21 Aug

The Wrong Time to Hire a Business Coach

By Lisa In Articles, Ask Lisa, Blog, Business, Entrepreneur, Featured, Featured, Sales, Work Life Balance /   No Comments

lisa-larter-wrong-time-to-hire-business-coach

Imagine that you do not know how to swim and someone throws you into a pool.

You are splashing around frantically, trying to grab onto the water, to pull yourself out so you can recover but instead the water does not support you because it is not solid and instead your efforts just expend more energy and create more panic inside.

Your fear consumes you and you feel like you are seriously about to drown.

In walks a swimming instructor, she jumps in the pool and says “It’s okay, let me teach you how to swim.”

The first thing you do is reach out and grab onto the instructor but you are so afraid that all you do is succeed in pulling her under the water too as you frantically try and save yourself. The instructor tries her best to help you but you are too far gone. The only thing she can try to do is let go and save herself.

Sometimes this happens in business too.

You own a business, you are behind on payments, sales are down and you are struggling to stay afloat financially. You are stressed and completely overwhelmed and realize the end is near unless you do something drastic.

You are afraid you are not going to be able to survive so you hire a business coach to help you and you negotiate a payment plan because you think if ONLY you hire this person, you will be saved, your business will be transformed.

Your business is already in deep trouble and the timing of hiring a coach could not be worse. Your situation is critical and you do not have the time, energy or funds to take action on the direction you are given.

Instead, you stall.

You stall on payments and you stall on taking action. You avoid the coach and go into hiding.

Then you blame the coach. It is the coaches fault because they did not save you.

This is a lose/lose situation.

It is a losing situation for you as a business owner because you did not take action soon enough. It’s like trying to unclog your arteries five minutes before you need surgery after eating fast food for forty years.

For the coach, it is trying to be a miracle worker instead of a coach and it will leave you exhausted, irritated and sometimes doubting your abilities.

The timing of coach and client could not be worse.

Business owners need to seek help before their businesses reach a critical situation that is beyond repair. Coaches need to learn when too identify when someone is too far gone to help and say no when they are financially unable to hire you.

These situations are usually tied to money.

The business owner cannot afford the coach but is desperately looking for help. The coach wants to help and dives in without payment and then becomes resentful when the business owner does not follow through.

This is a recipe for disaster, I know because it has happened to me and by sharing I hope it can help both business owners and coaches to see these situations for what they are and make the best choices for themselves.

What business owners should do is hire help early on to set themselves up for success.

You wouldn’t jump in a pool and try to learn how to swim all by yourself because you know chances are you might drown. You don’t want that to happen so you would take lessons either with a group of people or privately with a proper qualified instructor.

When you start a business there are many skills you need to learn including sales, financial management, cash-flow, operations, leadership, marketing and more. Trying to dive in and learn all of this while you start a business is a painful and risky way to start off.

Hire someone who has the experience to help set you up for success. It could be the best investment you make in yourself and your business when starting out.

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13 Nov

Why Investing in Your Knowledge is the Best Asset in Your Business

By Lisa In Articles, Blog, Business, Leadership, Programs, Training, Work Life Balance /   No Comments

iStock_000002330223XSmallSomething you may not know about me is that I am a high school drop out.

It goes like this. In 1998 I moved in with my dad to finish my last year of high school.

Teenage girls who did not grow up with their fathers should not be allowed to move in with them at a time in their life when they are seeking their own independence. It was a recipe for disaster and, to make a long story short – I quit school.

Quitting school was an impulsive decision. Not a well thought out one, and not one that I would advocate for everyone.

I will however say that there are many paths to knowledge.

In your business the one asset that differentiates you from everyone else who does what you do is your knowledge and experience. <—Click to Tweet

When you invest in your learning you have the ability to strengthen your skills, improve your self confidence and enhance the service and value you offer to others.

