by Karen Dodd
I remember once asking a happily married friend, how I would know when "he's the one?" She took my hand, looked me straight in the eyes and gently said, "Trust me Karen, you'll just know."
It might be with similar fear and trepidation, that you approach the question of whether or not to leave your job, in order to start your own business. It can become an even more difficult decision, given the current economy.
I believe strongly in starting your business part-time, while you still have the security of a steady paycheck and benefits. However, there are some unmistakable signs when it may be best for you to move out of working for someone else, in order to focus on your dream of having your own business.
1. When Sunday night or Monday morning has your stomach in knots. If you are one of those people I see rushing in and out of offices, who seem downright miserable, consider that a definite "clue." If the mere smell of your office tower makes you nauseous -- or the elevator seems to close in on you, as you ascend to your floor, you need to move on. No amount of money or "security" is worth that. Starting your own business allows you to work where you want and with whom you want. Once you are firmly established, it will even allow you to work when you want.
2. You've become the "rainmaker" for your company or division. Consistent referrals probably have more to do with you personally, than with your company. Knowing you are highly referable and sought after can be a great time to start your own business. Similarly, when clients try to hire you away from your company, this would be the optimum time to move out and hang up your own shingle.
3. You have become your job. It's hard to remember where your workday ends and your personal life begins. Early mornings, late night and weekends are starting to take their toll -- and you resent it. Even though you may be working very long hours in your own business when you start out, the time you get to spend on it whizzes by, and you'll find limitless energy because you are doing it for YOU. Later, the fact that you are your own boss will provide you with much more flexibility, both financially and time-wise.
4. You are the type of person who others want to follow and you attract people who want to support and help you. Having clients who would be willing to follow you, or people willing to mentor and help you, are incredibly valuable resources. Be mindful of attracting those types of people into your life and build your network as large as possible before you jump into entrepreneurship.
5. You know in your heart you are only biding time. If you don't see yourself staying to collect your pension and gold watch, you might as well make the move to self-employment sooner rather than later. Don't run the risk of losing your spark and having regrets later. If you've taken financial measures to plan for your corporate exit, that's great. That means you're taking a calculated risk rather than acting impulsively. However, there will never be that perfect time or exact amount of money in your savings account. Sometimes you just need to do it!
6. You're feeling inauthentic and are holding back from contributing ideas because you'd like to use them yourself. Whether you are simply not passionate about your company's cause or you are being asked to do things that don't match with your principles, the stress of not doing what you love and feel good about, will eventually take its toll on your emotional, physical and spiritual health. If on the other hand, you stay awake thinking of fabulous ideas but are not contributing them in your workplace, its a sure sign you should start a business you are passionate about and that is aligned with your values.
7. You keep seeing new products come on the market and you say, "Dang, I should have done that!" Think the Spanx hosiery and line of undies. How many times did you cut off one leg of your pantyhose and wear two tops when you were young?! Seriously, you clearly have a creative mind, you're observant and you're responsive to the marketplace. By recognizing a need and how to fill it, you have an excellent likelihood of being successful in your own venture.
If even a few of these keys resonate with you, you need to seriously explore when would be the right time to burn your corporate bridge, fire your boss -- and cross the river to become the successful business owner that you know you can be.
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my website to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Programs. Click here to find out about events, tools and resources.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd Group of Companies
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Top 4 Easy Marketing Tips
by Karen Dodd
Do you love what you do but your heart quickens and your palms get sweaty when you think of marketing your business? Or, has your marketing become so routine and humdrum that you're even boring yourself? Would it be attractive to you, to be priming your marketing pump now, so that eventually it will run like a well-oiled machine?
Allow me to inject some fun, enthusiasm -- and EASE into your marketing equation.
In mentoring solo-entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, I've noticed that they often miss utilizing the little things that can make such a big difference in their businesses. Here are some very easy, relatively inexpensive things that you can implement right away, that will help prime your marketing and client attraction funnel.
1. Utilize the back of your business cards. Trust me -- people do turn your business card over, and when there is nothing on the back, you are wasting significant marketing "real estate." I have been at 3 networking events in the past two weeks and the majority of business cards I received were either blank on the back, or contained some insignificant information. While it might be tempting to put your tag line or your mission statement on the flip side, why not put something that will cause people to go to your website? One year ago I built my entire readership for this ezine by having the following on my business cards: "If I simply did 20% High Payoff Activities for the rest of the year, would my income increase?" To create your '80/20 Wealth Board" go to: www.karendodd.com
2. You must, must, must have your own website (not just a company-replicated one) -- even if it's just a simple one or two-pager. If you are still trying to market without an on-line presence, you and your business are going to go the way of the dinosaur. For those of you who are in direct sales, it is critical that you not rely on the cookie-cutter website that your company provides you. Why? Because search engines like Google and Yahoo hate them! As soon as their engines detect a behemoth group of websites that are essentially all the same, they just skip right over yours. While your company-replicated site is great for showcasing your products and services, and for taking orders, you must have your own personal website.
3. Regardless of what type of business you are in, you need to be connecting with your public at least once every two weeks -- preferably once a week. The easiest and most effective way of doing this is via a simple E-newsletter, called an ezine. Alternatively, you could write a Blog -- which can actually serve as your website, until you get one up and running. If you choose to do an ezine, there are extremely simple platforms like Constant Contact or A-Weber. They have hundreds of templates to choose from, so you don't have to have your own graphics designed right away and they make your contact management a breeze. They both offer free trials and then are only around $20 per month after that. For blogging, Blogger is totally free and super easy to use.
4. Learn how to use Social Media to promote your business -- but do it right! When it comes to using social media like Facebook and Twitter, you're probably of two minds. One, you are thinking, why do I, or does anyone else care what I'm doing right now? Or, you are currently using social media, but not capitalizing on it for your business. Either way, you're missing the boat.
I highly recommend Relationship Specialist, Internet Marketing Consultant and Facebook Business Coach, Mari Smith . She is passionate about showing professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners how to develop powerful, profitable relationships using an integrated social media strategy, with Facebook and Twitter. I have worked with Mari personally and she also has tons of free information on her website.
Whether or not you decide to work with Mari, please don't jump into social media and start promoting yourself and your business right away. You will be very disappointed and burn your bridges before you even get started. Instead, look for individuals and groups that fit your niche and look for ways to contribute with ideas and support, first. Then, when you do start self-promoting you will have built a solid following of people who want to hear what you have to say.
Remember that in business -- as in life -- everything you do, says something about you. When you are authentically you and sincerely heart-centered in all that you do, you will bask in the glory of attraction marketing versus push-through marketing. And it only gets easier, more fun and more rewarding from there!
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Do you love what you do but your heart quickens and your palms get sweaty when you think of marketing your business? Or, has your marketing become so routine and humdrum that you're even boring yourself? Would it be attractive to you, to be priming your marketing pump now, so that eventually it will run like a well-oiled machine?
Allow me to inject some fun, enthusiasm -- and EASE into your marketing equation.
In mentoring solo-entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, I've noticed that they often miss utilizing the little things that can make such a big difference in their businesses. Here are some very easy, relatively inexpensive things that you can implement right away, that will help prime your marketing and client attraction funnel.
