GrowthSource Coaching Podcast with Steve Smith

How to Set and Implement Priorities to Drive More Revenue

steve.smith@GrowthSourceCoaching.com (Steve Smith) — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 14:06:00 -0800

Things that have to be taken care of in the next 24 hours
Things that have to be taken care of in the next week
Everything else

Here’s how to attack those three piles:

First Pile: Take care of immediately
Second Pile: Figure out what needs to be done or delegated
Third Pile: Throw out.

Once you’ve determined your highest-priority activities, how do you ensure those activities are implemented into your daily schedule? Timeblocking is the key, and here’s why.
First, look at each priority. Determine how much time each will take, then put them on your calendar. Treat those calendar appointments with the same respect and urgency you give to a client appointment. Timeblocking, combined with protecting those timeblocks, gives you the best chance to continually bring focused time and attention to your highest-value, revenue-driving activities.
So once again, here are the key questions for Setting Priorities:

Does this activity lead me to revenue?
Am I getting rid of all distractions that hinder my focus?
Am I putting time down in my calendar to focus on the things I’ve identified as important?

If you’re interested in an outside perspective on your business priorities, and strategic guidance on how to focus on those priorities, contact us today to learn about our business and executive coaching programs.

Business Transformations OnAir: Bill Bernard

steve.smith@GrowthSourceCoaching.com (Steve Smith) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:55:00 -0800

As promised here's the full on-demand replay of our recent live Business Transformations OnAir event: Personal Transformation Revealed: Bill Bernard's Journey From Respected Attorney to Successful Legal Consulting Business

2:20- Background: DA's office to civil practice partner
3:30- Initial challenges of starting a legal consulting business
8:30- Turning Point: Choosing to work with a business coach
11:50- Shifting from taking pride in his profession to taking pride in building his business
13:00- Developing a marketing calendar
15:00- Finding and marketing to your ideal niche
20:00- Dealing with conflicting work and personal goals
27:40- Attracting clients with consistent, systematic marketing
34:00- Creating content and coming up with ideas
37:00- Zero-budget marketing strategies
42:20- Making the decision to build your business

A HUGE thanks to Bill Bernard for sharing his transformation story!

Bill is a great example of how the proper application of marketing concepts to professional services can build a transformational business.

I want to thank Frank Klesitz, CEO of Vyral Marketing, for helping us put on the event. If you're looking for help with your database marketing, check them out.

If you have any questions or believe you might benefit from the type of business coaching we offer, reach out to us today

Business Transformations OnAir: From Diving to Thriving: How Erik Hinson Transformed His Failing Business

steve.smith@GrowthSourceCoaching.com (Steve Smith) — Thu, 9 Oct 2014 13:20:00 -0700

Business Transformations OnAir features powerful interviews with business leaders on how they transformed their businesses through business coaching and personal development.

Here's the full on-demand replay of our live Business Transformations OnAir event:

How Erik Hinson Transformed His Failing Business into a Well-Run Profit Generator that Continues to Grow

Here is what we covered with timestamps so you can jump to the section that most interests you:

2:00- Situation: Growth with no profit
5:30- Key questions to identify core issues
8:30- Determining the ideal client
13:18- The process of moving away from being a "One-Minute Manager"
15:30- Developing a self-directed team
18:00- Selling to decision-makers
24:45- Networking for international businesses
32:40- Digging deeper into potential client's problems and providing value through networking
39:00- Diversifying your client portfolio
43:00- Asking the hard questions and overcoming ego
45:30- Taking absolute responsibility for your development

A HUGE thanks to Erik Hinson for sharing his business turnaround story! Erik is a model coaching client and a great example of what can be achieved in a short period of time with guidance and commitment to personal growth.

