Posts Tagged ‘coach success’

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. At least that’s what many of us have been taught in a lifetime.

“Going the distance” is fundamental to living purpose driven success…but at times tough to do.

As a new solopreneur, there is so much to know and learn within a relatively short span of time.

It amazes me how different the business start up experience can be from person to person.  Some make consistent strides keeping one foot in front of the other, hit critical benchmarks, and exceed their own expectations.  Others completely miss the mark, never get any tread going, and creep along  s-l-o-w-l-y!

What’s the difference between the two?  Why do some solopreneurs successfully accelerate their business building pursuits while others struggle?

There are five distinct elements of achieving “the success factor :”

Focus & Taking Action.  ”Just do it ” is a simple concept, but for so many women leading multi tasking lifestlyes, this can seem insurmountable.  Focus is key.

Being scattered in too many places is exhausting. Choose one thing to focus at a time,  and continue with it until you achieve what you set forth.  Be careful not to take in the whole picture all at once; instead break things down into manageable pieces until you reach your target.

Additionally, stop  ”getting ready to get ready.”  You can have the best intentions in mind but in order to implement what you set out to do, take action. Discipline yourself  to stick with your primary aim until completion.   Do this by scheduling your most important tasks and priorities and saying no to all the rest.  Your ability to finish what you start with optimal results,  will be your biggest motivator to stay the course and maintain a sense of satisfaction with your business.

Investing money. Many new solopreneurs are afraid to invest money toward their business in the beginning because they aren’t making much.  But the cost of not knowing the essentials of business development hinders more than helps your long term growth.  Think about it — in your career you advanced and grew professionally because you invested money, time, and energy developing new skills.

Entrepreneurship is no different.

Get used to investing in learning how to BE and become a successful entrepreneur.  Typically, business ownership isn’t an intuitive process; it’s a skill that must be learned and acquired.  When you invest money to gain perspective and knowledge, you will get where you want to be much faster than relying soley on free information.  Additionally it is imperative to provide your business with the resources and tools it needs to run it’s best and produce optimal results.

“Can do” mindset. Carry your “can do attitude” with you always and be unstoppable! You’ve answered the call to business ownership, now walk upright!

Trust that you have something of value to offer others.  Your thoughts about what you believe is possible are powerful. If deep inside you don’t think you’re smart enough,  don’t know enough, or aren’t good enough, you ruin your ability to enter the “big league” and will remain small because of it.

Sometimes new solopreneurs fool themselves into thinking that they are working on the business by investing in countless coaching programs, and attending seminar after seminar.  But at some point in time you have to implement what you’ve learned — otherwise, what you have on your hands is an expensive hobby!

Being mentored.  All the top gurus in the field have coaches or mentors leading them every step of the way. These individuals have done what you are trying to accomplish and understand where you’re headed.  They provide the highest level of guidance that is paramount to opening up new perspectives and approaches to your business, and pushing you to be and become MORE!

To get where you want to be more quickly and easily, do  the same. It’s a necessary part of investing in yourself and business.

Partnering & aligning with others. Seek opportunities to forge connections early and often during your journey. Your primary goal as you pursue  joint venture partnerships is to establish a long lasting relationship.  Start by making simple connections with ‘high achiever types” and movers and shakers. Focus initially on how you can be of service and give to the relationship rather than what you can take from it.

When others are promoting you, you can reach your goals faster without working so hard, as well as get your name and brand in the face of new and far reaching audiences.

“Success by association,”  is a powerful way to grow your business by leaps and bounds.

If you have been unable to make any significant headway with moving your business forward, you may be lacking in at least one of the categories noted above. It’s tough to travel along unchartered territory without a trusted resource to point you to the “pathway of least resistance. ”

Join us next week for a great webniar, Advice You Can Count On Right In Your Back Pocket, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 9-10pm EST to learn how to tap into the expertise and knowledge of experts who can accompany you along your journey every step of the way, and get you to where you want to be in the shortest time possible —  from start up to launch and beyond.

This past Sunday my pastor delivered a fabulous sermon entitled, ”Pushed Into My Purpose.”

I was so inspired, I couldn’t help to adapt his message and blog about it in the context of solopreneurship.

There are three elements to living in purpose:  answering the call,  being committed, and dealing with circumstances.

1.  Answer the call.  There are many reasons why people decide to start a business.  Being called is one of many.  Some of us answer willingly as active seekers, others of us reluctantly as life steers us into unforeseen situations such as being downsized, under or unemployed,  or unfulfilled in a job.   It is these situations that push us to enter unfamiliar, unchartered territory so that ultimately we live a life of greater purpose.