1. Utilize the back of your business cards. Trust me -- people do turn your business card over, and when there is nothing on the back, you are wasting significant marketing "real estate." I have been at 3 networking events in the past two weeks and the majority of business cards I received were either blank on the back, or contained some insignificant information. While it might be tempting to put your tag line or your mission statement on the flip side, why not put something that will cause people to go to your website? One year ago I built my entire readership for this ezine by having the following on my business cards: "If I simply did 20% High Payoff Activities for the rest of the year, would my income increase?" To create your '80/20 Wealth Board" go to: www.karendodd.com
2. You must, must, must have your own website (not just a company-replicated one) -- even if it's just a simple one or two-pager. If you are still trying to market without an on-line presence, you and your business are going to go the way of the dinosaur. For those of you who are in direct sales, it is critical that you not rely on the cookie-cutter website that your company provides you. Why? Because search engines like Google and Yahoo hate them! As soon as their engines detect a behemoth group of websites that are essentially all the same, they just skip right over yours. While your company-replicated site is great for showcasing your products and services, and for taking orders, you must have your own personal website.
3. Regardless of what type of business you are in, you need to be connecting with your public at least once every two weeks -- preferably once a week. The easiest and most effective way of doing this is via a simple E-newsletter, called an ezine. Alternatively, you could write a Blog -- which can actually serve as your website, until you get one up and running. If you choose to do an ezine, there are extremely simple platforms like Constant Contact or A-Weber. They have hundreds of templates to choose from, so you don't have to have your own graphics designed right away and they make your contact management a breeze. They both offer free trials and then are only around $20 per month after that. For blogging, Blogger is totally free and super easy to use.
4. Learn how to use Social Media to promote your business -- but do it right! When it comes to using social media like Facebook and Twitter, you're probably of two minds. One, you are thinking, why do I, or does anyone else care what I'm doing right now? Or, you are currently using social media, but not capitalizing on it for your business. Either way, you're missing the boat.
I highly recommend Relationship Specialist, Internet Marketing Consultant and Facebook Business Coach, Mari Smith . She is passionate about showing professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners how to develop powerful, profitable relationships using an integrated social media strategy, with Facebook and Twitter. I have worked with Mari personally and she also has tons of free information on her website.
Whether or not you decide to work with Mari, please don't jump into social media and start promoting yourself and your business right away. You will be very disappointed and burn your bridges before you even get started. Instead, look for individuals and groups that fit your niche and look for ways to contribute with ideas and support, first. Then, when you do start self-promoting you will have built a solid following of people who want to hear what you have to say.
Remember that in business -- as in life -- everything you do, says something about you. When you are authentically you and sincerely heart-centered in all that you do, you will bask in the glory of attraction marketing versus push-through marketing. And it only gets easier, more fun and more rewarding from there!
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
5 Ways To Turn Your Hobby Into A Million Dollar Business
by Karen Dodd
Remember the "old days" when people would talk about marrying for love or for money...as if they were mutually exclusive? Somebody's mother was famous for saying, "Dear, you can love a rich man just as easily as a poor man."
Similarly, many people feel that if they turn their hobby or outside interest into a business, they have to choose between "sharing" their passion for free, or nearly free -- and making it a hugely profitable business. In fact, in mentoring clients over the years, I have noticed that when they're not getting paid for something, they can't keep quiet about it. As soon as they charge money for sharing the same information, their tongue gets tied and it becomes a challenge just to say hello!
Why is that, do you think?
I believe it is my duty to share what I know, with as many people as I can. In fact, my personal concept of becoming a millionaire (besides the money) is to touch at least a million people in my life, through my paid and volunteer work. In order to do that, I have to have my basic needs met. I have to be well-fed, clothed, housed and rested. I need to feel good about myself and my independence in the world, in order to reach out and pull others up. I believe that one of the best ways of achieving your Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® lifestyle, is to start your own business.
Now if you love, love, love your job -- please don't stop reading! Being happy and secure in a job where you just can't wait to get up and experience each day, is truly a blessing. Long may it last. However, while you are in that enviable position, why not look at your passion or hobby outside of your work and see how you can turn that into passive and leveraged income? If you're already in your own business now, ask yourself if it's meeting your criteria for "love and money" and look at creative ways of achieving both.
Scour any business magazine and you will find scores of successful entrepreneurs who have successfully parlayed their hobby into a viable business -- in some cases, multi-million dollar ventures.
Your mentoring assignment -- should you choose to accept it:
1. Do your due diligence. Do everything in your power to research your market and figure out if what you are about to offer will cause people to pull out their credit cards. Check out your competition and everything about them. Don't be discouraged if someone else is baking cupcakes with their grandmother's world-famous recipe -- just be sure you have something authentic that isn't just another me-too product. In doing your research, use online tools like doing surveys within your natural network. You can do this via a simple email or use a free and easy survey service like Survey Monkey.
2. Do over-estimate the time and money it will take to get up and running profitably. With so many home-based businesses today, it is possible to start on a shoestring and largely control your outlay. However, it is critical that you know exactly how you will finance your venture and more importantly, how you will finance yourself personally until you can draw an income. If you are going to need to borrow from the bank or raise private investors, you will need a solid business plan. Invest both the time and money necessary in having your plan put together by an expert.
3. Do ask yourself if you have the both the skills and the temperament to start your own business. Some people have turned their hobby into a business, only to discover that they hate the pressures of their own business so much, that they no longer enjoy what used to be their passion. If you love to cook and think that you might like to start a catering business, see if you could go to work for a caterer, to get a real sense of what goes on behind the scenes. As a newbie in your own business, chances are you're going to be working long hours, often with very little pay -- at least at the beginning. Are your psyche and your pocket book going to be okay with that? How will you handle not being able to take regular vacations for awhile, or having to cancel personal plans when something unforeseen comes up in the business?
4. Just because your hobby has become your business, don't give away your power. If you truly have a well-researched idea and a solid plan to take it to the market, don't underestimate your value, both in terms of time and money. I see many solo-entrepreneurs shrug off their accomplishments or hesitate to charge what they're worth because they are so closely tied to what they do. For example, someone who can whip up a six-course gourmet meal for twenty guests, at the drop of a hat, might be reticent about charging a handsome fee for her services. The reality is that what you take for granted is what others will gladly pay for. If you are going to run yourself into the ground, charging little or not enough, your passion (and business) will fizzle, over time.
5. Look for ways to recycle your expertise into passive and leveraged income. If you retail a product or service in your market, don't limit yourself to your geographical area. Perhaps you've turned your love of animals into a dog-grooming business. Obviously you can only only groom so many animals (even with staff) in a given day -- thus, you can only make so much money. That approach provides only "linear income." However, what if you have someone video what you do in your shop and then market that online to people all over the world who have difficult pets to bathe? Or, you might write a simple how-to manual and sell that online. You do the work once but you continue to get paid over and over -- creating passive income. A great way to get the ball rolling on passive and leveraged income is to get really connected to your customers and prospects via a weekly or bi-weekly online newsletter, known as an ezine.
Okay -- you've done your homework, you've written your business plan, you've got your finances ready and you're ready to rock! But you've got to get the word out to your public, right? Remember what I said about your tongue getting stuck to the roof of your mouth, when money gets involved?
Look at your business this way. If you were opening a restaurant or a dress shop, you'd probably need to advertise, correct? If you'd just written a book, you'd have a book launch party. As with birthing any "baby" it takes time from the creation of your idea until it becomes a fully developed venture. So, start the buzz early. Use emails, a weekly ezine, free and paid publicity -- and just about every other crazy personality-infused technique you can -- to build excitement before your opening. And Voila! You will be well on your way to the fame, fortune and freedom that having your own successful business can provide.
