I’ve been busy this summer putting together some different programs and putting the finishing touches on my signature product.

Here are the programs and products you’ll see me rolling out between now and the end of September:

1. Free 30-min call around the Ideal Client and WHY you need to know who your Ideal Client is. On this call you’ll:

• Discover the difference between target market, niche and Ideal Client
• Learn why the Ideal Client is key to your marketing success
• Learn how to attract and retain quality clients

I recorded this teleseminar because it’s hard for everyone to make it to a FREE call. This way you can download and listen at your leisure. Click here to get the recording.

2. Focus Days — Here’s an opportunity for you to work with me with a high degree of focus around topics that are applicable to you and your business. I offer 3-hour and 6- hour Focus Days. Curious? Click here for more information.

3. 1:1 Mentorship Program — This is your opportunity to work intensely with me. We will spend 6 months focused on you, your business, and your vision of success. Click here for more information.

4. Ideal Client Work Group — This group will meet for 3 sessions beginning October 5th. We will do the work around discovering your Ideal Client, why it’s important for you to know who your Ideal Client is, and how discovering the Ideal Client can help you with your marketing. Enrollment will begin early September. Watch your email!

I’m also putting the finishing touches on my signature product. This product will be called Business-In-A-Box: The Four Essentials for a Successful Business. The first module is currently available and is called Uncover the Key to Your Marketing Success: Your Ideal Client. You can read more about the module here. The other three modules will be: CEO Perspective: Who Is Running Your Business?; Marketing/Sales: Getting The Word Out; and Vision: Seeing Your Success, Seeing Your Future. In addition to the self-study version of each of these modules, I will also be offering a Work Group around each module. Stay tuned as we move forward for details!

These programs are in addition to my current offerings. Rather than list everything here I’ll let you just go directly to the page with all the information: http://virtualpartnering.com/programs-products/

My philosophy is to provide you with multiple entry points to my services so that you can choose the most appropriate program for you and your business.

On the horizon is a group coaching program. If you are interested in participating in the program, won’t you please take this super short survey so that I can put the program together to best meet your needs: http://tinyurl.com/VPsurvey

Thank you for being a part of the Virtual Partnering community. I appreciate each and every one of you, and couldn’t do this without you!

Have a fantastic day/weekend.

©2010 Cindy Hillsey, CPC

How many times have you heard the word “basics” in business? What does that word mean to you? Most of the time, it means that you have already completed the steps to being in business. For example, you know who your clientele is, what your rate structure is, what you’re offering, and what you want your business to look like. Ironically, very few people actually teach the “basics.” It is always assumed that you know, and have applied them, to your business. It is also falsely assumed that once you’ve done them you never have to revisit them.

Let’s set the record straight once and for all and get rid of the term “basics” and replace it with “essentials.” Essentials are not a once and done type of thing. You must come back from time to time to review them to be certain what you created still applies to where you are today and where you want to go tomorrow.

I firmly believe there are four categories that cover the Essentials in business. They are: Ideal Client (Who are you doing what to?), CEO/Business Owner (Who is running your business?), Marketing (Getting the word out), and Vision (Seeing your success/Seeing your future). In order for your business to be running optimally, all four of these elements need to be addressed. Granted, you may spend more time on one area than another, but you will still spend some time in all areas. In order to gain the benefits from many of the programs out there, you need to be solid in these Essentials; otherwise you are going to struggle with what you are learning and trying to do. This usually results in frustration with the program, the person teaching the program, and/or yourself and your business.

Let’s do a little exercise around the Essentials, shall we? I’ve developed a checklist that will let you know where you stand on these four Essentials. As you go through this checklist and answer the questions, be honest with yourself about where your business really is right now. The nice thing about this form is that you can use it at any time to check where you are relative to the core elements and any changes you wish to make in your business.

Click here to download a PDF version of my Business Essentials Checklist.

