Coach for Results

THE SEED OF AN IDEA - Building on Your Business Idea - Part 5

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:34:31 GMT

STEP 5. THE PLAN - Putting All Together.

This is the last segment in a 5-part series about nourishing your fantastic business idea and putting it all together into a formal Business Plan.

Here are the earlier steps if you want a quick refresher:
The Seed of An Idea , Who are Your Customers?, Location, Location, Location, Show Me the Money

There are numerous ways to write your business plan. Some are very short ; I’ve even seen a 1-page business plan. Most, however, consist of several pages and are broken down into several sections.

At a minimum, your plan should consist of these four areas:

Business Overview
Marketing Overview
Financial Overview
Management Overview

You can scout the Web and find many variations on the design of a good business plan. You’ll even find some sample plans that have been shared out there. Study a few and then design a Business Plan that fits your particular business idea.

Have someone review it – have several people review it –and then stay open to hearing what they like or don’t like, what questions they ask. Revise the plan if necessary. Remember, you’ll need this when you go before any investors or lenders.

You also have many helpful places to give you support as you create this document. One of your best resources is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) , a federal agency that was created to help and protect the interests of small businesses. They have a terrific “business planning” section that will help answer many of your questions. And check out their step-by-step business plan process.

Also, check your local community for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which is often partnered with an area university campus. They offer classes on writing business plans, how to set up your accounting records, how to do payroll and pay your taxes, and so much more.

Good luck to you as you bring your big dream to life and present your best picture to the professionals who will support you. I invite you to join in my monthly, Wednesday Wisdom telecalls , where like-minded business owners share their experiences and ideas for success.

To your Success!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Autumn Hues Signal Exciting Changes

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:11:00 GMT

It’s official – Autumn has arrived!

I love the changing of the seasons. There is nothing quite as breathtaking as a view across a spacious gorge and seeing the shimmering Aspens in Colorado or the gorgeous Maple trees up north. What do you experience in your area as a signal that the seasons are changing?

Where I live, our humidity and high temperatures begin to lower, and we “locals” really come out to enjoy our beautiful area. As a result, we invest more time with neighbors and friends in those leisurely strolls on the beaches, through the woods. I smell the wood fires and sizzling hotdogs. I can taste the toasted marshmallows . . . and find delight in the stories we conjure up on those chilly nights.

Often, in Autumn, we feel a renewed surge of energy and excitement. Have you noticed that within yourself? This extra surge of energy can guide us to stretch that extra little bit to reach – or exceed – our goals. Are there some areas of your life that have been neglected during the Spring or Summer months? Review your plan (you do have one for this year, right?) and take a few moments to re-strategize. What deserves the most focus from you right now?

What colors do you associate with Autumn?

My autumn palette includes rich ochers and golden saffron, pumpkin orange, cinnabar, rust and brick red. These colors represent my deep appreciation for this time of year. Their richness expresses the excitement and change that I sense, and they rev me up.

You are the artist of your life. You, too, can create the warmth of love and abundance, the excitement of change within your life. What will you create for yourself this season?

Share with us your colorful view of this intoxicating season.

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

THE SEED OF AN IDEA - Building on Your Business Idea - Part 4

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:11:20 GMT

STEP 4. MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO 'ROUND

Finances. Ugh.

Who wants to tackle this piece of the puzzle? Not many of us, to be sure.

In the first three parts of this series we talked about your business concept, who your customers are, and where you are going to locate your business.

You're well on your way to having a successful plan. However, I would venture to say that many good ideas never get off the ground because the financial requirement stops a person cold. So, today, we delve into the touchy topic of money.

Less than 3% of the world’s population that has an overabundance of funds. And if you’re reading this, I can surmise that you’re probably not in that 3% category; which means, you will be looking for sources of financing.

There are a number of ways to finance your business idea and bring it to life. If you are asking others to invest in you, in your idea, they will want to know the likelihood of getting paid back and/or how much money they can make on the deal. As you prepare your package to present to lenders and potential investors, always wear the hat from their perspective. What are they going to want to know about you, your business and your financial security? This is all summed up in one word: RISK.

There are 4 common avenues to acquire funding for your business. In all cases, you should be prepared to include some of your own money in the project. It’s what we call having “skin in the game.” Investors look at how much you are willing to put in versus how much they will be putting into the pot. The more you provide, the lower their risk.

Think of it another way: the higher the risk, the higher the payback needs to be. That could be reflected in a higher interest rate or in a higher percentage of ownership if you take on equity partners.

A lot of other factors go into the total risk equation such as your expertise and experience level of running this type of business – have you had success in this type of venture already?

