Author Archive

On Sunday I had the pleasure of speaking at the Ladies Who Launch and 85 Broads first joint Power Networking Brunch.  My talk entitled “I’d Rather Be On Top” highlighted the mindset shifts and strategies that one must make in order to have a successful business and life.

At the end of the meeting several of the women came up to me and asked what else they needed to do to be successful.  I told them the truth…it takes alot of hard work, dedication, great systems and again, I reminded them it all lies in their ability to adopt the proper mindset of success.

I had the distinct impression that they were looking for some magic pill that would make growing their business easier.  The reality is ladies that there is no magic pill, but there are  a couple of things that you need to put in place to create a thriving business.

1.  Develop a Team That Serves You

You can’t do it alone and quite frankly why would you want to.  Being able to delegate those activities that can bog me down in the minutia isn’t going to help me build a lucrative business.

Having a team that supports my vision of the company and does what I need done, how and when I need it, has been key in my being able to build a successful businesses.  Start out with one person maybe for 5-10 hours a month and build up from there.  Use your new found time to market your business and watch it grow!

2.  Stop Believing You Can Do It Without the Proper Mentoring and Training

Now some of you  may think that this bullet is self-serving, but the truth of the matter is that I have a couple of mentors and coaches that I rely on to provide me with the training and coaching that I need to continue to grow my business.

I tried it on my own.  It didn’t work very well for me and I bet it’s not working very well for you either.

Being a business women and having no other sounding board can sometimes take you down a path of self destruction.  Why?  Because it’s hard to do things in a vacuum  all on your lonesome.

I rely on my coaches to keep me focused and accountable and I use them as a way to test out my thinking when developing new programs and services.

Do yourself a favor and find a coach that you can work with successfully.  Your businesses will see the results of your investment.

3.  Develop The Systems To Support Your Growth

Often times the  business begins to grow and wham, we’re hit with the realization we aren’t prepared for it.

If every time you launch a new product or develop a new service you have to start from scratch then you don’t have the system in place you need to leverage your time.

Do yourself a favor and  document the system now as your business is still developing so that when it happens you’ll be ready for it.

Remember, growing a successful business won’t happen by popping “a magic pill.” It takes work.  But having a team that supports you, coaches and mentors to focus and teach you, and the systems to grow with your business will help put you on the road to a successful and profitable business.

I recently added a new Money Reflections Section to my newsletter.  Here is the first addition with many more to come.  Hope you like it.  If any of it resonates with you I would love to read your comments.

Do you give your power away with money? In business, women typically give away their power in one of these four ways:

1. They decide in advance how many people are going to sign up for the next offer or they decide in advance how much someone is going to pay and they do this in a way that artificially suppresses their success by keeping their numbers much, much lower than they could be.
2. They don’t understand or they don’t see why people would pay more for their services.
3. They give away their power by giving away an abundance of their time.
4. They give away their power by overspending in different areas of their life and business.

Which is your pattern?  Figure out which one of these really hits home for you and then ask yourself this question:  “What need is being served by giving away your power with money in this way?” Maybe it’s your need to be liked or the need to avoid rejection or the need to avoid being seen as powerful by others.    Now consider and ask yourself, “As someone who meets that need and is fully standing in my power with money what is the action I should now take?”

Let me know what it is, ok?

So, what IS your business model? Every business has one, including yours.  The key here is does your business model pump you up or suck the life out of you?

If your model is based on your time, then I am here to tell you it’s sucking the life out of you. If not, well you are on the right road to a profitable, happy business.

Unfortunately, most self-employed business owners have adopted the 1-on-1 model and no other. Problem is, with this model you’re always limited by one key factor:  your time. When you’re out of time, you’re not making money and you’re exhausted and frustrated too!

The good news is that you can completely eliminate the 1-on-1 frustration by redesigning your business model the right way! A great business model ensures that you have plenty of free time, creates great income for you even while you sleep and grows with you not against you.  You work less hours but make more money!

