In my work, I’ve discovered that women find asking for help risky as they see it as a sign of weakness. They create a belief that they are the only ones having a struggle and this could not be further from the truth. Everyone is questioning some aspect of their business. Whether it’s to attract more clients, increase their income or expand their programs and services – women entrepreneurs have many of the same challenges.

If you want to remain queen of your domain, it’s essential that you surround yourself with supportive people who can guide you and brainstorm with you about new possibilities that will pave a path to success in your business. Here are some fast and easy ways to reach out for support:

1. Make a PB&A – Put together your own “Personal Board of Advisors.” Reach out and connect to people you know who are positive and looking to achieve success. Gather at least once a month by phone or in-person to exchange ideas and be accountable. I have a consistent group of people I speak with regularly to bounce ideas and support their growth as well.

2. Pack your bags – Yes, you read that right. Commit to a live event or retreat that takes you away from your domain for a few days. This is one of the most rejuvenating activities you can commit to for your business. It provides a new, fresh look – a new perspective. In my work with women, I sometimes refer to this as “reframing.” If you sit on your throne day after day looking at the same landscape, it dulls your creative process and keeps you stuck.

3. Commit to a “Thinking Partner” – It may be time to hire a coach. Working privately with a coach who has expertise in the areas where you feel stuck can be a good investment for your business. It can collapse your time frame and get you focused on where the momentum is to accelerate your success.

Being “queen of my castle” is a wonderful feeling –one that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I’ve set my domain up to have plenty of support around me at all times so that it feels empowering, safe and secure. It allows me the freedom to think big and make grand plans for my domain. You can have this too.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching .

Let me give you an example: Last week, I purchased a new bicycle because I want to start taking long bike rides with my family. There was one benefit I was looking for with the purchase of this new bike: comfort. It had to be comfortable. When I finally found the bike that met my comfort requirement I was delighted, however right next to it was a bike that was a beautiful shade of purple which made my heart skip a beat. I sampled both bikes and in the end bought the bike that was a shade of silver because it was clearly the most comfortable ride. The color was a “feature” not a “benefit” for me. Remember the greatest “benefit” for me was comfort.

When you are passionate and energetic about an idea, you can come up with all kinds of names and catchy phrases for your products and services. The ideas seem to flow naturally once you put yourself in that creative space. The excitement about all of the possibilities in your future can sometimes overshadow the most important part of your business: The client or customer. We become so wrapped up in the idea of being a successful woman in business, we neglect to create a clear message about what we have to offer. Your ideal client becomes confused or uncertain on how you can help them (remember—WIIFM?) The most important thing that you can do is to put yourself in your ideal clients position and think about the benefits or outcome your client will receive when she works with you or purchases your product.

I’m working with some women right now who are on fire with ideas for their business. Recently, I shared some ideas to help them improve their “WIIFM” factor when marketing their products and services:

1. Mrs. Fields Knows Best – Debbie Fields understands the power of sampling. Her success came from this simple marketing strategy. Anytime you pass by one of her stores, someone walks out with a tray full of warm, steamy cookies and says, “Try one.” When you offer your service or product for free, it’s an easy way for your ideal client to quickly understand “WIIFM.” Over the last 7 years, I have offered your first “Creating the Spark™ Success Circle” for free, as women can clearly see the benefits and outcomes they will enjoy when they become a member.

2. Become Your Own Customer – Find some time to walk yourself through your own process. Does the system that you set up actually bring about the benefits you claim to offer? Does your business card, web site and other marketing materials clearly communicate what you offer and how it will benefit your ideal client? In today’s world, your message needs to be clear and people need to easily understand what you do.

I love the Stephen Covey quote, “Begin with the end in mind.” Smart Women have a clear vision of why they are in business and where they want their business to take them. They make sure their marketing communicates the “benefits” clearly and effectively. The next time you personally think about making a purchase, stop and listen to the questions in your own mind. I will bet that one of them is “WIIFM?”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

Goal setting, New Year’s resolutions, dreams, and big ideas-these are heavy on people’s minds right now as we cross the threshold into 2012. Everyone wants to make up for lost time and start off the year on a course to reach their biggest goals and why not? It’s a leap year which makes it even more exciting to think about soaring to new heights. I’m right there with you. I, too, have big ideas, dreams and goals.

Einstein’s quote helped me to realize there are two distinct parts to reaching your big ideas, dreams and goals. First you must have a Vision and second, you must have a Plan to accomplish the vision. One does not happen without the other. They are like partners working in tandem. Visionaries can be challenged by creating a plan and Planners sometimes lack the necessary vision to keep the dream alive.