Here are some ways you can invest in learning:

  1. Read every day. Reading books is a great way to learn. Read with a highlighter and a pen, take notes, make lists and do the work. If you apply what you learn from reading you will always be ahead of your competition because most people never make time to read.
  2. Teach others what you learn. When you learn something new, the best way to solidify your own learning and increase your confidence level is to teach someone else. Don’t keep it all to yourself, share the knowledge because it will help you to retain the information by passing it on.
  3. Do group courses or training programs because as humans we are social beings and learning in a group setting is a great way to stay engaged and build relationships with like minded people. When I started the Pilot Project (which starts in January again btw) I created an affordable group training program for business owners because I wanted to build synergy and momentum that would help people stay engaged in the learning process. When you are part of a dynamic group of people who are all learning at the same time, and there is an accountability mechanism built it, you will be amazed at what you can do.
  4. Work with a coach who will stretch you outside of your comfort zone. This is a tough one though because there are so many “coaches” out there to chose from. Some certified, some not, some with great experience, others not so much and as a business owner finding the right person to work with you is challenging. My advice is find someone who has done what you aspire to do and learn from them.

When you do these four things over and over again you are investing in your knowledge. And, when you invest in your knowledge you build confidence and credibility as a business owner. When you increase your knowledge level, your judgement also improves because judgement is really your brain tapping into everything you know to help you make sound decisions.

If you want the next year to be one of your best yet, focus on your development. Figure out ways to invest in your knowledge because no one can ever take that away from you.

Now tell me in the comments below, what are you going to do next to invest in you?

You can start by joining me for a free webinar coming up on December 4th at 12:30pm Eastern time: How to Stay Passionate in Your Business When Things Aren’t Going the Way You Want Them To. Click here for more information —> https://www.lisalarter.com/how-to-stay-passionate-about-your-business/

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16 Oct

Imperfect Planning to Create Your Best Year

By Lisa In Articles, Blog, Business, Entrepreneur, Work Life Balance /   1 Comment

Every year around this time I start planning and creating what I want for the upcoming year and I thought sharing might be helpful to you in planning 2014 because I want you to have an awesome year.

As you get started remember: Your business plan doesn’t have to be perfect but it is always the foundation for both your personal growth and the growth of your business. <—-Click to Tweet!

  1. Lisa Larter - Business PlanningGo buy a big calendar, a bunch of post it notes, and some colored sharpie markers. Use different colored sharpies to represent different times on your calendar. Use post it notes to make notes that need to go on certain months to keep your focus on track.
  2. Take a sharpie marker and block off all the days you want off. This includes long weekends, and vacation time, and the odd spa day!
  3. Take another sharpie and mark out all the events you want to go to so they are planned for in advance. Planning time to go to events and to invest in your own personal growth is critical as an entrepreneur. If you don’t know when a certain event is, email the organizer. They know and they will tell you.
  4. Create theme days in your schedule. I used to do this in the corporation in order to manage a high volume of responsibility. I always had “team days” where I worked with my team of direct reports, cross functional “team days” where I worked with other teams in different departments that supported my team, and I had days dedicated to me in order to get the work done that only I could do. Lastly, I had events and field days where I was out in the field interacting with the sales team.
  5. Once you block out time to work with your “team” and time to do “your work” go back and count how many days you have left to work with clients. Then take those days and factor in your billable time in order to see if you have enough client facing days to generate the revenue you want in your business or if you need to add more, or increase your fees.
  6. Lastly mark down your marketing cycle. I have specific times of the year where we run programs so I map those times out. Then, I map out the preparation time for marketing those things on my calendar so I can see it all at a glance.

This system allows me to have a plan and feel like I have a sense of control over what my upcoming year will look like rather than waiting and being the recipient of everyone else’s plan and it will do the same for you.

This plan is never perfect. There are always changes that need to be made but it is a baseline that helps me to strategize what I want to create in an upcoming year and helps my team and I feel confident about the direction of the business.

It also helps my clients to know exactly when they are going to work with me so they too can plan accordingly.

Speaking of working together, The Pilot Project: Business Building Blocks will run again in January. If you want to learn about numbers, and make 2014 the year you tackle results, I hope you will plan to join us when this kicks off.

And, at the risk of sounding “salesy”, my new ebook can really help you get a jump start on mapping out the plan for your online business. I seriously believe this tool alone can save you thousands of dollars when you start your online business. If you don’t agree, I’ll give you your money back! Check it out here: www.LisaLarter.com/online-marketing-ebook

Now, you tell me – what do you do to imperfectly plan your year and when you look back at the goals you set, how did the plan help you to achieve those goals?

Share your best practices below so we can learn from one another.

