Archive for March, 2010

At the Maximizing Success Wealth Retreat I had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Omar Periu (pictured here on the left) speak on the 6 Reasons That Hold You Back From Getting What You Want.

Now when I tell you what the 6 reasons are I am willing to bet that you will be able to identify with at least one of them.  Here goes:

1. Fear of Failure – A lot of people that I know will say they are afraid of success, but I know that is hogwash.  What you are really afraid of is failing!  Failing, and possibly failing again, is far worse that succeeding.  I mean really who is afraid of success?  If you are afraid of failing you must find a way to dispel the fear so that you can focus your energy on getting what you want.  Remember, fear is just an emotion and it has no basis in truth.  Read my newsletter due out tomorrow for more on that topic.
2. Pain of Change – We are stubborn creatures and many of us despise change.  Fortunately, I have never been afraid of change; I actually like change and the excitement it brings.  You don’t have to find change painful.  You can recognize it as a natural part of the cycle of your business.  Nothing stays the same and within change is the opportunity for growth.  When things stay the same, so do you and so does your business.
3. Self-Doubt – The reason you have self doubt is that you haven’t learned to listen to your intuition.  You haven’t tapped into that inner wisdom that is inside of each one of us.  When you learn to make decision and to trust your inner guide, self doubt vanishes.  This is a skill that you must cultivate and practice.  But trust me when I tell you, once you can master it you will never doubt yourself again.
4. Blaming - Whose fault is it anyway?  When things go wrong stop blaming others and start looking at yourself.  There are always two people involved in almost every situation.  I had (notice the word had) this friend who would say at every self created disaster in her life, “But I didn’t do anything…it was so and so’s fault.”  Ugh!  She never, and I do mean never was able to see where she had created all the drama around her.  Next time you want to blame someone, do a self assessment and see where you might have done something differently.
5. Justifying - Justifying, like blaming is just the victim’s way of not taking responsibility for their situation.  I love when I hear people say that money isn’t’ important.  Really?  I don’t know about you, but I think money is very important.  When they use that justification it means they are probably broke and that they are not taking responsibility for their circumstances by going out there and getting what they want.  Think about it next time you hear a justification from someone or better yet, when you use one yourself.
6. Complaining – If people spent as much time on finding the solution as they do complaining about their circumstances, well – wouldn’t it be wonderful.  Imagine all the happy and productive people there would be out there.

We all have things that we want to accomplish.  If any of these 6 reasons resonate for you, I challenge you to examine your thinking and to stop the complaining, justifying, and the like and take positive action to reaching your goals.  If you don’t, who will?

Where there’s a will there’s a way! Have you ever heard that expression?  I am sure that you have.  I believe in that statement; I really do!

I am the type of person that when presented with a challenge, whether it be personal or business-related I always have several different options worked out in my head.  It’s my Plan A, B, C strategy and it’s a strategy that I have used for a long time with great success.

Often times, in my travels, I will hear women speaking about how they want to invest in a coach, hire more help, invest in a training program or attend a workshop I think, “Great; this will really help them move closer and closer to their goal!  That will really support her success!”

But when something doesn’t go exactly as planned I often hear those same women say, “Well, I guess that it wasn’t meant to be.”

WHAT?

You’re kidding, right?  One tiny obstacle and your ready to throw in the towel? Come on…you would fight harder for that pocketbook you had your eye on in the store if someone was ready to pounce and take it away, but you will let one issue stop you from pursuing the goals of your business?

Let me tell you something…the universe is not conspiring against you and the universe isn’t telling you it wasn’t meant to be.

If you are serious about moving your business forward and having all the time, money and freedom you want, then read on to learn the three simple and easy tips on how to handle when you a wrench gets thrown into your plans.

Strategy #1 Realize That Every Obstacle and Challenge Is an Opportunity for You to Do Something Different

Remember my Plan A, B and C strategy?  Well, it’s in times like this that I pull out that strategy mindset and start working on how I am going to make it happen.  Often, when I am about to launch a new program or attend a really important event something will be thrown in my path that requires me to think and act quickly to resolve the situation and continue toward my goal.  You can do the same thing.  Don’t let something side track you into believing that you are not supposed to do what you set out to do.  Just use your good judgment and find a way!

Strategy #2 Don’t Let Fear Stand in Your Way

Sometimes our decisions are so big that we let fear seep into our consciousness and that voice in our head begins to try to dissuade us from what we desire.  We then mistakenly think this is a sign from the universe that it isn’t meant to be.  That is hogwash…and quite frankly a smokescreen.

Remember that fear and doubt is never truth – NEVER!

