Coach's Corner
Not Enough Time - Big Problem - So Skip It
by Rick Wallace
"Those who make the worst of their time most complain about its shortness." -
La Bruyere
Watch this 2:26 minute video blog and get the secret to skipping your biggest problems.
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
10 Questions you should ask before you seek outside help
If you, as a small business owner, are, or have in the past, considered seeking outside help to address areas of your business that need improvement you should be aware this will create the need for change within your company and its success will depend on how you and your company most effectively implement change.
Business owners are constantly being approached with programs or people who claim to be able to help them better their business.
These include Mastermind Groups, University programs, Consultants, "Guns for Hire", Seminars, Coaches, etc.
Even when you come to the conclusion it is time to reach out for help you should be warned that it is not the time to make an investment with the "option of the day". They each provide solutions, but they each have different ways of delivering the solution.
As I said before, it must match the way you and your business/team accepts change and how you follow through and implement change.
To insure an investment like this will result in the desired outcome for you and your company, I suggest you take the time to answer certain questions before you even think about proceeding to take a look at the options in front of you.
To make it easier to answer these questions start by focusing on one issue or idea that you know would better your business.
Buying Decision Process
What is the #1 problem/issue holding your business back or the #1 new idea you need to implement to grow your company?
How are you currently set up to fix this problem or implement this idea with the current resources you've got in place?
Historically, how successful have you been in addressing issues and implementing new ideas? Why?
What's stopping you from using your current resources (inside and outside the business) to fix the problem or implement the idea?
Is there something further you'd want or need but aren't getting from your current resources?
Who would be the people affected by any solution that would address the problem or implement the idea?
How would they be affected by the changes your decision would create in the business and what role would they take in the process of addressing or implementing it?
What would you need to consider to insure that the people that are touched by this issue/problem/idea would be willing to get on board with new choices you might make?
What would you need to know or believe differently in order to be willing to add new processes, habits or best practices to the daily routines of your business?
How would you know when it was time to bring in an outside catalyst to help you focus on addressing this issue and/or implementing the new idea?
How would you measure the effectiveness and the ROI on an investment in an outside resource/solution?
Only after you have answered these questions, are you in a position to research the solutions and make a decision on the type of help you need, how and who will be involved, and how effective each program will be in your particular situation.
Do you want to learn new skills or do you prefer someone to just come in and give you a plan and leave? Do you need someone to be accountable to and work with you to implement, or can you learn and then return to your company and teach the team? Do you need to build the plan together for it to be effectively implemented or do you want someone to come into the company and just do it for you?
All these answers have to be considered to be able for you to invest in the right program for your situation.
I've seen a lot of time and money wasted by business owners who made decisions like this without considering the proper match between the right solution and their unique situation.
Seeking outside help is a strength, not a weakness. It can be the best investment you have ever made in your business, but it can also be very ineffective if you choose resources that do not deliver within the unique environment of your business culture.
Those of us in the business of "helping", understand that the success of our work will depend on the proper match between our method of help and the client. Thus, we have all referred prospective clients to other programs to ensure their success.
As a coach, I sustain and grow my business by referral and word of mouth and I want every engagement to be successful.
Don't Procrastinate
Don't let problems and ideas go unattended any longer, seeking help will ensure you address them, but answer these questions before you start to seek the right solutions.
I would be happy to explore this with you through a Complimentary Buying Decision Meeting (phone or in person). Together we can walk through these questions and ensure you know how to choose the right solution for your unique situation.
Rick Wallace is a Business Coach, Speaker and Writer who speaks to and works with 100's of small business owners each year and knows that the success of any betterment program requires a good fit between the program and the client's unique situation. Contact him at rick@next-level-coaching.com and he will be happy to walk you through these questions and supply you with objective advice. See more resources at www.next-level-coaching.com
Business owners are constantly being approached with programs or people who claim to be able to help them better their business.