So in order for you to start shifting your business model from  a life sucking 1-on-1 model to a model that pumps you up, I’m sharing some simple tips from my proven business model system I teach my clients using the marketing pyramid…

Tip One:  Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket

When working with new clients one of the first things that we evaluate is how to create multiple streams of income so they are NEVER reliant on just one.  We create several different options and price points so that more clients can be served AND for them to receive more ways to be compensated for the work they do.

Creating income streams is easier than you think if you use the repurposing method.  You have a signature system you take your clients through which you can repurpose into several different formats.  For example, you can offer a teleseminar, Virtual VIP Retreat Day or other product.

By creating this signature system and offering it in a variety of ways it provides you with income streams you can tailor to your clients and helps you from getting burned out by having to develop new content all the time.

Tip Two:  Design It Correctly and You Will Always Know What Comes Next

When you design your business model correctly it creates leverage – the kind of leverage that gives you big results with very little effort of your time, energy or money.  To get this great leverage you must design your model so each income stream flows into the next.

When you fail to create your business model so that each stream flows into the next you have a scenario that looks like this:  business owner creates an offer, gets a few clients, and completes the work…with no next step.  There are countless ways to serve your clients again and again.  Just keep asking yourself “what’s next” and you will be able to create the next offer with ease.

Tip Three:  You Don’t Need To Give Up 1-on-1 Work

Just because you have created multiple streams of income which allows you to serve more people doesn’t mean you have to give up 1-on-1 work.  You just need to know where it falls in your business model.  This is your most valuable, exclusive, highest ticket offer so treat it as such.

Tip Four:  Focus Your Time On High-End Offers First

Focus your attention on your highest priced programs or services first so that you don’t run out of cash!  Most new entrepreneurs make the mistake of focusing on free offers and low-end programs first and then find themselves out of clients and out of cash – which by the way is a sure way to leave you panic stricken.

The best time to redesign your business model is today. No time like the present to design your multiple streams of income business model.  So don’t put it off another second!  Your financial freedom is waiting!

What is it about women; they have the hardest time saying NO.  I used to be that way, but not anymore.  I learned there is real personal power in saying NO and not always doing what other’s ask of you.

Look, the reality is more than likely you are overworked, stressed out and at your wits end.  The requests pour in faster than you can keep up.  Your family demands your time, your job and coworkers demand your time and if you are an entrepreneur, well you understand the demands all too well.

The secret to getting rid of the feelings of overwhelm and dread is to learn to say NO to new commitments and to stop feeling guilty about it.

Want more time for what’s important?  Want to know how I did it?  Then keep reading and learn my simple tips to learn to say “NO” and mean it!

Tip #1:  Be Polite and Firm

There is no reason to be a b—ch about it!  A simple, “I’m sorry I can’t do this right now” is perfect.  You don’t need to be overly apologetic or defensive which is typically what newbie Noers do.  You vacillate between feeling bad that you have to say NO, to feeling angry that someone else is infringing on your life.

The trouble is it really is your own fault that you feel this way; when if you start learning to say NO you will see you reduce the stress and the burden of always being put upon.  Remember, you teach people how you want to be treated.  Standing in your power and saying NO is a way to show others that you are not at everyone’s beck and call.

Tip #2:  Don’t Justify Your Answer

In the beginning the people who ask the most will ask for an explanation.  You don’t owe them one!  I repeat, you don’t owe them one!

Recently, I was asked to be a speaker at an event.  I looked over my business plan for the year and new that it didn’t fit with my overall marketing plan.  I graciously thanked the person who asked me to speak and declined.  I didn’t justify the NO in any way, shape or form…and you don’t need to either.

A simple, “It doesn’t fit into my schedule” is a perfectly acceptable response.

If they push for a reason just repeat, “It doesn’t fit into my schedule.”  If they keep pushing walk away if you have too – they’ll get the message.

