A few weeks ago, I was trying to make a decision about something in my business.
It wasn’t a huge decision but I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go, so I asked a couple of respected colleagues for their advice.
While I was leaning one way, they encouraged me (separately) to choose the other path. Because it wasn’t a major decision and what they both said made sense to me, I did choose the other path.
Then I was regretted it. I found myself frustrated because I didn’t listen to my own inner knowing, my own intuition. The results I was getting from choosing the other path were fine, so it wasn’t that it wasn’t working. I just had this strong sense that had I followed my intuition, my results would have been a lot better.
I’ve done this several times over the course of being in business for 16 years. I’ve also had many more occasions when I HAVE listened to my own inner guidance system, on some very big decisions, even when I was very scared to do so, and things have always worked out way better than I had imagined.
This little episode was simply a reminder that while it’s great to ask others for help in making decisions, to take my own advice that I give to clients all the time – check in with yourself before making your final decision.
Where in your business (or life) could you tune in a little more, connect with your own inner knowing, and use that information to move forward much more easily and effortlessly?
I’d love to know – please share below!
Yesterday, I had the absolute joy of being interviewed by Michele PW for her Love-Based Money podcast (I’ll let you know when it airs).
It’s been a long time since I’ve shared my journey about how I started my business, but more importantly, WHY I started it and what decisions and shifts were critical to the success I’ve created to date.
One of the simple mantras I shared with Michele is this:
What’s one thing I can do today to move my business forward?
When the kids were small, and I only had tiny pockets of time to grow my business, that was my mantra. I had it on a post-it note on my desk – in fact, I still do.
Today, that means letting another piece of my business model go.
You see, sometimes it’s letting go of something more than ‘doing’ something.
And now I have a second question that I’m asking myself every day:
What’s one thing I can do today to move towards the Life I want?
Today, that means continuing ‘the great purge’.
Most of the time, my answers to those questions aren’t quite so big, but asking them helps to keep me centered, focused and moving forward.
What are your answers to those questions?
It’s Wednesday and we got hammered with over a foot of snow all day yesterday, but it’s sunny with clear blue skies now so it’s gorgeous… 🙂
Today, the kids test for their next belt in karate, so they’ll be practicing and studying, and will probably get outside to sled this afternoon too, while James is snow-blowing. Poor California guy had to marry a New England gal… 😉
I’ve been spending a lot of time lately journaling and in conversation with some trusted colleagues to discern what I really want as far as my business goes. I’m actually pretty clear on it, but sometimes we all need a little bucking up to find the courage to make the bigger shifts.
I’ve been sharing some of the practical shifting (cleaning up my email list, converting my Facebook profile page to a new business page, etc.) but there’s a lot more intangible shifting going on as well…
And I’ve been reminded of the time when I wanted to host my first live event.
I’d wanted to host my own event for a few years, but frankly I was scared.
I had NO idea how to do that – and even though I had a great coach at the time to guide me, the type of events she was putting on were not the type of events I wanted to do.
But I’m a good coaching client – so I followed the steps that were being outlined for me, and long story short, I ended up with a $15k contract and a ballroom at an airport hotel – BLAK!
That did not feel good at all, so I took a step back and really focused on what I wanted – not necessarily what everyone else was doing or even what I was being advised to do for all perfectly logical and sensible business reasons – and I made some decisions from that place instead.
Honestly, once I did that, everything clicked into place easily… that was in 2010 and this fall will be my 8th year hosting my event. 🙂
So I’m wondering if there’s something you’re doing in your business that doesn’t feel quite right, for any reason, whether it’s an event or something else entirely?
Here’s what I know – you may have all the right pieces in place (the offer, the marketing copy, the audience, the launch strategies, etc.) but if those tangibles don’t line up with the intangible – how you FEEL about the offer, it’s not going to be the success you want it to be.
Think about that… and let me know if it resonates in the comments.
It’s Tuesday morning and Stella has arrived…
We’re supposed to get about 18 inches of snow, so we’re hunkered down for the day, with our own version of ‘Kids Baking Competition” going on here – Jack is going to make German Chocolate Cupcakes and Chloe is making Lemon Icy Pops… should be fun – and messy. 😉
Yesterday, the kids and I spent a lovely (sunny!) day at the lake, visiting our favorite bookstore, and then enjoying pizza at our go-to summer pub.
No matter who is working at the pub, they all know Chloe and Jack, but this time we had a new server. While we sat there, one of the servers who regularly waits on us walked by the window and tapped to wave hello. Then the bartender came in for her shift and hollered over hello to the kids. As we were getting ready to leave, our server said that she and a guest at the bar were talking about how polite and well-mannered Chloe and Jack are – and that everyone in the pub seemed to know them by name.
And while she commented on my part in it (which quite honestly always means a lot to me, as we know how hard parenting can be at times!), I really give the credit to the kids, because not only are they polite, but they are engaged…
When someone asks Jack how he is, he immediately responds with, “Good, how are YOU?” with the intention that he really wants to know. When Chloe asks for something, she not only ask politely, but she’ll explain why she’d like it. When one of them wants a glass of water, they will ask for a round for everyone.
The way they interact encourages people to want to know them better, which is why everyone knows their names. 🙂
My point is, you can have a cursory relationship with people – or you can make slightly more effort and deepen the connection.
One way to do that is to show up and share.
