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Browse published articles attributed to Paige Stapleton and Brian Stark, with full-archive search.
One of my most favorite quotes - if not my very favorite - is by a woman named Lila Watson, an an Aboriginal Australian, Murri visual artist, activist and educator. In a speech at the United Nations she said, "If you have come here to help me, then you are wasting your time...But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."
It is incredible how much the landscape of getting the word out about your business has changed since the Internet came on the scene. Before that, the phone made a huge impact on the way businesses reached out and let their potential customers know about the services or products they offer. Promoting and educating online is a huge part of the way we communicate with our clients and potential clients and we do the majority of our work over the phone and via email.
At the beginning of a new year there is usually a lot of excitement about all the new possibilities and opportunities that seem to be right around the corner. Then the champagne high wears off, the excitement fades and we begin to fall back into our old "everyday" patterns of what was, what is and what will always be... forgetting about all the possibilities and opportunities that only a few weeks ago seemed like forgone conclusions. Well we want to share 5 steps that not only make for a great and successful year, but also make for a great and successful life!
We are all unique, we are all special, but do we act that way when we are talking about our business? What are you doing to differentiate yourself from the other people in your expertise or field? How do you stand out from the other coaches, speakers, practitioners, healers, counselors, and other business owners? Remember, in a field of grey, a splash of color really stands out!
When you're in business for yourself, you wind up wearing a lot of hats. Sometimes this is essential, sometimes it's a hassle and often times it can be extremely detrimental to your success.
Many of you most likely subscribe to many different kinds of newsletters (electronically dubbed "ezines"), fortunately including ours! We thank you for that and trust that each week we are delivering lots of valuable information that you can use to help build your vision as well as keep your sanity in tact as an entrepreneur. We so love writing articles for our ezine each week and wanted to share some points that can help you provide great, high-value content for your clients and customers. Here are some great pointers to keep in mind when you're writing your articles.
There is something so amazing about following your heart and stepping out into the world to help people.
We're sure you've heard that our ancestors were "hunters and gatherers". That goes back to the time of the caveman. The theory goes that "the men would go out into the wild to hunt down the beast and the woman would gather what they could, but staying close to the safety of the cave."
Most likely, if you are a service-based business owner, you have a desire to help anyone and everyone who comes across your path. You know the power of the services or products you provide and how life changing they can be for anyone who is willing to give it a try. The thing is, as much as we may want to, we can't actually help EVERYONE.
So, you've built your practice, you've set up your business and you've hit a plateau. You can't seem to attract any more clients and all potential clients you attract don't seem to have the money, time or energy to invest in your services right now. You're frustrated, you don't know where to turn, so you begin searching the internet and your local "competition" looking to see what they are doing to be successful.
Can you think of anything much better than a good story? Stories are how we relate to and understand one another and there are so many great ones out there. They stand the test of time, passed on from person to person, generation to generation. They are made into books, poems, plays, movies, TV shows, urban legends, cave paintings... you get the idea. But the best stories ever told are the stories that you can personally relate to.
How often do you get to the end of the day and realize that you haven't gotten what you really needed to get done? We don't know about you, but we used to suffer from the malady referred to as the "shiny object syndrome" - getting distracted by ideas and tasks that take us away from the bigger picture of what we are so passionately creating. And quite frankly, it was really putting a strangle hold on the growth of our business. It's really easy to skip over the really important stuff when we are constantly dealing with whatever the latest and greatest distraction is.
You can probably feel it sometimes, can’t you? That nagging... why isn’t this working? What is going on? Is it just me? Am I the right business?... If these questions are nagging you, then chances are pretty good you are dealing with at least one of these 5 major blocks that can stop even the most well-meaning, talented and amazing entrepreneurs in their tracks. So, let’s break these blocks down...
How many times has this happened to you? You come into your office with the intention of getting great things done today. You can't wait to get started, you’re excited, in fact, today IS the day you're taking your business to the next level. And then before you even realize it, something comes up, and it feels like a priority, so you hit the pause button on your plans and do this one little thing.
