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Helpingpreneurs: To, Not For
This is one of the articles that has taken me a while to decide to write. I also share this information knowing that is it not the happy marketing pill magic that most people want to hear, but it is the truth and it has been on my heart and I have a sacred contract to always bring you the truth.
There are many of you going to bed at night worried, confused, and tired. I know because you have told me and I know because I have been there. You are taking your client’s challenges, hiccups, failures, and fears with you. You are taking responsibility for them and just as you cannot take responsibility for their success, you cannot take responsibility for what doesn’t work. We are responsible to our clients. We are not responsible for our clients.
Let me say this again…
We are responsible *to* our clients, not *for* our clients.
And there are two messages here for us. Most of us are coaches, teachers or healers AND we are clients to someone. We are not responsible for the success or failure of others and no coach, mentor, or teacher will ever be responsible for the success of US. And this is where it can get into some pretty tricky marketing waters… you see all of us share our client triumphs and testimonials as celebrations and announcements to the world to market our services, but the truth is…
EVERY PERSON IS 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SUCCESS AND FAILURES
We use mentors, coaches, teachers, and practitioners to offer motivation, inspiration, strategy, support, and wisdom, but then we are left to do all the heavy lifting. We are responsible. We create our own destiny. Sometimes that is hard because we would rather say we signed up for the wrong program, took the wrong class, or got the wrong coach (and sometimes there are situations that are wrong – ethically, personality, or otherwise). But, if we are to be a conscious society, a tribe of world changers, and the leaders of the global shift towards responsibility we must start now.
We are not responsible for our clients, we are responsible to them.
AND
The only person responsible for OUR success is US.
Here are some quick tips to guide you through this:
1) Find a way to clear the energy you have around clients scenarios; you need to be ready for the next client. You need to be energized and present for the next experience. (I love using essential oils for this)
2) Remember to seek out coaches and programs that you resonate with; combine their client testimonial experiences with the energy and connection you have with their message.
3) Take full responsibility for your results. For me, when I did this the results were faster and sweeter.
4) Be aware that you can’t help everyone. Not every person may be a fit for you. Not every person will be ready.
5) Love all. Love the client relationships that work. Love the ones that don’t.
6) Don’t worry about who gets the credit for success. One of my mentors says, “We can all succeed if we don’t worry about who gets the credit.”
Responsibility in all we do is a cornerstone to our success, our business vision, and the impact we have on the world.
(c) 2009 Suzanne Evans
About the author: Suzanne Evans is best known as the ‘action expert’ and has coached hundreds of solopreneurs to model her multiple six figure business. Learn how you can help more people, make more money and have more fun doing what you love by signing up for your free copy of the 5-Part Mini-Course ‘Awakening Your Authentic Entrepreneur’ at http://www.helpmorepeople.com
Solopreneurs: Do You Believe Enough to Get New Clients?
You have to believe in what you offer to sell what you offer. It is the self doubt and shyness about sharing our gifts that most often keeps our rates low and new clients at bay. Every marketing tool in the world is useless without a deep knowledge and understanding that you can make a difference, what you do is needed and the gifts you have MUST be shared.
I had a client just this morning raise her rates significantly. She was scared, a little insecure, but she knew and I knew that her value was not aligned with the lower rates and that her gifts are extraordinary. She just booked a new client at her new rate for a 3 month contract. How? Why? Belief and knowing.
Belief is when you must share what you do. You wake up in the morning and are compelled to market because your message is that important. Your ability to change outcomes is that powerful. You must embrace the knowing that people need you, they are waiting, this is your time. When you believe, your clients believe. When you believe, new clients see that and want more. When you believe, people are attracted to you and good comes through you. When you believe, marketing becomes natural and just flows.