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09 Sep

Shop Talk – Did you buy yourself a job?

By Lisa In Articles, Blog, Business, Client Experience, Entrepreneur, Featured, Featured, Leadership, Shop Talk, Social Media, The Social Business Academy, Video, Work Life Balance /   5 Comments

I had to put my life at risk to shoot this video for you! Seriously! I had to climb these massive rocks to get out of the wind, and I did it–just for you.

The reason why… this message is important.

This week’s video is about why you got into business to start with.  Remember those dreams you had for free time and the ability to do what you wanted when you wanted?

“Isn’t the reason you got into business Freedom?” <—-Click to Tweet This

Well I want to talk to you about that. Go on, click “play” and let me know what you think.

I am in Nova Scotia just wrapping up a week’s vacation so the view for you today is spectacular–my hair on the other hand is not!!

So, when was your last vacation and what was the best idea you got during it?

Want more info to help you build your business? Check out The Social Club!

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16 Apr

Your Special Invitation to the Women’s Success Summit in Ottawa

By Lisa In Articles, Blog, Featured, Featured, Networking, Programs, Work Life Balance /   No Comments

Women's Success Summit Ottawa

Do you want to Start-up, Grow-up, or Scale-up your business?
Are you ready to Succeed In Spite of Everything?

Then you have to attend THIS SUMMIT!

womens-summit-special2The theme of this year’s Women’s Success Summit is “Succeeding In Spite of Everything” and it was designed to teach and inspire you to achieve massive success in your business despite your challenges, doubts and fears.

Sandra Yancey, Founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork, Inc. has spent the past twelve years helping thousands of business women all over North America to grow and expand their business. She is a best selling author, international award winning entrepreneur and founder of the eWomenNetwork Foundation.

And now, she’s coming to Ottawa for one day only to share with you:

  • Step by step tactics that you can apply immediately to make a profitable difference in your business
  • How to rise above negative forces and arrive at your desired outcome
  • Smart ways to gain ACCESS to the right people and resources
  • Effective ideas to attract and grow your customer base
  • Collaboration and alliance strategies that heap big profits

And More!

Splash

You’ll have an opportunity to take part in accelerated networking with other attendees and see some innovative services and products that can help you take your business to a whole new level.

 


Click Here to Register (enter special code DellOtt to get a ticket at the member’s price) and Join me in welcoming Sandra to Ottawa as she demystifies the keys to success and reveals the vital ingredients and specific steps she and others use to move past the roadblocks that zap your business and personal success!

ewomen network

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18 Mar

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg – Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders

By Lisa In Articles, Blog, Business, Featured, Featured, Leadership, Networking, Shop Talk, Work Life Balance /   No Comments

The numbers never lie and, though we live in a world now where we see many successful women, the hard reality is that most are still not making it to the top of their professions. Below are some updated numbers from 2013:

  • Of 195 “States” recognized by the United Nations, only 20 have female Heads of State
  • Of all people in National Parliaments, only 19% are women
  • Though women make up more than half of the nation’s workforce, only 21 are CEO’s of fortune 500 companies (only 42 in Fortune 1000 companies)

    •  
    While these numbers have gone up a bit since Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s TED Talk, it isn’t enough and Sheryl’s message is just as relevant as ever and possibly even more important today. Watch as she gives her take on why more men reach the tops of their profession than women and how women can start aiming for that glass ceiling and beyond:
     

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    13 Mar

    Brand Lessons You Can Learn From Oprah

    By Lisa In Blog, Entrepreneur, Fav, Featured, Featured, Leadership, Work Life Balance /   No Comments

    Have you considered what features make you distinct from your competition? What is it that makes you memorable and unique, both in person and online?

    Your brand is what defines you and you need to be absolutely positive that it represents you well because it is your first impression.

    oprah-brandsSo how do you create your brand? You look at what works for others and what doesn’t and you use that to your advantage. You look at successful brands and ask why it works for them and how you can put those types of ideas to work for you.

    Take a look at the brand of Oprah.  It doesn’t matter if you are looking at Facebook, watching OWN or flipping through O Magazine, the brand is distinct. It’s clear that #OWNambassadors are extremely passionate about marketing the brand of Oprah for each of her channels.

