Archive for the 'business coaching'

Yesterday was HOT! 95 degrees and humid - luckily there was a good breeze. Thunderstorms rolled in around late afternoon. As the sheets of rain started to descend I took my children onto our back deck. They were so excited to play in the rain. They danced, splashed, looked up at the sky, caught raindrops with open mouths. They were not just enjoying themselves…they were JOYFUL. Their whole beings radiated happiness and excitement. It made my heart happy.

So I thought about what makes me joyful and here is my shortlist…my children. Even when I am frustrated or overwhelmed (yes, I feel that way too) my heart swells. We recently had family photos take and I noticed that I look better in the photos with my children. The kids make me look good (wink) and I am joyful when I am with them. Joy shows on your face. Just like being angry, you can’t hide it.
I am joyful when working my business. Whether working with a client, writing a blog post, or planning future projects, I am enjoying where I am at and what I am doing. I have decided to focus on what I LOVE doing in my business more and focus less on what frustrates or overwhelms me. So moving forward I will pay someone to manage my web site since that is a source of stress for me. And yes, we can all do everything but why do it when that task sucks the joy right out of your work or day or life?
When what I am doing is no longer enjoyable, I take a break until I can return to it without frustration. Of course there are certain aspects of our work or business that we like less than other but if I can focus on the result of my actions which will bring more joy instead of the doing which may be boring or frustrating I will get the job done. For the tasks that always cause frustration or overwhelm - I pay someone else to do them.
Finally, the life I am continuing to create for my family brings me such joy. I didn’t know I could have such joy and contentment as a divorced mother of two running my own business. It didn’t just happen that way, I actively created it. I decided on what I truly wanted present in my daily life - love, happiness, peace and contentment. Then I looked at what was keeping me from what I wanted. Then the rest was up to me to change the way I interacted with my ex, my family, my children and my business. Small changes can have a large impact. So as I sit on my back deck, enjoy the early morning with a cup of coffee and the birds chirping I know I have a lot to be grateful for!

Now I ask you…What makes YOU joyful? Are you content in your life? What is it about your work that you enjoy most? Can you do more of it?

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

Recently I attended a networking event and was surprised by the presenter’s inability to hide her disappointment. It was a small group and she clearly had expected more attendees. People appreciated the information she had to offer but not everyone was jumping out of their seats to become her paying clients. So this made me think about a few things…

Now we all know as entrepreneurs to “think big”. We always bring double the amount of info to hand out “just in case”. We are never without business cards and have our elevator pitch memorized. But what do you do when it goes the other way? When only a few people show up? When everyone politely declines?

Here are a few things I learned in the beginning of my business about situations just like this.

1) ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS remain positive and polite. Be your most gracious self. When the numbers are small, every eye is on YOU every MINUTE. How you conduct yourself has a much stronger impact on each individual than with a large crowd. Potential clients are less likely to become paying clients when they sense negativity.

2)NEVER NEVER NEVER try to force a sale with a small group. Since everyone is intently watching your every move you must ensure your actions encourage potential clients to become paying clients. No one wants to pay to work with someone who is pushy and rude.

3) Have good intentions no matter how many people attend. I have an attitude that no matter what, it is always worth it. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not going to knowingly book to present to a few people when going to the event will cost me with driving time, tolls, babysitter etc. But when I find myself at an event that is smaller than expected I make the best of it and use the opportunity to make a GREAT impression.

How do you manage your expectations when things don’t go as planned?

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

People seem to think that working with a life or business coach means a huge time investment to see any results. Since I am very results orientated, I don’t think that should be the case. So here are 5 small things you can do TODAY to start loving YOUR life!

I hope you enjoy trying these 5 simple techniques to love your life now.

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

Today my 6 year old is graduating from kindergarten. The class is having a “moving up” ceremony. The kids have been practicing songs and poems for weeks now and they are extremely excited to be headed to First Grade. It is clearly very important to children as they become “big kids” - a milestone to be acknowledged.