These include Mastermind Groups, University programs, Consultants, "Guns for Hire", Seminars, Coaches, etc.
Even when you come to the conclusion it is time to reach out for help you should be warned that it is not the time to make an investment with the "option of the day". They each provide solutions, but they each have different ways of delivering the solution.
As I said before, it must match the way you and your business/team accepts change and how you follow through and implement change.
To insure an investment like this will result in the desired outcome for you and your company, I suggest you take the time to answer certain questions before you even think about proceeding to take a look at the options in front of you.
To make it easier to answer these questions start by focusing on one issue or idea that you know would better your business.
Buying Decision Process
What is the #1 problem/issue holding your business back or the #1 new idea you need to implement to grow your company?
How are you currently set up to fix this problem or implement this idea with the current resources you've got in place?
Historically, how successful have you been in addressing issues and implementing new ideas? Why?
What's stopping you from using your current resources (inside and outside the business) to fix the problem or implement the idea?
Is there something further you'd want or need but aren't getting from your current resources?
Who would be the people affected by any solution that would address the problem or implement the idea?
How would they be affected by the changes your decision would create in the business and what role would they take in the process of addressing or implementing it?
What would you need to consider to insure that the people that are touched by this issue/problem/idea would be willing to get on board with new choices you might make?
What would you need to know or believe differently in order to be willing to add new processes, habits or best practices to the daily routines of your business?
How would you know when it was time to bring in an outside catalyst to help you focus on addressing this issue and/or implementing the new idea?
How would you measure the effectiveness and the ROI on an investment in an outside resource/solution?
Only after you have answered these questions, are you in a position to research the solutions and make a decision on the type of help you need, how and who will be involved, and how effective each program will be in your particular situation.
Do you want to learn new skills or do you prefer someone to just come in and give you a plan and leave? Do you need someone to be accountable to and work with you to implement, or can you learn and then return to your company and teach the team? Do you need to build the plan together for it to be effectively implemented or do you want someone to come into the company and just do it for you?
All these answers have to be considered to be able for you to invest in the right program for your situation.
I've seen a lot of time and money wasted by business owners who made decisions like this without considering the proper match between the right solution and their unique situation.
Seeking outside help is a strength, not a weakness. It can be the best investment you have ever made in your business, but it can also be very ineffective if you choose resources that do not deliver within the unique environment of your business culture.
Those of us in the business of "helping", understand that the success of our work will depend on the proper match between our method of help and the client. Thus, we have all referred prospective clients to other programs to ensure their success.
As a coach, I sustain and grow my business by referral and word of mouth and I want every engagement to be successful.
Don't Procrastinate
Don't let problems and ideas go unattended any longer, seeking help will ensure you address them, but answer these questions before you start to seek the right solutions.
I would be happy to explore this with you through a Complimentary Buying Decision Meeting (phone or in person). Together we can walk through these questions and ensure you know how to choose the right solution for your unique situation.
Rick Wallace is a Business Coach, Speaker and Writer who speaks to and works with 100's of small business owners each year and knows that the success of any betterment program requires a good fit between the program and the client's unique situation. Contact him at rick@next-level-coaching.com and he will be happy to walk you through these questions and supply you with objective advice. See more resources at www.next-level-coaching.com
Friday, January 21, 2011
Marketing tip - Use QR codes to bring Life to Your Marketing!!!
Watch this 2 minute video and use your imagination.
How would you like to have your business card take a prospect ,in less than a second, to a video on your company or to recording of your Value Proposition?
Or your website landing page or a coupon or special that you could change every day - if you wanted to?
How about on retail shelf – one click and they are seeing a video on the product?
How about a newspaper or magazine ad that with a click of their smart phone they are sent to a special offer or video?
Click on this link and watch my 2 minute video that demonstrates this new technology. It’s free and easy to implement. The apps are free for the phones and the code can be generated and printed in 2 minutes
On free websites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUAt7WtG_EE
All the Best,
Rick Wallace
How would you like to have your business card take a prospect ,in less than a second, to a video on your company or to recording of your Value Proposition?
