Posts Tagged ‘coaching women’

This IS the bottom line...

If you are committed to building a business that serves your life’s purpose, and enriches rather than drains your life,  you have to set it up with financial prosperity and freedom in mind.  What this means is you have to begin with the end in mind – more clients, more money, more purpose, more fulfillment.

You can achieve all of this, but, your business model must be designed in such a way to make it happen.

Many new soloprofessionals fresh out of their training, certification, or licensure program start off with the notion of serving clients one at a time.  It’s their framework — it’s all that they have been taught; it’s all that they know. 

But a sustainable profitable business requires that you move beyond this narrow scope and adopt an entrepreneurial style business that can generate revenue on it’s own — in your sleep or while you work. 

What I am describing is the difference between owning a business or a job!

The one-on-one client model is one of the main contributing factors to why solo professionals get trapped in their business, and burnout overtime.

There’s only a finite number of hours in a day. When you spend every waking moment working with clients, you leave no room to do anything else for your business.  So in the long run you limit your financial potential and cease to exist. 

There is no question…the fastest way to profits for your business and getting off the ground running is to offer BOTH services & products.

You may be thinking,”But I don’t want to create products, I just want to help people and be booked solid.” 

There is a place for that in your business model but what we are describing is a both/& solution to helping, serving, and being a blessing to more people – 24/7! 

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to take time off from working on the business but still make money in the process?  A business that offers service and product makes this happen.

Still not convinced?  Here are 10 MORE reasons why adding products to your business is a must:

- Gain instant credibility in your topic

- Enter expert status in your field more quickly

- Help more, serve more at different price points

- Make money in your sleep or while you work

- Get known among many faster

- Increase your exposure on the internet (the viral effect)

- Strengthen & advance your brand

- Offer more value to your current and potential clients

- Increase your opt-in rate  & build your list faster

- Boost the net worth of your business

You may be thinking, this is great Zenobia, but how in the world do I begin to think about incorporating products to my business, when all I know is how to work one-on-one with clients?

There is an answer. Join us for Countdown to Prosperity 2011 teleclass to find out.

I was reading Carol Roth’s blog today and saw an interesting (and a bit controversial) entry about how your greatest passions in life are better suited for hobbies not entrepreneurship.

She opened by stating, ” I am a little bit tired (and by a little bit, I actually mean really tired) of hearing about how you should create a business from your greatest passion in life. Well, you can really screw up your passion for something by having to earn a living from it. So, here’s the other side of the coin- six key reasons why you may just want to keep your hobby a hobby.”

Click below for the complete article

http://www.carolroth.com/unsolicited-business-advice/?p=3236

What are your thoughts?

Should passion be narrowly confined to a hobby?

Can passion for your life’s work and business ownership mix well or are they more like oil & water?

I once heard someone say, “If you LOVE what you do, you’ll never “work” a day in your life!”  I believe that  wholeheartedly!  Without passion for “the reason why,” what will sustain you when challenges with the business come your way?

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

I just came across a blog post entitled, 5 Ways to Spot a Great Product.  The author Charlie Page, CEO of Directory of Ezines, outlined 7 questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to purchase an information product:

-Do I need this right now?
-Do I already own something similar that will do the job?
-Is the person selling this product credible?
-Will I use this? (In other words, will I take the time
to learn the system so I can profit from it?)
-Are there others who use and like this product? (e.g.
are there testimonials)
-Am I protected if this does not work out?
-Is there any reason to NOT buy this right now?

One of the concepts discussed in my new ebook discusses the importance of investing in your business for personal development and long term sustainability and success.  

The questions above serve as a nice checklist to help you figure out whether a purchase will be a valuable one and beneficial in the long run. 

You may be sitting on the fence about whether to take advantage of my birthday bash sale….use the checklist above to help you simply say YES!!

Remember the sale ends Tuesday 12 noon EST.  Don’t miss out on the sale price and 2 extra bonuses:  2 special reports – 30 Minutes a Day P.R.O.M.O Blog & 21 Ways to Recycle Content & Make More Money

These two special reports as available with the ebook purchase and exclusive to my birthday bash sale.  http://bit.ly/9jW642

Once the sale ends, so will these 2 additional bonuses (the other 4 standard bonuses will remain in tact)

However, you can get more for less now!  Take advantage of this cost saving unique opportunity today!  Visit  http://bit.ly/9jW642

If you have any questions about the ebook or need additional help with figuring out whether this purchase is really for you,  please email me at zenobia@successtransitions.com.

Have a great weekend!

I just have to share…

I am soo excited because I am featured today in Carol Roth’s business blog today, 82 Time Wasters in Business.

Check out #82; it’s last but certainly not least!  You can read all the submissions here
http://is.gd/fllBW 

If you are on Twitter, you can tweet this as well (simply copy and paste)

RT @caroljsroth Having trouble being productive? 82 Secret Time Wasters in Business http://is.gd/fllBW  via CarolRoth.com contributors

Feel free to share with friends & all those whom you feel may benefit.

Remember ladies, the work of the business is endless and time limited.  It’s time to do more in less time.

Enjoy the blog entry.

You are a talented women and possess many skills.  It’s a wonder each day how you are able to manage the multiple roles in your life…and do it so well.  

However when it comes to your role as an entrepreneur, it requires a different level of personal management and effectiveness. 

Remember you are the soul of your business.   This means as soloprofessional, you must “bring it” in order to maintain momentum in your business building efforts.

How you process internally affects greatly your output. 

The better you are at functioning at your peak, the more you will be able to give back to your business and operate efficiently.

Here are 8 ways to boost your personal effectiveness:

1. Maintain high energy levels.  Keep close watch and monitor how different energy levels affect your performance throughout the day.  Make consistent strides to eliminate energy drainers and replace it will energy gainers.

2. Lose the “No it all” attitude.  Maintain a positive expectation for every action and move with great expectation that good will come forth.  Always look for the best of every situation and an opportunity in every problem.

3. Make plans.  Write your plans with defined steps that lead to specific  major objectives.  Visualize the process for each initiative or new project from beginning to end.  Work to integrate the steps of your plans into your schedule every day.

4. Stop putting out fires everyday.  Instead live your life based on what’s important vs. most urgent.  Focus your attention on the role you can influence the most at any moment in time.

5. Invite helping hands.  Delegate as much as possible and communicate clear expectations of how you want things done.  Remember to show appreciation and give credit where credit is due.

6. Get Organized.  Create a separate filing or e-folder for each new person or task to find information quickly and easily.  Get rid of clutter.  Resist the habit of setting things down;  instead put things away where they belong.

7. Optimize.  Make every minute of your day count.  Learn how to say “no” so that you create space for what really matters to you and allow you to focus on becoming your personal best.  Make it easier on yourself by simplifying life. 

8. Make it happen.  Stop getting ready to get ready, spinning your wheels and going no where fast.  Take immediate action and stop procrastinating and overthinking small stuff.  Break down complex tasks in bite sized pieces and get going.

The work of your business is endless and time is limited.  Tuning up your personal effectiveness is just one component of maintaining momentum of your business.

Learn more during teleclass, 5 Strategies For How To Launch While You Work,  August 31, 9:00-10:00pm, EST

What:  Free Teleclass:  5 Strategies For How To Launch While You Work

When:  August 31, 9pm EST

Where:  Via Bridgeline

For More Information & To Register, Go To:

http://launchwhileyouwork.eventbrite.com