Coaching Moments used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Moments are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#171 Three Memories
Instead of three wishes, I want you to think of 3 memories of the most joyous times in your life. What are they? Who were they with? What were you doing? And, then I want you to make sure you are living in a way that will easily foster more great memories like that to be formed.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Coaching Moment #170 The Contribution of Your Lifetime
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#170 The Contribution of Your Lifetime
In 50 years, when someone says your name to another, what words will come to their mind? How will people remember you? However you hope to be remembered must be obviously displayed in each of your days. You won’t be remembered for the 2% effort you made. You’ll be remembered for what you did most often. Make sure that is in alignment with how you want to be known.
#170 The Contribution of Your Lifetime
In 50 years, when someone says your name to another, what words will come to their mind? How will people remember you? However you hope to be remembered must be obviously displayed in each of your days. You won’t be remembered for the 2% effort you made. You’ll be remembered for what you did most often. Make sure that is in alignment with how you want to be known.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Coaching Moment #169 The Beauty of Forgiveness
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#169 The Beauty of Forgiveness
Who do you need to forgive? Most of us harbor resentment toward someone, perhaps from long ago. You’ve likely suppressed the feelings and tried to just forget about it. But its there. Forgive them. Write a letter of forgiveness and either send it or destroy it.
#169 The Beauty of Forgiveness
Who do you need to forgive? Most of us harbor resentment toward someone, perhaps from long ago. You’ve likely suppressed the feelings and tried to just forget about it. But its there. Forgive them. Write a letter of forgiveness and either send it or destroy it.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Coaching Moment #168 Observe for Benefit
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#168 Observe for Benefit
If you have a skill or attribute you want to improve (or even acquire), observe others who have it. The more time you spend paying attention to it, the better the chance you’ll “own” it soon. Then, practice, practice, practice.
#168 Observe for Benefit
If you have a skill or attribute you want to improve (or even acquire), observe others who have it. The more time you spend paying attention to it, the better the chance you’ll “own” it soon. Then, practice, practice, practice.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Amazon has Lost it's Mind!
Now I've seen it all.
Automation can be wonderful but there are times it turns clients against us. Growing can be good for a company but too much and in the wrong ways can be harmful for business. Here's a great example.
You've all recognized that Amazon has taken on third party vendors in recent years. That means that when you search and buy from Amazon you may be buying from another vendor that Amazon gives a platform to sell to. This third party vendor will ship to you directly, outside Amazon. Hmmmm. Sounded fine on the surfrace except for when you consider that one of the benefits of Amazon is the free shipping when your order is over a certain dollar amount. Some of the third party vendors do not honor this perk so you had to look closely. And, if you were buying several items, each may be sold by a different vendor thus the shipping charges add up quick.
The other day I wanted to purchase an item that cost $3.60. I wanted 10 of them. So my total was $36.00. Great. I'm okay with paying shipping. But not $160.00+ in shipping charges! Yes, you read that right. My total purchase price came to around $200! Apparently, Amazon wanted me to pay for each item to be shipped separately (they are all the same item mind you, from the same third party vendor). And, to add insult to injury- Amazon does this slimy thing that doesn't always show you the cost of various shipping methods (that may be the third party choice, but Amazon ultimately is in charge of it's site if you ask me). So, it defaulted to 2-day shipping but wouldn't show me the cost associated with that. When I clicked on the more info key it simply told me about the various types of shipping, no costs noted. So, the next screen is the whopper that wanted $200 for $36 worth of product! Ha. Fat chance Amazon.
You've done lost yourself a client for life. I was turned off already by the third party schenanigans but this is the icing on the cake. My business is going elsewhere. I hope you wise up.
I encourage you to evaluate your automation. Do you clients ever feel the way I have described here? If so, you have to change and change today. Don't let growth and automation turn your business into a snake.