When you begin to feel that doubt or fear, that is the time to stand true to your initial decision.  When you connect with your truth it will help you to recognize why you made the decision in the first place. Learn to trust your intuition and don’t let fear and doubt cloud your ability to listen to your truth.

Strategy #3 Ask for Help

When obstacles present themselves, ask for help.  I remember when I was first starting out in my practice I wanted to invest in a training program that was outside of my budget.  I knew this training was what I needed to be doing in that moment.  I asked a good friend if I could borrow the money and he said yes!  Problem was solved and I got the training that I needed to move my business and goals forward.

People are often willing to help so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!  Remember, where there’s a will there’s a way.

Every successful person has gotten where they are because they believed there was a way to make it happen.  They didn’t let excuses, justifications, or problems stand in their way.  Don’t let them stand in your way either!  You CAN make it happen!

I wish, I want, I commit. How do you start a goal statement?  Do you wish it will happen, want it to happen or commit to making it happen?

The language that you use and the feeling associated with that what you say has a big impact on your ability to reach your goals.

Take for example, if you wish that you could make $100,000 in a year chances are you won’t because you are only wishing for it to happen and there isn’t much effort behind wishing.  In essence, all it takes is sitting there and hoping that the money will fall from the sky into your lap.  Even though we learned that wishing makes dreams come true, I’m here to tell you it only happens in fairy tales.

Wanting is a bit better.  When you want something, like wanting to make a $100,000 in a year, you are willing to put a bit more effort in achieving it than the person who is still sitting around and wishing for the money.  But wanting still lacks something critical.  It lacks that powerful energy that moves us from wanting to really making it happen.  It lacks YOUR commitment.

Saying, “I commit to making $100,000 in a year means that you are taking your responsibility in achieving this goal seriously.  Think of it this way…when you make a commitment to your children to take them to the zoo you know that if you don’t you will really be letting them down.  You know that you have made a promise to them and that your integrity is on the line if you don’t follow through.  The same thinking applies to achieving your goals.

Now alot of self help guru’s will tell you that you must keep your commitment and I agree, but we all know that for some reason or the other often times we break our commitments.  Usually it’s because we don’t have the personal resources to ensure we maintain integrity in our commitments.  Does this sound familiar?

Here are a couple of tips to help you maintain those commitments so that you CAN reach your goals:

1.  Don’t Rationalize – When you break your next commitment (and I hope that you don’t) don’t rationalize your behavior.  In essence, rationalizing is acceptance of what you know in your heart and soul to be wrong.  Every time that you rationalize, and therefore justify your behavior it makes it less likely that you will keep your commitments in the future.  With every rationalization you lower your standard of an acceptable life and make it harder and harder to keep commitment in the future.

Instead, acknowledge that you didn’t keep the commitment, think of ways that you can ensure you don’t break your commitment in the future.  Figure out why you broke the commitment in the first place and learn from this experience.

2.  Come Up With a Plan – Figuring out why you break your commitments is a very important step in gaining the resources that you need to keep them in the future.   Brainstorm all the reasons why you failed in keeping your commitment and then develop a new strategy so that you don’t repeat the mistake.  This helps to give you a plan for your future and increases your chance of success.

3.  Try Again – Now that you have rid yourself of rationalization and have a plan on how to not fail at your commitments in the future, it’s time to try again.  You have new tools at your disposal and you can keep your commitments as you retrain your brain into moving closer and closer to your goal.

Use the “commit” language when developing your goals and commit to keeping your commitments and you will see a vastly different business a year from now.

Here I am with Robert Allen, acclaimed author of The One Minute Millionaire, No Money Down and Multiple Streams of Income to name a few.  I had the pleasure of hearing Robert Allen speak this past weekend at the Maximizing Success Wealth Retreat in Boston.

Robert shared so many powerful and wonderful insights but I was particularly grateful to hear his take on the need for money to flow.  In his presentation he suggested, actually encouraged the audience to give away 10% of whatever they earn as soon as they earn it to either a charity, church or someone who needs it.  Right away…before you even pay yourself!

Robert Allen believes that,  “In order to go get, you must go give first.  I believe this is the fundamental principle of wealth.”

Ok, now relax and let me explain.  I can hear some of you squirming in your seat right now thinking, “I barely have enough to pay my bills and you’re suggesting that I give 10% of my money away?”  Yup, that’s right, give it away.

The idea of giving back is an exercise in gratitude.  When you come from the mindset that you have already received the abundance,  then it feels natural to give it back because you understand that you already have everything you need.  If you give the money expecting that you will receive even more, then you are attached to the result and it more than likely will backfire and not work.  The magic or “the secret” is in the understanding of the principle of knowing and believing that you already have all that you need; that you in essence have already gotten it back so why expect more?