"Many people who order their lives rightly in all other ways are kept in poverty by their lack of gratitude. ...the reason simply is that the mental attitude of gratitude draws the mind into closer touch with the source from which the blessings come." ~Wallace D. Wattles There can be many struggles you face when operating your own business. In fact it can be an intensely emotional experience, especially when you are dedicated to helping other people change their lives for the better. So, we wanted to give you some food for thought:
How often have you said or heard someone else say, "I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes."? Most likely, if that was the approach, not a whole lot was accomplished - if anything at all. As the wise Master Yoda said, "Do or do not... there is no try." When we approach something without a sense of determination and an intent, we are often left surrounded by half completed projects, less than stellar results or perhaps beginnings that never even got a start.
One thing we have learned from experience is that once you have passion, fire and purpose behind your desire, the actual decision or "resolution" to fulfill your desire comes much more easily and with a "firmness of purpose". The way we see it is, when you finally get down to the point of truly making a decision – you have to leave no room for turning back! You "burn the boats". It is in the decision where our free will comes in. We are the only ones who know what our True Desires are; no one else, not even the Universe can dictate what our True Desires "should" be.
We recently received a lovely email from someone in our newsletter community thanking us for the information they have received from us over the past year and that, now, they had something exciting to share with us. They also asked for our professional opinion as well. Oh! How fun…I couldn't wait to read on.
If you really want 2012 to be your breakthrough year, it’s essential to put your purpose and your message into a plan that you can go back to and look at (at least once a week) so you can stay focused, inspired and on track throughout the year. With a strong plan, focused on how many people you want to help, how much money you want to make and the steps to build the vision you want to create, you can accomplish more while staying in integrity with your passion. Here are the six steps of your very simple Business Plan (a condensed version of a section in our Authentic PROFITS System):
Is there something in your business or life that you would like to change or improve – a relationship, a situation or even a daily task that drives you nuts? If there is some part of your business or life that isn’t working as well as you would like, you can live in resentment, accept it gracefully or change it. It is, of course, your choice. (Even when you choose to do “nothing”, you are making a choice.)
Recently, my 23-year-old son helped me to truly understand the question - "How Bad Do You Want It?"
We're sure you've heard that our ancestors were "hunters and gatherers". That goes back to the time of the caveman. The theory goes that "the men would go out into the wild to hunt down the beast and the woman would gather what they could, but staying close to the safety of the cave." Even though, our collective living situations may have changed (we're not in caves anymore or being hunted by saber-toothed tigers), Paige and I see and speak to a lot of people who are still approaching networking and potential clients with the same extremes our ancestors used to survive.
Whether you already have your business up and running or you are thinking of taking the plunge to put your dream into reality, we all know there are certain things that need to be in place. When it comes to getting the word out and connecting with those who need and want your services, your marketing tools and skills need to be finely honed and polished. But it doesn't have to be difficult and frustrating!
One of our mentors is always reminding us that we need to "let go of something of a lower nature to get something of a higher nature." And though this makes sense on an intellectual level, it can be challenging to remember that in the moment of needing to let go. For example perhaps you have a partnership, a relationship, a house, a client, a team member, a job, etc. that is no longer serving you. It is keeping you from growing, but it feels impossible to "let it go."
When you're in business for yourself, you wind up wearing a lot of hats. Sometimes this is essential, sometimes it's a hassle and often times it can be extremely detrimental to your success. The essential times come out of realizing that no one can look after your dream, your true desire, like you can. It's important to remember that you need to be in the driver's seat, you need to take responsibility and you need to hold the vision of what you desire... your dream... your business.
So many of us heart-based business owners jump in with our heart, our soul and both feet only to land on... what do I do now? Urghhh... that's what happened to us when we first started our original "Life Purpose" coaching business. Today we enjoy a thriving, multiple 6-figure business that brings us incredible joy and excitement. So how did we get there? Well, you gotta have a plan - plain and simple! To support you on your journey as an entrepreneur, here are the top ten elements that are crucial for you to have in place in your business (or at the very least to have in progress).
When I worked in the banking world (seems like a lifetime ago!) everything was pretty much decided for me. I had a boss who told me when to come in, how long I needed to be there, what to do when I was there, what my deadlines and goals were and overall what was expected of me. I also had colleagues who not only had certain expectations of me, but who also supported me and had my back. There was a team of support all around me and every supply I could ever want was normally always at hand. Since Brian and I started our own business, we are our own bosses!