Automation can be wonderful but there are times it turns clients against us. Growing can be good for a company but too much and in the wrong ways can be harmful for business. Here's a great example.
You've all recognized that Amazon has taken on third party vendors in recent years. That means that when you search and buy from Amazon you may be buying from another vendor that Amazon gives a platform to sell to. This third party vendor will ship to you directly, outside Amazon. Hmmmm. Sounded fine on the surfrace except for when you consider that one of the benefits of Amazon is the free shipping when your order is over a certain dollar amount. Some of the third party vendors do not honor this perk so you had to look closely. And, if you were buying several items, each may be sold by a different vendor thus the shipping charges add up quick.
The other day I wanted to purchase an item that cost $3.60. I wanted 10 of them. So my total was $36.00. Great. I'm okay with paying shipping. But not $160.00+ in shipping charges! Yes, you read that right. My total purchase price came to around $200! Apparently, Amazon wanted me to pay for each item to be shipped separately (they are all the same item mind you, from the same third party vendor). And, to add insult to injury- Amazon does this slimy thing that doesn't always show you the cost of various shipping methods (that may be the third party choice, but Amazon ultimately is in charge of it's site if you ask me). So, it defaulted to 2-day shipping but wouldn't show me the cost associated with that. When I clicked on the more info key it simply told me about the various types of shipping, no costs noted. So, the next screen is the whopper that wanted $200 for $36 worth of product! Ha. Fat chance Amazon.
You've done lost yourself a client for life. I was turned off already by the third party schenanigans but this is the icing on the cake. My business is going elsewhere. I hope you wise up.
I encourage you to evaluate your automation. Do you clients ever feel the way I have described here? If so, you have to change and change today. Don't let growth and automation turn your business into a snake.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Coaching Moment #167 Difficult Conversations
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#167 Difficult Conversations
A year ago I read this and it impacted me significantly. “A man’s success can be judged by how many uncomfortable conversations he is willing to have.” I pondered this for a while and realized how very true it is. Recall how freeing it is to finally get that tough conversation over and done with. I encourage you to do so this week. If you’ve been dreading the talk- have it. You’ll feel better and likely so with they.
#167 Difficult Conversations
A year ago I read this and it impacted me significantly. “A man’s success can be judged by how many uncomfortable conversations he is willing to have.” I pondered this for a while and realized how very true it is. Recall how freeing it is to finally get that tough conversation over and done with. I encourage you to do so this week. If you’ve been dreading the talk- have it. You’ll feel better and likely so with they.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Coaching Moment #166 Renewal
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#166 Renewal
Spring has sprung. More or less. The season represents growth and replenishment. Let the season inspire you to grow and replenish in the ways you need to. Identify 2 areas that you want to work on over the next three months.
Spring has sprung. More or less. The season represents growth and replenishment. Let the season inspire you to grow and replenish in the ways you need to. Identify 2 areas that you want to work on over the next three months.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Product Pushers! Don't Become One.
No one likes a bully. And, pushers have a bad reputation for a reason. So, why on earth would you force yoru product or service on someone?
For months I've been finding unsolicited newspapers from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in my lawn or on top of my hedges. I see them littering the lawns of my neighbors as well. I've even heard of it happening in other neighborhoods.
So, every couple days we wander out in the lawn (the front lawn, which we rarely use) to find and pick up unwanted newspapers. Then, we toss them in the recycling bin. What a waste! Literally and figuratively!
Let this be an example of how you can be a pusher and actually create a loathing relationship with a potential client. Don't do it.
As an aside, I expect it will take a new law to get them to stop. I've browsed their website looking for a phone number to call to complain or comment box.... nope, not one to be found. Sure, I can just call their main number.... how helpful do you think they'll be? Maybe I'll take bets on this one. :)
For months I've been finding unsolicited newspapers from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in my lawn or on top of my hedges. I see them littering the lawns of my neighbors as well. I've even heard of it happening in other neighborhoods.
