Creating a Thriving Business

“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.” 
~ Mark Twain

If we could live our lives backward, imagine how much easier it would be to run a business!  We would all have answers at our finger tips. There would be fewer struggles; and the money would come pouring in.

Unfortunately, life and business have twists and turns and we need to learn from these experiences. For most of us, when we started our businesses everything felt new and exciting; but as time passed, the excitement began to dwindle and frustration set in.

While there is no simple answer, this is a great time to take a personal inventory of your true desires and the path you want to follow.  I’ve approached these crossroads many times and, after taking inventory, found myself moving in new directions. 

For example, I have chosen to change my niche and work with different target markets. When I first started coaching my clientele consisted of women in transition; then people who were retiring. After a few years, my target market changed again, and I worked with individuals who wanted to get off the diet merry-go-round.

Then it changed again, and this time my niche found me. I became a coaches’ coach, and for the last 5 years coaches have been my primary clientele.  My business has flourished and I have never been so creative.  

Now It’s Your Turn!

This simple exercise is designed to help you discover your true business strengths and passion.

• Write your answers to the following questions:
  • What do you love about your business?
  • Describe your ideal client (professionals, teens, young mothers, etc.)
  • List your strengths and skills. 
  • How are you being creative?
  • What support will you need to promote your business?
  • Outline the changes you want or have to implement.
• Read over your answers and highlight details that jump out at you.  Include your ideal client, strengths and skills, along with the support you will need to grow your business, etc.  These items will help you paint a picture of your new direction.
• Close your eyes and picture your business thriving. 
• List the key ingredients for this success.
• Plan your first steps in creating, shifting, or expanding a successful and prosperous business.
• Discuss your findings and plan with the support of a coach, friend or mastermind group.

When your exercise is complete, please share your new business ideas with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community in the comment section below.  Feel free to contact me at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net if you are experiencing difficulty in completing the exercise.

Working together, we will build thriving businesses!

Helen

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Uncovering Your Vision

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

~ Norman Vincent Peale

Reading Norman Vincent Peale’s quote made me realize what power we have. The choice is ours—either we can feel disillusioned or powerful and creative. Doesn’t that sound simple and so hard to accomplish?

Is your business taking a vacation during December? Clients are taking time off, and prospecting for new clients is an uphill climb. Here is your golden opportunity to take time for yourself and think about 2012!

We can let our emotions start dictating our lives when we fixate on such thoughts as we are not making much money this month, our business is not growing and we will have to find a new career. Or, on the other hand, we can feel excited about the extra time we have to do the things we want and plan for 2012. The choice is ours.

My choice is to embrace my power and start planning for 2012. This thought alone energizes me.

Steps to take in creating a powerful and rewarding 2012:

• Write yourself a letter describing your dreams and desires for 2012. Include all the aspects of your life—your business, vacations and new opportunities you would like to explore.
• Keep adding to the list for a few days. Our thoughts will keep multiplying when we give ourselves the freedom to be honest and not pass any judgment on our vision.
• When you feel your list is complete, create different categories for your ideas (business, vacations, social events, family and friends).
• Plug the ideas into the different categories. You will be amazed what thoughts surface. Congratulations, you now have your dream list. 
• Choose both a big and a small dream you would like to accomplish. Plan the two steps you will take this week for each dream. Remember, as my mother always said, “Rome was not built in a day.”

Taking time during this quiet time to plan for a powerful and rewarding 2012 is a beautiful gift you are giving yourself. ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

Now It’s Your Turn

After completing the above exercise, please share your dreams and action steps with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. Sharing with each other creates support so miracles can start happening.

Let me tell you a little story. At a networking meeting last week, the facilitator requested that everyone in the room share their vision for 2012. When it was my turn, I shared that my vision was to support a nonprofit organization working with overweight children. Before I left the meeting, three people approached me with the names of specific nonprofit groups and contact information for people who are working with overweight children. By sharing your dream with others, miracles start to happen right away.

Let’s work together and support each other!

Helen

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Trusting the Universe!

