Archive for the ‘Business Tips’ Category:
“There comes a time in a man’s life
when to get where he has to go
-if there are no doors or windows-
he walks through a wall.”
~ Bernard Malamud
Do you find yourself many times walking through walls? Look at it this way, we are still moving forward.
This has been my pattern lately. Nothing seems to be flowing easily. I seem to be always pushing. It takes a lot of energy and I am constantly tired.
What is a person to do? There has to be a better way.
Let’s dissect this dilemma. What is really going on? The word that pops into my mind is “CONTROL” and not trusting the process. Does this sound familiar?
It might sound crazy, but I find that “Control” gives me a sense of comfort. When I just let things happen in a way it is scary because it may not turn out the way I want. When I am in this space I start to make lists, plan my every move and just control everything around me. This kind of behavior is very taxing and tiring.
When you find yourself controlling everything relax and implement the following exercise:
- Sit in a chair where it is quiet, where no one is around to bother you. It is amazing how peace and quiet gives you a sense of security.
- Take 5 deep breaths and just let yourself unwind.
- Ask yourself the following questions:
- What am I afraid of? Example: New clients will take advantage of my programs.
- What is the worst thing that could happen? Example: I will have to close my business.
- What benefit could you receive from this happening? Find something that lights my fire and makes me exciting again.
- What is really going on? Example: My Company is thriving.
- What can you tell yourself when your insecurities become apparent? “Just for today everything is running smoothly and trust the process.”
- Take 5 deep breaths and just relax for a few minutes.
- When you are ready at the count of 5 opens your eyes.
What I learned from this exercise: When I find myself trying to control everything it is time to uncover what is going on.
Now it is your turn!
Take the time to relax and complete the exercise above. What did you learn? Please share your thoughts with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Helen
“If you can’t feed a hundred people,
then just feed one.”
~ Mother Teresa
As business owners we want to help as many people as we can. Who would like to coach 100 one-on-one clients each day and support them in living the life of their dreams? Sorry to say since we only have 24 hours in a day, that is unrealistic.
As Mother Teresa says, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” Building a coaching business takes one client at a time.
At first it was very hard to enroll clients so I became creative and bartered my services. My first client cooked me roasted vegetables and I coached her for 30 minutes. Then another client hired me and I charged her $60 a month. As time went on my practice started to grow and gradually I increased my rates. Today, incorporating many other services into my business, I feel very successful.
How successful you feel is the key to your well-being. It doesn’t matter if you have only one client or 20. The secret is what you are telling yourself.
You’ll automatically feel successful by shifting your thinking and focusing on the accomplishments your clients are achieving.
Below are a few steps you can take to remind yourself of your success:
- After each coaching session with a client write yourself a short note acknowledging your coaching skills.
- Before closing down for the night, read each accomplishment out loud.
- Continue this practice for a week.
Feeling you are providing special gifts to your clients will reinforce your love for coaching and you will feel very successful.
Please share your success stories with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.
“Opportunity is missed by most people
because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like hard work.”
~ Thomas Alva Edison
Thomas Alva Edison put it so elegantly that we overlook many opportunities because we have to be the action force behind every opportunity.
Sometimes it is okay to let the Universe provide instead of constantly running after our dreams.
Let me tell you a little story… Sandy (name changed) was running a non-profit organization, constantly networking and applying for grants. She believed you had to push yourself to the limit before receiving any compensation for your hard work. So every day she was working 10 to 12 hour days and did not have any type of personal life.
Sandy’s outlook on life was dismal because she was working all the time and not enjoying the other aspects of her life. One day she complained to her sister that she had to work all the time and would never have time to relax and enjoy herself again.
Her sister understood exactly what she was saying and suggested she start working with a coach. Feeling overwhelmed she called me.
We started working together and explored her beliefs. Sandy strongly felt that hard work was her mission in life.
We started looking at other options. Eventually, Sandy became aware of opportunities that were just presenting themselves. She had a very creative and dedicated staff and gave them the freedom to succeed.
Sandy at first was shocked that she did not have to be the driving force behind the non-profit. Gradually, she gave herself permission to start looking at ways to enjoy her life. Today she is just a member of the team and enjoys the other aspects of her life.
Giving up control and letting other opportunities present themselves is freeing.
What aspect of your life is holding you back?
Below is an exercise that will enable you to create more freedom in your life.
- Take out your journal and write about the aspect of your life you would like to change. Example: I have to work 10 to 12 hours a day in order for my business to be successful.
- Reread what you have written.
