One of my top questions goes a little something like this…

…”Corbin, how can I boost my energy, business, performance, and concentration in a healthy, non-junky-store-bought way?”

My best answer is to pack in at least one performance elixir per day. No fillers, chemicals, dyes, or drugs. Just good ol’ nutrition!

The recipes below are copyrighted, and taken as excerpts from our paid coaching packages. The full list is in the dozens, but I’ll share a few of my favorites below. No excuses now, get with it!

Spiced Golden Cafe

A creamy warm-spiced cafe that’s perfect for mornings or anytime you want exotic nourishment. Gold flax seed oil and super-herb turmeric add depth, richness, and golden hues. A delicious drink for a thirsty mind and discriminating palate.

• 2 cups freshly-brewed coffee
• 1/2cup cashews (unsoaked)
• 1/2–1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2–1 tsp ground turmeric (to taste)
• 1/4tsp ground nutmeg
• pinch of ground cayenne *or* ground paprika
• 1 tsp vanilla *or* vanilla-flavored stevia to taste
• 2 Tbsp gold flax seed oil *or* virgin coconut oil
• 1–2 Tbsp coconut/palm sugar *or* other natural sweetener to taste
• healthy pinch of sea salt

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend on high-speed until very smooth.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Yields about 2 1/2 cups.

Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic agent.

Turmeric is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, vitamin B6, iron, potassium and manganese.

Turmeric has long been used to relieve stomach aches; using it four times daily will soothe indigestion.

Turmeric contains curcumin which can relieve or delay the liver damage that leads to cirrhosis.

Halva Bee Java

The best way to describe the flavor of this robust and tasty warm brew is coffee with a hint of halva flavor. Halva derives its name from the Arabic word for “sweet” and is one of the most popular treats in the world. The commonly used main ingredient in halva is tahini or sesame seed butter. Surprisingly sesame seed butter can act like a creamer, adding distinct aura and body to this beverage. Toss in a pinch of cinnamon, coconut oil, honey and bee pollen, and you’re in the superfood coffee zone; conducive for mindful performance and adventurous palates.

For sweeteners I alternate between honey for a more traditional bent and maple syrup for an alluring departure. However, feel free to use any sweetener you wish

• 2 cups freshly-brewed coffee
• 1–2 Tbsp tahini
• 1/8–1/4tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp bee pollen
• 2 Tbsp virgin coconut oil *or* gold flax seed oil
• 1 tsp vanilla *or vanilla-flavored stevia to taste
• 1 Tbsp honey *or* maple syrup or other natural sweetener to taste
• pinch of sea salt

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend on high-speed until very smooth.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Yields about 2 1/2 cups.

Sesame seeds contain a wide range of nutrients including copper. Copper is a trace mineral that helps build strong tissue, maintains blood volume, and produces energy in your cells. Copper is also needed to manufacture collagen, the essential protein that keeps your skin taut and your body limber. Plant foods are the best source of copper with sesame seeds being at the top of the list. Sesame seeds are also a good alkaline source of calcium and zinc which support bone health and brain function.

The calcium content in unhulled sesame seeds is little higher and in a different form than that of hulled sesame seeds. It’s questionable, however, which form is more bioavailable and/or beneficial.

Chili Brasil Espresso

A mix of intense flavors creates this delicious and exuberant warm drink. Sweet, creamy, spicy, and rich; perfect for the wanderlust in your soul.

• 2 shots espresso
• 2 cups Brazil nut milk or other nut milk of choice
• 2 -3 Tbsp cacao nibs
• 1/4–1/2 tsp paprika or cayenne or dried chili flakes
• 1/2–1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 virgin coconut oil (optional)
• 1–2 Tbsp honey or stevia or other sweetener of choice to taste
• 1/4–1/2 tsp sea salt to taste

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until very warm and frothy. This may take a minute or two.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Yields about 2 1/4 cups.

Cacao is an exotic superfood which grows in many regions of the Amazon basin, South America, and Central America. It has a pod or husk, which contains a sweet pulp inside, and the cacao beans are encased in the pulp. A common misconception is that cacao is a major source of caffeine. In fact, it has very, very little. What it does contain is a distant relative of caffeine called theobromine. Theobromine is an alkaloid found in small amounts in cacao, but doesn’t stimulate the system in the same manner as caffeine does. Besides the slightly “upbeat” feeling it provides, theobromine is also said to be a cavity-fighting anti-bacterial agent.

Iced Almond Sesame Mocha

Deep flavorful lower-glycemic beverage that can be served over ice cubes or on its own. Sesame is mellowed between layers of chocolate, almond, and coffee producing a rich and nutrient-dense flavor treat.

I use only plain stevia for added sweetness however, feel free to sweeten as desired.
This is two-part recipe that includes how to make the Sesame Seed Milk needed as the base

• 2 cups *Sesame Seed Milk* (see recipe below)
• 3 Tbsp blanched or white almond butter
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cacao powder
• 1 tsp maca powder
• 2 tsp leftover coffee grounds *or* ground coffee *or* espresso
• 2 tsp sunflower lecithin (optional, but highly recommended)
• stevia or other light sweeteners to taste
• pinch of sea salt
• ice cubes for serving glass(es)

1. Add all ingredients (except serving ice cubes) to a blender.
2. Blend until very smooth.
3. Serve immediately over ice cubes in serving glass(es).
4. Yields about 2 cups.

Sesame Seed Milk

A unique delicacy among milk, Sesame Seed Milk is a breeze to make since no soaking is required. Delicious in beverages, cooked cereals, savory dishes, desserts and anywhere you want fabulous sesame flavor. I used white or hulled sesame seeds to make this milk.

Because sesame seeds are so small the pulp from the milk is very fine which makes it a little more difficult to strain. I use a very fine sieve rather than a nut milk bag and gently move the pulp around with a spatula while straining (being careful not to press the pulp into the sieve). You can opt out of straining and simply blend a little longer until the consistency is almost smooth or as smooth as you can get it. Either way your milk will be a delicious addition to this beverage.

• 4 cups water
• 1cup white or hulled sesame seeds

1. Add ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend on high-speed until very warm (but not hot) and fairly smooth.
3. Strain or use immediately.
4. Can be stored refrigerated up to 5 days.
5. Yields about 4 cups.

Sunflower lecithin is a naturally occurring plant fat that’s extracted from sunflower seeds. Unlike other types of lecithin, it doesn’t require potentially damaging solvents such as acetone or hexane to process.

Sunflower lecithin is rich in Phosphatidylcholine (PC), Phosphatidylinositol (PI), Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid), which are considered beneficial to the brain and nervous system. It plays a vital role in building brain cells and improving cardiovascular function.

Sunflower lecithin is a great source of choline–necessary for every cell in the body as it’sone of the main components of cell membrane.

Destiny Greens Smoothie

Delicious lower-glycemic greens-rich shake. I add a touch of plain stevia for extra sweetness. Rich, creamy and potent.

• 2 Tbsp mashed avocado
• 1/2 cup spinach leaves or other chopped leafy greens
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
• 1/2 medium-sized cucumber (about 1/2 cup chopped)
• Few leaves of fresh sage or tarragon (optional but highly recommended)
• Small handful of sprouts of choice(optional)
• 1 1/2 medium-sized frozen bananas, chopped (about 1 cup)
• stevia or other natural sweetener to taste
• 2 cups ice cubes

1. Add all ingredients except frozen banana and ice cubes to a blender.
2. Blend on high-speed until thick and smooth.
3. Add frozen banana and ice cubes and blend again until creamy and frosty.
4. Serve immediately.
5. Yields about 3 1/2 cups

Spinach is a member of the goose-foot family, which makes it a relative to beets and chard.

Spinach leaves are both a mild diuretic and a mild laxative.

Spinach is best eaten fresh. It loses nutritional properties with each passing day.

Spinach eases constipation and protects the mucous lining of the stomach which helps eliminate and prevent ulcers.

Spinach contains a compound called oxalic acid which blocks the absorption of calcium and iron. However, you can reduce the oxalic acid simply by steaming for at least two minutes or combining with a good source of vitamin C (as in this recipe).

((For even more super-energetic recipes, check out our sister site KitchenLoveStories.))

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I hate selling! How can I sell more of my services in a way that clients don’t feel “pushed,” “forced,” or “uncomfortable?

Most business person greatest fear when selling is being too pushy or to come off like one of the hateful salespeople. Oftentimes, they are the ones who are more interested in pushing their product or services rather than figuring out what the necessity or what services clients need. Regardless of the client’s pronouncements they push and push until they finally said “NO”.

Let’s face it! Selling is tough, and everybody hate selling. Then you must be one tough guy who’s willing to take any chances to sell your services/products.

Getting someone to buy your products or services create a lot of pressure. You came to a point that you have all the right strategy before you approach each prospect. Because you don’t want to force them but at the same time you are afraid to lose them.

Hitting the right balance between getting your point across by being not too pushy and being subtle on selling your service.

5 un-pushy, but effective coaching sales strategies:

(1) Be clear. Crystal clear. Laser-focused clear. Clarity brings purpose, confidence, charisma, enthusiasm, focus, and effectiveness. Having a clear package / service, a clear target market (people you know so well you could give them the perfect gift.)

(2) Be conversational. The second you get into hard “pitch” mode, you’ve lost them. Trust me on this. Sales is a series of conversations leading to a mutual benefit. Don’t lose the “mutual” during the process, and be engaging.

(3) Focus on the transformation. Client is “here,” and they want to get “there.” The “there” should be so tangible, so real, they cannot help but want it now, or even yesterday!

(4) Follow-up with purpose and value. Do you like it when people mail or call to “follow up?” Me either. But I love it when people send me value. Here’s a simple formula: (1) Purpose of mail (2) Direct benefit to the reader (3) The request or reminder.

(5) Set and reset expectations. As powerful and awesome as your thing / service / product may be, your clients will still “see” or “think” what they want. It’s up to you to help them see what is possible, but to also be transparent and realistic. There is nothing that can break your sales confidence more than over promising and under delivering.

Now you’re ready for the sales confidence formula, and being the salesman who said stop the “I Hate Selling” madness and transmute it to “sales love.”

Or … Grab the chance to create so many client opportunities that you’ll have to pick, sign up below for our Best Clients FAST Course.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

5 Decision Filters to Find the BEST Opportunity – Every time

How do you evaluate an opportunity? With so clients and new offers coming at you, how do you pick?

How to separate new opportunities from everything else bombarding your inbox, phone, and social direct messages every day? I’m sharing my 5 Opportunity Filters for your toolkit. I’ve personally followed this filter framework and things work out pretty well.

(1) Is the opportunity pitched correctly and in a targeted way?

Is the pitch way-off without any value qualification? At the very least, it shows lack of knowledge. At worst, it shows a wanton disregard of the other person.

Of course all us business folks need to sell and build. But at least offer something useful, especially on the first contact.

(2) Does the opportunity “feel” or “seem” right?

I know—not a very scientific analysis. But we’re talking gut feeling, intuition. It’s so powerful, it’s a recognized factor in high-level business decision making. Even magazines like Forbes write about it extensively.

I’m not saying to grab an opportunity just because it does or doesn’t ”feel” right. What I’m saying is to take your intuition / gut feel into account.

(3) Does the opportunity fit with your current strategy?

Are you in growth mode? Breaking new ground in new markets? Breaking out of old ones? Have a bigger “why” or purpose which this new thing would fit well with?

Although some business experts suggest using this filter first, I found over the years that good opportunities often come from unexpected sources, and impact life in unexpected (but wonderful) ways.

All things being equal, it’s usually best to only take on opportunities tightly related to your goals. And avoiding a change of goals just because of this new thing. Staying always clear on your mission, objectives, and goals will make this a lot easier.

• What will you have to say “no” to when this opportunity comes along?

(4) Resist saying “yes” to every business that comes along.

The “yes to everything syndrome” is where most new coaches and service providers miss the mark. They think (as I first did) that it’s best to grab anything and everything and take on as many different jobs as possible.

Business expansion is a great thing, but taking opportunities that don’t fit your business profile can ruin you.

(5) Do you have a burning desire to do it?

This the “wildcard factor,” an opportunity that seem to pop up out of the blue. They are so interesting, unique, or life-changing in some way that they seem irresistible.

Wildcards can take the form of an overseas speaking invitation; an invitation to an exclusive mastermind group; a unique volunteering opportunity domestically or overseas; or a brand-new or exciting technology.

In fact, the more you grab these wildcards, the higher your visibility and reputation, the more wildcards will come along. Wildcard opportunities are both exciting AND dangerous. They can—and often will—take your business ship off course. But they can be also be the most rewarding!

What’s Next?

Many newer consultants are concerned with a perceived lack of opportunity. And the “attraction-based” client crowd, feeds this by trying to convince us that by just putting out great content, magic will happen.

But here’s the thing: opportunities follow the law of motion. To paraphrase the great old quote: to have ships coming in, you need to send some out. If you’re delivering value to the world and marketplace, opportunities will come. You’ll be surprised just how many—and how fast—they come your way. And when they do, you’ll have the tools to filter opportunity quickly and effectively.

Now you have the right tools, it’s time for the next big step! Just like great minds—don’t waste opportunity, and take action!

Ready to grab the opportunity?

Then head over to: [Surefire Client Finding Strategies]

Or…if you’re ready to create so many client opportunities that you’ll have to pick, sign up below for our Best Clients FAST Course.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Are you, or someone you know / love / trust looking for better circumstances? Better job or better clients?

Or maybe, like me, you have a son or daughter entering the workforce and want to give them that extra EDGE.

It was that very circumstance (my son graduated this week!) that prompted this impromptu ‘brain dump’ of all things job-getting related.

As a bit of background, I’ve done literally hundreds of projects, dozens of clients, and countless hundreds of interviews. In our enterprise consulting practice, I work with many of our clients to screen and hire project team members. I know what works, and what doesn’t when it comes nailing the interview.

What follows is a super big-old “brain dump” of 30+ years of business consulting lessons, and a few extra bonus years before I broke into the business-ownership world.

Here we go:

Big Questions to Start With

1. The big “why?” questions
   • Why look for a job instead of creating your own company?
   • Why you in particular? What are you offering a potential employer? Specifically.
   • Why interview with that company vs. some other one?
2. The big “what?” questions
   • What specifically will you do for them, and what will whatever that is do for you, your career, your portfolio, and future opportunities?
     • (Notice how the “what you’ll do for them” question comes before the “what they’ll do for you” question…)
     • What do you need to know before you show up for an interview?
     • What cool things will you learn from the opportunity?
3. How will you do the work?
   • Remotely?
   • Onsite?
   • Mix of both?
4. When will you do the work?
   • Any time?
     • NOTE: If you’re just starting out, I recommend keeping your times as flexible as possible. Sometimes the best opportunities fall outside of straight “9–5” shift work.
   • A particular shift?
   • Particular days you will work? Days / times you won’t or cannot work?
5. Do your research
   • What do their clients and customers say about them?
   • What do employees (current and former) say about them?
     • Believe it or not, just because a few disgruntled (or even completely ‘gruntled’) ex-employees trash on the place, does not mean it is not the right fit for YOU. That “jerk boss” everyone grumbles about on Glassdoor or other forums may just think you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread and bottled water—and positively hangs on your every suggestion to make him more money (see later in this list…).
     9. Tough work environments build strong future consultants. Just sayin’. “If you wish to rise, do the difficult…” (from Ben Hur).
6. Then do some more research (Client-side research, and “you-side” research.)
   • You’re done researching when you can articulate your target company’s value proposition, market(s) served, key players, biggest wins, and key challenges, and exactly how YOU will help them reduce cost and / or increase revenue.
   • Know your market value, within 25% either way.
   • Note to you super-brilliant not-yet-college-grads and recent-college-grads: “knowing your worth” does not mean walking in cold and asking for a high 6 or 7-figure salary because of your college GPA, some compliment your professor gave you, or your sheer innate magical awesomeness. Even assuming for the moment that you ARE God’s gift to the business world, you still need burn-in time and proving ground before running up that proverbial ladder.
   • How do you know your worth? I did a piece some time ago on the “Consulting Continuum.” (I also cover this in-depth within my course.) But for now, I suggest subscribing to lists in your industry, and industry / HR-related lists offering you a detailed results report if you take their free salary surveys.
   • Know your fit for the client or job you’re discussing, and what you bring to the party. High performers, top-line business boosters, and cost reducers command a premium over whatever the HR department may have read on Dice.com or some salary site. If you are planning to ask for a premium price / salary, be sure your value proposition is strong, brilliant, and clear.
7. Clean up your social media profiles. If you don’t have a professionally-done headshot (which I recommend you get), at the very least include a nice solo shot of yourself. And for the love of all that is holy—PLEASE don’t just crop yourself out of some group picture, or that intimate snuggling with your sig other picture…you know…where you can still the arm / hand (or other appendages), with the rest of the person cut off. Seriously. Also, no dogs, cats, or animal kissing (unless you’re applying to an animal shelter, charity, or shelter.) Just a nice solid business-like picture will do fine.
   • Exception: if you have an action shot of yourself delivering a talk or addressing a professional group, that’s ok too.
   • Potential employers or potential clients WILL look you up online (at least most will, and you never know which ones, so be ready). Be sure to have a clean bill of social media health.
8. Dress (and groom) to kill.
   • Repeat after me–“flip flops are the devil, flip flops are the devil, flip flops are the devil…” (Possible exception for lifeguards or surf instructors…)
   • Avoid wearing anything that squeaks, “squashes”, “flaps”, jingles, or jangles (unless auditioning for the Gong Show or musical talent competition.) You’re not a one-person band. Instead, you want employers and their staffers focused on WHO you are, not the noises your accessories make.
   • Ladies: smart business pant suits or tasteful business skirt dresses with close-toe shoes.
   • Men: suit, tie, brown or black dress shoes. Darker gray, or navy, white shirt, basic tie with solid color or minimal geometric patterns. No visible leg skin (aka: socks high enough.)
   • Are you into tattoos, strange piercings, or other forms of bodily…er…”expression”? Good for you–now cover them up. (Unless maybe you’re applying for a position as a tattoo artist, or grunge/alt band audition. Everyone else, cover it / them up.)
9. Don’t smell. Get an honest friend / spouse / sig-other / confidant / impartial bystander to smell you (in a non-creepy way) and give thumbs up or down. SERIOUSLY folks.

   This is one of the most important and subtle things people miss. (Just read some of the scientific data on human scent attraction / repulsion if you need more science to convince you.)

   You don’t want to walk in smelling like “eau d’ everything” (aside from potentially off-putting scents, remember that some people are truly allergic to perfumes and colognes), fish salad from last night’s dinner, the Marlboro Tobacco Man—or some combination of them. Aim for a neutral (as in zero) scent. If you can’t hit zero, then at least be subtle, such as mint.

10. Give yourself extra time to arrive. I’m a big fan of the 2x rule: double the time you think it will take to get anywhere.
    • Example: If I think it will take me 30 minutes to get there, plan for an hour.
    • And if the commute happens to be magical, smooth-sailing, and record setting? Then use your early arrival time to review your research, the questions you’ll be asking, or the money saving / profit-boosting suggestions you’ll be making later in the interview. Stay focused on your interview materials, and not fiddling around with your phone. (Unless you’re double-checking your client / interviewer’s contact information.)
11. Bring a tasteful black or brown leather folio with note-taking materials (not your phone!) and at least 3 heavy-bond copies of your executive summary.
    • In your client /interview kit: include TWO pens, minimum. Always have an extra pen, as they—like all technology—will fizzle out on you at critical moments.
12. Arrive 15 minutes early. The first 5 of those 15 minutes are spent visiting the onsite restroom (if available / possible) to double-check your awesomely groomed appearance from step 8 above. (Which, you should also check studiously BEFORE leaving your car, just in case a restroom is not handy inside the door. That said, checking twice–inside the client site and before leaving your car–in case of wind / rain / etc.)

13. Once you’re sure you’re in the right place, TURN OFF YOUR PHONE. Not airplane mode, not vibrate, not ‘do not disturb / night mode’, but off as on O-F-F. As in “device has no power going to it. ” I know, some people do have a medically-diagnosed “app addiction”. If this is you, then fear not. You’ll be turning it back ON the second you leave.)
14. Dispose of any gum or mints you may be sloshing around your mouth. ‘Nuff said.
15. Be polite and professional to everyone. Every. One. (Just a reminder, that the word “everyone” is binary in this case: if any humanoid form exists on the client property, be nice and professional to it–unless they’re messing with your car…)

    From the moment you land on potential client or employer property: landscapers, delivery crew, receptionists (especially them), representatives of any other client companies on the premises (if your interview target is in a multi-tenant facility)—all get the nice and professional treatment. Yep, even the cleaning guy glaring at you in the hallway. Everyone.

