Who makes your decisions - you or your bank account?

First off, I want to thank all of you who joined me on the call last week, "The 5 secrets of how to organize and automate your business for 2013." It was so wonderful to have so many of you listen in and join me on the call. And thank you so much for all of the positive feedback! I'm so glad that you got so much from the content I shared.  For all of you who would like to listen to the recording (again or for the first time), you can do that in two ways: 1. Listen here. 2. Call 610-214-0100, Access Code: 135960#, Reference #: 10#   Now onto this week's article... This week, I'm going to talk about something that all of us want and few of us ever feel like we have enough of.    MONEY.    How do you feel when you see that word? Happy? Anxious? Stressed? Grateful?    Money - while really just a piece of paper or a coin - has come to take over our lives. How often do you justify not doing something - or deny yourself of something - because of money? How often do you feel like "if only" you had a little more money, then you could finally live your ideal life?    Over the past several months, I have spoken to many women business owners who are sick and tired of being where they areand know that - deep down - the next step for them is to work with a business coach. Someone who has been where they are now and is currently at a place where they want to go. These women know that they've taken themselves as far as they can go, and that now, it's time to call in for backup.    The minute we get on the phone, I can already sense their relief.It's like they've been carrying this really heavy backpack and finally, they can plop it down and catch their breath. They know that they need the support - in fact, many of these women are at a point where they're totally exasperated and ready to throw in the towel if things don't change soon.  So we talk for a little, they tell me about their current situation, their big dream goals, and the obstacles that are getting in the way. I share some bits of my story and they realize that we're much more similar than they thought. They begin to really get that they too can be successful and that their business isn't supposed to be an endless struggle. I can hear the excitement in their voice and their eagerness to start experiencing the ease and pleasure of being a successful entrepreneur.    They're jazzed and ready to take the next steps. I explain the programs I offer and they're all about it. But then something happens.   Five letters that when put together take on a life of their own.   M.O.N.E.Y.   Way too many amazing women have chosen to deny themselves of moving forward and sharing their big gifts with the world because they're scared. At first glance, the fear is all about the money. It kinda sounds like this:   I can't afford it. I don't have the money.  I don't know how I'm going to make this happen.   And then it transitions to the land of "ifs" - - -   If the Universe wants me to do this, the money will show up. If I had more money in the bank, I would move forward. If my business was more successful, I would definitely say yes.   Ultimately, however, what comes to the surface is that it's not about the money. It's always about what the money represents. Security, safety, freedom, choice. And unfortunately, many of us see these things as finite - that there is only so much money to go around - there are only so many clients out there - there are only so many opportunities to make more money. And this has nothing to do with money in and of itself. It has to do with three things:    1. A lack of faith in ourselves 2. A lack of faith in others 3. A lack of faith in the Universe   If you knew that making an investment would bring you whatever it is you want, would you make the investment? If you knew that joining a gym would definitely give you the body you always dreamed of, would you join? If you knew that a matchmaker couldguarantee that working with you could bring you your ideal mate, would you work with him/her? If you knew for certain that you would get what you want from working with the matchmaker or joining the gym, suddenly spending the money doesn't feel as scary. In fact, it may even begin to feel *exciting* since it will bring you to where you want to go.   Now the thing is, most of us only see guarantees in the form of the physical. Most of us aren't conditioned to see guarantees in the form of faith. We live in a world of "we'll believe it when we see it" and not "we'll see it when we believe it." And I get it. Totally and completely. The sane and rational-minded person would not leap without seeing a net beneath her. Millionaires, however, don't play it safe. They succeed because they live outside of their comfort zone.    How many times have you done something that scared you at first, but everything ended up working out better than you could imagine in the end? How many times has the net appeared for you only AFTER you took the leap?   Courage isn't the absence of fear - it's doing things WHILE feeling scared. If you plan on growing your business only when you feel calm and safe and comfortable, you're not going to get very far. My first business coach used to say that entrepreneurship is a full contact sport. It will also be the best transformational workout you will ever experience in your life.    There are two more weeks of 2012. How do you want things to be different for you and your business in 2013? Are you ready for things to be better, more exciting, and more abundant? Are you ready to take the action necessary to get yourself there?   It's going to feel scary. You're probably going to feel uncertain. Maybe even a little shaky. You might want to throw up.    But, the Universe only steps up once we do. First the leap, then the net. First believe, and then see.    To your success!    Jordana Founder, Embarkability PS. I'm here to to help however I can, and would love to chat with you to learn more about you and your business goals. You can sign up for a free Business Strategy Session here.