So, every couple days we wander out in the lawn (the front lawn, which we rarely use) to find and pick up unwanted newspapers. Then, we toss them in the recycling bin. What a waste! Literally and figuratively!
Let this be an example of how you can be a pusher and actually create a loathing relationship with a potential client. Don't do it.
As an aside, I expect it will take a new law to get them to stop. I've browsed their website looking for a phone number to call to complain or comment box.... nope, not one to be found. Sure, I can just call their main number.... how helpful do you think they'll be? Maybe I'll take bets on this one. :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Coaching Moment #165 Weekly Challenge
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#165 Weekly Challenge
What has been your greatest challenge this week? Identify what/who it is and then talk about it with a trusted unbiased source. You shouldn’t handle all of your challenges alone. Great things can come from sharing your challenges with others.
#165 Weekly Challenge
What has been your greatest challenge this week? Identify what/who it is and then talk about it with a trusted unbiased source. You shouldn’t handle all of your challenges alone. Great things can come from sharing your challenges with others.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Coaching Tip of the Month: April 2011 Finding Your Today's Beauty
We all want to change some things (house projects underway, those 5 or 10 lbs to lose, more money in the paycheck...). Okay. But, don't let your current suffer for what may or may not come tomorrow. The key to success and happiness is doing the best with what you currently have (or don't have). Focus on what you are/have today and make the best of it.
Rather than wait until you lose the pounds, give yourself an in-home spa treatment (or go get one at your favorite spa); put on your best outfit (or go splurge on one); stand up straight (pretend you have a book on your head like the old movies threatened us with) and go out somewhere. Be your best self today. Show us what you've got.
Rather than wait for that extra cash in your paycheck, take a good look at what you currently have and devise a plan to spend a little in a new way. Treat yourself to a lunch or dinner deal (one that you wouldn't normally), give to your favorite charity (even if it's only a small donation), or finally put some money down on that bigger item you've been eyeing up. Start somewhere. Starting small is better than not starting.
Don't wait for change to be happy. Be happy while changing.
Rather than wait until you lose the pounds, give yourself an in-home spa treatment (or go get one at your favorite spa); put on your best outfit (or go splurge on one); stand up straight (pretend you have a book on your head like the old movies threatened us with) and go out somewhere. Be your best self today. Show us what you've got.
Rather than wait for that extra cash in your paycheck, take a good look at what you currently have and devise a plan to spend a little in a new way. Treat yourself to a lunch or dinner deal (one that you wouldn't normally), give to your favorite charity (even if it's only a small donation), or finally put some money down on that bigger item you've been eyeing up. Start somewhere. Starting small is better than not starting.
Don't wait for change to be happy. Be happy while changing.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Coaching Moment #164 $1,000 Gift
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#164 $1,000 Gift
Imagine you had $1,000 given to you today. The gift stipulates that you can only spend the money on other people or charities. You cannot spend it on yourself or on things that directly benefit you. Where would you give your money? How would it be distributed among the people or causes that are important to you?
Now, when is the last time you spend time/money with those people or charities? Remember you don’t have to wait for a gift of $1,000 or to make a sizable donation to make a difference.
#164 $1,000 Gift
Imagine you had $1,000 given to you today. The gift stipulates that you can only spend the money on other people or charities. You cannot spend it on yourself or on things that directly benefit you. Where would you give your money? How would it be distributed among the people or causes that are important to you?
Now, when is the last time you spend time/money with those people or charities? Remember you don’t have to wait for a gift of $1,000 or to make a sizable donation to make a difference.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Coaching Moment #163 Here’s Your Genie!
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#163 Here’s Your Genie!
Imagine I gave you a genie in a bottle. You could make only one wish and the wish would only be true for 24 hours, starting now. What would you wish for? Why did you choose that wish?
Spend a few quiet and uninterrupted minutes thinking about this now. Or, think about it over the next few hours as you go about your routine and come to a decision by end of day. This will raise your awareness of what you want and/or need.