16. Check in. Some organizations have really formal procedures for this; many even require temporary badges, passes and escorts. Regardless, check-in, sign-in, be clear as to your name, purpose, and who you are there to see.
    • Don’t assume the front desk has any notice or advance warning of who you are, or that they are in any way expecting you.
    • Don’t assume the front desk has any clue who you are there to see, or even how to contact them. (Trust me on this…You’ll run into front-desk staff—guards, especially—who are astonishingly unaware of who is who at their building, what companies are even there, much less how to contact any of them.) That is *your* job to know.
17. While being escorted to the interview room or office, be professional, but not overly chatty. I like to honestly compliment something about the facility, offices, design, and/or property. Especially, take note of what makes the site unique, and /or any special features. Not only is this “safe” discussion ground, but it shows sincere interest, attentiveness, detail, and appreciation without being “schmoozy”, “grovel-y”, or “suck-up-y”.
18. Use direct eye contact, friendly smile, and firm handshake. (Yes ladies, this includes you.)
    • Bonus note: Some folks like to make a big deal about nerves or “sweaty palms”. Take it from someone who has shaken literally thousands of hands around the globe: no one notices—or cares. EVER. If your handshake is firm, and you’re addressing them at the same time, no one will notice palm moisture. (Ok, maybe if you’re dropping buckets on them—but I have yet to run into that.)
      • Then, greet with something like “good morning / afternoon ((interviewer / client first name)), I’m ((your full name)). Pleased to meet you in person.””

    

19. Sit only when invited to, and only where invited to. (Yes, I know it sounds obvious, but when seen as many hundreds of interviews as I have…)
    • Before sitting, pretend the chair / couch (though, it might be a bit creepy if they want to interview you on a couch…?) is divided in half. Your amazingly glorious self will be sitting on–and only on–the front-50% of that chair, regardless of how big / comfy / super-ergo it appears. (And yes, even if they do plunk you down in a 5k Herman Miller special, you’ll STILL sit on the front half.)
20. It’s ok to accept water / tea / coffee if offered, as long as they are having the same. If not, then politely decline. You don’t want to “drink” alone, as it changes the dynamic. But if you’re both having something, it adds an element of camaraderie or “breaking bread together” vibe to the interview. This can be huge if done well.
21. Bring a list of questions. The number depends on the situation, but I generally like a mix of 5 or so. They should be real and thought-provoking. NONE of them should be “how much money are you guys going to give me?…”
22. Don’t say anything bad about past experiences, no matter HOW much you may be tempted, or HOW much the interviewer(s) may tempt you to do so. (Any skilled interviewer will try everything at their disposal to find out who you really are, and how you really think.)
23. Bring at least TWO (TWO++) direct, and specific strategies that are near-guaranteed to save them money and/or, MAKE them more money. ((DO NOT FORGET THIS STEP.)) I call this the “money step”, and it separates run-of-the-mill candidates from the rock stars. What is it specifically about their company / service / product / industry position that you can help turn into savings and revenue? See the research steps above.
    • I could have included this step first—it’s just THAT important. But without everything else before it, you won’t make it this step. Once you do get here, be ready.
24. Listen actively / attentively, but don’t volunteer information out of turn. Don’t second-guess what a client or interviewer might “really mean”, or where you think they “might be going” with the conversation. Clarify anything that is ambiguous, and never, ever, ever, ever, ever…assume. The subject of what to “say” or “not say” in business interview situations is a vast topic, but I’ll suggest a few guidelines in the next section.
25. It’s OK to not know everything an interviewer or potential asks you. Chances are they’ll throw a curve ball or two. If you really don’t know the answer, put a positive light on it and emphasize how much related experience you have with whatever it is, and how quickly you pick up on new systems / ideas / technologies. Better yet, always bring it back to the financial asset you are. Remember—most interviewers and potential clients are more interested in how you think or approach a challenge, rather than an exact answer. And if you’re concerned about being a touch “skills-short” for the opportunity you’re discussing:
    • I like the “60%” rule when responding to opportunities. It works like this: If I have full confidence that I have at least 60% of what they want right now, I’ll go for it. Keep in mind that companies over the past 20+ years follow the “pie-in-the-sky” hiring model: ask for every known degree, ability, skill, and acronym they can think of, and expect you to have decades of experience with each. Companies KNOW they won’t really find everything. But they also know the more they ask for, the more they’re likely to get.
26. How to wrap up—Inquire about their process and next steps. Let’s face it, chances are good intuitively or explicitly know if you’re getting the job or not before you leave. Not always, but a lot of the time.
    • Get a list of their next steps.
    • Send a handwritten thank-you note. Send a thank-you email. When you do, include something specific and relevant to their business; an article, a study, PDF report, anything extra special. Be memorable—deliver even more value.
27. Follow up. How much and how often? Well, as the old marketing adage goes: follow-up until you get the job / book the client, OR until they tell you to never call them again. Persistence pays. That one extra call or email could (and often IS) make all the difference between you and “candidate ‘B'”.

There are much more aggressive “hire me now” strategies one could follow, but I’ll cover those another time. Following the 27-point list above will put you (or your firm) way out in front of job searches and sales calls.

Topics to Avoid

Your interview / meeting is going well. You’re hitting it off, and may starting to feel comfortable with just “flowing conversation”. Excellent! Now is an excellent time to steer clear of a few things:

1. Weather / traffic. Boring, trite, unimportant, small-talk-ish, and a general waste of valuable and limited-time interview energy.
2. Family stuff / status. Unless you’re maybe hosting a daycare in your home, or applying for some type of in-house nanny / care gig, leave all the family / lack-of-family / family ‘status’ discussions back in your car.
3. Religion / politics / elections. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone has another body part as well. Ditch the first, so you don’t sound like the latter.
4. Bad stuff about anything. Especially former employers and coworkers. Don’t go crazy with the opposite approach either. Consider avoiding “it’s all good”, or “it’s awesome / amazing / excellent” approach. You’re not in “Bill and Ted’s excellent adventure”—you’re in an interview.
5. Anything related to how you “feel”, how much (or little) sleep you got, how much effort / hassle / traffic trauma it was getting to the client site, etc.
6. Stuff you dislike in general. Stuff you like–if it can be made cogently relevant to the interview and interviewer’s company, can be safe if done well.
   • If you’re a super-smart player, you can turn dislikes of things in business / technology, to suggested “even better” improvements—as long as it’s doable for the client, and backed by your research.
7. Benefits Packages. My suggestion is to never directly ask about any company benefits at all. IF they make a huge deal about their “packages”, then it’s ok to acknowledge how great they sound. Otherwise, forget it. Better to focus on things like who you’ll be working with, how that particular group / team likes to work (work style / team culture), what systems and styles work well with them, etc. Remember that many companies today talk up their benefits packages to gloss over the fact they don’t pay well. Cash first, benefits later. (Separate toipc…)
8. Anything “victim-ish”. You had a tough upbringing, or fancy yourself the wrong color / family-status / place-and-time in life ‘got all the bad breaks’ / wrong neighborhood / yadda, yadda. Keep victim-hood baggage to yourself. Everyone has something. The fact that you have an opportunity in front of you NOW is all that matters. Make the most of it. And if it doesn’t work out, create MORE opportunities. Ditch the whining and victim-hood if it applies to you. No one cares, and the business world owes no one anything.
   • Semi-exception: It IS ok though to talk about working through business challenges, or taking on 5 jobs while working your way through college. That shows character and initiative, not victim-hood.

“META” Suggestions

Let’s cap it off with a few suggestions related “to” interviewing, or getting hired in general. These strategies have served me well for decades:

Always take the interview.

If there’s one rule I always lived by, whether shopping new clients, contracts, or just j-o-b-s, it was “always take the interview.”

Even when I was unsure the job was a fit, or I was fairly sure it wasn’t a fit. I’d do it anyway.

Several reasons:

• You just don’t always know how things will work out, and the experience may just surprise you.

  I remember meeting with a small alternative energy company many years ago. The interview wasn’t something I would normally take; they were interested in a mix of identity / security work, and some marketing automation. But they were super-persistent about having a chat, so we met.

  We ended up talking alternative energy markets, deregulation, energy auctions, and a bunch of other topics I learned about. Ultimately, the opportunity wasn’t a fit for them or for me, but what a great experience! I learned a ton, and honed my business skills even further. They eventually referred me on to a local food production company client, and I gave them some suggestions to reduce hiring costs by 30%. Win win.

• You hone your interview and presentation skills.

I don’t believe in the saying “clients or jobs are a ‘numbers’ game.”” Interview opportunities bring practice, and the more the better. But clients or employers? If you’ve done your homework and are super smart and targeted with your value proposition(s), the only ‘numbers game’ you’ll be playing is deciding which salary numbers work best for you. If you find yourself playing the numbers game, then I submit it’s time to revisit your targeting and research activities.

• You make new contacts.

Today’s interviewer is tomorrow’s potential client contact.

• You see from the inside how things work, what makes companies tick. This experience is invaluable for other areas in life, especially business and technical consulting!

Forget whatever the interviewer or his/her staffer may have told you about “not dressing up” for the interview. Always look sharp, always dress as nicely as you possibly can.

See above for more details on “dressing and grooming to kill.”

That old saying about “success is showing up” is valid as ever.

Always be on time, always show up. I don’t care how crappy you feel, how bad things were today, what your car / children / spouse did / sig other did not do… Just get there.

A little story…

Many years ago now, on one of my last “j-o-b” type gigs, I was scheduled to meet with a contract hiring manager up in Los Angeles (I was living in Orange County, CA at the time.)

I had the flu. BAD. I could barely talk. My eyes were a watery puffy mess. I could barely focus on anything, or hold down any food for more than a few minutes. I was sweating. A total train-wreck. To this day, I’m still not sure how I ever even drove to the appointment. (But they later assured me I’d made it…)

Literally—I kid you not—I remember next to nothing of the interview itself, other than thinking how badly it was going to go…Sitting in haze and fog would be putting it mildly, and the only two things I was sure of:

1. I felt like death (barely) warmed over. And…
2. There was no way in hell I was going to get the gig.

And yet…

They were calling my home office number before I even got back on the freeway!

Who knew?

That little project (in a highly volatile environment, I might add…) ended up being a lucrative little six-figure gig, boundless learning opportunity; some technologies I still use (and market on our enterprise side) to this day. It was all upside.

But what had I almost done in my “feeling-like-near-death” condition? I almost called to make my excuse, curl up in a corner, and just hope I didn’t die. I wasn’t really sure I could even make it to Los Angeles without throwing up all over the car (if you’re not familiar with with the Irvine, California to mid-town Los Angeles commute….check it out online. Easily aa good 2+ hours bumper-to-bumper—on a good day—each way.)

That’s just one of dozens of examples from my career. The point is, show up, show up, SHOW UP.

Shop opportunities vs. benefits.

I’ve been an outspoken advocate against public, or business-paid “benefits” for years. Agree with me or disagree, one thing is for sure: for many companies, “benefits” or the phrase “generous compensation packages” is just code for financial, golden handcuffs, and unsatisfying career. Give me opportunities to learn and take on those impossible, or “politically risky projects” any day. Bigger cash and bigger opportunity is significantly more important than “benefits.”

Keep in mind: “benefits” change. Companies constantly change plans, providers, or dump whole categories of benefits.

Taking—and making good on—big opportunities (with actual money compensation) will enrich, grow, and ultimately boost your earning power. Plus, the experience will give you huge talking points and case studies if you decide one day to break out on your own as a consultant or coach.

Don’t be afraid of volatile environments, or ‘risky companies’.

Companies that are downsizing, upsizing, “right sizing”, acquiring, getting acquired, laying off, backfilling with contractors, making bold technology or staffing moves, in the middle of a strike, etc.—these are the interesting places!

Sure, you may only be there for a short time—you may even overstep your bounds in particularly hostile environments, but you will toughen up, grow, and learn powerful lessons. BIG lessons those overly safe / stodgy / ‘old economy’ or other companies can never teach you. Plus, you have the opportunity to play a role in turning around a tough situation. And companies LOVE to hire bona fide turnaround artists.

Conversely, “old school”, “old economy”, “boring”, companies can have enormous opportunity.

There’s something that the biggest, oldest, government and highly regulated companies can give you:

*The patience and perseverance to present your ideas to committee, after committee…after committee…, sell ideas to people who don’t want to be sold, overcome every imaginable (and many unimaginable) objection, and get your ideas implemented.

IF you can succeed in such an environment, you’ll do well in the freelance client market.

Tread carefully in “kangaroo court” interviews.

“Kangaroo court” in the interview context, is the ad hoc “committee-style” interview.

People come in and out, ask whatever they want, sometimes even all at the same time, maybe sitting around a big table, and fire stuff at you.

Some of the biggest companies you can think of employ this practice. It’s not just one interviewer—or even 10. It may be waves of people, in and out of different settings and situations.

Your research (and more research again…) should prepare you for this. Here is wisdom: the bigger the opportunity, the more people you’ll have to talk to. And sometimes, you’ll be talking to a few dozen of them all at once.

Three suggestions for thriving in “kangaroo court”:

1. Write down all the names of the “interviewers” as soon you get them. Get roles and titles, or at least “where” they fit in the organization.
2. Address one question and interviewer at a time—even if 3 people ask you something at once. It’s ok to say “great questions; let me answer each one at a time to make sure I get everything covered.” Smile, answer evenly, hands in front of you always. Take notes.
3. Try to pick out the power players in the group and give them the most attention.

Kangaroo court interviews can be brutal. But, handle them well and you’ll start your first day with a very high degree of respect, confidence, and trust from the team. This type of interview style builds excellent character and interview “muscle memory” for bigger and better opportunities.

There can be gold in the “oldies”…

As in old(er) technologies. The first half of my career (and even to this day), was built on a mix of knowing really old AND really new technologies. Despite what the tech mags tell us, a LOT of the world’s companies and governments are NOT running on the latest technologies.

So, putting all the tech mags, drones, AI, bots, bio-computing, sensors, IoT, cloud this-that-and-the-other-thing aside for just a minute…

Remember that technology cycles move MUCH slower for most businesses than for individuals. Sometimes by as much as 5–15 years different.

Chances are excellent the hardware and software you run at home is several years newer than what many businesses may be running. And understanding some “old tech”, older tools, operating systems, ancient versions of Microsoft Office, old networking technologies and the list goes on CAN actually serve you quite well.

Some of our most lucrative business opportunities came about because of the OLD stuff I knew about.

Now get out there and make it happen! I’m rooting for you!

To your massive success,

\ – Corbin

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Something completely different today…

I’m going to talk a bit personal, a bit business, and share a big announcement later in the show—so stay tuned for it.

Recently, I’ve been doing a LOT of personal-dev training and development. (Way more than usual, in fact.) And as part of that effort, it hit me that one of the things I preach—know where you are at any given time wasn’t being followed.

Things had been so frantic with client business growth, that other areas of the business weren’t getting the right levels of attention. And I was completely out of step with ‘knowing where I was’. (Not a good place to be in life or business.)

I’ll share a bit of that discovery today’s episode and along with it, and a very practicable 5-Point Framework To Always Know WHERE You Are—And What To Do About It

Show notes and resources for this episode available at https://corbinlinks.com/cls055

What You Will Learn

• Why knowing where you are—exactly—physically and conceptually—is CRUCIAL to explosive growth
• 5 “Know Where You Are and What to Do About It” Tools
• Exactly what to track in life and business
• The one thing that most all businesses fail at—and how NOT to do the same in yours
• Super-BIG announcement
• And more!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Catch ALL episodes of The Corbin Links Show
• Do Business Coaches Need Business Coaches?
• Apply for direct personalized coaching with me
• Go BIG and Go VIP! Some of my best stuff happens only on the VIP List. Jump on the train and don’t miss another moment.
• Connect on Twitter
• Subscribe to the Facebook page
• LinkedIn Profile

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today’s episode is a special audio excerpt from the members-only Mondays Rock Letter. To get your own weekly copy of Mondays Rock including power business strategies and tools I don’t share anywhere else, head over to https://corbinlinks.com/viplist.

Short but intense episode today.

I’ll be talking about a topic I see come up way WAY too much with first-time business builders:

That’s the subject of “tools”.

Software. Toys. “Infrastructure”

AKA — Distractions

Software, apps, productivity tools, web services and all manner stuff is great. There’s a time and place.

But when you’re getting started and building the first legs of business? This stuff can KILL your time and income.

So I’ll share a little story from this weekend, along with specific suggestions to reduce your ‘research’ time, tool cost, and just build build build!

Show notes and resources for this episode available at https://corbinlinks.com/cls054

Listen UP!

Resources

• For a refresh, on keeping it real, keeping it focused—check out https://corbinlinks.com/7-steps-to-owning-your-own-consulting-business/.
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I love coaching and being coached—don’t you?

But let’s face it: not all coaching sessions are blissful trips to happy land, if you know what I mean. Like anything else in business, coaching sessions can get off track, or go terribly wrong. And whether you’re on the client or coach side of the table, a bad session can wreck things for both sides.

A bad coaching session can be anything from tempers flaring, to boredom and lack of interest, to frustration and feeling results were missed, and all points in between. Best case, you both escape with your professional relationship intact and try again another day.

But worse, and far more likely, a bad—and certainly a super bad—session may never be recovered. These can and do happen even to the most experienced coaches. After all, this is a people business.

As coaches, it’s 100% OUR responsibility to keep coaching sessions from flying off the tracks. And that’s exactly the topic of today.

I’ll share with you some of the top and most frequent things that can and will go wrong, and what to do about it. OR…prevent things from happening in the first place. Lots to cover today, so let’s dive right in!

Show notes and resources for this episode available at:

https://corbinlinks.com/cls053

What You Will Learn

1. 8 of the most common reasons business coaching sessions can fail, or be less-than-perfect…
2. 5 in-depth strategies to fix broken coaching sessions—or prevent breakage in the first place.
3. What most coaches never do which puts their client sessions and success rates at risk.
4. And much more…

Resources

• 5 Strategies to Deliver Winning Coaching Sessions
• 10 Must-Read Books for Coaches and Consultants
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show and get access to all episodes.
• Catch The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Are you a pleasure to do business with?

I’ll admit to a few times in my past that the “pleasure to do business with” statement didn’t maybe…completely apply to me. In fact, it took a few lost sales and failed client renewals to pull it all together.

Fast forward to today—there are precious few companies, or consultants, who bother to ask themselves this question.

Let’s face it:

Many companies and consultants—especially in the corporate and government space—are a drag.

Endless procedures, huge documents, endless calls, dour people, ridiculous numbers of sales reps showing up from the same company, endless email threads, crazy #’s of meetings, and the list goes on.

Not fun.

And ask yourself: when is the last time you or your firm heard the phrase “it’s / it was a pleasure doing business with you!”

If you DO hear it constantly, then congrats! This mail may be just a refresher, or at least add a few new tools to your arsenal.

But if not…

My premise is business shouldn’t be dry. Boring. Exhaustively corporate. And one way you (and all of us, me included) can combat this is by being a true ”pleasure to do business with.”

How?

Let’s start with a list of:

5 No-Hassle Ways to Become a “Pleasure to Do Business With”— right here and now (guaranteed!)

… So hang on to your ear buds, this could get bumpy…

What You Will Learn

• 5 pain-free, hassle-free, no-charge ways to stop your business competition (hint: it’s not what you think)
• The childhood game that can boost your top line and bottom line.
• How to be remembered by all your clients, and stand out from the rest.
• How to handle clients who make outlandish statements, or challenge your ability to deliver.
• And a bit more!

Listen UP!

Resources

• What to Do When Your Clients Want to Leave You?
• Is Your Mouth Costing You Money?
• The only sales formula you’ll ever need
• Book review episode (includes my commentary on the famous book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”)
• Today’s show was just a taste of what CorbinLinks.com exclusive VIPs get each and every Monday. Head over to corbinlinks.com/viplist to jump on the success train.
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I’ve been getting a few questions lately from consultants asking about client renewals.

Why don’t their clients renew with them?

How come contracts don’t get extended or renewed?

Why no call backs from previous clients?

If you’ve been in this business for more than 5 minutes, you’ve come across this issue. Things are going really well. You may also be delivering great results to your clients…

But when the agreement comes up for renewal, they decide not to. Another way to look at this is keeping a high “client retention” rate or percentage. And it’s right to question client attrition numbers, because something is clearly wrong.

High client retention rates and long relationships better yet—ever-expanding ones—are key to a thriving business. So today I’m tackling the topic of client retention head on. I’m sharing the TOP 5 Reasons Clients REALLY Leave (regardless of what they say to our faces), and how to deal with them in your business.

Another practical and action-packed show, so let’s do this!

Listen UP!

Resources

• The (in)Famous Office Politics Episode
• My (current) Top Business Book Picks
• How to Win Over Clients Who Don’t Follow—Or Completely Ignore—Your Consulting Recommendations
• Acing the Infamous Big Company “Bench Strength” Question
• Finding Great Clients Who Will Stay With You (F.A.S.T. course)
• Subscribe on Spreaker
• Subscribe on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

The Corbin Links Show has just hit its 50th episode for this season. Season 1 ran 39 episodes, for a whopping 89 so far! I’m barreling toward a full 100 episodes!

And to celebrate the 50th episode of this season, I’m going to do something a bit special, which I’ll share in just a few minutes.

But for now, the topic at hand is how to filter and prescreen your clients. So often, we worry about whether or not a client will choose us. And just as often, we think these decisions are related to price, economics, politics, the weather—whatever is handy. I want to flip your thinking. Instead, I want you to be thinking about qualifying those select people who CAN and SHOULD work with you.

(Hint: the answer isn’t “everyone”. But the RIGHT ones.)

Today is another 5-point framework for filtering and screening clients to preserve your time, and boost your income. Lots to cover so let’s roll!