“…the moment one definitely commits
oneself,
then Providence moves too.”
~ Goethe

Reading Goethe’s quote brought a smile to my face, realizing all I had to do is commit to an idea and then have faith the Universe will guide me. Isn’t that simple?

The hardest part is to have faith and let the Universe guide me. I find that my desire to control everything gets in the way. What about you? Are you willing to let things go and experience the outcome, or are you driven to get in there and fix things?

Let me tell you a little story. I was thinking about my business and what new steps I could take to increase my passion. Of course, no ideas popped into my mind. After a while I decided to go do something else and forget about the idea. Every so often the thought would pop into my head. But, as before, I drew a blank. During that time, members of the Coaches’ Coaching Circle (Circle) were completing a survey to let the Love Yourself Coaching Team know what other services they would like the Circle to offer. It became apparent they were interested in an educational series.

Realizing this was a great opportunity for the members of the Circle and myself, I knew my next step was to organize the Circle Educational Series. My passion was on fire again. How amazing the Universe guided me, and I did not have to do anything.

Events of the Circle Educational Series are scheduled for the last Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm ET. During the events, coaches and small business owners receive expert advice from various seasoned leaders in the coaching industry. It’s free to listen in on these calls.

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011,@ 1 pm ET and 10 am PT, you can hear Michelle Schubnel discuss “The 7 Key Ingredients for a Full Coaching Practice of High-Paying Clients.”

All you have to do is register here to receive instructions for joining the call.

It’s Your Turn!

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what experiences you have had with trusting the Universe and having faith things will work out. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Take Care,

Helen

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Can you believe November is already here?

What happened to 2011?

Thinking about the year, I automatically started visualizing the highlights of the year as well as the struggles. The big lesson I learned this year was to stop projecting how things will work out and just enjoy the moments leading up to the event.

This is easier said than done.

Let’s put our heads together and come up with a strategy to spend more time in the moment instead of worrying all the time.

Below are some ideas that work for me:

• Be more aware of what I’m thinking and stop the thought in midair by closing my eyes and saying out loud, “What is happening right now?”
• Tell myself, “I don’t have to worry about anything right now.”
• Put music on, and dance around the room.
• Call a friend, and have a good laugh.
• Go for a cup of coffee, and smile at the first person I meet.

Now it’s your turn! What techniques do you use to stay in the moment instead of projecting your fears on the outcome?
 
Below are the ideas I received from some of the Love Yourself – It Matters! Ezine readers. Thank you everyone for sharing your techniques for creating a peaceful and loving life for yourself.  

Katie Keating

A few thoughts in response to your Ezine.

• Have faith- work on your spirituality.
• Read Dale Carnegies book, How to stop worrying, and start living,
• Volunteer and do a good deed for another in need.

Have a superb day!

~ Katie Keating

Doretha “Dee” Burrell

Things that keep me focused:

• I allow myself to shed a tear from time to time when things seem tough, but no more than 5 minutes.
• When stressed, I go out for a walk, meditate or practice yoga.
• I sit at my computer and email people that I think I would never get responses from- great example- A few days ago I  was having one of those days that my spirit and soul needed a little  uplifting, so I decided to email John Paul Mitchell (owner of Paul Mitchell Hair) to inform him that I had the opportunity to speak at one of his schools in NJ. Well, would you believe I received a response yesterday from him!)
• Believe in myself and what I am doing is going to work.. never quit, never give-up. I read a lot about very successful people and how some of them actually were homeless at one point in their lives and now they are millionaires. I’m not homeless yet, but if things don’t pick up… I might be there: Remember you must be able to laugh at yourself sometimes!

~ Dee

Doretha “Dee” Burrell
http://www.deeburrellinstituteforwomen.com/
http://about.me/deeburrell 

Alvah Parker

I wrote a list once about changing your mood.  Certainly if you are feeling fear it is important to move away from the fear and toward something else.  Perhaps one of the suggestions on the list would work.   You’ll find my list here http://www.asparker.com/ppts1003.html   I wrote it in 2003, but it still makes sense to me.  Feel free to use it if it feels right to you.