#163 Here’s Your Genie!
Imagine I gave you a genie in a bottle. You could make only one wish and the wish would only be true for 24 hours, starting now. What would you wish for? Why did you choose that wish?
Spend a few quiet and uninterrupted minutes thinking about this now. Or, think about it over the next few hours as you go about your routine and come to a decision by end of day. This will raise your awareness of what you want and/or need.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Poor Business Lingo
When someone asks you for something are you the kind of person (1) to do it or (2) do you point out where they can find it or do it themselves? And, which of these people are your employees?
Today I had an encounter with a food industry employee that made me chuckle. I asked her which meal was which (the example could be vegan versus vegetarian or sausage versus ham sandwich, you get the picture). She told me "it is marked". So, if you are a kind, polite, non-confrontational person you now begin the search for "the mark". If you are a tad more assertive you may ask the less-than-stellar employee to still TELL you which is which (perhaps she can't find the mark either!).
Either way, it is important that you teach your employees FIRST by example. SHOW them how to respond to this common question. But also, teach them why their first response (as above) may not be the one desired by you (the boss and paycheck signature). Help them understand desirable responses versus undesirable ones. Do some role play in training. And, you've read me advocate for this before.... send in the mystery shoppers. You need to know what your employees are saying to your customers and how they are responding. I bet your competition knows.
Today I had an encounter with a food industry employee that made me chuckle. I asked her which meal was which (the example could be vegan versus vegetarian or sausage versus ham sandwich, you get the picture). She told me "it is marked". So, if you are a kind, polite, non-confrontational person you now begin the search for "the mark". If you are a tad more assertive you may ask the less-than-stellar employee to still TELL you which is which (perhaps she can't find the mark either!).
Either way, it is important that you teach your employees FIRST by example. SHOW them how to respond to this common question. But also, teach them why their first response (as above) may not be the one desired by you (the boss and paycheck signature). Help them understand desirable responses versus undesirable ones. Do some role play in training. And, you've read me advocate for this before.... send in the mystery shoppers. You need to know what your employees are saying to your customers and how they are responding. I bet your competition knows.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
#162 Do You Deny Yourself?
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#162 Do You Deny Yourself?
List the top 3 things you like to do. Now, when is the last time you’ve done each? Make sure you are making time for the things you love. Schedule each one in your calendar now. And, ask those around you what their top 3 are- and help them make time for them. They’ll appreciate you even more.
#162 Do You Deny Yourself?
List the top 3 things you like to do. Now, when is the last time you’ve done each? Make sure you are making time for the things you love. Schedule each one in your calendar now. And, ask those around you what their top 3 are- and help them make time for them. They’ll appreciate you even more.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Coaching Moment #161Treat Yourself
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#161Treat Yourself
What is the last gift you gave to yourself? It could be a gadget, an experience, forgiveness, etc... Make sure that in the hustle and bustle of life you don’t neglect treating yourself well and recognizing what your needs and wants are.
#161Treat Yourself
What is the last gift you gave to yourself? It could be a gadget, an experience, forgiveness, etc... Make sure that in the hustle and bustle of life you don’t neglect treating yourself well and recognizing what your needs and wants are.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
5 Steps to a Profitable Coaching Business
Five Steps to a Profitable Coaching Business
The primary revelation to any coach unlocking their financial potential is to first recognize that coaching is still an anomaly to most people. Therapy is widely understood, although still taboo in some circles. Mentoring is welcomed and expected to be free of charge. Consultants are well-paid professionals with expertise in a particular area and highly sought. Coaches… well, they have more education to offer before they achieve wide recognition and more lucrative contracts.
Coaches who choose to start and run their own business suffer the same challenges that other experts and professionals do, they don’t typically have an M.B.A. They haven’t been serial entrepreneurs. They aren’t versed in contract negotiation and business management basics. The majority are good or great coaches and mediocre business owners. The good news is that coaches tend to be ready for a good challenge. They are creative, resilient, and fast learners.
