How long can I really hold out?   Is this the year I really make it?

The only way to get to what you desire most is to go through the process to get there!

And it all starts with your mindset.  This is what separates those who are excited about the year ahead and those who aren’t.

The good news is you can choose how you frame things in your mind.  If you are stuck on what’s broken, what didn’t work, worry and fear, your thoughts and actions will follow suit.

In so doing you sabotage any chance of new success without even realizing it.

But this doesn’t have to be the case. Hindsight is always 20/20. Lessons learned from the past are great predictors of your success for the future.

With this new perspective, you won’t fall for the same old habits and tactics that didn’t work.   Instead you will do something different, something new — which is the only way new results come about.

Starting today, change your mind and dream a bigger dream of success for 2012!   And watch your thoughts, behaviors, and actions work for your greater good.

Use these effective strategies to reap the rewards of living your big dream in 2012 for real:

1.     Want it for the right reasons.  First, stop and ask yourself, “Do I really want this for me? Am I seeking to prove something to myself or someone else?  Why is any of this so important?” Don’t forget to take quiet time with the Divine to clarify your purpose and reason why too.

2.    Take smaller bites. Once you’ve decided that your big dream is really yours in the making, you’ll need to create a game plan for achieving it. A big part of that is to break down your humongous goal into smaller, more attainable goals.

•     Once you’ve broken things down, set realistic targets for achieving the mini-goals and hit them!

3.    Network.  As the saying goes, “No man is an island.” Take advantage of the knowledge, skills, help and support of others around you to help you meet your goals.

•     Seek mentors that have already met goals similar to yours

•     Discover how others in similar situations to yours have overcome challenges to meet their goals.

4.    Sacrifice. Most successful people today could tell you of sacrifices they had to make in order to attain their goals. Turning big dreams into reality takes time and effort, but the end result is living and having the life you desire. However, if you continue to do things the same way you always have, you won’t get there.

•     For instance, do you have unhealthy spending habits that are hindering your progress toward your business goals? Get rid of any frivolous expenses that do nothing other than drain financial resources away from your solo business

•     It’s tough to work and run a business too. Spend less time on the phone, refrain from aimless social networking, or watching too much television. Redirect lost time from non productive activity toward your business. The decision to optimize every minute of the day is yours.

There’s no reason that you can’t turn big dreams for 2012 into bigger realities; get excited!

You’re the only person who dictates what you can and can’t achieve. Use these tips to start on your journey towards transforming your life and business just the way you want it.

This is your year.  Make it happen!

Tired of making things up as you go along, and floundering with no sense of direction?  I invite you to a free consultation with me to help you get on the right track and thrive in 2012!

Click here to find out about how to take advantage of this offer. http://bit.ly/9jW642

I’m gearing up to re-read the book, “The Power To Prosper:  21 Days to Financial Freedom,” by Michelle Singletary.  I like this book because it outlines in practical terms how to uncover hidden monies to repurpose for your highest good, break your overspending habits, handle money with your spouse, get rid of debt, save for your future, and finally…stop worrying about money.

The financial fast invites you to take a faith walk with the Divine to confront and correct the poor money mindset, choices, and habits that have blocked you from manifesting more abundance and prosperity in your life.

It is a process that pushes you to be a better steward of the financial blessings extended to you, so that you can live a life of greater purpose and freedom, instead of financial bondage and duress.

This is a great time of year to focus on this because it’s right before height of the “spending season.”

So I am inviting you to join me in a 21 day money fast BEFORE Black Friday.

TODAY is exactly 21 days before one of the biggest shopping days of the calendar year.  By taking some time to cleanse your thinking about money (e.g. what is represent in your life, how you see money, how you manage finances, etc), it just might reframe your spending choices during this holiday period…for the better.

Are you ready for the challenge?

You may be thinking, “How in the world is this relevant to me as a solopreneur.”Simply put, the way that you live personally will be reflected in your business as well.  The reason for this is because your solo business is an extension of you – who you are, what you value, what you believe, who you are becoming.

So if you struggle to manage finances in your personal life, the same will probably be the case in your business.  Poor money management can lead to insufficient cash flow which ultimately leads to business failure.

The bottom line:  if your interaction with money is  fundamentally sound,  financial prosperity will manifest itself in greater abundance in all aspects of your life.

However, in order to step into real prosperity you must also develop self discipline and a keen self awareness so that you can guard against vulnerable places in managing your finances and formulate healthier money habits.

