Shine service costs $15.99/week. To sign up for a free trial, visit https://talk.shinetext.com/.
What Your Organization Can Learn from Shine
More and more organizations are taking advantage of text messaging’s dual power to reach a broad swath of people with automated messaging, and also provide personalized support to a few. The Clinton campaign, for example, launched a text hotline that sends automated voter information to everybody, but also connects people to specialists if they need more help.
If your organization has the resources, consider how you can combine mass communication with personal support.