I wanted to give you all a heads-up about a speaking scam that Leesa Barnes wrote about in her blog. Many of you who follow me either support speakers, want to support speakers, or are aspiring speakers so I thought you might find this helpful should you run into the same situation that Leesa did.

Leesa is a well-known speaker and has been around for a number of years. She’s savvy and knows how to navigate the online world; however, this particular scam took her by surprise. You can read all about it here.

The key to remember with all of this: Trust your intuition! If something seems ‘off’ follow up on it. Don’t rush because you think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take the time needed to make sure everything is as it seems. Time spent on the front-end can save a lot of future headache and hassle.

Thankfully, Leesa’s story turned out well. As you will read on her blog, others were not so fortunate.

If you know of someone who would benefit from this story, please share! The more who know about this, the better.

As you are cleaning up 2011 and looking forward to 2012, you might want to consider joining my January Master Mind Group! The members in the last group accomplished a great deal, and you can do the same. Now is the time to make a commitment to what you want in your business in 2012.

I’ve set up two different groups: one for those of you who’ve been in business 3 years or less and one for those of you who’ve been in business 3 years or more. I have day and night options available. If you are new in business, we still have some seats available for the Tuesday evening option. We meet at 7:30p ET.

Let’s get some like-minded entrepreneurs together and create a space where you can get some support and ideas! I’m looking forward to supporting you.

Won’t you join me? Click here for all the details. We start January 10th and 11th!

For many of us, mid-December is a slower time in our business. This is both a welcome relief, *and* a wonderful opportunity for you to work ON your business rather than just IN your business. Without setting time aside to work ON your business you will find it very difficult to grow your business.

Here are ten things to consider between now and December 31st:

1. Do you have boundaries around your business practices (i.e., hours, availability, rates, turnaround times)?

Boundaries are simple a way for you to say ‘yes’ to yourself and your business. Boundaries also show your clients that you take yourself seriously as a business owner and respect not only your time but their time.

2. Do you know what you are going to charge and why?

It is important that you are solid in your decision to charge a certain price. It does not matter if this price is hourly, per package, or a retainer. If you waffle on this important piece of your business you set the tone with your clients that they can bargain rates with you. The ‘why’ part of this question is important for YOU only, as you do not (and should not) feel you have to justify your rates. Just be sure you are solid and comfortable in your reasoning.

3. Do you know who your Ideal Client is?

If you don’t know "who you are doing what to" how can you expect to be successful? You can’t, and shouldn’t, be all things to all people. A Target Market or Niche Market is not your Ideal Client. You need to be much more specific in "who you do what to" in order to be more successful.

4. Do you have a website?
   
There really is no excuse for not having a website. If you are not web-savvy either use a template based website or think about hiring someone to create the website for you. The WordPress blog platform is a very popular format today. (I know several savyy VA’s who can help you create one if you need help. Get in touch with me if you need some names.) Make sure your website speaks to your Ideal Client.

5. Do you have a marketing plan?

Like a business plan (and you do have one, right?), this is an important detail! How do you know where you’re going if you don’t have a plan or a map? It’s like getting dressed up with no place to go. Take some time and lay out a plan. This does not have to be 50 pages. If you can lay out a plan in 1 or 2 pages, then go for it! As long as it makes sense to you and you have a map to follow that’s all that is important. Napkins work well in keeping it short, sweet, and to the point!

6. Do you have specific, measureable goals for 2012?

Without specific, measureable goals anything you achieve will be fine, but it is really?  Make the goal a bit of a stretch. If it’s too easy you won’t do it, and if it’s too hard you won’t do it. Find a happy middle ground and go for it!!

7. Have you identified your opportunities?

In looking at your business, do you know where the opportunities for continued success lie? If no, now would be a good time to take a look. Do you need to do something different in 2012?

8. If you answered yes to above question, do you have specific plans to capitalize on those opportunities?

Again, without a plan anything you do is fine, right? Do you need to investigate the opportunity further? Do you need to spend time creating ‘it’? Whatever you need to do be sure and create a plan of when you are going to actually DO it and not just think about it.
 
