When was the last time you felt fear about something in your business? Have you ever really thought about where/how that might be holding you back? One thing you need to know is that we ALL feel fear about one thing or another but, as Susan Jeffers writes so eloquently ……’feel the fear and do it anyway’!

Most often you will read articles about fear and how it gets in the way of your success.  My approach is different in that I want you to reframe that – think about fear and where/how it gets in the way of you serving the world! Isn’t that why you got into business in the first place – to be of service?

In the work I do with my coaching clients, I hear about fear all the time, ALL THE TIME. This is a huge issue with women entrepreneurs and, while I realize that there are strong feelings about the fear of success – I want you to think about this differently.

When my clients tell me they have to get ‘psyched up’ to make a ‘sales’ call, again I recommend they just reframe that whole experience. It really is about being of service – not being ‘sales-y’. Listen, no one likes to be SOLD – I don’t and you don’t. So, just get that whole concept out of your head.

Instead, remember all the reasons why you are in business – keep in mind the solution and the transformation that you provide to people – and know that, for the most part, you are the best kept secret in the world. And that’s why you need to get on the telephone to talk to people – that’s why you need to get out to networking events – that’s why you need to be speaking at public events – that’s why you need to write articles with great content – that’s why you need to be a guest on a radio or T.V. show. That’s how you are going to grow your business and make money, too.

In the midst of all the marketing frenzy, we tend to lose sight of our ‘why’ and, instead, get caught up in all the ways to grow your business to 6-figures and beyond – we get caught up in the sales tactics and techniques. Of course you need to learn all of that – but until you get past the basic fear of speaking to people about how you can be of service, you’re not going to get anywhere near making a sale anyway!

FEAR ———-BRINGS ON HESITATION ————LEADS TO FAILURE

I learned this from my mentor, Lou Tice. Fear brings on hesitation which leads to failure. It’s that simple. I want you to think about all the ways you can be of service to people – based on your area of expertise. Seriously. Make a list – right now! (helping them to grow and lead happy lives – or helping them to create beauty in their own backyard – or helping them to strengthen their relationships)

Now, make a list of all your (so-called) fears that are getting in the way of you serving people and helping them get past their pain – just how real are these fears anyway? (The acronym for fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.) One of my clients just had a major breakthrough when it came to getting paid what she deserves for a speaking engagement. Her fear of asking for the fee she deserved was getting in the way of her phenomenal teaching when it comes to reducing stress in your life. (Who does NOT have stress in their lives right now?) Now that she has just been contracted at a fabulous speaking fee, her self-confidence has increased, her determination to get her message out in a big way is at an all-time high and, most importantly, people are now going to get the information they need to reduce stress and expand their lives!

Isn’t THAT what it’s all about? So, your assignment today is to reframe those fears – refocus on the transformation you create – and get out into the world and be of service!

What is the biggest fear getting in your way today? Tell me about it……

Please share your thoughts!

A quick nod of heads – how many of you are working Moms? How many of you feel overwhelmed, unsupported, misunderstood, exhausted and discouraged? And, simultaneously, as you work in your own business, how many of you feel elated, passionate, ‘on purpose’, celebrated, validated and rich?

I want to salute you! I really do! In North America, on the second Sunday of May, we celebrate Moms.

I want to share some of the lessons I have learned from my own Mom – and lessons that, as an entrepreneurial Mom, I want to pass on to you. Some of these tips are so very basic and fundamental that it hurts to read them when you know that you aren’t implementing any of them. But you could! There are also some great suggestions here that you just need to re-visit and bring back to life.

1.      SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU.

Some basic advice? Yes, I know. However, in the last few months of my Mom’s life, we talked about this over and over again. She kept reminding me that, in the last years and months of your life, it won’t be your work colleagues who come to see you. Mom also kept saying that she admired how I keep my girlfriends close – that inner circle of women who know me and love me for ……ME. It’s a small room ‘in the end’ – who will be there with you and for you? Take time now to nurture those relationships. Get rid of the toxic people in your life and in your business – and watch the energy change with respect to your success and prosperity!

2.      BE KIND AND ‘SHARE THE WEALTH’.

In the past few years, since I moved to this part of the country, I learned that my mother was a generous woman with a quiet spirit. She told me of the times she would go to the coffee shop, after a meeting at the Senior’s Center, and quietly pay for the lunch of a struggling college student. That was just one example of her generosity. She didn’t have much – but she often shared what she did have. It’s a universal principle. Give often – give quietly – be generous of spirit. When I started out in the speaking business, I began the practice of ‘tithing’ a keynote presentation to non-profit organizations – groups who, typically, could not afford my services. We are always in a position of being generous and, strategically, can share our expertise.