Vision is the dream of your desired future. It’s a picture of something you hope for, something you can see clearly in your imaginative mind. A vision is a dream that inspires and motivates you.

Planning is logical, factual and realistic. A plan is a set of specific objectives and tasks broken down into achievable bite-size goals that you can reach in a targeted amount of time.

Without a passionate dream, a plan becomes idle busyness. Without a realistic plan, your vision becomes more like daydreaming.

Below are some tips and solutions that will help you during both the visioning and planning phases for your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals for 2012:

VISION

1. Steal Some Solitude – Having some quiet alone time to focus on your vision is vital to the outcome. Block out a few hours, a day or even a weekend to get clear on what your dream looks like and what it feels like when it becomes a reality.

2. Clarity is Key – Becoming crystal clear is a must. Visioning about the who, what, where of your dream will help you later in the planning phase.

3. Use Tools to Make it BIG – Buy some large white post-it paper at your local supply store and colorful, vibrant markers to write or draw. I always say to women I work with: “How big can a dream become on an 8×11 piece of paper?”

4. Create a Vision Board – Once you are clear about what your dream is, a vision board is a productive way to keep the dream alive every day. I use this in my “Creating The Spark” Success Circles and women share that this one tool has helped them stay on course and reach their goals. Have it laminated and place it somewhere you’ll be reminded often or make it your wallpaper on your electronic devices.

PLANNING

1. Set Specific Goals – Here’s an example of a general goal: “I want to have more clients and make more money.” Here’s a specific goal: “I want to increase my income by 25% and work with 10 additional people who are my preferred ideal client by April 1.” Notice the difference? The first goal is general while the second holds a specific outcome and date. You are more likely to reach your goal if you are specific. It helps you to measure your progress along the way and reward yourself when you cross a milestone.

2. Make a commitment – Create time in your calendar to work on your goals. In the example above, it will be necessary for you to decide what marketing strategies will shorten your time frame to accomplish the goals and then schedule those into your calendar daily, weekly, monthly.

3. Know your areas of weakness – Everyone has areas of strength and weakness. Operate in your strengths and get support in the areas where you are weak. For example, I do not enjoy the technical aspect in my business or bookkeeping (two essential pieces to any successful business) so I have people on my team who are experts in this area and love doing these tasks. This is where having a coach could be helpful in helping you to identify your strengths and find creative support in the areas where you need help.

4. Evaluate and Course-Correct – Along the way, you may need to course-correct your original plan because of new learning or changes that occur along the way. Being an entrepreneur means you are open to new possibilities and ready for change when necessary.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

In my work with women, one of the essential exercises we do together is peel back the layers of their lives both personally and professionally to explore and discover their “gift” or what I sometimes refer to as their “genius.” You may be reading this and thinking, “I don’t know what my gift is” or “I don’t have a gift.” You do have a gift. You have genius inside You.

Once you uncover your “gift”, life and business become far more enjoyable. When you have a business that allows you to work in your area of genius, you will have the opportunity to earn more money because you will be doing what comes naturally to you. When you live in your genius, you feel happier and healthier.

I know you want to be happier, healthier and make more money in 2012—right?

In his book, “The Big Leap” Gay Hendricks talks about 3 zones that we live in: The Zone of Competence, The Zone of Excellence and The Zone of Genius. Most people live in the Zone of Competence or the Zone of Excellence. Why? It’s comfortable and it’s safe. Making a decision to live in your Zone of Genius means getting a little uncomfortable initially. You’ll have to admit to yourself and eventually the world that you actually have a gift and you’ll begin to say “No” more often to opportunities that are outside your Zone of Genius. Women are nurturers by nature so “No” can be a challenge, however once you give yourself permission to do so, you’ll be delighted you did.

Here’s a quick exercise to begin the process of uncovering your “gift” – your “genius,” so 2012 will become easy and effortless:

1. Grab a pen and paper.

2. Steal some quiet time and make a list of everything you do in your business and I mean everything (sharpening pencils, filing, etc).

* Some women carry this list around with them for a few days to get crystal clear about all of those “hidden” tasks you are doing. If you have a smart phone, you can also voice record as you do each task and write it down later.

3. After you complete the list, I invite you to draw a circle around the tasks that:

* Seem effortless when you perform them
* Other people compliment you on how well you perform a task
* Brings immediate cash flow into your business
* Give you a surge of energy and happiness

You should have no more than 4 items circled. When I do this exercise with women, they typically have a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 tasks on their list. There are only 2-4 tasks that answer all 4 of the questions above.