9. Have you analyzed your success in 2011 so you can continue to capitalize on those strengths in 2012?

You should always know what is working for you and what is not working for you. Always. And if you haven’t kept track, now is a wonderful time to set up a system so that next year you can answer ‘yes’ to this question!

10. Does your 2012 calendar have a day set aside each quarter where you are analyzing and planning?

You should have at least one day each quarter where you work ON your business. Plan a day out of the office where you can let the creative juices flow. Don’t limit yourself! Write everything down. You never know when a crazy idea may be the perfect idea!

To help you with your planning, I’ve attached an Action Sheet here for you.
Here’s to a successful 2012!

I have noticed a number of folks who are using the words "mastermind group" and "group coaching" as if they were one and the same. They are not.

The term "mastermind group" apparently originates with Napoleon Hill (in Think and Grow Rich) and refers to the coming together of a group of individuals for the express purpose of developing and exchanging ideas. Behind it is the notion that two heads, three heads, etc. are better than one when focusing on a common purpose/problem. The idea quickly caught on in business .

The term "group coaching" refers to a process of coaching multiple individuals simultaneously  in a common time frame. It is an extension of individual coaching while retaining most of the precepts. The most obvious, and perhaps only, commonality is the presence of more than two persons in the process.

In both, the group size is optimally around 10. Both may include a moderator although the mastermind does not need one to function, while group coaching certainly does. The group nature is significant in both processes for the same reasons: the ability of multiple intelligences to focus on a single idea and the mutual empathy and support of other members.

The differences are multiple and critical. In the mastermind group, the primary focus is on problem solving, idea generation, discussion of the ideas, analysis of the problems, discussion of the solutions, and so on. The interactions are non-hierarchical and free flowing.

In group coaching, the primary focus is on the individuals who comprise the group and that focus is more than problem solving and idea generation (although it surely may include those). The interactions are hierarchical (the coach is the moderator, leader, and input generator) and moderated and directed.

More often than not anymore, I see folks putting together what really is group coaching and calling it a mastermind group. Each of the two groupings serves a specific purpose and both are very valuable. Be very clear which you feel you need and why, and be very sure that the program you are looking at is what you think it is!

Did the title catch your eye? Why? Because you’ve been thinking it might be time for a change and a J-O-B might just be the answer?

Recently, I’ve had several  conversations with clients and colleagues who’ve indicated that they have been looking for a J-O-B. Some are considering making some changes in their life and some are just plain frustrated with where their business is currently. What I have found interesting in these conversations is this: Looking for a J-O-B has been done on the sly and no-one but immediate family/friends has been aware that this is what they have been doing. It’s as if looking for a J-O-B is a dirty little secret!  Why is that?

Of course the global, national, and local economic conditions came immediately to mind, yet it struck me as odd that all would feel the need to change at the same time three years after the Wall Street "crash". Mentally looking around, it occurred to me that the strong sense of change and the notion that something big is happening was impacting many folks, even if they could not articulate that sense. I am no different. I’ve been feeling that a big change is coming, and I, too, have been feeling frustrated in my business. (Confession time folks!) Many of you will note that I’ve been laying low for the past several months. I’ve been taking a look around and trying to decide what’s next for me and does a business fit into that?

I, too, thought a J-O-B was the answer. And it was until the interview! LOL That interview made me stand back and take a good look at what I really wanted and why. As I looked at the two men sitting across the table from me, I thought to myself "What the hell am I doing here?" (Believe me, those guys where thinking the same thing! They were just too polite to ask. ) So, I left that interview, came home and sat with myself for a while and asked some really hard questions. I came to the conclusion that I was where I was supposed to be, doing what I’m supposed to be doing. So, I’m not going any where anytime soon!! Yay!