 3.      TAKE RISKS AND TRY NEW THINGS.

Anyone who knows me knows that I live my life this way. I give credit to my Mom – I am a ‘chip off the old block’. I always admired my mother’s appetite for growth, for learning, for trying new things. My Mom used to be a DJ at the radio station on one of the military bases we lived on. Pretty cool! She took a computer course when she was in her ‘80’s. She was always fascinated with learning. Women in business tend to be risk-avoidant. Take a page out of my Mom’s book and go try something new today – your business will grow because of it.

4.      ALWAYS GET YOUR HAIR DONE AND LOOK NICE.

This might seem like a funny little piece of advice – but it stuck with me. Mom always liked to look nice – she said it made her feel good. I followed suit. Remember the old ‘Wonder Bra’ commercial? “When you look good, you feel good – when you feel good, you do good!” Many of you, who work from home offices, could benefit from this piece of advice! It’s like having a smile in your voice when you answer the phone. It all adds up to being the true professional that you are – be sure you dress and act like it on a daily basis.

5.      THINK!

I always knew when I would get a phone call from my Mother. I may have just been for a visit – and, during those visits, we had some great (and rousing) conversations. We didn’t always agree on everything. Then, I would leave and return home. The phone would ring and it would be those famous words, “I’ve been thinking……….”, she would say. Most women in business act on impulse – or have knee-jerk reactions to things. We don’t always think things through – nor do we get our ‘thinking in order’. Learn some critical thinking skills – practice them – and see what a difference that, too, will make in the way you do business.

6.      STAY HEALTHY.

I travel a lot in my coaching and speaking business. And we all know that it is a jungle out there when it comes to germs – especially on airplanes. Mom was always concerned about my health – particularly when I travelled to some third-world countries. As a women solo-preneur, it is critical that I keep an eye on my health. It also takes a lot of energy to reach your goals. In business, it is important to stay healthy – get a good night’s sleep, ‘shut it off’ at least 2-3 hours before bedtime, eat protein throughout the day and hydrate, be sure to get some physical exercise each and every day. These are all great habits for good health but also for good business!

7.      HAVE FUN!

Whenever I returned from a business trip, Mom would call and always ask the question ‘Did you have fun?” I knew the call was coming and so I did always make the effort to have a great answer to that question for her. She loved hearing about some of the different adventures I have had – especially in the past few years as I have had the pleasure of travelling around the world. Fun can mean anything from going on an elephant ride in Cambodia, to belly dancing lessons in Dubai, to learning to cook different food in Italy. It can’t always be about ‘working hard’ – be sure to incorporate some fun into your work. Then, include your family and plan, on a personal wall calendar, when your ‘2012 Fun Days” will be! It will not only make a difference in your personal life but clients are also attracted to people who know how to have fun!

There are great lessons to be learned from our mothers – and not limited to personal application in our lives at home. There are many opportunities for us, as women entrepreneurs, to pass on these lessons to our own daughters. It’s not just about the teaching – it’s about the doing – and the being.

Let me share MORE of my favorite lessons with you: www.wealthywomenleaders.com/events

How often have you read a great magazine and realized that every article spoke to you? This doesn’t happen to me all the time but, recently, the issue of SUCCESS Magazine had that amount of great content.

I love to read and SUCCESS magazine is one that I would recommend to all entrepreneurs. There is an overwhelming amount of information available these days – it is critical, as busy entrepreneurs, that we stay focused on what ‘matters’, on what is relevant, on what is meaningful. The rest will always be accessible in some form or another.

The purpose of this article is to share some of the highlights of the May issue of SUCCESS magazine as it relates to me and my business because, I am quite certain, there are tidbits here for you, too.

1.  WHY GO 2x WHEN YOU CAN GO 10x????! – by Dan Sullivan

In this article, Dan Sullivan speaks about the power of 10x thinking to grow your business. I totally agree with the concept of ‘playing a bigger game’! So, what typically gets in the way of that happening to most of us? – Comfort zones, risk-avoidance, laziness, not knowing what we don’t know, procrastination, feeling like it’s ‘too hard’, lack of belief – I could go on and on.

Dan talks about starting this process in your mind. That’s where all great ideas start – with our thinking. We’ve got to get our thinking in shape in order to accomplish BIG results. For me, it starts with my revenue projection for the year – I write a number at the top of my wall calendar – and then add a ZERO to that number. Then I shudder and tremble and do all those things that you would do, too – and then I get on with making it happen. I fully endorse the concept of 10x thinking! Try it – you’ll like it.

