Winning Matters

Business: Is one question enough?

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:02:00 +0000

What is your focus...

- money or passion?
- time or relationships?
- work or vision?

Is life interesting enough for you...

- Who is it you find most interesting?
- What is it you find most interesting?
- What places do you find most interesting?

Is your life everything it could be...

- How often are you at your best?
- How often do you enjoy the fact that you are a live?
- How often are you filled with an overwhelming gratitude for the present?
- How often are you filled with an overwhelming gratitude for the person nearest you?
- How often do you lose track of time because you are so focused and lost in the moment?

Does your business pull or push you forward...

- Do you fight to wake-up every morning?
- Is money your biggest concern?
- Are you eager to share what you do with the person standing in front of you?
- Is your day filled with hope?
- Is your freedom limited or liberated as a result?

Finding direction, finding meaning...

It seems to me if all you want more than a way to pay the bills that spending time with yourself to learn what really matters for you would be important. Without doing so, how will you ever know whether or not you're headed in a direction that is meaningful?

Action steps...

1. Take a moment to write down the seven most influential people in your life.
2. Take a moment to write down the seven most influential people in your business.
3. Go through the above questions as if you were one of the most influential people in your life and business.
4. Take notes, journal, do what you do, just make sure you are paying attention.
5. Use what you learned.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

Business Mindset: Tire kickers don't make good business owners!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Chris Brogan is NOT a tire kicker!!!

If you haven't heard of Chris Brogan just goto ChrisBrogan.com and you'll find his blog.

Why does Chris matter? Because there is something for you and I to learn from what Chris is up to these days...more specifically a series of posts titled "Overnight Success...".

To say Chris' videos have stirred me to action would be an understatement. The "Overnight Success..." videos are more like a wake-up call...a reminder to...PAY ATTENTION!

So, why isn't Mr. Brogan a tire kicker...watch the vids and answer the question for yourself...

Once you've watched the vids ask yourself...

- Would I go that far?
- What am I willing to do to grow my business?

Until you start taking action all the books, the tapes, the CDs and DVDs, seminars and teleclasses simply won't matter.

Do you really know, understanding doesn't count, what having a thriving business will do for you and those you love?

Chris Brogan does!!!

Chris is taking action, like it or not, he has made a commitment and he is going for IT! He knows what a thriving business will mean for him and his family and he's making it happen.

Tire kickers don't go for IT...

Tire kickers don't go for IT, they hesitate, they doubt and they let opportunity pass them by.

Earlier I shared how Chris' "Overnight Success..." vids have been a reminder for me to "PAY ATTENTION". Still, making time for a video even if it's only a minute or two can be a challenge. So, here's a way for you make sure you are paying attention...ask yourself, on a regular basis, the following question...

"Is what I'm doing working?"

Be honest with yourself, don't let yourself BS yourself. If what you are doing isn't working then change IT!

Stop kicking tires and start...

"PAYING ATTENTION!"

...be committed and take action.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

Winning is not just a word!!!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Words are so seductive...

It is intriguing to me how many people have such an affinity for quotes. People will read them, seek them out and even share them. Equally true is that people will have a tendency to relate to quotes on such a personal level that there can be a sense of sharing themselves when they share the quote.

The words because they have such a personal relationship with the individual can take on a life of their own.

Yet, aside from having an affinity for the same quote will one typically be curious enough to ask "Do they really understand what that quote means for me, do they really understand what it is I am meaning or wanting to share?"

I would say this..."I doubt it!"

Lost in translation...

Context, timing and ones situation will no doubt influence how a quote that is shared by another is interpreted. Allowing ourselves to assume that the reader of the quote will understand is a bit short sighted, much like the conversation that passes comments from one person to the next with a casual "you know what I mean...".

If we never take the time to question what is being said and the intent or to share our understanding of same then how do we ever really know that either party is talking about the same thing...in short "WE DON'T!"

What do you mean?

No, I don't want to hear the quote again, rather I would like to hear what you have to say...

- What are your feelings and thoughts
- What has caused you pick this particular quote
- What has compelled you to share the quote with me

The more a word, a phrase or even a quote is shared the less meaning it will actually have. A point that is often lost to many.

There are no short-cuts to communicating effectively.

Do you care enough?

What would change for you if instead of sharing a quote you took the time to consider what the quote means for you and what it is you want others to understand from the quote. Yes, in YOUR WORDS!

What would change if instead of accepting a quote as a response you actually took the time to ask...

"What about that quote is so important for you?"

Much more than a word...

Winning is one of the most over used words in the English language and perhaps even on a global scale and it is exactly because of it's over use that "winning" has absolutely no meaning. Well, at least in a universal sense.

Does winning mean scoring a goal, completing a marathon, getting out of bed, surviving cancer or being a friend?

The truth is, it probably means all of those things and more depending on the person.

The opportunity...

In this case the opportunity might be to ask "What does winning mean for you?"

This is not an easy question, especially for someone who has never considered it. Even for someone who has considered it, it still be difficult to answer in this moment.

