You're Not An Instructional Designer (here’s what you are)

3 Minute Read Time

"Instructional designer" sounds nice, right?

But here's the uncomfortable truth: your title might be holding you back.

The Real Problem

When you call yourself an instructional designer, here’s what people hear:

• Slide decorator
• Content maker
• Theory enthusiast

Ouch.

What you're actually doing is far more valuable:

• Diagnosing business problems
• Designing solutions to drive behavior change
• Delivering measurable business outcomes

That’s not "education" — that’s performance engineering. That’s operational impact.

But if your clients don't see that clearly, you'll always be undervalued.

The Hidden Cost of "Learning"

Most new consultants optimize the wrong things: tweaking websites endlessly for marginal gains instead of focusing on what truly moves the needle.

The same applies to your messaging (aka positioning).

When you lead with "learning," you unintentionally signal "cost center." When you lead with "business results," you position yourself as essential.

In other words, your passion for learning theory won't pay your bills — market-driven solutions that solve real, urgent problems will.

One Simple Fix

Here's how to flip your positioning from optional to indispensable:

Diagnose Your Positioning Problem:

• Does your current title clearly communicate the tangible value you deliver?
• Talk to former clients or trusted peers to pinpoint the real value they experienced.

Position for Business Impact:

• Lead every conversation with results, not methods. Stop talking about theories and start talking about tangible outcomes.
• Rebrand your role. Consider titles like "Performance Consultant" or "Operational Strategist."

Showcase Real Results:

• Clearly highlight measurable wins. "Reduced onboarding time by 30%" is far more compelling than "created engaging training."

Real-World Example

One client of mine struggled marketing herself as an instructional designer focused on "engaging content."

We quickly reframed:

• Her new position? "Sales Enablement Consultant."
• Her promise? "Ramp sales reps into KPI."
• Her quantifiable offer? "Ramp new sales reps into KPI 25% faster in 42 days and accelerate your revenue growth. Guaranteed."

Results? She immediately attracted higher-quality clients, commanded premium rates, and was positioned as a 'strategic partner'... not an order taker.

Your Practical Takeaway

Grab your notebook and write down two things right now:

1. What problems do I actually solve for businesses?
2. List 3 specific business metrics you've impacted in the past.
3. How can I clearly rebrand myself to communicate that value?

Your next LinkedIn headline or client conversation shouldn't start with "instructional design" or "learning."

It should start with the tangible outcomes you deliver—the measurable impact businesses urgently want.

Do this, and watch your value (and rates) soar.

Because the market isn't undervaluing you... it simply doesn't know your real worth. It’s time you show them.