For me, a re-imagining of my business was the necessary next step. Is that your next step? Are you still doing business the way you did two, four, five years ago? If so, it’s time for a business face-lift! It’s time to take a look at what you do, who you do it to, and why you do it. What needs to change? (I promise you something does!) Perhaps it’s a small tweak you need to make. Perhaps it’s a complete about-face. Either way, take some time now to envision what 2012 is going to look like for you and your business. You’ll be glad you did (and you won’t have to sit in an interview wondering why you are there)!

I would love to hear either where you are stuck or what you are doing to make changes. Let’s have some conversation around this topic!

With the recent passing of Steve Jobs, much has been written about the man, especially the extent of his, and Apple’s, influence.

Much has been expressed about his brilliance, prescience, and so on. Much of this was indeed mentioned during his lifetime. 

I found this quote from 1989 (from Inc. Magazine, April 1989):

"You can’t just ask customers what they want then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new".

The sense of it registered first, then the date really hit me.

Do you hear this philosophy very often? No. Quite the opposite.

What I hear from all the internet "geniuses" is that you find out what the market (customers) want and give them exactly what they asked for.

In the first case, you create something that people come to desire, believe in, utilize, and make a necessity.

In the second case you create something that people briefly embrace, than dispose of.

Therein lies the difference in the approach.

Given the past successes of both approaches, which would you choose?

I never realized how hard it is to find an expert! Seems kind of hard to believe, doesn’t it? I found lots and lots of world recognized authorities, gurus, shamans, goddesses, mavens, most-sought-afters, acclaimed geniuses, wizards, etc. I just want an expert and now I have to sort through all these folks and ultimately decide if they are really an expert in their field or just really good at coming up with titles.

I can only surmise that the biggest reason behind this proliferation of descriptors is an attempt to distinguish oneself from others offering the same sort of expertise.

But I can tell you what one of the consequences of this effort is: the devaluing of the descriptor and the resulting confusion in consumers. I don’t think this is your goal as a business person, right?

What exactly is a business goddess and what does she do?

How much conjuration is there in business?

Unfortunately, the desire to distinguish through such descriptors has only resulted in a confusing and somewhat boring sameness. What was originally thought to be clever and provide some meaningful insight now only provides non-meaning (i.e. nonsense). Much of this devaluation has bled through to products and programs so that they too are full of words of such exaggerated connotation that meaning has been largely lost.

Why not just say what you mean and what you do in clear precise language devoid of descriptors which dilute your message? Compared to some of the wild proclamations that exist, your text may seem rather bland, but ask yourself these questions: does it convey what you do, who you are, and what it means clearly, unambiguously, and concisely? If so, then you’ve covered what you need to cover! The consumer will overlook the blandness you perceive if the message is one they are looking for.

Again, if I am looking for an expert, I am not at all sure why I need a goddess, maven, wizard, etc.

Simplicity, clarity, and conciseness facilitate communication not impede it.

If your Ideal Client is looking for something…what will she hear from you?

The more people talk about "getting out of the box", the more things look the same, don’t you think? Paradoxical? Not really. As most of us know, talk does not equate to action. Things look the same because they are–the mantra is just words.

So far.

The fact is many people really are tired of the way things are (yay!), especially in their immediate circle, the one they interact with on a daily basis. So they express their dissatisfaction and desire to change but really are stymied as to how to affect that change.

So, what does it mean to "get out of the box"?

It means to be or do in a way that is not normative but is highly effective. That doesn’t sound so hard now, does it? But we all know it can be extraordinarily hard! This is because of a couple of things not mentioned in the meaning. One is that if one is to be simply different, it is easy–just act out of character. The unstated part is that it has to be in character (must be something comfortable and agreeable for you to do) to be effective. Secondly, it has to be effective. Just being different is not necessarily mean efficacy. 

Here’s my version of "getting out of the box": to be or do in a way that is not normative on a large scale but is consistent with your personality and the being and doing are highly effective on that large scale.

Sounds good, but HOW does one "get out of the box"?

You must forget about the box to get out of it! Simply doing the opposite just produces another box…the anti-box, which is still a box.