Or your website landing page or a coupon or special that you could change every day - if you wanted to?
How about on retail shelf – one click and they are seeing a video on the product?
How about a newspaper or magazine ad that with a click of their smart phone they are sent to a special offer or video?
Click on this link and watch my 2 minute video that demonstrates this new technology. It’s free and easy to implement. The apps are free for the phones and the code can be generated and printed in 2 minutes
On free websites.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUAt7WtG_EE
All the Best,
Rick Wallace
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Survey says #1 Pain of WNY Business Owners is....
You guessed it – my recent survey of WNY Business Owners says the #1 pain is -
“ Not enough time to get it all done”!
53% of those surveyed said this is one of their top 3 pains.
The best solution?
If you experience this Pain , then I have one part of the solution – the “HOW TO” and it is FREE – but the second part is the key :
Do you have the WANT TO? The commitment to start some new habits. It isn’t hard, it just takes a few key actions, but it requires commitment.
If you are ready to deal with this big issue then keep reading:
I have developed a series of 5 Proven Tips from the best people in the business - which include coach’s letters, videos and audios that will walk you through how to wrestle this pain to the ground and become a much more effective leader and person.
It’s Free all you have to do is CLICK HERE and sign up and you will receive one every other day for 10 days. Block your calendar for 15 minutes each of those days and focus on this HOW TO. This is not the usual list making, a,b,c ranking stuff – this is simple and logical steps to be more productive.
These same tools can be used to teach your whole team how to be more effective and more productive while taking a lot of the stress out of their life.
Simply CLICK HERE and we will deliver a tip every other day to your inbox.
All the best,
Rick W. Wallace
President/Business Coach
Next Level Coaching LLC
More Money, More Time, Better Team
716-479-7719
“ Not enough time to get it all done”!
53% of those surveyed said this is one of their top 3 pains.
The best solution?
If you experience this Pain , then I have one part of the solution – the “HOW TO” and it is FREE – but the second part is the key :
Do you have the WANT TO? The commitment to start some new habits. It isn’t hard, it just takes a few key actions, but it requires commitment.
If you are ready to deal with this big issue then keep reading:
I have developed a series of 5 Proven Tips from the best people in the business - which include coach’s letters, videos and audios that will walk you through how to wrestle this pain to the ground and become a much more effective leader and person.
It’s Free all you have to do is CLICK HERE and sign up and you will receive one every other day for 10 days. Block your calendar for 15 minutes each of those days and focus on this HOW TO. This is not the usual list making, a,b,c ranking stuff – this is simple and logical steps to be more productive.
These same tools can be used to teach your whole team how to be more effective and more productive while taking a lot of the stress out of their life.
Simply CLICK HERE and we will deliver a tip every other day to your inbox.
All the best,
Rick W. Wallace
President/Business Coach
Next Level Coaching LLC
More Money, More Time, Better Team
716-479-7719
Thursday, December 16, 2010
3 tips to improve your email marketing
3 Tips to
Improve Your Email Marketing
Look at your inbox. Chances are that it is packed with emails - all screaming for your attention. As a marketer, your job is to cut through the clutter and deliver an engaging email that gets opened and produces results. Here are a few tips that will help you do exactly that.
Give subscribers what they want.
The most impactful thing you can do to improve your email marketing is to send relevant and interesting emails. Why? Because when your subscribers know that there is something valuable on the other side of the subject line, your open rates will skyrocket.
So offer something of value in every email you send, such as industry research, tips and tricks, discounts, and more. Not only will this establish your credibility as an expert, it will reduce spam complaints.
Get to know your readers.
In order to deliver relevant content, you need to Define and profile your Ideal Customer there wants, needs, pains and fears. If you don't already know the answer, you can find out by conducting an NPS survey and then calling and interviewing 5-7 customers that represent your Ideal Customer you like them and they value and love doing business with you. Ask them the questions above. .
