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