What You Will Learn

• The 5 Big Filters (and sub-filters) for screening consulting clients.
• The one non-scientific decision-factor that beats them all.
• How to discover if a potentially can really DO the work.
• What potential behaviors should send you running the other direction?
• What activities will destroy your business growth?
• How client screening fits with the Sales Equation.
• And more, more, more…

Listen UP!

Resources

• Packaging and Pricing Your Services
• Are You Making These Consulting Pricing Mistakes?
• Sales Fear Formula Episode
• The real story on client acquisition vs. client attraction
• Subscribe on Spreaker
• Subscribe on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Doctor Stephen Hobbs

Today, The Corbin Links Show welcomes Doctor Stephen Hobbs, a true change agent who brings a “wellth” of experience in the areas of:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Organizational Behavior and Dynamics
• Change Management
• How to create a truly creative and effective workplace
• How to Be a More Effective Coach and Consultant
• Models for Rapid and Total Company Transformation
• Creating massive “wellth”
• and…

Well, I’ll let the interview speak for itself. So get ready to get inspired, pick up some new tools for your consulting and coaching toolkit, and take notes.

Let’s roll!

What You Will Learn

• What happens to confused clients (hint: it’s not good…) and how to prevent it
• The one communication tip you MUST know to achieve real breakthrough with your clients
• The ONE major issue affecting ALL organizations and how to modify your business to help fix it
• What business or company ‘culture’ really means for coaches and consultants
• How universities can better prepare students for the real business world
• The role of plate tectonics in business and communications
• What companies can learn from the academic world
• The one question you MUST get answered in each and every client interview
• How the TRIPIS model can transform your (or your client’s) organization
• A deep dive on interpersonal and business communication
• And…way…more…

Listen UP!

Resources

• Connect with Dr. Stephen Hobbs
• Steve’s Amazon Book(s)
• The Work of Kurt Lewin (referenced on today’s show)
• Become a CorbinLinks.com VIP and get cool digital swag you won’t get anywhere else
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Let’s say a company hires you to support a big, really big project or program…

You’re all excited, and at first, it looks promising. There’s a “new vision” at your client site, approved budget for whatever you’re hired to do, and even support from the C-suite and the full board.

All seems good.

But as you start the project, you quickly find that there are a few dissenting voices who REALLY REALLY REALLY don’t want your project to succeed. Maybe even kill it themselves, if they can.

Or they can’t kill the project, at least sabotage it and make it look bad, so that their competing effort can look better. You get the idea. Today’s feature segment is aptly titled “How to Sink Project Torpedoes” and it’s spawned on by a question I received some time ago from listener Garrett—though it comes up a lot with our big-biz consulting clients.

I’m going to give you a 6-Point-Framework for dealing with project torpedoes, stalls, and challenges and suggest exact steps for these situations. You can take these steps, add them to your bat belt or consulting solutions box for future use.

PLUS a deep dive on the dreaded “change order”–and when to use it to your advantage.

What You Will Learn

1. What “project torpedoes” are, how they work, and what you need to know to defend yourself, company, and project.
2. When and how to engage those bent on stopping your project.
3. A powerful consulting tool that makes large companies and budget committees quake in their boots. (Use with caution…)
4. A deep dive on change orders: what they are, how they’re built, what they include, and when to use (or not use) them.
5. How to get your client representatives to step up their game when projects and budgets are threatened.
6. And much more.

This is powerful real-world material that most blogs and podcasts won’t touch. But I will—so tune on in and let’s go!

Listen UP!

Resources

• 7 Strategies for Winning at Client Office Politics – CLS044
• Common consulting and coaching billing mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Movie: Anne of the Thousand Days

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It seems like every podcast, post, article, social media message these days pitches the siren song of “leave your clients.” Take your business online, and never have to do client work again.

Or how about this: “I decided to get out of the client business altogether and do products only.”

Sound familiar?

Is that really why we get into coaching and consulting? I don’t know about you, but client work and helping other IS why for me. We built up a business this way and products and other goodies came much much later.

That said, I want to address a few points in today’s show. Mainly:

1. Why client work, vs. product development, or something else entirely?
2. Are you really tired of client work, or is it something else?

3. The 5 key factors ALL high-achievers at some point in the journey, and how specifically to deal with each one.

4. Do you have obligations to your clients beyond mere contracts?

5. Is there really any such thing as a “customer-free” or “client-free” business?

6. What some of the biggest product creators in the world still do…

And much more.

Another fully-packed show, so let’s get to it!

What You Will Learn

Listen UP!

Resources

• Why clients don’t take your advice (and what to do about it)
• How to (ethically) increase your fees and when to do it
• Sleep episode of The Corbin Links Show
• 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health (See the resource links at the bottom of that post.)
• Up Your Health Game in 30 Days or Less – The perfect high-performance health tool for busy coaches and consultants.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

In this special “Mondays Rock” edition of The Corbin Links Show, I’m reading through a recent MR Letter.

But Corbin, what the hell is a “Mondays Rock” letter anyway? Stay tuned, and I’ll share how to get yours for free, week after week.

Here’s the intro:

(Note to self: No one liked the “Speed Kills” headline from last week. Maybe a bit too negative…. This is a slightly updated version of last Mondays Rock letter.)

Last weekend, I was reminded of a powerful object lesson in speed, productivity, and results…

…(more coming up right after the intro!)

What You Will Learn

1. What to figure out FIRST, before focusing on productivity and efficiency
2. What NOT to do when you’re in a hurry
3. A key success secret from a company that managed over 8 Trillion (not a typo) in assets
4. The real cost of impatience
5. 4 supercharged counter-intuitive productivity strategies
6. And a bit more…

Listen UP!

Resources

• Click to receive your own weekly copy of the Mondays Rock letter
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show and never miss an episode

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I’ve been discussing books a LOT with my inner circle and VIP members lately. Plus with a few recent Florida power outages, it’s been a great opportunity to sneak in a bit of extra reading. In fact, one of my bucket goals this year was to read a minimum of 25 books.

I’ve read 11 so far, and have a good shot at 25. But it got me to thinking: what are some of the most impactful books I’ve personally read?

I mean, I’ve read a LOT of great books, mostly non-fiction with a few fiction here and there.

Many of the hundreds of books I’ve read over the years were entertaining, and almost all have something to take away. But there are a select few that impact my life and / or business in some way, each and every day. So my top 10 must-read (or listen) business and self-development books is the topic today.

Lots to talk about, so let’s hit it!

What You Will Learn

• Top recommendations for practical, actionable, life and business-changing reading
• If you could read only ONE book about life and business, I have just the recommendation for you…
• Some classic and ‘surprise’ book picks
• Setting reading goals for the year
• And more

Listen UP!

Resources

• 7 Strategies for Winning at Client Office Politics (for a bigger discussion of two other books, one that is on this list)
• Ash Maurya Interview
• Doing The Impossible: The 25 Laws for Doing The Impossible”—Patrick Bet-David
• “Essentialism”—Greg McKeown
• “As a Man Thinketh”—James Allen
• “Getting Things Done”—David Allen
• “E-Myth Revisited”—Michael E. Gerber
• “A Happy Pocket Full of Money: Infinite Wealth and Abundance in the Here and Now”—David Cameron Gikandi
• “It Works: The Famous Little Red Book That Makes Your Dreams Come True!”—RJH
• “How to Win Friends and Influence People”—The original unrevised version—Dale Carnegie
• “Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude”—Napoleon Hill
• “48 Laws of Power”—Robert Greene

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It’s the height of political campaign seasons here in the states, and what better time to dive into the world of business and client office politics.

I’m a firm believer in the old adage of keeping religion and politics out of business discussion.

BUT—business and office politics themselves are a different matter. Many of us would rather not deal or “play” politics at the office. And if you ask most organizations today, they’ll insist their companies “aren’t political.”

But the fact is, wherever you have people and multiple interests in the same place, you have politics. And as consultants, coaches, and service providers, we’re exposed to client politics if we spend any real time with them.

What’s more is we may even be awkwardly brought into the middle of political project or turf battles between competing projects and departments.

So today I’m sharing 7 Strategies for Winning Client Office Politics. This episode has been a long time in coming and I’m super pumped to share it with you.

Let’s dive in!

What You Will Learn

• What client office politics are, why they are, and where they are
• Two must-read books to learn the ins, outs, and time-honored truths of business and office politics
• The single most important asset which can make—or break you—politically (office politically that is…)
• How and how many client interviews you need to get the full picture
• 7 client and battle-tested strategies to navigate (and win) in the roiling see of client office politics
• And of course…more of everything…

Listen UP!

Resources

• Episode: Is Your Mouth Costing You Money?
• The “Bobs” from Office Space (short clip on YouTube – language warning)
• “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene
• “The Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli
• Get bonus “hidden” episodes of The Corbin Links Show plus f-r-e-e business-boosting training
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show never miss a single episode

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I was recently chatting with a coaching client who asked me about tech skills. She didn’t consider herself very computer literate or technically savvy, and wanted advice on what tech skills to focus on. It’s a great question, and something I’ve been meaning to talk about for a while.

Today is that day!

There are literally endless business and tech skills to learn when starting and running your own business. I’m cutting through the clutter and focusing ONLY on those tech-related areas you need right now.

FYI, this is NOT by a complete list by any stretch of the imagination. But, it should get the ball rolling.

What You Will Learn

• The Top 10 Tech Skills Consultants and Coaches Need NOW
• Walk-through and explanation of each skill in detail
• Proven tool and training recommendations for skills, productivity, and business automation
• A bonus for action-takers who listen and take notes to this episode
• The true killer office and business app (still!)
• Huge list of resources

Let’s do it!

Listen UP!

Resources

I covered a TON of resources and suggestions on today’s show. This list doesn’t include all possible combinations, but will get you started quickly:

• Ready to just get it done and take bold action? Computer security, CRM, automation, and other things are covered in one place at: Coaching Profits Intensive
• Top 10 Books Power-Charging Business Consultants Should Read
• Code Academy (HTML / CSS and JavaScript if you really want to dive in)
• 5 Power Strategies for Business Cost Management – CLS042
• Boosting Productivity With Markdown
• Google Analytics Academy
• Michael Hyatt’s Excellent Introduction to Markdown post
• Nice resource to wrangle the basics of copywriting: 
• Lifehacker Top Security Basics
• Great resource for a quick learn of CRM basics
• Comprehensive resource for deep dives on accounting topics
• Free Accounting Tutorial at Guru99 – simple, clear, easy-to-follow. A simple and easy to get clear on accounting topics.
• Clicky: Easy-to-use Google Analytics alternative
• Evernote
• Ulysses 3 (MAC) – Get your Markdown on!
• Scrivener (PC and MAC)
• Lynda.com for Microsoft Office-related training (Excel, etc.)
• Browser task automation—iMacros for Firefox (In my mind, one of the biggest reasons to consider Firefox in the endless Firefox vs. Google Chrome debate…)
• Zapier—tie your backend business services together
• IFTTT—automation recipes for your business, communications, and social media
• Breevy
• Jing
• Snagit
• Zoho Invoice
• Pixelmator—powerful image editing on the Mac (it’s not Photoshop, but probably close enough…)
• Final Cut Pro X—Video editing for Mac
• Accounting Coach (nice free training and low-cost monthly access as well)
• The FAQ or help section of your favorite tool, such as Zoho Invoice (one of our premier tools)
• Zoho CRM—companion to Zoho Invoice
• Adobe Cloud: Photoshop / Audition (Audio) / Premier Pro (Video) and a bunch of other apps for one monthly rate.
• How to Write a Good Advertisement – by Victor Schwab
• Tools for a killer morning routine
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

The business cost management episode is finally here!

If you’ve been with the show for a while (thank you), or brand new (welcome!), you’ve heard a lot about clients this, business that, and productivity that.

But what about cost management and containment? After all, aren’t there only 3 ways to improve the bottom line:

1. Spend less
2. Make more
3. Make more AND spend less (which is usually an inverse relationship, and topic for another time)

I’ve covered the “make more” part in many previous episodes. (No worries—I’ll be coming back to that again and again.) Today is about the “spend less” side of the equation.

Really successful businesses have a LOT of money coming in, AND make sure it’s ALWAYS more than what’s going out!

I know, I know…we all think we know this—but the majority of new businesses, and especially startup business, operate on the “let’s stay in the red long enough to build a business, then shoot into the black.”

And yes, sometimes that strategy DOES work. But mostly—not so much. And since we’re ALL about building a strong, well-founded business from day one, that includes strong cost management and cost containment.

So get out your virtual ledgers, notebooks, and comfy earbuds and let’s hit it!

What You’ll Learn

• The 4 things business costs must be to support stability and growth
• Why cheap is NOT always best for your bottom line
• Why the most expensive is NOT always the best for your bottom line
• The real deal on whether the model of outsourcing everything that isn’t tied down is always worth it
• 6 Supercharged Cost Containment Strategies (in detail, in depth)

Listen UP!

Resources

• 5 Things Virtual Assistants Do Not Want You to Know – CLS040
• Become a CorbinLinks.com VIP and get insider training, members-only “hidden” podcast episodes, my exclusive Mondays Rock letter packed with business lessons, tools, strategies, and real-world examples, and a whole ton more.
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes and get fresh weekly episodes delivered to your device.
  Android user? Download the PocketCasts app and search “The Corbin Links Show”:
• Click here when your ready to kick your business into high gear.
• Follow Corbin on Twitter

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Sitting down with a new coaching client the other day, she asked me what I would do over or differently in my business today, if starting over from scratch. How would I setup my business?

Great question, and one that forced me to think on it quite a bit There are a couple parts to this. I got a mini-taste of this during my “business crash” phase in 2009, which I talked about in season one. That is one of the true must-listen episodes of The Corbin Links Show, as it deals with existing businesses who need to restart-get “re-profitable” and fast. (Will link to it in the show notes.)

There was a key difference back in our 2009 mini-crash: we HAD an existing business, with foundation, structure, systems, it was just severely wounded. Not quite the same as today’s scenario.

Today, I’m talking completely clean slate “do-over”. What would the new business look like? How is it different from today? What would I tell my pre-business self?

Partly, my CPI course was created for this very thing. It’s all about getting a solid, profitable business up and running quickly. BUT, each person and business situation is different, and mine would be a bit different from the current setup.

So there’s some backstory. No “What’s Been Happening” or promo segment today, I’m just going for the content.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Rebuilding a damaged or broken business from scratch
• BIO Plan Episode
• Up Your Health Game (Living the 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health)
• Become a CorbinLinks.com VIP listener and get free business-boosting swag!
• The Only 7 Things You Need to Start a Coaching or Consulting Business

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Like any business—as with coaching or anything else—there’s great and not-so-great things about it. And since Tim Ferriss’ famous “4 Hour Work Week” came out, the Internet has been abuzz about virtual assistants.

But the concept goes back a LOT farther than that, pretty much to the dawn of the web itself. Many different names for it; remote worker, web guy or gal, contractor, etc. But all amounts to the same thing: someone who does work for you somewhere OTHER than your physical location.

And it seems attractive, this idea of outsourcing a lot of your tasks to virtual teams and workers. And it can be in many situations, IF you tightly manage it and are willing and able to put in the wok needed to get the right folks.

But if you’re new to working with virtual assistants, or maybe been hearing about it for years and thinking about taking the plunge, THIS is your podcast. I’ll share a few things to be aware of.

Now full disclaimer: our firm has worked with many virtual assistants in various capacities over the years. Despite the title, this is not a big negative on the VA business. I’ll share a few real world points without the internet marketing spin on it, and what our firm and many of our coaching clients have experienced in this area.

So grab a notebook and your favorite beverage (or pump up the volume if you’re running or working out) and let’s hit it!

Listen UP!

Resources

• All-in-one guide to finding, hiring, managing, and firing virtual assistants
• How to write an effective virtual assistant job description
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• Share the joy and create a 5-star rating and positive text review for The Corbin Links Show

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I’ve recently had a few ‘pick-my-brain’ type of requests, plus consultants asking me how they should handle it.

If you’re a coach, consultant, or any acknowledged expert—even if you’re not paid as an expert in that area—you WILL get approached by brain pickers, maybe a LOT of the time.

A brain picking request may take the form of something like:

“Hey, I’d love to get on a Skype / chat with you for a few minutes and pick your brain about XYZ.

Or, say “let’s grab coffee”, or “lunch”, or…

Some people at least are blatant about it, while others may bypass pleasantries altogether and hit you with questions.

Either way, it all amounts to the same thing: free consulting or coaching. But free devalues your time and resources, is disrespectful to you, and even more importantly — is not held in the same value / esteem by the person receiving it.

Right?

Sure, we’ve all heard the idea that people gain more value when there is skin in the game, be it their time, money, or both. And the same for us.

In today’s episode, we’ll tackle brain pickers head on, and share 6 common brain picker profiles, and 5 brain-picking responses you can use—right now, TODAY—to convert brain pickers to clients, or if not, save your valuable time for paying clients.

What You Will Learn

• 6 major types of brain pickers and brain picker avatars. Where and how they operate, and what to expect.
• Field-tested brain picker response strategies to take back your time, and keep you focused on paying clients.
• How to deal with the toughest brain picker of all: the existing client, who wants something free outside of what they’re paying for.

Lots to cover, so let’s roll!!!

Show notes: https://corbinlinks.com/cls039

Listen UP!

Resources

• Why you should not work for free (and what to do instead)
• Our preferred online coaching services booking and calendar management service
• Aspiring brain pickers may also want to check out this excellent article by Jason Fried.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today, I have another special treat in story for you:

Priest Willis Sr, successful entrepreneur, affiliate expert, founder of Affiliate Mission, and host of the Missions and Marketplace Podcast is in the house.

Priest has an interesting background, in some ways similar, and other ways very different from my previous guests. And he is chock full of actionable advice and strategies.

Join my conversation with Priest Willis as we dive deep into business, podcasting, entrepreneurialism, doing good, leaving a powerful legacy and more.

If you’re brand new to Priest’s work, you’re in for a treat. Priest Willis Sr. is the founder and CEO of Affiliate Mission, seasoned entrepreneur, host of the popular “Missions and Marketplace” podcast on iTunes.

What You Will Learn

• How Affiliate Marketing Has Changed – What You Need to Know
• How to Make a True Difference in the World
• How and Where to Find Mentors
• How to Get Maximum Actionable Results From Events, Seminars, and Conferences
• The True Secret to Hiring the Best People
• The Importance of Legacy in Your Life and Business
• How to Help Others Right Now—Today—At No Extra Cost to You
• Why New Businesses Should Start by Selling Products via Affiliates
• What Single Word Tells You INSTANTLY If You Should—Or Should NOT—Do Something
• How to Know if You’ll Be Successful at a New Business Venture
• Priest Willis’ Guide to Conquering Entrepreneurial Fear and Doubt
• And literally, ‘a whole lot more!’

Listen UP!

Resources

• Affiliate Mission – Affiliate Programs That Truly Make a Difference
• Missions and Marketplace Podcast
• Follow Priest Willis Sr. on Twitter
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today I’m super pumped to be joined by Jeffrey Goodman, international photographer, business consultant, speaker, and creator of the popular CareerHearted Essentials and Business Fundamentals courses.

In this longer-than usual, but power-packed episode, Jeffrey and I dive deep into topics of how to live life by your rules, not someone else’s, how to create transformation in your life and the lives of your clients, what seasons and business have in common (a whole new model), quotable and tweet able take-aways.

One of the many things I love about Jeffrey’s teaching style and material, is the way he uses lots of illustrations, stories, and metaphors to help the material sink in. Truly one of the best teachers you can come across.

This interview is a bit longer than some of my others, but it’s packed with actionable information for your life and business. So pull up your favorite beverage, grab a notepad (unless you’re running or driving…)

What You Will Learn (for starters…)

• Why Mother Nature is really the “killer app” (and what to do about it)
• How to manage major life (and business) changes and transitions
• How to build a strong business based on the four seasons of nature
• What most coaches struggle with—and how to overcome it
• Key differences between people who do what they love and those who don’t
• How to completely change careers and businesses without fear or loss of income
• Why sometimes your best clients may not be the easiest to work with
• Why ANYTHING can get done
• How to transition from working IN your business, to working ON your business
• The real product of your business (hint: it’s NOT your service or widget)
• What are the main factors holding us back from our greatest business potential
• Differences between “business owners” and “people who own businesses”
• How many contacts it really takes, before customers want your stuff
• And that’s all just for starters!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Jeffrey’s exclusive offer for listeners of The Corbin Links Show
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Are you a corporate or big-company employee thinking of going out on your own? Taking charge of your career and starting your own consulting or coaching business? Think the whole thing sounds a bit scary and uncertain?

Or, you may tell yourself:

“I can do this on my own way better than that company I work for…AND keep all the cash just by doing it myself…”

Well, a listener pointed out to me that I’ve talked a lot about the details of starting and running a business. That’s true enough…

But not so much about what it’s like to actually do it!

What are some of the biggest challenges in shifting from the hourly or salary model, to the independent business model? Is it all just exotic tasty drinks, sunsets, beaches and high-bandwidth free wifi wherever you go?

What’s a day in the life of a coach (really…not the fantasy version…)

Important things to think about. And straight up, I didn’t think enough about these questions when I got started either.