Tip #3: You Can Think About It

You might be uncomfortable with the idea of answering NO immediately.  If you want time to review your schedule, or think about whether this is something you want to do just say, “I need to check my schedule; I’ll get back to you.”

But remember you need to close the loop and get back to the person as soon as possible.  If you must decline in an email, that’s ok.

Most importantly, this tactic helps you avoid letting yourself be pressured into over scheduling your life and taking on too much stress.

Tip #4:  Remember To Take Time For You

There are only so many hours in the day.  This means whatever you choose to take on limits your ability to do other things. So even if you somehow can fit a new commitment into your schedule, if it’s not more important than what you would have to give up to do it (including time for relaxation and self care), you really don’t have the time in your schedule.

Taking time for you is one of the most important parts in learning to say NO.  When you give yourself the space to stand in your power, you are giving yourself the best gift of all.  Say NO and mean it and start feeling in control of your life!

Last night I attended the Celebration of Excellence sponsored by Enterprise Bank.  Although I was honored to be nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year, I was really impressed with the individuals who made it to the finalist stage and ultimately won. Entrepreneurs to truly emulate!

Tedy Bruschi was the keynote speaker and he gave a great speech on never giving up.  After suffering a stroke, Tedy came back to not only completely recover from his stroke but went on to play again for the New England Patriots.  His story was truly remarkable and full of humor and highlited the strength that we all have to overcome adversity.

Which brings me to my point…we will all be faced with adversity at one point in our lives.  How we handle that adversity is what will set us apart.  It might be cancer, or a stroke or possibly death of a loved one.  No matter what it is, we have a choice on how we handle those tought times.

Tedy Bruschi is a true role model on how to come out of adversity and come out on the other person stronger than ever!

This past Thursday and Friday I had the opportunity to attend the Simmons Leadership Conference with my good friends Janet Powers from Diva Toolbox and Lisa Honka, Development Director for the Wyndham Hotel.

On Thursday evening I had the opportunity to meet Ali Brown.  Ali Brown is a self made millionaire and  business coach.  I have been following Ali for at least a couple of years and am always impressed with what she is doing.

She was the guest speaker at a pre-conference event on Thursday night where she spoke to a crowd of 300 women.  What struck me the most was how many of these women in the audience where NOT business women but instead worked in the corporate arena.  Despite that fact her message was relevant to anyone listening.

In a nut shell, her message was do the best job you can do no matter if you are working for someone else or you have your own business.  Give it your all!

Besides having the opportunity to meet Ali and speak with her and her business partner, I also had the great pleasure of hearing a host of speakers that were fantastic.

If you have never attended the Leadership Conference I highly suggest that you consider doing so next year.

The difference between the two and how you see yourself is significant if you want to be making more and more money. When you are the driver you know you have the power to control how your life turns out. When you are the passenger you feel powerless to control your life and believe that life “happens to you.”

The first is a prosperous mindset and the second is a poor, scarce mindset. Can you feel the difference?

My intro …Rise Above Mediocrity… comes from the belief that we have the power to create the kind of wealth and success that we want in our lives. If we believe the opposite, then we have to know that we are the creators of the mediocrity of our lives and along with the struggles around money and success.

The poor, scarce person’s mindset is one in which they fail to take responsibility for what is happening in their life. They play the role of victim…now, wait a second before you send me an email and scold me…I didn’t say they were a victim, just that they play the role of victim. I don’t believe anyone is a victim. People play the victim because they think it will get them something in the long run.

Now I’m sure that no one reading this is of that mindset, but you might know someone who is. Victims leave three clues that people in the driver’s seat can spot very clearly. See if you can notice these three clues in people you feel are playing the role of victim when it comes to their destiny.

Clue #1 – Blame

Victims love to look at everything before (if they ever!) look towards themselves for why they are not making the money they claim to desire.

They blame the government, the stock market, greedy investors, the company they work for, God, the type of business they’re in, their parents — in essence everything and everyone EXCEPT themselves.

