FAQs

How the idea for in/cognito was born

My experience as a strapped startup founder helped me develop this idea and the mindset that: as hard as it might sound, when you or I want to get something done, the ‘identity’ or ‘who is doing the job’ doesn’t matter as much as their expertise and their ability to get the job done well.

The other part is I also found out that there are a lot of people who are willing to moonlight as long as no one finds out because they don’t want their boss to bother them one way or another.
I also found out that are a lot of people who need help but don’t want others to find out that they lack this or that skill or confidence, so they want to get help privately while they build up their muscle in a certain skill, ability or mindset.
Here is more from my own personal experience: In my journey, I’ve been through the grind of the 8-to-5, just like many of us. I know the feeling of wanting to do better, to keep my job and sustain my income for myself and my family. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing.
I vividly remember the time when I felt stuck in my full-time job. I knew I needed guidance, that little extra push to help me understand how to do a particular assignment, get my blinders off and understand how to get it done with flying colors. I knew I needed help but didn’t want my boss or peers to find out.
So, I took a leap of faith and started seeking coaching. It wasn’t easy. I had to dig into my own pocket to afford it, and it meant I had to keep it hush-hush. But, oh boy, was it worth it!
The coaching was a game-changer in every sense of the word. I was able to do well on the job, protect my job and enjoy a longer period of job and income stability.
That’s when it hit me – there are countless professionals out there who need this same kind of support. They deserve a chance to accelerate their success, just like I did. That’s the moment Incognito was born.
Incognito isn’t just a platform; it’s a promise. It’s a promise to everyone out there, hustling in their jobs, that there’s a way to find the guidance they need, discreetly. It’s a promise to the experts, the mentors, and the coaches, that they can share their wisdom without fear. It’s a promise to all of us that there’s a way to keep pushing forward, to keep learning, growing, and succeeding, all while keeping our journey as private as we want it to be!

So, come join us in this journey. Let’s make success accessible, affordable, and most importantly, let’s make it personal. Incognito is here, and it’s not just a platform; it’s a lifeline to your dreams.

What is in/cognito?

We think many full time working professionals in corporations and organizations of all types sometimes have a work assignment that is challenging and they feel overwhelmed and don't want others around them to find out that they don’t have the skills, experience or confidence to do it.

In these situations, one of the ways we can get unstuck is to seek the help of someone who has done this work before and could coach, mentor or do a show and tell of how to get the task or assignment done. The coach might also share a helpful tool or template all without either side sharing any business sensitive information.

Why in/cognito?

And we would prefer to do it in a way that helps us save our face. So it would be great if this is someone who can do this for us in confidence. Yes this can be a colleague but even better if it is someone outside the company who can give you the help you need without you worrying about being found out.

And you can do this anonymously without disclosing what company you work for or any confidential company or personal information.

We just want to get all the roadblocks out of the way and focus on the essence of what you need to get done. You just want someone to share with you how they did something similar, perhaps show you a template or a tool or a process that they used and also tell you what worked and what didn't and if there are any pitfalls to avoid.

Can you imagine that?

With the in/cognito platform, you'd don't have to imagine any more.

You can log in with your Linkedin id to verify your identity and protect you and others on the platform and then you can turn your identity in/cognito and keep it that way. Or you may be ok just being your public persona on the site and select to make your profile 'cognito;' that's ok as well.

It's like an on/off switch. You have total control over it.

If you want to be the coach:

Now let's say you’re someone who has a lot of experience and you want to offer help to others in the form of 1/1 coaching and guidance, you can do so on the in/cognito platform, and follow the same Linkedin sign in process above and turn your in/cognito on or off.

You can do both: Give or receive help

We can also see some of you who are at times seeking help and at times giving it.

Adding service or coaching tiles to your profile:

We have looked at the top 100 professions and created templates for the type of help you can provide others. Browse the categories based on your work experience and then select to activate them on your profile, you can choose to update their titles/descriptions or pricing and from that point on, you’re in business! You can start to receive coaching service requests.

In release one, you'll get the requests via an in/cognito client success manager and you will be able schedule the calls right after with the party requesting the coaching call.

If you're going to be a coachee:

Browse the coach categories, look through their service tiles and select the one you want.

Then submit a request. An in/cognito client success manager will receive your request.

He/she will then send you a payment request so you can book the service you selected.

Once the payment is received by the Platform, the in/cognito client success manager work with the coach and coachee on finding a convenient call time and will send the call invite to both parties.

Once the call is done, you both will be asked to give each other reviews.

That's it.

What does the word coaching mean on the in/cognito platform?