Networking is such a crucial element in building your business and there are some traps you can easily fall into that can make it less than effective for you and your business. We have put together 10 simple tips that can help you make the most out of your networking opportunities, and create optimal relationships that are win-win for all!
Whether you already have your business up and running or you’re thinking of taking the plunge to put your dream into reality, we all know there are certain things that need to be in place. When it comes to getting the word out and connecting with those who need and want your services, your marketing tools and skills need to be finely honed and polished. But it doesn’t have to be difficult, frustrating or a struggle! Remember, this is YOUR gift and YOUR business and you can do it YOUR way – as long as you’re using these 10 Business Building Blocks.
Paige and I have been studying Universal Laws and Personal Prosperity Principles for years (I mean decades), but it wasn’t until we added Business Success Strategies and more importantly ACTION to the mix that we actually began to PROFIT. And that is exactly what I want to talk to you about today… Profit. We want to share with you the 6 Keys you can use to unlock the door to profits, so you can start to profit in your business and in your life. The Keys are simple and you may already have several of them in your possession, but are you using them in the right order?
Brian and I have been going to A LOT of events lately, and we continue to be reminded of important themes that need our attention in our business, no matter what stage you are in. Whether you are just starting out, or have been around awhile, there are a few things you need to make sure you are continually checking in with as you build and grow your business. Below are 5 of the most important aspects that need to be clear, focused and well thought out for you to have continued success as a business owner (online and offline). Got a business you love?
How often do you get to the end of the day and realize that you haven’t gotten what you really needed to get done? I don’t know about you, but Brian and I used to suffer from the malady referred to as the “shiny object syndrome” – getting distracted by ideas and tasks that took us away from the bigger picture of what we are so passionately creating. And quite frankly, it was really putting a strangle hold on the growth of our business. It’s really easy to skip over the really important stuff when we are constantly dealing with whatever the latest and greatest distraction is.
There can be many struggles you face when operating your own business. In fact it can be an intensely emotional experience, especially when you are dedicated to helping other people change their lives for the better. So, we wanted to give you some food for thought: Did you know that we can only experience one emotion at a time? Did you know that all our emotions vibrate at a certain frequency? Some higher like love and some lower like anger.
As we watch in awe the amazing and (relatively) peaceful revolutions taking place around the world, we are reminded that it only takes a spark to get a fire going. It only takes a few passionate, resourceful and committed individuals to bring unbelievable change to the world.
Believe it or not, there is a natural flow for clients to start working with you, particularly in service-based businesses. On one level, most of us understand that, in general, people will come in the door at a rather modest pace, until you have really been able to build that “know, like and trust” factor. Once you have built that trusting, authentic relationship with them and you present your offerings in a way that makes it a no-brainer for them to take the next step with you, the path for your clients will be a walk on the beach – for them and for you!
“We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?” We absolutely love this quote from Marianne Williamson. And do you want to know what really breaks our hearts? It’s when we see people who are so full of potential, not step into their greatness… Because they are worried about what others will think, or they don’t think they are worthy, or they don’t think they are good, perfect special, or unique enough.
When we came up with our name over two years ago at our first mastermind with our mentor it made sense. Up until that point our e-zine was called “Authentic Living”, we had a few hundred subscribers and we would talk about life purpose, spiritual principles and practices, and practical ways to bring that into your life. And everything was great except we weren’t making very much money (at all) and a lot of that had to do with not truly honoring all the gifts we had to offer our clients.
How often have you traveled to a location where you just didn't speak the local language? Where you didn't understand what was being said to or around you? How did that make you feel? Did you have a sense of connection? Or was it something else? Maybe you were visiting a foreign country, maybe you were shopping in an immigrant neighborhood, possibly you walked into a meeting on technology, or had to visit the Emergency Room?
We’ve got a gift for you! How great does it feel to get a gift? Pretty good, right? How awesome is it to get the information you so desperately need, right when you need it to help you solve a big problem in your life? Pretty darn good, right? That’s exactly what happens for your potential client when they come to your website and see your Freebie waiting for them – but only if it speaks to them and can really help them.
