Soccer season 
has arrived and my kids are avid players. In the fall, we live the AYSO mantra, “All Your Saturdays Occupied.” Fortunately, I enjoy watching my kids play sports so it’s a lot of fun. One of the AYSO rules is staying off the field if you’re not officially involved in the game. If you’re not a player, coach or referee, you do not cross the line onto the playing field. This got me thinking about how Smart Women need to get off the sidelines and become a player in their Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals if they really have a desire to make them happen.
Realizing a goal requires that you get into the game of making it happen. It’s essential that you make a statement to the world that you’re ready to take action on this idea, dream or vision that you have. In life, you are either in the game or on the sidelines.
Let me give you an example: A few days ago, I was speaking with a friend who shared with me her disappointment that she wasn’t chosen for a particular project. She felt she was “perfect” for the position and an expert in this area. As I explored this situation with her, it became clear to both of us why she wasn’t considered for the project. She was taking a “sideline” position with her business. She had not taken the steps necessary to market and promote her service in this game called entrepreneurship.
People are not mind readers. They have no idea what your abilities are or if you are in business unless you educate them. People make judgments or perceptions based on what they see and hear. If you want to get noticed, you need to get off the sidelines and get into the game of achieving your goals. Whether you’re a coach, speaker, writer, attorney, or stay at home mom, if you have a Big idea, Dream or Goal about which you are passionate, you must communicate it to the world so when opportunities arise, you will be considered.
Are you sitting on the sidelines of your business? Here are a few tips and solutions that will help you get off the sidelines and into the game:
1. Show up ready to play – In any sport, you must show up in your “uniform” if you want to play the game. My kids would not be allowed on the soccer field if they arrived in their baseball uniform. Be thoughtful about what you wear. Ask yourself a question: “If I were to meet my ideal client today, would I be presenting myself in a way that would entice them to work with me?” This does not mean that you need expensive clothing or jewelry. You need to look put together and that can be done on a budget.
2. Pick your position – Everyone has a “position” that they excel at. In the game of soccer, my son enjoys the striker position and my daughter enjoys playing goalie. What’s your area of expertise? What is your gift to the world? You need to communicate how you can help people when they use your product or service. In the example I gave earlier, my friend was “relaxed” in communicating to anyone that she’s an expert in her field. How in the world would anyone ever know?
3. Show them you can do it – When you are in the spotlight, this is your time to shine in your area of expertise. When a player gets control of the ball, this is his or her opportunity to show everyone that they know what to do. As a woman entrepreneur, you will want to showcase your work so people can clearly see you are the “go-to-gal” in your industry. You can:
A. Ask for “rave reviews” from your satisfied clients so you can include them in all of your marketing materials – both online and offline.
B. Write articles about your area of expertise and submit them to industry publications that your ideal client reads.
C. Public Speaking. Get the word out by speaking to groups that have a desire for your area of knowledge. This is a wonderful way to get noticed and create a “buzz” about your business.
Sitting on the sidelines of your business can be “comfortable.” It’s much easier to be a spectator. Promoting your business to the world can feel uncomfortable because of fear and the risk of being judged. However, the only way to build a thriving business with rave reviews is to get into the game of entrepreneurship and create a plan to let everyone know how your area of expertise can benefit them or transform their life or business.
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2010 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 http://www.ProfitsWithPassion.com.
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