So in today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• The 5 biggest challenges you’ll face when leaving steady j-o-b—or bailing out of the corporate world
• 6 questions to answer for yourself BEFORE you consider starting your own business
• Day in the life: what’s it (really) like being a coach?
• And a couple announcements to round things out

My goal is that after today’s episode, you’ll be crystal clear on your next step—whether staying where you are for now, or building your own business plan.

This is the stuff I wish someone had taken me aside and said Corbin, read this! when I first started.

So, whether you’re new to the business, considering it, OR, just not where you want to be yet, this is your episode.

Ready? Let’s do this!

Listen UP!

Recommended Resources

• How much does it really cost to start a new coaching business?
• The ONLY 7 things you need to start a new coaching business
• Click only if you’re ready to get serious about your business

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Over the past two seasons, I’ve featured brain hackers, productivity masters, growth hackers, one-page marketer maestros and now….one of the premier experts on startups and lean business.

Well, today I’m joined by none other than Ash Maurya, best-selling author of “Running Lean” and the upcoming book “Scaling Lean” due out in mid-June. Ash’s work has been featured in…well…pretty much anywhere in the startup and lean business space. Ash is considered a go-to expert in the area and teaches principles from his books, businesses, and workshops to entrepreneurs all around the world.

I’m super-pumped to have the opportunity to talk with Ash today! Grab a notepad and your favorite beverage (unless you’re running or driving or something) and join me for the interview.

What You’ll Learn

• How today’s startup scene has changed from the go-go days of Silicon Valley 1.0
• How to summarize your business plan in a single page using Ash’s Lean Canvas tool and system
• How to develop products and services that people really want to buy
• The REAL product of your startup or business (hint: it’s not the “solution” you’re building)
• What you should love instead of your shiny new solution
• Why, where, and how to engage today’s modern customer
• How to decide if your defined problem is really worth solving—or if you should try something else instead
• What startups should tackle FIRST—before anything else
• How Ash lives his teachings through his products, services, and book launches
• All about Ash’s first book “Running Lean” and his latest book “Scaling Lean”
• What martial artists and entrepreneurs have in common
• And a whole bunch more

Listen UP!

Resources

• Ash Maurya’s Blog
• Lean Canvas – The business planning tool we discussed on the interview
• Get your copy of “Running Lean”
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Stitcher Radio
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio
• Ready to build a powerhouse business? You just might be ready for Coaching Profits Intensive

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today is a special “Classics Wednesday”, where I roll a popular must-listen episode of The Corbin Links Show.

Today’s season one classic is one of the most popular episodes ever—something all consultants and coaches can relate to. Most of us are not just in it for the money of course. We actually want to see our clients get BIG results from our coaching sessions. Our tools, methods, and materials, and advice.

But what happens when clients either ignore our advice, or do something contrary? Frustrating isn’t it? But more than that, some clients may even lay blame at the consultants door when they follow something contrary to advice?

That’s the theme. This episode was originally published as “6 Ways to Increase Acceptance of Your Consulting Solutions”. I’m rolling the full thing in its entirety.

Oh! One other thing: if you’re brand-new to the show, you might not know The Corbin Links Show was originally called “Bangin’ Your Business”. Don’t let that throw you when the show rolls…

I’ll be back next week with a brand-new show and bonus interview.

Let’s hit it!

What You’ll Learn

• Why your clients are not implementing your recommendations.
  • 6 most common objections, and 6 answers to boost your solution acceptance rates by 75% or more!
• How to stop those endless email threads dead in their tracks.
• Natural steps to combat hair loss (without harsh treatments or surgeries—really)
• And more…

In case you’re wondering—why is Corbin talking about hair / health issues in this episode when this is a business show? It’s because the nutritionist side of me popped out a lot more last year. Season one included health tips from my certified nutritionist background.

So consider it a bonus

Listen UP!

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

And now for something completely different…

Andrea writes:

Lately I’ve been getting all sorts of letters about my trademark. Some are from lawyers wanting to charge money for “services”.

I get others from different countries and individuals wanting thousands of dollars or other currency to ‘register’ there. But I’ve had a trademarked logo for 3 years in the US. Some of the letters look really official, but I’m not sure. Should I just ignore them?

Andrea, excellent question! You’re prompting me to do an episode on something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time: trademark predators.

Anyone who trademarks anything here—at least in the States—goes on public record. And, due to freedom of information acts and related legislation, anyone around the world can seemingly tie into this public data and use it to extort legit business owners.

We get a bunch of correspondence on our trademarks too, and I have a few choice opinions to share on the whole thing.

Let me preface today’s topic by saying first and foremost: I am NOT a trademark attorney, and do not represent a law firm. Everything I’m sharing today is for research purposes only, and based on our direct experience, that of our clients, and research.

So without further ado, let’s dive headlong into the world of trademark pirates, trawlers, and predators.

What You Will Learn

• The 3 main types of trademark mails you will receive.
• How to save time and stress by immediately knowing which trademark letter(s) is legit, and which should be shredded.
• The only two organizations (one of you do the trademark work yourself) who should ever mail you for trademark issues.

Listen UP!

Resources

US Patent and Trademark Office

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Bonus Questions and Actions episode today!

The first question is from Rachel, who asks if she needs good credit to build a business.

The other is from Roman who wants to know if he should bother with a Dun and Bradstreet “DUNS” number.

Both great questions, and closely related!

Business credit is a concern for us all, whether just starting out, or you’ve been in it for years. It’s a huge topic, but I’m going right for the heart of the matter today.

The topic of general business credit and Dun and Bradstreet are so tightly linked, especially here in the States and elsewhere that it makes sense to cover both in the same place.

What You’ll Learn

• Do you need business credit at all? If so, how “good” should it be?
• 3 Ways to Build Business Credit NOW.
• How does Dun and Bradstreet play into the mix?
• Do you need a data universal number system or DUNS number? What is it anyway?
• And so much more.

Listen UP!

Resources

• Dun and Bradstreet – DUNS Registration
• IRS EIN / TAX ID Registration
• Prosper.com — Funding alternative. Connects businesses and people wanting to lend them money. I haven’t personally used it, but have heard some good things about it.
• Kickstarter.com – why take on loans, debt, or sell out your equity? Kickstarter and it’s many variations has two important benefits:
  • Validate your market and business idea (see Episode XYZ about business validation)
  • Get funding just for a particular project. Spot-fund your idea, movie, product.
• https://corbinlinks.com/business-plans-how-to-take-money-and-what-to-do-next-cls007/
• How much does it cost to start a coaching or consulting business?

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It’s questions and ACTIONS Friday!

Today’s question comes from Chandra, who writes:

“I hear a lot of people talking about “six figures” this and that in their coaching business. Is that really the goal? Are five-figures good?”

Great one Chandra!

We’ve even used the “multiple six figures” number in some of our marketing. And you’re right, a lot of various businesses use that phrase or number, especially with online marketing, coaching, and business-building.

And like any other metric or indicator (which is really all it is), there are a LOT of different ways of looking at it. For me, the danger becomes using some number as a yardstick to measure yourself against someone else. For example, someone starting at 0 and reaching penny over cost to become profitable, the numbers may look a whole lot different, then to someone who’s been around and struggling for 5 years.

I’ve even seen some recent backlash against using numbers at all; while there are others who wonder what the heck six figures will even DO for you in today’s world (especially those who live in super high-cost areas.) Lots of different perspectives, all over the map.

To me, it’s all metrics. So I’ll tackle your question today by talking:

• Profitability and unprofitability
• The ONLY numbers that really matter
• Setting baselines for your business
• Metrics
• And my take on the whole 5, six, 7-figure number thing

Lots to cover so let’s do this!!

Listen UP!

Resources

• For serious business builders only – Full Coaching Profits Intensive Course
• Register NOW to hear me speak at Break Free From the Cubicle Telesummit. Registration is free, but available slots are going fast.
• Run, walk, drive, workout with The Corbin Links Show. Take me with you!
• Not an iTunes-ish person? Then subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Did you know that sales fear and lack of sales confidence is one of the top problems faced by service professionals?

Most of us have this at one time or another, even when selling products. For me, it was years ago, cold calling dead lists for investment opportunities. But that’s a story for another time…

Point is, sales IS personal.

Sales IS a reflection on us.

Hearing the old “more no’s get us closer to yes” cliché doesn’t help you, right?

Nope, me either.

Fortunately, the Glengarry Glen Ross sales world doesn’t apply to us coaches. In fact that world SHOULD NEVER apply to us. If fear, foulness, and lack of ethics is our model, then we’re in real trouble. Sadly, that’s still how so many of us LOOK at sales.

Today we’re smashing past all that!

How? By getting “right” with our inner sales selves. And what better way than taking all the personal emotions, baggage, and motion-picture-induced-fear out of our inner beings and get it all down to a sales equation.

You know I love equations on this show, and yep—got one for sales too. Call it formula or equation, either way, it can help YOU get the job done. I won’t guarantee that you’ll never be hurt, or that you’ll close 100% of your deals (no one does), but you WILL kick the fear if you put it into practice.

And, you WILL see an increase in your sales if everything is done by the formula. And today I’m covering the sales fear-smashing formula in detail.

What You Will Learn

• The full Sales Formula. This equation makes sales as clear as getting groceries, or taking your kids to school. Better yet—it removes emotion, concern, and anguish from the sales process.
• 5 ways to build sales confidence now.
• How and where to get real and useful target market data.
• What TWO things are needed to make sales timing successful.
• 5 things (minimum) your offer must have to sell over and over again.
• Getting to “SOLD!” – And the only ONE type of “sold” there is. (Hint: it’s not a purchase order…)

Ready to smash sales fear in the face? Me too! Let’s roll…

Listen UP!

Resources

• The Many Different Kinds of “NO” and ONE Type of “YES”
• Selling to companies and really big organizations
• For serious business builders only – Full Coaching Profits Intensive Course
• Register NOW to hear me speak at Break Free From the Cubicle Telesummit. Registration is free, but available slots are going fast.
• Run, walk, drive, workout with The Corbin Links Show. Take me with you!
• Not an iTunes-ish person? Then subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today’s question comes from Ivan, who writes:

“I started my coaching business 4 months ago, and have 3 pretty good clients. The money is small, but steady.

Now, a really BIG new client wants to book a really large service package for a “healthy sum”. Problem is, I’d have to stop working with my smaller clients to make room for this one. It would take all my time for at least 5 months or more.

The new client coaching could really rocket my business, but I don’t want to offend, or not honor the small clients I already have by stopping working with them.

What should I do?”

Ivan this is literally an on-the-money question, and something we all have to face at some time.

Your question is so pivotal because it can shape the whole future of your life and business. Not to add pressure to your situation, but that’s how it adds up.

Great news is: you’re in a good spot—this is a VERY good problem to have even if it is a hard decision to make

So while I can’t answer this for you directly as you ask—only YOU can do that—I CAN is share my experience with this, and share a decision framework which can help you answer what is right for your life and business.

What You Will Learn

• What you MUST do to really grow your business!
• What investing advice applies to consulting and coaching?
• 9 groups of questions to decide what client mix is right—and if you need to add or remove clients.
• What I would personally do when faced with Ivan’s “should I leave my small clients” question.
• Reminder of the only ONE kind of “YES” when it comes to sales.

Let’s do this!!

Listen UP!

Resources

• How to Profitably Juggle Multiple Clients
• The Many Different Kinds of “NO” and ONE Type of “YES”
• For serious business builders only – Full Coaching Profits Intensive Course
• Register NOW to hear me speak at Break Free From the Cubicle Telesummit. Registration is free, but available slots are going fast.
• Run, walk, drive, workout with The Corbin Links Show. Take me with you!
• Not an iTunes-ish person? Then subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Ever wonder about all this “B2B”, and “B2C” stuff—and what it really means? Especially when it comes to sales and YOUR business?

I used to wonder the same thing. Some experts say “business or person doesn’t matter—you’re always selling to people”. And hey—I agree with that to a large extent.

But it’s not quite so simple, is it?

Legally speaking, many companies, organizations, corporations, educational institutions are PEOPLE. (True story.) Companies and organizations have their own personalities, cultures, systems, and styles.

And if we want to “sell our way in” to these organizations, we need a much different strategy than doing our one-on-one personal coaching or consulting.

I know we all know this at a basic, or theoretical level—but what about practical action? What’s it like to try and sell coaching within a big intimidating company, vs, that referral from your business partner?

Even though it’s all still dealing with people, the situations are a LOT different. So today I’m going to arm your sales tool belt with more power tools.

What You’ll Learn

• 5 Keys to Selling More Services to Large Organizations.
• The real-world differences between selling coaching or consulting to organizations (“B2B”) vs. individuals (“B2C”). (Get this right and you can sell your services to the largest, scariest, corporate boards).
• Busting the “single check writer” myth taught in many sales programs.
• And more!

Enough intro, let’s roll some rock and roll—

Listen UP!

NEW “6 Weeks to 6 Clients” Master Class! (3 Sessions Only—Book Now)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today’s question comes from Pam, who writes:

A corporate client told me she is going to “bcc” me on some mails. She said it would be useful information, but I wasn’t sure how to respond. I don’t really use BCC myself and not sure I feel right a client bcc’ing me on internal mail.
Am I making too big a deal of this? Should I even say anything or just get the emails and go from there?

Pam, this is an excellent question and something that comes up a LOT in company and government environments. Many people either don’t understand when to use CC, BCC, or neither. Or, the risks of CC and BCC.

(And I’ve literally seen two careers damaged by improper use of BCC…)

Many newer email programs actually hide the BCC field (there’s usually a button or option to enable it), presumably so we don’t go bcc’ing folks on stuff and think more about what we’re sending, why we’re sending it, and to whom we’re sending.

I run into this a lot in our business consulting practice and have some definite opinions about cc, bcc, and email in general.

In today’s episode, I’ll explain the differences, then give specific situations when, and when NOT to use BCC.

What You Will Learn

• The real differences between “CC” (carbon copy) and “BCC” (blind carbon copy) email fields
• When you should, and should NOT use “BCC” (hint, there are two—and only two—“good” uses for it in business settings)
• What to do instead of BCC
• Direct advice for Pam’s client in this situation (and any client facing a similar situation)

Listen UP!

Your Weekend Homework

Two actions for you:

1. First, if your mail program has the option to “hide” the BCC field, why not do it? Give it a try and see how this works for you. You can always re-enable later.
2. Check out my email productivity article, listed in the Resources section. it is chock full of useful strategies to manage large volumes of mail, and take back up to several hours per week!

Now how is it going with YOU? I LOVE success stories. To leave feedback or share a story, head over to https://corbinlinks.com/contact. Or, if you’re a VIP List member, just reply to ANY mail I send. VIP Members are always top of my list for questions, answers, special offers and the works.

If you liked today’s show and got value from it, why not write an iTunes review? Head over to corbinlinks.com/itunes and leave a 5-star rating, and positive text review (assuming I’ve earned it, of course). Your reviews help keep the show coming free week after week, let us know what we’re doing right (or can improve on) help boost show rankings, and overall spread good cheer throughout coaching land. Thank you!

Until next time, have a great weekend, be sure to do your homework from today’s episode, and I’ll catch you on the next episode.

Resources

• Everything you need to know about email productivity
• Coaching Profits Intensive – The FULL Edition
• Break Free From the Cubicle Telesummit – Catch me speaking there!
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio
• The Corbin Links Show on Stitcher Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Doing something completely different today—instead of separately riffing on the material in the course modules, I’m playing audio directly from the full Coaching Profits Intensive course.

This episode picks up from Episode CLS022, which covered a big list of pricing dos and don’ts. If you’re brand new to the show—or somehow missed CLS022—go back and give it a listen.

I’m diving headlong into the BIG topic of coaching business sales. I hope to get you thinking about sales in a whole new way in your coaching business (or at least thinking about it often…every day).

Here’s how today’s show works:

1. I’ll do the regular intro stuff
2. Then chat a bit about what’s been happening
3. Then roll audio directly from the course HD video for the Sales Lesson.
4. I’ll be back at the end of the show with a summary and take-aways.

What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:

1. Business Sales Equality Statement
2. Marketing and Sales—Same Parents, Separate Siblings
3. Why Sales IS Personal
4. Quick Overview of the Coaching Sales Equation
5. The different types of “NO”—and what they really mean.
6. The Only ONE Kind of “YES”

Listen UP!

Resources

• Falling behind? The latest coaching business series started on Episode 14
• Not subscribed to the CorbinLinks show? What??? Let’s fix that. Head over to iTunes, get on the train and leave a review while you’re there.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It’s questions and ACTIONS Friday!

Today’s question comes from Nick, who writes:

“I’ve got a small business coaching practice and do ok with offline referrals. A friend in the 500+ super networker category says I gotta use LinkedIn. He says he gets business there, but never gets specific.

I wonder: Is it worth spending time on LinkedIn and will I get a return?”

Nick, thanks for your question and I’ve often wondered the very same thing!

I’ve been on LinkedIn for years, maybe 2–3 months after their site went live.

The first two years my profile was up, I didn’t do too much with it except tweak the text when someone sent a connection invite—or when I remembered to stop by.

Fast forward a bit—in the past 2 years or so, I’ve done a bit more with my account. And as of 2016, I have some very definite thoughts on the use of LinkedIn for coaches and consultants, and a few suggestions to get the most bang for your buck.

This is another info-packed but short-form show, so let’s get cookin’…

What You Will Learn

• A direct answer to Nick’s question: should he use LinkedIn at all? And why or why not?
• The three–and only three–main reasons to consider using LinkedIn, especially if you’re just starting out.
• How much time—exactly—should you spend on your LinkedIn profile. (Plus my suggested tool to make short work of it and build a client-inducing profile.)
• Do all the LinkedIn “super networkers” (those folks with the big “500++ connections”) really do a lot of business there? If so, how much direct cash money does it equate to?
• The main two things LinkedIn is used for today. (And they may not be what you were hoping to hear.)
• One other way to think about using LinkedIn, which can help boost your Internet-facing exposure.
• And of course, since it’s “Questions and ACTIONS” Friday, there is homework to do…

Today’s show is brought to you by Coaching Profits Intensive. The new full length coach to help you get a profitable coaching business up and running in as little as 30 days.

AND, be running in a way that’s good for your health, productivity, life, and long-term goals. Let’s build it right the first time.

Visit https://corbinlinks.com/intense to see what my Coaching Profits Intensive Course can do for you!

And now back to the show!

Listen UP!

Resources

1. Visit Episode 16 and download the business-boosting online profile builder tool.
2. Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show VIP List for FREE access to the LITE version of Coaching Profits Intensive. 7 weeks of business-building goodness delivered right to your mailbox. Plus other bonus trainings, members-only episodes, my (in)famous Mondays Rock letter, and more! WARNING: Severe business, health, and life-boosting power inside the VIP List. It will cost you your email.
3. And when you’re ready to take it up another notch—or 1000—then go big on the full Coaching Profits Intensive course.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

You’ve heard me talking about ground up business building for the past few weeks. I’ve covered a lot recently from my new course and other material.

But what you HAVEN’T heard me talk too much about yet is marketing. Sure—we’re getting there in our current multi-part series.

But then I thought: why not bring on one of the premier marketing experts to discuss something near and dear to us all:

How to get our marketing up and running and turbocharge it, in….

…are you ready for this?….

ONE PAGE

That’s not a typo.

In fact, the master of the one page marketing plan joins us today from that great land down under. On this episode, I’m joined by none other than Allan Dib, international coach, consultant, business builder, author, and creator of the 1-Page Marketing Plan book and system.

This was a really fun, inspirational, and powerful interview. Hope you enjoy hearing it as much as I did talking with Allan.

Be sure to take lots of notes, and check the resources at the end for Allan’s book.

If you care anything about marketing, or just wish it could be simpler, faster, and more effective—this is YOUR episode.

What You Will Learn

• Forget the “80/20” rule and learn what 64/4 means to your business and marketing. (Warning: this could very well blow your mind!)
• How to achieve the right trade-off balance between planning and action.
• One of the best examples I’ve heard for describing marketing and audience segmentation. (Think “photographer” – but with a twist…)
• Allan’s recommended tools and strategies
• HOW to use the free downloadable 1-Page Marketing Plan handout
• A quick but effective way to filter potential consulting clients
• And much more

Listen UP!

Resources

• Get the 1-Page Marketing Plan Book
• Allan’s Marketing and Success Tools Website
• Coaching Profits Intensive – Ramp Up Your Profitable Coaching Business in 30 Days Or Less
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

Got Questions?

Stuck? Have a question? Want to take your business out of “suck” mode and into “mutation & success” mode? Check the handy contact form, or hit me on Twitter

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today’s question comes from Simone, who writes:

I’m just starting out and also listened to your show about budgets, and how much money I need to launch my business. A few of my friends have suggested bartering some of my services, to help with the cost. Any suggestions?

Simone that’s a really interesting and timely question.

Several years ago, our company partnered in a venture to offer online bartering services. That project didn’t quite go the direction we planned, but the learning experience was amazing! I’ve also bartered for various services in the past including dentistry and construction services. So I do have some experience and perspective on this issue. And a very definite opinion to share.