My Best,

~ Alvah Parker
Parker Associates
781-598-0388 (voice)
781-593-1734 (fax)
617-240-5353 (cell)
LinkedIn
Twitter

“Everyone has his own specific vocation in life..Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated..Thus everyone’s task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it. We detect rather than invent our mission in life.”  Victor Frankl “Man’s Search for Meaning”

Read Road to Success, an ezine and Parker’s Points, a tip list with articles and tips on career or practice building topics. To subscribe go to Alvah’s website and choose the edition for career changers and/or attorneys.

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Hunches Are Miracles in Disguise

“A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”
~ Frank Capra

Thank you, Frank Capra, for your quote. I am always having hunches and most of the time just let them evaporate into thin air. From now on when I have a hunch, I will stop and listen.

A hunch is described as a premonition, intuition, instinct or idea. Many of these thoughts are constantly passing through our minds. Instead of letting them float away, we have another option: pay attention to our hunches.

As I am writing this blog post, a thought has popped into my head. What a difference it would make to work with a group of coaches who want to offer their services during this time of year to people who are struggling. 

What comes to mind is helping the unemployed. We could barter our services. That way, we are supporting individuals in their time of need and at the same time giving them an opportunity to give us a gift. When I first started coaching, one of my friends made me roasted vegetables in exchange for my coaching services.

What do you think about this idea? Please let me know by leaving a comment below, or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.

Here are some of the ways we can find unemployed people who might be interested in our services:

• Ask friends, family members or neighbors if they know of anyone who is unemployed. Request they contact the person to see if this person would like to receive support in finding a job. Once you know the person is interested, give this person a call.
• Put an ad in your local newspaper; in some cases, such an ad may be free. We can work together in making the content inviting.
• Go to a networking event that reaches out to the unemployed. Get to know the attendees, and schedule to have coffee with the people you meet.
• Put a flyer on display on the bulletin boards of local thrift shops or food banks. Another idea is to volunteer your time at the thrift shop or food bank so you can strike up conversations with people in need of coaching services.
• Send an email to various houses of worship in your area, volunteering to present a motivational program for groups serving the unemployed. 
• Let me know your ideas for reaching out to people who are struggling during the holiday season.

Together let’s make a difference. I am anxiously waiting to hear from you. Either leave a comment on this blog or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net with your ideas of how we can put this group together and get started.

Let’s make this year different and give to those in NEED!

Helen

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Change Brings Happiness into Our Lives!

Change Your Thinking

“Things don’t change.
You change your way of looking, that’s all.”
~ Carlos Castaneda

When I read Carlos Castaneda’ quote it really struck me.  How we are always looking for our life to change and never take the time to change our thoughts. 

Castaneda suggests change the way you look at things.  EASIER SAID THAN DONE!

Let me tell you a little story… I am working with a client, who we call Fran.  Her business was steadily growing through the years.  One day she woke-up thinking her business was failing.  If things didn’t turn around quickly she was going to be bankrupt in a few months. 

When she called me, Fran was devastated and could not understand what happened.  Last month she did not feel this way, and was implementing new programs.  All of a sudden she was thinking about letting her team members go and maybe looking for a JOB. 

We discussed what was happening and looked at her business growth objectively.  After checking with her Accountant, Fran was surprised to learn that the profits this month were higher than last month.  What changed was her thinking.

Isn’t it amazing how we allow ourselves to cause suffering in our own lives.

Next time things are running smoothly and you want to shake up your life, implement the following steps.  This exercise also helps people who are facing real hardships in their lives.

• STOP take a deep breath and ask yourself the question, “Is what I am thinking right now, really true and nothing will ever change?”  By stepping back and examining the situation we start seeing our challenges from a different perspective and solutions start appearing. 
• Make an agreement with yourself not to think about your challenge for today.  Every time the thought pops into your head tell yourself, I will think about it tomorrow.  Miracles happen all the time so don’t waste your time worrying about something that can change in minutes.  There is an old saying, “Most circumstances we imagine never materialize.”
• Think of a time in your life when you were experiencing difficulties and within a short period of time everything turned around and your life was better than it was before.  This happens all the time and by visualizing what happened will give you strength and hope to continue. 
• Remind yourself constantly, that you are doing the best you can and the Universe is here to guide you.  
• Think happy thoughts at least once every thirty minutes.  By thinking these thoughts you will start changing your philosophy and a smile will appear on your face. 