©2010 Cindy Hillsey, CPC

In the ezine of June 24th, I talked about The Action Plan (click here for that issue). Today I want to follow this a bit further and talk about how to track your progress. It’s great that you have a written goal (and you do, right?). Now we need to discuss how you track your progress for that written goal. Yes, you should be tracking your progress! After all, how do you know when you’ve achieved your goal if you don’t track your progress? Equally important, do you know how you achieved that goal? Hint: Successful activities always produce successful results. No matter what your goal, a clear understanding of the “how” is critical.

There are some important ideas wrapped up in this concept of tracking your progress. First, writing a goal makes it more likely that it will be achieved. Writing down your progress toward that goal, i.e., activities and actions, also makes it more likely that you’ll reach your goal. Writing makes it real! The second idea is that people often remember setting goals and achieving them, but have a much more difficult time recalling how they did it. From the perspective of having a profitable business, the how is in many ways more important than the goal itself. Tracking your progress lets you see what worked and what didn’t work. It is a blueprint for success. When dealing with a new goal, the ability to look at methods, techniques, and activities that have been successful is invaluable – not to mention a huge timesaver. The cool part about writing all this down is that you now have the resources, methods, and techniques that work for you. In effect, you have a case study.

If you are working with a coach/mentor this tracking is hopefully part of your program. It allows you to be very specific with your coach/mentor about your activities and the results of those activities. Speaking from the coach perspective, the client who utilizes the Action Plan and then tracks their progress is always successful, because it combines both thought (planning and goal setting) and action (activities and actions), the perception of progress is matched by actual progress. The client is more energized, focused, and likely to reach their goal ahead of target. One of the positive spinoffs of this process is a heightened creativity by you, the client.

Download a copy of the form I use with my clients. Feel free to modify it to suit your needs. Happy tracking!

©2010 Cindy Hillsey

As entrepreneurs we work very hard to discover, attract, and keep our Ideal Clients. They provide us with remuneration, satisfaction, and (hopefully) referrals. I hope it has occurred to you to ask yourself, “What am I doing for my clients to thank them for their business?” While it’s always been important to make certain you thank your clients, today it’s even more important to not only thank them, but to provide them an incentive to continue to do business with you. If you think for just a moment about all of the reward programs you see (airlines, bookstores, credit cards, restaurants, coffee shops) available it’s obvious the idea is key to running a successful business.

Those of you who are familiar with me know that I practice what I preach. Because I believe very strongly in what I wrote above, I’ve put together a Client Appreciation Program (C.A.P.) for my clients to show them just how much I appreciate them and their business.

Here’s what my program looks like:

Why I came up with this Program?

I have a number of clients who’ve worked with me for some time, and I’ve always felt that businesses should reward those clients that do repeat business. Therefore, I’ve decided to offer a Client Appreciation Program!

How will the Program work?

Basically, the program will work like this: Your 4th purchase will qualify you for 10% off; your 7th purchase will qualify you for 15% off; and your 10th purchase and beyond will qualify you for 20% off.

So how do you receive your reward? You will need to keep track of your purchases and once you’ve qualified you will send an email to Jackie@virtualpartnering.com listing the purchases you’ve made. Upon verification, Jackie will then send you via email a coupon code. This code will be good until you reach the next level, at which time you will again email Jackie with your purchases and she will send you the new coupon code. You will repeat this process until you reach the 20% limit. Once you reach the 20% limit, all future purchases will receive 20% off as long as you use the code Jackie has provided you. (It goes without saying this code is to be kept private and for your use only! If the code is abused, it will be revoked.)

Example of how the Program will work:

Amanda purchases a coaching package. This is her first purchase with Virtual Partnering (VP). She has a good experience and books another series of coaching sessions. This is now her second purchase with VP. Amanda then decides to purchase a product. This product is her third purchase. This third purchase qualifies Amanda to receive 10% off her next purchase. Now would be a good time for Amanda to email Jackie and let her know what three purchases she’s made. Jackie will then verify the purchases and send Amanda the coupon code for a 10% discount on the next item Amanda purchases. The next item that Amanda purchases will receive 10% off, providing she uses the coupon code that she was given. This means Amanda will receive 10% off purchases four, five, and six, at which time she again emails Jackie for the coupon code of 15% off her next (or seventh) purchase. Again, purchases seven, eight, and nine will receive 15% off until Amanda has purchased her tenth item, at which time she emails Jackie for the coupon code of 20% her next (or tenth) purchase. Amanda has now qualified for 20%off all future purchases. Woo hoo!