What You Will Learn

• What barter is, and how it can be used to exchange your coaching services for other goods and services
• Why barter is no “free ticket” when it comes to business money or taxes
• When bartering your services makes sense
• When bartering your services may be a bad idea
• Is barter a good way to build a business?
• And more!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Blast into success with my new Coaching Profits Intensive course
• BMI puts me on the hotseat! Check out my full-length business, health, and productivity-powered interview on BMI Spotlight.
• Looking for the “lite” or f-r-e-e version of Coaching Profits Intensive?
• The Only 7 Things You Need to Start a Coaching Business Right NOW
• How much will it cost to start a coaching business?
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio
• The Corbin Links Show on Stitcher Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do you make coaching business pricing mistakes? Bet you’ll find at least one on today’s list. (I know I did!) Let’s get that fixed up!

Today is part two of our mini series on pricing, packaging, and pricing. Last week (https://corbinlinks.com/cls020), I dove deep into the topics of coaching packages, pricing models: hourly, fixed, hybrid pricing and a ton of other stuff. If you somehow missed it, hit the ‘pause’ button and give CLS020 a listen.

Then come on back here!

If you’re anything like me, you’ll see yourself or at least your past self in the “don’ts” list. And hey—that’s ok. I’m sharing this information so we can all be better at pricing, selling, and delivering awesome coaching packages to our clients.

Today You Will Learn

• 5 things to never do when pricing your services, or creating client price proposals.
• 6 things to always do when pricing your services, or creating client price proposals.
• Why the big grand “race to the bottom” is one you’ll never win, and don’t want to enter.
• How your choice of clients reflects on you, your pricing, confidence, negotiation skills, and income.
• Why walking away from money can actually MAKE you more money, and help more clients in the process.
• What many clients forget, but you should always remember.
• And of course—you’ll learn about where and how to take your next big business move….(hint: Coaching Profits Intensive…)

Lots to do and talk about, so let’s get it going!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Falling behind? The latest coaching business series started on Episode 14
• Not subscribed to the CorbinLinks show? What??? Let’s fix that. Head over to iTunes, get on the train and leave a review while you’re there.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

“Can We Make This a Group Coaching Session?”

It’s questions and ACTIONS Friday!

Today’s question comes from Pedro:

“I just signed a big business client. After the first session, he wants to have his operations and sales people attend the calls. It’s a good amount of money and I don’t want to lose it, but the deal was just for one-on-one.

What should I do?”

Pedro, Pedro, Pedro….great question!

I had this very thing happen just last year. This stuff happens all the time, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, they’re paying money right? And doesn’t everyone always say “the more, the merrier”?

There are upsides, downsides and some good ways to handle this very thing. I’ll share a 6-point framework to keep your coaching sessions on target, and with the right number of people in each.

Lots to cover in our Friday short-form format, so let’s get cookin’!

What You Will Learn

1. Six strategies to decide if your coaching client agreement needs to change.
2. What must a good coaching agreement include? (Don’t leave this one out!)
3. The “secret” sauce for dealing with tough client requests. Especially when clients want to go “BOGO” on you.
4. What are the bottom-line cash and time differences between group and solo coaching? Which is right for which situation?
5. Discover Pedro’s weekend homework (it may be yours—and mine as well…)

Listen UP!

Resources

• Create your new life and business biography—download our exclusive BIO Plan exercise kit
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Stitcher Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today is Part 1 of a two-part series on coaching business pricing and packaging.

In case you missed it, the goal if this series starting from Episode CLS014, (https://corbinlinks.com/cls014) is cover my upcoming course end-to-end and module by module.

When this series is complete, I’ll have shared about 40% of the course content for f-r-e-e.

Of course, if you want to fast-track your way to the 30-day program and get 100% of the content, you won’t have long to wait. Stick around for the course release announcement!

You Will Learn

1. The 3 Things you must have in place before creating coaching packages and prices.
2. A whole new way to flip your thinking about sales and sell more coaching services.
3. The 4 major pricing models, with examples.
4. And a BIG new announcement!

If you already have a coaching business but your packages aren’t selling or performing the way you want—this is YOUR episode.

If you don’t know—or are just unsure–HOW MUCH to charge for your services—this is YOUR episode.

If you think your coaching services are are priced too high—this is your episode.

If you’re struggling to figure out pricing, packages—then this is definitely YOUR episode.

Getting your coaching services priced correctly is a little bit of art, but there’s a lot of science there. Today’s show will break it down into formulas and models you can easily follow. We’ll wrap up with part 2 next week.

Listen UP!

Resources

• Not a VIP? You’re missing out! This blog and podcast are only part of the story. Fix that now!
• Create your new life and business biography—download our exclusive BIO Plan exercise kit
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker Radio
• Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on Stitcher Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It’s questions and ACTIONS Friday!

This week I’m tackling TWO questions. Because the first question is about the show format–and that almost feels like cheating, doesn’t it? But, you ask, I answer. So we’ll talk about the show for a minute, then dive deep into the second question.

First, long-time listener Jonathan wrote in asking-

“Where’s the old health segment? what about productivity tools?”

It’s a great question, and though I’ve mentioned it at the beginning of the season, there is a bit more to the story. As always, I’ll tie this back to practical business lessons you can use in your own life and coaching practice—or whatever field you’re in.

Second, Margarite asks:

I just booked my first business coaching client, but I’m not sure what to do? I really want to make a good first impression, but am nervous about how it might go. Any pointers?

Can I level with you? I still—almost 3 decades into this business–get butterflies. My face even flushes up at times, so you’re not alone. Especially when working with brand new, or unknown clients. I’ve got 5 suggestions for you to help soothe the worries, and focus in, and deliver powerful results to your coaching clients.

Lots to cover, so let’s get rollin’!

What You Will Learn

• 5 Strategies to Beat the Worries and Deliver a Winning Coaching Session.
• How coaching for the first time is a little like public speaking. (And some of the same practices apply.)
• Who controls the coaching call? You or your client?
• Where the client breakthroughs are found in coaching sessions.
• Why I no longer run separate health or productivity segments on the show.
• And more!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Download your BIO Plan worksheet – You’ll need this for exercises in episodes CLS016 and CLS018.
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker
• The Corbin Links Show – Season 2 Intro (regarding Jonathan’s question)
• The Corbin Links Show (formerly “Bangin’ Your Business”) Season 1 Intro (regarding Jonathan’s question)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today, I’m continuing a walk through my upcoming Coaching Business Quick Start Course. In case you missed it, the goal of this series is to walk through my new course end-to-end and module by module. When this series is complete, I’ll have shared about 40% of the course content for f-r-e-e.

Of course, if you want to fast-track your way to the 30-day program and get 100% of the content, well….

You’ll just have to join the course.

If you’ve been wondering what the course will look like, what it contains, and most importantly—what it can do for you—today is the day. Layout, structure, what’s included—everything. Release date announcements are coming up next week.

Whether you jump all over my new course or not, there’s lots to learn in this series:

Today, You Will Learn…

1. A full module-by-module layout of my upcoming coaching business course. (If you listen carefully, you’ll find a hidden lesson about course design…)

2. Then, pick up where we left off last week and resume with an overview of my famous “7 Things Lesson”.

3. 5 Must-Ask Questions to Define Your Target Market.

4. I’ll talk about how to apply the material from last week’s BIO Plan exercise (you did do the BIO Plan exercise, right?).

5. And a bit more.

Big agenda today so let’s just dive in!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Download your BIO Plan worksheet
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

And it’s another great one. Michael asks “Do I need to know more, or be more successful than my coaching clients?” And I’ll finish the sentence …

…in order to coach them?”

I think we’ve all been here.

Maybe we’re starting out, and we’re fighting this “imposter” syndrome we sometimes get in. That we just don’t think we have what it takes.

Or, that we don’t have the experience to “measure up”.

Or that our clients are naturally EXPECTING us to naturally know more than they do, or be more successful at whatever that thing is.

I’ve got some definite hard-won experience with this and opinions about it, so we’re diving deep.

What You Will Learn

1. The 4 most common self-limiting coaching beliefs—and how to crush them.
2. 11 skills and traits your coaching clients need from you. (They may NOT be what you think?)
3. Do you need to run a 9-figure business to coach people who RUN 9-figure businesses?
4. Your homework for the weekend.

Listen UP

Resources

• Get Your Free Copy of the BIO Plan (from Episode 016)
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker
• The Corbin Links Show on Stitcher Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I’m super-pumped about today’s show because it’s totally different from most of my other shows. Today, we have homework AND a handout. So here’s what I want you to do:

First, right now, click over (ok, if you’re on your computer. If you’re not, then well…you know…) to corbinlinks.com/cls016. You’ll see a big old signup form with the words “BIO Plan”. You want that handout for the show.

What You Will Learn

1. Do you need a “core audience”? to start coaching? This one comes up a lot and we’re going to grapple a bit with on today’s show.
2. Delivering OR expecting results in coaching. What’s realistic, what are you “on the hook for” when working with clients.
3. Can or SHOULD you promise specific results?
4. Walk through of our exclusive BIO Plan. This is content from our upcoming course, and it’s an opportunity to preview one teeny-tiny piece of it here. You’ll get instant self-improvement and awareness, clarity on your goals, what your “magic market” is, and more! (HINT: You MUST use the inline form in this article to download the BIO Plan template.)

We’ve got a lot to cover today so let’s get into it!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Episode CLS014 (Especially the discussion on the differences between coaching and consulting)
• Episode CLS016 show notes and BIO Plan download
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes – Be sure to hit “subscribe” to get all episodes
• The Corbin Links Show on Spreaker – Be sure to “follow” the show on Spreaker
• The Corbin Links Show on Stitcher Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It’s time for Questions and ACTIONS Friday!

This week, Renée asks “How Can I Just “Try Out” Being a Coach and See if it Works for Me?”

Renée, this is a great question and I think one we all face at some point in our careers. For me, it’s been dozens in years past (…but that’s a different story…). Maybe you’re just exploring new career options. You’ve heard about this “coaching thing” and thought “I could do that!”

Ore maybe you’re convinced you have a lot to offer as a coach, but not sure if the money is there, or if your particular brand or type of coaching will fly?

I’ll explore all of these head-on today. Let’s get to it!

What You Will Learn

• The “Big 4” factors that separate 3-figure-per-month and 5-figure++ per month coaches.
• The one thing you must consider before trying coaching—or any personalized service.
• Three fast ways to know if you have what it takes AND validate your coaching idea.
• What one thing—above all else—will decide your ongoing success as a coach?

Listen UP!

Resources

• How to validate your idea quickly and start taking money.
• Do you even need to formalize a business if people are already paying you?
• Become a CorbinLinks.com VIP and get business-building tools, find more clients, the Mondays Rock Mail and more!
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today I’m starting a multi-week series! If you’ve been around the show for a while, you know I just love doing themes.

So in honor of my upcoming coaching course (releasing in mid March), I’m walking through parts of the course—module by module. And today’s material is from Module 1.

My goal is that at the end of this podcast series, you will have the basic tools to get your coaching business up and running at a profit.

Sound good?

What You Will Learn

1. The key differences between consulting and coaching. (Yes, there are differences, and important to understand when you’re creating your new business.)
2. Why coach? Why not be an employee, or try some other line of work?
3. Do you really need a big “why” or a deep “passion” to create a results-based, powerful, profitable coaching business?
4. How to deliver coaching services. We’ll explore both physical and virtual delivery methods.
5. Are you really qualified? The answer may surprise you!
6. Do you need a core audience? Super-small micro-niche to start out? The answer to this may ALSO surprise you.
7. Actions and next steps

Let’s go!

Listen UP

Resources

• Need to nail down your business idea, or take it to the next level? Work with me! (New coaching services added.)
• 7 Must-Haves For Any New Coaching Business
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

How Much Will it Cost to Start a Consulting Business? – CLS013

Awesomely-direct question this week: Duarte asks simply “How much will it cost to start my consulting business?”

I have a couple different perspectives on Duarte’s question. First, because the actual Dollar / Euro / Pound / amount you’ll need depends wildly on several factors. I’ll get into those in today’s episode.

Second, because it’s a question that can actually get in the way of just starting. Especially if you already have the expertise you’ll be offering into the marketplace, tools, know-how, etc.

If you’ve been wondering exactly WHAT it costs to start coaching or consulting, this is your episode. I’ve covered the pieces and parts before, but today it’s getting specific. You’ll walk away with near-exact (“near”, because a lot depends on where you are and what you’re trying to do) planning numbers.

We’re going to get into all of today, so let’s just jump in!

What You Will Learn

1. What assumptions you must have in place, before exploring the “how much will it cost?” question.
2. Consulting vs. coaching—how much hands-on work will you be doing with the client?
3. The minimum list of things you need to start your consulting business (the list is shorter than you think…)
4. How little money you really need to get started. I’ll break this down into actual, live amounts you can use for planning.
5. Your suggested homework for the weekend!

Listen UP!

Resources

• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• Join the VIP List—Remember, The Corbin Links Show is only the beginning!
• Do I need a business when people are paying me?
• Who is your real client here?
• 7 Steps to Owning Your Own Consulting (or Coaching) Business
• Ask a question and get featured on an upcoming episode of The Corbin Links Show

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Sidenote: The original show title was “7 BIG Business Lessons Learned in Restaurants”. But when I sat down to do it, the tips just flowed and flowed until I got to 15—and forced myself to stop. So today’s show isn’t a comprehensive list of stuff learned in my first jobs, but DOES include a lot of them.

That said…

One of my first “corporate” jobs, was working for a large restaurant chain. Sure, I’d spent years before that actually eating at restaurants; but working in one was a whole different world!

Since my business skills were a bit …er….limited at the time, restaurants presented a way to make a bit of money.

My first role was a dishwasher. I must admit that my first 2–3 months washing dishes were not happy. And that was a problem.

Because my attitude showed. It rubbed off on others, and I was at risk of becoming just another body in a very long change of dishwashers.

One day I suddenly realized—my behavior is not changing anything. Each day is the same because I’m the same. Let’s try something different…

And the rest is business history. Changing my attitude allowed me to learn, absorb, and most important apply crucial lessons that have served me well decades later.

Today I’ll share a big 15 ACTIONABLE Business Lessons from working multiple roles in restaurants. Guaranteed that at least one of them, consistently applied, can have a big impact in your life and business.

What You Will Learn

• That ONE thing that impacts everything else in your job, life, or business (it MAY not be what you think…)
• Do you really need to have your own business to be your own independent business person? The answer may surprise you…
• How to give yourself a raise, without raising your business income.
• How any business can serve many more clients or customers without increasing head count.
• How to push your clients right out the door (and why you may not want to do this…)
• How to always know who the single, most important client in the world is.

Listen UP!

Resources

• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• Lessons Learned in 2013 (A different kind of “lessons learned” episode…)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It’s time for Questions and ACTIONS Friday!

This week, Kayla asks—

Great question, Kayla. I think anyone who has ever tried to directly sell ANY type of product or service has run into this a few times (or a LOT of times!)

But since it’s happening maybe a few times, we need to dig a bit deeper. In today’s show we’ll explore:

1. What’s in a rate, anyway?

2. Why clients pick apart rates, though studies show people generally buy results over price?

3. How to avoid—or at least minimize—the whole rate conversation.

4. The one thing which can convert the doubting client more than anything (and hint, it’s NOT the rate).

5. And more!

Lots to talk about, so let’s get rolling.

Listen UP!

Resources

• How Much Should You Charge for Consulting Services?
• Find more qualified, better-targeted clients with this free VIP Tool
• How to Speed Your Journey Along the Consulting Continuum

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I’m sharing a little story today:

Two friends make a bet with each other (true story, names have been changed):

Jane bet her friend Beth she could lose more weight in two weeks than Beth could. Beth accepted and they each started a “lose weight fast” program.

• Jane did all the usual, or “conventional” stuff (which we’ll talk about in this show).
• Beth made some modifications, plus one big thing, that Jane did not do.

At the end of the two weeks, tensions were high as Beth and Jane stepped on the scales.

The result?

Each lost weight overall—but Beth won the bet by losing a full 9 pounds more than Jane! How did Beth do it? And did she risk her health with shake/bar/packaged meal, surgery, or amphetamines/appetite suppressants?

Nope! Beth used tried and true methods of the ancients. Tune in to find out about Beth’s protocol, and how you can work it into your busy life and business.

What You Will Learn

• What actually IS healthy weight loss?
• How to lose weight fast, in a health-boosting way, without pills or surgeries.
• How to understand the difference between health-inducing, and health-reducing weight-loss methods.
• How many extra pounds we ALL carry around with us, and how to get rid of them.
• 4 power-charged tips for getting even more out of today’s special weight-loss strategy.
• And lots more!

Listen UP!

Resources

• Colonic / Colon Cleanse Directory
• How to Up Your Health Game in 30 Days or Less
• Subscribe to The Corbin Links Show on iTunes (and don’t forget the review…)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today, Jacob asks “do I really need a business if clients already pay me?”

Based on the question, we have both demand and business validation—great! Seems all is going well.

Should he take all the steps to form a business when things seem to be going so well already? After all, clients are paying him without any formal business structure at all. Why change?

This is a great question in a couple different ways. And it dovetails nicely off last week’s Q&A episode 007, where Tracy had the “prequel” question. Jacob, I have have some thoughts on this.

What You Will Learn

In today’s Questions and Actions episode, you will learn:

1. The signs it is time to go pro with your business.
2. Other options if you’re not yet ready for full indy pro. (Freelancing, or avoiding “babysitter syndrome”)
3. Can a business entity, insurance, and paperwork actually help you get more clients?
4. Can you really effectively deliver coaching and consulting from a noisy beach somewhere?
5. Next steps and your weekend homework.

Listen UP!

Got Questions?

Share them! Three quick and easy ways to have your question answered on The Corbin Links Show:

1. Reach out and contact us at CorbinLinks.com. This is the #1 best way, as our whole team is notified when your question arrives.
2. Hit me on Twitter: @corbinlinks.
3. If you’re a VIP Member, just reply to any of our emails and ask a question/

Resources

• CLS007 – Business Plans, How to Take Money, and What to Do Next
• The Only 7 Things you Need to Start a Consulting or Coaching Business—Today
• 8 Attraction Strategies + 6 Must-Ask Questions To Get Found NOW
• 15 Ways to Win Bids
• Legal Review Service for Independent Business Owners Legal Zoom (no affiliation)
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Whether you’re starting a new coaching business or IT / technical consulting company—or have been in one a long time—you know about client paperwork.

Lots of paperwork! In fact, it can sometimes take days, weeks—even months—to get the paperwork done. Non Disclosure Agreements, Scope of Work Documents, Master Consulting Agreements, Computing or Fair Use Policies, Purchase Orders or “POs”, and the list goes on.

While that list may seem daunting, it’s reality. And something smaller firms often get tripped up on is the paperwork of dealing with really large organizations.

But what do you REALLY need to get the job done? Is there a “minimum viable document list” to get rolling?

In today’s episode, I’m going to tackle one of consulting’s less fun—but extremely important parts: consulting paperwork and client agreements.

If you have any desire at all to go after bigger game and compete with the “big boys and girls”, you NEED to have this stuff nailed down.

And that’s what I’m here for. So let’s do this!!

What You Will Learn

• A BIG new announcement
• The “minimum viable document set” you need to run a pro-grade consulting firm.
• This onboarding form strategy may work BETTER than online or digital forms.
• A full walk through of each consulting document type, and suggestions for each.
• 8 things every Scope of Work (SOW) document needs.
• Are NDAs really necessary? The answer may surprise you.
• How to streamline your client enrollment forms.
• Strategies for building your own documentation.
• What you must do with all contracts and agreements, especially when just starting out.
• Should you (or not) accept purchase orders (PO)?

Listen UP!

Resources

• Join the new VIP List!
• Review The Corbin Links Show
• Online Form Episode

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

We are in the second week of our new Friday Questions and ACTIONS edition of The Corbin Links Show. Today I’ve got a whopper of a question that I’ll try to break down into three-starter pieces.

Tracy asks about going pro with her custom event planning business. She also asks about needing a business plan—or should she just respond to work as it comes up? How to make and receive money doing what she loves? And a couple other things as well.

All great questions and ones we can all relate to at some point in our business journeys. I’ll share a few thoughts and 3 specific next steps to move forward with your idea.

Let’s get it started!

What You Will Learn

• How to decide if you need a business plan. If so, what should it include?
• How friends and family demand may not indicate market demand—and what to do instead.
• How to create a quick, but maintainable and useful business plan.
• Fast-track tips for validating your business.
• Super fast and simple way to accept payments for any product or service business.
• Your weekend homework and action steps.

Listen UP!

Got Questions?

Share them! Three quick and easy ways to have your question answered on The Corbin Links Show:

1. Reach out and contact us at CorbinLinks.com. This is the #1 best way, as our whole team is notified when your question arrives.
2. Hit me on Twitter: @corbinlinks
3. If you’re a VIP Member, just reply to any of our emails with your question.

Resources

• 21 Rules for Solopreneurs to Live By
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• Get paid quickly with your own personal “pay me” link.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Ever feel like you’re just one business in the sea of thousands of similar ones? Millions of similar ones? Why would someone pick you? How would they find you? How does your own unique blend of consulting and coaching services—delivered only the way YOU can delivery them—really stand out?

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right seat. Polls consistently show that differentiation, or “standing out in a crowded, highly competitive market place” is a top business concern.