2.  SERVICE, PLEASE! – by Tory Johnson

This article was particularly interesting to me because I am always looking at ways to be unique in my industry. Tory referenced a client who is a spa owner and who was feeling threatened by her competition. I love many of the examples that Tory provided but the one that always jumps out at me, when recommended, is the use of handwritten thank you notes. “My name is Pat Mussieux and I am a Hallmark addict!” I know, from personal experience, that this technique is under-utilized by businesses these days – and it is a practice that is easy and fun for me to do. So, this article was more about validation than anything.

3.  TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DAY. – by Mel Robbins

Ahhhhh, one of my favorite topics! Mel Robbins talks about technology and how it sucks us in at the beginning of our day – and continues through to the very end of the day – with many of us leaving our I-phones by our bedside. (not me!) Her recommendation is to take a 3×5 notebook, make notes and focus on what is important in your day. My suggestion to my clients is to begin your day with a revenue-generating activity – that, alone, can help you to double your revenue in just one month! So, the ‘bottom-line’ message here is to STOP checking e-mail first thing every day – and, I might add, last thing at night. Let it go! Time is precious. You will never get it back. Your best investment is to spend time on you, your friends and your family when the work day is done. My challenge to you – draw a line in the sand. You’ll never look back.

4.  THE AMAZING 5-MINUTE FACEBOOK FAN PAGE – by Jason Dorsey

This was a fun article to read – and very helpful, since I am always looking at ways to boost activity on my own Facebook fan page. Some of Jason’s tips are very basic and easy to implement – so I suggest you get the magazine, read the article and start implementing right away. The bottom-line message here is to be engaged. How many of you have ‘stalkers’ on your Facebook pages? You know the ones – you know that they are following you religiously – yet they never interact. Are you one of those people? Stop it! Get engaged. And be engaging – and be interesting. One of his best tips, in my opinion, is to focus on your mission rather than your revenue. Good one, Jason. Thanks!

5.  BEING WELL IS DOING WELL! – by John Maxwell

I love John Maxwell and the good work that he does. I have been following him for years. This article was interesting in that he spoke of the heart attack he had in 1998 – I didn’t know that! So, an article on well-being, coming from him, was compelling reading. He shares 7 tips in this article and my most favorite (well, one of my most favorites!) was to ‘place your family first’.  Having spent time, recently, with my own mother who was dying, her words (and those of John Maxwell) ring in my ear – ‘near the end of your life, people always regret the time not spent with family’. Enough said! Do something about this, people!

6.  GET OVER YOUR FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING! – by Emma Johnson

See, I told you this was a great issue of the magazine. Such a valuable topic and essential information for anyone who is an entrepreneur and who wants to grow their business. I always tell my clients that one of the best ways to do this is by way of public speaking. Emma Johnson shared some case studies in her article in which individuals identified their ‘technique’ and the ‘results’ – powerful examples. In my work with my coaching clients, we focus on public speaking in different stages (no pun intended!) – first, identify your topic/passion and know your content inside out. Then, focus on the environmental challenges and techniques for dealing with them. As well, we strategize with respect to ‘where’ to speak publicly in order to grow your business – and so much more. The bottom-line message here – GET OUT AND SPEAK! You don’t have to be an expert and be perfect – be yourself  – but have great content and be genuine and get in front of the right audience

7.   NEVER GIVE UP! – by Suze Orman (feature article)

I absolutely love Suze Orman’s work – I love what she writes, I love her workbooks, I love her PBS specials – and I love when she shares her keys to success. One of her tips, in this article, is ‘Put on the blinders when critics carp.” There are many different definitions of success – and I have my own – and they range from very simple to very complicated. One of her best business tips, in this article, is for entrepreneurs to hire a qualified CPA. I, too, am always telling my clients you must hire a book-keeper. Stop doing work that is not your talent! Stop it!

One of the most powerful statements in this article is when she says: “In life it is easier to do nothing and settle for the status quo.” Building a business is not easy – it is not for the faint of heart.

See, I told you it was a great issue this month! There are many more articles and much more great content – I just wanted to share the highlights with you. You want to be a wealthy woman leader? You want to make more money? You want to be a success (whatever your definition)? One way to achieve all this is to keep reading – keep learning – keep growing.

SUCCESS magazine is a great investment. Check it out.

If you want to learn more about what I read, you will be interested in attending my one day workshop “Get More Clients“

What is your favorite business magazine? Tell me about it……

Do you ever have days when you feel like you just won’t make it? I can remember waking up some mornings, thinking – wondering – pondering – WHEN will IT ever happen? Success, that is.

As a woman in business, do you ever feel overwhelmed, with the sense you’ve got to do it all yourself? Well, then you are just one of many. Seriously. You are not alone.