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Remember the "old days" when people would talk about marrying for love or for money...as if they were mutually exclusive? Somebody's mother was famous for saying, "Dear, you can love a rich man just as easily as a poor man."
Similarly, many people feel that if they turn their hobby or outside interest into a business, they have to choose between "sharing" their passion for free, or nearly free -- and making it a hugely profitable business. In fact, in mentoring clients over the years, I have noticed that when they're not getting paid for something, they can't keep quiet about it. As soon as they charge money for sharing the same information, their tongue gets tied and it becomes a challenge just to say hello!
Why is that, do you think?
I believe it is my duty to share what I know, with as many people as I can. In fact, my personal concept of becoming a millionaire (besides the money) is to touch at least a million people in my life, through my paid and volunteer work. In order to do that, I have to have my basic needs met. I have to be well-fed, clothed, housed and rested. I need to feel good about myself and my independence in the world, in order to reach out and pull others up. I believe that one of the best ways of achieving your Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® lifestyle, is to start your own business.
Now if you love, love, love your job -- please don't stop reading! Being happy and secure in a job where you just can't wait to get up and experience each day, is truly a blessing. Long may it last. However, while you are in that enviable position, why not look at your passion or hobby outside of your work and see how you can turn that into passive and leveraged income? If you're already in your own business now, ask yourself if it's meeting your criteria for "love and money" and look at creative ways of achieving both.
Scour any business magazine and you will find scores of successful entrepreneurs who have successfully parlayed their hobby into a viable business -- in some cases, multi-million dollar ventures.
Your mentoring assignment -- should you choose to accept it:
1. Do your due diligence. Do everything in your power to research your market and figure out if what you are about to offer will cause people to pull out their credit cards. Check out your competition and everything about them. Don't be discouraged if someone else is baking cupcakes with their grandmother's world-famous recipe -- just be sure you have something authentic that isn't just another me-too product. In doing your research, use online tools like doing surveys within your natural network. You can do this via a simple email or use a free and easy survey service like Survey Monkey.
2. Do over-estimate the time and money it will take to get up and running profitably. With so many home-based businesses today, it is possible to start on a shoestring and largely control your outlay. However, it is critical that you know exactly how you will finance your venture and more importantly, how you will finance yourself personally until you can draw an income. If you are going to need to borrow from the bank or raise private investors, you will need a solid business plan. Invest both the time and money necessary in having your plan put together by an expert.
3. Do ask yourself if you have the both the skills and the temperament to start your own business. Some people have turned their hobby into a business, only to discover that they hate the pressures of their own business so much, that they no longer enjoy what used to be their passion. If you love to cook and think that you might like to start a catering business, see if you could go to work for a caterer, to get a real sense of what goes on behind the scenes. As a newbie in your own business, chances are you're going to be working long hours, often with very little pay -- at least at the beginning. Are your psyche and your pocket book going to be okay with that? How will you handle not being able to take regular vacations for awhile, or having to cancel personal plans when something unforeseen comes up in the business?
4. Just because your hobby has become your business, don't give away your power. If you truly have a well-researched idea and a solid plan to take it to the market, don't underestimate your value, both in terms of time and money. I see many solo-entrepreneurs shrug off their accomplishments or hesitate to charge what they're worth because they are so closely tied to what they do. For example, someone who can whip up a six-course gourmet meal for twenty guests, at the drop of a hat, might be reticent about charging a handsome fee for her services. The reality is that what you take for granted is what others will gladly pay for. If you are going to run yourself into the ground, charging little or not enough, your passion (and business) will fizzle, over time.
5. Look for ways to recycle your expertise into passive and leveraged income. If you retail a product or service in your market, don't limit yourself to your geographical area. Perhaps you've turned your love of animals into a dog-grooming business. Obviously you can only only groom so many animals (even with staff) in a given day -- thus, you can only make so much money. That approach provides only "linear income." However, what if you have someone video what you do in your shop and then market that online to people all over the world who have difficult pets to bathe? Or, you might write a simple how-to manual and sell that online. You do the work once but you continue to get paid over and over -- creating passive income. A great way to get the ball rolling on passive and leveraged income is to get really connected to your customers and prospects via a weekly or bi-weekly online newsletter, known as an ezine.
Okay -- you've done your homework, you've written your business plan, you've got your finances ready and you're ready to rock! But you've got to get the word out to your public, right? Remember what I said about your tongue getting stuck to the roof of your mouth, when money gets involved?
Look at your business this way. If you were opening a restaurant or a dress shop, you'd probably need to advertise, correct? If you'd just written a book, you'd have a book launch party. As with birthing any "baby" it takes time from the creation of your idea until it becomes a fully developed venture. So, start the buzz early. Use emails, a weekly ezine, free and paid publicity -- and just about every other crazy personality-infused technique you can -- to build excitement before your opening. And Voila! You will be well on your way to the fame, fortune and freedom that having your own successful business can provide.
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
How Determining Your Value Attracts More IDEAL Clients
by Karen Dodd
In last week's marketing assignment I asked you to first, focus on your Vision for yourself and your business. I asked you to consider:
why you started your business in the first place
if you wanted to work more on your business than in it, and
whether you want to remain as a "solo-preneur" or if you want expand and add staff
Would it surprise you to know that everything you do in your business -- from what value you provide your clients, to what you charge, what kind of hours you work, and what types of clients you attract -- all comes down to what LEGACY you are committed to creating?
Determining your Purpose and turning it into your business, should become your Mission.Your mission and how you plan to take that to the marketplace and serve, is what determines who you are, what you contribute, and what you will eventually be known for when you leave this earth.
Regardless of whether you are a photographer, an interior designer, a health and nutrition expert...you name it, it isn't about what you do that counts to your clients -- it's about the transformation that you help them produce. Put another way, it's not the process of what you do that causes a prospective client to invest in your product or service -- it's the results they believe they will achieve by working with you -- that determines your value in the marketplace.By focusing on communicating your transformational value to your prospect, you can actually work less and charge more.
Very often, when I start mentoring a client, they feel that in order to make more income, they either have to work harder or -- that they need to add more "stuff" to their product offering, in order to justify charging more. Or, they simply deduce that they need more paying clients to bring in more revenue.
Instead of trying to attract a greater volume of clients, what if you could attract less clients who each represent greater value to your business? By being clear on your Mission and your Transformational Value, you can do exactly that. But, you have to stop selling what you do!
By working with less clients who pay you more, you are accomplishing a number of significant things -- for both yourself and your clients. Let's just explore that.
1. When you work less hours with less clients, you can afford to serve them more effectively. If you believe that your contribution is to serve others (which I do), this premise allows you to be more effective in transforming the lives of those you work with. You will find yourself more able to be fully present, less stressed and more "intimate" in your work with them. You can afford to provide much more hands-on support when you serve less people.
2. If you build your value on higher-priced products/services, you can afford to stay in the game long enough to truly be of service. How would you feel if you knew you were providing really good value but couldn't afford to stay in business because you weren't charging enough? Then one day, someone (many people) call, only to find you've gone out of business? Or worse, you've become a burned-out wreck! You can't serve others if you don't serve yourself and your needs first.
3. By charging more for better results, you actually develop client loyalty. The more "skin in the game" they have, the more likely it is they will continue to buy from you over and over. They will also provide you with more high-quality referrals because they can point to tangible changes for which you were responsible. Think about it: if they know your product/service produces results, why would they want to switch to investing in an unknown?