Trying to stand out, or explain your uniqueness can be daunting—if you don’t have the formula. Well, today’s show is here to put an end to generic business labels! You’re unique, you have something unique, and NO ONE else can deliver what you do quite the way you do. That’s what customers and clients need to understand to buy from you, and that’s what we’re going to tackle.

You’ll learn 8 field tested, battle-hardened ways to differentiate your consulting, coaching, or any services-based business. So what do you say we get started?

What You Will Learn

• What really is differentiation, anyway?
• 8 strategies to make your consulting, coaching or any services-based business stand boldly out from the crowd.
• What do manners and politeness have to do with it?
• How to get found—quickly.
• Action steps and homework to put everything into practice and build a stand-out business NOW!

Listen UP

Resources

• The Corbin Links Show: Episode 1
• The Corbin Links Show on itunes (You can also leave a show review here, hint…hint…)
• How To Up Your Health Game in 30 Days or Less

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

This week, Sheila asks if it’s possible to make real money (or even be profitable) as a health coach.

It’s a great question—one that comes up a lot. Back in Season 1, Episode 001, I shared some thoughts on breaking into the health / nutrition industry. But today’s money question is sort of a ‘prequel’. After all, if there’s no money, why do it? (At least as a business.)

Then there’s the issue of competition and market saturation. Are there too many coaches already? Is there really that much demand? Are any of the other coaches making money? All great questions, and big things to think about. But should that stop you?

Today, I’ll tackle these questions head-on. I’ll get to the bottom of the health coaching money issue, and share some practical suggestions to get started.

What You Will Learn

• The #1 thing that stops coaches cold when it comes to profitability (and what you can do about it)
• Who to reach out to when starting out in health / wellness
• The one thing you must do—over and over again—to break into new coaching markets
• And more

Let’s go!

Listen UP!

Resources

• How to break in to the health / wellness coaching market – a few thoughts.
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes
• The E-Myth Revisited (Book)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

As consultants, coaches, leaders, and subject matter experts, we’re expected to be:

• “on top of our game”
• “in step / tune with our industry”
• “ahead of the curve”
• “have the answers”
• and a lot of other things

Sounds reasonable right? After all, clients are paying us to be the expert voice.

But it’s challenging isn’t it? With all the other activities we have, including managing money, staff, clients, delivery, administration, automation, errands, planning, strategy, travel, and a host of other factors: how do we keep up? How do we keep that “step ahead” and our “go-to expert” personas?

Information overload and keeping up with—ideally ahead of—our industries is a job in and of itself. But clients expect it, and we should expect it of ourselves.

So today, I’m sharing 7 Strategies to Keep Up—Or Stay Ahead Of—Industry Trends.

What You Will Learn

• What happened to transcripts, our podcast feeds, and a few quick housekeeping items.
• 7 KEY Strategies to tame information overload, regain focus, and kick procrastination to the curb.
• Why “looking back” (in history) can be even more important than trying to “look forward”.
• Counterintuitive tips to get ahead—and stay ahead—in your industry.
• Why it is important to keep detailed records of your past projects.
• My 3 most powerful “go to” sources in digital media.

Listen UP!

Resources

• Article: How Do You Know What’s Going On?
• “Sitting for ideas”
• The Corbin Links Show on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

We all have to start somewhere, and starting off on the right foot can help us reach our goals and dreams a whole lot faster.

If you have a new coaching or consulting business, you have a LOT of questions. And Marla asks a classic:

“How can I ‘get the word out’ in my new coaching business?”

Let’s find out!

What You Will Learn

1. 3 ways to find new clients when you’re first starting out.
2. What you don’t want to focus your efforts on. Instead, focus 99% of your energy on this:…..(tune in to discover)
3. Do you need a big portfolio to start your business?
4. What should you send potential new clients and contacts to really help them.
5. Your Friday action steps for this week.

Listen UP!

Got Questions?

Share them! Three quick and easy ways to have your question answered on The Corbin Links Show:

1. Reach out and contact us at CorbinLinks.com. This is the #1 best way, as our whole team is notified when your question arrives.
2. Hit me on Twitter: @corbinlinks
3. If you’re a VIP Member, just reply to any of our emails with your question.

Quick reminder: The Corbin Links Show is now running twice per week. Wednesdays are the regular full-=length episodes. Fridays are Q & A (questions and actions).

A big THANK YOU! to all the listeners and supporters of Season 1, and the Bangin’ Your Business Show. You made it possible to expand the show and keep improving it week after week.

Like the show? How about a value exchange with a review on iTunes? Takes just a moment, but your feedback is so much appreciated. Head over to https://corbinlinks.com/itunes.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

If you had a chance to listen to my past business “crash, burn and rebuild” story, you remember that a major issue was “business cost management” and lessons learned.

I have a lot of passion about this topic and helping others answer the question “how to best balance what you really should buy, and what to wait on?”

And last week I covered 7 Strategies to 2X (or more!) your business in 2016. What was #7?

Manage your money more effectively.

Money management is where many businesses make or break their futures. We’re all trained to think: just do more business: one more client / one more sale / one more …. one more…

Sure, that’s all great—we of COURSE need more clients, products, streams, and revenue. But it’s what we DO with that revenue that transforms businesses from bad to good, good to great, great to stellar.

But there’s this other side of the equation, right?

We’ve all heard things like:

“You have to spend money to make money”

“Scared money don’t make money”

“You gotta pay to play”

And lots of other variations on the same theme…

So, how do we balance pay-to-play, vs business cost management? Let’s find out! I’m diving into shiny objects vs. cost management today So let’s get it started!

What You Will Learn

• A BIG announcement about The Corbin Links Show (in a good way)
• 5 Point Business Cost vs. Shiny Object Decision Framework
• How to decide if your business needs something, can wait, or run away from it
• Your homework suggestions to get the most out of today’s show

Listen UP!

Resources

• The Corbin Links Show: Episode 1
• Business Crash and REBUILD Episode
• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Yes, your old “Bangin’ Your Business” podcast feed is pointing to the right place. I explain all in the final Season 1 Episode of Bangin’ Your Business. You can check that out over at https://banginyourbusiness.com/039.

But on with the new:

Let’s kick off your life and business new year with 7 Strategies to 2x Your Business in 2016 and Beyond.

What you will learn:

1. What to expect in the new “Corbin Links Show” format.

2. 7 full in-depth, field-tested, business boosting strategies. I’ll cover:

• Getting your 2016 health in order
• Productivity
• Clients
• Training
• Automation
• Money Management
• And more!

Whether 2015 was your dream year, a not-so-dreamy year, or somewhere in between, I’ve got your back.

I guarantee if you apply these things consistently you WILL see positive results in your business. (Or your podcast money back…)

Let’s do this!

Listen UP!

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today’s show marks the end of “Season 1,” and a new beginning for the next phase of the show. We’re just going to chat today. No special segments, music, fanfare or copyright notices. Just you and me. But stay tuned for a big announcement at the end.

First, I’d like to share 7 things I learned doing Season 1 of this show—39 full episodes in all.

As many of you know, podcasting and I go way back to late 2005. During that time, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of hosting several fun, interesting, and educational shows. Bangin’ Your Business continues that tradition.

And with each new show, there is something BRAND new to learn. Literally with each and every episode. Learning, sharing, and feedback, helping others, and the opportunity to meet great people help make it all worthwhile.

Many of my coaching and consulting clients are starting to podcast, considering it, or asking me about it. For them, and for you the listener who may be considering picking up the mic, this show’s for you. If you’re looking for the “how” of setting up a podcast from scratch there are some brilliant and complete tutorials out there. Will have at least one in the show notes.

Instead, this is more of a “lessons learned” episode, from a coaching / consulting perspective. If that’s you—or a future version of you—then you’re in the right place.

Listen up!

Resources

• Bangin’ Your Business – Episode 18: Answer to podcast questions
• Podcast Fast Track – Podcast Production, Editing, and Consulting
• Excellent and comprehensive “how to podcast” tutorial – From ‘My Wife Quit Her Job’
• Another full-on podcast tutorial from Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

As business coaches and consultants, we often think “Hey wait a minute, I AM the coach/consultant/expert! Why would I hire someone else to coach me?”

“Why don’t I take myself on as a client and do it myself!”

Ever thought that? Me to; countless times. For YEARS. And I’ll share a secret: it’s only been the past 3 years or so, where I’ve let myself open up and bring in outside consultants and coaches to analyze and work with our business.

And you know what?

It’s been HUGE. More productivity, more sales, more clarity and focus. In today’s Feature Segment, I’ll share 7 tips for hiring your own business coach, plus 5 strategies for getting the most from your consultations.

It’s that holiday season of the year: food, lots and lots of food, parties, drinks, stress, travel, and … so easy to get carried away. Got you covered. In the Bangin’ Your Health segment, I’ll share 9 tips for keeping your health during the holidays.

In the Bangin’ Your Productivity segment, we’ll talk winter cleaning and share a few tips for an efficient office space.

What you will learn

• 7 tips for hiring the perfect business coach for your business.
• 5 strategies to get the most value from your consulting sessions.
• 9 strategies to supercharge your health and during the holidays. Get those immunity shields up!
• 8 strategies to turn your ho-hum office into a productivity powerhouse.

Listen Up!

Resources

• 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health
• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes
• Episode 27

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

It’s that time of year: many of us are re-evaluating our strategies, businesses, opportunities, and how our time is spent.

I’ve been spending a lot of time with online contact forms over the last couple of weeks. Our contact forms, the forms of our clients and some business coaches we’re actually working with during our year-end planning. What we’re finding is there is a mix of everything from the cool, to the complex—to the downright broken!

We’re all conditioned to think we need online contact forms on our sites and all of our web presence point. But, do we really? And if so, what should the “perfect” online contact form do for us? How can or should we manage them? And are they really a good source of viable business for coaches and consultants? Well, I’m going to explore all of those topics and more in today’s feature segment.

In the Health Segment, I’ll explore another magical spice root for your health arsenal. This orange powerhouse, which is often used as a food spice, has many other benefits as well. Smoothies, drinks, food, you name it. And the benefits are huge.

Then, we’re going to hit some productivity with a tool and tactic for both Mac and Windows. Any time I use a brand new computer or workstation this is literally one of the first 2 or 3 pieces of software I install. Used right, it’s another one of those tools that can save you a half hour or more a day.

What You Will Learn:

• Upsides and downsides of online contact forms.
• 7 strategies to get the best results from your forms.
• Spice-up your health, food, drinks with this amazing plant.
• A tool and strategy to find files fast, launch apps, automate work and more. I save 30+ minutes per day using this strategy, and apply it to all my computers.

Listen Up!

Resources

• LaunchBar for Mac
• Alfred 2 for Mac
• Launchy for Windows
• 7 Keys to Achieving High Performance Health
• JotForm
• KitchenLove Stories

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

This episode mentions a test launch course we released in late December 2015. Please disregard that portion of the announcement.

Full-on course, training, and other 2016 goodies are on their way soon!

Time to start your business! I have a big announcement on today’s show, something that’s been a long time incoming, and it is going to help your business take off and soar. We’re also going to be doing a full on Q&A episode today.

In fact, today’s feature is going to cover both Feature and Productivity Segments, so no separate productivity tool.

And, in the Bangin’ Your Health segment, you know we’re big fans here of nutritional greens. We talk about them a lot. Well in the Bangin’ Your Health segment, I’m going to share two other super amazing concentrated greens to boost performance, protein, alkalinity, and more.

What You Will Learn:

• How to maintain your focus when working in a crazy corporate “fish bowl” environment.
• How to separate from previously-good client relationships. (Or, when your business model changes.)
• Answers to that age-old business-builder question: Should you take on a side job while building a new business?
• How to create a virtual assistant (VA) job description that works.
• Two near-magical greens to detox your body, blast you with mega nutrition, and accompany you on the road.
• How a special new course can start your business out on the right foot. (Or boost your existing business.)

Listen Up!  

Resources

1. All about working with virtual assistants
2. 7 Keys to Achieving High Performance Health

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do you ever feel like you’re just running on a treadmill and not quite getting there? Or maybe you’re getting somewhere, but feeling tired and burned out all the time? Or worse, you had a recent “crash” state, and you’re having to take unscheduled downtime just to recover, much less get productive again?

Well, I’ve been there too. It’s not fun, and it’s a HUGE reason why we started the whole bangin’ your business concept to begin with of marrying health and business together. Well today, we’re going to get down and detailed on the core of our business and personal selves, and protect that most valuable asset: our individual selves and our time. There are 5 strategies today, which will help you do that very thing.

Now, a lot of people also wonder about supplements: are they any good?, which ones to take, and especially the question, “Well, I’ve been taking them, but they don’t work! Why don’t they work? What do I do?” Well, today’s Bangin’ Your Health topic is appropriately titled “Help! My supplements don’t work!”

Now, once our core is protected, and our supplements sorted out, we’re going to turn to productivity and share both a strategy and a tool suggestion for saving 30 – 60 minutes per day. Interested?

Then let’s do this!

What You Will Learn

• How to protect yourself from burning out and CRASHING – personally, professionally, or both.
• 5 strategies to help protect your time and stress levels.
• Why your supplements don’t work—and what to do about it.
• Do a lot of computer work with words and text? Here’s a strategy AND recommended tool to save 30 – 60 minutes per day

Resources

1. 7 Keys to Achieving High Performance Health – Free Course
2. Morning Routine Post
3. Blackstrap molasses
4. Magnesium
5. Moringa
6. Sublime Text 3

Listen Up!

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Having a new case study—or 3—is a wonderful thing. Case studies mean you are doing client business, your portfolio is growing! But now what? How do you recoup the time, money, and energy spent creating your business case study? After all, as great as case studies are, they do take time and effort that could otherwise be used on billable work.

What are some of the most effective ways to market them? In today’s part two of the business case study series, I’ll share some practical strategies you can use right now—today—to market your case studies.

More than a green, more than protein, more than plain old vitamins and minerals, it’s…..well I’ll keep you in suspense. But in today’s Bangin’ Your Health Segment, I’ll share an amazing super green leaf that has energy, power, and so much more. It’s starting to get trendy, and you may have heard of it recently, but there is a LOT to this story. We use it every day topically and in drinks, and have noticed visible differences. Stay tuned…

And in today’s Productivity Segment, I’ll share a couple of inexpensive, but creative ways to extend your monitor real estate and get some of that “multi-monitor productivity” – but without the 2nd monitor. I use a variation of this highly portable setup when traveling, and it’s a strong productivity boost. Can’t wait to share it with you.

In fact, there’s so much to share that we should just do it. Let’s go!

What You Will Learn:

• 10 field-tested strategies to take your case study marketing to new levels.
• Step-by-step guide to market your business case study for maximum results.
• What not to do when marketing your business case studies.
• What “miracle leaf” can add protein, minerals, energy, vitality, vigor and more to your life.
• A simple, yet powerful 3-ingredient recipe for a super skin balm.
• How to create an inexpensive, but portable and travel-friendly multiple monitor setup.
• A full update on everything that’s been happening at BYB HQ.

Resources

1. Part One of the Two-Part Series on Business Case Studies
2. Join the Bangin’ Your Business VIP List
3. Duet Display – Get that second-monitor experience on the go, and boost your productivity. Or, watch the demo on their site.
4. Amazing Aloe

Listen Up!

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do you have case studies in your portfolio? Have you ever found them to be challenging or time-consuming to create? Or maybe you’re wondering is it even worth a time and investment to create a really good case study?

Well recent data suggest that case studies do in fact still matter and in some markets matter a whole lot. And in our own experience we have a lot decision makers ask for this information from us, and in fact it’s been a key of our sales strategy especially when working with people who we’ve never spoken with before. But what to do these case studies? Is there a correct or “best practice way?” to go about them. I’m going to tackle those questions and more in today’s feature segment.

Is it possible to just eat and drink whatever you want, whenever you want, as much as you want and still live to 100 or more? And if so, is it even a good idea? I still have people who email me all the time about someone who ate bacon for a 100 years, or drank a gallon of whiskey a day for decades without any problem, or smoked cigarettes well into their 90’s. This idea comes up a lot and is usually coming up because people want to counter any suggestions about healthy or nutritious living and trying to essentially dismissed it. I have a few thoughts about this topic as you might have imagined and I’m going to attempt to point out a few things to consider when you’re for planning for your own turbo-boosted productivity regimen.

And speaking of productivity, it’s a “productivity insurance” topic today in the Bangin’ Your Productivity episode, with my favorite tool for protecting productivity in the event of computer loss or downtime. This one has literally saved me 2+ full days just in the past six months, and is worth considering very strongly to protect your business, data and livelihood.

B-I-G show today and let’s get to it!

What You Will Learn

• Why your consulting or coaching portfolio needs business case studies.
• How to create an effective and winning case study that convinces buyers to invest in your services.
• Can you really live past 100 eating and drinking anything you want? We’ll dive into this hot topic and share 7 key factors for health and longevity.
• Why pure longevity and best health / quality of life are not always related.
• Two productivity tools which protect life’s most valuable asset: *time*.

Listen Up!

Resources

1. Carbon Copy Cloner
2. EaseUS – Todo Backup
3. 7 keys to Achieving High-Performance Health
4. Subscribe on iTunes

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Are you having challenges making inroads with large client firms because they maybe perceive you as being too small to work with, or because you’re just not on their preferred vendor list? And, how do you answer this question about bench strength and how deep your reserve of personnel is? Well, these could be daunting questions, but today I have five tips for dealing with this whole thing thanks to a recent listener question.

In today’s Bangin’ Your Health segment, I’m going to share another power tool in your health and nutritional arsenal, one that can help remineralize your body, help health conditions, reduce sickness, boost your energy, and more. Plus, it’s portable enough to take with you on those long road trips.

Then we’re going to get a bit geeky in today’s Bangin’ Your Productivity segment. It’s shiny tool time again with a free software package that can save you 10 to 30 minutes a day in your writing and Markdown text editing.

Another full agenda in today’s episode, so let’s do this.

What You Will Learn

• How to address big company concerns about “bench strength” and resources
• How to close big projects even you are not on the preferred vendor’s list
• What are colloidal minerals and what can they do for you?
• How to save 10 – 30 minutes or more – uniquely for Mac users (Windows users – I’ve got other tools coming your way…).

Listen Up!

Resources

• 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health
• BYB Episode 002
• How To Up Your Health Game in 30 Days or Less
• Brett Terpstra’s Markdown Service Tools
• Installing an OSX Service
• Deep dive on Mac Services (third-party-site)
• Now Foods, Colloidal Minerals
• Buried Treasure, 70+ Plant Derived Minerals

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do you work for an organization that’s big on projects and dreams, but short on budget? Do you find it hard to get your projects done? Or maybe you’re a consultant or coach who is constantly contacted by firms wanting to make an employee out of you, but yet they don’t have the packages, incentives, or cash to back it up. This is an increasingly common trend – trying to do these really gigantic projects with little or no budget. Well, in today’s Feature Segment, I’m going to share eight strategies for the budget strapped enterprise to address the need a project, but have insufficient funds challenge.

What diet plan should I follow? What should I be doing? Well, a few questions about this came up recently, and I’m going to share a few different thoughts on diet camps or strategies or what I call the diet wars. And, I’m going to share a sound strategy that works well with any of them.

Now, in today’s Bangin’ Your Productivity segment, we are back to shiny tools this time. This is going to be my go-to mail tool that I’ve used for the past three and a half years, even though I’ve tried literally countless, as in probably three dozen others. But this is the mainstay. I keep coming back to it over and over again, and I’m going to share five reasons why you might want to try it out for yourself.

Lots to talk about today, so let’s get to it.

What You Will Learn

• 8 Strategies to handle ambitious projects but with minimal—or no budget.
• Alternatives to hiring expert consultants or coaches.
• How to win the diet war!
• How to customize your own health and diet plan.
• My favorite go-to mail tool for the past 3+ years.
• 5 reasons why you need to try this mail management tool.

Listen Up!

Resources

• Email management article
• Hacking Your Productivity With The Time Management Chef
• Alkalinity for health and healing
• Postbox for Mac and Windows
• Free Course: 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health
• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do affirmations and things like positive self-talk really work? If so, can they be made even more effective? And, are there downsides? We’re going to explore a few pros and cons and then share my take on all of this.

Do you outsource any of your tasks? And, if so, you probably know how difficult it can be to track people through all the many channels there are: email, online portals, chat, Skype, Zoom Meetings, WebEx, and much, much more. In today’s Bangin’ Your Productivity segment, I’m going to share a couple tips to help you cut down on some of the churn and make distributed team management a whole lot easier.

In the Feature Segment, I’m going to explore a sensitive, but really powerful and relevant topic for those of us in consulting and coaching, and I’m calling it: Is Your Mouth Costing You Money? We probably all understand that saying the wrong things or saying things out of context can hurt the sales process. After all, if we say something wrong in a presales meeting, it can kill the sale or turn potential clients away from working with us.

But what about after the sale, especially after we get a little bit more comfortable working with the client and our communications become a lot more open and personal? Then what? Well, I’m going to share five tips to help ensure your client conversations are always the best they can be.

Wow! A fully packed show today, so let’s just do this.