- Start punching holes through your ideas by continually asking yourself, “What is the truth?” Example: Idea – my employees might make mistakes and everything will fall apart.
What is the truth? Others are just as creative and sometimes have better ideas than I do.
- Pick one idea you would like to change. Example: I have to stay in the office until 7:00pm in case anyone calls.
- Chose an action step to change your idea. Example: Survey for a week how many calls are received after 5:00pm. Then decided if you have to change the receptionist hours or just let the voicemail take messages.
- Continue taking action steps to change your thinking.
Remember…Once we become aware of what is happening, decide to take a risk and then action steps, everything slowly changes. Enjoy the journey!
Please partner with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community by sharing your ideas and challenges. Together we will make a difference in our businesses and lives.
“Opportunity is missed by most people
because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like hard work.”
~ Thomas Alva Edison
Thomas Alva Edison put it so elegantly that we overlook many opportunities because we have to be the action force behind every opportunity.
Sometimes it is okay to let the Universe provide instead of constantly running after our dreams.
Let me tell you a little story… Sandy (name changed) was running a non-profit organization, constantly networking and applying for grants. She believed you had to push yourself to the limit before receiving any compensation for your hard work. So every day she was working 10 to 12 hour days and did not have any type of personal life.
Sandy’s outlook on life was dismal because she was working all the time and not enjoying the other aspects of her life. One day she complained to her sister that she had to work all the time and would never have time to relax and enjoy herself again.
Her sister understood exactly what she was saying and suggested she start working with a coach. Feeling overwhelmed she called me.
We started working together and explored her beliefs. Sandy strongly felt that hard work was her mission in life.
We started looking at other options. Eventually, Sandy became aware of opportunities that were just presenting themselves. She had a very creative and dedicated staff and gave them the freedom to succeed.
Sandy at first was shocked that she did not have to be the driving force behind the non-profit. Gradually, she gave herself permission to start looking at ways to enjoy her life. Today she is just a member of the team and enjoys the other aspects of her life.
Giving up control and letting other opportunities present themselves is freeing.
What aspect of your life is holding you back?
Below is an exercise that will enable you to create more freedom in your life.
- Take out your journal and write about the aspect of your life you would like to change. Example: I have to work 10 to 12 hours a day in order for my business to be successful.
- Reread what you have written.
- Start punching holes through your ideas by continually asking yourself, “What is the truth?” Example: Idea – my employees might make mistakes and everything will fall apart. What is the truth? Others are just as creative and sometimes have better ideas than I do.
- Pick one idea you would like to change. Example: I have to stay in the office until 7:00pm in case anyone calls.
- Chose an action step to change your idea. Example: Survey for a week how many calls are received after 5:00pm. Then decided if you have to change the receptionist hours or just let the voicemail take messages.
- Continue taking action steps to change your thinking.
Remember…Once we become aware of what is happening, decide to take a risk and then action steps, everything slowly changes. Enjoy the journey!
Please partner with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community by sharing your ideas and challenges. Together we will make a difference in our businesses and lives.
“We have a mental block inside us
that stops us from earning more
than we think we are worth.
If we want to earn more in reality,
we have to upgrade our self-concept.”
~ Brian Tracy
After reading Brian Tracy’s quote what were you thinking? Do the following thoughts sound familiar?
- Is this the reason I am not making money?
- How do I change my thinking?
- I knew all along it was my thinking that was stopping me.
The thoughts can go on and on.
Okay, let’s take a step back and see what is really happening here. Most of us are always looking for a solution to a problem. Wouldn’t it be easy to change our thinking and our problems would disappear?
What I am learning is that sometimes I am my own worst enemy. My thoughts start telling me all crazy ideas. When this happens I take a deep breath, picture a STOP sign and tell myself “I am worthy of being paid for my services because I am a great coach.”
Brian Tracy’s quote sounds so simple and at the same time upgrading our self-concept can be a very difficult task. How do you go about it?
Helen’s mind is at work… Below is a simple plan you can follow:
- Go into a room with a mirror and close the door.
- Take a deep breath and look into the mirror.
- Say the following words out loud:
- “I am a special person.”
- “I am providing a service.”
- Repeat these two sentences three times. The first time with your eyes closed, second time looking at your nose and the last time look into your eyes. As you continue this exercise it will get easier.
- Repeat this exercise for a week and then only look in your eyes while saying the two sentences out loud.
After a month of reassuring yourself that you are a special person and providing a service, your attitude will change.
While practicing this exercise please stay in touch with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. We are in this together and by supporting each other things will change.