The power of the word does not lie within the word itself, rather it lies in the awareness of the person who is willing to contemplate "what the word means for them".

Inspired by...

This post was inspired by @TheSCICoach to follow and read her tweets click here... and her recent string of tweets on winning.

I love the topic of winning..

- It is rich with opportunity for discovery and growth
- It is rich with meaning

It takes courage and compassion to say "I want to win" and to go for it, especially if you know exactly what it means for YOU!

Still, if you don't ever take the time to consider "What does winning mean for me?" how can you ever really know what you are saying when you say...

"I WANT TO WIN!"

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

Self-care: Teachers, guides, students and James Arthur Ray...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:55:00 +0000

James Ray followers die...

If you are not familiar with this incident, Ray recently held a retreat including a 36 hour fast and a sweat lodge ceremony that ultimately lead to the death of two and 19 others injured.

To read more about the James A. Ray sweat lodge tragedy, click here...

More to the point is what can we learn from this experience?

Recorded audio session - The James Ray Incident: A Discussion about Authority with Shawna Bowen and guests, click here...

Pay attention, pay attention, pay attention...

As a student, a teacher, a follower, a guide and even a mentor is important to remember that it is essential, even critical, as an individual that we always put self-care first. There is no one living who has all the answers or an answer that is right for everyone.

When we begin to see someone in that light and give them the power to make choices for us it is a warning sign. A warning that there is something amiss. It's a time to step back and to collect your self and your thoughts.

Your life is your responsibility...

When we allow others to choose for us we suspend our responsibility to ourselves. No one and I do mean no one can be more vested in your life than you. It is your life to live and to experience, it was given to YOU and no one else.

Only YOU can experience your life!

T Harv Eker says it well when he says...

"I speaking from my experience, you can only speak from your experience."

"Try what I say if it works keep do if, if it doesn't then stop!"

We all can benefit from keeping a critical mind as we explore our curiosity and begin to reach beyond our comfort zones.

- Be willing to question what is being asked of you
- Be willing to seek other possibilities
- Be willing to trust yourself and your body

It takes great courage...

To stand for yourself, to live the life you choose does require courage as you will no doubt be challenged and questioned by others. Just remember the person you are standing for is YOU!

- Be your greatest fan
- Be your greatest advocate
- Be your best friend

Your life is yours to live, remember that, treasure it and accept the responsibility that comes with living your life.

What about teachers, guides, trainers and mentors?

Pay attention, you have a responsibility to those who say yes to you. You have a responsibility to empower your students and or mentees to be courageous and to speak for themselves. You have a responsibility give voice to their questions and concerns even if they remain silent.

Seth Godin says it well "It's easy to under estimate how difficult it is for someone to become curious"...

Listen Seth Godin as he shares his thoughts on curiosity, click here...

My point that it is not always easy for the follower, the student or the mentee to question the one they look up to. As teachers it is important to remember this and to keep at the forefront of all teachings and learning opportunities.

Teachers, guides, trainers and mentors are not there to live our lives...

Learn from others, be curious, experiment, give your best effort and live your life. Make your own choices and celebrate those who choose to do the same.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

Business and stories...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:28:00 +0000

The ultimate message...

Stories are the ultimate message as they bring to life what cannot
be conveyed logically. Stories can be inspirational, heart-warming,
scary and even heart-breaking.

Do you have a story?
Do you recall the last time you shared your story?

Chris Barrow says "Tell 1,000 people!"

To polish a stone you must toss it into a tumbler and then let it
tumble amongst the other rocks and grit until it's surface
eventually reaches a brilliant lustre.

The same holds true for the stories you share. Until your story is
is tested, refined and tested again and again it will most likely
lack focus, structure and a compelling message. Not only does your
story suffer without putting it to the test, your skills as a story
teller will most likely be greatly diminished without practice.

Imagine 1,000 people...

Can you imagine telling 1,000 people your story?

What would change for you, how would your story change, can you imagine?

How long would it take you to tell 1,000 people your story...5 years, 3 years, 1 year or less?

If you wait, resist, put it off how long will it take to tell 1,000 people your story?

I know, all these questions...it's just your business right?

Well, what are you waiting for...get out of here...go on...do it now!

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

Business Goals: Does the score really matter?

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:36:00 +0000

Some times I find it easier to relate to business as a parent than as a business owner. This is one of those moments...wink!

Is it really the score you want to watch?

So, often as a parent observing the various sporting events for my children it is made very clear by some (more than not) that the SCORE of the game or match MATTERS. Never mind the skills, the learning, whether or not the child played well or maybe even seeing improvement both at a team level and or at an individual level.

A string of losing scores can quickly over shadow all other aspects of the game and the child.

At the end of the day it will not be the score that the child recalls, it will be their experience. Was my Dad or Mom nagging me because I missed the ball or we lost the game or my play didn't meet their expectations or will they remember how much they enjoyed the game, how well they played and maybe even what they learned.

Does the score matter?

I've always said it like this...until you can play the game, until you can execute plays the score doesn't have to much meaning. It's mostly a confirmation of the fact that you haven't learned to play the game well enough to be competitive.