Robert Allen states:  “You should be so grateful to give a tiny percentage back.  When you finally let go of the expectation, that’s when you will probably get more.  Then you are feeling even more blessed, and the urge to give back should be so natural.  You have already received.  Your tithing is the gratitude.  This is what I explain to others, as I, too, “inoculate” myself against what can become an addiction to wealth. The more wealth we get, the more we should naturally want to give it back.

So in essence, if you are attached to getting more and more than in actuality you are not practicing gratitude and the abundance can’t flow…the valve is clogged or shut off completely.  You can’t be attached and grateful at the same time.  So pick gratitude and watch the flow of abundance into your life!

This weekend I attended the Maximizing Success Wealth Retreat in Boston at the Hilton.  What an event!

First I was thrilled to be a sponsor of this event with my good friend Janet Powers from Diva Toolbox (check out her out at www.divatoolbox.com) and was able to attend the event with several of my very good friends.  We really had a ball.

I invited so many people to attend this event and unfortuatnlely if you didn’t attend you really missed out on some incredible inforamtion, resources and great contacts.

The event was filled with ample opportunity to network with other like minded, success oriented individuals and to meet some of the greats like Robert Allen, author of The One Minute Millionaire and Tracy Rupcheck one of the top ten female internet marketers in the world!

Watch my blog all week for great pictures and stories about the presenters!

I have been chosen by the Diva Toolbox as THE Authority!  Check it out below or visit the www.divatoolbox.com

Area of Authority: Money and Mindset Strategist

Company Name: DARE To Be Phenomenal

Website: www.daretobephenomenal.com

Industry: Business Coaching

Years of Experience: 8 years

Authority Statement: I am not your typical coach; I won’t make you struggle to find the answers on how to make your business thrive.  Instead, I’ll challenge you to rise above mediocrity and DARE To Be Phenomenal. Your mindset around money and the role it has played in your life was handed down to you just like an inheritance; it was given to you by those who influenced you as a child.  Maybe it was your parents, grandparents or other important figure. No matter who it was, we all have a money story that affects how much we make and keep each and every year. But it doesn’t have to be that way and you can change your money story.

As an accomplished business coach, author, speaker, radio host and entrepreneur I spend my time in the trenches working on solving the unique money problems of women business owners and entrepreneurs. I can always be counted on to deliver smart, innovative solutions so that you can turn your hectic and draining business into a thriving, highly lucrative, smooth running, money making reality.  Whether it’s personal or professional, or in many cases – both, I am particularly attuned to the unique challenges women face as they confront their money past and try to start or grow a business . I know, because I’ve been there.

Like many women I have made the transition from executive to entrepreneur.  When I started my business I was lost in a sea of confusion on how to make it successful.  I worked with some great mentors but none of them could help me achieve what I wanted so desperately to accomplish. Finally, I found the solutions that catapulted my business and now it’s my mission to show women how they too can have their business fit their lifestyle and NOT the other way around.

As a seasoned coach, I help women transform their business by busting through their  limiting beliefs, confronting their money past, stepping into their greatness, and harnessing their courage so that they can make achievable steps toward creating the business and life they want from a place of confidence, authenticity and power!

About Maureen Campaiola: http://www.divatoolbox.com/featured-contributor/2009/1755-about-maureen-campaiola.html

Contact Information: maureen@daretobephenomenal.com

Just the other day I was discussing a concern with a friend regarding his business.  It seems that he had been getting regular phone calls from clients and subcontractors regarding a lack of follow through by some of his employees. This was leaving a negative impression of his company and one that needed to be remedied immediately.

What impression are you leaving with your clients?  Are they frustrated or happy?  Do they want to do business with you again or are they glad to be rid of you?  Is everything you do automated or are you providing a personal touch?

In this day and age consumers are looking for an outstanding experience and if you are unable to give them the phenomenal experience they are looking for, they will find someone who can.

They want to feel special and important and that means that the interactions they have with you and your company need to make them feel special.

Make them feel special and you will create a loyal tribe of customers.

Loyalty.  A simple word that means so much in today’s business world.

So how can you create loyalty in your business? Here’s a few simple and easy tips to get you started!

1.  Care About Your Clients

My friend Joe Lore from SunnyTech is the best computer person around.  I have purchased many computers from Joe and have referred countless number of people to him.  Why?  Because he cares about his clients.

Recently, I called Joe to tell him that my mini laptop was not connecting to the internet anymore.  Joe, knowing the technophobe that I am told me that he would be over on his way home.  Not only did he show up as stated but fixed the issue and never charged me a penny!  And this is not the first time that Joe has taken care of an issue for me.