Here is how it looks visually:

What products/programs are eligible for this program?

All fee-based products and programs are eligible for the Client Appreciation Program, with the exception of ChatsOnDemand*. The Free Taste and any other free items are *not* eligible for the Program.

• 1:1 Coaching packages are eligible based on each package purchased (not each session).
• Products are eligible per product purchased.
• Focus Days are eligible per purchase.

*ChatsOnDemand is NOT eligible for either a product purchase discount or eligible to receive a discount due to your other purchases. This is due to the nature of the program.

Who is eligible for this program?

Everyone!

If you want to see the “pretty” version, click here.

Now it’s your turn! What are you doing to show your clients you appreciate them?

©2010 Cindy Hillsey

In the last ezine, we discussed goal setting (click here to read). Today we are going to discuss how you implement your goals. The form below is something I use with my clients. Once we’ve determined the goal(s), I have my clients complete the form you see below. Let’s cover each of the sections and how they work:

Click here to download a printable version of the Action Plan

The first thing you will need to do on the form is fill in the center circle. This circle is the goal. You will want to be as specific as possible in this section. I usually tell my clients to pull this circle out, put it on a clean sheet of paper, and write down all the specifics pertaining to the particular goal. This way you can see in detail what you want to accomplish.

Once this step has been completed, the next step is to complete each of the squares that surround the circle. These squares are the implementers. They are the means by which you make your goal real. Let’s take a look at each one.

• The right box is where you will list the resources you have available to help you attain your goal. These resources can be people, places, and/or things (i.e., books, music, Internet, coffee, tea, candles, etc.).
• The bottom box is where you will list the reasons and benefits for achieving your goal. This is your motivation. It is important to understand what motivates you and what the pay-off will be when you reach your goal.
• The left box is where you will list the successes and strengths of previous goals/things you’ve achieved. This is to remind you that you DO have what it takes to make it happen.
• The top box is where you will list the steps necessary to achieve your goal. This box is important because you can’t eat an elephant in one bite. You must make the steps bite size or you risk frustration and self-doubt.

OK, take some time and do this exercise for a goal you have. See how you feel when you have all of this written out in front of you. Are you excited? Do you see the possibilities? Hopefully, you do.

One of the biggest benefits of doing this exercise and going through the process is the act of writing it down! This is where most people fail. They fail not because they can’t do what’s necessary to achieve the goal. They fail because they don’t take the time to think through the process and write it down.

Have some fun…implement a goal today!

©2010 Cindy Hillsey

In the last two ezines, we discussed the Ideal Client and being a Business Owner/CEO. Today I want to touch on what comes next, and that is effective goal setting. Now that you know who you are doing what to (Ideal Client) and you have on your Business Owner/CEO hat, it’s time to look at what you want to achieve in your business. ?This is best accomplished by setting goals. I’m sure you are all familiar with the acronym S.M.A.R.T. for setting goals. In case you haven’t seen this acronym, here is what it stands for:

S – Specific

M – Measurable

A – Attainable

R – Realistic

T – Time bound

As you look at each of the elements, it should be obvious why they are part of an effective goal. Without all of these elements, it is easy to create a goal that you can not attain. Needless to say, that is self defeating! For example, it is ok to have a vision that your business will be the best of its type, but it is not ok to have a goal that your business will be the best of its type. This goal tells me nothing and provides no plan of action. In other words, it’s missing the how-to piece.