This event for my daughter made me think of how milestones are useful, important and significant on our journey of life or business success.

First, achieving a milestone means you set a goal, made a plan to achieve that goal then took the necessary steps to make it happen. That is a big deal! That is worth celebrating - YAY YOU! Whether you ran a marathon, got your first client or made your first million, the system is the same and each marker is worth acknowledging.

Second, it is important to reward yourself for a job well done. Setting a goal and achieving it IS a job well done so pat yourself on the back, sing your own praises, take a short rest then set your next milestone to achieve.

Finally, use what works and keep it going! You don’t have to get everything right but make note of what did work. What kept you motivated? What got you out there doing your thing when you would rather take a nap? Notice what worked and do more of it. Notice what did not work and do less of it.

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

Recently, I created a re launch plan for my coaching business. In the plan I mapped out my desired results, action items, products to complete, people to contact etc. “The Plan” incorporated revamping my web site, blogging, social media, newsletter revival, networking, speaking, writing, product creation - the whole picture. I had a very specific time line that allowed me to be present in all areas of my life, not just my business. Most importantly, “The Plan” included my personal WHY for each timeline decision. At the time I didn’t realize how this simple action would serve me so well. I was thrilled with my plan!

So I began laying the ground work - phase 1. Then it happened… I got excited about the possibilities of making things happen, of working with more people, of the creative process and I was instantly swept away by my own excitement. Next thing I know, I am in a creative planning frenzy, adding programs, workshops and products to the very near future lineup. It was incredible how quickly I forgot “The Plan” and hopped onto the “Express Train”.

As I began implementing my “Express Train” plan I suddenly heard a little voice saying… “Remember The Plan”.

I was stopped in my tracks.

So I sat down and revisited “The Plan”. It is a great plan. It accounts for many things that the “Express Train” doesn’t such as my children and their summer schedule, my family, my single parenthood, my need for sleep, and my desire to take things slow to lay a strong foundation for re launching my business in an orderly manner that fits perfectly with my life. “Wow”, I thought, “this is a great plan”. Then why was I not following it? I swept myself away in my own excitement for my business, for living my passion - that is pretty damn cool. So now I have stepped off the “Express Train” and am back to following “The Plan” with a couple small tweaks that I felt allowed me to express my excitement, lay a strong foundation and create healthy business habit.

So I ask you … do you have a “PLAN”? Are you following it? Does it still serve your business where you currently find yourself? Does your plan include the WHY to remind you the importance of sticking to the plan?

To make it easier to stick to my plan I printed out a copy and keep it close by. I emailed myself a copy so I am reminded of it often and I hung a copy on the board next to the computer. With each business decision I make I will consult with “The Plan” to make sure it is in alignment with my goals. And I know I may find times when it is appropriate to add an addendum to “The Plan”. So I am back on target and I hope you are too!

If you would like more info on this topic, contact me and we can set a time to chat..

It has been a while since I posted anything on the blog and I would like to explain why. As a life and business coach, I work on my own personal development on a daily basis. On November 16, 2008 I experienced an unexpected life disaster. At that time I was forced to close things down for a while as I took care of myself and my family. During the past year and a half I am excited to say I have been able to heal from the devastation I experienced.

Actually, I have done much more than heal. Because I allowed myself the space and time to take care of myself I have come full circle with many of my own personal issues and am all the better for the experience. In these past months I have been diligently fine tuning my technique and testing on my own life. To my clients who stayed with me despite my own personal turmoil - Thank YOU! I am grateful to you for showing me the value of what I have to share.

I can in all honesty say I am now living a life I love. I look forward as I step into this segment of my journey now as a divorced mother of two to continue implementing the tools and techniques that allow for greater happiness and contentment. I invite you to join me as I RELAUNCH my business,

Today is the day to begin your personal journey! CLICK HERE

Move out side your comfort zone, constantly and consistently! I am not sure when I realized this was a key to success but I have held onto it ever since.