The thing is that you have got to start doing things differently to achieve different results. I want to share a few basic tips on how to grow your business so you, too, can be a wealthy woman leader. Here are some of my favorites – looking back.

1. GET PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO – AND TELL YOUR FACE!

I have met so many women entrepreneurs who have been so caught up in the details of ‘trying’ to make their business succeed, that they have lost sight of the ‘why’. They have lost their passion and their energy and are dragging their tired, sorry butts around town doing what they’ve always done – anticipating a different outcome. News flash! That’s not going to work. Get back to basics – take some time to reflect – WHY are you in business? Get back to the passion of what you are doing – and look forward with excitement knowing that the world is waiting for you and what you have to offer.

2. GET INVOLVED IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Listen – I can remember, just a few years ago, when my younger sister got me involved in Facebook and I was thinking to myself: “Why in the world do I need just one more thing that sucks my time and energy in a day?” It wasn’t that long ago – really! Things have changed, ladies. Social media is a critical tool in your marketing strategy. You need to have a presence. It’s important to make connections, to be connected, to develop long-term relationships, to market, to learn about what’s going on and so many more reasons. YOU don’t need to learn the nitty-gritty of how all of this works – but you do need to have an understanding of the power of social media. Get a VA who specializes in this area to help you. I did!

3. ASK FORMER CLIENTS FOR TESTIMONIALS AND USE THEM IN YOUR MARKETING.

This is such an under-utilized ‘tool’ in your marketing kit. As woman, don’t we always love to share and to spread the word when we catch on to something fabulous? Well, your clients are no different – you just haven’t asked them yet. Get those testimonials and use them in your e-zines, your website, your warm letters, your presentations and so much more.

4. HAVE A BUSINESS LINE ON YOUR PHONE AND A PROPER MESSAGE

Does your current voicemail message say something like: “Hi, this is the home and the business for Sally. The family and I cannot come to the phone right now but please leave a message and one of us will get back to you.” NOOOOOOOOO! Have a separate business line and ensure your voicemail message ‘works’ for you. It should say something like: “Hi, you’ve reached the confidential voicemail for Pat Mussieux, Founder of Wealthy Women Leaders.com – please visit my website to get your FREE CD: “The 7 Steps to Growing Your Business By Getting Out of Your Own Way” – we work with women entrepreneurs to help them grow their business and make money. Please leave a message and I’ll be right back to you – thanks!” Time it – that’s no longer than a one-minute message – but a powerful one!

5. ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS.

Many of you are still really running a hobby, rather than a business. You are accepting payment by cash or cheque. Well, that’s ok – however, it does not always make it easy for the client to pay. And that’s what you want – easy payment. Ensure your website is set up with a merchant account and be sure to make it easy for clients to pay by credit card. That is just one more thing out of your (administrative) way – so you can go and grow your business and get more clients.

6. WRITE PERSONAL NOTES TO PEOPLE

This is such a lost art! Make the time to write at least 5 personal notes to people each week – just to let them know what you are up to – and ask for referrals. Be sure to include 2 business cards in with your notes – one for that person to keep, and one for them to give away. Never assume that people know what you do and know what you are up to – they don’t. They have their own busy lives. Let people know how they can help you grow your business.

7. WORK WITH A COACH

Growing a business takes time, money, energy and resources. No one has all the answers. It can be lonely – challenging – frightening – overwhelming – confusing – and so much more. Work with a business coach who has paved the way. Choose someone with whom you have rapport because you not only want to work hard, achieve success and make money – but you want to have fun along the journey.

Women entrepreneurs are one of the largest growing demographic. We have so many things going for us – and it is my mission to help women achieve financial freedom. When you make money and your business makes a profit, your life changes. That positions you to make a huge difference in your world – perhaps in your family, your neighborhood, or beyond. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you have the power. Where are you getting in your own way?

Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? That was one of the questions, and the overall theme, at the recent Oprah Life Class event that I attended.

In this article, I want to focus on some of the key concepts that were shared at this life class. As women entrepreneurs, it is often NOT the technical skills that are holding us back. Most of us are committed to learning what it takes to build a business and make money.

Where many women entrepreneurs fail, or experience setbacks, is due to the emotional blocks that we have and the resulting decisions that we make (or don’t make)! I highly recommend that, on a regular basis, we self-examine our habits, attitudes and beliefs – and here is some information to help you with that.

1. “Unforgiveness unchecked becomes a cancer of your soul”– Bishop T.D. Jakes.One of the brilliant comments that Oprah made on this topic was ‘I am not going to allow what you did to me to negatively impact how I am living today.” The exciting part about this is that we have the power to change our lives – when we change our thinking, we change beliefs and therefore change performance. The key to your happy and successful future is right in your own pocket. When we forgive someone, we free ourselves to live a more satisfying life.