How Can a Business Coach Help Overcome the Key Challenges in Your Business?

steve.smith@GrowthSourceCoaching.com (Steve Smith) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:35:00 -0700

Looking for strategies and guidance to take your business to the next level? Click here for information on Business Coaching or here for our new Business Advisory Service. Busy executive looking to improve your leadership skills? Click here to learn more about our Executive Coaching Program.
If your business is struggling or you feel like you've hit a wall, working with a coach can help you make the changes necessary to achieve success. Are you unfamiliar with business coaching? Today we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about what we do.

What is business coaching?
Business coaching is a process of helping people accomplish the things they can't accomplish on their own. I help clients focus on on the problem areas and improve them.

What is the purpose?
When people seek out a business coach they are usually seeking help to move their business forward. Most of the time, things they don't know how to do are preventing them from making progress. The goal is for clients to change themselves for a better outcome with their business.

When should I get a coach?
I typically find business owners that are intelligent, well-meaning, and committed, but usually struggle with a few specific things that get in the way of success. These include time management issues, lack of control over operations, and declining sales. We can help you address the problem that's plaguing you.

What can a coach do for you?
You can expect help with clarity in what you want for your business and what you need to do in order to get there. From that point, a coach will help you with skill building and awareness factors so you can get over some of the hurdles that are holding you back. They provide you guidance and accountability to ensure you're doing the right things at the right time.

What is different about us?
I start with the clarity and awareness stage because I'm a firm believer that if you don't know what is getting in your way, you will be powerless to fix it. The biggest problem is people work on the wrong things in the wrong order, so they don't get the outcome they are looking for. There are specific things you need to learn how to do or start putting into practice to get where you want to be.

I put you through a very detailed questionnaire to learn details about you and your business - this assessment uncovers the way you think, how you manage your business, how you use marketing, and what systems you have available to you. Once I have the necessary information, I can spot the gaps, identify what needs to be fixed and how I can help you fix it. I will help you fast track the learning process so you can start working on the right things at the right time, right away.

What is the process?
Once we've determined what you need to do and where you need to go, we have specific sessions where we'll develop a strategy to determine exactly what actions you need to take and when. The goal is to create momentum in your learning and development that will translate to your business, so you can feel like you're in command of what you're doing.

Why GrowthSource Coaching?
I've been running businesses for 30 years and I practice the systems I teach my clients. I've figured out where the problems are, so when you work with me I can get you moving in the right direction and help you develop the skills you need to run a profitable and successful business.

If you are looking for these things, stop by my website. You'll be able to find the program that's right for you. I offer a peer-advisory group program and an executive coaching program in addition to business coaching.

Working with a coach is an ideal way for you to tune up your leadership and feel confident that you're heading in the right direction. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I'm always available to help turn your business around!

Three Fears That Keep Your Business From Growing- And How to Overcome Them

steve.smith@GrowthSourceCoaching.com (Steve Smith) — Fri, 8 Aug 2014 08:56:00 -0700

Fear of Imperfection

With new strategies, people are often concerned with doing it right to the point of perfection. This can stop them in their tracks because nobody does everything perfectly the first time. That fear of imperfection can hold people in one spot and prevent them from moving forward.

Fear of Going Backwards

Often people will learn a new skill or strategy, but the fear that it will leave their business worse off is so great that they procrastinate.

Fear of Leaving Comfort Zone

This is the most prevalent fear business owners have about growing their business. They may not be satisfied with the performance of their business, but if it's within their comfort zone, they probably won't change anything. If you're scared of leaving your comfort zone, you won't want to take action to fix things.

So, how can you overcome these fears?
Recall Past Success: Start by looking at the successes you've had in the past and study them. Playing the mental loop of success in your head can give you confidence to try new strategies.
Visualize Worst-Case Scenarios: An interesting thing about fear is that it's much worse in your head than it is in reality. When you go through a list to see all the possible outcomes, you'll find that it's not such a big deal.
Map Out the Process: It's important to create a path and process going forward. You need to map out a real visual plan and be confident about each step.
If you've been looking to take your business to a new level, and need key insights, strategies and accountability to get there, business coaching may be the answer.
Click here for more information on our Business Acceleration Coaching Program, and email us today for a short consultation to answer all your questions.