What about you and your business...

Have you learned how to play the game?
Have you learned the rules?
Have you learned how to keep score?

In business the score isn't as obvious as it is in say a basketball game or a football game.

Let's look at how you're keeping score in your business...

- One of the most common ways to keep score is simply NOT TOO.
- Can I pay the bills.
- Is there money in the bank.
- Size of list.
- Number of customers.
- Is my schedule full.
- Size of inventory.
- Number of sales.
- Am I having fun.
- Reviews.
- Referrals.
- Testimonials.
- Vacations.
- Long weekends.
- The car you drive.
- The house you own.
- Where you live.
- The clothes you buy.
- The food you eat.

...there are more ways to keep score in business that you can count.

Why keep score?

By keeping score you are able to measure how well you're playing in the game called 'Business'.

Keeping score allows you to make adjustments, to ask questions, to consider alternatives. Ultimately it's an opportunity for you to step back and to look at your level of play and the results with an objective eye.

It's an opportunity to consider whats working and whats not.

Not keeping score is like treading water!

If all you're doing is treading water, soon or later you will get tired and once that happens survival becomes a challenge.

By not keeping score you are actually allowing circumstance to control your future. Like a boat without a sail at sea, you will be at the mercy of the moment.

Keeping score starts with you...

Before you can begin to keep score there must be a reason to do so. If there isn't a KNOWN reason, a purpose, a goal or a desire to be, do or have with your business the score won't have to much value. Your motivation will not be what it could be.

Without knowing what you want the opportunities that are revealed to you by keeping score won't be seen. Your ability to choose in the moment will be lost because you will not have a way to measure the opportunity. You will not have a way to see the potential of the moment.

Over time it will be important to keep in mind your reasons for keeping score can and will change and that's okay. Just make sure you have a purpose. Start small, test the waters, see what you can accomplish and build from there.

If you're going to play the game called 'Business' then be there 100%.

- By not playing the game at 100% you're wasting time, the time of your customers as well as yours.

- By not playing the game at 100% you will not be able to withstand those challenging moments all business will face from time-to-time.

- By not playing the game at 100% you will be sloppy and more inclined to make mistakes.

What to do...

1. Decide what you want from your business.
2. Decide how to best keep score (i.e., as it relates to your goals).
3. Play the game at 100%.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

PS: I'll talk more about how to play the game in upcoming posts.

PPS: Looking for a way to turn your business around? Let's talk...

james at coachesbuzz.com

Business Attitude: Don't blame the ducks!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:12:00 +0000

Hey we're in a recession...

Does it feel like everyone around you is talking about how bad things are?
Do you find that it's easier to just agree than to disagree?

Who the hell wants to have a different outlook when so many are so eager to say and look at you like 'who the hell are you and what planet did you come from!" Very few are up for the challenge...so most will settle for the discomfort of being agreeable with all the people they disagree.

In short those who settle have allowed everyone else to TELL THEM how to think, how to live and how to feel.

I'm here to say 'SCREW THE DUCKS!' YOU have a choice...

...so, did you listen?

What came to mind?
Are you surrounded by ducks?

12 months from now you can either be another statistic or you and your business can matter enough to others to afford you the opportunity to live the life of an eagle!

Are you a duck or an eagle?

Whether or not you disagree I want to hear what you have to say...so, leave a comment and tweet me at... CoachesBUZZ

Just remember 'I'M NOT A DUCK!' you want to argue for your limitations and challenges find someone else...

I'M NOT INTERESTED!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

PS: In the words of Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero 'If it's not hell yes, then it's hell no!'

PSS: If you are looking for a coach with a kick-ass attitude. Guaranteed to challenge, encourage, inspire and to help you to see and live YOUR GREATEST POSSIBILITY...let's talk...

james at coachesbuzz.com

...stop waiting, either you want it or you don't!

Mindset: Being Real...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:54:00 +0000

I'll keep this short and sweet...

I have started and stopped at least a half a dozen blog entries and written countless miscellaneous notes with regard to winning and NONE of them have passed the ultimate test...me posting them to the blog.

Who knows, who cares, it happens...

Sometimes things don't flow...
Sometimes things really do suck...
Sometimes you really do need to scream...

...and THAT'S OK!

At best I'm imperfect and the same could be said about my work...

If things aren't working for you?
If you're struggling?
If you are starting to think 'What the hell am I doing?'

Well, RELAX! Give yourself a BREAK!

Change it up, choose something different to focus. Allow yourself to be YOU, allow yourself to experience FULLY your experience.

Serious, PAY ATTENTION you are most likely on the verge of learning something new. If not and you live through it you might just find that you have a valuable story to share.

So, stop fighting IT, because IT is really YOU!

Even YOU deserve a BREAK!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Winning Attitude: Unconditional love!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 02:15:00 +0000

How willing are you to give?

What I mean is this...

Do you give freely or with condition?
Do you give freely or with expectation?
Do you give freely or with guilt?
Do you give freely or with resentment?
Do you give freely or carelessly?

Again, how willing are you to give?

Here are two powerful quotes for you to consider...