The above illustration shows the proper relationship in effective goal setting. That is, the translation of your vision into actionable items and measureable results. Using the S.M.A.R.T. acronym, let’s take a look at Amanda’s VA business. Amanda wants to be THE “go-to” VA for her Ideal Client (Amanda has already done the work around who her Ideal Client is so she knows who she’s doing what to). One way Amanda can become known as THE “go-to” VA is for her to have a full practice. This becomes one of her goals. Let’s lay out this goal based on the S.M.A.R.T. formula.

1. Specific – Amanda says she wants 4 clients that provide her with a total of 80 hours/month.
2. Measurable – Both the number of clients and hours are measureable. There is no guesswork involved. Amanda’s decision will come with how many hours she wants each client to have. Does she want each of the 4 clients to do 20 hours/mo or is looking for 2 40 hour/mo clients, etc.
3. Attainable – Are the numbers above attainable? In Amanda’s case, yes they are. She wants to work 80 hours/mo and have no more than 4 clients. In her world, these numbers are very attainable and common.
4. Realistic – While these numbers are attainable and common, are they retainable and common for Amanda? Again, the answer is yes. As a VA, Amanda has the skill set necessary to attract, and maintain, a client load of this size.
5. Time Bound – Now the only question Amanda needs to answer is by what date does she want to have 4 clients at the 80 hours/mo? She might want to break this goal down and say that in 3 months she will have 2 of these clients doing between 30 and 40 hours/mo, and in 6 months she will have all 4 clients doing the 80 hours/mo.

While these steps may sound simple, many people do not go through all of them when setting goals. Most people do the Specific part of the goal and then wait for something to happen. As we all know, action is what drives the goal. You must be specific about what you want, but you must also be realistic about the time frame. Putting your goals through these 5 steps will assure you that you’ve covered what’s necessary to achieve your goal. Remember, THINK and DO will get you where you want to be. THINK and HOPE keeps you where you are.

In the next ezine we’ll discuss the steps needed to implement your goal (in other words, your action plan!).

©2010 Cindy Hillsey

I wanted to let you all know of a FR*EE service that Tina Forsyth and team are putting together. Tina is creating a place where virtual support professionals can join and be listed in a directory. As long as you provide professional services to virtual/online based business owners, you are eligible to join. The THRIVE Hiring System will officially open their doors later this summer. Now would be a great time to sign up, set up your profile, and get ready for the grand opening later this summer. Here’s the link to sign up: http://www.thrivehiringsystem.com/hire/ 

Hi All,

If you are a VA *AND* either work with coaches or want to work with coaches, you will want to be a part of the Ribbon Cutting Extravaganza Monday, June 7th at 5p ET for the brand new National Association of Virtual Assistants for Coaches (NAVAC)!

Intrigued? Register here: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3xam2a9

I will be a guest speaker at the Ribbon Cutting Extravaganza. I will be speaking at 5:15p ET about Success from the Inside Out: Overcoming the Fear of Having a Successful VA Business. I would love it if you would join me! I would also love it if you’d pass this along to your VA friends. This is an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.

Kim Gray simply ROKCS! You know I don’t endorse someone or something unless I truly believe in it and the person putting it together. Kim has put together a fabulous support system for those VAs who either want to, or do, work with coaches. She understands what it takes to run a successful business and now she’s providing a place for you to obtain that support. Come and get in on the ground floor.

I am honored that Kim has asked me to be one of her speakers! Here’s the link again to register: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3xam2a9

‘See’ you Monday, June 7th!

To your success,
Cindy

Hi All,

A colleague of mine, Christine Gallagher, is hosting a FR*EE teleseminar on Wednesday, June 9, called, “Wild About WordPress: 7 Reasons Why it’s Now Super Simple to Create Your Own Customer and Client-Attracting Website—FAST, Without HEADACHES, and for FR*EE!"

On this FR*EE teleseminar, Christine will be sharing her tips on the number one website and blog platform in the world–WordPress. Christine knows her stuff! And, she makes it really easy to understand. Honest!