How I made my first $10,000 month

A few years ago, I made $10,000 in one month for the first time. And the crazy thing is, I knew it was going to happen.  I remember people asking me what I did differently. Did I meditate every day when I got up? How many networking events did I go to? Did something unusual happen to bring me that money? The answer to all of these questions is no. I didn't meditate everyday, I have no idea how many events I went to, and nothing out of the ordinary happened.  So, how then did I know that I would make $10,000? It wasn't anything magical or exciting. It was something very simple, and yet very powerful. I made a decision.  I decided that I was going to make $10,000 at the beginning of the month and I became so sure of it happening that I didn't allow for any other alternative to enter my mind.  I remember I grabbed a piece of computer paper and drew my version of a money thermometer - you know the kind you see when you're on someone's fundraising page?  So I grab this piece of paper and I mark $1000, $2000, $3000 along the sides of the thermometer - you get the picture. And I had a green marker nearby to fill in the thermometer as I made more money.  Then, on the side, I would write down the source of the money (whether it be clients, friends, "random" checks in the mail) and how much money came in from each source.  By the 15th of that month, I had made $8000 and by the end of that month I had made almost $12,000.  I had never done this before. I never even came close.  I think what had happened was that I got exasperated. I was tired of struggling and feeling overwhelmed and helpless.  Enough was enough. I tacked my money thermometer onto my bulletin board next to my desk and I looked at it everyday, planning and expecting to color in more green.  The other thing I did was that I took action on EVERY opportunity that came my way. Not some opportunities. Not most opportunities. EVERY opportunity. If I heard of a networking event, I went. If a prospective client called, I followed up immediately. Every single time the Universe extended its hand, I grabbed it quickly, decisively, and with much gratitude.  Now it's your turn. Here are 3 steps you can take to make December your first (or simply another) $10,000 month. (Eeeeee! How exciting would that be?) 1. Track your money. Know *exactly* how much is coming in and going out. Whether you do it on a spreadsheet or by hand doesn't matter. Update your budget daily. Keep track of everything that you buy. Keep track of every cent that comes in (yes, every single cent). And while you're doing all of this feel grateful for the money you spend and feel grateful for the money you receive. 2. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. There are always opportunities right in front of you that will give you everything you want and more. It's usually that we're just not looking in the right place or we're too overwhelmed to see everything clearly. Right now, write down all of the opportunities available to you today that could help you make $10,000. Are there speaking engagements you could book? Former clients to follow up with? Prospective clients to follow up with? A product that you can sell on your website? There is money everywhere.  3. Stay positive. I know, I know. It sounds so cliche. But it's 100% true. A negative mindset = a negative bank account. Two books that I recently read (and have been recommending to all of my clients) are "Working with the Law" by Raymond Holliwell and "The Law of Divine Compensation" by Marianne Williamson. Then there is the classic, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, and also "Happy Pocket Full of Money" by David Gikandi. Read these books!!! Reading them with boost your confidence and more importantly, your bottom line.  The moral of the story is this. You and me, we're the same. You are just as capable of making $10,000 this month - and even more. Follow these three steps and you'll be amazed at the shift that occurs.    I believe in you.  To your success! Jordana Founder, Embarkability

Decisions, decisions, decisions

The 3 biggest mistakes I've made in my business

I'm going to say something a bit unconventional.

I like making mistakes.

Sure, it doesn't feel great at the time, but when you make a mistake significant enough, the lesson you extract from it becomes all the more powerful, and the likelihood of you making it again becomes slim to none. 

I've made plenty of mistakes over the past 6 years as an entrepreneur, but these 3 have definitely been the most significant.

1. Thinking that I know better. Over the past 6 years, there have been times that I've worked with a business coach and there have been times that I haven't (I work with one now, thank goodness). I can tell you that the times I'm left to my own devices, I succeed at a much slower pace and I experience a lot more struggle. Also, during the times that I have worked with a coach, sometimes I think that I know better. The thing is, I don't. My coaches are farther along in the process of business building and they've been where I seek to go. 