Yes, laundry has to be done, dishes washed and bills paid. If you give yourself permission to stay in your “genius” and live in your “gift,” you may find that your income will suddenly allow you to have more support in getting those other tasks accomplished.

This was a big shift for me several years ago. It is one of the changes that supported my big “leap” into living a life of service and support.

Go ahead. Give yourself permission to take ownership of your gift, your genius. Embrace and enjoy the abundance that 2012 holds for you.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

1. Is my business Viable? Do people want my product or service? This is where doing some research on your industry can be quite valuable. Just because “no one else is doing it” doesn’t always mean it’s a great business opportunity. Yes, Steve Jobs did quite well being “the first” in his industry but many times success can be yours by taking an existing business concept and improving on it. Also, find out what the range of fees or prices are in your industry. Make sure you price your winning product or service so people will be clamoring to get their hands on it.

2. Is my business Visible? Visibility is a huge key to success. You may be the best coach, lawyer, virtual assistant or pet sitter in the world however, if you don’t have a marketing plan that is designed to get you seen and heard, you will remain the best kept secret in town! Getting your product or service out there in a big way makes a huge difference in how much growth you can expect in the coming year.

If you answered “Yes” to the questions above, it’s time to consider a few questions about you – the entrepreneur. These questions are equally vital to your success:

1. Do I have a true Desire? Do you dream about becoming successful in your business? Can you visualize what that looks and feels like? Do you have a craving to make it work? Desire can take you a long way on the road to possibility.

2. Am I Determined? Have you made the decision that there’s no turning back? I have a plaque that was given to me years ago by a mentor that reads “It Can Be Done.” That’s the attitude of determination you need to make your business dreams a reality.

3. Am I Consistent? Do you have a consistent marketing message? Do you have guiding principles in your business that are solid and steady? I often see entrepreneurs change course or direction too often and this confuses your target market. They become unsure what you do or who you serve and it makes it challenging for them to refer business to you. To be sure, change is necessary and needed to stay current in business but I invite you to be cautious on how often you change course.

Grab a pen and paper and take a few minutes to truly reflect on your answers to these 5 questions. Celebrate where you’re on course and take a close look where you need some improvement. Brainstorm with “nutritious” friends and colleagues on what steps you could take to turn every answer into a loud and vocal “Yes!”

Success is easily within your reach when you get clear and focused on the right product or service at the right price point with desire, determination and consistency. When these 5 components are blended together, you can guarantee yourself more clients, more income and more freedom to enjoy life.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching.

For example, making a commitment to “niche” yourself and serve a specific target market is unsettling to some entrepreneurs. There’s a fear of losing business or potential clients when you make this bold move. Oftentimes, I hear the phrase, “Everyone can benefit from my service!” While that may be true, if you want to attract more clients and increase your income, it’s essential to overcome your fear of commitment once you’re clear on who your ideal client is.

Why? With the enormous amount of information we receive each day, it can be challenging for people to make qualified referrals to you if they aren’t sure exactly who you serve. Helping your referral sources understand exactly how your business helps others can boost business quickly. Making a commitment to serve a specific target market also keeps your marketing efforts clear, directed and focused.

I, too, experienced the fear of commitment in my business early on. When Smart Women Smart Solutions® was in the early stages of growth, I coached women of all ages (and a few men too!). I started out with the belief that my service was for women of all ages and stages of life. What I learned from this experience was that I love working with women entrepreneurs in service-based businesses who are motivated to accelerate their growth and income. This provided me the clarity I needed for my marketing message which saves time and money.

If you’re ready to commit to your business and attract your ideal client, here are some tips to get you going:

1. Keep a Journal – After every client interaction, take some time to reflect on what worked well and any areas that might need improvement. Did you enjoy being with the client? Did you enjoy the process? Was it smooth and seamless?
2. Peel Back The Layers – What part of the process did you like best? Do you enjoy the process more in the beginning? Middle? End? Where do you sparkle? Where does your genius show up?
3. Create an Ideal Client Profile – Over time, you’ll begin to see similarities in the clients you enjoy working with. It could be a targeted age range, or specific industry. Notice if you are helping them with a specific challenge. The key is to create a profile with as much information as you can.
4. Get The Word Out – Once you become clear about who you serve best, it’s time to get this message out to the world. Make sure all your marketing materials reflect your ideal client profile – from your business card to your web site.