Delivering on what you promise, paying on time and so forth, will be fundamental for building that trust between you and your new “partners.” That’s a topic for another day, however.

Here are the 4 most common funding alternatives:

1) Fund it all yourself.
In the first scenario, you’re providing all the money needed to start up your business and to keep it afloat until it is profitable. In this situation, you are not requiring a bank to help you get started.

Funding it by yourself often means you’ll be building your business more slowly than if you have additional money behind you. That’s a great strategy – and one that will undoubtedly keep you from having debt that could easily get out of hand. Just know and understand the pro’s and con’s of either strategy. Frankly, in today’s quirky economy, being able to stand on your own two feet on a new business plan would be a great test of readiness and self-trust in your dream and in your abilities.

Start building that relationship with the bank where you do business. You’ll want to strengthen those ties before you need to borrow their money.

2) Borrow from family and friends.
This is also a common plan for many entrepreneurs. There are some success stories out there, I am sure. However, mostly we hear about the awful, sad stories that result when a business plan goes bad and everyone you know and love has been let down.

Always, always, have a legal professional help you in drawing up the documents that will serve to protect everyone – and make sure everyone understands what they are agreeing to. Many family feuds have developed over disagreements on how you’re spending their money.

3) Borrow from the bank or traditional lending institutions
This is the common avenue most business owners follow as they create and build their business. It’s also a tough process where R-I-S-K is the great measuring stick for the lenders.

They’ll require a lot of information from you, and it will all add up to a picture that they will view to determine if your plan is worth investing in.

Know that they also have your interests at heart. If they feel you’re undercapitalized or your idea is not too convincing, listen to them. They are experts in money management and I’ve know many to heed the advice of their bankers and come out with much stronger business plans and profitability.

This group and the one mentioned in #4 below will really want to know how much you’re putting into the business. I don’t know of too many places out there – and certainly not in today’s tough times – that will loan you 100% of your capital.

4) Look for outside investors and venture capitalists
This group works much like the bankers in #3, and yet they’re a little different. They are usually willing to take more risks with you. One difference in this group is that many of them also want a piece of the action – they want part ownership in the business.

Venture capitalists are great for ideas which aren’t yet common, run-of-the-mill business opportunities. They’re looking for the next Microsoft® or GoogleTM

So defining your funding plan is a crucial component of your overall business plan. It’s a good idea to work with financial experts and business-building experts who can assist you and open up your mind to alternatives for consideration. They’ll also know what ratios are attractive to the lenders (what percent you will put in versus borrow).

As always, consult your legal professionals regarding all documents you want to draw up as well as any you may be signing with other parties. Paying attention to details is a crucial element of a successful entrepreneur.

Know that you will be expected to put your money on the line as you start a new business endeavor. Make sure you have sufficient funds (1 year’s worth, at a minimum is my suggestion) to sustain your personal life (household expenses like mortgage, car, credit cards, insurance and so forth). Most businesses take a lot of start up money to get off the ground. Sales are not steady until several years later. You can help strengthen your lender’s opinion of your business skills by showing them – up front – that you know and expect what it will take to get your seed of an idea to bloom and prosper.

In our next article - and the last article in this series - I’ll share with you how to bring all of this together and create your Business Plan.

To your Success!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

WEDNESDAY WISDOM - Strengthening Your Relationships

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:13:50 GMT

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – September 17, 2008 Noon CST

it's Free!

(Strengthening Your Relationships
- Success strategies for your personal and business relationships -

Unless you live in a cave and don't ever communicate with anyone, you undoubtedly have had a conflict with someone now and then. Sometimes it's not even a big, drawn-out, vocal thing, but perhaps all of a sudden, the two of you are no longer close and you don't even know why.

Relationships are at the core of who we are and everything that we do. I hope you'll join me in this month's F REE call on Strengthening Your Relationships. We anticipate a lively discussion and want all of our participants to chime in with their experiences of finding solutions that worked for them as they develop stronger relationships.

Fellow coach, Kim Pichot of Complete Success, will join me in this heartfelt discussion about our Relationships and lessons we learn along the way.

Register now: Wednesday Wisdom call – September 17th, 2008.

I hope to "hear" you there!

To your success!
Coach Darlene

THE SEED OF AN IDEA - Building on Your Business Idea - Part 3

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:49:04 GMT

The Seed of an Idea – 5 Steps for Building on your Business Idea
PART 3

A business idea has been rolling around in your head . . . in previous articles, we talked about the Business Concept and Defining Your Customers. Today, let's take it a step further with a focus on how they will find you.

STEP 3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

WHERE WILL YOU BE LOCATED?