When I purchased my computer last year he brought it over and set the whole thing up.  For some reason we couldn’t seem to connect to the internet (I know it seems I  have a lot of problems connecting!).  He worked on the problem for over and hour.  While he worked I made him a great dinner and again, he didn’t charge me a penny. He’s just an awesome person and because of the great care he gives me I would never do business with someone other than Joe!

Care about your clients and they will definitely care about you.

2.  Say Thank You

This is an often overlooked and simple thing to do.  It is so easy to say thank you to your clients.  This can be through a card or letter, via a small token of appreciation or even a discount on an upcoming product launch or program.  No matter which avenue you choose, remember to say thank you to your clients for their business.

3.  Be Kind and Generous

When I was first starting out I was not making a lot of money in my coaching practice.  My coach offered me the opportunity to coach with her at a very reduced fee.  I knew that she didn’t do this for everyone and I was amazed at her generosity.

The reality is that we all know a client who is going through a tough time.  There are many things that you can do to let them know that you are sticking with them and are there to help.  Maybe you can extend your terms, provide them with a “special” rate or help them out in some other way.  I truly believe your generosity will come back to you ten times over and you will have gained such a loyal customer in the process.

These three simple examples are just a few of the many ways that you can ensure customer loyalty for years to come.  Let me know what you have done in the past to create loyalty with your clients by leaving a comment on my blog!  I look forward to reading your posts.

As many of you know I run a women’s only networking organization and we meet several times a month to network, build relationships and engage in joint ventures.  Often during my conversation with many of these women they express their frustration about charging an appropriate amount of money for their services.  Typically I hear this from women who are just starting out, but often times I hear it from veterans as well.

When I probe deeper and ask why they are charging so little for their services they tell me its because they are new in business, or they don’t have a certain certification.  They feel they are often in a position of convincing the prospects to hire them despite their limited experience.

Now my question is how do they know you have limited experience?  More often than not, your prospects will only know the answer to that question if you reveal it.

Aligning your pricing with your value and attracting a slew of great clients does not mean you need more certifications, have a high degree of experience, or that you put in more time than someone else.

What it does mean is that you clearly define your target market and then provide the solutions and clearly tell them that you can solve their problem.

Value based pricing has more to do with these two issues than how long you have been a coach, organizer, or wedding planner.  Focus on the value and your clients will gladly pay you for solving their problems!

If you are a women business owner struggling to reach the financial freedom that you desire you’ve probably toyed with the idea of investing in a coaching program.

I can only imagine what you have said to yourself as you have contemplated making this investment.  Maybe you have said things like, “I’m not sure I can afford it” or “I don’t know if this program will help me.”  Whatever you have said to yourself I want you to consider something very important:  making a financial commitment will move you forward.

The best way to break the pattern you are in, the “stuck” place is to make a financial commitment to your goals.  When you have money invested in you and the future success of your business you have a very good reason to get off the dime and start taking action. Every single dollar you invest IS the reason!

For many entrepreneurs, myself included, I invest in coaching, training, and mentoring services to help me achieve my goals.  Something very extraordinary happens when you invest in yourself…you are more committed than ever to get your money’s worth.

How do you know which program to choose or which coach to pick from?  If you want to get your money’s worth (and frankly, who doesn’t) invest in a coach who’s fee is outside of your comfort zone. Reaching beyond your comfort zone is critical to stepping up in your business and ending the endless cycle of frustration.

Everyone’s comfort zone will be different.  For some $100 will be a huge stretch and for others $5,000 will be a stretch.  No matter which number is a stretch for you, make the commitment to invest in yourself. If you don’t, who will?

Do you believe you are courageous? Does the actions you need to take  in your business make you feel afraid?

Well don’t worry because everyone one of  us has an abundance of courage. Too many women entrepreneurs don’t believe that they have courage.  But almost every act in business requires courage:  raising your fees, sending out that book proposal, asking a new prospect to come to a meeting, and signing a new client.  Creating a successful business requires courage! Agreed?

People mistakenly think that if they feel afraid that they don’t have courage.  The opposite of courage is not fear; you can take courageous action and still be afraid.  The opposing force of courage is doubt or uncertainty; and this is what will keep you stuck or sabotage your success.

When you are clear that you are going to raise your fees you are courageous.  When you are clear that you are going to send out that book proposal you are being courageous.  When you are clear that you are going expand your business you are being courageous…get the point!

What courageous action can you take a  stand on  in your business?    What do you need to get clear on today, tomorrow and the next?  I want you to choose  one thing that you desire clarity on.  Get clear in your choices and then choose.  Know that the act of choosing is a courageous act.