There are five basic steps to facilitate a coach becoming more profitable. These steps can be addressed in tandem.
Step 1: Educating Others. Coaches must perfect their “commercials” to all audiences, potential clients and potential leads to clients, and address what they do, how they do it, what the benefits are, and why they are the best person for the job. Coaches must ensure they have the credentials, background, experiences and ability to perform their duties with positive results. Then, they must be able to share that experience verbally with prospects and groups that are helping them build your business.
Step 2: Network. As a sole proprietor, or small business owner, a coach must develop a trusted network of other business professionals who can serve as their sales team. Relationships take time. Quality relationships can be a vital part of a coaching businesses’ growth over the next year. One of my own networks generated 64% of my business in 2008- the first full year of my private practice. Many networks are formalized with exclusive memberships and weekly or monthly meetings. Referrals and leads are tracked and taken seriously by all involved parties. Other networks are informal and built over a longer time with trusted friends and professionals in your circle, city, client base, etc…
Step 3: Fast-Track M.B.A. Most coaches don’t have the time to commit to another intensive degree while building their coaching business. However, the business of business, so to speak, has to take center stage if they want to make coaching a profitable and successful part of their life. Most cities and online universities offer classes in contracts, simple accounting, governmental opportunities, etc… The Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) is a good place to start learning about successful business ownership. How will you determine your pricing? What contract will you have in place to ensure a clear understanding of expectations, deliverables, secure payments, schedules and timelines, etc….? Coaches should also consider developing a team of professionals to assist them in the management of their business: accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, sub-contractors with various expertise, etc… Research and hire them early on. The earlier they are involved the better your business will be prepared to succeed.
Step 4: Embrace Feedback. As the clients’ needs change a coach too should be ready to evolve and deliver. Understand their offerings and be willing to make adjustments as necessary to provide the services people need. If a town is undergoing an economic hardship or industry layoffs it may be wise to take additional training in career development and mapping, gain further understanding of seniors re-entering the workforce, and/or stand ready to address cultural shifts. Great coaches are hired and retained because of their trusted role in a person or company’s life. Their talents often reach much further than one area of expertise. Showing diversity and continual education to serve a client base and acquire new clients is a very attractive feature of any business.
Step 5: Deliver Excellence. Treat every contact as a million-dollar one. Every client is the first and most important. Every person that the coach comes in contact with has the potential to become a raving fan. Raving fans produce more clients, thus more opportunities to produce raving fans. Businesses may be opened overnight but they build successfully overtime with loyal clients who sing a coaches praise at every turn. One dissatisfied client or company can set a business back years in reputation, track record of excellence and financially. If a coach agrees to take a contract at a price they can’t live with, they have no one but themselves to blame. They still must deliver as though it was their highest-paid contact with their best client. Their reputation and business is on the line.
These five steps will allow a coach to develop their coaching practice while recognizing that coaching is a business similar to many others and requires strong management to be profitable. As a coach, their role is clear. As a professional coach in business to be profitable, their role has just been amplified to include multiple other hats. With creativity, perseverance, and their keen interest and ability to learn, they’ll find the right fit as they complete these steps.
The primary revelation to any coach unlocking their financial potential is to first recognize that coaching is still an anomaly to most people. Therapy is widely understood, although still taboo in some circles. Mentoring is welcomed and expected to be free of charge. Consultants are well-paid professionals with expertise in a particular area and highly sought. Coaches… well, they have more education to offer before they achieve wide recognition and more lucrative contracts.
Coaches who choose to start and run their own business suffer the same challenges that other experts and professionals do, they don’t typically have an M.B.A. They haven’t been serial entrepreneurs. They aren’t versed in contract negotiation and business management basics. The majority are good or great coaches and mediocre business owners. The good news is that coaches tend to be ready for a good challenge. They are creative, resilient, and fast learners.