Understand that people only part with their money to avoid pain, or achieve gain. If you focus more on communicating how working with you will accomplish that, you will find yourself doing less pursuing and more attracting. After all, there is nothing less attractive than the stereo-typical concept of a "pushy salesperson," right? When you pursue a prospective client, they only have two options. First, they resist or run the other way (or stall on making a decision), or second, they submit...often not very enthusiastically.
By focusing on a "transformational business model," you learn how to communicate the value of moving ahead with you, in a true and "holistic" way. Using heart-centered principles, you can help your prospect see how not moving ahead, affects all aspects of their life -- not just what your product or service directly addresses.
Your mentoring assignment -- should you choose to accept it:
What is your Mission? What Legacy do you wish to create? By getting really clear on this, you are better able to answer the next question, which is....
What is your Transformational Value? Write out exactly what results someone will achieve by working with you or purchasing your products. Be sure to keep you and what you do, out of the equation. This is all about them! What will their life look like when they avoid the pain or achieve the gain?
Write out exactly what you will say the next time someone asks, "What does it cost to work with you (buy your product, etc.)?"
Tip: If you are not 100% prepared for this question -- or you give them a number right up front, you may as well kiss the prospect goodbye! Abraham Lincoln would spend 2 hours sharpening his axe and one hour cutting down the tree. Knowing how to communicate value -- versus quoting your price -- will be one of the most significant things you will do in your business. It will allow you to work less, attract the right clients, and take your business -- and your income -- to the next BIG level!
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
In last week's marketing assignment I asked you to first, focus on your Vision for yourself and your business. I asked you to consider:
why you started your business in the first place
if you wanted to work more on your business than in it, and
whether you want to remain as a "solo-preneur" or if you want expand and add staff
Would it surprise you to know that everything you do in your business -- from what value you provide your clients, to what you charge, what kind of hours you work, and what types of clients you attract -- all comes down to what LEGACY you are committed to creating?
Determining your Purpose and turning it into your business, should become your Mission.Your mission and how you plan to take that to the marketplace and serve, is what determines who you are, what you contribute, and what you will eventually be known for when you leave this earth.
Regardless of whether you are a photographer, an interior designer, a health and nutrition expert...you name it, it isn't about what you do that counts to your clients -- it's about the transformation that you help them produce. Put another way, it's not the process of what you do that causes a prospective client to invest in your product or service -- it's the results they believe they will achieve by working with you -- that determines your value in the marketplace.By focusing on communicating your transformational value to your prospect, you can actually work less and charge more.
Very often, when I start mentoring a client, they feel that in order to make more income, they either have to work harder or -- that they need to add more "stuff" to their product offering, in order to justify charging more. Or, they simply deduce that they need more paying clients to bring in more revenue.
Instead of trying to attract a greater volume of clients, what if you could attract less clients who each represent greater value to your business? By being clear on your Mission and your Transformational Value, you can do exactly that. But, you have to stop selling what you do!
By working with less clients who pay you more, you are accomplishing a number of significant things -- for both yourself and your clients. Let's just explore that.
1. When you work less hours with less clients, you can afford to serve them more effectively. If you believe that your contribution is to serve others (which I do), this premise allows you to be more effective in transforming the lives of those you work with. You will find yourself more able to be fully present, less stressed and more "intimate" in your work with them. You can afford to provide much more hands-on support when you serve less people.
2. If you build your value on higher-priced products/services, you can afford to stay in the game long enough to truly be of service. How would you feel if you knew you were providing really good value but couldn't afford to stay in business because you weren't charging enough? Then one day, someone (many people) call, only to find you've gone out of business? Or worse, you've become a burned-out wreck! You can't serve others if you don't serve yourself and your needs first.
3. By charging more for better results, you actually develop client loyalty. The more "skin in the game" they have, the more likely it is they will continue to buy from you over and over. They will also provide you with more high-quality referrals because they can point to tangible changes for which you were responsible. Think about it: if they know your product/service produces results, why would they want to switch to investing in an unknown?
Understand that people only part with their money to avoid pain, or achieve gain. If you focus more on communicating how working with you will accomplish that, you will find yourself doing less pursuing and more attracting. After all, there is nothing less attractive than the stereo-typical concept of a "pushy salesperson," right? When you pursue a prospective client, they only have two options. First, they resist or run the other way (or stall on making a decision), or second, they submit...often not very enthusiastically.
By focusing on a "transformational business model," you learn how to communicate the value of moving ahead with you, in a true and "holistic" way. Using heart-centered principles, you can help your prospect see how not moving ahead, affects all aspects of their life -- not just what your product or service directly addresses.
Your mentoring assignment -- should you choose to accept it:
What is your Mission? What Legacy do you wish to create? By getting really clear on this, you are better able to answer the next question, which is....
What is your Transformational Value? Write out exactly what results someone will achieve by working with you or purchasing your products. Be sure to keep you and what you do, out of the equation. This is all about them! What will their life look like when they avoid the pain or achieve the gain?
Write out exactly what you will say the next time someone asks, "What does it cost to work with you (buy your product, etc.)?"
Tip: If you are not 100% prepared for this question -- or you give them a number right up front, you may as well kiss the prospect goodbye! Abraham Lincoln would spend 2 hours sharpening his axe and one hour cutting down the tree. Knowing how to communicate value -- versus quoting your price -- will be one of the most significant things you will do in your business. It will allow you to work less, attract the right clients, and take your business -- and your income -- to the next BIG level!
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Vision + Consistency = Tons of Clients!
by Karen Dodd
Why do you think that top business consultants advise you to build your new business as if you were going to sell it? To answer that, let me share how I learned this the hard way, with the very first business I ever owned.
Back in the early 80's, I had the tremendous good fortune to have been invited to build a small food outlet in a new and trendy area of Vancouver called Granville Island. The concept of having a public market on a man-made island which had previously been a foundry, was the beginning of moving consumers from mega grocery chains, back to shopping at Ma & Pop-type shops. My shop was profitable from day one -- which was quite a feat -- as at that time, you expected to be two to five years into your business before it was in the black.
I remember as if it was yesterday, a conversation with my accountant right after he had gone over my balance sheet. I was a little nervous because although I knew we had really good cash flow, I actually had no idea if I was making money or not. He put down my paperwork, took off his glasses and said to me, "Okay, now's the time to dump it." I was horrified! I erroneously thought I had had a really bad year. However, he went on to explain that this was the very best position I could have been in and that it was the ideal time to sell.
But do you know what? The business was my baby -- I had no idea what I would do if I sold it -- and I told him so. Want to know what he said? "Who cares? Take the money, go chill out on a beach and figure out what you want to do next."
The end result is that I didn't sell that business, and it languished for another two or three years, at which point I was burned out and needed to sell it -- and didn't get nearly the price that I would have if I'd sold earlier on. Why do you think I procrastinated on selling and moving ahead? Lack of VISION. If I had been building that business, knowing I was going to sell it at it's most successful point, I would have been much more aggressive in developing my marketing, keeping it in a highly profitable position -- and I would have had a succession plan for myself.
Even if you are in a highly personal consulting-type business, where you are really the business, always be thinking -- what would I be doing in my business if I was expecting to be bought over by a successful company. Besides having that VISION, the second part of the equation is how are you going to build the client-base or goodwill that will become your best asset? Which brings me back to the business consultant I talked to earlier this week.
As was my experience with my retail store, he had found himself in the fortunate position of never having to market his business. In his case, he worked solely by referral and up until a year ago, actually had potential business slipping through his fingers because he was too busy to follow up. In fact, he brought a partner in for that very reason. Nice problem to have, for sure.