Knowing. Knowing that it takes clearing the cobwebs and doubt in your own mind to move other people forward. Are you knowing in your services? Are you knowing that to be a leader, you must be a model? How can we truly launch others into success, healing, or movement if we are standing still? What is keeping you back from knowing that your gifts are valuable? And please here me loud and clear…if you are feeling this way, you do not need more training or education. You need a rebirth of the empowerment of just how special, unique, and transformative you are. You need a new certification, a certification of certainty–you know enough, you are enough, now go do good work.
Please don’t wait to share your gifts and help more people. We all need you.
(c) 2009 Suzanne Evans
About the author: Suzanne Evans is best known as the ‘action expert’ and has coached hundreds of solopreneurs to model her multiple six figure business. Learn how you can help more people, make more money and have more fun doing what you love by signing up for your free copy of the 5-Part Mini-Course ‘Awakening Your Authentic Entrepreneur’ at http://www.helpmorepeople.com
Solopreneurs: Are You Supporting Your Clients Fully?
Support comes in many ways, but HOW you are supporting your clients might be truly affecting client retention and referrals. To support your clients fully, you must be 100% authentic, honest and tough. Yes, tough. Lovingly tough.
My message about marketing is about authenticity and sharing. I truly believe that those are key to building a successful and meaningful business. Some marketers say I have a soft message with a tough delivery! And that is authentically me. As different as those may seem, it works because for me it is real. My approach to marketing comes from compassion and my coaching style comes from massive action… what is your style? Are you tapped into your authentic self? Does your coaching and support flow from you or do you feel like you are delivering or performing?
How you support your clients is KEY to keeping them with you and them telling others to work with you. Here are some quick tips to support your clients authentically and fully!
1. Hold them to the Highest Standard
I expect A LOT from my clients. I expect them to show up in their lives in huge ways and bust their b-tt building their business because when they don’t, the people they can help don’t get served. I remind them of that standard, I hold them to that standard, and I do not waiver even when I want to. I owe that to them.
2. Be the REAL You.
Your clients connect to you most when you are vulnerable, genuine, and consistent. Your style becomes your signature and that is what makes people want more from you. I am not perfect… I have a mixed up combo of sweet and saucy, but it is all me, all the time. What is your style… you can find that style just by noticing when you are in complete flow and don’t even have to think about your next move.
3. Embrace Compassionate Accountability
You really fail your clients when you let them off the hook, especially when you let them off the hook over and over and over. Be there to help. Be there to support them in breaking through barriers, but do not let them turn excuses into reasons. Leading your clients to greatness means holding them accountable. It is the greatest expression of client caring.
Nothing is more fun and rewarding than being the real you (warts and all) so that your clients can grow and be fully supported! Sometimes it is scary to put yourself out there in that way, but you will be shocked and amazed at how the REAL you will attract more clients, move more people, and manifest more money.
(c) 2009 Suzanne Evans
About the author: Suzanne Evans is best known as the ‘action expert’ and has coached hundreds of solopreneurs to model her multiple six figure business. Learn how you can help more people, make more money and have more fun doing what you love by signing up for your free copy of the 5-Part Mini-Course ‘Awakening Your Authentic Entrepreneur’ at http://www.helpmorepeople.com
Do Not Wait to Hire Virtual Assistants
When you are starting your business, do not wait to get support by hiring virtual assistants and administrative support. Every time I added a member to my team, my business grew.
Learn how to help more people, make more money and enjoy more freedom. Enjoy a free 5-day mini course, “Awakening Your Authentic Entrepreneur,” at http://www.helpmorepeople.com/minicourse.html
Secrets to Success F.R.E.E. Teleclass, February 17
Are you ready to discover the secrets to success? Listen to Suzanne as she interviews two of her clients who achieved high success in a short amount of time after completing business makeovers with Suzanne. One achieved six figures in four months while one tripled her income after working with Suzanne for only a month! These two highly successful women will share their secrets and tips on how they achieved success.
And the good news is that you can listen in to this f.r.e.e. teleclass!
Secrets to Success F.R.E.E. Teleclass
Tuesday February 17, 2009
8:00 PM EST
Click here to sign up now!