   Question: Where are you holding yourself back in business because you are allowing something from the past to negatively impact your actions today?

2. “Holding on to resentment is like holding your breath – you will suffocate”– Deepak ChopraWow – good one, Dr. Chopra! I experienced that, personally, after my separation and divorce. I was resentful of the fact that my ex-husband moved forward, was financially secure, had the close relationships with the family………right through to resenting how each of us then celebrated major holidays. I needed to constantly remind myself that it was MY decision to leave – MY decision to change my circumstances – and therefore, MY responsibility to create a new life. Once I let go of the resentment, I could not only breathe easier – but am much happier focusing on my own life. (If God wanted us to live our lives by constantly re-living our past – He would have put our head on backwards! I heard someone say that recently and it stuck w ith me.)

   Question: When are you going to let go and start breathing again?

3. “Forgiveness: giving up the hope that the past could be any different”– Iyanla Vanzant.True forgiveness means it is over. You move on and let go. Let go and let God, in some circumstances. But let go. You can’t sail into the horizon with one foot anchored to shore. Let go!

   Question: Where do you have a foot in ‘both camps’ – the past and the future? Is that helping you or hurting you?

4. “Do what you did in the beginning of your relationship and there won’t be an end TO the relationship”- Tony RobbinsTony, where were you when I was still married??????? Good grief, I could have used that advice. In any event, what I love about all of these tips is that they are also readily applied to our business. When you get a new client – do you love them to pieces……and then……….move on to get another new client? Do what you did in the beginning to ensure a continuing relationship.

   Question: When is the last time you showed appreciation to your current clients?

5. “When God gives you the vision, he also gives you the PROvision”.- Iyanla VanzantIt is critically important to have a vision for your life and for your business. And know that once you have a vision of where you are going – everything you need is right there. It’s right under your nose. Until you make a decision, you don’t need any kind of resource.

   Question: What is the vision for your business? For your life?

6. “Your eyes will adjust to the level of deficiency present.”– Iyanla VanzantIt’s now very obvious to me that I took lots of notes when Iyanla was speaking – and felt that she was speaking RIGHT to me! I had a conversation with my clients about this concept – and it is so clear that we all need ‘special glasses’ when it comes to learning, implementing and growing our business. We just don’t know what we don’t know – so be sure to surround yourself with a business coach and the right master mind members.

   Question: Where are you holding yourself back because you are working as ‘the lone ranger’? (thinking you can do it all yourself – that you know what you need to do)

7. “You want to change your life? Then, change your story!”- Tony RobbinsTake time to listen to the ‘stories’ you keep telling yourself and that you tell the people around you! This is what I hear all the time: I’m broke; I have no money; that’s too far for me to go; you’re so lucky (that one really irks me – luck has nothing to do with my success……..it’s about having a coach, having a plan, working the plan and doing the work! – you can do this, too, if you wanted it bad enough.) What is your story?

Question: Where are you allowing your ‘story’ to hold you back? What are you going to do about it? Your past does not determine your future.

Oprah’s Life Class was life-changing for me. The speakers were amazing – and the content was relevant, meaningful, thought-provoking and it is just another step in my personal plan of self development. As an entrepreneur, it is important to keep learning so you can grow your business. My philosophy is that I also need to grow ME in order to grow my business. So, I continue to invest in ME first and continue to do the work. It is a D-I-Y and I am a work in progress! What about you?

How have you invested in continuous learning lately? Tell me about it……

Has there been any one person in your life who has left an impact BIGGER than life itself? For me, that person was Mr. Lou Tice (1935-2012), Founder and President of The Pacific Institute in Seattle, WA.

I met Lou and Diane Tice in the summer of 1990 and that was the beginning of a new career for me. I immersed myself into their critical thinking skills programs, trained as a Master Facilitator – as well as contracted to market and sell the programs. The 10 years that I worked directly with The Pacific Institute were, without a doubt, THE best 10 years of my working life.

The Pacific Institute has an international reputation for offering the most practical and enlightening programs ever to come out of the field of cognitive and self-image psychology and high-achiever research. I had the honor and the pleasure of working with leaders and individuals in all sectors – private, p ublic and non-profit. The most profound impact, however, was on my own personal life. I had access to the top research psychologists in the world – through the regularly scheduled in-services provided by The Pacific Institute, as well as at the annual Global conferences. And I am an implementer! Teach me something – I will take action.

On that note, I want to share some of the key things I learned from Lou Tice, the impact they had on my life/business and how you, too, can effect change for you.

