You may be wondering how to do this quickly and easily. It’s not as hard as you may think.

Use these three questions to get a handle on where things stand now and where to focus next:

1. What is working for your business? There is no need to fix what’s not broken. Keep doing what works and brainstorm how you can achieve even MORE with the strategies that get you good results.

2. What is not working for your business? If there are any tasks, activities, or strategies you have been using that do not serve your business, you must either stop doing it completely or do it differently in some shape, form, or fashion. Doing things the same way you’ve always done them and expecting change simply won’t happen. One small tweak can make a BIG difference in your business.

3. What can you improve upon to get better, faster results?

In business ownership there is always room for improvement. Reflect on mistakes, missteps, and what you need to do better in the future. Take some time today to create your list of if I: coulda, woulda, shoulda and gain new perspective on how to best move forward.

Also pinpoint where you’re stuck. The only way you can get past this place is to be honest with yourself, and admit where you’re falling short. What are you in need of: More training? More support (personally or for your business)? More information, resources, tools to get to the next level?

Last but not least, take action. It’s not enough to have awareness. You must also act to get from where you are to where you want to be.

Tired of trying to figure out what’s next all on your own? Struggling to overcome the obstacles that seem to keep showing up and getting in the way of making forward consistent progress in your business? There’s a better way…

Spring has sprung!! For a limited time, I am giving away complimentary I Want to Launch & Grow My Business breakthrough sessions. These sessions are designed to uncover the challenges that keep getting in the way, slowing you down or stopping you from reaching your most important goals, and more! Learn more & grab your session here.

It occurred to me the other day as I was watching them just how much the sport reminded me of business, which similarly isn’t easy to do.

The following are 5 instructions I typically hear my son’s coach yelling from the corner during a wrestling match that I couldn’t help to relate to success in business:

“Get to your feet.” In wresting one thing that is critically important is to stay on your feet because this is where you are strongest.

In a business sense, this is a lot like staying true to core:  your business vision, mission, what you do really well, and niche focused.

There is so much competition in the marketplace. When things don’t happen for your business as quickly as you would like, it’s tempting to change your course and become something else for whomever is willing to hear, listen, and respond to your message.

However this “make it up as you go along” approach leaves you scattered with no sense of purpose or direction.  And as a result you will struggle to establish your brand and jeopardize your position in the marketplace.

Although there are times when you feel “lost in the wilderness” with aimless pursuits, you can always find center and get back on track when you stay grounded and “get to your feet.”

“Pop your head out.” Sometimes when a wrestler gets tangled up, their head can get trapped in an awkward, downward position.  This keeps the wrestler from executing other moves because their eyes are focused in the wrong place – down at the mat.

In business it’s important to keep your head up and eyes open to new possibilities, and pay attention to new trends in your industry and/or niche. With this global perspective coupled with your own knowledge and expertise, will not only elevate your expert status, but also position you as a thought leader and the one to watch in your niche.

Rising to a level of prominence and influence sets you apart from all the rest, as well as attracts other potential JV partners and prospective clients too.  So stop looking down – pop your head out!

“Shoot.” This is when both wrestlers are standing in neutral and one reaches or drops low with the intent to grab the leg of their opponent for the take down. What’s critically important about shooting successfully is focus, speed, and precision; otherwise you end up in a vulnerable position for your opponent to score points.

It’s so important as a business owner to take risks and be decisive. Seeing an opportunity and going for it (even if you’re not 100% sure it will pan out) is an important success trait to adopt.

Sometimes you can self sabotage by over thinking and over analyzing a situation.  Meanwhile, as you sit and ponder, should I or shouldn’t I, the opportunity could pass you by.

Focus on what it is you want and make the decision to go after it.  Realize of course your aim should always be calculated; but once you’ve determined that it’s the right thing for you and your business, trust it, and go for it – full throttle, no hesitation.  Shoot now!

“Circle, circle.”  Whether on your feet or down on your knees, you’ve got to move constantly or risk getting called for staling.

Long term sustainable business success requires stamina, consistent devotion of time and attention to avoid stagnation. Remember small consistent steps can sometimes get you to where you want to be faster overtime than bigger, more sporadic activity.

The small wins you experience every step of the way are what affirm yes over and over again, and provide you with  the motivation to keep moving forward toward your goals and executing your action plan without fail.   It’s time to achieve more of what you really want for your business – circle, circle!

“Grab a wrist.” This is what allows a wrestler to get control of their opponent so that they can “set up” their next move.

The fatal mistake for so many new solopreneurs is spending so much time on preparation and planning of an upcoming teleseminar, webinar, launch of program, etc. (the set up), but failing to focus on the backend  (what comes next).

The objective should always be to keep the sales dialog going so that you retain subscribers, and foster loyal customers and clients over the life of your business.

Before you finish planning your next event or program, remember these three steps: begin with the end in mind, offer next steps that your target market wants, needs, desires; create calls to action that will lead them down your sales funnel.   So “grab a wrist” and lead them to YES over and over again over the life of your business.

Wondering what else you can do to improve your bottom line, stop sabotaging your success, attract more clients, earn the revenue you really want, and build a better business in 2012?  Join me for teleseminar, Ready to Launch 2012. http://www.launchwhileyouwork.com/readytolaunch2012

Discover How to Remove Barriers to Finding the Clients You Desire Most, Earning The Revenue You Really Want, And Building a Better Business in 2012… Without Tears

Please join me Wednesday for this FREE teleseminar, Ready to Launch 2012! Click here to learn more and to register: http://bit.ly/zLRUan

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.”