When very successful people speak about the personal growth they went through during the journey to the top this is a part of what they mean. The shy mom never envisioned herself selling millions of dollars of products, the timid bookworm who could not read aloud in school now speaks to groups of hundreds even thousands.

So how can YOU move out side your comfort zone and achieve more success? First let’s look at where you get “stuck in the muck” on the road to greater business success. Each of us will have a different answer to this question.

Here are a few examples of what this might look like:
- Your business needs more clients but you are afraid to speak to strangers.
- You have a great product but are terrified to present to business owners.
- You have a list of potential clients but you hate doing follow up calls
- You have a product but are afraid no one will like it/want it.
- Your website gets a lot of traffic but you are not converting those clicks into clients because you don’t want to be salesy
- You are doing plenty of presentations but can’t ask for the sale.

These are just some of the ways we stay in our comfort zone and stagnant in our business. Growth in our business usually requires growth in the business owner. We all show up with our hang ups, even those at the top have theirs. The difference is the willingness to move beyond our comfort zone, to be uncomfortable, a little bit, every day that brings success.

Yes, you guessed it, this requires a bit of inward focus – a look at where we get “stuck in the muck”. So, where do you get stuck?
- meeting new potentials?
- closing the deal?
- Follow up?
- Follow through?
- Telling others about your business with confidence and excitement?
- Writing your book?
- Finishing your book?
- Creating passive income products?
- Asking for help?
- Managing staff?

Do you even know where you get stuck? Many of us don’t but it is worth the time to look at your business process with an open mind and figure out the muck you get stuck in and don’t worry – we all have some.

Discovering what is holding you back allows you to make changes in how you do things, change your perspective or make a different choice – a choice that will bring you success.
Your willingness to move a little bit, every day, out of your comfort zone will bring you success in your business and in all area of your life.

If you are ready to discover where you get “stuck in the muck” or need moving outside your comfort zone, Ask Coach Kate the business coach how by calling or emailing today.

Many of us find ourselves in the world of the entrepreneur because we got sick of working for someone else. We were doing what we loved, but no longer wanted someone else to tell us how or when. We ask family and friends their opinion, they say “you would be great, go for it!” so we quit our “JOB” and go home to open up shop.

Everything seems great for a while. We are very busy working with clients, placing orders, making new contacts, and following up with prospects which brings us more clients. The cycle continues to grow as our time for other things shrinks.

There are two common scenarios: (1) things taper off and we struggle to find clients or (2) most often what happens is we are so busy we can’t keep up with the demand for our services or the backlog of office work.

As an employee, we didn’t have to worry about finding clients, following up, creating and selling products, bookkeeping, keeping track of client information or dealing with the mountain of paperwork, emails and office work that goes along with a business.

How deep in are you? Are you just dipping your toes in? Maybe you’re up to your knees but still standing strong. Maybe you are treading water but are still ok, or are you in over your head and drowning in follow up, client files and tax information?

No matter how deep in you are it’s important to stop thinking like an employee and start functioning like a business owner.

Many of us started our businesses to make more money, own our time, have more time for family and friends and enjoy life more. Have you achieved this yet or are you stuck in a cycle of work that has no end?

Here are some reasons to make the mindset change from “employee” to “business owner:”

• You will love your business again
  
  

• You will make more money
  
  

• You will have more time for the things you want to be doing

So how do you stop thinking like an employee and start living like a successful business owner?

First, think about the business you used to work for (hopefully one you enjoyed working for) and put yourself in “boss mode:” what would they do first, what would they delegate, what was their process for assigning projects. Now that you know what goes into being a business owner, I bet their choices make more sense.

Now take yourself out of the business and think of yourself as a customer. As a customer what could be improved, changed, eliminated or implemented? What would make you want to frequent this business, and continue to purchase their products and services?

And finally the secret all successful business implementation, the 80/20 rule. This is truly a golden gem in your jewelry box of success for business and life.

If you are ready to stop the employee mindset and truly own your business, Ask Coach Kate the business coach how by calling or emailing today.