Forgetting the box itself is not easy at all because it is what we know. How do you forget the box? Ask yourself what would you like to do/be? What does that look like? This will get you started on the right road. You will find some correspondences within you to the box but that is ok. If you continue your exploration simply from your own perspective, you will find yourself in some pretty fresh surroundings. If you are unique (and there is little doubt of that anymore) then your "box" has to be in many ways also unique. AND it is completely in agreement with who you are!

Go ahead…if you are tired of what is there and want a change, design the change by asking yourself what you want to be/do and write it down. Then commit to taking one action daily to work toward the change. If you need help with this, hire a coach. A coach can help you make these changes so that you are ‘outta of the box’!

Here’s to you and no more boxes!!

We are half-way through the May MasterMind that I put together, and I am wondering if there is enough interest from you for a fall MasterMind. There were some folks who could not make the time (as it was during the day), nor the day of the month work for this last one.

Here’s what the fall MasterMind will look like:

    1. There will again be two groups for all you Service-Based Entrepreneurs (this includes VA’s, Coaches, Numerologists, etc.) One group will be for those in business 3 years and under and one for those in business 3 years and up.
    2. We will meet once a month at 7:30p ET (6:30p CT, 5:30p MT, 4:30p PT) beginning in October for 45-60 minutes to discuss/mastermind various issues around running a service-based business. 
    3. The group would be a closed group and would consist of  3-10 people.
    4. The calls will be recorded and we have a Ning group to gather and ask additional questions, lend support, share victories, etc.
    5. The cost would be $20/month and the MasterMind would run for 6 months. (This will take us through 4th quarter of 2011 and 1st quarter of 2012. Great time to finish up the year and plan for the new year!)

Those that are in the current MasterMind have found it very helpful and are talking about continuing beyond their end date in October.

Would you be interested in joining? Feel free to share your thoughts/comments below or if you’d prefer a more private approach, please reach out to me at: cindy at virtualpartnering dot com.

If I get enough of you that are interested, I’ll put it together so that we can begin the first week of October!

As a business person, an entrepreneur, has it ever been easier to obtain advice and help concerning your business? There seems to be no end to the number of individuals who offer expert advice, time tested systems, great ideas, support, and wisdom.

Of course like all markets where there is a plethora of competing claims, the skill YOU need to have is the ability to discriminately choose the correct one for you.  And that can sometimes be more difficult than it would first appear.

It seems to me that THE most critical question you should ask yourself first is this: Are you looking for a Coach or a Consultant? There is a difference and depending on what exactly you are looking for one will be better than the other.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion around these terms and many folks use them interchangeably. This only adds to the confusion. Let’s take a look at the functions and characteristics of each so that when you need to make a decision you have something to latch onto.

The Coach

    1. The Coach is the individual whose primary function is to allow you to explore and identify what works for you.
    2. With a Coach, the agenda is always your agenda. The Coach should be trained and can be certified (as both are available to prospective coaches).
    3. With a Coach, you work on the methods and ideas that best fit you in your pursuit and endeavors.
    4. The Coach is neutral…nothing is preferred.
    5. The Coach will hold you accountable for doing, as inaction is an unacceptable way of moving forward.
    6. Coaches have and support a wide variety of techniques and methods because it is critical that you find what is compatible with you.

The Consultant

    1. The Consultant is the individual whose primary function is to tell you how to accomplish something.
    2. With a Consultant, the agenda is the Consultant’s agenda. There is no certification or training to be a Consultant.
    3. The Consultant usually has a lot of experience in an narrow field, and that experience has exhibited a high degree of successful results.
    4. With a Consultant, you are looking to put something in place (decrease operating expenses, increase productivity, improved vendor terms, etc.) and they analyze your business around the topic and put a plan in place. You are expected to carry it out.

Use the lists above when you are ready to hire someone to help you move forward or  to make a change in your business. 

Do you want someone who tells you exactly what needs to be done and exactly how to do it (consultant) or do you want someone who can help you explore and create a process that works for you (coach)?

They both have their place so make certain YOU know which one you need so that you don’t set yourself up for disappointment.