Overcoming my fear of commitment to serve a specific target market wasn’t easy, however using the steps I shared with you helped me get clear and focused on who I should be spending my time with and understand the importance of this for my business. When I’m working in my genius with my ideal client, it’s magical. It’s why I’m so passionate about the work I’m doing in the world with women and why the business has grown to where it is today. It can happen for you too. Just make the decision and take the leap.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

I made a firm decision that if I couldn’t get to my destination on foot or by bicycle, I’d just stay home. This got me thinking about how Smart Women create their own “Hermageddon” to relax, recharge, renew and repair their own lives.

In my work with women, I often suggest they take an exit ramp from their day to day routine to contemplate where they are now and where they want to go – both in their business and personal lives. This is typically met with a big gulp, heavy sigh and: “You mean alone, by myself?” “I don’t have time!” “Who will take care of everything while I’m gone?” Because you play many roles in your life, it can be challenging to imagine leaving your current life for even an hour, much less an entire weekend. In my own experience, it is one of the best ways to find crystal clear clarity and focus around designing both a business and personal life that reflects your core values.

When you have the opportunity to step away from your day-to-day responsibilities and open your mind to quiet, peaceful reflection, magical things happen; you manifest answers to nagging questions, generate ideas about what you can change and accept what you cannot change.

Here’s the interesting fact: “Carmaggedon” came and went without a major glitch. Why? Because the city of Los Angeles prepared for the traffic interruption.

If you are ready to get crystal clear on the vision for your future, I invite you to take these 5 action steps to plan your exit for 24-48 hours (or longer if you can manage it):

1. Set a date – Pull out your calendar and decide when you want to take an exit ramp from your daily life. There will never be a good time so pick a date that works reasonably well for you.

2. Choose an environment – Where will you retreat? Do you enjoy the mountains, ocean? Do you want a spa retreat or just the basics?

3. Give everyone plenty of notice – This is an essential key. Make sure everyone who’s a key player in your life knows when you are leaving and returning. When everyone understands the plan, they are more likely to jump on board and be supportive of your needs.

4. Pack your bag for success – You’ll need very little. Comfy clothes, shoes for walking, a journal, pens, highlighters, oversized white post-it paper for visioning, colorful markers, your favorite tunes. (I always include a favorite bubble bath gel as I’m a big fan of taking baths.)

5. Shut down – If you want to have 100% success, I invite you to completely shut down while you are away. Leave your emails, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn behind. You may need your phone for emergencies or to call your family at bedtime to say goodnight but otherwise, press the off button.

As I write this article, I’m sitting at my desk enjoying my own “Hermaggedon.” Yep, my hubby and kids went to Palm Desert this weekend to visit grandparents. I stayed behind to vision, create, write and prepare for my preferred future.

You can do it too. You can have your own “Hermaggedon.”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching.

Instead, I’ve decided to share something that happened yesterday. Something that moved me very deeply and it feels like I need to put a magnifying glass on it so you can see and feel it too.

Yesterday, when I walked my children to school, I had a few extra minutes so I accompanied my daughter to her second grade class. (There’s been some excitement in her class this week as the children are dressing up in character of someone they’ve written a biography report on and it’s been fun to see all the creative costumes.) I noticed my daughter’s teacher outside the classroom in deep conversation with a boy who was not in costume for his presentation of Davy Crockett. I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation and I learned that this boy had no costume. This child lives in an area of Los Angeles that is economically challenged.

Tears sprang to my eyes. I was overcome with emotion. Every child in my daughter’s class proudly marched into school this week with creative costumes ranging from Jackie Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, etc. This boy made a long bus trip to school knowing that he would be different from the others. He would be the only one to have no costume as he stood in front of the room.

I raced back to my home tears stinging my eyes and blurring my vision. I remembered a costume I had worn in previous years during the Thanksgiving Feast at the school. It wasn’t a perfect rendition of what Davy Crockett would wear but it was a lot closer than the t-shirt and jeans the boy had on. I delivered the costume in a bag and explained to the teacher what was inside.

Why do I share this story? Not because I want you to say or think, “Way to go, Joy!” “What a thoughtful act Joy!” That doesn’t interest me at all. I share this with you because if we as women want to truly make a difference in the world, we have to do it every single day in any single way we can. If you aren’t happy about the way things are, then I invite you to begin walking a path to make a difference. Sometimes you wonder if change is even possible in this enormous world we live in. It is possible. It must begin with You.

Notice What’s in Front of You – Yesterday, I took a small step on a situation that was in front of me. In that moment, I had an awareness that I could help someone and make an impact on his day. We get confused on what charity we should make donations to or where we should place our valuable time to make a difference. Notice what’s in front of you and begin there.

Pass It On – Teach children by embracing small acts of kindness. Let them experience first-hand from you on how to make a difference in the world. Yesterday’s experience was a teachable moment for my children. After school, we sat down and discussed what happened and why I felt called to rush home, find the costume and deliver it to the teacher. I could see the wheels of wonder turning in their mind.