We’ve been hearing many “Big Name” online marketers talking lately about ALL the different things you can do to build your business, ALL the different strategies you use, ALL the different tactics you can implement. How “you can’t create a successful business without video or Facebook or a blog or making 100 calls a week or continuity program or orange poster-board… you get the idea. There seems to be this attitude of “Go, Go, Go!”into the next “latest and greatest best thing ever.”
I want to share something that is breaking my heart. Over the last month Paige and I have had several conversations with amazing people, who have incredible gifts, who are feeling like throwing in the towel. These are business owners who have a deep desire to help people, to change lives and to help heal the planet, but they feel like they have made too many mistakes. They say they are feeling like failures. Their family and friends think they're crazy. They feel like there is no reason to go on struggling.
Do you ever just feel the world has opened up for you? Like everything is going your way? Like you broke through that barrier that’s been holding you back? Like your on-top of the world? Well if you have, that means you’ve had an experience to contrast that feeling with, which means you’ve felt like nothing’s opening for you, everywhere you turn there seems to be a new barrier, and you feel like you’re at the bottom of the pile. Business, life, actually everything experiences periods of expansion and contraction.
Can you think of anything much better than a good story? Stories are how we relate to and understand one another and there are so many great ones out there. They stand the test of time, passed on from person to person, generation to generation. They are made into books, poems, plays, movies, TV shows, urban legends, cave paintings... you get the idea. But the best stories ever told are the stories that you can personally relate to. The ones that speak directly to your heart, that tap into your emotions, that allow you to really feel what is going on for the person in the story.
How often have you said or heard someone else say, "I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes."? Most likely, if that was the approach, not a whole lot was accomplished - if anything at all. As the wise Master Yoda said, "Do or do not... there is no try." When we approach something without a sense of determination and an intent, we are often left surrounded by half completed projects, less than stellar results or perhaps beginnings that never even got a start. It's important to remember that in life and business if you don't show up 100% neither will your desires.
Years ago when I (Paige) was pursuing my illustrious acting career ;) - I asked the artistic director from the Jeff Daniels' theatre what is the "IT" that those special actors have who really make it in theater and the movies... He very quickly answered me... "IT is perseverance." Well, I definitely didn't have "IT" because after spending a year and a half in NYC as an "aspiring actor" I chucked it all for a steady check and a dental plan! But that's a whole different story...
If you’ve been doing any personal develop or “walking your path” for any length of time, you’ve at least heard (if not experienced) that gratitude is an incredibly powerful tool for manifestation. However, if you’re anything like me, you may have had “a little” trouble really getting that idea of gratitude to “click” or connect when it comes to first building your business. In fact, in the past, I could find all kinds of things to not be grateful for - no clients, creditors calling, rent being due, sky-rocketing heating costs - “gas is how much?”... You get the idea.
Something amazing happens when you bring all the pieces of who you are into your business.... you are able to unlock the passion in your business. When you unlock the passion in your business, it becomes really fun again (or maybe even for the first time). You begin to attract more paying clients, because there is something extremely attractive about someone in their passion. And you begin to make more money, simply because you're helping more people.
We are all unique, we are all special, but do we act that way when we are talking about our business? What are you doing to differentiate yourself from the other people inrnyour expertise or field? How do you stand out from the other coaches, speakers, practitioners, healers, counselors, and other business owners? Remember, in a field of grey, a splash of color really stands out! So what are we talking about here, how do you stand out from the crowd? Inr
I’ve made a lot of really crappy decisions. I have! I admit it. And I’ve done some things I’m not proud of, that hurt people, that hurt me. Many of these have been irreversible and life-changing. And boy, was there a time when I would let these decisions (and outcomes) stop me. There was a time I would hang out and allow my decisions to paralyze me, keep me from being present and keep me from living the life I so desperately desired. And then I realized I had a choice. I could choose to: Hang out in regret about my decisions and commitments already mader
At the beginning of a new year there is usually a lot of excitement about all the new possibilities and opportunities that seem to be right around the corner. Then the champagne high wears off, the excitement fades and we begin to fall back into our old “everyday” patterns of what was, what is and what will always be… forgetting about all the possibilities and opportunities that only a few weeks ago seemed like forgone conclusions. Well we want to share 5 steps that not only make for a great and successful year, but also make for a great and successful life!