1. "People don't care what you know until they know you care."

Do people get that you care?

2. "We must learn to love life without trusting it." G.K. Chesterton

Trust doesn't come first! Trust isn't earned, it is given!

How trusting are you?

Actions:

1. Give yourself time each day to consider and to observe yourself and others.
2. Consider how willing you are to commit to others and yourself.
3. Notice how willing others appear to be when working with you.
4. Take notes, record yourself...get it out of your head!
5. Pay attention...wink!

Give your thoughts and your feelings a voice!

Before there is an action, there is a choice and before choice there is attitude. Our attitudes, and our perspectives shape our relationships, our lives and yes, our businesses!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

PS: Remember "PAY ATTENTION!"

Coaching: 3 reasons why I'm not the coach for you...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:59:00 +0000

You're satisfied with your life?
You're unwilling to make an effort?
You don't have a dream?
You know all you need to know?
You are happy alone
You enjoy overdraft charges
You enjoy cutoff notices
You enjoy being broke
You enjoy having money as an excuse to not go to the party
Your happy doing the same thing over and over and over again
You want someone else to care more than you do
You want someone else to work harder than you do
You would rather complain
You're right, really you're right
Your life is someone elses fault
You're unwilling to pickup a penny, a nickle, maybe even a dime
You're willing to do just enough
Your dream is "someday"
Being average is good enough
You aren't worth retail price
Noone really cares including you
You're to afraid
You put yourself last
You're reasonable
You're comfortable
You're not committed
You're committed to what you have
You want to keep everything in your head
Noone can do it better than you
You doubt yourself
You're angry
You've given up
You're willing to settle for less
You believe everyone else
You don't want to feel
You need to be convinced
You'll be serious...if
You'll believe...when
You'll do it...only when
You think "I can do that" and then do nothing
You want a guarantee
You want more than you give
You are confinced money is bad
You don't want to make money?
You want a job not a business
You think "why bother"
You're not worth $97 a year
You enjoy being mad
It works for everyone else not me
You're different, your the exception
You have to be convinced
You have to be motivated
You always choose the hardest path
You are convinced simple doesn't work
You are convinced noone else cares, so you don't care
You'll eat anything and expect to feel good
You'll do nothing and expect to have energy
You won't ask for help
You value others more than you value yourself
You're actions impact others and you don't get it
You think everyone else thinks like you
You're resigned to your life
You would rather invest a dollar in a lottery than 5 minutes in yourself
You believe luck has nothing to do with taking action
You don't plan
All the great opportunities are taken
Even free isn't good enough
People don't deserve to be paid for what they love
Planning is limiting
Speed is a challenge
Perfection comes first
Focus on why it won't work
Focued on the doubters
You're lazy
You want the easy path

Do your actions match what you're thinking?
Does your thinking match your actions?

Winning Does Matter!!!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Coaching: What's great about coaching...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Who's Andrea J Lee?

If you are a coach and you haven't heard of Andrea, it's time...and here's your chance. She is always up to something and right now her latest biggy is quietly being assembled, yet she is starting to tease the world with the tiniest of glimpses.

Anyways, I digress, coaching is one of those things you can't put in a box, although it's been done, and you can't put it in a book, although that's been done. Still, it is the actual experience of coaching that really says it all. And, everyone has a different experience...yep...I know, it's crazy good!

What's great about coaching...

Andrea recently posted to her blog a post that shares five quotes refering to what is great about coaching. I added my thoughts to the mix and would encourage you to do the same.

click here to view Andrea's post...

It's a chance to share your experience of coaching and maybe even to contribute to something bigger than you.

Share your experience...

Have you had a coaching experience you would like to share? Please do by leaving a comment.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

PS: Make sure you take a second to check out Andrea's post.

Business Strategies: Did you miss it?

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 09:30:00 +0000

Growing your business in 2009...

Every Wednesday during 2009 you will have an opportunity to join me and a growing community of action oriented business minded professionals who are working to build a profitable and thriving business in 2009. A business they love for the life style they want to live.

Listen to last weeks live audio recording, NOW!

Isolation is a challenge for most solo-professionals...

Do you ever find it frustrating and lonely as you work in and on your business?

This really is a great opportunity for you to turn your loneliness around. Join me every Wednesday on a lively weekly business call focussed on answering questions, discussing strategies, your business and your dream.

You can get started without spending a dime...

Each of the "Winning Matters!" calls will be held every Wednesday.

Call time 11:30am Eastern Standard Time

Phone number: 1-218-936-7999
Access code: 977222

Call length: 90 minutes

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Client Attraction: It starts with excellence!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:05:00 +0000

Are you playing all out?

It really doesn't matter how everyone else plays the game when it comes to business. Ultimately your business, it's success and all you achieve with it comes back to "YOU"!

A couple questions to ask yourself...

Have you set up your business to win i.e., have you given yourself the best possible chance to win?

Are you going through the motions?

Have you settled for "good enough" or "close enough for government work" as your standard?