Well, guess what happened? The economy changed and people started to pull in their horns. Although he is still doing very well, relative to his competitors, he now realizes that he needs to start marketing -- and he's starting from scratch at the worst possible time -- when he needs clients! It's a bit like going to the bank for a line of credit when you need it, rather than planning in advance and putting it in place when you don't actually require the money.
The sad part is that this gentleman's situation is not unique. In fact, I would say it's pretty well the norm. Most solo-entrepreneurs and professionals spend so much time working at their craft and doing what they do well, that they typically don't give marketing much thought. Sometimes they differentiate marketing their business, from sales or advertising. However, the reality today is that marketing is all of those things -- and in order to avoid going the well when it's dry, you simply must have a marketing system that operates automatically.
The good news, is that your marketing system can be put in place fairly quickly and with relatively little expense. Here's your marketing assignment for your own business or practice:
1. Focus on your vision for yourself and your business. Why did you start your business in the first place? Over time, do you want to work more on your business than in it? Do you want to stay as a sole practitioner or do you want to expand and add staff? No matter the answer, pretend that you're going to one day be bought out by a hugely successful organization, and build with that in mind.
2. Using your answers from the first question, determine what you need to do to add to or change your product mix. For example, if you want to stay a solo-entrepreneur (without expanding locations or adding staff), what products or services could you develop that would add more value to your customers? Focus on knowledge and expertise that you already have, rather than reinventing the wheel. One of my clients who owns a wine-making store decided to rent out his luxurious RV and designed driving routes his customers needed to take wine-tours. It worked phenomenally well!
3. Reconnect with your clients and prospects. Take advantage of high-tech tools to become high-touch -- things like a weekly or bi-weekly ezine, blog or a simple email that provides tips and tools that your market would find helpful. Save customers the time and money they would otherwise have to spend to get that information for themselves. If you're not sure what they would find valuable, use a survey service like Survey Monkey (it's fre*e and easy to use) to find out. Just be sure to keep it to no more than five or six well thought out questions that only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Alternatively, send an email asking, "What is the #1 challenge that you are experiencing in your business today?" My favorite is: "If I could give you one gift that would help you in your business today, what would it be?"
4. Using the information gleaned from Question 3, figure out what your prospects and clients would willingly pay for, if you provided it to them? Could you package your expertise into an E-book, home study system or a teleclass? These can be priced anywhere from a low of $49 to several hundred or thousands of dollars. The key here is that you're creating passive and leveraged streams of income, without investing dollars in business expansion, ie. having a second business location.
5. Create an irresistible fre*e offer. Could you give away a Special Report, a CD of you being interviewed, or a fre*e teleclass -- all to do with what you do and how learning this information from you, can further your clients' business success? Get creative. You could even put a 2-minute audio or video on your website or in an email, enticing them to grab your fre*e offer.
6. Use the "buddy system." Many professionals that I work with, fill their client funnel by doing monthly or quarterly Client Appreciation Seminars. Typically, you'd provide breakfast or lunch and bring in guest speakers (many of whom will do it no charge for the exposure). I've had clients who have invited their customers for cooking demos, how to improve your golf swing, or travel presentations. To really capitalize on this opportunity, make it clear in the invitation that they are to bring a friend or colleague as a guest. Then when you call to follow up, ask for their friend's name and address so you can send them a personal invitation.
We all know that jet pilots don't actually sit there and steer the plane for the eight or nine hours it takes to cross the Atlantic. Instead, the plane is on auto-pilot and the pilot and co-pilot monitor their progress and make course corrections from time to time.
Don't wait until your "plane-full" of clients runs off course! Do you have the vision for your business and know exactly how you're going to keep a steady stream of ideal clients walking through your door? By taking this assignment seriously and starting to think of these things now, your ideas will become the fuel that keeps your marketing machine running automatically.
Be sure to read next week's In Focus: Success & Marketing Highlights to discover how to attract more clients purposefully -- eliminating the feast or famine that tends to plague solo entrepreneurs.
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Why do you think that top business consultants advise you to build your new business as if you were going to sell it? To answer that, let me share how I learned this the hard way, with the very first business I ever owned.
Back in the early 80's, I had the tremendous good fortune to have been invited to build a small food outlet in a new and trendy area of Vancouver called Granville Island. The concept of having a public market on a man-made island which had previously been a foundry, was the beginning of moving consumers from mega grocery chains, back to shopping at Ma & Pop-type shops. My shop was profitable from day one -- which was quite a feat -- as at that time, you expected to be two to five years into your business before it was in the black.
I remember as if it was yesterday, a conversation with my accountant right after he had gone over my balance sheet. I was a little nervous because although I knew we had really good cash flow, I actually had no idea if I was making money or not. He put down my paperwork, took off his glasses and said to me, "Okay, now's the time to dump it." I was horrified! I erroneously thought I had had a really bad year. However, he went on to explain that this was the very best position I could have been in and that it was the ideal time to sell.
But do you know what? The business was my baby -- I had no idea what I would do if I sold it -- and I told him so. Want to know what he said? "Who cares? Take the money, go chill out on a beach and figure out what you want to do next."
The end result is that I didn't sell that business, and it languished for another two or three years, at which point I was burned out and needed to sell it -- and didn't get nearly the price that I would have if I'd sold earlier on. Why do you think I procrastinated on selling and moving ahead? Lack of VISION. If I had been building that business, knowing I was going to sell it at it's most successful point, I would have been much more aggressive in developing my marketing, keeping it in a highly profitable position -- and I would have had a succession plan for myself.
Even if you are in a highly personal consulting-type business, where you are really the business, always be thinking -- what would I be doing in my business if I was expecting to be bought over by a successful company. Besides having that VISION, the second part of the equation is how are you going to build the client-base or goodwill that will become your best asset? Which brings me back to the business consultant I talked to earlier this week.
As was my experience with my retail store, he had found himself in the fortunate position of never having to market his business. In his case, he worked solely by referral and up until a year ago, actually had potential business slipping through his fingers because he was too busy to follow up. In fact, he brought a partner in for that very reason. Nice problem to have, for sure.
Well, guess what happened? The economy changed and people started to pull in their horns. Although he is still doing very well, relative to his competitors, he now realizes that he needs to start marketing -- and he's starting from scratch at the worst possible time -- when he needs clients! It's a bit like going to the bank for a line of credit when you need it, rather than planning in advance and putting it in place when you don't actually require the money.
The sad part is that this gentleman's situation is not unique. In fact, I would say it's pretty well the norm. Most solo-entrepreneurs and professionals spend so much time working at their craft and doing what they do well, that they typically don't give marketing much thought. Sometimes they differentiate marketing their business, from sales or advertising. However, the reality today is that marketing is all of those things -- and in order to avoid going the well when it's dry, you simply must have a marketing system that operates automatically.
The good news, is that your marketing system can be put in place fairly quickly and with relatively little expense. Here's your marketing assignment for your own business or practice:
1. Focus on your vision for yourself and your business. Why did you start your business in the first place? Over time, do you want to work more on your business than in it? Do you want to stay as a sole practitioner or do you want to expand and add staff? No matter the answer, pretend that you're going to one day be bought out by a hugely successful organization, and build with that in mind.