1. “When you change the way you think, you act”. Our conditioning is so very powerful. I grew up in a French Canadian Catholic Military home – I learned to think in a certain way about what was possible for my life – for my career – for my relationships. Lou often spoke about how employees often went off-site to take courses and learn new skills. They, then, returned to their work environment and the ‘old folks’ would tell them ‘how it is around here’ –the environment is stronger than the individual. When it came to my own life, I needed to examine my thinking – implement and apply some of the concepts I was learning – and make changes based on what I really did want to have happen in my life. And so I did! I made major life changes. In fact, I wrote the book: “Who Am I Now?”

   Question: Where have you locked on to the way you do certain things? Set a goal to explore new and different options and see what a difference that will make in your results.

2. “People act in accordance with the truth as THEY believe it to be”. This really hit home for me, especially when it came to setting goals and big dreams. I had limited exposure (growing up on military bases) as to what was possible for my life. I learned, from Lou, that most people set their goals based on their present perception. He also said ‘it’s not the loudness of the information, it’s the VALUE!” Wow. Big smack on the side of the head for me! I learned to surround myself with new and different people – to watch them – to model high-achieving behavior. I loved it! It was like a light was turned on in my brain – and my ‘dream gene’ really began to grow and develop. And I liked it – I really, really liked it. When I implemented these particular concepts, everything changed for me – I left my marriage, I started a b usiness, I wrote books, I have appeared on TV, I travel the world by private plane every year (for free – great story here!) – I live a full and happy life – and there’s more to come.

   Question: Who are 5 high-achieving people that you know? Why do you think they are?

3. “Attitudes are not negative or positive until you set a goal!”. Another smack on the side of the head! Really? Really! I applied this concept when it came to my money consciousness. Growing up, we never ‘had’ money – as I worked in the corporate world, I worked ‘hard’ to make more money. I had an attitude about people who had lots of money – where did that come from? When I changed my attitude, and started to spend time with high-achievers and people who were really successful, I was able to shift my own thoughts about making a ton of money and, therefore, being able to make a huge difference in the world. I have applied these concepts in my business when it comes to attracting ideal clients, charging what I am worth, working with high-level coaches, and so much more.

   Question: Where have you been offered a growth opportunity but your habits and attitudes prevented you from being successful?

4. “You self-regulate at your belief, not at your potential”. This is huge, people! The key to success is inside of you – not outside of you. “The competition is inside of you – not outside of you” Lou would say. One of the techniques Lou taught me was to control my self-talk to be positive, uplifting and forward thinking. Our beliefs are formed by the way we talk to ourselves. I have mastered this technique – and am experiencing great success in my business as a result. I constantly assess where I am holding myself back when it comes to business opportunities – and I self-correct when I am getting in my own way. You can, too.

   Question: Where does your negative self-talk hold you back from being massively successful (and/or happy)?

5. ‘Don’t compare the inside of you to the outside of anyone else”. Lou would often speak of the fact that people with low self-esteem would not allow people with high self-esteem to rise above them. I took this to heart – and took a really good look at the people around me – the people with whom I was spending time. I still do this – both in my personal life and in my business. I surround myself with high-achievers and with people who will support me, encourage me, nurture me and teach me. You only need ‘this stuff’, Lou said, when you start growing. And I grew!

   Question: Where do you have low self-esteem? Where does your opinion of yourself hold you back? (time for some self examination!)

And I could go on and on and on. I learned so very much from both Lou and Diane Tice – my life has improved for the better – my business continues to grow as a result of all that I learned – I am a better person – I am a happier person – I am living my legacy – and I continue to be ‘a work in progress’.

The difference between you and me is that I have the tools – I have implemented them – I continue to apply the concepts that Lou taught me. I am forever grateful! Thank you Lou! I know I have another angel in heaven watching over me.

Who has had a major influence in your life? Tell me about it……

Have you ever paid big bucks and taken the time/money to travel and attend high end events? And then you get home, with a HUGE binder of notes and handouts – put it on a shelf somewhere – and get back to the jungle of life and your business?

Of course you have – we all have! But what good does that do? In today’s article, I want to share some simple steps that I take to ensure that I get a return on my investment. Try them – you’ll like them.

1. The ‘Ever Popular’ Index Card. These cards are one of the most important tools in my business and in my life. (one of the ways I use them is to document my ‘successes’ each and every week – check out myYouTube video on this action step) What I do, when attending conferences and workshops, though, is to take an index card (at the end of each day) and write down the top 3 things that I learned that day – and commit to an implementation date for each item too.
   
