Archive for September, 2010

On the outside do you claim to want more money while on the inside you’re plagued with feeling unworthy to make more?  Women harbor shame, blame and tons of pain when it comes to money.  So if you’re suffering with those feelings, realize you’re not alone.

You can break free of your money dark side.  And you know what? It’s surprisingly easy to do!

Here’s what I recommend to shine a light on the dark side of money. Try these three simple tips for yourself and you’ll quickly find yourself feeling more at peace with money…and bringing in more of it!

Tip # 1:  Stop Thinking and Saying, “I can’t afford it.”

We all want a good deal! Heck, I seek out good deals all the time.  But too much of a good thing can turn out to be not such a good thing after all.  When you tell yourself you can’t afford something you are telling the universe that you don’t deserve to get what you want. If you really want something, then you must decide and take action towards what it is you desire.  So stop thinking can’t and start thinking can!

Tip #2: Stop Giving Away Your Power with Money

I see women giving their power away with money all the time.  You do it by undercharging, avoiding uncomfortable money conversations and situations, overcompensating by giving too much of your time away, scrimping, over investing in growth, and a slew of other disempowering behaviors.

Consider this:  If you engage in behaviors that repel money, how can more money begin to flow towards you?

Next time you find yourself giving your power away with money I want you to ask yourself this:

As someone who is standing in my power around money,
how should I handle this situation and empower myself?

Tip #3: Stop the Negativity

We’ve all heard the stories about how awful rich people can be.  They’re greedy, selfish, arrogant people only concerned with their money and themselves.  But come on…rich people haven’t cornered the market on any of those bad behaviors.

You can’t aspire to something you despise.  So the next time these thoughts pop up — and they will pop up — start thinking differently by asking yourself, “How do people with money contribute to the world?  Then think about how you contribute good to the world as someone who has a lot of money and feel the shift.

Good Solid Money Habits Aren’t For When You DO Have Money; They Help You Attract More Money Right Now!

Don’t make the mistake of waiting to start thinking and behaving as a wealthy entrepreneur.  Start thinking and behaving like one now, and the money will follow.

If you want to learn more ways to rid yourself of your self-saboteur, consider requesting an application to my new Mastermind Program – The No Secrets, No BS:  The Nuts and Bolts To Increasing Revenue In This Economy! Just contact Lisa for an application.

Last week I wrote a post and talked about how money is a reflection of what’s going on inside of you...a reflection of your own self worth.

Today I want to share with you the last two mirrors for you to reflect on.

1.  When developing your packages do you overload them with lots and lots of your  time, goodies, bonuses – so much so that in hindsight it’s way too much?  Do yo feel you HAVE to offer so much or no one will buy from you?

Maybe you don’t overload your packages but you make yourself available to your clients morning, noon and night – sound familiar?

Then after you have given and given you feel resentful because you think you’re clients don’t respect you? And worse yet, you attract the worst clients in the world.   They use and abuse you, demand your time and attention and are clients no one really wants.

If any of these scenarios sound like you then you are reflecting issues relating to what you feel you deserve. Your deservability is at stake here.

2. You make money, plenty of money.  The problem is…you still don’t have any!

No matter how you try you just can’t seem to hang on to money.  You secretly are ashamed of having more than you friends and possibly your parents.  You have rollercoaster months whereby one month you bring in a ton and the next nothing hits the checking account.

Approval is really important for you and your approval button  gets pushed alot when you money is reflected back at you in this way.

Now why am I telling you this?  Because you want a money breakthrough so you can rid yourself of these thoughts, feeling and behaviors – right?

If you are looking for a money breakthrough then I encourage you to contact me today to learn about my new 2010 – 2011 Mastermind Program forming right now!  The No Secrets, No BS:  The Nuts and Bolts To Increasing Revenue In This Economy was developed to help you achieve all the money breakthroughs you need so you can start attracting and making all the money you want in this economy.

I did it and so can you.  So call me at 978-794-4991 or email me at maureen@daretobephenomenal.com today to learn more.

“My clients won’t pay more!” Have you ever said that?

I did… A long time ago before I started working on my money mindset issues, I used to say it quite frequently when I would start to even consider charging more for my services.

The fact of the matter is we never really know what someone is willing to pay for our services and we definitely don’t have the right to assume anything about our clients. And truth be told most, not all, will pay more for your services.

Now this isn’t true in all industries but it does hold true for some. If you’re a coach, consultant, or other service-based entrepreneur it will hold true.

But that’s really not the point. The point of the matter is what you believe about money and your ability to make more is what’s at stake here.

Change your mindset and you change how much money will flow to you. It’s really that simple.

Just wanted to post a short update on what’s been happening at the Diva Toolbox Conference for Women.

First, what a ball!  I have met some of the most wonderful business women at this conference from all over the world!  People like Merideth Liepelt, Kathy Garland, Barb Girson, Angie Strader, Lisa Reynolds, Cindy Morrison and so many more.  Watch for snippets, pictures and insights from these phenomenal women!

I presented yesterday and today and discussed…what else but money!  We develed into our money stories and I witnessed some amazing money breakthroughs from the participants.

Tomorrow is the closing and more great things are happening.  Check back next week to hear all the details of what happened and what we all learned.

Did you know how much money you make and how much you charge for your services is a reflections of your self worth?

It’s true.

I know for some of you that statement conjures up all sorts of feelings.  And you know what, I understand how hard it must be to realize that the small amount of money you’re making is in direct correlation to your self esteem.