Lesson: There's no need to reinvent the wheel. Listen to them, follow their guidance, and you'll be golden. 

2. Not looking at my numbers. One thing that I struggled with for what felt like a very long time was being mindful of how much money was coming in and how much money was going out. I avoided my bank statements, played dumb, and hoped everything would turn out for the best. 

Lesson: If you want more money to come in, you have to know what's going on in your bank account today. Keep a budget and know exactly what's happening in your financial world. 

3. Isolating myself. As much as I may consider myself an outgoing person, I'm a homebody too. And sometimes, it's really easy to hide behind your computer. Don't do it! Whatever you do, make it a point to go to a networking event once a week. Meet new people, share what you do, and connect.

Lesson: Get out there. No matter what. 

There's no need for you to make unnecessary mistakes. If you want a shortcut, then let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I believe that you and I have connected for a reason, and thatyou're reading this today because you want to get to the next level. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

Do you want a pretty picture or do you want the truth?

I've been speaking with a lot of women recently who are thinking about working with a business coach. They're either in the beginning stages of entrepreneurship or they're ready to take their business to the next level. Either way, there's one thing that I keep hearing over and over again: "Don't paint a pretty picture for me; tell me how it really is."

It's easy to tell people that they'll make mega money quickly, that growing their business will be a walk in the park, and that their life will continue to feel all warm and cozy. 

I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you. The first 6 months of your business (and sometimes more) are hardcore. I imagine that it's kinda like being on The Biggest Loser. You're at a place where any alternative really isn't an option, you're willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, but you have absolutely no idea what you're in for.

Within the first week, people are throwing up, passing out, and having emotional breakdowns on the gym mats. They feel physically and emotionally pushed beyond their limits and can't necessarily see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Being a business owner can oftentimes feel the same way. If you think that you're not going to have moments of doubt, overwhelm, and fear, you're wrong. 

Here's the cool thing though. It's those same moments of doubt, overwhelm, and fear that are the gateways to your growth. If we didn't get scared and overwhelmed, we wouldn't be pushed to learn more about ourselves, to strengthen our faith in the Universe, and to take those actions that we simply wouldn't take otherwise.

It's often only when the fire under you butt is hot enough that you'll be driven to really take a step back and extract the lessons that the situation is offering to you.

 

So here's the truth about succeeding as a business owner:

1. It definitely won't happen over night or in a month, but it definitely will happen if you're committed

2. You must get comfortable feeling uncomfortable

3. The road to success will feel a lot longer and more difficult without the ongoing support, guidance and accountability of a coach or a mentor 

4. It can be one of the most fulfilling experiences that you will ever have in your life

5. You will need to train yourself to live in a place of faith and to become certain of your success

6. People want to help you, but you need to ask them for help in order to receive it

7. The Universe doesn't give you a desire without the resources available to help you translate that dream into a reality

8. There will be days where you will want to throw in the towel and stay in bed for hours

9. There will be days where you will feel on the top of the world

If you're looking for someone to support you through your journey, guide you, and tell it to you like it is, then let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I believe that you and I have connected for a reason, and that you're reading this today because you want to get to the next level. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

Why I do this (it's not for the money)

Having your own business is a funny thing. One of the potential perks is that there is no limit of how much money you can make. You want a raise? You give yourself one. You want to create a new program? Done and done. When you're a business owner, you call the shots and that includes naming your desired salary. 

What I'm realizing is this: the only way you'll make money is if you're not in your business for the money. And I'll take this even one step further - if you want to make big time money, you have be driven entirely by love. It can't be for the potential fame, expert status, vacations, nice cars, and big house.  

Your success in your business is completely contingent on how much you're not in it for you. The Universe doesn't honor ego-driven intentions. 

We all talk about the big WHY. Why you really want to be a business owner - on a deep core level. So people start to think about what motivates them - sometimes it's that they want to have a baby or buy a house or just pay bills every month. Sometimes, it's because you want to go on more vacations or get a massage every month. And that's all well and good. 