As Castaneda says, “Things don’t change. You change your way of looking, that’s all.”

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your thoughts about this blog post.  Together we will grow and experience joy in our lives. 

Helen

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Tips for Working with Clients Who Always Reschedule

All the strength you need
to achieve anything
is within you.
~ Sara Henerson

Question:  What steps do you take when a client constantly cancels their scheduled coaching sessions and wants to reschedule?
 
Answer:  The important thing to remember, this is not about you!  Following are some of the steps I take in determining whether we are a good match or the client is not ready for coaching or some situation has to be worked out:

• Email the client expressing your concern for their well-being and the importance of scheduling time to chat.
• Call the client on the day and time scheduled.
  • During the session always follow the client’s agenda.  NEVER, NEVER put them on the defensive or feel something is wrong with them.   
• Coach the client in discovering what is holding them back from moving forward.
• Coach the client in making a determination as to whether coaching is a good fit for them.
  • Always act as the coach and remember this is not about you.
• End the conversation in a positive and upbeat manner.

Sometimes I find the client is experiencing some blocks that are stopping them from moving forward.  Other times they are not ready for coaching and it would be in their best interest to see a therapist.  We are all human beings and at any one time we are journeying through different experiences.
  
Having these conversations usually enables the client and myself to discover what works best for both of us.  Taking a risk and communicating with others is always the best solution.
 
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters Community what plan works best for you when a client is always cancelling and rescheduling their appointments.  Let’s support each other in growing our businesses.

Helen

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Tough Love for Coaches: Profit or Perish

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.

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Are you playing the Game?

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.

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Entrepreneur’s Secret for Accomplishing Goals

“Be like a postage stamp –
stick to one thing till you get there.
Sheila Graham

Do you wake-up in the morning with the idea you are going to accomplish certain tasks?  Then as the day proceeds you never take action towards any of these projects.

Welcome to the world of the entrepreneur!

This morning getting out of bed, I started thinking about my to-do list.  My day started walking with my neighbor, straightening the house, answering emails, coaching clients and all of a sudden I looked at the clock and it was noon.  To my utter surprise I did not start any of the projects that were on my to-do list.  This pattern happens a lot.

What is a person to do?

Thinking about this challenge, all of a sudden the “Smart Goal” Model popped into my head.  Below is the model:

S = Be very specific
Example: My goals were write an article, research different writing groups, coach clients, food shop, take time to just relax and the list goes on and on. 
M = Measure your progress
Example: My measurement would be completion of the different projects. 
A = Achievable
Example: This plan was not achievable, no way could I accomplish everything in one day.
R = Reasonable
Example: Since all the items were not easily accomplished in one day, I would create a realistic
plan. This plan would be produced by reviewing my goals and choosing which items could be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time.
T = Time Table
Example: Today’s Schedule:
1:00pm – Write Article
3:00pm – Food Shop
4:00pm – Spent time with Jeffrey, my grandson relaxing
6:00pm – Coach last client for the day.

Tomorrow:
8:00am – Research writing groups
10:00am – Create a new plan

 This arrangement sounded realistic.    

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your challenges about creating a reasonable daily plan.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.

 Helen

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Simplify Social Media for your Business

A Social Media Webinar Series for Professional Coaches
Presented by Helen Burton and Joanna Carides

Learn More Here: http://ow.ly/1bOkV

In this webinar, you will quickly understand how to use Facebook,

LinkedIn and Twitter specifically for growing your coaching practice.

We will be revealing:

• How easy it is to set up your profile and be a leader in your industry.
• What not to do, when building your following.
• Decide which media site is best to develop your business.
• Remove your overwhelm about Social Media, once-and-for-all!
• The perfect formula for posting your status updates.
• The secrets to drive more traffic to your website and blogs.

Click Here and Register here now!

Dates:

Facebook on March 17 & 24

LinkedIn on April 14 & 21
Twitter on May 5 & 12.