Once you know what their wants, needs , pains and fears are you can begin to offer them relevant information that will address those issues. Guess what? There are people just like them out there who share these same issues and will be attracted to your “free information” . This knowledge will help you send relevant messages to each person.
Have a Marketing Machine setup to automatically follow up.
By signing up and asking for your “offer” they now have give you permission to follow up and have ongoing conversations with them. Don’t sell keep sending them more relevant information in the form of Tips, White papers, E-newsletters that don’t sell but instead educate and inform. These should be set up and sent out automatically on a regular basis. Over time something will trigger them and they will be ready to buy and when that time comes they will trust you and contact you.
Improve Your Email Marketing
Look at your inbox. Chances are that it is packed with emails - all screaming for your attention. As a marketer, your job is to cut through the clutter and deliver an engaging email that gets opened and produces results. Here are a few tips that will help you do exactly that.
Give subscribers what they want.
The most impactful thing you can do to improve your email marketing is to send relevant and interesting emails. Why? Because when your subscribers know that there is something valuable on the other side of the subject line, your open rates will skyrocket.
So offer something of value in every email you send, such as industry research, tips and tricks, discounts, and more. Not only will this establish your credibility as an expert, it will reduce spam complaints.
Get to know your readers.
In order to deliver relevant content, you need to Define and profile your Ideal Customer there wants, needs, pains and fears. If you don't already know the answer, you can find out by conducting an NPS survey and then calling and interviewing 5-7 customers that represent your Ideal Customer you like them and they value and love doing business with you. Ask them the questions above. .
Once you know what their wants, needs , pains and fears are you can begin to offer them relevant information that will address those issues. Guess what? There are people just like them out there who share these same issues and will be attracted to your “free information” . This knowledge will help you send relevant messages to each person.
Have a Marketing Machine setup to automatically follow up.
By signing up and asking for your “offer” they now have give you permission to follow up and have ongoing conversations with them. Don’t sell keep sending them more relevant information in the form of Tips, White papers, E-newsletters that don’t sell but instead educate and inform. These should be set up and sent out automatically on a regular basis. Over time something will trigger them and they will be ready to buy and when that time comes they will trust you and contact you.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Leadership - Expectations vs. Agreements
According to Jim Collins the author of Good to Great, one of the best business books ever written, to have a great company you have to answer these 3 questions with a yes.
Do we have the right people, doing the right things, right?
Well my coach Steve Chandler has always stressed that you can't get people to do things right through setting Expectations. He believes only in Agreements.
Having trouble managing and leading people - read on - it works!
Human beings were not put on this planet to live up to the expectations of others. They weren't put here for that. They know that deep down. They have a rebellious, free spirit in them that knows it was not put here to live up to another mortal human being's expectations.
Therefore, whenever you use the "expectation" word, you create rebellion, and you create less likelihood that what you expect will happen. Less likelihood by expecting it!!!! So by expecting something, you make it go away--you don't draw it to you. You chase it away because it's toxic, it's cowardly, it's radio-active, it is cancerous. Expectation is.
I can't stress it enough. I've never seen expectations work as sound self-programming. Any kind of positive benefit in any relationship (personal or otherwise) -- I've never seen it work. I've never seen it bring people closer together. I've never seen it make one partner more faithful. I've never seen it do anything, but damage. Terrible damage. Every time it is used inside the human system.
Now what I have seen work beautifully on the other hand, in the other way, is agreements. So the person's late for a meeting. I meet with him and say, "Let's you and I create an agreement and I'll tell you why I'm requesting we create an agreement. I would like to have you at the meeting…the whole meeting from beginning to end every time. You are that valuable to me. You're that important to me. You're that important to the rest of the team. Your strolling in late does not work for me. It's not wrong, it's not unjustified, it simply does not work in what I'm creating. Now let's you and I talk so we can get an agreement; and an agreement is something that works for you, otherwise, I don't want you to agree to it."
