Monday, November 10, 2008

Give yourself a fighting chance! 3 Tips for creating a successful business.

Lucky for me, I have had the chance to work with some very successful business owners in my lifetime. They have inspired me to do more, be more, and take more risks. I'm a dreamer so this comes naturally. I love the passion and energy I have for coaching and for challenge. Endulging in big picture thinking, theory, and dreams. Such a luxury! Then all of a sudden like an astroid we are hit with the hard facts. Student Loans, Credit Cards, Operating Costs, the Economy as we know it today!

Here are three ingredients to give you a fighting chance at success!

1.) Financials: I know, I know, the F word. Nobody wants to face the harsh reality of the state of finances, especially in North America. The truth is North Americans are rated the worst in the world for saving money, and the majority are stuck paying interest only on debt. What to do?

FACE THE FEAR! Face the F Word head on, create a financial projection for the next 3 months to one year. Be honest, and be BRUTAL~! Ask for help if you need it. Figure you what you need to operate your business? How much will you need for your own lively hood!?

2.) A/R: How will you receive and collect payment for your services? Spend some time on this early on in your business. Will you ask for a retainer for service? Payment up front in full? How will your clients respond to this?

3.) SALES SALES SALES: The problem of too many sales is one I will take any day!
Remember, even in coaching you are selling a product, and that product is you. I've believed for some time now that branding, marketing, and sales involves anything that ever comes in contact with your client or potential customer.

What are you selling? How are you selling it?
What does it look like? Who are you selling to?

More importantly, how much to you have to sell to survive?
What are your projected sales targets, and how will you reach them.

Contact me; Jennifer@level88.ca

I would love to hear from you! what are your challenges and how can I help you overcome them. Remember, Face the F WORD TODAY! personally and professionally. I GAURANTEE you will sleep better at night.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Today is Show & Tell "What did you bring?"

I'm pretty sure most of us who grew up in North America remember a time in elementary school when we participated in show & tell. Teachers would ask students to bring something of significance to class and we would stand up in front of the class and describe what it was and why we brought it. A terrifying concept for many children as well as adults.

Today, I am exploring the concept of Show & Tell as a powerful coaching tool. Many times coaches are faced with a different kind of show and tell. A client tells them one thing, then shows them another in their actions. Furthermore, show & tell can be used when a coach would like a client to show their actions or fieldwork as well as tell about it.

Show & Tell can also be used in the case of an individual needing to make change. For example, if someone would like to improve on their relationship they can do the following; Show their spouse they love them by doing something sweet, then follow it up by telling them. Using actions and communication to assist with the repair.

Going back to the situation where a client is telling one thing then showing another, a coach could use language to help the client see these repeat actions. For example; I'm hearing you tell me this, then you are showing me this? what does that mean for you? I'm wondering what would be one thing you could do create action that is more in line with what you are telling me?

Continueing with the Show & Tell power tool a coach could use the scenario in this wau. Confirm with the client; So you are telling me XYZ, am I clear on this? I'm wondering, would you like to play a game of show & tell? How about you come up with one action, one tangible goal that you can show me that will reflect what you are telling me, in addition to this go out and find one object of significance to prove that you took this action, take a photo of it, and send it to me. Next week when we speak we will play SHOW and TEll.

In my opinion the applications of this power tool are plenty. It has an element of game, power of language, and the ability to create action.

Any ideas on how "show and tell" can be used as a power tool in coaching?

e-mail me! :>) I love new ideas...
jennifer@level88.ca

or even better if you think this STINKS ~
feedback jennifer@level88.ca

OR COMMENT on this posting!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Leadership (Revisiting the 5 steps)

Remember Practice Makes Habit!

The qualities that make for good leadership are based on our own personal values and principles. An important part of establishing great leadership habits, begins with our own personal self care. In order to respond productively to the needs of the company we must take responsibility for ourselves and our feelings. Detect, label,let go and respond. Are we reacting out of fear? are we serving an underlying emotion that we have yet to detect?

Actions for personal and professional leadership: Revisited:

Know yourself:

Know what your values, are identify what is important to you. Take the time to know where your strengths and weaknesses are. Remember "Truth" is key. Many successful people live with false self talk, that helps to disguise the areas that need to be worked on. It is natural and healthy to be optimistic, but it is equally important to recognize the areas that truly need improvement.

Find your vision and passion:
See clearly what you want out of life for yourself, your family, your career, society in general. Think about the possibilities, and potential, not just what exists today. Remember do what you do with energy, enthusiasm, joy and energy. If you don't have this or can't find this, it may be time to start asking why?

Take Risks:
Do daring things, take steps in unknown areas. Risk looking foolish and not being perfect all the time. Risk being vulnerable, forthright, emotional, human. Trust you gut, intuition. Make decisions and take action!

Communicate Effectively:

Express your ideas and feelings; be willing to be seen and heard. Stand alone when you speak, learn presentation skills and develop confidence. Learn writing skills. Practice every chance you get. Communicate so your audience will understand and relate to what you say.

Check your progress and results:
Look at what is working and what is not. How do you feel about your life? This is a good sign whether it is working or not. Look at your attitudes and behaviour, ask, " what is my progress, what is holding me back. Make sure you have a goal or vision to focus your energy!

"Peter Urs Bender, (Leadership from within)"


Remember~ Practice makes habit, and good habits create results!

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