   (Photo – my index card for the Marketing steps to implement – I include the initials of team members in instances where items will be delegated)
2. The Presenters. There are always great presenters/panel members at these events. Where and when the information they share is of value to my business, I always make note of just ONE thing that is said that I will implement – but, in addition to that, I will make a commitment to follow up with that person too – and strengthen relationships. One person, in particular, from this last event who really struck a chord with me was Jeff Mask, Director of Business Development, Infusionsoft. Not only did his presentation get my attention (solid content), but I also loved his presentation style – so I picked up some great tips on how to enhance my own public speaking style, which I will implement.
3. Client Relationships. Many of my clients attend these events with me. Prior to attending the event, we have a ‘prep’ call – so everyone has an idea of what to expect at the event and how to get the most OUT of the event (particularly if it is their first experience). With my clients, I always have a ‘de-brief’ call as well. The lesson here, for me, is perspective. What did they see/hear/learn that I can benefit from as their coach – and then turn into action – thus benefiting my clients in return.
4. Technicalities. As a coach and public speaker, I always pay attention to the technicalities of these large events – what is going on behind the scenes to make it all a first class experience. Who are the event organizers, what is the room set-up (and why), how are materials being distributed (workbooks, binders, etc.), what are the meal/beverage arrangements, what are the participants enjoying (or not!) and why and so much more. I turn all this information into action when it comes time to host my own event – whether a one-day workshop or a larger 3-day conference.
5. Post Event Habits. One of the habits I have developed is to stay over an extra day, particularly after these very intensive 3-day/night events. This is intended for a day of rest, relaxation and reflection. Then I transition back into business – feeling refreshed, renewed and smarter (seriously! but, that only happens when you take action on what you’ve learned!) I also share some of the lessons and information with my team members so they, too, have an understanding of what I have learned, what we will implement and how that will impact the business in the bigger picture.

Turning lessons into action is the critical next step in growing your business, attracting new clients and making more money.

What are some of your success steps when it comes to implementing some of what you have learned? Tell me about it……

Please share your thoughts!

Did you know that less than 80% of sales leads from trade shows get any follow-up action? 80%!!!! Trade shows and conferences are happening all the time – they are an ideal way to get out there and meet people – YOUR people.

What is it about doing follow-up that has entrepreneurs frozen in their tracks? Based on the work I do with my coaching clients, I know that many of you just don’t know what you don’t know.

I, personally, love doing follow-up so the purpose of this article is to give you a few of my success tips. They work for me and they can work for you too.

1. A simple hand-written note. This tends to be a lost art. Buy some quality, attractive note cards and send along a simple note to follow-up on the contact that you made. Suggest an appropriate ‘next step’ in your note – coffee? Phone call? (something!)
2. Send an interesting article! You would have had some kind of conversation with the person you met at the networking event. What was their area of interest? Find an article to complement that- and send it along – either electronically or in hard copy (I prefer the latter because most people don’t do that.).
3. Share a resource. Again, I make the assumption you would have had a decent conversation with the new person and so, perhaps, you have an ideal resource to recommend to them. Send an e-mail to that effect – keep the conversation going.
4. Connect on social media. Get connected in this way – and stay in touch. One thing I ensure is that I find out their birthday – and am certain to follow up. Everyone loves to be acknowledged on their birthday.
5. Invite them to an event that you attend regularly! Perhaps that person is looking to expand their network – and who isn’t? Be sure to follow up with them to share the information and extend an invitation.

These are just some of the things that I do for follow up. It is a revenue-generating activity that is certain to help you grow your business. Most people drop the ball – don’t you be one of them!

Which ones will you do this week to follow up with new contacts? Tell me about it……

Please share your thoughts!

How often have you attended an event and found that you were totally overwhelmed and under-prepared? I see it happen all the time and it makes my heart sink because, seriously, those are missed opportunities that you will never get back.

There are many large, and valuable, events scheduled around North America (and the world, for that matter) that are a gold-mine of opportunity when it comes to learning and networking. Attending these events is one of the best ways to grow your business and develop valuable and meaningful contacts, too.

I like to be prepared before arriving at these events – whether they are the large, once-a-year type, or whethe r they are regular local networking opportunities. I know that, for many entrepreneurs, you just don’t know what you don’t know. I want to share some of my best tips for ‘seizing the opportunity’ and really getting the best return on investment possible.

1. First and foremost, create a plan for the year and decide which events you will be attending – and why. There are so very many choices – it is critical that you make choices that are in alignment with the goals of your business for the year – and with your revenue targets. Discuss this with your business coach and have a solid plan.
2. Stop with the excuses already! You know what I’m talking about here – all those foolish things you tell yourself: “it costs too much, it’s too far away, I have child care issues, I don’t know anyone who is going”…….stop that thinking. When you get serious about growing your business, you need to make an investment in time and energy to get yourself out there.
3. Do your homework. Who are the speakers? What is the content? What is the schedule? How many people are expected? What is the profile of the audience?

