I am a big fan of reflection. In our Western Culture, we have this tendency to move so fast that once we finish one thing, we are off to the next. I believe that slowing down helps us speed up. In the Navajo tradition, they align the Four Directions with the Seasons, with each one symbolizing it’s piece in the balance of life and nature. The East symbolizes Spring where the warming Earth generates new life. Where seeds sprout into … Read more…
I believe there are three primary types of conversations that will help us generate business: 1) Discovery/Enrollment Conversations — These conversations are only for when someone has expressed a need and wants to explore working with you. If you missed my last article, I detail how to do this effectively. (Hint — pitching your services isn’t it!) 2) Strategic Alliance Conversations — There are many types of Strategic Alliance Conversations (six primary ones for professional coaches), and all involve collaborating … Read more…
As a coach and mentor, I wear many hats. I love to share the wisdom I’ve gained over the course of 23+ years of working with high-level clients who are eager to reach the next level in their business and lives. Sometimes, my clients don’t know what they don’t know, and it’s very fulfilling to share with them my knowledge and what I see. When I can help them see a situation in a new light, with a new understanding, … Read more…
How many times have you downloaded a “free gift” on someone’s website and suddenly got bombarded with a ton of salesy emails that immediately had you want to press the “unsubscribe” button? I guarantee this isn’t their goal! As one of my colleagues, Sharon, used to say “Great intention, poor strategy.” As you may imagine, I “follow” a lot of thought leaders in the business coaching world. This helps me expand my own thinking and learning, and also really helps … Read more…
As coaches we, of course, want our clients to be “wow-ed” with the experience of working with us. We not only want to meet their expectations, but to exceed them. Am I right? That is what creates raving fans, which in turns creates a great reputation and a stream of ongoing referrals. However, sometimes our eagerness to create a “wow” experience, has us bending over backwards for clients (and feeling like we can’t say “no” now without compromising the relationship), … Read more…
One of the great joys of owning our own businesses is the freedom and flexibility it gives us! We aren’t limited to 2 weeks vacation and 10 sick/personal days a year, unless we want to be! As long as we plan and set expectations with our clients well, we can go on frequent holidays and even work from all over the world. (In the last 2 years, I’ve worked from my home base in Sonoma County but also from Connecticut, … Read more…