So we work on an agreement together, I understand the other person's concerns, they were in another person's meeting that morning that got out late. We find a way to have that not be the case anymore. We agree. We shake hands. We now have an agreement.
If you want people to do something, create an agreement. Don't just "expect" them to do it. They won't. Or, haven't you noticed?
Do we have the right people, doing the right things, right?
Well my coach Steve Chandler has always stressed that you can't get people to do things right through setting Expectations. He believes only in Agreements.
Having trouble managing and leading people - read on - it works!
Human beings were not put on this planet to live up to the expectations of others. They weren't put here for that. They know that deep down. They have a rebellious, free spirit in them that knows it was not put here to live up to another mortal human being's expectations.
Therefore, whenever you use the "expectation" word, you create rebellion, and you create less likelihood that what you expect will happen. Less likelihood by expecting it!!!! So by expecting something, you make it go away--you don't draw it to you. You chase it away because it's toxic, it's cowardly, it's radio-active, it is cancerous. Expectation is.
I can't stress it enough. I've never seen expectations work as sound self-programming. Any kind of positive benefit in any relationship (personal or otherwise) -- I've never seen it work. I've never seen it bring people closer together. I've never seen it make one partner more faithful. I've never seen it do anything, but damage. Terrible damage. Every time it is used inside the human system.
Now what I have seen work beautifully on the other hand, in the other way, is agreements. So the person's late for a meeting. I meet with him and say, "Let's you and I create an agreement and I'll tell you why I'm requesting we create an agreement. I would like to have you at the meeting…the whole meeting from beginning to end every time. You are that valuable to me. You're that important to me. You're that important to the rest of the team. Your strolling in late does not work for me. It's not wrong, it's not unjustified, it simply does not work in what I'm creating. Now let's you and I talk so we can get an agreement; and an agreement is something that works for you, otherwise, I don't want you to agree to it."
So we work on an agreement together, I understand the other person's concerns, they were in another person's meeting that morning that got out late. We find a way to have that not be the case anymore. We agree. We shake hands. We now have an agreement.
If you want people to do something, create an agreement. Don't just "expect" them to do it. They won't. Or, haven't you noticed?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
What's wrong with Comfort and Security?
My coach Steve Chandler sent me a great post the other day with a 15 minute audio on the distinction between Challenge vs. Comfort. He, and every personal development guru in the world, focuses on "thinking" - the way we think as being the root of all of our problems and fears.
We have a choice how we think. Yes it is a simple choice between negitive vs. positive.
But Steve takes this a few steps further. Here is an outtake from his post and the link to the audio is below. It's in MP3 format so you can download it or simply listen. Pass it on to anyone you know that needs to be inspired to take on challenges.
"It's my thinking that weighs me down. That's, in fact, the only thing that can ever weigh me down. My own thinking. So to get back in the ZONE I want to challenge and eliminate any thinking that is weighing me down. So now what will lift me up? New thinking? NO!
I need to stop all the thinking. Stop trying to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Thinking is overrated. Doing is underrated. DOING is the most underrated thing there ever was."
https://www.box.net/shared/8156c7kr5m
Steve
We have a choice how we think. Yes it is a simple choice between negitive vs. positive.
But Steve takes this a few steps further. Here is an outtake from his post and the link to the audio is below. It's in MP3 format so you can download it or simply listen. Pass it on to anyone you know that needs to be inspired to take on challenges.
"It's my thinking that weighs me down. That's, in fact, the only thing that can ever weigh me down. My own thinking. So to get back in the ZONE I want to challenge and eliminate any thinking that is weighing me down. So now what will lift me up? New thinking? NO!
I need to stop all the thinking. Stop trying to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Thinking is overrated. Doing is underrated. DOING is the most underrated thing there ever was."
https://www.box.net/shared/8156c7kr5m
Steve
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