2. Using your answers from the first question, determine what you need to do to add to or change your product mix. For example, if you want to stay a solo-entrepreneur (without expanding locations or adding staff), what products or services could you develop that would add more value to your customers? Focus on knowledge and expertise that you already have, rather than reinventing the wheel. One of my clients who owns a wine-making store decided to rent out his luxurious RV and designed driving routes his customers needed to take wine-tours. It worked phenomenally well!
3. Reconnect with your clients and prospects. Take advantage of high-tech tools to become high-touch -- things like a weekly or bi-weekly ezine, blog or a simple email that provides tips and tools that your market would find helpful. Save customers the time and money they would otherwise have to spend to get that information for themselves. If you're not sure what they would find valuable, use a survey service like Survey Monkey (it's fre*e and easy to use) to find out. Just be sure to keep it to no more than five or six well thought out questions that only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Alternatively, send an email asking, "What is the #1 challenge that you are experiencing in your business today?" My favorite is: "If I could give you one gift that would help you in your business today, what would it be?"
4. Using the information gleaned from Question 3, figure out what your prospects and clients would willingly pay for, if you provided it to them? Could you package your expertise into an E-book, home study system or a teleclass? These can be priced anywhere from a low of $49 to several hundred or thousands of dollars. The key here is that you're creating passive and leveraged streams of income, without investing dollars in business expansion, ie. having a second business location.
5. Create an irresistible fre*e offer. Could you give away a Special Report, a CD of you being interviewed, or a fre*e teleclass -- all to do with what you do and how learning this information from you, can further your clients' business success? Get creative. You could even put a 2-minute audio or video on your website or in an email, enticing them to grab your fre*e offer.
6. Use the "buddy system." Many professionals that I work with, fill their client funnel by doing monthly or quarterly Client Appreciation Seminars. Typically, you'd provide breakfast or lunch and bring in guest speakers (many of whom will do it no charge for the exposure). I've had clients who have invited their customers for cooking demos, how to improve your golf swing, or travel presentations. To really capitalize on this opportunity, make it clear in the invitation that they are to bring a friend or colleague as a guest. Then when you call to follow up, ask for their friend's name and address so you can send them a personal invitation.
We all know that jet pilots don't actually sit there and steer the plane for the eight or nine hours it takes to cross the Atlantic. Instead, the plane is on auto-pilot and the pilot and co-pilot monitor their progress and make course corrections from time to time.
Don't wait until your "plane-full" of clients runs off course! Do you have the vision for your business and know exactly how you're going to keep a steady stream of ideal clients walking through your door? By taking this assignment seriously and starting to think of these things now, your ideas will become the fuel that keeps your marketing machine running automatically.
Be sure to read next week's In Focus: Success & Marketing Highlights to discover how to attract more clients purposefully -- eliminating the feast or famine that tends to plague solo entrepreneurs.
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Magic of Mentorship
by Karen Dodd
What do you think Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Kim and Robert Kiyosaki and Anne McKevitt all have in common?
They give enormous amounts of credit for their success, not just to their own willingness to take action, but to important people who mentored them in their respective careers. Some of these individuals were fortunate that someone took a sincere interest in them and simply took them under their wings. However, as time went on and they were struggling to make a name for themselves, they all -- without exception -- hired experts who could teach them the important aspects of life and business, that they had not yet learned. Had they not done that, do you think we'd know their names today?
Recently I listened to a fascinating interview with rags-to-riches billionaire Anne McKevitt, a woman that many, if not most would be unfamiliar with. In relating her story and where she (correctly) predicted the world economy would be today, she shared some very interesting principles that I think apply to all of us, whether we're famous or not.
First, it appears that the vast majority of people don't understand that failure is part of the process of success. We've all heard those cliches about failing your way to the top, but I think that has become such a commonly heard phrase, that we no longer take it seriously. We've kind of become de-sensitized to the reality and lessons of failing. Show me someone who says they've never failed, and I'll show you a fibber or a non-risk taker.
The good news about failing is that when you hit rock bottom, you realize that you actually have the power to make dramatic changes. By taking responsibility, coupled with intelligent action, you can climb back up relatively quickly. However, when you hit rock bottom -- or just a bump in the road -- it can be difficult to recover if you're not sure what got you there in the first place.
Having been on both sides of the fence -- being mentored and mentoring others -- I see the biggest challenge for people who are considering a mentor, to be the cost versus benefit decision. Or, being the persistent people that we entrepreneurs are, we figure we can just dust ourselves off and battle through it ourselves. But is that productive? Is it FUN?
Sometimes we're so enmeshed in our own situation that it is difficult to see the forest for the trees. As one of my own coaches told me recently, it is much easier for an outsider to see our situation from 30,000 feet, than ourselves, who are right in the thick of things. Add to that, their expertise and ideas that you might not even have thought of, and there can be tremendous progress made in a relatively short period of time by having a mentor.
One of the biggest benefits that McKevitt talked about with her personal experience of mentoring, is the ability to go from ladder-climbing to leaping. Often, we have been conditioned by parents and people who care about us to take little baby steps and to plod along slowly but steadily. I know I can relate to that, having had parents who went through the Great Depression.
By taking a step back from that cautionary advice -- and with the help of an expert -- you may determine that not only have you been slowly ladder-climbing, but you might actually be on the wrong ladder! I don't know about you, but I would rather find that out sooner rather than later, so that I could stop self-sabotaging and step more easily into my greatness.
There are several ways to benefit from the expertise of a mentor, some of which won't cost you a penny:
1. Start or join a mastermind group. Having the support of like-minded people who can look at your ideas with fresh eyes can be tremendously helpful. The caveat is to make sure it is a strong group with structure, that meets often and has a leader. Otherwise, they tend to turn into coffee klatches and can be real time-wasters. You don't need to meet in person. In fact, there are many good mastermind groups online where you can "meet" on a weekly or monthly basis. My own VIP Mentorship group is one of them and you can try it out for 2 months for fre*e.
2. Hire a coach or mentor that is affordable for your budget. Instead of thinking about what working with a mentor will "cost", look at the value that you will derive. For example, determine what you get paid on an hourly basis (or per sale) for what you do. Then look at what one good idea from a mentor would net you in increased sales or billable hours. You might not have budgeted for a coach but hopefully you plan every year for annual growth in your business. Implementing your business mentor's ideas can significantly add to your bottom-line. Using myself as an example, I doubled my client base in 8 months, solely from a coaching program I invested in last November. Do you think that was worth it? You bet -- plus now I can share those money-making ideas with my clients!
3. Work with a mentor by way of their home-study courses or small group teleclasses. These are always much less expensive, you can get their expertise on a very targeted basis, and you can pace yourself both time and investment wise. This is actually how I started working with both my coaches. It also gives you a really good flavor for how they work and whether their style of mentoring works for you.
In all cases, when engaging a mentor/coach or mastermind group, here is the due diligence you'll want to do:
ask for a "get acquainted" session with them, either in person or on the phone. This should be fre*e of charge and depending on the mentor, could range from 15 minutes to 1 hour
ask them exactly what results you can expect from working with them. If they say something like, "Well you know, I'll be coaching you. We'll meet every week on the phone, I'll give you advice and then you'll go do it" -- run the other way! If the person mentoring you doesn't have quantifiable clarity around how they'll help you, how are you going to make the necessary changes to move forward?
ask for testimonials and clients they've worked with before. You want to be sure that you aren't a brand new coach's guinea-pig. I know -- they all have to start somewhere, but that's not your problem!
attend one or more of their fre*e teleseminars. Virtually every good coach I know has weekly or monthly 1-hour seminars that are content rich and again, will give you an opportunity to sample their style. Be prepared for 10 - 15 minutes of self-promotion (after all, there's no free lunch) but you will very quickly learn who is giving really good content and who is just giving fluff
don't be afraid to be clear about your budget and find out how flexible their payment options are. Depending on the initial investment of their programs, there is almost always a monthly, 2-pay or 3-pay option.