The author coveres the following topics to move you from where you are to where you want to be in improving your relationship with money:

Day 1:  21 Days to Financial Freedom (The Beginning of a Journey)
Day 2:  A Promise of Prosperity
Day 3: God’s Generosity
Day 4: Tithing Today
Day 5:  The Evils of Entitlement
Day 6:  Coveting Vs. Contentment
Day 7: The Providence of Preparation
Day 8:  The Salvation of Saving
Day 9:  Diversification Delivers
Day 10:  Matrimonial Money
Day 11:  The Impact of an Inheritance
Day 12:  The Devil Is in the Debt
Day 13:  The Curse of Credit
Day 14:  The Stupidity of Surety
Day 15: Greed Will Not Bring Grace
Day 16:  Financial Fornification
Day 17:  Perpetual Peace
Day 18:  Broken Bonds
Day 19:  Strengthen Stewardship
Day 20:  Relationships Rescued
Day 21:  Financial Freedom

Each of these topics have a corresponding principle and pledge associated.  I will be sharing this information with my Facebook fans; you are welcome to uncover this information as well.    If you want to follow along these next 21 days, become a FAN now http://bit.ly/successtransitions.

Hope to see you there!

Information products can take many shapes.

From written documents, including e-books, ezines, user manuals and research reports, to audio/visual media, such as web casts, pod casts, mp3 downloads and webinars.

So are some better than others? Well, the answer to that question depends on what the focus of the information product is.

If your information product is providing information for writers, a well-written e-book may make most sense. However, if you are providing information on effective public speaking methods, a podcast or YouTube video is more appropriate.

No single information product is superior to other forms.

But there are important factors to consider when deciding which type of information product to create for your specific target market:

1. What is your topic? As previously noted, if you are providing information on something obviously related to a particular type of information product (i.e. using YouTube, writing e-books, or developing webinars) then it would make most sense to utilize that particular form of information to also deliver your message.

However, most information products won’t fit so nicely into one of these categories. In this case, you will have to take additional factors into consideration, like whom are you trying to reach? How long should your message be? Overall, you must decide what is the best way to not only provide valuable information, but do so in a way that makes people want to buy it.

2. Who is your audience? Your target market should always be the most important consideration when creating your information products. They are, after all, the means to an end, with that end being profit.

If you know your target market is more likely to download a video than read an e-book, then by all means, create the video. You will have to rely on common sense coupled with intensive market research to ensure you are creating the right information product for whom you are trying to reach.

3. What are you most familiar with? Your information products will only be as successful in sales as they are in creation. In other words, if you aren’t comfortable with creating a video, don’t.  If you aren’t confident in your writing ability, develop a webinar.

But by all means, do not create an information product using a form of media that you aren’t familiar with. Your lack of expertise will be very apparent. On the flip side, if you create an information product using an outlet you are comfortable with, then your customers will notice that as well – and be more likely to take your advice.

Always be careful to diversify your information products, no matter how much you prefer one type over another. That doesn’t mean you should ignore your comfort zone, but only stay in your comfort zone for as long as it takes you to become familiar with something else. In order to stay ahead of the game, continue to educate yourself on the various options available to you because the sooner you do, the more opportunity you will have to build your business faster and make more money.

Ready to develop your first info product?  I have the perfect resource for you.  My First Info Product Now Training Program registration is going on now.  If you are wondering how to use & package your knowledge, and your message to attract ideal clients, build your list and make money now this is the resource for you!

Information product development just got a lot easier!

Take a quick look NOW – registration closes Tuesday, October 25, midniteEST!!

For more helpful start up success tips, obtain a copy of my free7 day business start up mini course today.

And how you can too —  starting NOW.

I  am revealing secrets that moved my business from a place of stagnation, desperation and neediness to one of credibility, growth and prosperity.

Now prospects are:

• Seeking me in a crowded marketplace.
• Opting in & remaining on my list as loyal subscribers.
• Buying my products.
• Inquiring about how they can work directly with me with credit card in hand – ready, willing, able, NOW!
• Enrolling as full paying private clients.

Join me & you will discover:

Why your new solobusiness can’t get off the ground & sustain with just services.

The most common mistake that’s blocking you from attracting ideal clients without even realizing it

3 stuck places that keep you from sharing your message in a big way and getting your content off the internet and into the hands of those whom you serve.

Top 5 reasons why your content and how to information on your website or blog, won’t strike the perfect chord or compel prospects to opt in, buy your products, enroll in your programs or enlist as private clients.

The next 3 steps you can take to start creating your very first free gift offer or info product TODAY…even if you still haven’t landed your first full paying client.

Space is limited.  Only 50 lines will be open.