But the big WHY has nothing to do with you. It can't. You can't be in this business for you. The freedom around finances, choices, time - those are all wonderful by products, but you must be in your business because you believe with every fiber of your being that you have the ability to make people's lives better. 

Not because you're better than other people or cooler or more special, but becauseyou were given a gift and it is your responsibility to share it with the world. When you were born, the Universe blessed you with a gift; life is all about first discovering what that gift is and then, once you do, making sure that you share it with as many people as possible. 

So then, in theory, you could say, "Well, Jordana, why not give away my gift for free? Why do I charge people for my services? Isn't that unfair to put a price on a gift?"

Here's the crazy part of it all. Making people pay for your services is really a favor for them. Whenever you make a big financial investment in something - whatever it may be - you become more emotionally invested in it. You take better care of it and show it more attention. When clients pay for your services, it drives them to step up to the plate in a way that they never would if they weren't paying at all - so much so that if you don't charge them, you're really doing them a disservice since they won't learn and grow as much. 

So late last night, sometime between 1 and 2 in the morning, I wrote down why I do what I do, why I am so invested in helping you. And then I made a vision board too. And I want to share both of them with you. This, my dear friend, is what I wish for you in your life, and what I am *committed* to helping you feel when we work together. 

 

Here it is... My Manifesto (what I wish for you)

And here's the vision board

I want you to really get that my purpose is all about helping you. My calling is to make sure that your goals become a reality. With all of this in mind, let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I believe that you and I have connected for a reason, and that you're reading this today because you want to get to the next level. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

The dollars are behind the discomfort

What to say when you reach out to people

As business owners, we write emails ALL. THE. TIME. In fact, sometimes, I feel like my business IS writing emails. It helps to have a few templates in the back of your pocket for emails that you may be writing a bunch. 

Here are two kinds of emails that I've found to be particularly popular.Remember, these are just suggestions. Below each script, I map out the structure of the email, so that you're welcomed and encouraged to use your own wording and tone. 

Hope you find these to be helpful and that you no longer experience the "what do I say" panic moving forward. 

Announcing your business 

** you can also use this template if you are changing your business a bit or adding a new service to what you currently offer**

Subject line: Exciting news! 

Hi NAME, 

I'm so excited to write to you today as I have big news to share with you. As you may know, I started my own professional organizing business in 2007. I had absolutely no idea how to start or grow my business, and I had to teach myself, step by step. Over the past few years, I've worked with hundreds of clients, been featured on TV and in national magazines, and I'm happy to say that it's been a huge success!

It wasn't the easiest of journeys, however, and I've met lots of women during this time who were in the same boat. And many still are. Starting a business is a huge commitment and a big decision to make, and it can feel very scary and daunting. 

With that in mind, I decided that I wanted to start helping those women who were committed to starting and growing their own service-based businesses, but needed the ongoing support, accountability, and guidance to be sure that they dreams would become a reality. 

Today, I want to proudly announce the launch of Embarkability, with the mission to help women start and grow their own successful service-based businesses. I work with women worldwide, from across the street to across the ocean. I've already begun working with amazing clients and the results they're seeing are huge. It's really been a wonderful experience so far. 

Here's where you come in. Would you please keep your eyes and ears open should you know someone who would benefit from working with me? I would love to connect with them! I offer 30 minute complimentary strategy sessions to learn more about their goals and see how I might be able to help them moving forward. 

Thanks in advance for your support and any introductions you're able to make in the near future!

All the best,

Jordana

Recap of Formula: 

1. Remind them of what's been going on in your life/business

2. Let them know how it's been going

3. The inspiration behind the new business/additional service

4. The announcement and purpose/mission of the new business/additional service

5. Ask for their help (describe your ideal client and how you help them)

6. Thank them in advance for any support they might be able to offer

Reaching out to potential referral partner

Subject line: Would love to connect with you!

Hi NAME, 

I found out about your company online and I wanted to reach out as I think that many of my clients could benefit from your services. In 2010, I created Embarkability with the mission to help women start and grow their own successful service-based businesses. Many of my clients already need or will soon need a SERVICE OF REFERRAL PARTNER to help them take their business to the next level, and I wanted to reach out to see if connecting them with you would be a good fit. 

By the same token, if you have any clients or colleagues who are currently struggling to get clients and make money, I would love to see how I might be able to help them. 