What You Will Learn

• What affirmations are, why we see them everywhere, and whether they actually work.
• How to process all the bazillions of quotes and affirmations thrown at us each day. Or, should we even bother?
• Strategies to keep your mood and attitude at peak levels throughout the day.
• How 4 little seconds can save—or improve—a business relationship.
• 5 Strategies to Transform Your Mouth into a Major Business Asset.
• 5 Strategies to Manage Virtual Staff When They Are All on Different Job Portals.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Listen Up!

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I’ve been thinking a lot about sales lately. Maybe because sales-related topics questions are the most frequent:

• How do we get more clients?
• How do we close more client deals?
• Where do we find clients?
• And more

Or, maybe because sales is key part of my upcoming course…hint…hint…

A BIG part of the answer is in today’s short, but mighty topic called “How to Increase Sales up to 80%.” It’s one of my top 2 – 3 favorite sales strategies of all time; one which has directly led to over 50% of our own business.

What You Will Learn

• Why so many sales programs leave money on the table
• Why you may not be closing as many deals as you’d like (and what to do about it)
• A sure-fire way to dramatically boost your new client numbers

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Listen Up!

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

You’re signing your very first, or maybe your 100th coaching deal. Great!

Now comes the difficult contract or “agreement” part where you and your new client have to sign off on something. The quality, content, and specificity of your client coaching or consulting agreements can make or break your whole sale.

Fortunately, there’s a way through all this with a win/win coaching agreement. Following the seven-point plan I’m going to share in this episode, you can increase the acceptance of your signed coaching or consulting agreements and keep it a win/win process for everyone.

Now, I’m going to do something different today for the health and productivity segment. I’m going to combine them together. The whole idea started with a recent question I got from a colleague. He said, “Corbin, how do you pull all those 15- to 17-hour days and just keep right on going? You never seem to go down. You never seem to get sick. You just keep right on pumping through.”

Well, this comes up a lot, and it got me to thinking. How about we talk about a lucky 13 list of tips, what I call my marathon power day strategies direct from the Bangin’ Your Business playbook. With these strategies in hand, you will power through the most demanding of days without pills, prescriptions, or other unhealthy options.

Sound good? Let’s dive in.

What you will learn

• 7 steps to a winning coaching project agreement
• My lucky 13-point ‘secret’ in achieving high productivity and keeping me healthy at all times
• How I routinely power through 15 – 17 hour work days – without sacrificing my health!
• How to get even more Bangin’ Your Business
• And more of everything

Listen up!

Resources

• Learn about the Sleep Bank (and be sure to make deposits!)
• Survive and Thrive in Long Business Meetings
• Master the Morning Routine
• KitchenLoveStories.com – Powerful hand-crafted food and beverage for top performers.
• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do you ever feel intimidated, nervous, or just “not-quite-right” when selling your services? Maybe you’ve thought: “they’ll never be interested”, or “I wonder if it’s good enough” or “I’m not good at this”, or “sales doesn’t feel natural.”

Or, maybe you did the sales call and thought it didn’t go well. Or you stumbled somewhere along the way.

If you’ve experienced any or all of the above, you’re not alone. Sales can be nerve wracking for even the most experienced professionals, especially when big deals are on the table. In this episode, I’ll share 7 proven strategies for boosting sales confidence.

If you’re any type of health or productivity hacker, you’ve likely heard at least mention of “smart drugs” and “nootropics”. Lots of big names touting these, both prescription and otherwise. But are they safe? Are there some non-pill / non-pharma solutions to boost your clarity, focus, and productivity?

Turns out there are. Mother nature has her own “nootropics”, often from which some prescriptions are loosely derived. We’ll discuss the topic a bit, and share 5 natural nootropic boosters, and one special “elixir” with no dairy or pills in it, but gives a great cognitive boost.

I’ve been doing a TON of linear / timeline-based video editing in the past two weeks. One tool I was using cost me probably a good two days effort because it has a disappearing waveform editor.

The other has a fantastic waveform editor: almost as good as a native tool such as Audacity, is way easier to use, and SAVED me a bunch of time. Not your typical productivity tool segment, but this has worked out so well for me I just HAD to share.

Let’s go!

What you will learn

• 7 proven strategies for sales confidence-building. Kick sales fear to the curb!
• My top natural “Smart drugs” that provide cognitive benefits, boost mental clarity, jump-start your energy—without prescription street meds.
• Why non-GMO soy lecithin is awesomely healthy!
• An unlikely productivity tool which rescued literally days of my life in a recent video project.

Listen Up!

Resources

• Survive and Thrive in Long Business Meetings
• How to Conduct a Successful——And Productive——Kickoff Meeting
• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes (don’t forget to stop by and leave a great review. I really appreciate it and read each and every one.)
• Bangin’ Your Business on Stitcher Radio
• Bangin’ Your Business on Spreaker

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do you have a consulting, coaching, or services business? Want to know how and where to find clients? If you’re like most of us in services, maintaining client growth is always top of mind. We all want a steady stream of coaching clients!

Well today I have 7 time-tested strategies and ways to find and engage clients. Many of these methods may not surprise you, but we all can use reminders when faced with so much internet stuff about this or that technology——or social media tool. We’ll talk what WORKS now, and what has worked for millennia!

Diving into health, we’ll visit one of my all-time favorite wonder plants. This thing has most everything, both internal and topical. It’s resilient, relatively easy to grow, self-healing, and body-good. Treat hair loss, acne, circulatory issues, wrinkles and more.

With our supercharged health and business underway, we’ll boost our productivity with an article I wrote back in 2013. This is one of the top 2 – 3 strategies (aside from shifting my mental focus) that changed my business life, productivity, and income for ever (or at least the past 11 years). I called this article “Productivity Secret of the Ancients” for an important reason. Let’s hear why…

Can’t wait to share it with you so let’s dive in!

What you will learn

• My 8 top favorite uses for the aloe vera plant. (Bet you’ll find at least one new one!)
• 7 time, battle, and success-tested methods for getting, booking, and keeping coaching clients. Keeping a steady stream of consulting and coaching clients is possible all day long once you know the “secrets”.
• Productivity Secrets of the Ancients are revealed.__
• Why cold calling isn’t quite dead.

Listen up!

Resources

• Survive and Thrive in Long Business Meetings
• How to Conduct a Successful——And Productive——Kickoff Meeting
• The ONLY 7 Things You Need——Right Now, Today——To Start a Consulting or Coaching Business
• Ancient Productivity Secrets Revealed
• Creating and Mastering the Morning Routine
• Fresh Aloe Leaves on Amazon (Disclaimer: We are fortunate enough to have direct access to fresh, local aloe plants and have not tried these vendors. However, reviews are good, and prices fair. Also, be advised that a little aloe goes a long way. If you refrigerate or freeze unused portions, a single leaf can last a week, depending on use.)
• Aloe Vera Farms – An independent source of fresh aloe.
• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes (don’t forget to stop by and leave a great review. I really appreciate it and read each and every one.)
• Bangin’ Your Business on Stitcher Radio
• Bangin’ Your Business on Spreaker

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

You meet with the client, you get clear on the clients’ needs, you start a new project, you spend time developing consulting solutions . . . maybe the client is interested, maybe even committed . . . but then they decide otherwise.

How’s that for frustrating?

More to the point, if this situation comes up too often, it can be career-damaging. Consulting and coaching portfolios are based on results obtained from YOUR direct efforts . . . I’ve got a 6-point framework to dramatically improve your client acceptance rate, and get them moving on your solutions, you won’t want to miss this week’s Bangin’ Your Business Segment.

When it comes to hair loss, is there anything you can do nutritionally to treat or prevent it? I get this question a lot; it’s a common thread not only for men but women as well. You want to know if there are alternatives to potions, pills, and surgeries — I’ve got you covered in the Bangin Your Health Segment.

There are several alternative and natural treatments for hair loss and even discoloration or graying. No guarantees of course, and full disclaimers apply, but I’ll share a few tips that just might help.

Are you suffering from Email Overload?

How do those seemingly endless email threads affect your productivity? I’m talking about those times when you send out something specific, get a reply with questions, answer the questions, get more questions, and suddenly you are in an endless loop of replies. I call this “mail topic saturation” and I have a 5-point system to decrease or outright eliminate that endless mail back and forth.

What you will learn

• The common causes of hair loss.
• Natural and alternative hair loss treatments you should consider.
• Rosemary and Olive Oil: they’re good for more than just cooking up Italian meals!
• How to stop those endless email threads dead in their tracks.
• Why your clients are not implementing your recommendations. 6 most common objections, and 6 answers to boost your solution acceptance rates by 75% or more!

We’ve got a lot to cover today, so let’s go!

Listen up!

Resources

• Snagit for Mac or Windows. My tool of choice on both platforms for years and years.
• How to Boost Your Email Management Over 80 Percent
• Bangin’ Your Business Episode 23
• Kitchen Love Stories (Hair, body, mind, nutrition-packed, soul-friendly food.)
• FREE 7 Keys eCourse
• Contact form
• BanginYourBusiness.com/iTunes
• BanginYourBusiness.com/Stitcher

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Are you looking for some strategies to handle late payments, non-payment, or collections? In the Bangin’ Your Business segment, I lay out an 8-point framework to dramatically lower client payment risk. It’s the same model we use in our own business and has served us well for years.

In the Bangin’ Your Health segment, we’re taking a deeper dive into healthy water. I’ll share exactly what I use for water at home and the office, and what I do when I travel.

And we’re going to “swipe” your productivity with a couple of my favorite go-to strategies and tools. These will have you flying through apps and windows, while concentrating only on what you need to.

What you will learn

• How to get paid almost 100% of the time, for each and every coaching or consulting project.
• The answer to the question—where the heck do you get your water, anyway?
• Recommended home and water system.
• How and what to use for shower water chlorine filtering.
• Traveling? Check out these 7-Keys-Friendly, body-good and “BYB-Approved” bottled waters.
• How to test your water purity.
• How to swipe your way to higher productivity.
• How to clear the clutter from your desktop, and focus only on what you need, right now!
• The Bangin’ Your Business 8-Point Payment Assurity Framework.
• And much more!

It’s a busy episode so let’s get to it!

Listen up!

Resources

• Episode 7 for more on water
• Episode 17 for more on water
• 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health – eCourse
• Berkey Filter – water filter comparison
• pH water meter
• TDS water meter
• Enable multiple desktops on Mac (up to 16!)
• Dexpot – Multiple Desktops for Windows
• BanginYourBusiness.com/iTunes
• BanginYourBusiness.com/Stitcher
• Pocket Casts app for Android

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

As a coach or consultant, landing new contracts is very dependent on your reputation. So, how do you build a reputation? And how can you fast-track your income and your client’s happiness in the process?

There is a sure-fire way to achieve stature and a higher-place on the consulting continuum——quickly. It’s not easy, but it is worth it. I’ll share my approach, and discuss the potential pitfalls, in today’s Bangin’ Your Business segment.

You may recall, in one of our earliest episodes, I mentioned “cleansing our detox”. I’m looping back to that today in the Bangin Your Health segment. We’re going to talk about what a cleanse is and why we sometimes need to cleanse–and also, why some cleanses could be harmful.

And we’re going to bang your productivity with Claude Monet, the famous impressionist artist. He was a fascinating man and he has a thing or three to teach us tech-inclined folks about productivity.

What you will learn

• Why so many celebrities——including the health gurus——constantly detox. Is it really a great idea? Why do they have to cleanse so often? Is there a better way?
• What can Claude Monet teach us about productivity?
• How to fast-track building your reputation as a Coach or Consultant.
• Seven practical tips for overcoming challenges you face in business.
• And much more!

We’ve got some serious health, business, and productivity bangin’ ahead so let’s get to it!

Listen up

Resources

• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less
• 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health – eCourse
• Cleansing Your Detox Cleanse
• BanginYourBusiness.com/iTunes
• BanginYourBusiness.com/Stitcher

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Client attraction is all the Internet rage right now. But is attracting always better than good old chasing or prospecting? Let’s find out.

Imagine a client–or potential client–that you are hoping to do business with, and they just keep asking for more and more and more information, but they never quite get to the point of closing the deal. How do you handle that? This is just one of today’s questions. The Feature Segment is a full-on Q&A show.

In the Bangin’ Your Health segment, I’m going to tell you how to actually use the 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health in your daily routine. We’ll walk through a full day, step-by-step for living the 7 Keys.

How about text and code snippets? All those little bits of text, quotes, pieces of code, wi-fi passwords and all those things that you have to store somewhere.

In the Bangin’ Your Productivity segment, I’m going to share one of my favorite tools for tracking and managing all those snippets in your life of all kinds, whether they’re scripts, code, bits of writing and research, or whatever you need.

Sounds like a big agenda, so let’s do this!

What you will learn

• Practical suggestions for you to do every day and get all your 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health into YOUR routine. I’m sharing a Step by Step breakdown of exactly how I keep all 7 Keys in my daily life.
• Answers to all kinds of listener questions about consulting and business Such as:
• How to pick a vendor to work with.
• How to tell if a business expense is justified, when it doesn’t seem to have a good ROI.
• How to set a limits when courting potential clients.
• The best way to attract clients + whether attracting clients IS “the best”.
• What to do with all those pieces of text information–formatted text, strings of code, links, passwords–that you need to store safely, and access quickly.
• And much more!

Looks like we’ve got another big agenda here, so let’s just do this!

Resources

• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less
• snipt.net
• BanginYourBusiness.com/iTunes
• BanginYourBusiness.com/Stitcher

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Ever look at all those happy, smiling, thumbs-up, leaping stock photo business people and wonder . . .

Why can’t my business life be like that?!

Me too. Wouldn’t it be great if our business and corporate lives could be a little more “brochure-like?” In today’s feature segment, I’ve got the “lucky 13” strategies to help you be happier, healthier, and more vibrant business person in ANY setting—even big corporate ones.

In the Bangin’ Your Health segment, I’ll share the age-old secret to weight loss—and management—called food combining. It’s often made out to be really complex; but I’ll break it down into simple steps you can use when meal planning, traveling, or dining with friends and family.

Need the right tools to run your business? In the Bangin’ Your Productivity segment, I share the suite of tools we use to power some of our most critical back office functions. They work well, have been around a long time, and save us several hours a month.

What you will learn

• The secret to making food combining work for you (lose weight, heal yourself, stay healthy on the road…). HINT: The secret is simplifying this really complex topic.
• How to be like (or at least closer to) those happy, healthy, stock photo business people. While I can’t promise that you’ll be leaping for joy on a daily basis, I can promise that these 13 strategies will make running your business more fun and enjoyable.
• Why sometimes the ‘best tool for the job’ is a suite of tools. (And what powers part of our back office…)
• And much more!

We’ve got some serious health, business, and productivity bangin’ ahead so let’s get to it!

Resources

• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less
• Zoho.com
• FreshBooks.com
• BanginYourBusiness.com/iTunes
• BanginYourBusiness.com/Stitcher

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today we’re kicking off part 2 of our two-part series on maintaining high-performance health during business travel. Last week I shared 5 tips, including one never-before-shared. And today: 8 more! High-perf health travel is one of our most-requested topics, and these tips should keep you powered up and ready to do business.

And in the Bangin’ Your Productivity segment, it’s a health tip and productivity tip rolled into one! One of the few times you can truly “multitask,” and improve your health, your business phone voice confidence, and get some exercise as well.

What you will learn

• 8 new strategies for staying healthy on the road. No matter how busy, how many flights, or how many hotels you hit, I’ve got your back.
• How to fast-track your consulting earnings by 25% or more. Whether you’re just starting out, or an industry veteran, I’ve got…not 5…not even 7…but 8 Strategies to boost your income. No fluff, just real stuff.
• One way you can (really!) multitask, and actually accomplish professional and health tasks.
• Plus a big announcement about my fully updated (and free for VIP) health course.
• And …. well … much much more!

We’ve bot some serious health, business, and productivity bangin’ ahead so let’s get to it!

Resources

• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less
• Fix Your Posture
• Listing of 7 Keys to High-Performance Health Episodes
• AudioTechnica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling In-ear Headphones (Black) ((Amazon Link – These are the buds I use while traveling.))
• Plantronics CS510 – Over-the-Head monaural Wireless Headset System – DECT 6.0 ((My go-to option when using client desk phones.))
• HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset – Black (KHX-H3CL/WR) ((A loooonnnggg cord, excellent microphone, tight build quality, and clear-sounding microphone make this an excellent “tethered-but-free” choice. This is the very set I use in my main office setup.))

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Today, we’re diving into something that’s way way overdue——and I get a lot of questions about. That is part 1 of a new two-part series on “How to Maintain High-Performance Health During Business Travel”. This first segment includes a special tip I haven’t shared anywhere else. A tip that could reduce your hotel room noise by over 30%, help you sleep better on the road, be more comfortable and more. Plus 4 other health-boosting business travel tips!

In the feature segment, I’m going to talk to you about something most others won’t. Something big firms, HR departments, recruiters, test labs and governments don’t like to you to think about…

But it’s big business for them, and big risk for YOU, and you should know what you’re up against.

So we’re going to dive into…….BACKGROUND CHECKS. What they are, what you need to know, how to protect yourself since now all the background checkers are getting hacked——with your information. I’m talking the United States Government: Twice that WE know about. But I don’t want to just pick on my government, because it’s happening to anyone who has your info.

But as serious and ominous or “gloomy” as that may sound, this is a positively bangin’ show. I want you to be informed, enabled, equipped, and engaged. I share 12+ tips to help you decide when——and if——you’ll participate in a background check.

And in the Bangin’ Your Productivity Segment, I’m covering a couple highly-useful tools which can make web browsing easier, clean up the screen, and get you reading instead of clicking all over the screen to stop all the drama and just read the darn article!

Yep, got a lot to talk about – mr. announcer man, HIT IT!

Resources

• Clearly: Firefox:
• Clearly: Chrome
• Leave a review on iTunes
• Leave a review on Stitcher Radio

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

What do incline boards, losing (or gaining) client opportunities, website hosting, client attraction have in common?

They’re all related to questions asked by listeners and business colleagues. Because this is…Q&A catch-up episode! I’m going to try and answer at least 5 questions from the queue (they’re piling up, but keep them coming) and we’ll see how far I get.

We’ll be bangin’ your health today with an inexpensive, but highly versatile liquid which can remove acne, clean your system, help digestion, smooth up your skin, clean out the system gunk and much more.

Bangin’ Your Productivity returns this week with one of my favorite new calendar / task tools. I’ve been using it every day for about 5 weeks now and am loving it.

As always, lots and lots to cover so let’s do this!

What You’ll Learn

• What common grocery-store item can help clear acne, give you clear and shiny skin, help digestion, thicken hair, detox the body, reduce inflammation and more?
• When should you flat out stop working for a client. (And when you shouldn’t.)
• How to transform gravity from toxic to tonic.
• Some other interesting podcasts I listen to.
• What do you really need for website hosting and development?
• How much it costs to produce an episode of Bangin’ Your Business.
• A handy new tool that combines appointments, tasks, and to-dos in a wall calendar style format. If you use Day Timers and wall calendars for this capability (you know who you are…) there’s finally a digital solution for us!
• And the ever-present “much more.”

Resources

• Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, 32 Ounce – 1 Pack ((Amazon Link))
• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes
• Deep dive on incline boards, gravity, and blueberries (yes this stuff is relevant to your business and productivity – check it…)
• Monday Calendar App

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

From a humble childhood in East India to founder of one of the world’s biggest online health and nutrition institutes. Today, we’re joined by international nutritionist, entrepreneur, business leader and coach Lars Gustafsson.

What You’ll Learn

• The secret one thing you can do to ensure you’ll never run out of clients or opportunities.
• Two major health and nutrition tips that can turn your life around in mere days.
• How strategic use of fruit can help you close more business deals!
• How to build and expand your brand and business by having people buy less.
• What you need to know before taking your consulting or professional services business online.
• How to validate any business idea before implementing.
• Doing this for just 5 minutes in the middle of the day can transform our mood, energy, and performance.
• Tired of being told “humans only use 10% of their brains” and want to use more? How about LOTS more?
• Why “salt studies” and “GI/glycemic” studies are completely flawed.
• Lars settles the eternal “carbohydrate debate” once and for all. *If you’re thinking zero, or ultra-low-carb diets are healthy, think again. Here’s what the science says about your brain and carbs…
• Got high blood pressure? Here’s how to lower it naturally.
• How to turn your taste buds up to 11.
• Lars describes how “simple shifts” and how they can wield HUGE results (with specific examples).

Listen here:

Resources

• Lars Gustafsson on LinkedIn
• Book: The 4 Agreements
• Book: Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton
• Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

What if I said you could increase your productivity 200% or more? … Yes, really!

…Or master a challenging skill like getting a black belt in Taekwondo in 1 or 2 years less than average, training ONLY 2 times per week?

…How about delivering more client value in less time, and with far fewer distractions?

Well these are all possible and much more. And in today’s feature segment I’m super pumped to be joined by special guest Tor Refsland, the time management chef!

Let’s go!

Topics Covered in Today’s Episode

• How to increase your productivity by 200% or more using Tor’s system
• How to manage your social media time
• How to become a black belt in Taekwondo in 1/2 to 2/3 the time——or cut the time needed to master any major skill
• How to set and achieve ANY goal
• How to apply time management when juggling multiple clients
• The ONE KILLER APP for task and calendar management (it’s probably not what you think…)
• Where you can get a copy of Tor’s book Insane Productivity Hacks —— exclusive for listeners of Bangin’ Your Business
• What the 80/20 rule really means, when applied to productivity and time management
• One thing you MUST do to achieve big goals that matter
• And way much more!