There are five basic steps to facilitate a coach becoming more profitable. These steps can be addressed in tandem.
Step 1: Educating Others. Coaches must perfect their “commercials” to all audiences, potential clients and potential leads to clients, and address what they do, how they do it, what the benefits are, and why they are the best person for the job. Coaches must ensure they have the credentials, background, experiences and ability to perform their duties with positive results. Then, they must be able to share that experience verbally with prospects and groups that are helping them build your business.
Step 2: Network. As a sole proprietor, or small business owner, a coach must develop a trusted network of other business professionals who can serve as their sales team. Relationships take time. Quality relationships can be a vital part of a coaching businesses’ growth over the next year. One of my own networks generated 64% of my business in 2008- the first full year of my private practice. Many networks are formalized with exclusive memberships and weekly or monthly meetings. Referrals and leads are tracked and taken seriously by all involved parties. Other networks are informal and built over a longer time with trusted friends and professionals in your circle, city, client base, etc…
Step 3: Fast-Track M.B.A. Most coaches don’t have the time to commit to another intensive degree while building their coaching business. However, the business of business, so to speak, has to take center stage if they want to make coaching a profitable and successful part of their life. Most cities and online universities offer classes in contracts, simple accounting, governmental opportunities, etc… The Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) is a good place to start learning about successful business ownership. How will you determine your pricing? What contract will you have in place to ensure a clear understanding of expectations, deliverables, secure payments, schedules and timelines, etc….? Coaches should also consider developing a team of professionals to assist them in the management of their business: accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, sub-contractors with various expertise, etc… Research and hire them early on. The earlier they are involved the better your business will be prepared to succeed.
Step 4: Embrace Feedback. As the clients’ needs change a coach too should be ready to evolve and deliver. Understand their offerings and be willing to make adjustments as necessary to provide the services people need. If a town is undergoing an economic hardship or industry layoffs it may be wise to take additional training in career development and mapping, gain further understanding of seniors re-entering the workforce, and/or stand ready to address cultural shifts. Great coaches are hired and retained because of their trusted role in a person or company’s life. Their talents often reach much further than one area of expertise. Showing diversity and continual education to serve a client base and acquire new clients is a very attractive feature of any business.
Step 5: Deliver Excellence. Treat every contact as a million-dollar one. Every client is the first and most important. Every person that the coach comes in contact with has the potential to become a raving fan. Raving fans produce more clients, thus more opportunities to produce raving fans. Businesses may be opened overnight but they build successfully overtime with loyal clients who sing a coaches praise at every turn. One dissatisfied client or company can set a business back years in reputation, track record of excellence and financially. If a coach agrees to take a contract at a price they can’t live with, they have no one but themselves to blame. They still must deliver as though it was their highest-paid contact with their best client. Their reputation and business is on the line.
These five steps will allow a coach to develop their coaching practice while recognizing that coaching is a business similar to many others and requires strong management to be profitable. As a coach, their role is clear. As a professional coach in business to be profitable, their role has just been amplified to include multiple other hats. With creativity, perseverance, and their keen interest and ability to learn, they’ll find the right fit as they complete these steps.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Coaching Moment #160 Feelings Assessment
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#160 Feelings Assessment
How are you feeling today? Optimistic, creative, cloudy, depressed…? Take time to assess your feelings each day. Think about what may have brought those feelings on. And, finally, act on them. If it’s a creative day, make sure you do something creative and you don’t waste it. If it’s a day full of clouds and depression, take extra care to do things that are calming, relaxing and enjoyable to recover.
#160 Feelings Assessment
How are you feeling today? Optimistic, creative, cloudy, depressed…? Take time to assess your feelings each day. Think about what may have brought those feelings on. And, finally, act on them. If it’s a creative day, make sure you do something creative and you don’t waste it. If it’s a day full of clouds and depression, take extra care to do things that are calming, relaxing and enjoyable to recover.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Coaching Moment #159 Your Daily Allowance.