Women must be the change they wish to see in the world…one person at a time.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff
 
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching .

One woman, in particular, shared that she’s ready to make the leap to do something different but she’s unsure how to move ahead or what the process would be to make a good decision. She feels the “tug of transition” but lacks clarity on how to navigate a potential new path. Fear and feelings of failure are on her mind as well. She’s certain that if she could take initial steps forward on how to explore and discover what’s next, fear and thoughts of failure could be overcome. Not having a plan or the equivalent of a roadmap that can be easily followed is what keeps her from moving ahead.

Have you ever felt this way? I know I have. Before I made the decision to begin my journey as an entrepreneur, I had sleepless nights and perplexing days wondering what could possibly be next for me.

If you are feeling that change is on the horizon, but you can’t clearly see the path ahead, here are some basic and easy steps you can take to feel more confident and clear about the possibilities:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Explore – The first step you need to take for all the others to work, is to give yourself permission that it’s ok for you to think about doing something new and different. Change can be both scary and exciting at the same time. Open your mind to what might be possible. Remember this is an exploration. You aren’t making a decision–yet.

2. Block Out Some Time – Pull out your calendar and block out time to do this exploration. At the party, the woman asked me, “What should I do with the time?” Online research, read books or publications on the subject, attend a class or workshop. For example, if you are interested in event planning, take some time to research online, read books or publications devoted to the industry. Before I made the decision to get my coaching certification, I researched the industry to learn more. If you don’t actually block the time and make an appointment with yourself, your “to-do” list will get in the way and before you know it, another 6 months will have gone by.

3. Reach Out – Make a point to connect with people who are doing what it is you’re considering. During my exploration, I connected with several coaches that I respect to learn more about their business, how they got started, what their business was like, etc.

4. Consider Hiring a Coach – Having a supportive person to walk with you through this exploratory phase can be extremely helpful. Having someone to ask the right questions to illuminate new possibilities or reframe your current situation is invaluable.

Summer is the perfect time to go exploring. I invite you to discover what might be next for you. The journey begins by taking the first step.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

 *****

© 2011 Joy Chudacoff 

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

Marketing really is just like the game of baseball. And once you figure out the rules of the game, you will move around the “diamond” very quickly, scoring successful runs. First, you have to decide what you are marketing (product or service) and second, who your ideal client is. In other words, who benefits from using your product or service. When you have determined who your ideal client is, you can then create a “message” that will appeal to those people. Makes sense, right? Many times, when we start a business what’s the first thing we do? We create a logo, business cards, and possibly a web site. While all these action steps are important to a business start-up, if we don’t accurately communicate the r right “message”, then we have wasted valuable time and dollars with little or no success. Our ideal client must be able to understand how we can help solve their problems with our product or service. It’s essential that you develop your “message” first. Let them know how your product or service can solve the problem they are having.

Once you have your message developed, you can step-up to home plate. Every person that fits the description of your ideal client gives you a “chance at bat.” When you have your message developed correctly, you will connect with the right person.

First Base: When your ideal client becomes interested in what you have to offer, you move to First Base. First Base does not mean that they are ready to buy what you have to offer. They are thinking, “I’m interested in what you have to say.” This might be accomplished through them subscribing to your newsletter, calling for more information after you sent them something in the mail, following you on social media or seeing you speak at a local event and approaching you to ask a few questions.

Second Base: Getting to Second Base is when you realize that your ideal client would like to learn more about what you have to offer. This could be a phone call, a complimentary session with you to see if it feels right for them, or a complimentary teleseminar. You will need to communicate valuable information on who you are, what you have to offer and how it can benefit them.

Third Base: Your ideal client has learned more about you, your product and your service and says, “Yes, I believe that you have what I need and I would like to work with you.”

Score! Your only goal is to get back to home plate and score a run (a new client). This process is where you agree on how you will work together, when you will work together and for what time period.

Every boy or girl that steps up to home plate wants to hit a home run, right? We are no different. When I meet my ideal client (women who are ready to move their business forward to the next level of success), I get excited because I know what I have to offer will really benefit them. However, this is a process, like the game of baseball. Initially, it’s moving around the diamond, one base at a time, creating belief and trust with the ideal client. And by the way, there will be plenty of home runs. The more you follow this process, get your message out there in the field, create belief and trust with your community, you will meet people who will say, “I’ve heard about you and I want to talk with you about your service!” or “I need what you have to offer!” There seems to be only one thing left to say: “Play Ball!”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.