5 Top Tips to Build Your List
Think about how we keep in touch. Maybe you are a client or in a group, but mainly we stay in touch through this newsletter. I share insights of value, tell you what’s going on in my world, and keep you aware of my programs and offerings. I love my database! I feel like once a week I get to sit down and chat with thousands of friends. It IS authentic marketing.
Having a list is one of the most important elements of marketing your business. I would bet many of you have lost opportunities to build your database. I had one client who is a brilliant coach and he had been doing workshops for years and not collecting a single name! Once he saw the value in a list and communicating with them, his business started growing.
Think of it this way…a play needs an audience and a ball game needs a crowd. YOUR LIST is your audience and they care. If they shared their name via an event or opportunity, then they care about your message and are interested in YOU!
Here are my TOP 5 ways to grow your list and use it as an authentic marketing tool to help more people and make more money!
1. Speaking. Each time you speak or hold an event, offer a raffle item. Pass a hat and have everyone drop in their name and contact information. Give away a juicy gift and add those names to your database!
2. Freebie. Be certain to have a freebie on your homepage of your website. This ensures that you will collect the name of the website visitor, but it is also a great way to share more about you and your business. I particularly like www.addca.com. Check theirs out! (Be sure to have this opt in on every page of your website)
3. JV. A joint venture is a great way to build your list and someone else’s! Offer a free teleclass together or workshop. As people register, be sure to share those names and add them to your database. Win/win!
4. Signature Link. Make sure to put your freebie offer in the signature line of your emails. You will be surprised at how many e-mails you do send and the number of sign-ups you will get.
5. Write articles. Write articles (like this one) for other ezines and sites. In the author’s resource box, place a link to your freebie subscription.
BONUS # 6 Social Media. My list have grown be several hundred through Twitter and Facebook! By simply sharing and dialoguing with others, people will be drawn to your site and then drawn to your freebie opt in. This is my favorite way to grow my list because it’s fun! 
(c) 2009 Suzanne Evans
About the author: Suzanne Evans is best known as the ‘action expert’ and has coached hundreds of solopreneurs to model her multiple six figure business. Learn how you can help more people, make more money and have more fun doing what you love by signing up for your free copy of the 5-Part Mini-Course ‘Awakening Your Authentic Entrepreneur’ at http://www.helpmorepeople.com
Is Your Business Investment Portfolio Bankrupt?
I am no expert in the stock market and I certainly do not claim to be, but this I know. To make OR lose money in the market, you have to invest in the market. It goes back to the saying, “You got to be in it to win it.” So take a moment and think about this. Seriously–grab pen and paper.
How much do you spend on your car every year? (payment, insurance, tune-ups, gas, etc.)
Ok, got that number?
Take a long look at it. If you are spending a similar amount or LESS on your business, take a pause. How do we expect to have thriving businesses and help more people if we spend more on our cars than on our passions? It’s scary! I remember the first time I did this and it was a real eye opener. I quickly realized that if I do not treat my business coaching, programs, workshops and seminars as investments in me, my future and those I want to serve, then my business would never grow.The first year I took this idea and applied it, making investments in myself via coaching, programs and building a team, my income doubled. Here’s the best part–the number of people I was serving more than quadrupled. When we invest in ourselves, we build a portfolio for success.
Many people ask me (actually, a client just this morning) about how to determine the BEST investment for business. It is not a cut and dry answer since there are so many variables in business, but there are some sure things:
- An authentic marketing program where you get one-on-one attention.
- Opportunities where you will be with other business owners that you could partner with.
- Programs or coaching that PULL you – in other words, you can just feel the possibility.
- Programs where you are mentored by people who are where you want to be.
- Workshops/Events that just raise your JOY level and are fun.
- Programs that provide a full and fair guarantee.
What and how you invest will be different for each person, but investing is the key. A car cannot run without gas, a stock cannot rise without being purchased and a business cannot run without investment fuel. You must be ready and willing, financially, to invest money in and on your business.
