It’s all Fixable

Coaches as Artists – a freeing idea

One of my favorite quotes from Andrea’s book, Money Meaning and Beyond, is found on page 185.

“If we think of our businesses as works of art, or sculptures in progress- just for a moment-we can tap into a feeling of great freedom. We start to understand that there is never a time when we can’t go back and mold, shape, or refine.”

Do you:

• Spend hours deciding on what fonts and colors to use in your ezine?
• Wait to launch a project until you can review it for the 17th time?
• Feel like crawling away in shame over a typo on your website?
• Want to start screaming when your technology doesn’t work?

You are not alone!

As coaches, we all want to project a professional image. We may work at home in the basement in sweats, but our business should look flawless on paper and on-line.

However, the downside of this drive for perfectionism can be stress, delay, and failure to move forward on anything.

What if you aimed just to get something completed?

What if you gave yourself permission to create, launch, and refine on the fly?

What if you could feel great about your progress instead of your perfection?

Today, give yourself a break. Send your inner perfectionist out to lunch and see how much you can complete today. Share your comments here on the blog.

You can fix it all tomorrow if you need to!

Open House TeleClass on ‘Going Deep’ with the Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction has become quite a popular topic of conversation to say the least.

However, just because everybody seems to know “about” the law of attraction, does this mean that everyone on the planet is now happily attracting sports cars, dream homes and soul mates? The plain and simple answer to that question is: no.

And this is not because the “law of attraction” is a sham. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In a phone conversation that Elyse Killoran had with James Ray last year, James drew a distinction between knowing “about” Spain from reading travel brochures and “knowing” Spain by living there.

Following this metaphor, most people now know “about” the law of attraction from books, tapes and DVDs – but very few people “know” the law of attraction by living it.

Join Andrea as she interviews Elyse Hope Killoran, President of Prosperity from the Inside-Out on the tough questions about how to really harness the Law of Attraction, daily, in your real life. As you probably know, Andrea likes to get really gritty on her interview calls so be sure to register at the link and even submit your question for the call.

Date/Time: Wednesday January 30th at 12 noon ET
Cost: Nothing, except your own long-distance telephone charges

Access the Recording of this class at: http://www.instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=1609932

If you’re looking for the extra juice to get you through January, and fuel for the journey deeper into 2008, this may be just the call for you. See you there!

Picture Perfect: 3 Steps to resizing photos

Coaching Tool of the Month

Ever tear your hair out trying to resize photos?

Just inserting the photos in this ezine can make me want to eat a pound of chocolate or call my coach for an emergency session.

Sandra DeFreitas, the Tech coach extraordinaire at the Multiple Streams team, told me about www.ResizeYourImage.com, a free tool that does wonders with photos.

The site works very simply. You just upload your image in any format; .gif, .jpeg, .tiff, etc, and then use the buttons on the site to crop it, enlarge or decrease it. You can even rotate it if you like.

When you have the image just the way you want it, just press a button, download it back to your computer, and it’s ready to use.

If you use photos in your emails, ezines, websites, or ebooks, try this free tool at www.ResizeYourPhoto.com and look like a pro!

Open House Teleclass: 5 Ways to Use a Book to Grow Your Coaching Business

Curious about how a book could expand your business and profitability?

Join me on Tuesday, January 29th at 8 pm Eastern as I review 5 case studies of successful coaches who’ve used books as business builders.

Of course, one of those case studies will feature Andrea’s two successful books, Multiple Streams of Coaching Income and Money, Meaning and Beyond.

5 Ways to Use a Book to Build Your Coaching Business
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 8 pm Eastern
via webinar or teleclass- no registration required

Click here for details

The Incomparable Offer of A Peaceful Mind & Heart…

Got true, lasting and everyday Peace of Mind?

If not, come join Coach Maryam Webster in the “12 Keys To Bliss” – a powerful, new training in practical self-transformation and the basis of a soon-to-be-released new book – check out the gorgeous cover!

Both a coaching program and pathway to swift and conscious Personal Evolution, Maryam will help you become a Generator of Bliss in your own life, and progress to teaching you to create bliss in your family, community, business…and in every person you meet.

The 12 Keys To Bliss is for YOU:

• If you’re missing puzzle pieces to being content and effective in life or business…
• If you resonate to the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer and Abraham-Hicks…
• If you want to leave pain and frustration behind and start being successful, every day…
• If you want a no woo-woo, no mumbo-jumbo, PRACTICAL path to personal peace…

When: February 6th through March 26th,
Where: Online and by telegathering, worldwide

If you don’t yet know Maryam, Andrea tells me she’s the ‘real thing’ and that she enjoyed energy coaching sessions with Maryam before her fibroid-removal surgery last July. Apparently she’s the kind of practitioner that talks about metaphysical stuff in a grounded way that can be applied in practical ways in real life – no woo-woo for the sake of woo-woo here, thank goodness.

Check out Maryam’s program and Register Here. 