Overall, I would love to learn more about you and your business as I think we could be a great partnership moving forward.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

All the best,

Jordana

Recap of formula: 

1. Let them know how you found them (online, through a friend, etc.)

2. Let them know what you do

3. Let them know why you're reaching out and how you can help them

4. Let them know how they might be able to help you  

5. Emphasize the potential of a great partnership moving forward

 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's article! Be sure to leave a comment on Facebook - it's a great way to connect with me and the rest of the Embarkability community.

One more thing. While all of these email templates are straightforward, you will onlysee results if you take action. The key word is action. 

 

Which is probably why you're reading this newsletter today - because you already know that it's difficult to take consistent action when growing your business. With that in mind, Let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I believe that you and I have connected for a reason, and that you're reading this today because you want to get to the next level. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

The "behind the door" experiment

If you're frustrated in your business, this might be why!

Remember when your mom or dad would get upset with you and ask you, how many times do I need to repeat myself??"

While their question was more rhetorical than anything else, I'm sure that at the time, they were at their wit's end.

Even if they had said something to you once - and DEFINITELY if they said it more than once - they wanted & even EXPECTED you to listen.

Now here's the million dollar question: Did you listen?

It's funny how the tables turn - because now, in many ways, you are in your parent's position - but as a business owner. Let me explain - you tell a prospective client what you do once, maybe even twice, and well, you want and probably even EXPECT them to understand and remember what it is you do after saying it those 1 or 2 times.

I recently read an article that spoke about the "three-times convincer."  Basically, it said how you can't tell someone something only 1 or 2 times and then expect them to believe you.

In fact, according to the article, "80 percent of people need to hear a message three times before they buy into it, 15 percent need to hear it five times, and five percent up to 25 times." Do you realize, that the minimum amount of times they said was THREE? That was the least amount of times someone needed to hear a message in order for them to really get it. And the most was - I know - TWENTY FIVE!

Now while 25 times does sound a bit much, it definitely shifts your perspective a bit. If you've been wondering why more prospects haven't become clients, you now know that it could very well be simply because you haven't told them enough times about what it is you do!

It's not that you're not good enough or that your service isn't valuable, it's that you're TOO QUIET! Start speaking up more, and see if it makes a difference. Now while this doesn't mean that everyone will suddenly say "yes" - I can tell you that simply going by the law of probability, the more people you speak with and the more times you tell them what you do, the higher the likelihood that you will have more clients.

So now what?

Here are some of the ways I keep the conversation going:

1. Send your prospective clients a weekly newsletter
2. Schedule coffee dates or phone calls with potential referral partners
3. Pick up the phone and see how past, current, and potential clients are doing
4. Send a "just because" card to check in
5. Email them and ask them if there's anything you can do to help
6. Mail them a birthday card and/or present

These are just a few of the hundreds of ways you can keep in touch with the people in your world.

The lessons to be learned here are that connecting or following up with someone one time is never enough, there is no such thing as an overnight success, and to keep going, no matter what.

PS. Let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I believe that you and I have connected for a reason, and that you're reading this today because you want to get to the next level. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

Want to receive more free tips like these delivered directly to your inbox every week? (Plus you'll receive your Free Five Day Mini Course: The 5 Secrets You Must Know to Be Your Own Boss") Sign up here to receive them starting next Monday! :)

You're being persistent, not pushy

Interview with Young Female Entrepreneurs

3 things you must know if you want to succeed

Over the past 6 years that I've been an entrepreneur, I've learned a lot of things. Last week when I was speaking with one of my clients, she asked me what I wish I knew when I first got started. After giving it some thought, I've compiled my top three lessons that I've learned over time and wish I knew way back when. 

 1. It takes a village to grow your business. Yes, that's right. If you think that you will be able to get to where you want to go without other people's help and support, you're wrong. Ask anyone who has achieved big time success, and they will have a mile long list of all of the people who have helped them get there. Business isn't a solo sport, and the sooner you realize that having a team is essential, the sooner you'll get to where you want to go. In other words, the longer you choose not to have ongoing and consistent support guidance, and accountability, the more you're delaying your success and leaving it to chance. 