It is always easier to blame others than to look towards one self.  But the problem is that when you are looking outward you NEVER have an opportunity for self-growth or personal reflection – which, by the way, is the foundation for being in the driver’s seat!

Clue # 2 – Complaining

Complaining is a colossal waste of time.  Not only is it a waste of time, but it’s one of the worst things you can do if you are trying to create wealth.  Why?  Because what you focus on expands according to the Law of Attraction, of which I am a firm believer.

When you are complaining, what are you focused on?  The NEGATIVE!  So if you complain that you are broke — guess what?  You’ll be broke.  If you complain about how you can’t seem to bring in any new clients — guess what?  You won’t be able to attract new clients to your business.

Have you ever noticed how complainers usually have terrible lives?  I know a woman who always complains; she never takes responsibility for anything and loves the phrase, “But I didn’t do anything wrong.”  Guess what?  She didn’t do anything right either.  She has the most miserable life of anyone I know and luckily, I don’t see her very often — and that’s by my choice.

Stay away from complainers — they will suck the life out of you.

Clue # 3 – Justifying

We all know what a justification or rationalization sounds like.  It’s those words that people will use to explain away almost anything they can think of that hasn’t quite gone their way.

I love when I hear people say, “Money isn’t really that important.”  Really?  You’re kidding, right?  The only people I know that ever make that statement are people who are broke.  For the rest of us, we know that money IS important.

People with money understand the place of money in our society.  They don’t need to make stupid rationalizations that money isn’t as important as love.  That’s like saying my hand is more important than my ear…how ridiculous.

You can’t pay your mortgage with love, or buy food with it, or do any philanthropic work without it, so stop deluding yourself into believing that money isn’t important.

Blaming, complaining and justifying are stress reducers so that it doesn’t feel so bad for being broke and a failure.

So the next time you hear yourself blaming, complaining or justifying, stop yourself immediately and remind yourself that you are in the driver’s seat of your life.  Remind yourself that you are creating your financial destiny.

Do you want to be mediocre or phenomenal?  Do you want to be a victim or do you want to be wealthy?

You can’t be both, so decide today!

This week while on a couple of different calls,  I noticed a theme that kept coming up for my  new clients.  They all seemed to be completely and utterly overwhelmed with everything that was on their plate.

It struck me that what was missing in their work lives was a serious plan and commitment to carving out the space and time to attend to their business.  So we addressed the issue head on.

Here are a couple of great tips to help you tackle the overwhelm and start getting a handle on developing your dream business:

1. Marketing Takes Time

Realize that it takes about 3 hours a day to market your business effectively.  I just heard a thump…was it you falling off your chair onto the floor?  You heard me right.  3 hours each day.  I know that this sounds like a lot and, well it is a lot but the rewards will be even better once you reach your goals.

Try waking up an hour earlier each day in order to work on your marketing plan and strategies.  Spend less time doing things that are not going to build your business.  No matter how you accomplish this realize that you MUST find the time in your schedule to build your business, market your business and attract all the clients you want into your business.  In essence, you must make this a top priority!

2.  Create A Plan and Stick To It

Once you carve out more time to work on the most important aspects of your business stick to the plan.  Stop allowing all the other stuff to creep into your schedule and take priority.

One of  my client’s told me she loved to garden.  I said, “great, you can only garden in the early evening and weekend.”  Work time is work time and you shouldn’t be doing laundry, cleaning the house, or any other chore you can think of when you should be devoting your time and attention to your business.

3.  Rid Yourself of Everything That Drains You

You need to have  a lot of energy to successfully create and grow a business.  Maybe  you are engaging with people, activities and responsibilities that suck the life out of you.  Evaluate your current circumstances and begin to eliminate these energy drains immediately.

If you volunteer and it is a painful process – give it up.  If you have a friend that complains all the time and you really don’t enjoy her company – stop seeing her.  Make the hard decisions and reinvest your new found time and energy into your business success.