(Note: The copy describing the course is a wonderful example of how to write about coaching programs. You may want to keep this page as a reference for your next website.)

Danny Bonaduce: Life Coach????

Coaching Tool of the Month:

Monitor what the media is saying about us

Have you heard about the latest satirical comic?

“Danny Bondaduce: Life Coach” showcases a chain smoking, ex-child star’s cartoon image giving advice to celebrities in the news. It’s awful and funny at the same time.

However you feel about old Danny, you will want to take a look at this terrific resource that Andrea told me about last week.

The Chronicle of Coaching is a weekly roundup of how coaching is portrayed in the media. It’s a diamond of a resource for keeping your finger on the pulse of how we’re being talked about and seen.

This free tool, provided by The Foundation of Coaching (and part of The Harnisch Family Foundation work that Andrea’s so involved in these days) can be an excellent resource for:

• marketing and PR ideas to piggyback on (“Unlike Danny Bonaduce, working with me as your coach, you will…”
• emerging niche markets that are waiting for a coach to service, and
• nuggets of information to bring your newsletters and blogs right up to date. Hey, anything to make your work easier, right?

Subscribe for your free weekly summary here. 

A blast from the past…

Great information never gets stale

Remember these words from Thomas Leonard?

“Add value to whomever or whatever you encounter.

We all have something to add. Add it. If you don’t have enough to add, learn a new skill. When you ADD what you have to other’s lives, whether they are clients, friends, potential customers, family, YOU become much more attractive.”

Thomas wrote this bit of wisdom as part of a top ten list in 1996, excerpted from www.TopTen.org. You can also find it in his book, The Portable Coach, published in 1998 by Schribner.

In this month of setting goals, creating plans, and breathing in the possibilities of the new year, consider the following questions to add depth and richness to your business planning.

Who knows? You may find some spillover to enrich your personal life as well.

• What value are you currently providing to your clients? To determine the answer to this question, list each client and what you give him: accountability, information, encouragement, expanded options, etc.
• What else could you give to each client that would her grow?
• What value do you give to your family and friends?
• Do you give value to your community?
• How can you enrich the value you provide to the profession of coaching?
• Can you make any personal changes that will results in additional value?
• Are you willing to grow so that you can add more value to the world?

These meaty questions make ideal journal entries, if you are so inclined. If you explore better via conversation, talk them over with your coach or a colleague.

We coaches can never stop evolving. As we grow and learn, we have more to share.

As we go about the business of creating what matters, each time we add more value, we add more joy, more possibility, more hope, and more potential for reward.

How will you grow so that you can add more value in 2008?

Post your comments below and inspire others by your commitment to become even more valuable in 2008.

Leadership Opportunity at the IAC

Valuable Role for the Right Coach

There is a wonderful opportunity ready for the right coach to serve as Editor of the industry-wide online publication that reaches over 10,000 readers each month – The IAC Voice.

The International Association of Coaching (IAC) is the creator of the IAC Masteries, and effective 2008 has begun certifying coaches on that basis for the IAC-Certified Coach designation. More details about the IAC here. And details about our new Masteries-based Coaching demos here.

Are you a Coach who loves writing, coordinating others, and would get energized by the responsibility for a stellar communications vehicle serving coaches? 

Maybe 2008 is the year for you to step up into a greater leadership role in coaching. If so, your timing is great! Click here to view back-issues of The Voice. 

Here’s the job posting:

IAC VOICE Editor

As our current Editor is considering taking on other responsibilities within the IAC, we are looking for someone to take over in producing our monthly newsletter. The editor works with a team of 4-5 people to write, source and edit articles, and to compile and distribute the email-based newsletter once per month. This is a volunteer position however the Editor is supported by a virtual assistant who does all the technical work, a proofreader, and several regular contributors. The job requires a commitment of about 10 hours per month.

Read on for the qualifications and benefits associated with the position and please, help spread the word! Current Editor Angela Spaxman has done such a good job – these are a fine set of shoes to fill.

Read more

Open House Consulting Calls Mean No More Excuses

“Just because you’re a hammer, doesn’t mean that everything you see is a nail.”

Just because you’re a coach, doesn’t mean that coaching will solve all your problems. In my opinion, when it comes to making a business run in a business-like way, what a coach needs most is a little consulting. Really! 

Sure, a coaching approach to that consulting doesn’t hurt – does it ever hurt anything? But it’s hard core answers that are needed, answers based on experience.

• Would you like to know how to earn BIG money from the speakers podium? (Maybe you’ll decide you won’t do what it might take, but knowing what it takes is an education, right?)
• Would you be shocked to discover how much the ’successful few’ in any niche market rely on sheer bloody-minded luck? (And what could you learn about what NOT to do, based on that insider view?)
• How good would you feel to understand the best exit strategies for coaches?
• How about how to apply for – and maybe even receive – venture capital for your business?