...people know these things intuitively when then meet you. If your not playing the game with everything you have to give it will become very obvious at the time when it's most critical. The moment the curious visitor decides to say "YES! I'm in..." or "Not today...".

80/20 rule...

Have you ever heard the saying "80% of winning the game is showing up."

Or have you ever heard "20% of business is about skill, the other 80% is about attitude."

Both sayings, while they may be accurate, can actually take you out of the game i.e., keep you from having the successful business you want if you are not careful. This is especially true is you are a soloprofessional or a solobusiness owner (i.e., a life or business coach).

How much skill is enough?

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 be "AAAMAZING" and 1 being "BOOOOO! HISSSSS!" how would you rate your skills, your ability to perform the service you delivering?

How would you rate the quality of the service you deliver? (10 being "OMG I WANT MORE!" and 1 being "EEEEEW, GET AWAY, NOW!")

My point, unless you are going to promote someone else, someone who is EXTREMELY skilled, you will have to be the one with the skills! You will have to be the one with the "MAGIC"!

Before attitude comes skill...

First things first, become a master at what you do (the service you want to provide). Once you are masterful then focusing on the business will be much easier.

Excellence in action...

...exellence is very compelling and extremely attractive.

When you skills are masterful it's easy for people to remember you, it's easy for people to recommend you.

Time to get real with yourself...

1. Are you delivering the quality of service you want?

2. Are your clients AAAAAMAZED by you and the benefits of working with you?

3. How compelling is the experience of working with you?

4. What 3 things could you do today to improve your skills and your service?

5. Well, what are you waiting for...GET BUSY!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Coaching Services: Charging To Much?

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:40:00 +0000

When we challenge ourselves, we challenge others!

In a recent blog post Christian Mickelsen openely shares how his recent prices hike is making his subscribers "MAD".

On my last "Winning Matters" weekly call we spent 90 minutes talking money and how it impacts your coaching business, clients and your life.

The call is every Wednesday...

Call time 11:30am Eastern Standard Time

Phone number: 1-218-936-7999
Access code: 977222

Call length: 90 minutes

Back to the whole money thing...

It's unavoidable, money impacts you whether you like it or not.

When you live in an over populated and heavily polluted area the quality of the air you breath is impacted. Change your environment, move to a different area, and you can change the quality of the air you breath.

Zig Ziggler compares money to air. "Money's like air, you don't need it unless you want to breath!"

Your attitudes, perspectives, believes, experience, observations and learnings all work together to either give you a good feeling about money or a yuky feeling about money.

Ultimately it's up to "YOU"...

Either you see money as a limitation or a possibility.

And the important thing about how you see money is that it will impact how you willing you are to receive it just as much as it will impact how much you're willing to spend.

Final thoughts...

1. Checkout Christians blog post, read my comment and share your's as well.

2. Join me on the Winning Matters call today...even if you're late or have to leave early.

3. Start looking at how you relate to money...is it a limitation or a possibility.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Coaching Business: Surviving the Home Office...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:05:00 +0000

If you have an office at home you'll want to read this post...

It's to complicated...

I recently came across a post at Michael Port's new Booked Solid Network and the poster shared a challenge that is all to familiar. How does she keep her office space and time free of toys and other household things and family demands?

This morning while reading and reflecting on the post. I realized the typical advice in such cases is, far to often, more likely to complicate the matter by adding more work and stress rather than simplifying and reducing stress.

Let me explain...

The symptom isn't the issue...

The easy thing to do is to say..."follow these 10 steps and you'll be golden. Life will forever be wonderful from that point on..."

Question: If you don't have time to handle what you're doing right now, how will you ever have time to add 10 more steps to your work load...get the point!

Not having a clear division between the home office and the house and family is a symptom, a result of your current habits and even your current perspective. Habits and perspective lead to certain predictable choices and those choices lead to the same actions over and over again.

When you or I focus on the symptom without looking at the cause life can quickly become "HELL"! It's like a dog chasing it's tail, even if he catches his tail, then what?

You are not alone when it comes to struggling with how to make your home office a more productive environment.

Don't focus on the clutter...

I suggest that looking at the cause of the clutter or the challenge is far more effective than focusing on the clutter itself. Here's an example...

We live in an old historical home and closet space seems to be more of an after thought than a functional living need.

Well, for the longest time we fought with the children and keeping their toys and things off the floor. It was an "EVERYDAY EFFORT" and "DRAIN" on my energy as well as my wife's.

Then it happened, my wife made a comment, one she had probably said before and I just didn't hear it..."If they just had a place to put all the toys..." Once I heard those words "I GOT IT"!

I immediately went out and purchased some drawers and storage bins and then the miracle happened..."WE HAD MORE SPACE...WINK"! Wow, it was unbelievable.

Prior to understanding the CAUSE I was focused on the mess and constantly moving the mess from one place to the next. Nothing really changing other than the location of the mess.

Does this sound familiar?

What is the cause...

Think about it as what is the cause of the challenge...rather than, what is the challenge...

eat too much = weight gain

stopped exercising = weight gain

save money = take a vacation

save money = cash reserves

Ultimately you could say -

awareness = choice

You might even say -

habit without awareness = no choice

So, are you giving yourself a choice or not?