Click here to REGISTER:

ARE YOU READY TO STOP CONVINCING OTHERS TO HIRE YOU, CHASING AFTER POTENTIAL CLIENTS, GIVING AWAY YOUR SERVICES FOR FREE, AND TRADING HOURS FOR DOLLARS?  JOIN ME.

Stop giving away your services for free & start getting paid what you’re worth?

Pull more clients toward you instead of chasing after them?

Make money while at work during the day, or in your sleep?

Establish loyal followers and fans and full paying clients over the life of your business?

I have been thinking a lot about the distinction between a thriving solo business, and one that is starved for clients and not making any money.

Why is it that some solopreneurs are able to establish their credibility, get their name out there in a bigger way, get prospects to join their list and take the next step with them, while others chase after prospects, discount their services or give away their services for free in hopes that someone will hire them.

The answer:  Those with a sound business model beyond working one-on-one with clients, and a keen sense of marketing are seeing more optimal results. They are elevating their success by choosing smarter more leveraged approaches to build their business faster.

And the same can happen for you.

Introducing,  my new FREE 3-part video training series, My First Info Product Now, designed to teach YOU how you can attract ideal clients, build your list, and make money now — even if you still haven’t landed your first full paying client.

http://bit.ly/nSsyHd

Are you ready to  get going with creating more money, meaning and purpose that  you desire for your life right now?

Grab a copy of this high content, high value information. You should know that it won’t be up for very long, as I am only allowing access to it for a short amount of time.

I am excited to share this with you!  Please leave your comments and thoughts. I am looking forward to your feedback.

http://bit.ly/nSsyHd

Let start with what networking is not.  Networking is not handing out a bunch of business cards, and hoping someone calls.

Wikipedia (2011) describes it as a “socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded businesspeople recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities. ”

But let’s get down to practical.

The” real life” definition is the act of making authentic connections overtime with likeminded individuals who share similiar goals, ambitions, and collaborate for mutual gain.  

This is truly what great networking is all about.

In today’s marketplace, social media makes it easy to expand our circle of influence and reach those whom we otherwise would not. 

However, the most impactful connections are still face-to-face.

Below are leading-edge networking skills and mindset shifts that will help you gain a new level of respect and credibility from your colleagues and clients.  Utilizing these networking skills with traditional networking techniques, will allow you to seize opportunities that at one time you thought impossible.

1. Take a positive and deliberate approach to networking.  In doing so, you will find this extra level of attention makes it easier to establish relationships.

2.  Reflect your abilities, values, goals, and business mission in your business image.

3.  Build brand loyalty one fan group at a time.

4. Exude energy and passion to command respect and grab attention.

5.  Be honest about what you can do and cannot do.  If something has gone wrong, be honest and upfront, immediately.

6.   Answer this one question to increase your bottom line.  “Who is your ideal client/customer and how can I help you?”

7.   Remember the name. We all like to hear our name.  Better to be formal in an initial interaction, than too casual.  Only use first names if prompted to.  

8.   Always defer to the other person by listening first.  Allow others to have the spotlight; resist the temptation to monopolize the conversation or talk about you too much.

9.  Use the terms “ma’am and sir.” Using these terms shows the utmost respect for other people (you may consider this to be ”old school,” but manners and business still matter).

10.  Be well informed. Research a potential client or joint venture partner prior to your scheduled meeting or event. 

11.  Perfect your “30 second commercial.”

12.  Always mind your non-verbal communication so that you appear more approachable.

13.  Remain in control and poised even under pressure. Practice ways to “keep your cool.”

Grace and Charm Insight:  “Take the time to be exceptional, it will show in how you make others feel, and in your bottom line.”  Walethia Aquil.

It’s your turn now…share your networking tips and faux-pas, and insights with us.  What else would you add to this list?  Looking forward to your comments.

This blog entry was provided by guest blogger Walethia  Aquil, etiquette and image coach and creator of the “Grace and Charm Success System.”   She recently revealed the secret strategies all high achievers use to become more charming, persuasive and memorable.  The same techniques you can use to foster long term collaborative relationships with CEO’s clients,  investors, and other high profile  influencers.

To go deeper with how proper business etiquette and protocol’s and a polished image  can increase your net worth check out  “The Grace and Charm Success System.”

“I’m so tired of this.  I feel like people see me as this little kid who is just kinda hanging around.  I don’t feel like a teenager because I don’t look like everyone else, I don’t think like a lot of my other friends think. I am going to look back over my teenage years and feel like I completely missed out on so much fun.”

These were just a few sentiments my son shared with me that afternoon as tears strolled down his face.