I personally like to offer 100% money-back guarantees on all home-study courses (I know I'll get a lot of flak about this!) The reality is that a good coach knows that they will very seldom have to give refunds because they know their programs get results. However, giving prospects the comfort of knowing that they can return the product anytime within 1 year, goes a long way toward building a trusting relationship
As Anne McKevitt said in her interview -- today more than ever -- people want more honesty, not too much to read or digest, and no BS. She also brought up one very interesting point -- and that is that in networking or masterminding, many people only attend their own industry-related events. For example, a financial planner might do most of his or her education by attending events that qualify them for their continuing education credits. The downside of that is that they may never get those "fresh eyes" who can objectively take a look at what they're doing and suggest things that could raise their awareness -- and have a huge impact on their personal and business growth.
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these things? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
What do you think Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Kim and Robert Kiyosaki and Anne McKevitt all have in common?
They give enormous amounts of credit for their success, not just to their own willingness to take action, but to important people who mentored them in their respective careers. Some of these individuals were fortunate that someone took a sincere interest in them and simply took them under their wings. However, as time went on and they were struggling to make a name for themselves, they all -- without exception -- hired experts who could teach them the important aspects of life and business, that they had not yet learned. Had they not done that, do you think we'd know their names today?
Recently I listened to a fascinating interview with rags-to-riches billionaire Anne McKevitt, a woman that many, if not most would be unfamiliar with. In relating her story and where she (correctly) predicted the world economy would be today, she shared some very interesting principles that I think apply to all of us, whether we're famous or not.
First, it appears that the vast majority of people don't understand that failure is part of the process of success. We've all heard those cliches about failing your way to the top, but I think that has become such a commonly heard phrase, that we no longer take it seriously. We've kind of become de-sensitized to the reality and lessons of failing. Show me someone who says they've never failed, and I'll show you a fibber or a non-risk taker.
The good news about failing is that when you hit rock bottom, you realize that you actually have the power to make dramatic changes. By taking responsibility, coupled with intelligent action, you can climb back up relatively quickly. However, when you hit rock bottom -- or just a bump in the road -- it can be difficult to recover if you're not sure what got you there in the first place.
Having been on both sides of the fence -- being mentored and mentoring others -- I see the biggest challenge for people who are considering a mentor, to be the cost versus benefit decision. Or, being the persistent people that we entrepreneurs are, we figure we can just dust ourselves off and battle through it ourselves. But is that productive? Is it FUN?
Sometimes we're so enmeshed in our own situation that it is difficult to see the forest for the trees. As one of my own coaches told me recently, it is much easier for an outsider to see our situation from 30,000 feet, than ourselves, who are right in the thick of things. Add to that, their expertise and ideas that you might not even have thought of, and there can be tremendous progress made in a relatively short period of time by having a mentor.
One of the biggest benefits that McKevitt talked about with her personal experience of mentoring, is the ability to go from ladder-climbing to leaping. Often, we have been conditioned by parents and people who care about us to take little baby steps and to plod along slowly but steadily. I know I can relate to that, having had parents who went through the Great Depression.
By taking a step back from that cautionary advice -- and with the help of an expert -- you may determine that not only have you been slowly ladder-climbing, but you might actually be on the wrong ladder! I don't know about you, but I would rather find that out sooner rather than later, so that I could stop self-sabotaging and step more easily into my greatness.
There are several ways to benefit from the expertise of a mentor, some of which won't cost you a penny:
1. Start or join a mastermind group. Having the support of like-minded people who can look at your ideas with fresh eyes can be tremendously helpful. The caveat is to make sure it is a strong group with structure, that meets often and has a leader. Otherwise, they tend to turn into coffee klatches and can be real time-wasters. You don't need to meet in person. In fact, there are many good mastermind groups online where you can "meet" on a weekly or monthly basis. My own VIP Mentorship group is one of them and you can try it out for 2 months for fre*e.
2. Hire a coach or mentor that is affordable for your budget. Instead of thinking about what working with a mentor will "cost", look at the value that you will derive. For example, determine what you get paid on an hourly basis (or per sale) for what you do. Then look at what one good idea from a mentor would net you in increased sales or billable hours. You might not have budgeted for a coach but hopefully you plan every year for annual growth in your business. Implementing your business mentor's ideas can significantly add to your bottom-line. Using myself as an example, I doubled my client base in 8 months, solely from a coaching program I invested in last November. Do you think that was worth it? You bet -- plus now I can share those money-making ideas with my clients!
3. Work with a mentor by way of their home-study courses or small group teleclasses. These are always much less expensive, you can get their expertise on a very targeted basis, and you can pace yourself both time and investment wise. This is actually how I started working with both my coaches. It also gives you a really good flavor for how they work and whether their style of mentoring works for you.
In all cases, when engaging a mentor/coach or mastermind group, here is the due diligence you'll want to do:
ask for a "get acquainted" session with them, either in person or on the phone. This should be fre*e of charge and depending on the mentor, could range from 15 minutes to 1 hour
ask them exactly what results you can expect from working with them. If they say something like, "Well you know, I'll be coaching you. We'll meet every week on the phone, I'll give you advice and then you'll go do it" -- run the other way! If the person mentoring you doesn't have quantifiable clarity around how they'll help you, how are you going to make the necessary changes to move forward?
ask for testimonials and clients they've worked with before. You want to be sure that you aren't a brand new coach's guinea-pig. I know -- they all have to start somewhere, but that's not your problem!
attend one or more of their fre*e teleseminars. Virtually every good coach I know has weekly or monthly 1-hour seminars that are content rich and again, will give you an opportunity to sample their style. Be prepared for 10 - 15 minutes of self-promotion (after all, there's no free lunch) but you will very quickly learn who is giving really good content and who is just giving fluff
don't be afraid to be clear about your budget and find out how flexible their payment options are. Depending on the initial investment of their programs, there is almost always a monthly, 2-pay or 3-pay option.
I personally like to offer 100% money-back guarantees on all home-study courses (I know I'll get a lot of flak about this!) The reality is that a good coach knows that they will very seldom have to give refunds because they know their programs get results. However, giving prospects the comfort of knowing that they can return the product anytime within 1 year, goes a long way toward building a trusting relationship
As Anne McKevitt said in her interview -- today more than ever -- people want more honesty, not too much to read or digest, and no BS. She also brought up one very interesting point -- and that is that in networking or masterminding, many people only attend their own industry-related events. For example, a financial planner might do most of his or her education by attending events that qualify them for their continuing education credits. The downside of that is that they may never get those "fresh eyes" who can objectively take a look at what they're doing and suggest things that could raise their awareness -- and have a huge impact on their personal and business growth.
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these things? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
From Transition to Transformation
by Karen Dodd
"I feel like a survivor from an age that people no longer understand."
This is a quote from actress, Olivia de Havilland, who at 93 has witnessed a lot of changes in her ife and in the world.
Ms. de Havilland has touched many people in her long life -- most particularly through the medium of film. I doubt that she could ever have imagined the enormity of the likes of Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin) where the average person can now reach out and touch people all over the world, without even leaving their home. Many of us have embraced these changes and used change as an impetus to grow. Right at this moment, more women than ever, are poised to make major changes -- and although excited about the possibilities -- many are feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed by what lies ahead.