Time for a change...

Rather than add to the complexity of your day ask yourself...

What could I do to simplify communication with my family? (Goal: Ease transition from working Mom to working Entrepreneur)

Make a list and keep it with you for a week to write down new ideas as you're going about your day.

What could I do to keep my office space free of household clutter? (Goal: Create a productive working environment for you as an Entrepreneur)

Again, make a list and keep it with you for a week to write down new ideas as you're going about your day.

If there isn't a compelling reason for you to make the change, your habits will win more often than not.

No compelling reason to act = Same old thing

Cause and effect!

You might say that the effect you want is a clean, stress free home office. Yet, that's only a stepping stone.

You might even say being more productive with your time is the net effect. Yet, that's only a stepping stone as well.

Then again might say making more sales is the net effect and still you will only be looking at a stepping stone.

Go ahead...continue this process on your own to see where it takes you.

Is it frustrating but tolerable...

If you don't take the time to understand the "WHY" you will never be motivated to make a different choice or to take a different action. Doing what you're currently doing will continue to be the norm.

What is the ultimate benefit to you turning your home office into a place that allows you to be the very best entrepreneur and business person you can be?

Don't allow yourself to tolerate the frustration, dedicate some time to answering the questions and understanding what is really motivating you to have a business.

Give yourself a chance!

Key points...

1. Change your perspective, change your choice

2. Change your choice, change your action

3. Change your action, change your outcome

4. Simplify

5. Have a compelling reason to change

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Business: Seasons of Opportunity, Followup...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 22:50:00 +0000

Beyond our control...

Some interesting things happened since my last post. Without an effort on my part, today, I know exactly what happened to the YouTube link I shared last year. The musical sensation with which I was so taken with found themselves and their extremely popular video removed from the YouTube website all because of a third party copyright claim...OUCH!

Sometimes things will happen that are beyond our control. Like so much of business and life it is not as important that it happened as it is how you will respond or maybe even react.

A lost opportunity can quickly become a new opportunity.

I had given up...

As I shared previously "I didn't have a clue..." when it came to remembering the name of the group. All I had was a link to YouTube that went no where.

Well, after I had written my previous post I pretty much let go of the idea that I would be able to share the link and the fabulous sound created by some amazingly gifted vocalists. Life quickly went back to normal and then it happened.

Word of mouth is amazing...

My wife mentioned the group and how much her friend was enjoying the YouTube video, that's right "THE YOUTUBE VIDEO"! I looked at her with complete confusion..."how is that possible?". As I started to doubt myself (which we'll ignore for the moment...wink) she explained that she was sent a new link.

The new link included a new recording of the same song by the same group...the "Straight No Chaser" vocalists...enjoy...

Here is a second video short I'm sure you will enjoy just as much...

Time to put on your business hat...

Take a moment to consider what makes this group so popular?

How can you benefit from understanding what makes them so popular?

Finally, what action can you take today, to begin to build your popularity?

Remember, the power of "Word of Mouth" is HUGE!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Business: Seasons of Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:57:00 +0000

Are you paying attention?

This morning I spent some time going through my past emails...

December 2007

December 2006

December 2005

...and realized a couple things.

Is there a lesson here for you and I?

1. What "once was" doesn't always last...

Last year I sent out a YouTube link that featured an amazing group of male vocalists. Today as I clicked on the link YouTube tells me the video is no longer available...copyright blah, blah, blah.

What a loss, here I sit wondering "what is the name of the group? is there another way to find them?"

I wasn't paying attention...

2. I noticed a pattern...

Awareness is so important if you wish to change. Sometimes simply having the willingness to say it out loud, to acknowledge or even to just notice a habit or a thought can be enough to eliminate the frustration it once caused.

If you've ever struggled with journaling just open your email and start going through the emails in your sent folder. Notice your subject lines, notice the seasons and notice what is old and today appears to be new.

What will you notice?

Go ahead, take a moment to notice...

What's old?

What's new?

What's forgotten?

Accomplishments?

Celebrations?

...all are there for you to discover.

What opportunities will you see this holiday season?

Opportunity is always near. Being able to recognize opportunity takes practice and often means learning how to "pay attention".

What action will you take?

Paying attention is the first step, taking action will make a difference!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Entrepreneurs: Success versus Failure...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 20:32:00 +0000

So, here's a quick thought I just happened upon...

"Making mistakes is a part of the process not the result!"

Keeping your head in the game is about having a perspective that supports you in consistently taking actions to move you toward your desired goal.

Mistakes can only happen when you are taking action. Celebrate your mistakes just like you would celebrate your achievements.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Coaching: Curiosity and possibility...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Curiosity is where possibility starts...

Here is a great video bit with Seth Godin sharing some thoughts about the need for curiosity and what it really takes for someone to become curious. A provocative perspective to say the least. Enjoy...

What about you...

Are you a fundamentalist or not?

What would change if you began to embrace a perspective of curiosity?

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Coaching Business Book: Andrea J. Lee's giving it away for FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Wanna be's or the real thing...