Keep in touch!
Helen
You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn from Val Williams. Her message is invaluable if you want a profitable coaching business.
Val is going to share the single most common mistake coaches make that keep them from owning and operating a business that is producing positive cash flow.
Our calendar of events is expanding to bring you more expert advice from the leaders in the coaching industry. It’s free to listen into these calls.
RSVP to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net to make sure you reserve your spot.
On Wednesday March 30th at 1:00 pm EST and 10:00 am Pacific you will meet Val Williams.
“Tough Love for Coaches: Profit or Perish”
As Coaches, we all have great dreams of helping people and making the world a better place. This is a wonderful intention. However, unless a Coach can build a profitable coaching business that supports a great lifestyle, the great dream probably won’t happen. My message is the tough love for coaches. If we do not focus on coaching as a business, and build the personal business skills and presence to make money, we won’t be in the game. Join me for a conversation about what it takes to create revenue while doing outstanding high quality coaching at the same time. Profit is not a dirty word. Profit is what allows us to be selective and choose the clients that match our talents the best. Then we can make that unique difference we want to make for people.
RSVP to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net to make sure you reserve your spot.
Val Williams, MCC
Val Williams, MCC, is an Executive Coach and expert in senior executive leadership development.
Specializing in C-Level Executive Coaching, and a former health care operations executive herself, Val has coached hundreds of senior executive leaders and their teams in companies around the globe since 1994. Val coaches executives on a variety of leadership skills including strategic planning, performance management and team development. Val focuses senior leaders on the power of their Influence; and the specific type of executive presence needed to have real impact on both people and results. Visit: http://www.valwilliams.com/
RSVP to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net to make sure you reserve your spot.
Leverage your momentum and join the Mastermind Circle!
Love Yourself Coaching is offering you a chance to stay focused and act on the information that was shared in our series.
After each leader’s talk, we are immediately opening up a mastermind circle to boost you into action using the tips and techniques shared by our successful mentors and experts.
Put MIND and MONEY into your business!
Build a support system around yourself
that will help you meet your next short term goals
Join the first ever, Love Yourself Coaching Mastermind Circle!
This new program is my way of helping coaches take a ‘no-more-excuses’ approach to growing their business and becoming prosperous.
The Love Yourself Mastermind Circle is the solution to keeping us all focused and playing a bigger game.
Together we can make things happen!
But here is the thing, I am only opening the circle to eight (8), quick-acting individuals. We will be meeting together for two weeks.
Who should join the Mastermind Circle?
- If you want to practice visibility, enrollment and fulfillment
- If you want to ‘play with others’ who want to get results
- If you need support right now to face your challenges
- If you are feeling alone while building your business
Then you want to become a member of our Love Yourself Mastermind Circle.
Invest in yourself and your business.
Join The Mastermind Circle by Monday April 4th for $125.00.
This includes three 60 minute group mastermind sessions.
Group facilitated by Helen Burton, Owner of Love Yourself Coaching.
After this date the price will be going up. Act fast!
Visit Helen’s website to Reserve Your Spot Now!
The Coaches’ Coaching Circle has added a new educational series. We have invited the most dynamic, successful leaders in our industry to speak with coaches each month. This opportunity gives coaches an opportunity to learn first-hand what action steps are needed to build profitable coaching businesses.
The first presenter was Dave Buck, Master Certified Coach and CEO of CoachVille.
My take-away from Dave’s presentation. He spoke about how we grew up in the Industrial Age and worked for compensation by completing tasks. No wonder we are unhappy and looking for something else. Things are changing we are coming into the Inspiration Age (Dave’s term). Where we will play and find joy again.
When playing we will be compensated for giving value, have fun, receive results and wealth.
The object of the Game is to have an objective/purpose and daily focus on Visibility, Enrollment and Fulfillment. Also, treat challenges as a good thing and find solutions.
My Daily Plan
- Visibility: Write an article, communicate through Social Media and attend scheduled networking events and teleclasses.
- Enrollment: Promote the Coaches’ Coaching Circle, Coaches’ Mentoring Circle and Morning Action Call.
- Fulfillment: Reach out to coaches and brainstorm ideas.
Your Turn
What daily steps are you going to initiate while playing the Game? I can’t wait to hear from you and let’s support each other.
For those of you on the call please let me know your thoughts and if I missed anything. My email address is helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hitch your Wagon to a star.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
One morning as you are drinking your coffee, a powerful idea pops into your head: “Create a workshop for stay-at-home moms.” The workshop will provide friendship, support and a community project they can all work on together.