However, in order to answer the call, you have to commune with the Divine so that He can order your steps down the business ownership path.  In the process you grow deeper in Him which is exactly what He wants.    Remember as a solopreneur you are the soul of your business. Without you, your business would cease to exist.  And since you are wonderfully and divinely made, it is only fitting that you rely on God for wisdom and support as you work toward launching and growing a prosperous business.   Be encouraged and know that if you are called to start a new business according to His purpose, you are serving His will for your life.  In light of this, you will never be led astray, unless you fail to stay in communion with Him.

2.  Be committed. It’s one thing to answer the call, it’s another to go the distance.  In order to stay the course, you have to adapt a “no excuses”  attitude toward the success of your business.  You have to make unrelenting strides toward building your business on a regular consistent basis, while seeking  guidance and direction every step of the way.  Be sure to listen to where you’re being led to go and trust it is the right path with confidence.

3. Deal with circumstances.    The road to purpose driven success and prosperity is not a smooth one.   There are uneven places, detours, trials, challenges, but also triumphs.   Additionally many emotions along the way —  anxiety, uncertainty, insecurity, doubt, fear but also joy, contentment, and fulfillment.

When my pastor discussed discomfort as a necessary aspect of living in purpose,  I had an A-Ha moment.  I never really thought about purpose driven business ownership  in this light.  It opened up new perspective to one of the reasons entrepreneurship is such a challenging pursuit; and it encouraged me to see the uneven places of my business  journey in a completely different light.

I am constantly seeking purpose in my life’s work.   I always want to know if I am doing exactly what it is I am supposed to be doing according to God’s will.

So far I feel like I am walking along the path God  has ordained for me at this particular time. But everyday I’m seeking clarity of vision and purpose driven understanding every step of the way.  For now,  I am content!

How about you?  To what extent is the ”pursuit of purpose” driving your life’s ambitions and deep rooted desires as a solopreneur?

I am currently reading the book,”The Power To Prosper:  21 Days to Financial Freedom,” by Michele Singletary.  I am enjoying 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.

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

Yes, tomorrow will be 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

I wish you multiplied success, prosperity and blessings.

Of all the off-line marketing strategies that exists, attending networking events is argueably one of the least  favorite for many introverts.

It always seems like the more talkative and aggressive types are able to make a connection so much easier than others.  But does being soft spoken, reflective, introspective and quiet natured mean that you can’t “work the room” or “move the crowd?”

The answer is NO!

I was reading an interesting article recently about how to make networking more fun and less initimidating — even if you struggle to initiate conversation with people whom you meet for the first time, or feel uncomfortable with self promotion.  

Say good bye to drudgery and feelings of inadequacy. 

The author emphasized 3 new rules for introverts to follow to make networking more enjoyable and fulfilling:

Old Networking Rules:

• Jump On In (Patter)
• Sell Yourself (Promote)
• Maximize Yourself With Others ( Party)

New Networking Rules:

• Pause
• Process
• Pace

From one introvert to another, read the complete article and learn more strategies about how to connect with others authentically and in your own style!  AND feel good about it

http://www.womenentrepreneur.com/2010/10/new-rules-for-networking.html

Do you agree with this author?  What are your thoughts?

I was reading an edition of  Success Magazine that focused on Living Your Fullest Potential.  There were many topics of discussion that spoke to how to discover the BEST within you..

The topic I found most appealing was prepared by the publisher and editor himself, Darren Hardy.   He spoke about  Maslow’s 8 Ways to Self Actualize.

This really inspired me because I find over and over again that it’s easy to “settle” for the status quo, and circumstances and situations that don’t allow you to be your best.

The reason:  it’s just easier to do so.

But it takes a certain level of conviction, inner drive,  and motivation to rise above what’s comfortable and what’s familiar to be and become more of who you are uniquely designed to be — all that you are, and all that you are becoming, as a rising soloentrepreneur.

Here are Maslow’s 8 ways to truly self actualize and achieve the greatest goal and purpose of life — live your fullest potential:

Another part of being your best is knowing what you want and being fully committed to achieving your most important goals… no matter what!

Perhaps what you really want – what you desire more than anything –  is to start your own business as a coach, consultant, trainer or some other independent service provider.  But you have allowed every excuse in the book to get in the way of making this dream a reality.

Use Maslow’s 8 principles to motivate and inspire you to seek MORE:  more of what life has to offer, more self fulfillment, and greater purpose. And then move to action…starting today! 

Grab a copy of my free ecourse and learn how http://bit.ly/c32ELY

I think we all remember the phrase, “If you build it, they will come” from the popular movie, Field of Dreams.  However when it comes to business start up, there is a very different story to tell.