My hope is that I’ve engaged with you just a little bit more over these last few weeks of regular connecting. I’m also hoping we can move into a dialogue over at my free Facebook group.
But regardless, the lesson is the same – in what way can you deepen your relationship with your audience, market, tribe?
Are you talking with them more often than at them?
Once of quickest (and for me, the most enjoyable) ways to do that is by hosting an intimate live event.
Yesterday, I told you that I’d share a free resource that will give you some critical behind-the-scenes strategies to hosting your own profitable small event that will help you see that you CAN do it, and it’s not as hard as you may think.
It’s almost ready so I’ll shoot you an email when you can access it, ok?
Ok, I’m off to the kitchen now to see what we can whip up!
Stay safe where you are –
We’re less than 2 weeks away from my free MasterClass, and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the shifts I’ve learned over the last several years…
The Power of Simplicity ~
6 Shifts to Creating Ease & Flow in Your Online Business
Reserve your free seat here
Are you the kind of business owner who tends to hide behind your computer screen?
You network online through virtual groups, but you’re hesitant to leave the comfort of your home office to actually meet others in person?
Whether you’re a natural introvert or extrovert, attending live events and meeting peers and colleagues in person can make a dramatic difference in the success of your business. If you’ve been the lone wolf type, it’s time to get out and start gathering with your pack.
When I was in the public relations/higher education field, I attended dozens of conferences, but when I started my consulting practice, money was tight and it took me a few years to get back out on the circuit.
The first event I attended in my capacity as a consultant/coach changed my business and my life. I hesitated about attending because it was a lot of money to invest back then and I was going to be starting over in a way in a new industry, which were both risks for me at the time.
Was it worth it? Let’s just say that I still have the card from the Irish pub my husband and I went to the final evening of the event where we figured out how I was going to make this business work. It really is when everything changed.
Not only did I learn a ton of great stuff, I met some amazing people who have become colleagues, joint venture partners and even friends. And I truly believe that what you put out is what you get back, and by attending this event, I was sending the message that I was ready to start playing big.
One of the best investments you can make in your business is in your continuous learning, by attending events, as well as investing in high-quality education products and programs. Part of my own marketing budget is dedicated solely to my learning (and believe me, it’s hard to keep the lid on it!).
So, are you thinking maybe you’ll take the risk and attend a live event in your industry?
Here are some specific reasons why you should:
1. Dedicated time and focus on the event topic
I bet you have at least a few books, CDs, home study courses, etc. that you’ve probably listened to or read, but that you haven’t actually applied. I know I do. And I also know that when I get out of my office and dedicate time and focus to one thing, I make some big breakthroughs.
2. Sharing space with like-minded individuals
Nothing inspires me more than being around others who are as passionate about what we do as I am. Collaborations come naturally and we easily share ideas and resources. Taking the time to share space with these folks helps keep me motivated and excited about moving forward.
3. More high-quality connections
Not only do I end up with a ton of business cards, but there’s also a handful of strategic partnership opportunities, as well as new ezine subscribers and new customers of my products. And by attending an event comprised of others in my industry, the quality of the connections I’m making is much higher for my business building than attending something like a local chamber event.
4. Discounts on materials to increase your learning
Typically the speakers of these events will offer special discounts to attendees on their products and programs. And if the event has vendor booths, the same usually applies. Events are a great place to “shop” for the next tool that will help boost your business.
5. It’s guaranteed and tax-deductible
I think this is something most small business owners forget. They just look at the price tag of the event, and then shy away. But remember, whatever you put out as an investment in your business is tax-deductible. Be sure to check with your accountant for details, but stop to think about how much you could increase your bottom line by attending the event, instead of how much it costs.
Besides, most reputable events offer a money-back guarantee, so if you really felt it wasn’t worthwhile, you can always ask for a refund.
6. Meet the experts
Most of the time, the speakers at the events are accessible, so don’t be shy and go on up and introduce yourself. You may not have another chance and you never know where that connection may lead!
7. Enjoy yourself outside of the event
Don’t forget that you can take in the place where the event is being held. Do a little research ahead of time and plan at least some time away from the event to enjoy wherever it is you’re visiting, even if it’s in your home state.
Once you’re home and recovered from being out and about at the event, you’ll be both excited and recharged to jump in with all your new knowledge and connections!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this – please share them in the comments below…
Almost every morning, I wake up with a phrase or a song in my head. It’s the first thing I notice, and I try to pay attention to it and really take the message to heart.
This morning, I woke to the distinct voice of Olympia Dukakis as Clairee in Steel Magnolias saying in her southern accent…
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Sometimes it’s just being reminded to have faith that all will be well, that things are always working out for our best and highest good, even if we can’t see that in the present moment.
Some days that’s easier than others, for sure. Yet this morning, I’m taking those words to heart – and keeping the faith strong.
Your turn: Share in the comments if this resonates with you too.
cheers,
P.S. Have you read my foundational lifestyle + business book yet?
After three years of learning how to create my own priority-based, highly profitable business in less than part-time hours, I wrote 6 Simple Steps to Creating a 6-Figure Business, How to Create a Lifestyle Business Based on Your Passion for Serving Others, which now serves as the backbone to my coaching programs. This book lays out the fundamentals of creating an online business that gives you the time and money freedom we should all enjoy. If you haven’t read it yet, check out 6 Simple Steps to 6 Figures for the Solo Service Professional: How to Create Your Lifestyle Business Based on Your Passion for Serving Others
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