Resources

Exclusively for Bangin’ Your Business Listeners:

Grab a copy of Tor’s book Insane Productivity Hacks. Learn the systems and secrets Tor uses to achieve 200% more. It’s hard to believe Tor is actually giving this away, so don’t wait. Hop over to:

http://timemanagementchef.com/corbin and get a copy while you can. (100% FREE.)

Want to take your time management skills even further? Become the master time ninja? Use the same spreadsheets and tools Tor uses? Check out Tor’s packages over at:

http://www.timemanagementchef.com/increase-results/

Now, on with the show!

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

• Were talking how to choose the “perfect” consulting project in a big sea of options.
• We might even talk some molasses (but our show will move faster than that…)
• We’re bangin’ on health with one of my favorite nutrition hacks of all time.
• Plus, we’re going to turbocharge our learning in the “Bangin’ Your Productivity” segment.
• How to receive our new “Bangin’ Your Mondays” letter.
• Why it’s even more important than ever to choose the right clients for your business.
• And more.

Let’s roll!

Resources

• Video Speed Controller for Chrome
• [Blackstrap Molasses (“BSM”)] – Wholesome Sweeteners – Organic Molasses Unsulphured – 32 oz.
• VLC (for high-speed audio and video playback)

Other Ways to Listen to Bangin’ Your Business

• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes
• Bangin’ Your Business on Stitcher Radio
• Bangin’ Your Business on Spreaker
• Bangin’ Your Business on ACast
• Bangin’ Your Business on Player.FM

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

You’ve heard episodes 1 – 13 about how to start your business, or restart if ran into some…difficulty. You heard about mind hacking, growth hacking, and even client hacking. And you’ve learned about the 7——and only 7——physical things standing between you and a shiny new business.

And now your business is up and humming along. Congratulations! You have first client, and maybe even a second or third client.

Life is great! Or…is it?

Having no business or clients is one kind of challenge (admittedly a bad one,) but suddenly having too many clients (yes, many businesses starve from growing too fast) is a different challenge.

How can a solo provider shop, or small shop of partner professionals manage multiple clients at once and keep them all happy?

We’re going to tackle that head-on today.

Plus, Bangin’ Your Health returns with the final installment in our series of “7 Keys to Achieving High Performance Health”.

And in the “Bangin’ Your Productivity segment”, we’re going to geek out just a little bit with one of my go-to Swiss army knife tools for text; counting characters, lines, stripping duplicates, sorting lines, prefixing and suffixing lines, lots of stuff.

Hmmm…sounds like a LOT of stuff to cover in one episode, so let’s dive in.

Listen Up!

Resources

Bangin’ Your Business is just about everywhere now! Whatever your favorite podcast app, we have you covered. Check out our latest shows on cutting-edge platforms such as Player.FM and acast!

• Bangin’ Your Business on Stitcher Radio
• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes
• Bangin’ Your Business on Spreaker (NEW!)
• Bangin’ Your Business on Player.FM (NEW!)
• Bangin’ Your Business on acast (NEW!)
• Text Mecahnic (TM) – My favorite online text manipulation tool
• 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health
• Natural Calm – Pure Magnesium (External link to Amazon)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

What if I told you it’s not only possible to grow your firm like the pros, but do it in a tiny fraction of the cost? Even if you’re not a super-technical coder person?

Well, today Bangin’ Your Business is joined by two growth hacking experts who can help startups and businesses of all sizes——even brand new ones——compete with the big guns.

Today’s episode rolls business, marketing and productivity into one super-charged interview. So grab your favorite beverage and a notepad (or note / dictation app if you’re driving or working out) and let’s bang on some growth hacking.

Topics covered on today’s show include:

• The biggest mistakes startups make, and how to avoid them.
• Growth hacking, what it is——and isn’t.
• How to grow a business like the pros with a shoestring budget.
• How to exploit programming, APIs, and traditional IT technologies with little or no IT, programming, or technology background.
• Specific growth and marketing hack examples.
• The power of connection, showing up, and being consistent.
• How to sell unknown, but potentially HUGE results to large enterprises.
• And tons more!

Grab your favorite note-taker and a beverage and let’s roll!

NOTE: This interview was recorded via Skype across two continents, different equipment, and time zones. There is a bit of backdrop noise here and there.

Resources From This Episode

• The Growth Hacker’s Guide to the Galaxy
• Startup Metrics Model – Helps understand the AARRR model referenced throughout the Growth Hacking book
• KISSMetrics Blog
• https://www.groovehq.com/blog
• http://wpcurve.com/blog/
• http://500hats.typepad.com/500blogs/2007/09/startup-metrics.html
• Inbound.org
• GrowthHackers.com
• Follow Mark Hayes on Twitter
• Follow Jeff Goldenberg on Twitter

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

I’ve talked a lot in recent episodes about clients, billing, profits, RFP, and other consulting topics. But what about the most fundamental question: what do you really need to start a consulting business?

The list of things you actually need to start consulting, is quite small——7, in fact.

What’s even more important is what the list doesn’t include. If you’ve found yourself spinning your wheels, or unable to get big firms to work with you, check out today’s episode.

In the Bangin’ Your Health segment, we’ll talk about where over 80% of all sickness and disease is generated, and what to do about it.

Plus, morning routines and “rituals” are all the productivity craze these days. (Just like they were in Ben Franklin’s day——even before that!) I’ll cover the keys of all highly productive morning routines, with concrete examples.

Let’s dive in:

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Show

• Land your dream gig with the ultimate contractor CV – via Crunch.co.uk
• Key #0 – How to calibrate your current health before starting any program
• Key #1 of the 7 Keys – Episode 6
• Key #2 of the 7 Keys – Episode 7
• Key #3 of the 7 Keys – Episode 8
• Key #4 of the 7 Keys – Episode 9
• Key #5 of the 7 Keys – Episode 11 (Yep – we skipped this in Episode 10 due to a big-time interview. Resuming today with Key #6.)
• After today’s show, go back and listen to Episode 6 and see what to do next.
• Vegan Performance Cafe

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

How to Win the RFP Bidding War (or live to fight another day) – BYB011

Is RFP bidding part of your client process? Wondering if all those bids are even WORTH the effort?

As a former RFP consultant and someone who has won and lost many RFPs over the years, I have some definite opinions on the matter. By popular request, I’ll dive deep into the RFP waters and share battle-tested frameworks for deciding if the RFP game is right for you.

In the Bangin’ Your Health segment, we’re picking up our series again with key #5 of the 7 Keys to High-Performance Health. Today’s topic is one my all-time favorites and something it seems everyone is talking about. Here’s my take, from a nutritional and health perspective.

And we’ll bang on some productivity with techniques AND tools to make TIME your friend and DO your bidding.

Plus a few announcements and much more so let’s get to it…

Resources

• A Happy Pocket Full of Money: Infinite Wealth and Abundance in the Here and Now. A good book to alter the way you perceive time in the first place. Primarily, I recommend it for the excellent lay conversation of physics and the space / time continuum. But there’s other great stuff in there too.
• Bangin’ Your Business on Stitcher Radio
• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes
• E.ggtimer.com
• Toggl
• Pomodorro App for Mac
• Mornings App for Mac
• Alarm Clock Pro for Mac

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Sir John Hargrave: Media Shower CEO and author of the book “Mind Hacking”

I am super power-charged pumped to interview today’s special guest: Sir John Hargrave. We’re diving into performance-packed topics including:

• What is this new science of “Mind Hacking” and what can it do for your health, life, business, and productivity?
• Your thoughts are not you! Why you are not what you think.
• Need to beat an addiction? Here’s how Sir John did it…
• What the secret service and fake credit cards can teach us about massive life transformation…
• Is it possible to switch your mind into “super user” mode and control your conscious mind?
• Can the mind be debugged, just like a computer program?
• Can “negative thought loops” just be commented out (or deleted) of your mind’s computer program?
• How to form (or re-form) productive, life-boosting habits.
• How to hack your identity (in a good way!)
• How a new type of publishing tool is changing the way books are written and published.
• Why “open source” and commercial / paid book deals are no longer mutually-exclusive.
• How many items should be on your daily to-do list? (Hint: the number is much smaller than you think…)
• What programs and apps can you use——right now, today——to change your mind, habits, behaviors, and performance?
• And lots more!

Resources

• Preview Sir John’s new book “Mind Hacking“
• Get your “hack on!” Join the 21-day Mind Hacking Challenge (https://www.coach.me/plans/403192-mind-hacking-21-day-plan)
• “Git Published” with the app that’s transforming the publishing industry: GitBook.io
• Sir John Hargrave’s Blog
• Follow Sir John on Twitter
• Media Shower: The World’s Leading Content Marketing Engine
• Take your newly-learned mind and habit hacks, and up your health game
• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

When it comes to business tasks, is it DIY, delegate, automate——or all of them? What works best, and in which situations?

I deliver massive-scale automation to businesses big and small. But when it comes to my own life and business? Well…sometimes, it’s been easier to help others.

If you’re in the same boat, and ever wonder “just where do I start?”——this show is for you.

Featured topics include:

• Key #4 of the 7 Keys to Achieving High-Performance Health. If you’ve been joining me for the last few episodes, you’ve heard the program overview, “Step 0,” and the first 3 steps——or keys——to high-performance health. I’m reading through the book in order, so if you haven’t purchased a copy yet, just keep on listening. (Hint: I’m covering the very same material from my book PLUS a bit of commentary in this series.)
• DIY, Delegate, Automate, or “Hybridize” Your Tasks. We all have tons of things to do. How many times a day do we hear ourselves say to each other “I’m so busy!” / “I can’t keep up!”/  “Too much to do!” Today’s show will shed a bit of light on this struggle, and a few strategies from both the big biz and personal worlds. Topics include:
  • What is task automation? (And pros / cons)
  • When it is better to automate than delegate? Or automate instead of hire?
  • Just because something can be done, should it be done?
  • How does task size and breadth affect the automation / manual /shared work decision?
  • Sample tools and systems to automate big parts of your day without delegating or outsourcing.
  • How desktop tools combined with cloud tools can make short work of complex tasks.
  • And…more….
• I love a good segue——don’t you? Today’s Bangin’ Your Productivity segment has a real-world example of most concepts covered in the Feature Segment. I use it each and every day to “outsource” tasks. You’ve probably heard about it, but I bet you could be getting MUCH more out of it. Stay tuned to find out more.

And in huge late-breaking announcements….

Bangin’ Your Business is now on Stitcher Radio! We just got the notice today and couldn’t wait to get it out to you. If you prefer to get your dose of BYB from Stitcher Radio, here you go:

Bangin’ Your Business on Stitcher Radio

Listen to Episode 9 or scroll below to read the full transcript.

Resources

• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less
• iMacros tool for the Firefox browser
• Bufferapp
• Text Expander (Mac)
• Breevy (Windows)
• IFTT (Task linking, piping, and automation)
• Zapier (Task integration, automation, workflow)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

In Today’s Episode:

Q & A Returns!

• True story: you have to plan a multi-country trip for medical treatment. You need some research tasks done and a bit of itinerary planning. But you only have $50USD to spend. I’ll share two well-tested services we’ve used, again, and again.
• I tackle Carol’s questions about business insurance. Do you need it? Should you buy online or from a personal agent? What about errors and omissions policies? I’ll share everything that has worked well for our firm—and what hasn’t.

(Disclaimer: I am NOT an insurance agent and our firm is not an in insurance firm.  Carol’s questions are answered from a fellow buyer’s perspective.)

• I credit two major habit changes with my big health transformation 13 years ago. One daily habit halted colds and flu (haven’t had them in years,) beat acid reflux disease, drop 80 pounds, dropped years off my appearance and more. Listen to find out more…
• Do you use the Chrome browser with lots of tabs and windows (and these days, who doesn’t?) I have JUST the thing to keep you focused, productive, and on track.

Let’s roll!

Resources

• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less – Get all 7 Keys to High-Performance Health
• Fiverr.com – Enough said…
• FancyHands.com
• TIP: Know the Fees on Freelance Sites (client and freelancer) – Great resource created by our awesome Transcription Company.

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

Do you enjoy working for free? Would you offer free consulting for a shot at “something bigger”? Our firm has done this a lot in the past—but not any more. Here’s why… (and what to do instead)

I’m going to bang your health with part 4 in our ongoing series of the 7 Keys to High Performance health. Tonight is key #2, something so easy to do, so low maintenance, yet the rewards can be 50x or more of your effort.

And in Bangin’ Your Productivity, I’ll share one of my all-time fav apps that can save you time, work on any system, and increase your writing / drawing / or architecture productivity.

Coming Up on Today’s Show

• The myths of free consulting—busted. I’ll take on all the usual arguments such as “portfolio building”, or “standing out in a competitive market by offering a free taste”.
• Better “free consulting” alternatives for both you AND your clients.
• Add this one thing to your daily routine for a potential 50X gain in health and energy. (Key #2 of the 7 Keys to High-Performance Health.)
• The best tool I’ve found to create and manage diagrams, workflows, processes, system architecture. It works on all major browsers and platforms and has saved me countless hours over the years.

Resources

• Bangin’ Your Business on iTunes
• Gliffy
• How To Up Your Health Game In 30 Days Or Less
• Concentrace – vendor site (no affiliation)

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

A note about show notes…

During the Bangin’ Your Business launch period, I’m including a “semi-transcript” of each show. The notes are detailed and have about 75% fidelity with the audio content.

However, there are content, rhythm and flow differences between the show and its notes. They are not a word-for-word match: but very close. You’ll want to listen and read to catch all the details. The notes are intended as more or less as full-length feature articles.

And even more good news: transcripts are coming! Keep listening for more details.

On with the show!

What You Will Learn

• What is zero-assumption baselining – and how to do this
• Tips in getting your brain into a morning exercise
• Benefits of free-form writing
• Tools that can aid you in your early morning journaling
• Helpful guide to survive in long business meetings

Listen UP!

Recommended Resources

• Part 1 of the 9-part series covering 7 Keys to High-Performance Health
• Part 1 of the 2-part series on Business Meetings (may be even more parts in the future…)
• Day One Journal App for Mac
• Writemonkey for Windows
• Writebox for Chrome
• Healthy, Super-Charged Beverages
• More Fun With Legal Pads
• Transcription Services – My recommendation

This article originally appeared as CorbinLinks.com - IAM Consulting | Data Security | Technical and Business Consulting.

How many steps are there to high-performance health? 12? 50? 100? The real answer may surprise (and please) you. We’ll discuss how great health can be simplified in this first part of an ongoing series.

In the *Bangin’ Your Productivity* segment, I’ll share a tool that could help your eyes, improve your focus, and keep you working longer!

12 Kickoff Meeting Success Secrets Revealed! Listen to the Audio:

Show Intro

Welcome back to Bangin’ Your Business. My mostly unconventional take on supersonic health, productivity, and business. I believe in the good health+good business = great world equation.

Each week I’ll share new insights you just gotta know, in the areas of life, health, productivity and business–popular, or not.

The show is always free, but I do ask two things from you:

1. To take bold action on at least one thing tip or topic and implement it in your own life. I pack a lot into each show so you’ll have a number of options to choose from. But don’t be overwhelmed; just pick one thing, make it a habitual part of your daily routine.
2. And, if you DO find the information helps you in any way, please consider leaving a 5-star rating, and positive written review over on iTunes. Which, by the way: we’re NOW in iTunes! Here’s the link:

https://corbinlinks.com/itunes

New here? Start your journey with Bangin’ Your Business — Episode 1

Bangin’ Your Health

This week: 7 Keys to High-Performance Health – Brief Overview

Want to find out everything at once? Get all 7 Keys plus action plans in your hand today? You can invest in your health and buy a my eBook now, which includes free updates for life (no hidden “upgrade fees”).

OR, if you don’t want to invest the latte money just hang out with me for a while. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing the entire book content.

Concepts from my “How to Up Your Health Game in 30 Days or Less” / aka “7 Steps to High-Performance Health” book are foundational to a lot of what I teach and share every day. So this week I’ll start with a brief overview of the concepts, and dive deeper into the book content in future episodes.

7 Steps Background

A lot of the health material shared on this show comes as a result of many years of study, nutritional school, talking with others, and tons of personal experience. This is what lead me to lose over 80 pounds and keep them off for years. They also helped me avoid doctors for over 13 years, beat (yes, beat) acid reflux “disease” and many other things.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say these principles fundamentally and completely changed my life.

Over time, I found there were so many conflicting viewpoints on health, ranging from the ultra and overly simple, to the vastly complex. In short, none of those approaches worked for me—and I’ve tried over 16 different “popular” types of diets in the past.

It was after much trial and error and results tracking, that I settled on a “7 Step Program”. An early version of this program started as a free 7-week email course (opt-in required), and later became a full-fledged book. Based on all the feedback from people who took the course, I put together a consolidated program. The consolidated book form was named “How to Up Your Health Game in 30 Days or Less.”

That’s just a little bit of background on where the 7 Steps came from. For details on my health and weight journey, check out the about page at https://banginyourbusiness.com/about.

7 Steps Premise

7 Steps to High-Performance Health is based on several core principles:

• It’s what you ADD that makes the most difference to your health, NOT what you take away.
• Simple steps are the ones that get followed.
• Take one step, make it a habit (20 – 40 days, depending on which research you read), and make it a permanent part of your daily routine. Take another step, repeat, and so on and so on.
• Heavy exercise is NOT a requirement for weight loss. In fact, one could be total potato and still be somewhat healthy by employing sound nutrition. (I’m not advocating inactivity for many reasons, just making the point that exercise, per se, is not the key part of weight loss.)
• Great health need not be expensive, time consuming, or require fancy supplements and packages.

I’ll be sharing much more on these principles in coming weeks.

For more on my health and weight-loss journey, check out the BYB “About” Page.

Feature Segment

Ah….spring. Spring cleaning, weather changes, new beginnings, snow birds flying and driving home for the summer (at least in Florida) and meetings. Lots and lots of meetings!

((insert: results of my office spring cleaning at BYB HQ))

If your company is on the January to December accounting cycle, April kicks off “Q2”. Or maybe you’re on the “other” system, and April kicks of “Q4”. Whichever it is, new spring means new projects—or restarts of paused projects.

Over the years we’ve found that an effective kickoff meeting—or lack of one—can make or break the success of a new project or program. So why not do it up right the first time?

I’ve been in literally hundreds of kickoff meetings over the years. The following list of success tips have served me and my clients well.

Quick note before we start: the list was originally created for big program kickoffs. But the information applies to all major kickoffs—whether for a new app that costs a thousand dollars, a new blogging website, on up through multi-million dollar ERP and HRS implementations.

I’ll call one out, riff on it a bit, then move on to the next one.

The following list is an outline only. Be sure to listen to the full BYB004 episode for details on each of the 12 tips.

Here’s the list:

1. Do not advertise the meeting beyond the required attendees. The focus is on effective task understanding, agreement, assignment, management, and alignment to program goals and requirements.
2. Conduct the meeting in isolation. Avoid using your own conference rooms, cafeterias, or campus common areas.
3. Create and maintain a tight agenda. Allocate a skilled facilitator and give him or her free reign to manage the meeting as needed.
4. Share the document with all and track revisions. Everyone needs to work off the same copy.
5. Clearly define the first three action steps of the program. Specifically, these are the actions that commence the moment all attendees leave the meeting.
6. Have the event catered. Keep everyone as close to the meeting facility as possible. Think bootcamp or workshop, vs. just a casual “in and out’ meeting.
7. Discuss and schedule around any planned absences or known issues that will impede the project start.
8. Ensure everyone clearly understands how to access the plan and all documents, and their individual responsibilities for their assigned tasks.
9. Establish the recurring meeting schedules with all attendees.
10. Keep phones in a box outside the door. This one is perhaps the hardest these days, but dedicated focus to the message at hand is crucial. This one tactic alone can make or break the success of your program kickoff.
11. Avoid extraneous discussion items such as spending one or two hours debating acronyms for the program, what the cafeteria is serving, and everything else non-related.
12. Break every hour.

The list isn’t exhaustive, but will help keep things moving forward on a success track, especially with really big teams, budgets, and projects.

I should mention that some of these meetings can be really long: 1 – 2 days or more. I’ll soon share some tips for surviving and thriving in those looonnnnggg business meetings!

Bangin’ Your Productivity

Back in the mid 1990’s, I worked with a guy who wore glasses just some of the time.

He would just put them on, and take them off at seemingly random intervals.

One day, a coworker asked him about his frequent “glasses on / glasses off” habit. “Are those reading glasses?”

He replied “They don’t really do anything, except help me focus a bit more”

Fast forward many years later, I was having a lot of issues with eye strain and read somewhere about computer glasses. At the time, there were days I literally spent 14 hours in front of 2 – 3 monitors, and it really took a toll on my eyes. (Ok, I know that’s NOT the healthy way to go; you should reduce eye strain, take frequent breaks, etc., etc. but my mind wasn’t there at the time.)

Years and years of intense computer work (many of those years were way before it was “cool”), affected my eyes and took my 20-10(ish) vision to 20-30+. The idea of continuing to work while halting my eye degeneration was an interesting thought.