In the world of business there far more "wanna be's" than there are those who actually have the experience. This resource is the real thing and it's coming from someone who without question walks her talk and "KNOWS" through experience what works.

Wisdom, insight and charm...

I can't imagine having a discussion with Andrea and not walking away with some piece of wisdom or insight. It has, for me, been a constant experience with her...either by phone or by email she always seems to have a way of saying or suggesting something the leaves me thinking "WOW"!

In one of my earliest discussions with Andrea we were talking about income and challenges with money and she shared with me this amazing pearl...

"Small business owners who have money issues that last longer than 3 months don't really have a money issue!"

This thought both in regard to money and the context of time is so powerful. It literally changed how talked and felt about money from that point on. It allowed me to begin to focus not on the money, rather on the challenge I was actually dealing with...

Money is only the symptom, nothing more!

As I prepare to launch my 2009 program "Winning Matters" I realize just how powerful and timely this offer is for those who are willing to take action.

Andrea is offering the beta version of her AMAZING BOOK "Multiple Streams of Coaching Income, The Future of Coaching Is Now" FOR FREE! Just a name and email address...nothing more!

When I first read this book I blown away...I kept finding myself thinking and saying "So, true!"..."You're right!"..."OMG!" I was taking notes left and right and spent weeks (actually months) contemplating and working with all that was shared. Heck it still impacts my choices when it comes to business.

Here's the link..."OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 8th, 2008!"...

FREE Book!!! "Multiple Streams of Coaching Income, The Future of Coaching Is Now" - click here...

If you're building a coaching business this book is an "ABSOLUTE MUST READ!"

To your success,

James Possible

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Professional Coaching: A tribe in chaos...

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Leading the industry or not?

Recently, as I began to search for details regarding the recent International Coach Federation Global Conference (i.e., ICF Conference) I came to realize how little their community of members shared with the world this coaching industry event.

What does this mean? I'm not sure that I really could say...I just know that it is a great disappointment to see so very little information being shared with the world given that the ICF's core purpose is said to be "To advance the art, science and practice of professional coaching."

Over 15,000 members...

ICF has more than 15,000 members in nearly 90 countries and more than 160 chapters in over 50 countries.

A Tremendous Surprise...

Anyways, back to why I'm creating this post...

As I began to dig around the ICF 2008 Conference page I found and amazing give away. A prize, a gift for my curiosity and desire to find out more, I'll share more in a second. The give away sparked a question in me that I wan't to share those who are professional coaches (i.e., Life Coaches, Executive Coaches, Spiritual Coaches, Personal Coaches, Business Coaches etc.) and looking for a way be a part of the bigger picture, a way to collaborate and play other like minded entrepreneurs.

If you are such a coach here's my question...

In the audio version of the book "Tribal Leadership", by Dan Logan, John King, Halee Fischer-Wright, King talks about stage four organizations and compares the work of George Washington to such. I find myself potentially seeing our community of coaches as an organization in chaos a community locked in stage two or three. A community not eagerly embracing all of it's members and supporting those who are wanting to add their contribution to the mix.

A community without leadership!

How many leaders do we have within the community speaking the language of stage four?

I truly feel Thomas Leonard created a stage four community within coaching. A community eager to collaborate and encourage one another. A community with a voice. Even years after his passing I was able to easily find information relating to coaching, Leonard and Coachville via Google. It was everywhere!

Not only was he prolific, the community he stirred and touched "his tribe" was prolific!

Still, with his passing at least at first glance it seems to me that the tribe that once called Leonard their leader is today fragmented and perhaps even loss or missing the tribe.

Has profit become the voice of current leadership?

Intellectual property a bigger concern than collaboration or even the potential sharing of creative thought.

There are many professional coaches today feeling and dealing with isolation and wanting to be a part of a tribe, a stage four tribe. Still, they may not even realize that is what they are missing.

Can the coaching community once again be joined in a creative and collaborative frenzy of hope and expectation...that is the question?

Without the critical mass of a stage four community the hope changing the world as a whole may not have as much potential or may take so much longer than what some of the few thought leaders are anticipating.

As professional coaches we must find our voice and be willing to share it loudly with the world, no longer is a side conversation at a tea party enough!

Your voice matters and you can start by listening to this audio...

It's time for a change!

James (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Entrepreneur: Global Entrepreneurship Week

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:18:00 +0000

56 Nations in all!

Mentoring is big piece of building a sustainable future for innovation and creativity.

This November from the 17th through the 23rd young entrepreneur minds will be asked to innovate with imagination and creativity during the Global Entrepreneurship Week competition.

Find out more...Global Entrepreneurship.

Potential is not for the faint of heart...

Learning to hear, to embrace and to act on what we know intuitively is a key part of being an innovator. Global Entrepreneurship Week has been created to encourage young entrepreneur minds to do just that; to innovate in a competitive and supportive environment.

"The future belongs to those who dare. " - Unknown

Imagine only six days and a pack of Post-it notes...

What would you create?
What could you imagine?

How far would you be willing to go with your creativity?