    Oprah is one of the most trusted and respected women in the world.  People feel this way about Oprah not because of her logo but because of the impression she leaves you with in everything she does.  If you have ever watched the behind the scenes show on OWN for “Oprah’s Favorite Things” you will learn just how much effort goes into making this brand solid.  She doesn’t just let any item into the mix and neither should you.

    Just like Oprah, you have to love your brand and it has to be an extension of you.  Your brand image will be the first thing people see and it has to convey your message and elicit trust.

    Because Oprah has gone to such great lengths to establish, maintain and protect her brand, she is fearless in trying out new ideas. She’s always introducing new things into her business, each with their own identity, but still supporting her big picture and goals. And YOU can do the same.

    What you must keep in mind is this: your brand isn’t simply a logo. It is literally everything you do. By creating a lot of impactful impressions through posts, tweets, shared images and more, you can design a complete brand which ensures that people know, like and trust you.

    One of the reasons I decided to create The Pilot Project is because I wanted to help people just like you support the big picture goals in their business.  Are you happy with the message your brand is sending?

    Oprah in Ottawa Celebration

    Want to share your Oprah story? Do so here and then join us at the Brookstreet Hotel on April 10 as we celebrate the most influential television personality of all time the afternoon before the big event “An Evening With Oprah” at Scotiabank Place!

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    Six Amazing Books that Feed Your Mind and Soul
    27 Feb

    Six Amazing Books that Feed Your Mind and Soul

    By Lisa In Blog, Book Review, Book Reviews, Entrepreneur, Fav, Featured, Featured, Work Life Balance /   21 Comments

    I just realized I have been reading a LOT in 2013 (six books so far) and I thought I would share what I’ve been poking my nose into in case you are looking for a good book.

    Don’t worry – I don’t share unless I have finished the book or I am at least half way done and still really into it.  I will use RWT (read whole thing) and HWD (half way done) beside each title so you know what to expect!

    Also, these are affiliate links.  That means if you click and buy a book that I suggest, Amazon might send me some pocket change for the next book I buy.

    1.  The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (RWT)

    I devoured this book in 24 hours. It was one of those stories with so many incredible life lessons that I could not put it down.  I think everyone needs to read this book if you need a little motivation to stay the course and follow your dreams.  Exceptionally well written, could not put down.

    2.  A Better Way to Live by Og Mandino (RWT)

    I devoured this book in 72 hours and I fell in love with Og Mandino.  My only regret is that Og has passed on and I will never get to meet the man who wrote the book and shared such wonderful life lessons.  This book is like being mentored by your grandfather, Og makes you feel capable and loved with his words.

    3.  Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy (HWD)

    Want to do more than just get more done? How about get what matters done so that you are making quantum leaps in your business? This book makes too much sense and has changed the way I plan and prioritize my day.  Put it this way, I eat my frog in the morning, and I focus on the top three things that only I can do in my business a whole lot more.  Excellent read! (thanks Tonya Davidson for recommending).

    4.  Risky is the New Safe by Randy Gage (HWD)

    This book is great if you are a big and forward thinker.  Randy Gage makes you think about zagging when everyone else is zigging.  The author reminds me a lot about myself except at times he is a bit bolder (perhaps more arrogant) than I am.  He was raised by a single mom, is a high school drop out and owns houses in more than one country.  Great content and gives you a LOT to think about.

    5.   The Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (RWT)

    This is not another just another social media book but rather a book about connections and relationships. I always enjoy what Chris and Julien have to say and this book did not disappoint.  They have a way of writing that makes you feel like they totally get you, and are talking with you.  This was the perfect complement to Trust Agents which I also really enjoyed.

    6.   Spirit Junkie by Gabrielle Bernstein (RWT)

    I admit it, I watched Super Soul Sunday with Oprah and fell in love with Gabby and downloaded her book right away.  I try and nourish my mind with a variety of books that can impact my life in many different facets.  I like to read business in the morning when my mind is sharp and ready to take on the day, and about self help, spirituality topics before I go to sleep so I can focus on what I want in my life.  This book was dynamite and I felt like it gave me permission to be spiritual on my terms!

    So what are you reading? Leave me a comment below on the best book you’ve read in the past year and while we are on the topic of books, how about you take a moment and write up a review for one of your favorite authors?

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