With your energy flowing, you sit down at your computer and create this workshop. Within hours the first draft is complete. WOW that feels good!
The next step is to create an enticing offer for your target market of Stay-At-Home Moms.
Working with Maribeth Pelly, we always use the following rules for creating an offer that sells.
- Make it very clear what outcome the participants will receive. Everyone wants to feel their investment will create an obvious result. Example: By attending the workshop they will make friends, and work together giving back to the community.
- Solutions for their pain and something that gives them a good feeling. People want a simple solution to what they think will make their life better. In the case of your target market, most of them would like to communicate with other moms and have company during the day.
- Use testimonials relating to your target market. Most people rely on the experience of others. Example: If the testimonial states a person met new friends while working on community projects, laughed a lot and had a feeling of satisfaction giving back to the community; it will do wonders. Do you notice that you buy something if a testimonial states they received the outcomes you deeply want?
- People want a good deal and feel they are not overpaying. If you create a list of results they will receive that is worth more than the money they are spending; the program will sell itself.
Example:
- Interacting with other women who are struggling with the same issues
- Giving back to the community
- Opening the door to your creativity and leadership
- Your children will meet new playmates
- Etc.
- Focus on your target market. Always make your offer available to people who are seeking the results you are offering. You would not offer your workshop to men who are looking to play baseball. I know this is a farfetched example but it makes a point.
- Encourage a sense of belonging in your offer. Everyone wants to feel they are part of a group and not feel alone. Invite them to join this community because of who they are and what a great asset they will be to the group. Everyone wants to hear they are wanted.
Now It Is Your Turn!
- Make yourself a cup of coffee
- Brainstorm different ideas for a workshop or program
- Draft a flyer for the program and include the 6 Steps listed above
Share your challenges and aha! moments with the Love Yourself-It Matters! Community. Working together we will create prosperous businesses.
Helen
Letting the world know about “You” can be very frightening
“Get all the education you can,
but then, by God, do something.
Don’t just stand there;
make it happen.”
~ Lee Iococca
Reading Lee Iococca’s quote reminded me of when I first graduated from iPEC Coaching School and kept signing up for more trainings. I kept thinking I was not ready to go out there and coach. What if I did not ask the right questions, gave too much advice? The list goes on and on.
One day during a coaching session, my coach said in a very strong voice, “It is enough with the different trainings, just go out there and coach.” I became very defensive and explained why I needed more trainings. She did not want to continue the conversation and asked, “What were my next steps for marketing my coaching practice?” It was the greatest gift anyone ever gave me.
Once I started coaching clients my confidence grew and eventually I knew in my heart that I was a great coach. Taking that first step and letting the world know about “You” can be very frightening.
Let’s take a deep breath and take that leap! We are all in this together.
Some simple small steps you can take to overcome your FEAR. By the way, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.
- Meditate for a few moments and think about one step you have been putting off over and over again. Example: Presenting a Workshop.
- Sit there and let all your fears surface.
- Think about the fear that constantly pops up all the time. Example: I am afraid no one will sign-up for the workshop.
- Take a deep breath and take in sunshine.
- Let your breath out and let all the fears go.
- When you feel comfortable open your eyes.
- Write in your journal about your constant fear and solutions to the dilemma. Example: No one will sign-up for the workshop. One of the solutions that surfaced was to have the workshop in my home and invite friends and family.
This solution is not a cop-out! It could be a way of practicing and getting feedback so your next workshop will be easier.
- Create plans, send invitations and enjoy the process.
Let the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community know about your project and how we can support you. We are all in this together.
Rejuvenate Yourself
“We must always change,
renew, rejuvenate ourselves;
otherwise we harden.”
Johann Von Goethe
(German poet and writer)
As Johann Von Goethe’s quote suggests, while remaining on our path we must make changes, renew our passion and take time for ourselves in order to rejuvenate. This sounds like a perfect formula.
Let’s take this quote apart and see how we can easily implement it.
The first step is to always allow things to change. We sometimes resist change and keep doing the same thing over and over wishing for a different result. It is like going to a bakery and looking for something to eat that does not have two calories. We continue doing the same thing until one day we realize nothing is going to change unless we take a different course of action.
Changing your course of action
- Choose one action step you are currently taking that is not creating the results you desire. Example: Sending emails to prospect clients instead of attending networking events.
- Evaluate the action and see what small step you can take to change the outcome. Example: Instead of sending emails to prospect clients, make a phone call and arrange to meet for coffee or lunch. Building relationships is the key for attracting clients.