Participate in the webinar from the comfort of your home or office! All you need are a phone, computer and Internet access.

Cost:

$65 per topic (two one-hour sessions)
10% discount for registering for your choice of 2 topics: $117
20% discount for registering for all 3 topics: $156

Register here now!

Please forward flyer to your Business Colleagues!

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Thinking Kindly About Your Business

“One kind word can warm three winter months.”
Japanese Proverb

Do you think and say kind words about your business?  Unfortunately, most of us think about what is not going right.

When we have successes our feelings turn towards excitement and joy.  Why is it so hard focusing on those times instead of finding things to worry about?

 Simply, we are human beings and wired to think that way.

When you start thinking about your business in a negative way.  Stop, take a deep breath and say in a powerful voice, kind words about your business.  An example would be, “My business is achieving its goal by helping business people.”

 Even though this little exercise sounds simple it is very hard to do.  It takes practice, practice, and more practice before it becomes a new habit.  Remember…a habit takes about 21 days to become natural.

Constantly think, “ I will say kind words about my business.”

 Please share your experiences with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.  Sharing our experiences and thoughts with each other enables us to create successful businesses in a loving way.

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Client Marketing 101

Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of a potential client, trying to keep the person engaged about what you do and how coaching can assist them?

And before you know it, you throw the ‘the-coach-who-listens’ out the window, and proceed to talk non-stop, for the next 20 minutes. Ugh!!

We have all been there!

So how do you overcome your infatuation with coaching and still effectively sell to a prospective client?

Here are a few steps that work successfully for me:

1. Prepare an agenda before your meeting.
2. Listen, listen, listen and let the person know you are truly interested in what they have to say.
3. Answer any questions sticking to the point and keep it short.
4. Invite them to be a client when the ‘aha moment’ happens.
5. Keep the meeting short.
6. Remember your prospective client, cares more about themselves than your passion for coaching.

Need support in getting your business launched? Send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net and together, we can brainstorm easy ideas to get you started.

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Be a successful coach!

Helen Burton, CEC, ACC, founder of Love Yourself Coaching, has been leading coaching circles and mastermind groups for seven years. As an expert group leader, Helen has helped many coaches gain the confidence needed to build their communication skills and coaching style to be a successful and effective coach.

Learn more about Helen by visiting her online at, LoveYourselfCoaching.com.

Benefits of the Coaches’ Circle:

• Begin coaching a real client now.
• Immediately apply feedback received from an experienced coach.
• Earn income and coaching hours for your ICF Credentialing.

• A new coach and experienced coach are carefully matched to work together.
• Each coach alternates being the client.
• Following each session, the experienced coach shares valuable learning tools and feedback with the new coach.

“It has been a pleasure to be in the Coaches’ Coaching Circle for new coaches. Been very helpful to get a different perspective, which allows the learning to continue. Helen is genuine, caring, authentic and a great one to have riding with you on a portion of your life journey. She is most encouraging and meets you where you are which is a gift. Thanks Helen for working with a new coach.” Judy Meade

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Coaches’ Guidelines for Business Success

“24 Things to Always Remember…
And One Thing to Never Forget

~ Collin McCarty

Your presence is a present to the world.
You’re unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You’ll make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don’t put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal, your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem,
the heaver it gets.
Don’t take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot…goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life’s treasures are people…together.

Realize that it’s never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have health and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.

And don’t ever forget…
for even a day…
how very special you are.”

Reading Collin McCarty’s quote I was reminded if we focus on the many gifts we are receiving and not what we think should be happening our lives become easier.

Today is a new day and with this golden opportunity we can start thinking about our coaching business in whatever way we want. You can continue worrying about not attracting clients or keep telling yourself to “Trust the Process.”

Sorry folks, thinking does not make things happen you have to take action. Below are some small steps you can take to change your thinking and make things happen.

• Read Collin Mc Carty’s quote daily.
• Remind yourself constantly during the day to “Trust the Process.”
• Each day pick a new small step you will take to market your business. Example: Research networking events scheduled for the current month and register for an event.

Share your new action steps you will be taking in January to promote your coaching business. Together we can move mountains!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Helen

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