We are using the word 'coaching' to refer to any service request you will have on the platform. You might need someone to help you figure out how to:

do a project at work
Develop an approach to a work assignment
Understand what project management means
Learn what a day in the life of a product manager (etc) is like
tell a story based on a data set you have
break into the financial services industry
write or respond to an RFP
run a workshop with first time managers
help a people leader with an HR issue

In addition to getting help with a work specific task per the above examples, you can also ask for all other sorts of help such as:

One-on-One Career Guidance: Seek advice on career development and goal setting from experienced professionals.
Mentorship for a Specific Skill: Get mentoring to improve specific skills, such as public speaking, coding, or data analysis.
Resume Review and Interview Coaching: Receive feedback on your resume and practice interview questions with an expert.
Time Management and Productivity Tips: Learn strategies for better time management and increased productivity.
Work-Life Balance Advice: Seek guidance on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and reducing stress.
Project Management Insights: Understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a project manager or get help with a project you’re managing.
Starting a Business: Get advice on launching a new business, from business planning to marketing strategies.
Career Change Guidance: Discuss the steps and considerations involved in changing your career path.
Leadership and Management Skills: Learn how to become a better leader or manager and enhance your team’s performance.
Financial Planning and Investment Advice: Get help with personal finance, investments, and retirement planning.
Mental Health and Stress Management: Talk to a professional about managing stress, anxiety, or mental health concerns.
Networking and Building Professional Relationships: Gain insights on effective networking and relationship-building.
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Improve your public speaking and presentation techniques.
Conflict Resolution Strategies: Learn how to address and resolve conflicts in the workplace or personal life.
Goal Setting and Achievement: Get assistance with setting and achieving your personal and professional goals.
Educational Pathways: Explore educational options, such as degree programs, certifications, and online courses.
Language Learning and Communication Skills: Seek help with language learning or enhancing your communication abilities.
Health and Wellness Coaching: Get advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including fitness and nutrition.
Writing and Content Creation Support: Improve your writing skills for articles, blogs, or other content.
Creativity and Innovation Coaching: Boost your creative thinking and innovation for problem-solving and idea generation.

These generic requests cover a wide range of personal and professional development needs, making the in/cognito platform a valuable resource when you're seeking guidance in various areas of your life at work and outside work!

As you can see the possibilities are endless!

You could request to help the help over 1 one on one call or choose to work with the 'coach' over a number of sessions of your choosing!

Almost all top performers, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs have coaches, mentors and helpers of all types. With a platform like in/cognito you can always have help when you need it, in the way, either 'cognito' or incognito!. As we always say: No one needs to know!

And the better you get at what you do, the more opportunities for you to be the 'coach' and help others as well. And it won't hurt if you make some money on the side doing it!

Just think about how this would accelerate your individual success, the success of those you work with and throughout the economy.

We are reducing the amount of time, effort and cost of how long it takes all of us sometimes to figure things out and make progress!

For Users Seeking Help and Coaching:
Here are some common questions you might have:

1. How does in/cognito work for people seeking help?

in/cognito is a platform that connects you with experienced mentors, coaches, and experts. You can remain anonymous while getting the help and guidance you need.

2. Is it easy to use in/cognito?

Absolutely! You simply choose an in/cognito coach, schedule a one-on-one call, and get on the call anonymously. Ask your questions and receive personalized advice.

3. How do I remain anonymous on the platform?

We prioritize your privacy. Your identity, including your name and picture, is kept confidential. You can chat with experts without revealing who you are.

4. What kind of experts are available on in/cognito?

Our platform hosts a wide range of experts in various fields, including business, technology, personal development, and more. You can find the right mentor for your needs.

5. What's the cost of using in/cognito?

There is a small fee associated with each session, which varies based on the coach’s expertise and duration. You'll know the cost before scheduling a session.

6. How can I get started on in/cognito?

To begin, sign up on the platform, browse through our expert profiles, and select a coach that aligns with your needs. Then, schedule a session that works for you.

7. How would the site protect its users against fake accounts or scams

Every in/cognito member will have to first sign up with a verified linkedin account. This is to ensure they are real people with real identifies and have a valid professional linkedin account.

For Users Offering Help and Coaching:

1. How can I become an in/cognito coach on the platform?

Becoming an in/cognito coach is simple. Sign up as a coach, complete your profile, and list your areas of expertise.

Once approved, you can start mentoring others. We will have templatized service descriptions that you can browse and then activate on your profile. This will speed up your ability to get started.