During the first competition the participants where able to take a pack of Post-It notes and create...

- Music
- Raise and donate money
- Educate children

...and much more.

Be inspiring! Be creative! Be the change you want for the world!

Find out more...Global Entrepreneurship.

To your success,

James (Mr. Possible)

Business Mindset: The Man and the Butterfly!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:43:00 +0000

Today I'm going to share a writing that was inspired by a very similar piece. A piece without a known author and far to many variations. So, rather than spending my time sorting out which variation I like most I chose to rewrite the piece in my voice and word. Enjoy...

The Trapped Butterfly!

One day a man found a butterfly cocoon. Wanting to watch the butterfly emerge from the cocoon the man took the cocoon home.

Several days later the man noticed a small opening in the cocoon. Curious, he decided to watch. After several hours of watching the butterfly struggle to squeeze it's body through the tiny opening the man noticed the butterfly's progress had come to a stop. It seemed as if the butterfly could go no further.

The butterfly was trapped!

Deciding to help the butterfly, the man took a pair of scissors and snipped away the remaining cocoon. Eventually setting the butterfly free.

As the man eagerly watched the butterfly, with it's swollen body and small, shriveled wings, he could not help to wonder how long it would take for the butterfly to spread it's wings and to fly away.

After an hour or two of watching the swollen butterfly crawl around on the ground the man decided he could wait no longer. His curiosity had faded and his frustration grown as he began to realize the butterfly was not going to fly with such small and shriveled wings.

What happened, the man wondered?

In his hurry to free the butterfly the man did not stop to consider what he did not know: the cocoon and it's small opening where designed to make the butterfly struggle. Without the struggle the fluids from the butterfly's body would not be forced into it's wings. Without the fluids being forced into the wings the butterfly would not fly.

Like the butterfly sometimes the struggle is what helps us to reach our potential!

- What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?
- What is the benefit of facing your biggest challenge?
- What will it take for you to face your challenge?

To your success,

James (Mr. Possible)

Small Business: Winning in business, your dream depends on it!

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:59:00 +0000

Financial Freedom!

T. Harv Eker says it best "First you have to win the money game!"

Most people start their own business to do just that..."win the money game!" Still, it is all to often that these small business owners find themselves working harder and longer than they ever did as an employee. Truth be told they are a far more difficult boss to work for (i.e., working for themselves) than any other boss they've known or work for to date.

5 challenges you might face...

While there are many reasons we can find ourselves as small business owners struggling just to make it let alone enjoying it, let's focus on a couple key points...

1. You have to do it yourself or it won't ever be done correctly!
2. Hardwork equals success!
3. You can't afford to pay someone else!
4. You don't have a target income beyond "your monthly bills!"
5. You don't have a target audience beyond "anyone who will pay!"

You don't have to match-up with all 5 points to find yourself trapped in a business that will never give you the time to enjoy what you have created.

Which one is your biggest challenge?

A great book to read is "The 4-hour work week!" by Timothy Ferriss.

In his book Ferriss repeatedly talks about "challenging your assumptions!" If you are willing to do just that you will find both your business and your life changing in powerful ways.

The first step to any change is to have an awareness of what it is you want to change!

If you are convinced that you are the only one who can do what you do and no one else can do it as well as you...get ready; your life is going to be miserable!

How can you challenge your assumption?

Time for a change!

Pick something small, something you might want to do and may even feel like you have to do it and consider the following...

1. On a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being "EXTREMELY DIFFICULT" and 1 being "EXTREMELY EASY" rate one of your typical tasks.

If the task you are rating comes in at a 6 or less then make it your goal to find a way to have the task completed without you having to be involved.

2. Once you have found a way to complete the task without your involvement then give yourself 3 to 7 weeks to test it out.

3. At the end of the test period rate the success of your test on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "EXTREME FAILURE" and 10 being an "EXTREME SUCCESS!"

If your test rating was a 6 or less ask yourself "What could I change to improve the results?"

If your test rating was a 7 or higher ask yourself "Do I need to improve the results?" If so, take some time to consider how you might improve it.

4. Repeat the process.

Note: Once you are satisfied with the completion of a given task then move on to the next task. Repeat often and continually.

Financial freedom is an outcome or a result of how effective you are at building a business or being self-employed. One or the other...not both!

Hint: Self-employed rarely means "financial freedom."

You can change that today...

To your success,

James

Small Business: Dream or Nightmare?

noreply@blogger.com (James Possible) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:31:00 +0000

All they really did was trade one headache for another!

Have you ever known someone who out of frustration with their job and their income started their own busines or even took the time to plan and to save before they opened their business only to end up struggling with the challenges of being an entrepreneur or small business owner?

The dream of financial freedom!

I created this blog to discuss the issues these small business owners, entrepreneurs and coaches face as they work to build a thriving and financially sustainable business.

Is this you or do you do someone struggling to build their business...if so take the following action steps today.

Action Steps:

1. Subscribe to this blog
2. Visit often
3. Tell your friends
4. Remember to share your comments and to ask question...wink!

To your success,

James (Mr. Possible)