Archive for Desire

Bootcamp Life Lessons

Posted by Phyllis on Saturday, July 17th, 2010 in Lessons Learned | Comments (1)

 

 I just started a workout program this past week.  It’s a high intensity bootcamp style class with an instructor who really makes me push myself.  For those of you who don’t know me well, I am in serious need of this type of fitness instruction.  On a fitness scale of 1 to 10 I’d rate myself a 3.  I can jog slowly for a mile or so and I’m coordinated enough to not fall over or trip on the stairs, but that’s about it. 

  It wasn’t always this way, but that really doesn’t matter now.  What matters is what I decide to do today. 

  In the class - they are at 5 AM, did I mention that part?  Just getting up and being there on time is a big win for me – there are others who are in much better shape, older, younger, men and women. 

  After class on Friday a nice guy I that I met the day before came up and said he was glad to see I came back (I think I looked really pathetic at the end of class on Thursday)  He began to relay his story.  He started working out 9 months ago and has lost over 100 pounds.  Looking at this super fit guy you’d never guess he’d been heavy. 

  The best part was that he wanted to encourage me.  He gave me some advice about what worked for him.  He told me not to worry about what I couldn’t do in the class (and there’s alot) and not to compare myself to others.  He also said I can do more than I think I can.  Like so many things in life, results come with persistence and a willingness to put in the time to master new skills. 

  So what do you want to master?  Where can you push yourself?  What have you mastered lately?  It’s nice to share!

What’s Your One Thing?

Posted by Phyllis on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 in Get Going | Comments (2)

 I’ve been juggling lots of things lately and sometimes I feel like I’m not really getting as  much done as I should.  It’s not lack of effort, but a lack of focus.  I came across some notes that I took at a seminar that helped me get back on track and I thought I’d share it with you.   (I don’t recall whose seminar it was – and the notes aren’t dated.  I apologize that I can’t credit the person who shared this idea with me originally.)

Sometimes the simplest thing is what works.   I like to think I’m pretty smart, and can handle more than one thing at a time.  I’m sure you do too.  But for the next few days I’m going to try this.  Pick the ONE thing that will help me move forward and make progress on a lengthy to do list and DO IT.  Not start it, or spend some time on it but make it my focus for the day. 

Now the tricky part.  What is the one thing?  I’m betting you know what yours is.  I know what mine is.  Making changes to this site.  I was lucky enough to get some great advice from Catherine Caine of www.BeAwesomeOnline.com and Teresa Cleveland of www.TeresaCleveland.com  almost 2 weeks ago.  That’s my one thing for tomorrow.  And the next day and the next until it’s done. 

What’s Your One Thing?  Please share and let me know – we can all encourage each other!

What Do You Say When You Talk To Yourself?

Posted by Phyllis on Monday, July 12th, 2010 in Mindset | Comments (0)

  

Your internal running dialogue matters.  I speak often with people who are looking for help.  They are smart, motivated and capable.  Think multi-talented and passionate about thier work, and their lives.  Yet, when speaking in confidence they often tell me the internal chatter doesn’t match. 

   It’s a hard thing to tackle, but it can be worth the effort.  Job one is just being aware.  What does your voice say?  Are you kind to yourself?  Encouraging? The thing about the chatter is that even tho it is just a passing thought it has energy.  I love Mike Dooley’s motto: Thoughts Become Things.  Even little, fleeting thoughts that you don’t share with anyone else. 

  What does your internal voice say?  
  Can you change the dialogue? 
  How do you think it impacts you?

Sales Rx: When You Don’t Know What To Do

Posted by Phyllis on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 in Sales Rx | Comments (1)

confused-computer-user

 

 

What To Do When Bad Things Happen
Owning a business means you’re juggling lots of things. There are so many challenges and priorities, it’s often hard to see when things get slightly off track. Sometimes, things aren’t broken or in need of repair so much as a cry for attention.
Then IT happens. A competitor lands the account or gets the great partnership that you wanted. Or you find out that someone with less experience is charging 3 times what you charge.  It’s enough to make you want to scream and then find someone or something to blame. Before you do anything drastic hold up and let’s think this through.

You will be okay.
Small business owners tend to live and breathe work. If you lose a deal, or find out that the newbie got your well deserved recognition, it’s critical to your sanity that you don’t take it personally. It doesn’t mean you aren’t liked or that people hate you. It may mean they don’t know you as well as they should, or that you aren’t highlighting your success for all the world to see.
Life isn’t always fair.   Now is the time to focus on what you can control.  Ready to tackle this, feel better and move on? Great! Grab a pen and paper to make some old school notes and get going.

Rx: Profile, Pricing or Performance
Profile: Are you and your business or organization the best kept secret around? Are you doing amazing work or have the best product but only a handful know how awesome you are? Take time to evaluate the way you communicate to current customers and prospects as well. Make sure you regularly update your info to reflect the great accomplishments for your company and most importantly for your customers.