- Implement this new action for a month and see what results are occurring.
- Make necessary changes.
The second step is to renew your passion. Sometimes we feel that we are continually climbing a mountain and our passion starts to diminish. We are only human and need a ray of sunshine to ignite our fire.
Ignite your fire
- Write a letter to a loved one telling them how your passion is weakening. You don’t have to share the letter with anyone.
- Journal about how you are feeling.
- Call a friend or your coach and schedule time to brainstorm ideas.
- Journal often about the different ideas and opportunities that are developing.
- Keep exploring and enjoy the journey.
Rejuvenate Yourself
Do you take time for yourself? If you don’t, why not? Not enough time, you forget or feel it is not important. YOU ARE IMPORTANT!
I love the expression “In order not to feel resentful of others, take time for yourself first.” It has been proven over and over again when we schedule time for ourselves and then give to others, it is a special gift.
What are you going to do nice for yourself today? I am going to pick-up my grandson today from school, go to the library and then out for dinner before attending his Science Fair.
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what changes you are going to make, ignite your fire again and rejuvenate yourself.
Helen
“May you live all the days of your life.”
Jonathan Swift
Do you often ask yourself at the end of the day, “What did I accomplish today?” Not to worry, you are not alone. Many of us just move through our day going from task to task as the weeks, months and years fly by.
What could we do different? It is a Big Question!
Eckhart Tolle recommends living in the moment. This is a tall order!
Realizing that 2010 disappeared in a wink of an eye, I decided to follow Eckhart Tolle’s recommendation. Below are some of the steps I followed. To be honest, the process was not easy but as time went by it became easier and easier.
· While eating, consciously focus on the different food tastes.
· As my mind wanders, keep asking myself “What are you doing now?”
· Write down at the end of the day what made me happy today.
Taking these steps has enabled me to feel that I am living my day.
What will you do today to live in the moment and experience what is happening around you?
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community the small changes you have made to become more aware of your day. Together we will support each other in becoming aware of what is going on in our day and not let the days blindly pass us by.
Dave Buck has a simple, clear message that will help you play big this year… in your life and work. How do I know this? I heard Dave speak at a recent gathering and I implemented what he suggested as soon as I got home. I can honestly say, what he suggests WORKS! And it really works well. DAILY I take clear action steps to help grow my business.
If you are at all familiar with Dave Buck, he is entertaining and we all could use a bit of laughter in our lives!
So please join us Wednesday, February 23rd at 1pm EST.
RSVP today to reserve your spot and begin growing and loving your business again! Just email Helen at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
“Change your thoughts and change your world.”
Norman Vincent Peale
Do you wake up every morning and think today is going to be a good day? That is the true meaning of positive thinking.
Each morning as I open my eyes I hear Alice, my cat, meowing in a piercing sound. She wants to eat!
Getting out of bed quickly so she stops, my thoughts turn to my day. I have programed myself to think about what is happening and 3 things I want to accomplish. This exercise works for me and I feel motivated instantly.
You may ask me, “How can I start changing my thoughts in the morning?” Being honest, it does take time. Below are a few steps you can take to start the process:
· After opening your eyes in the morning give yourself a big hug
· Picture yourself sitting in a warm place feeling peaceful
· Say out loud or to yourself 3 things you are grateful for
· Think about your day and one nice thing you are going to do for yourself
Continue this exercise every morning for a week and see what happens.
Please let me know if you are feeling better in the morning and motivated to start your day. As Norman Vincent Peale says, “Change your thoughts and change your world.”
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
“Be Here Now”
Ram Dass
This morning I was watching a short video about enjoying the moment. It told a story about a man who was out for the day and driving towards the beach area. He suddenly realized his cell phone was not working. The man started obsessing about not being able to receive calls and what if someone needed him. He missed the beautiful scenery along the road. Finally, he decided to turn around and go back home. When he got back home and was able to check his phone no one had called. How sad!!
How many times do we keep thinking about something and the day disappears. I read some place once that over 90% of the things we worry about don’t happen.
Let’s make today a new way of being and stop ourselves when we start to obsess about something.
Some simple steps you can take when that annoying thought appears.
· Take a deep breath and close your eyes for a second.
· Say to yourself, “Be Here Now.”
· Think about what you are doing at that moment.
Your annoying thought will disappear and suddenly you will be living in the moment. Don’t be surprised if you have to practice this exercise at least 50 times a day. Eventually, you will start to only live in the moment.
Remember you are not alone I am right next to you doing the same thing.
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your progress.
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