It’s one thing to start a business, it’s another to sustain overtime.  I recently read a blog post by Small Business Trends, that outlined the 5 yr success rate of small businesses by industry.    And much to my surprise the service industry’s survival rate is performing slightly higher than average.  However, in spite of this, it also means there is still a large number that aren’t making it.

There are many reasons why small businesses fail.  One area is obviously tied to insufficient financial capital.  So what makes the difference between big revenue streams vs. small or non-existent ones?

Here are my top 10 picks for why new solo businesses remain small and don’t profit:  

 10. No infrastructure to run business.  Once you find that perfect client, the question that comes next is now what?  Many newbies have a difficult time answering this question because they have been so focused on getting their first few paying clients, they don’t have a plan for how they will deliver their product promise, and/or manage the operations of their business. 

Quick tip:  Before getting your first client, establish processes to facilitate ongoing, consistent communication, and systems to manage your finances, and administrative functions of your business.  This way your focus can remain on business building and development.

 9. One-on-one client orientation.  A business model that only consists of working one-on-one with clients is short sighted and typically results in burnout overtime.  It’s much more advantageous to share more of you and what you have to offer with the masses, than with only those whom you can serve personally at any given time. 

Quick tip:  Incorporate both products and services to your sales funnel to help more, serve more and  expand your earning potential.   

 8. A website without a hook.    The harsh reality is once a  unique visitor comes to your website they will  either save your site as a favorite or leave and never return…unless you give them a reason.  Design your site with the goal of converting visitors into prospects.

Quick tip:  Provide relevant and valuable tools, resources, free giveaways…and an opt-in feature to capture contact information and keep in touch.

 7. One dimensional marketing.   Think about your marketing plan as a portfolio of sorts – the more diverse, the better your chance of reaching your intended goals and benchmarks, and the less risk of losing time and money with all your eggs in one basket.  It’s also important to monitor the performance of each strategy to  ensure you are pouring the right resources in the right areas at the right time. 

Quick tip: Incorporate a tracking mechanism for each strategy to eliminate the guesswork around what works, what doesn’t, and achieve optimal results fast.

 6. The wrong offer. Not all solutions you have ideas about are the most viable in the eyes of your prospects and clients.  Remember it’s not about you, it’s about your clients.  Focus on what your clients really want and avoid the temptation of creating services or products in a vacuum.

 Quick Tip:  If you are unsure about what solutions your prospects or clients need, simply survey them or ask directly.

 5. A non-compelling marketing message.  It’s one thing to know who you are seeking to attract, it’s another to know how to communicate with them and enlist them as clients.  Without careful attention to this, you’ll end up working ten times harder by chasing down prospects instead of pulling them toward you.

Quick tip:  Your “sales conversation” should always speak to their heart and mind, by focusing on what matters and concerns them most.

 4. Missing marketing plan.  The “art” and “science” of attracting ideal clients is a focused and purposeful activity.  It’s always a good idea to start with the end in mind and design your strategy for how you will get there.  

 Quick tip:  Establish goals for how you wish to build your list, bring in more business,  and then take action to make it happen.

 3. Fishing in the wrong pond.  There are many criteria for choosing viable markets, to include the ability to reach your prospects easily and inexpensively.   However, without a clear idea of where they “hang out” you will be hard pressed to begin any marketing conversation, build your list, or grow your business.

Quick Tip:  Take time to study your target first so that you know where to direct your marketing efforts.  This way you avoid the “spray and pray approach” to marketing. 

2. Inconsistent marketing efforts.  This fatal error fosters the feast or famine syndrome. In order to keep your pipeline full of prospects, see marketing as an ongoing and consistent activity.  Always remember, if you aren’t actively seeking business, then your business is not making money.

Quick tip:  Carve out time every day to devote toward some aspect of marketing.

 And the number one reason:  Jack of all trades and master of none.   It’s extremely difficult to be a generalist and attract all the clients you will ever need at the same time. Having a specific target audience or niche in mind, will help you formulate a cogent marketing message that pull prospects toward you, more quickly, more often and without fail. 

The end result:  more clients, more business, more money!!

 Quick tip:  As you seek to find the ideal client, never lose sight of what fills you up on the inside – an eager individual with a pulse and credit card in hand shouldn’t be the only criterion for ideal. 

Sometimes a complete business makeover is required to get your business turning profits. But other times a small tweak is all that’s required. Use these simple strategies to audit what’s working  and what isn’t with your business to accelerate your profit making potential by leaps and bounds. 

For more viable solutions for getting your business off the ground running, growing, and making more money: http://bit.ly/9jW642

Your Assignment:  Summer vacations are a GREAT way to create real moments with your family. Commit yourself to taking quality time with loved ones and return to center.