The next steps for you to take: 

Create a team of interns starting day #1 of your business regardless of your budget. 

Find a business coach who you connect with and who can help you achieve your goals.

Pair up with an accountability partner who you check in with daily or weekly.

Figure out what you can delegate and outsource in your business.

Barter services in the beginning if necessary in order to get the support you need.

2. Success doesn't happen overnight, so don't expect it to. Oh the overnight success story. We all want one. Rags on Monday and riches by Tuesday. It doesn't happen. Overnight successes are illusions - they're years of hard work that are packaged into a pretty story that presents itself as an overnight success. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your business is no different. That said, know that success WILL happen. Rome, after all, was built and stands tall to this day.

Next steps for you to take: 

Manage your expectations - set goals that stretch you, but that are still realistic.

Focus on your accomplishments; if you're always thinking about what still needs to be done, you'll never be happy or feel successful.

Do whatever you can to skyrocket the rate of your success (i.e. refer to #1 above).

Learn from those who have already succeeded.

Surround yourself with high achieving peers who will keep you motivated and focused.

3. You will feel scared shitless sometimes. I'm not going to sugar coat this for you. You're not reading this right now for me to tell you a made-up business fairytale; you're reading this because you want the truth. Having your own business is going to feel super scary and overwhelming at times. Sometimes, especially at the beginning, you might even fee like this is the case all of the time. That's okay. Fear might slow you down, but it won't kill you. And everyone who has achieved big success has felt the same way. You're in good company.

Next steps for you to take:

Action is the cure to fear. Stop thinking about doing something and just do it.

Become friends with fear. Expect it to show up and make peace with it.

Ask yourself, "what am I REALLY scared of?" What you're scared of on the surface is probably not what you're really scared of deep down.

Take the best care of yourself possible. The better you take care of you, the better you'll be able to take care of your business. 

Reach out for support - you're not in this alone (refer to #1 again).

PS. Let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I believe that you and I have connected for a reason, and that you're reading this today because you want to get to the next level. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

Want to receive more free tips like these delivered directly to your inbox every week? (Plus you'll receive your Free Five Day Mini Course: The 5 Secrets You Must Know to Be Your Own Boss") Sign up here to receive them starting next Monday! :)

How to get your first (or next) 5 clients

Most of the people I speak with were ready to start working with more clients and making more money yesterday. 

And I get it. 

Once you figure out who you want to help and how you went to help them, there's a momentum that builds that makes you just want to dive in immediately. 

Without knowing the right next steps to take, however, it can take you a lot longer than you would like to start attracting and working with your ideal clients and making the kind of money that you want.

So today, I'm going to share with you what some of those next steps are. And the awesome thing about these steps is that they're super simple and completely free. 

You're going to want to print this page out or take notes, so grab a notebook if you haven't already. 

1. Tell EVERYONE you know what you do. I don't mean almost everyone or kinda everyone. I mean EVERYONE. Your friends and family and their friends and family. All of your Facebook friends. Your Twitter followers. And while you can always bring it up when you see people, that's not what I mean. I don't mean to just tell them when it's convenient or when the opportunity presents itself. I mean - go out of your way to let them know. Email everyone. Then follow up with a phone call. Then if they're still interested in finding out more, you can follow up with an in person meeting too. 

2. Tell EVERYONE you don't know too. Okay, this time I don't literally mean everyone. For this step, reach out to the people who work with your ideal client. For example, let's say you're a dietician. In all likelihood, your client might also benefit from working with a personal trainer and maybe a therapist too. So then you start googling: personal trainer, your location. And then you do the same thing you did with step #1. You email them, follow up with a phone call, and then if you feel like it would be beneficial to meet in person, then schedule that too.

3. Offer to speak for free. People become clients because of the KLT factor - know, like, trust. In order for someone to go from a prospective client to a paying client, they need to know who you are, they need to like you, and they need to trust that you'll be able to help them. With this in mind, the fastest way to create that is by connecting with them in person. Reach out to every place you can think of that your ideal client could be. If you're a personal chef, that could be every health food store or yoga studio in your area. Call them and ask them if they would be interested in offering a workshop on healthy eating to their clients. The studio or store benefits because they are adding more value to their clients' experiences, the ideal clients benefit because they get to learn something that's important to them, and you benefit because more people get to find out about what you do and how you can help them. Everybody wins. 