When you are teetering on the brink of greatness, there are only three ways you can go. You can step backward, stay where you are, or hopefully -- step over the line, which is where the magic begins.
I think it would be fair to say that most of us have been fearful of change at some time in our life. But each time you step over that line and move forward, it gets easier and easier, and who you become in the process, is much more meaningful than the results.
On the subject of change, successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, Kim Kiyosaki recently said that there are two kinds of mindset:
1) Fixed mindset - where you say: "I am this, this and this and I don't change."
2) Growth mindset - where you say: "I can change everything by learning and through experience."
Every time we face something we're unfamiliar with -- and go through it -- we learn and grow. If we're not growing, we're dying. In my opinion there hasn't been a time in recent history where it is so important for women to learn, grow, and step into their greatness.
A recent e-Women Network survey reported that even in these economically challenging times, 74% of respondents say now is a good time to grow or start a business. One of the reasons is that you can have an edge on timid competitors who are waiting for the economy to recover.
If you are struggling right now, you need to do things differently than before.
Focus on the positive aspects of your current business or on your unique skills and talents that you can use in starting a new business. Get the help of mentors, coaches, or mastermind groups to help you get more creative and refuse to be victimized by negative news or your self-limiting fears.
Rather than getting overwhelmed with knowing all the details before you move forward, think of changes and transitions as a string of pearls -- when everything is strung together, it becomes like a beautiful necklace with no beginning and no end. Don't let adversities get in your way.
Understand that the door that opens for you today, may not be the exact door that takes you to your objective or goal -- but, go through that door anyway because you have no way of knowing where it will lead.
Learn to just say, "yes." I can't tell you the number of times I've said, "yes, I can do that" and then had to figure it out as I went along. Don't get stuck in the mode of having to be 100% sure of everything before you go ahead and get started.
Start thinking of adversities as gifts wrapped in sandpaper. Like going through an open door that turns out not to be the right one, you will continue to gain strength and experience from these gifts.
Lose some of your attachment to "having balance in your life." As Kim Kiyosaki says, try standing on one foot until you're balanced. Then try to move forward. Pretty hard to move off that perfectly balanced spot, isn't it?
Your Assignment (should you choose to accept it:>)
Just as you'd do when packing for a long trip, ask yourself what you can leave behind (thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve you) and what is important to take with you, as you tackle change and move forward.
Here are a few suggestions from the masters to help you do that:
1. Think like a champion. If you had nothing to do at all, what would you do? Set a timer for 2 minutes and write your gut reaction now. This exercise can uncover some hints of what you might be missing in your life (Donald Trump)
2. Recapture your childlike wonder. List your top three talents and then select one that brings you the most joy and makes time disappear. Can you turn it into a business -- or incorporate it into your existing business?(Mark Victor Hansen)
3. Not any old to-do list. What is one thing that you could accomplish today that would make you feel fantastic at day's end? Do it now -- and start every day with that question. (Mel Robbins)
4. Strip bare. Write down a risk you know in your gut you should take now for your life or your business. Now do it. (Richard Branson)
5. Life is the best teacher. What three things have you learned from your biggest adversity? Now put those lessons into practice. (Janine Shepherd - accident victim)
6. Live big and step into your greatness. What two decisions can you make right now to live at a higher level? (Karen Dodd)
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these things? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from Moms to Millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
"I feel like a survivor from an age that people no longer understand."
This is a quote from actress, Olivia de Havilland, who at 93 has witnessed a lot of changes in her ife and in the world.
Ms. de Havilland has touched many people in her long life -- most particularly through the medium of film. I doubt that she could ever have imagined the enormity of the likes of Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin) where the average person can now reach out and touch people all over the world, without even leaving their home. Many of us have embraced these changes and used change as an impetus to grow. Right at this moment, more women than ever, are poised to make major changes -- and although excited about the possibilities -- many are feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed by what lies ahead.
When you are teetering on the brink of greatness, there are only three ways you can go. You can step backward, stay where you are, or hopefully -- step over the line, which is where the magic begins.
I think it would be fair to say that most of us have been fearful of change at some time in our life. But each time you step over that line and move forward, it gets easier and easier, and who you become in the process, is much more meaningful than the results.
On the subject of change, successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, Kim Kiyosaki recently said that there are two kinds of mindset:
1) Fixed mindset - where you say: "I am this, this and this and I don't change."
2) Growth mindset - where you say: "I can change everything by learning and through experience."
Every time we face something we're unfamiliar with -- and go through it -- we learn and grow. If we're not growing, we're dying. In my opinion there hasn't been a time in recent history where it is so important for women to learn, grow, and step into their greatness.
A recent e-Women Network survey reported that even in these economically challenging times, 74% of respondents say now is a good time to grow or start a business. One of the reasons is that you can have an edge on timid competitors who are waiting for the economy to recover.
If you are struggling right now, you need to do things differently than before.
Focus on the positive aspects of your current business or on your unique skills and talents that you can use in starting a new business. Get the help of mentors, coaches, or mastermind groups to help you get more creative and refuse to be victimized by negative news or your self-limiting fears.
Rather than getting overwhelmed with knowing all the details before you move forward, think of changes and transitions as a string of pearls -- when everything is strung together, it becomes like a beautiful necklace with no beginning and no end. Don't let adversities get in your way.
Understand that the door that opens for you today, may not be the exact door that takes you to your objective or goal -- but, go through that door anyway because you have no way of knowing where it will lead.
Learn to just say, "yes." I can't tell you the number of times I've said, "yes, I can do that" and then had to figure it out as I went along. Don't get stuck in the mode of having to be 100% sure of everything before you go ahead and get started.
Start thinking of adversities as gifts wrapped in sandpaper. Like going through an open door that turns out not to be the right one, you will continue to gain strength and experience from these gifts.
Lose some of your attachment to "having balance in your life." As Kim Kiyosaki says, try standing on one foot until you're balanced. Then try to move forward. Pretty hard to move off that perfectly balanced spot, isn't it?
Your Assignment (should you choose to accept it:>)
Just as you'd do when packing for a long trip, ask yourself what you can leave behind (thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve you) and what is important to take with you, as you tackle change and move forward.
Here are a few suggestions from the masters to help you do that:
1. Think like a champion. If you had nothing to do at all, what would you do? Set a timer for 2 minutes and write your gut reaction now. This exercise can uncover some hints of what you might be missing in your life (Donald Trump)
2. Recapture your childlike wonder. List your top three talents and then select one that brings you the most joy and makes time disappear. Can you turn it into a business -- or incorporate it into your existing business?(Mark Victor Hansen)
3. Not any old to-do list. What is one thing that you could accomplish today that would make you feel fantastic at day's end? Do it now -- and start every day with that question. (Mel Robbins)
4. Strip bare. Write down a risk you know in your gut you should take now for your life or your business. Now do it. (Richard Branson)
5. Life is the best teacher. What three things have you learned from your biggest adversity? Now put those lessons into practice. (Janine Shepherd - accident victim)
6. Live big and step into your greatness. What two decisions can you make right now to live at a higher level? (Karen Dodd)
Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these things? Then be sure to go to my Events page to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Tea Party. If you are not in our local marketplace, then click here to register for my small group 5-week teleclass.
[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]
©2009 Karen Dodd International
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? No problem! But here's what you MUST include:
Working with everyone from Moms to Millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.
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