Pricing: Does your price structure represent the value you offer? There’s a psychology regarding pricing that is based on our need to assign value – and reward those who deliver it. The fact is that we value the $200. pair of jeans over the $20. pair even though the raw materials are similar. Should you improve your value or offer and increase your pricing? Higher margins can mean better relationships with a smaller number of clients while seeing a rise in revenue.

Performance is the great equalizer. If you deliver and you know you bring amazing value to your clients, then it’s also your responsibility to let those who need what you offer know about it. It’s also expected that you charge for it, based on the value your clients can expect to receive. If you know you over deliver, it’s also your mission to make sure that becomes part of your message.

Action is the magic pill!
If you are delivering great value to your customers without the expected results in revenue, apply attention to your “problem” area. The magic is in the action! Clarify your target market and identify irresistible benefits that you are uniquely positioned to offer. It really can be that easy. Let me know what you come up with – or how I can help. What obstacles get in the way?

Are You Reaching For More or Settling for Less?

Posted by Phyllis on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 in Connecting, Get Going | Comments (1)

 I don’t know about you – but I love the Olympics.  There’s something intriguing about watching some of the more obscure events.  Besides the  jokes about the beer drinking, card playing curling team,  I find myself wondering how someone decides to pursue the sport of Nordic bi-athalon.  I mean, we all see figure skating, and hockey inspiring kids to ask for skating lessons or to join a youth hockey league, but how many kids watch the cross country event and jump up dying to spend hours training for that?

You really have to want it.

Being an Olympic athlete doesn’t just happen.  We all know how dedicated and hard working the athletes are.  Yeah, Sean White has a great time snowboarding. It doesn’t look like hard work or any big sacrifice.  But it is.  Something makes them want to train longer, try harder and compete.  Being the best of the best has always required effort.  Make that extra effort.  Physical abilities and talent aside, if you don’t want it – it’s just not going to happen.

Do you want it?

I work with and talk to business owners every day.  Smart, dedicated and inspiring people.  Women and men who know what they want and understand it is going to take effort to get there.  And still, so often that they are willing to settle for good enough. 

What makes the difference?

It can’t just be desire – there’s seldom a shortage of wanting to be the best.  I think it comes to the idea of belief.  Fortunately, young athletes often don’t know what isn’t possible.    If you’re over 28, (or even younger)  you’ve been told outright, or indirectly that you  aren’t going to be the next Donald Trump, or Oprah.  Heck, you probably aren’t even going to be the top of your class, or the most valued employee where you work.   So being the best, and refusing to settle becomes harder to do.

Decide what you’re willing to do. 

  Like you, I have goals and dreams.  Most days I love the journey and enjoy what I’m doing.  But there are the other days.  You  know the ones.  When the tasks seem overwhelming or the writing won’t happen or you lose a sale.   The day when it all seems so hard and you wonder if you’re in the right place, or doing the right things. 

  I’m writing this list for the time when you need a spark.  When one of those days pops up, or when you feel it creeping in on you,  look at things from a new perspective. 

Take 30 minutes and pick something from this list and then do it. 

Call someone you’ve wanted to meet but haven’t.
Email someone you met at an event or social function.  Just to say hello.
Pick up the phone and call (gasp) someone you’ve always admired and let them know.   You won’t faint and chances are you’ll make their day which is a sure way to get motivated.
Hand write a note to someone to let them know how they’ve inspired you.  Then actually mail it. (That’s the part I have trouble with)

BrainstomThe act of writing down ideas almost always unlocks my stifled creativity.  But here’s the rule.  Pick somthing you want to work on, and don’t stop writing until you have 100 ideas.  Anything and everything is fair game.  Don’t edit, just write what you can think of. Now, go back and pick 2 or 3 and do them.  I know you may be saying “but I don’t have time for that”.  Take the time.  Nothing inspires like new ideas.

Face a fear.
Not all of them at once.  Pick something you’ve told yourself you couldn’t do, then do it.  Nothing will seem (as) overwhelming again.

Finally: Figure Out What You’re Willing To Do
When you’ve emerged energized an motivated, now make a list of what you’d be willing to do to make the big dream happen. A few ideas to get you started:

Attend networking events.                                                                                                                   
Write 100 blog posts.
Ask for someone to invest in you.
Ask for help.
Invest in a class or training.
Learn a new skill.
Develop a support team that will have your back when you need it.
Sell a luxury item to invest in YOU.
Take that next step that you already know you should be doing.

There is no right or wrong, just what you’re willing to do.  Focus and intent become clear.  How badly do you want it?  Are you on the right path, or do you need to make a change? 
What will you do to make your dreams happen? 
What does reaching for the stars look like for you?
Do you have an Olympian size goal?
Are you tired of settling?