On a preparation call with my own coaching clients, I always give them an overview of what to expect when it comes to:

a) Dress for success – to the level you aspire. (Stand out for being THE professional in the room) – and dress for comfort at the same time because meeting rooms tend to be kept at cooler temperatures.

b) Get your butt up in the front of the room – get focused and stay focused – get away from the tables in the middle or the back where people tend to chat among themselves more, or are up and down all the time.

c) Bring plenty of business cards.

d) Focus on meeting just 3-5 key people each day. In a room of 600+ entrepreneurs, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and shy – get focused on just a few new relationships – ask someone to make a preliminary introduction for you and then take it from there.

e) Change where you are seating after each break, where possible. Get to a table with a new group of people. For certain, do not stick with people you already know – stretch your comfort zone!

f) Take notes – ask questions, lots of questions. Get up to the microphone at every opportunity and remember to always state your name and website – these events are often filmed – it’s great exposure for you. As well, it’s by asking questions of the experts that you learn.

4. Provide a testimonial for the speaker. This is another great way to provide support and positive feedback for the speaker and also to get your business some exposure too.
5. Personal self- care is critical! These large events run day and evening, typically. You want to be fully energized, alert and focused. Get your sleep. Keep your drinking to a minimum (water is best, LOL!). Ensure proper nutrition choices. Bring snacks to sustain you between breaks.
6. Follow up, follow up, follow up! For certain, send a note (and even some flowers) of thanks to the guest hostess. Then, be sure to follow up with the dozen or so new contacts that you made and strengthen those relationships. Remember that people know people……….that’s how you build your list and that’s how you build your community. People tend to do business with those they know, like and trust. And this is where most entrepreneurs fall down – they do NOT follow up – so set yourself aside from the crowd and be sure that, within 48 hours, you have made some kind of contact with the new people you met.

These are just some of my favorite ‘top tips’ to help you get lucky when it comes to preparation meeting opportunity – and when it comes to growing your business (and you!) strategically and successfully!

Which ones will you apply at your next conference or networking event? Tell me about it……

Have you ever seen a purple cow? (“In his book Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable, Seth Godin says that the key to success is to find a way to stand out–to be the purple cow in a field of monochrome Holsteins.)

On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I felt somewhat like a purple cow. There was a convention in town of the Red Hat Society – and they were everywhere. Much as I love the color red, I was not wearing it on this particular trip and I did stick out like a sore thumb as I mingled and mixed with these charming ladies. And that was perfectly fine since I was on vacation and preferred to wear green, blue and even brown!

In my business, however, which is the coaching and speaking industry, I do want to stick out like a purple cow. Seems like everyone and their dog, these days, are hanging out a ‘coaching’ shingle so it is critical to find some way to be unique – to stand out – to be the purple cow in the midst of the crowd.I’ve been giving this a lot of thought since my return and wanted to share a few ideas with you from the whole Las Vegas experience.

One of the other experiences I had in Vegas was at the gelato stand – the woman behind the counter was offering free samples (we bought! She was totally charismatic and committed to the experience she was providing)–reminds me of Baskins-Robbins and their ‘pink spoon’ offerings. What is the pink spoon in your business? How could you make more money by way of the equivalent of a simple, colorful, tiny spoon?

Then there was the Donny and Marie live performance: What stood out for me there was the fact the show was held in the showroom of the Flamingo Hotel – it was so small and intimate – I was shocked and delighted at the same time! I had visions of being in a huge room with large crowds – this was much better – and, in my opinion, caused them to ‘stand out from the crowd’. How can you stand out from the crowd with your products and/or services? In what small and intimate way can you attract more clients?

Touring the Grand Canyon by helicopter had me thinking about all the brochures we flipped through – and all the offerings that were ‘same old, same old’ – buses, walking tours, etc. We decided to do something special – get up above the ground – see this nat ural wonder of the world from a different perspective. What kind of opportunity do you offer to your clients to help them see and/or experience your service from a different perspective? What could you do to get up and above the crowds?

Attracting new clients, making more money – providing stellar customer service to your current clients – takes innovation and attention. We all have the ability and the capacity to be the purple cow in our industry – oftentimes it is just our lazy mental state that gets in the way of that happening.

“The only thing all successful people have in common is that they’re successful, so don’t waste your time copying “the successful strategies” of others.” -Seth Godin

What makes you stand out in a crowd in your field?

Tell me about it……

Please share your thoughts!