These are just a few examples of the kinds of questions Graham White, (former Head Coach of SuccessTracks, founded by T. Harv Eker) hopes you’ll ask him in one of his newly-released Monthly Laser Consulting Calls. Wait for it now – that’s right – the price is $0; it’s his donation to the world of coaching, period. Here are the details:

The Next Call is Tuesday, February 12th, 2008
From 4PM – 530PM Eastern
Graham Interviews Dan Lok

Name
Email

For more information about Graham or to access the audios from the previous calls keep on reading…

Read more

Lynne issues a challenge: A Double Dog Dare

Since Andrea’s gone, let’s be daring

Announcing the first-ever CWM Challenge

Can you create a new income stream and earn some additional income this month?

I’m looking for people with a fresh burst of energy who are willing and able to implement and earn in January.

Ready to play?

Here’s how:

1. Create a new income stream appropriate to your existing client base, perhaps a teleclass, group coaching program, e-book, or audio program. Think something small and easy to create if you like or go whole hog and create something splashy.
2. Launch by January 31, 2008
3. Email me a short note about what you created, how you informed your clients about it, and what results you achieved.

What you win:

Everyone who enters will get his or her new product mentioned in Andrea’s blog (hope she does not fire me!)

I will select my favorite product to celebrate in this newsletter in February, including an interview with you about your business. With so many thousands of people reading this e-zine, this will be significant in terms of PR and virtual marketing.

Why Play?

• You’ll have a reason to do that project you’ve been planning on doing for a long time.
• Brains work best with a deadline- remember college all-nighters?
• Your creativity and speed will inspire other coaches.
• Your clients will have a new way to learn from you.
• Momentum for a great 2008!

Ready, set, Go!

Email your results to lynne@multiplestreamsclub.com by Jan 31. Can’t wait to see what you create!

No More Tears Project Management

Coaching Tool of the Month

Once you implement the Multiple Streams approach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the details. Your many projects and ideas can loose their effectiveness if you can’t implement them successfully.

If you are drowning in a sea of sticky notes, upgrade to Basecamp. 

Basecamp, a project management software program, is a snap to use, even for the non-techy. I’ve been using the free version for a couple of years and just love it.

Learn more at http://www.basecamphq.com

Show me the Money…

No, Show Me How to MAKE the Money

Have you read Multiple Streams of Coaching Income, Andrea’s first book?

If not, put it on the top of your reading list. In the book, Andrea shares why a multiple streams approach can be a lifesaver for coaches struggling to make ends meet with a one-on-one coaching model and how to implement this approach in your business.

Of the most powerful sections of the book reveals Andrea’s Money Game, the formula she used to grow Coachville to a multi-million dollar coaching company in less than 2 years.

To play the Money Game:

• Download the worksheet at http://www.msoci.com/bulletins/moneygame.pdf
• Set a financial goal for 2008 and fill it in.
• Use the Multiple Steams approach to break that goal into do-able chunks using this formula: If ___people pay $ ___ per month, that’s $____ per month or $____ over the course of a year.

For example, let’s say you want to create a $39 dollar e-book and offer it to your database. Using the formula, you can predict that if 100 people pay $39 per month for that e-book, that’s $3900 per month or $46,800 per year.

If your 2008 financial goal is $120,000, that $39 dollar e-book could help you make one third of that goal. 

If you add two more income streams, like individual coaching clients, a teleclass, or a membership site, the Money Game formula will help you determine exactly how those income streams can help you reach your goal.

The best part about this tool is that it is a game. You can move the prices up or down or aim to sell to a greater or fewer number of clients. When you use the Money Game formula, you will be able to forecast your income and decide how many income streams you need to reach your annual goal.

Plug in the things you are already doing and see how close you are to your 2008 goal already. I was shocked to find that if I just keep on doing what I’m doing currently, I’m already three quarters of the way to my annual goal. 

What about you?

Play the Money Game with Andrea’s worksheet in the next week. Have fun discovering where you are and then use the numbers to plot a course for where you want to be in 12 months. Post your questions and realizations below in comments.

When you play the Money Game on a regular basis, you’ll see your business grow in profits and in the number of people served. You’ll start to see opportunities to create things that can serve your clients in addition to your coaching, enriching their lives and your bank account.

PS- Grab your copy of Multiple Streams of Coaching Income (and the corresponding Implementation Workbook) and find out what shook up our industry and made it so much more sustainable.

Understanding & Setting Boundaries

2 Part Teleclass with Coach Marion Franklin, MCC
January 8 and 15th 3 pm EST

I’m a BIG fan of Marion Franklin and her teaching style – i’ve recommended former clients to Marion and never had anything but a top-drawer result. I’m thrilled Marion is FINALLY holding her Boundaries class, and for such a reasonable fee! Here are the details…

Boundaries are the number one problem underlying coaching conversations and most of our relationships. Totally personal, boundaries allow us to show others how we want to be treated in relationships. Without clear boundaries, we feel frustrated, trapped, victimized and powerless- and so do our clients.

Join Marion for a deep look at boundaries and how they impact all our relationships.

Learn more about this special opportunity here:
http://www.lifecoachinggroup.com/boundaries.php