4.  Realize That You Should Be Focused On 3 Things and 3 Things Only

You should be focused on:

• Work with clients – If you get a client you are working with them as you should be.
• Marketing the business – Without the marketing activities you won’t have a business.  So get busy marketing!
• Working on your mindset – Our mindsets often stand in the way of our progress.  Sign up for a teleclass or read a great book that will help you consistently work on the mindset issues that come up for you.  It will be one of the greatest things you can do to move your business forward.

Follow these tips  and you will find a great return on your investment by doing these simple, but effective strategies.

I haven’t posted a thing all week.  I was traveling to San Antonio on Monday for a one day Create Your Association Training and Conference with Sheri McConnell.  That’s a picture of the group of us…don’t we look like we’re having a phenomenal time?  It was a fantastic experience meeting with like minded, creative, women entrepreneurs all interested and motivated to create a thriving association.  I am thrilled to have met them and look forward to helping them promote their association when the time comes for the full fledged launch.

Until then, keep a look out on the association I intend to launch in the very near future.

While I was away I fully and totally realized how much I hate traveling.  I always knew I was a home body but it really sunk in like never before.  I have to say, I don’t know how the countless men and women do it who have to travel all the time for business.  My hats off to each and every one of you!

Are you frustrated because you’re not making 6 figures in your business?  Or possibly you are currently making 6 figures but you are desperately trying to double maybe even triple your income.  Sound familiar?

More than likely you are struggling with a couple of common mistakes that many business owners make as they attempt to break into 6 figures or more.  These self-sabotaging mistakes can easily keep you from making the kind of money you desire. But there is a way to fix that easily once you know what they are.

Here are three easy tips that you can implement right away so that you can put that self-saboteur away once and for all so your income can soar to new heights!

1. Get Clear of Your Money Past

Money is such an emotionally charged topic for nearly everyone.  We all have money stories that we carry around with us that stand in the way of us breaking into new income levels.  These old beliefs, values and behaviors can be eliminated and be replaced with new beliefs, values and behaviors that support your desire for more money.  All you have to do is make the commitment to do something about ridding yourself of these old gremlins.

Now you may be saying to yourself, “Yes, Maureen, that’s easier said than done.”  But the reality is you choose everyday how you are going to think about any given situation.  You can either choose to think about money in ways that will support your happiness and success or not.  It’s really that simple.

The truth is that rich and poor people think differently.  So if you want to be making more money than you are right now, check out your thinking about money and do something about it.

2. Stop Telling Yourself That Making More Money Is Difficult

I can’t begin to tell you how many people tell me how “hard, difficult, or impossible” it is to make more money.  Well, as long as you tell yourself that and believe it, it will be.  Do you understand that every time you say things like that you are just feeding all the negative money beliefs that you have and giving yourself permission to sabotage your success?

For starters, be open to the idea that making money can be easy and simple.  The secret is in making sure you have the proper systems in place.  Making money the hard way means you have either an outdated system or no system at all and are unfocused in your marketing.

Evaluate your current plan and see if it needs updating.

3. Start Thinking and Acting Like A Six- and Seven-Figure Business Owner

Tired of clients that drain you? Well stop accepting them and start looking for and taking on clients that meet your criteria as a six- and seven-figure business owner.  Do you think for a minute that millionaires work with clients that exhaust them with their whining and complaining?  I can tell you they don’t!

Million-dollar business owners have learned to shift their energy to a higher place that is now ready for better clients and higher fees.  It’s like they have upgraded from coach to first class!

Look at your current repertoire of clients?  Are there any on the list that need to be fired?  Start strategizing a plan of action on eliminating these clients and replacing them with ideal clients better suited to your new mindset.  Make a list of all the qualities you are looking for in these better paying clients and post it on your vision board.

By Ridding Yourself of These Old Beliefs You Are Making Room For Way Better Money and Clients!

It’s true that you need the right business model and you must understand the proper marketing steps to take to create this new business.  But, the secret here is to work as much on your business as your new mindset and your marketing efforts will pay off.