For example if you're a project manager, you might have the following service offerings:

Gig	Description	Cost
Gig 1	A 45-minute call to assess your project management needs and challenges.	Discovery Call (Price/Duration) 45 minutes 25 USD
Gig 2	A 1-hour session to offer basic project management strategies and recommendations.	Basic (Price/Duration) 1 hour 125 USD
Gig 3	Two 1-hour sessions to dive deeper into project management techniques.	Standard (Price/Duration) Two hours 225 USD
Gig 4	A comprehensive package with four 1-hour sessions to ensure successful project management.	Premium (Price/Duration) 4 hours 350 USD

You can always update the number of gigs, the description or pricing.

2. Can I choose my availability for coaching sessions?

Yes, you have full control over your schedule. You can set your availability, so users can book sessions that align with your free time.

3. How do I ensure my privacy as an in/cognito coach?

Just like users, your identity remains hidden. You won't be able to see the personal details of users, and your identity is also confidential.

4. How are payments handled for my coaching services?

Payments are processed securely through the platform. You’ll receive compensation for your coaching sessions directly to your chosen payment method.

5. What is the process for conducting coaching sessions?

Users will select you as their coach, schedule a session, and hop on a call anonymously. During the session, they’ll ask their questions, and you'll provide guidance and assistance. You have freedom in how much value you want to deliver to your clients beyond what you will share with them on the call. Here are a few ideas you can add more value and potentially increase repeat requests from your clients:

Feedback and Assessment: Provide written feedback and assessment summaries based on the coaching session, highlighting areas of growth and improvement.
Progress Reports: Regularly share reports that track the coachee's progress in achieving their goals and action steps.
Resource Sharing: Send relevant articles, books, podcasts, or online courses that align with the coachee's development objectives.
Goal Review: Review and adjust goals as necessary, ensuring they remain relevant and achievable.
Journaling: Encourage the coachee to keep a journal to reflect on their experiences, insights, and learnings between coaching sessions.
Check-In Emails: Send periodic platform inbox messages to check on the coachee's well-being, offer support, and inquire about their progress.
Accountability Reminders: Send gentle reminders to help the coachee stay accountable for their commitments and goals.
Motivational Messages: Share motivational quotes, anecdotes, or personal stories to inspire and encourage the coachee.
Action Plan Refinement: Collaboratively update the coachee's action plan, making adjustments based on their evolving needs and aspirations.
Homework Assignments: Provide assignments or exercises for the coachee to complete between sessions, reinforcing their learning.
Additional Reading Suggestions: Continue to recommend reading materials that deepen the coachee’s knowledge and expertise.
Networking Opportunities: Recommend other professionals or mentors who can offer further guidance or opportunities.
Reflection Prompts: Share thought-provoking questions to encourage the coachee's self-reflection and self-discovery.
Skill-Building Exercises: Design specific exercises to help the coachee practice and hone newly acquired skills.
Feedback Request: Ask the coachee for feedback on the coaching process to ensure their needs are being met and the coaching is effective.
Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones and achievements, no matter how small, to boost motivation.
Developmental Goals: Collaborate with the coachee to set and refine long-term developmental goals beyond the immediate coaching period.
Mindset Growth: Share articles, videos, or practices aimed at enhancing a growth mindset, resilience, and self-belief.

These value-added activities demonstrate the coach's commitment to the coachee’s growth and provide ongoing support and guidance that extends beyond the coaching sessions. They help reinforce the learning and ensure the coachee continues to progress toward their goals.

6. How can I create a successful coaching experience on in/cognito?

Offer valuable insights, be attentive to the user’s needs, and provide actionable advice. Positive reviews and user satisfaction are key to your success on the platform.

Our social media posts will say the following. Feel free to use some of them to share with your contacts what in/cognito is all about:

Discover in/cognito: Get help without revealing your identity or become a coach and earn extra income.
Unlock a new income stream with in/cognito. Your secret side hustle awaits!
Need help at work or in life? in/cognito has you covered, starting at just $25 per coaching call.
in/cognito: The secret to professional growth. No one needs to know!
Your LinkedIn profile is your key to in/cognito's world of opportunities.
Get coaching from experienced professionals, all while staying under wraps.
Become an in/cognito coach and share your expertise anonymously.
in/cognito: Where success happens behind the scenes.
Stay in the shadows while you excel with in/cognito.
Your secret weapon for career advancement: in/cognito.
Make money discreetly as an in/cognito coach.
Keep your side gig confidential with in/cognito.
Get or give coaching anywhere, anytime, worldwide.
in/cognito: The place for advice, mentoring, and tools to boost your success.
Your identity, your secret. in/cognito keeps it confidential.
in/cognito – the bridge to professional growth and financial freedom.
Connect with experts without the world knowing. in/cognito is the way!
Start your journey to success with in/cognito. No judgments, just support.
The ropes, tips, and tricks you need, now just a click away.
Get ahead without anyone finding out. in/cognito – your secret to success.
in/cognito: Where you matter more than your identity.
Affordable coaching starting at $25. The best investment you’ll make.
Your job, your rules. in/cognito offers flexibility and support.
Your LinkedIn profile is your golden ticket to in/cognito's world.
Be the expert, no one knows. Be the coach with in/cognito.
in/cognito: A world where experience speaks louder than identity.
No judgments, just progress. in/cognito supports your journey.
Ready for a side gig that stays secret? Join in/cognito today!
in/cognito – where coaching happens without the spotlight.
Stay in control of your professional growth with in/cognito.
Unlock the doors to success discreetly with in/cognito.
Your identity, your success story. in/cognito makes it happen.
in/cognito – where your LinkedIn profile is your gateway to opportunities.
Get help or give it. in/cognito connects the experienced.
in/cognito: Your one-stop-shop for all things professional growth.
Your work, your journey. in/cognito supports your climb to the top.
Join the ranks of successful in/cognito users. It's time to shine in the shadows.
in/cognito – Your key to professional growth, minus the exposure.
Success on your terms. in/cognito makes it happen.
Your LinkedIn profile, your secret weapon with in/cognito.
Be the coach without the label. in/cognito lets you share your expertise anonymously.
in/cognito: Where careers flourish discreetly.
No need to share your identity to access expert advice with in/cognito.
in/cognito – the place for confidential professional development.
Your secret, your success. in/cognito keeps it confidential.
in/cognito: Your stepping stone to a thriving career.
Connect with experts while your identity stays hidden. in/cognito makes it happen.
Start your journey to success with in/cognito. No judgments, just support.
The secrets to success, now at your fingertips.
Get ahead with in/cognito. Your secret weapon for success.
in/cognito – where you matter more than your identity.
Affordable coaching starting at $25. The best investment you’ll make.
Your job, your rules. in/cognito offers flexibility and support.
Your verified LinkedIn profile is your golden ticket to in/cognito's world.
Be the expert, no one knows. Be the coach with in/cognito.
in/cognito: A world where experience speaks louder than identity.
No judgments, just progress. in/cognito supports your journey.
Ready for a side gig that stays secret? Join in/cognito today!
in/cognito – where coaching happens without the spotlight.
Stay in control of your professional growth with in/cognito.
Unlock the doors to success discreetly with in/cognito.
Your identity, your success story. in/cognito makes it happen.
in/cognito – where your verified LinkedIn profile is your gateway to opportunities.
Get help or give it. in/cognito connects the experienced.
in/cognito: Your one-stop-shop for all things professional growth.
Your work, your journey. in/cognito supports your climb to the top.
Join the ranks of successful in/cognito users. It's time to shine in the shadows.
in/cognito – Your key to professional growth, minus the exposure.
Success on your terms. in/cognito makes it happen.
Your verified LinkedIn profile, your secret weapon with in/cognito.
Be the coach without the label. in/cognito lets you share your expertise anonymously.
in/cognito: Where careers flourish discreetly.
No need to share your identity to access expert advice with in/cognito.
in/cognito – the place for confidential professional development.
Your secret, your success. in/cognito keeps it confidential.
in/cognito: Your stepping stone to a thriving career.
Connect with experts while your identity stays hidden. in/cognito makes it happen.
Start your journey to success with in/cognito. No judgments, just support.
The secrets to success, now at your fingertips.
Get ahead with in/cognito. Your secret weapon for success.
in/cognito – where you matter more than your identity.
Affordable coaching starting at $25. The best investment you’ll make.
Your job, your rules. in/cognito offers flexibility and support.
Your verified LinkedIn profile is your golden ticket to in/cognito’s world.
Be the expert, no one knows. Be the coach with in/cognito.
in/cognito: A world where experience speaks louder than identity.
No judgments, just progress. in/cognito supports your journey.
Ready for a side gig that stays secret? Join in/cognito today!
in/cognito – where coaching happens without the spotlight.
Stay in control of your professional growth with in/cognito.
Unlock the doors to success discreetly with in/cognito.
Your identity, your success story. in/cognito makes it happen.
in/cognito – where your LinkedIn profile is your gateway to opportunities.
Get help or give it. in/cognito connects the experienced.
in/cognito: Your one-stop-shop for all things professional growth.
Your work, your journey. in/cognito supports your climb to the top.
Join the ranks of successful in/cognito users. It's time to shine in the shadows.
in/cognito – Your key to professional growth, minus the exposure.
Success on your terms. in/cognito makes it happen.
Your verified LinkedIn profile, your secret weapon with in/cognito.