As he spoke I heard the phrases -  I don’t feel like, I don’t look like, I am not, I am going to miss out…

And as I sat and listened to him intently I understood that what he was really saying was “I’m not enough!”

And boy did that strike a chord.

I find this issue of being enough is an underlying issue that we all face at different times in our lives. We all want to feel a sense of belonging, and sense of worthiness.  Sometimes we feel it and sometimes we don’t.

In business this issue of worthiness is a real one.  Because if you don’t feel worthy, you won’t feel empowered. And if you don’t feel empowered you won’t inspire. And if you’re not inspiring others, then you are not sharing your message and greatest gifts with the world!

If this is you today I declare today that you ARE enough.

I left my son with three thoughts, that also applies to you as a business owner:

• Feeling like you are enough starts on the inside and manifest on the outside; no one validates your worth but you.

• Start manifesting what you desire by celebrating who you are — all of it  (accomplishments, achievements, joys, mishaps, failures, and trials).  Don’t expect others to embrace or accept you for who you are,  when you’re not comfortable in your own skin.

• If you want to attract more friends (or clients), be more attractive (or client attractive) by exuding confidence.  No one wants to be around someone (or hire someone) who appears desperate or clingy.

Consider these four strategies to reaffirm your worth:

Find the right circle of influence.  Although there are times you feel good about who you are on the inside, your ego and conscious still needs reinforcements, reminders, and validation.

Who are your biggest fans?  Seek ongoing support and encouragement from those who lift you up instead of drag you down. This will undoubtedly be your base of support that will carry you through the life of your business.

Stop comparison despair.   There’s always going to be someone who is ahead of building their business or more successful than you — more money, more clients, more brand recognition, etc.  Get over it!   It’s a fact of life and business!

It’s important to aspire to be more.  But keep that desire in check so that it doesn’t become later develop into jealousy or manifest into a lack of self confidence in your abilities.

Instead use it as a motivator and fuel to keep your passion for what you love to do alive and take your business to new found levels of success.  Take note of where you are relative to when you first started.  Anticipate you will get to where you want go and stay the course.

Positive self talk. Nothing is more powerful than affirmations.  Take time to speak aloud and into existence who you are, who you are becoming, what is and what will be. And then seal the deal with unshakeable faith and believe that all things are possible.

Take action. It’s hard to celebrate wins if you aren’t taking action on your most important goals.  Without it, you cannot measure success or create new benchmarks to move to the next level.

Fear of failure is one of the reasons you are getting in your own way.  Use the tips above to combat fear and stop it dead in its tracks from achieving all that you desire for your life and business.

Sometimes as a business start up you don’t know what you don’t know.  As a result it may be difficult to take the next step.

It’s helpful when you are among a network or community of likeminded individuals to share and exchange ideas.  It’s also imperative to enlist mentors and invest in coaches and consultants who can give you the perspective you may be missing.

Often times, the cost of such services are prohibitive for new solopreneurs…until today.

You can hire your own team of business consultants to provide the guidance and perspective you are probably seeking for a little less than $2/day.  You may be wondering how.  Click here to learn more.

Can you believe it?  70 years old – and she did it!

A long time ago she decided that she was going to pursue her dream of earning her degree – and persist no matter what.  Even in the face of life’s detours, dead ends and disappointments, she pushed forward and she did it.

What a blessing!

My auntie is an inspiration.  She reaffirmed first and foremost that with God by your side,  you cannot fail.  She demonstrated that even at the age of 70 anything is possible –  if you believe.  And with the right mindset, conviction beyond measure, and commitment to the thing you desire most – the dream — you can win!

The same applies to successful business ownership.

Perhaps today you feel like throwing in the towel and giving up on your dream of owning a business.  Or maybe life has you feeling weighted down a bit, and exhausted from all the heavy lifting you’ve been doing lately.

If this is you, I encourage you to exhale.  And remember this story about my auntie.  If my 70 year old aunt can stay true to her dream and never give up,  so can you!

Take some time to return to center and refocus on your reason why — your motivation for starting along this new business venture in the first place. Return there and recommit to the journey.

Here’s a little boost…if you are still lost and confused about how to get your new business up and running the right way, obtain a copy of my free business start up ecourse.  Visit www.bizstartupminicourse.com today!

You have the POWER to create and enjoy the life you truly want with UNSTOPPABLE mindset.

This is your time; this is your moment!

Check out this awesome FREE telesummit and discover the power of YOU!

MARJORIE JANCZAK PRESENTS…THE POWER OF YOU  - MARCH 1 – APRIL 28, 2011

http://bit.ly/dMKbWx