On this call you’ll learn:

* Why you don’t have to be a techie (really!) to get your site up and running in less than a day
* The one very important thing you want to be sure to look for when choosing a webhost for your WordPress site
* Why WordPress isn’t just for blogs–and how you can easily set it up as a full-blown, simple-to-use website
* What WordPress has–right out-of-the-box–that means you won’t have to hire an expensive SEO firm to get your site to rank in the search engines
* Why customizing your site is a lot easier (and more fun!) than you probably think
* Why answers to (even your toughest) WordPress questions are always just a click away
* Exciting new details about Christine’s upcoming course "Website Without Worry: Step-by-Step Strategies to Using WordPress, the Number One FR*EE Web Platform to Gain Clients and Customers FAST"

If you are interested in learning about WordPress and what it can do for you and your client, you’ll want to be on this call! Go here: http://preview.tinyurl.com/27os22n to register.

See you on the call!

To your success!,

Cindy

P.S. I’d love to know what your experience has been with social media, websites and blogging and whether you are still searching for a simple website solution yourself.

Today I want to talk to about the other Business Basic that I believe every business should have: Thinking like a CEO/Business Owner. I believe this is just as important as finding your Ideal Client. (If you want to re-read the article about the Ideal Client, click here)

The biggest challenge as I see it is this: Many people are used to being the Technician and not the Owner. As the Technician, you are very good at what you do (your craft), and typically this skill is what leads you to opening your own business. Where the challenge comes in is when the Technician has to operate her business as a CEO/Owner.

First and foremost, being a CEO/Business Owner involves a mindset shift. For many of us, especially “corporate refugees,” the shift from employee to owner can be very difficult. As an employee, you are discouraged from thinking outside the box. In fact, this type of thinking usually begets trouble! As a CEO/Business Owner, thinking outside the box is essential! So how does one get from inside the box to outside the box?

Here are 6 steps to help you get outside the box:

1) You need to be aware that you are it! This may sound simple, but it’s not. You report to you. There is no Manager. There is no CEO. There is no Board. You are it. Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of all titles. You are now the CEO/Board of Director/Manager/Customer Service Department/Chief Cook and Bottle Washer all rolled into one.

2) The good news? All decisions are yours. The bad news? ALL decisions are yours. This means everything from setting your fees to taking care of unhappy customers to answering the phone to marketing to motivating yourself. All are up to you!

3) You need to surround yourself with those who think like CEOs/Business Owner’s. Get involved. Ask questions. Seek advice. Ask to be mentored. Join a MasterMind group. Hire a business coach. Don’t go it alone! Remember, the most successful businesses don’t get there by going it alone.

4) Act like a CEO/Business Owner rather than the Technician. Easier said than done sometimes, but if you put yourself in the frame of mind of a CEO/Business Owner and ask yourself, “What would a CEO/Business Owner do about this decision?” you might find the task a bit more manageable. Make decisions. Don’t procrastinate! Think about what you want for your business, and then make decisions accordingly.

5) Do you want to work with just anyone? (The answer to this question should be NO!) Do you have an Ideal Client in mind? (The answer should be YES!) Be clear on who you are doing what to. If you are not clear, your time and energy will be spent dealing with less than ideal clients on a daily basis, and who wants that? Don’t say “yes” to everything that comes your way. Remember, saying “no” allows you to say “yes” to your business vision. Be consistent, and be sure it matches the vision you’ve set out for your business.

6) Be sure you have standards and boundaries around your business. This is just another way of saying, “What will you tolerate in your business?” Good and bad. Then make sure to respect those standards and boundaries. If you don’t respect them, trust me, your clients won’t either! Your clients want to work with a business owner that knows who they are and what they stand for. Make sure that person is you!

Remember, the object of going into business is to create a profit. In order to do this successfully, you’ll need to shift your thinking from that of Technician to that of CEO/Business Owner when it comes to making decisions about your business. Are you ready to think like the CEO/Business Owner you are? I’m tipping my CEO/Business Owner hat off to you as you either begin or continue on this adventure!

©2010 Cindy Hillsey