That’s a hard pill to swallow.

But it doesn’t have to be that way forever.  You can do something about that money reflection that’s staring back at you in the mirror.  You can change it!

But first I want you to consider a few things:

1.  Do often offer discounts?  Do you even offer them BEFORE your even asked?  This type of behavior is often reflected in a person who has poor money boundaries.

You make an assumption that your perspective client can’t afford your services so you jump to discounting without having all the necessary information.  Sound like you?

The reality is that if your services are seen as valuable to the client they will buy from you.  But that’s another article.

Do you barter or trade?  That’s another indication of poor money boundaries.  Money needs to flow.  When you barter you block the natural energy of money from flowing to you and back out again.

Please don’t barter, ok?

2.  When was the last time you raised your fee?  If it’s been two ore more years or if you raised your fees but only by some minuscule amount of money then you lack money courage.

You’re typically  the person who likes your fees somewhere in the middle.  You don’t want to be the cheapest out there, but you definitely don’t want to be the most expensive.

The bottom line…your afraid to raise your fees and because your afraid, you don’t.

Fear is your primary motivator behind every excuse you make for why your fees are they way they are.

Check back later this week as I reveal two additional money reflections and some tips for helping to conquer your money self-saboteur.

If you enjoy what your learning here come to the Diva Toolbox Conference for Women where I will be revealing even more information and exercises you can do to put your money self-saboteur away once and for all.

If you’re like most women entrepreneurs you may have a hard time charging what you’re worth.

Want to eliminate self-doubt so you can confidently charge more?

Here’s something to think about…

If you are focused on features rather than benefits, you’re focused on the wrong thing. Instead, I want you to focus on the results and the impact that it creates.

I recently submitted a proposal to an international company to coach two of their executives. The proposal was focused on benefits and the impact my coaching will have, not only on the two people being coached, but of the ripple effect that will be felt throughout the company.

I’m being hired to provide a service that is going to make a dramatic impact for many people. Because of that impact, I am confident in what I’m doing and its importance to the overall success of the company.

Because of the above, I confidently charged what I am worth…and got it!

Want to be able to confidently charge what you’re worth and get it?

Then start focusing on benefits.

If you are a manager, leader or someone in a position to direct, motivate, inspire and support others then listen up.  There are certain behaviors, attitudes and personal attributes that you must possess if you want to be a successful leader.  I’ve listed ten questions to ask yourself to see where you stand as a leader.

1. Do I understand the personal goals of the people on my team?
   We all have our own way of doing things but understanding what motivates each employee will help you to help them meet and surpass the overall expectations of the company.
2. Am I able to recognize the difference among team members in order to work effectively with each person?
   The biggest mistake I see new managers and leaders make is assuming that all people can be supervised the same.  We are all different and the way in which we respond, work, accept feedback as well as how much recognition we need varies from person to person.  Being able to see these differences and respond accordingly, allows a great leader to motivate on a personal and individual level for outstanding results.
3. Do I encourage team members to make suggestions and provide input?
   In order for people to feel they have a stake in a proposed change, they have to have some ownership in the process and believe their contributions matter and are important.  Getting team members committed and working towards a proposed change starts with encouraging suggestions and input from anyone with a stake in the outcome.
4. Do I provide consistent feedback and recognition?
   From my experience most people appreciate feedback and to be recognized for their efforts.  Failing to let your team members know how they’re doing is a recipe for disaster.   Your feedback and praise is what fuels their motivation to continue doing a good job, so make sure you are timely and sincere.
5. Am I able to identify the slackers and take the action necessary to bring them on board or find another alternative for them?
   You need everyone’s participation to reach goals.  Identifying those individuals and counseling them appropriately will ensure your team continues to move forward.  Failing to address this situation will bring the entire group down.  Make sure you act sooner rather than later.
6. Do I allow team members to solve problems?
   I worked for a woman once who stated to a subordinate (not me thankfully), “I don’t pay you to think!  Just do what I tell you to do!”  Sorry folks but in this day and age people want to do something valuable with their time at work.  Allowing team members to use their skills and talents to solve problems will pay off hugely in the end.  Respect goes a long way.
7. Do I find ways for team members to grow, learn and develop their skills?
   Most people innately want to grow, learn and develop their abilities.  The more people learn, the more they are inspired to learn and apply that learning to solving problems and reaching goals.
8. Am I available to the people on my team?
   As a supervisor and leader it is imperative to be visible and accessible to team members.  The more approachable you are the more comfortable employees will be in asking questions and making suggestions for improvement.
9. Am I effective in motivating my team and recognizing individual efforts and contributions?
   Teams must learn to work together effectively for the good of the company.  But this doesn’t always happen naturally.   A good leader motivates his employees and coaches them towards team cohesiveness while recognizing the contributions of individuals.
10. Do I practice what I preach?
    Remember the boss who proclaimed, “I don’t pay you to think!”  Communication, understanding, respect and support are essential elements to be an effective leader.  It’s hard to respect someone who shows such disregard to their employees by making disparaging remarks.

If you want to be a great leader, make sure you practice these skills.  If you are weak in any of the above areas, hire a coach who can help you to become a better communicator.

The old adage, “You get more with honey than with vinegar” is true.  Showing your team respect and a willingness to support them in their positions are essential in getting the best out of people and are key elements in being a great leader.