4. Post weekly videos of you sharing tips. Videos are so cool because they give your ideal client a really good sense of who you are, which means that they will connect with you more quickly. If you have a Mac like me, just go to iMovie and record a 3-5 minute video sharing a few tips that could benefit your ideal client. Then put it on your blog, Facebook and Twitter, and share it on your newsletter too, if you have one. As someone who is big on practicing what she preaches, I'm starting to do videos again too! It will be posted on my blog later this week. 

5. Give people a sample. People love getting things for free. I mean, who doesn't love getting those mini spoons to taste ice cream flavors before you have to decide which one you're going to get? Also, people are more likely to buy after they first get a better idea of what they're buying. For example, aren't you more likely to buy a shirt after you try it on? It might look great on the hanger, but you don't know how it will fit on you until you try it on. The same thing goes with your business. You can offer a free teleseminar, open spots in your calendar to speak with potential clients for free, or invite people to ask you questions that you answer on your blog every week. Giving things for free makes it easier to eventually charge a fee. Free before fee. 

One more thing. While all of these things are straightforward, easy to do, and completely free, you will only see results if you implement them consistently. The key word is consistency. Not every other week. Not once in a while. All the time. And let's be real. It's not always so easy to stay focused, keep yourself disciplined, and do whatever it takes no matter what. 

Which is probably why you're reading this newsletter today - because you already know that to some degree. With that in mind, Let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I believe that you and I have connected for a reason, and that you're reading this today because you want to get to the next level. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

Want to receive more free tips like these delivered directly to your inbox every week? (Plus you'll receive your Free Five Day Mini Course: The 5 Secrets You Must Know to Be Your Own Boss") Sign up here to receive them starting next Monday! :)

Today, Just take ONE step (that's all)

So back to February 2007. I remember that I had spent months (or even years) up to this point trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. 

I wrote to do lists, pros and cons of different paths to take, and read What Color is My Parachute? I was pooped - totally mentally exhausted and drained from all of it. 

I've often found that right when you're about to lose it, something miraculous happens. The Universe (or God or a higher source - however you may see it) steps in and basically says, "It's OK. I got you."

And that's exactly what happened. I was freaking out and an opportunity presented itself.

One day, while I was organizing my mom's walk-in closet, she said 5 words that ultimately changed my life forever:

"You should start a business."

Now, many times, when your mom says something to you, you don't listen - or at least I don't. But this time, for whatever reason, whether it was because I was overwhelmed or at my breaking point or the stars were aligned, I went for it. 

Of course, I probably first responded with high levels of doubt and hesitation. But I knew that this was a life preserver being thrown my way, and it was my choice to reach for it or keep treading the water. 

Now, I didn't know the first thing about starting a business. I didn't know what it meant or what it looked like, and I didn't have friends who were business owners. I was 100% clueless. 

That said, the idea of continuing to feel purposeless and directionless felt considerably scarier than pursuing something that I knew nothing about. 

So this is what I did. I took one step. Really. One single step. And then another. 

My mom took me to Barnes and Noble and she bought me a bunch of organizing books. Then I started googling companies that would certify me in professional organizing. Then I signed up for one of them. Now whether I would take the same steps now or not doesn't really matter in telling the story. 

The point is, that I took one step at a time, and I just kept moving. 

Maybe you've been thinking about starting your own business, or you recently started one, or you've had one for a little while, but feel stuck and need to figure out how to get more clients and make more money asap. Wherever you are right now is totally okay. 

If you're reading this newsletter, it's probably because you know deep down that you need some additional support and guidance. You know that whatever you're doing right now isn't totally working for you. And that's totally okay too. 

Today, just take one step. Let's set up a 30 minute complimentary Business Strategy Session for you and me to talk about what's going on for you right now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. I don't believe in coincidences, and I know that you're reading this today for a reason. I only have a limited number of spots available, so be sure to sign up asap. So excited to speak with you soon!

Want to receive this article delivered directly to your inbox every week? (Plus you'll receive your Free Five Day Mini Course: The 5 Secrets You Must Know to Be Your Own Boss") Sign up here to receive them starting next Monday! :)