Coaching Moments used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Moments are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#159 Your Daily Allowance.
How much money do you spend in a typical day? Right now, take a guess. Then, track your spending today (or do it for the weekend). Every dollar that you pull from your wallet or pay with credit should be noted and what it was used for. Finally, analyze the cost of what you spent with the benefits received. Was it worth it?
#159 Your Daily Allowance.
How much money do you spend in a typical day? Right now, take a guess. Then, track your spending today (or do it for the weekend). Every dollar that you pull from your wallet or pay with credit should be noted and what it was used for. Finally, analyze the cost of what you spent with the benefits received. Was it worth it?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Coaching Tip of the Month: March 2011 Persistence
Persistence pays off. Most people will never do something. Some will dare to do it once. Few will stick in there until the results are achieved. Which are you?
I was clearing out my filing cabinet to purge old data when I discovered a tattered and ripped piece of a magazine page. Here's what it said:
To be more persistent, just practice it. Write down something you want to do. Tell people about it and ask them to ask you for updates. Do it. Continue to follow-up and repeat as necessary. Just work on being more persistent at one thing. Then another. Then another. Soon practice will make perfect (or near perfect) and you'll see the fruits of your labor.
When someone says they'll get back to you, don't wait around. Get back to them. Don't wait for answers, seek them out. Don't be afraid to ask busy people for an answer- likely you are on their list but way down there. They'll be appreciative they get to answer and move on.
Start to check things OFF your to-do list today.
I was clearing out my filing cabinet to purge old data when I discovered a tattered and ripped piece of a magazine page. Here's what it said:
A word about persistence and determination....Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
-Calvin Coolidge
30th President of US (1872-1933)
To be more persistent, just practice it. Write down something you want to do. Tell people about it and ask them to ask you for updates. Do it. Continue to follow-up and repeat as necessary. Just work on being more persistent at one thing. Then another. Then another. Soon practice will make perfect (or near perfect) and you'll see the fruits of your labor.
When someone says they'll get back to you, don't wait around. Get back to them. Don't wait for answers, seek them out. Don't be afraid to ask busy people for an answer- likely you are on their list but way down there. They'll be appreciative they get to answer and move on.
Start to check things OFF your to-do list today.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Coaching Moment #147 100 Possessions
Coaching Mom ents used to be exclusively for my coaching clients and Champions members. We've now opened them up to share them with you via this blog. Coaching Mom ents are shared each Friday and meant to encourage you on your path to greater enjoyment and/or success- whatever you happen to be reaching for. They remind us to think about our paths, our decisions and our priorities. Hopefully they make you think about something and refocus. Enjoy.
#147 100 Possessions
There is a popular book out now and a movement to dwindle your personal possessions down to 100 items. That includes shoes, clothing, books, utensils, etc… Could you do it? What 100 items could you not live without?
If the number were 1000 could you do it then? Do you have any idea how many items you have in your home? I dare you to stay right where you are and begin counting. Stop counting in 15 minutes and see how far you’ve gotten. Now, did you notice things you’ve not paid attention to in years? Are they really necessary?
Whether you believe this new trend to be insanity or brilliance, think about its greater awareness and application.
#147 100 Possessions
There is a popular book out now and a movement to dwindle your personal possessions down to 100 items. That includes shoes, clothing, books, utensils, etc… Could you do it? What 100 items could you not live without?
If the number were 1000 could you do it then? Do you have any idea how many items you have in your home? I dare you to stay right where you are and begin counting. Stop counting in 15 minutes and see how far you’ve gotten. Now, did you notice things you’ve not paid attention to in years? Are they really necessary?
Whether you believe this new trend to be insanity or brilliance, think about its greater awareness and application.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
.JPG)