Sometimes this means being certain you have a cash flow from other means until your business is soaring. You may want to build WHILE in a job (this is what I did) or have a part-time job, creating a savings to use for up to a year, or any other plan. But, have a financial plan to invest in your business portfolio.
With our economy and stock market all over the place these days, the only SURE investment is the one you make in YOU. You always know what your return will be. You can always go back to what you learned or the experiences. It will grow immediately. Investing in yourself is a certain way of growing financially and personally.
Last year alone, I have invested over $30,000 in myself and my business.Let me be clear. I don’t mean business expenses. I mean investments: coaching, events, programs, education and resources. That investment has come back tenfold. Your key to success is believing that you are worth it and investing in your greatest asset – YOU and YOUR BUSINESS.
(c) 2009 Suzanne Evans
About the author: Suzanne Evans is best known as the ‘action expert’ and has coached hundreds of solopreneurs to model her multiple six figure business. Learn how you can help more people, make more money and have more fun doing what you love by signing up for your free copy of the 5-Part Mini-Course ‘Awakening Your Authentic Entrepreneur’ at http://www.helpmorepeople.com
5 Steps to Getting A Client This Week
I watch people want clients, but not take action. They are seemingly ready, but they complain more than ACT. I know that’s a bit harsh, but it is the reality of being an authentic entrepreneur. If you are really ready to help more people, you have to market and move. So, I have put together 5 steps that are specific and aggressive. If you really want more clients, then jump in.
(1) DECIDE. GET serious about marketing. Get serious about spending 3-5 hours a day on getting new clients and filling your pipeline. This is not a time for excuses or to “kinda” do it. Are you marketing 3-5 hours a day? If the answer is not YES, then the answer is Hell No. Oops, excuse me. How do you do this? Make a plan. Map out the time. I built my business to six figures working a 60-hour a week day job. You can find the time if you agree to put all EXCUSES in the 2008 pile and burn them today!
(2) TARGET. Choose one specific pain or problem you will address and market only to that (losing 20 pounds, leaving corporate America, buying first home, making more money, etc.) So, again, choose one pain or problem your clients face and focus only on that for now. Tailor your emails, message and marketing to that one area and get as specific as possible.
(3) FIRE HOSE MARKET. Don’t trickle, network or mention your business. It’s time to pull out the big guns and take the fast fire hose approach. Email every friend and family member about the target you chose above in Step 2 on how you can help, go to THREE (yes I said three) networking events over a 10-day period, find one place to do paid advertising about this pain, email 10 organizations about speaking to their group on this topic, contact old prospects that did not sign on, email your database, etc, etc… This is just a start. Create a 7-10 day mega Fire Hose Marketing Campaign to reach every possible person you can, discuss that pain, offer your solution and have a way to bring them in (usually via a complimentary session.)
(4) GIVE IT AWAY. Come up with something that is a generous and authentic giveaway during this week that will give clients a “taste” of what you do. Some ideas are a teleclass, a workshop, complimentary session, audio, e-book, etc. When you give the very best of you away, people will pay for the rest! Remember to make sure it is clear how they can take the next step to working with you.
(5) BELIEVE. Please don’t skip this. I know you may be thinking, “Well certainly I need to believe I can do it.” If you even thought that for a second, then you don’t already believe your own value and worth. People need your gifts. You can ease their pain, their challenge, their struggle. You do not attract clients without knowing deeply that YOU are needed and the way you share that is through marketing. Clear the cobwebs out of your inner being and breathe in the possibility not just for yourself, but for all those you will serve.
(c) 2009 Suzanne Evans
About the author: Suzanne Evans is best known as the ‘action expert’ and has coached hundreds of solopreneurs to take action and seek change. Learn how you can help more people, make more money and have more fun doing what you love by signing up for your free copy of the 5-Part Mini-Course ‘Awakening Your Authentic Entrepreneur’ at http://www.helpmorepeople.com