You’ve decided about your business service or product, and you’ve identified your customer base. WHERE are your customers? How will they find you? How dependent are you that they must find you (versus you finding them)?

Are you relying on a heavy foot traffic into a physical location? Will most of your business be outbound – dependent upon your visiting others? Will your business model support a heavy internet selling component? Or do you envision your business being built upon all 3 methods of customer traffic?

This is the third question to ponder as you continue to develop your business idea. Here are 3 points of discussion for your consideration as you answer this question about location.

1) Geographic Location

If you are envisioning a brick-and-mortar business, one that has walk-in traffic, ask this one question before all others: Where will you locate this business so that you have the optimal chance of being successful?

If you’re in the North where you can expect plenty of snow and freezing temperatures during Winter, it’s probably not the best area of the country in which to plant palm trees (which prefer the tropical climate year round).

Is your business better suited to a particular geographic area or population demographic? If you want to open a teen center, for instance, but you live in a retirement community, you see my point.

Often, the business idea is generic enough to appeal to a wide audience base; if this fits your scenario, then you have some flexibility in choosing your locale. But don’t be lured into the concept that “everyone” will want to buy from me. That’s just not how it works.

Of course, that’s just the beginning. Next you will also have to decide on whether it needs to be downtown, urban or neighborhood-centric.

And let’s not forget the new world: the Internet. Perhaps your business idea is best suited for the World-Wide Web. In this case, your physical location is a moot point. However, the skills and tools you need will be vastly different from a standard brick-and-mortar business.

2) Physical Space

If you have experience purchasing real estate, you’ve probably heard – and certainly have learned – that location is everything.

When buying a home, you want to ensure you are located in a desirable neighborhood – this creates a higher demand for your “product.” If you are a commercial business dependent upon walk-in traffic, location will make or break you. Today, we have even more complex business models to include the Internet.

Study how the “big boys” do it – look at Wal-Mart, Sam’s, Lowe’s and grocery stores. Even the ”gas stations-turned-mini-stores” have a template for deciding where – and when – to locate their stores. In my own neighborhood, I observed a gas station close down after a year and build a new facility right across the street. It remains there today with a high-traffic count, all because of how traffic flowed and where the people are located in the adjoining neighborhoods. So location is critical.

Did you know fast-food restaurants visit supermarkets and measure the number of feet of shelf coverage for particular food items? For example, a pizza place would perhaps measure how much space is allotted to frozen pizzas in a neighborhood grocery store. This information tells them if area residents are readily buying pizzas.

There are many, many ways to measure the habits of your buying public and where they work and live. Depending on your situation, you may need to allocate part of your budget for some serious market studies.

If you are locating in a public space, do you know how much physical floor space you need? What about the layout of the room(s)?

If you are a retail business, it is vital to know exactly what will be put on the sales floor, which products will take up how much room, where your storage will be, how much “back-office” space is needed, and so on.

If your business idea is primarily offering personal services, like a doctor, a repair service, or a consultant, you likely have more options. Perhaps you could do just as well in a professional complex where you’ll find mostly office space and little or no front-end retail space.

You are a visionary now. You have ideas sprouting up . . . so dream big and think 2 years from now, 5 years from now. Do you see yourself still having sufficient room? It’s not the end of the world if you have to relocate. Heck, if you’re relocating because business is booming, more power to you. But moving is not something you want to do too often. You always lose some customer base when you relocate. And it’s costly to use your advertising budget just to tell people how to find you again.

Lastly, consider your parking requirements. Is there sufficient parking allotted for your anticipated customer traffic and your employees? I’ve observed strip centers where an anchor business has so much traffic that the smaller guys can’t even get a parking space or two in front of their doors. When you’re not a convenient place to stop, you are not a convenient place to shop; customers will go elsewhere.

Options for outbound sales

If you are in an out-bound sales arena (Tupperware®, Mary Kay®, independent consultant, a real estate salesperson, etc) then you may be able to work from your home and have a highly successful business.

If you’re a licensed professional (real estate, lawyer, insurance agent and so forth) there may be some restrictions from your state licensing boards that will dictate how you can operate. Also, what are your local zoning regulations? Can you run a business from your home? Each community has a Planning and Zoning group within their county – or city – government. It’s easy to do some checking, acquire the appropriate licenses and do things within regulation.

Guess what? If you find out you’re prohibited from running this type of business from your home, it is far better to know it now – up front – than 18 months into your business.

3) Web Traffic

It’s not news that the Internet is a great place from which to do business. This technology has literally opened our doors to the world. It’s also not news that some businesses do better on the web than do others.

So where does yours fit into the picture of world-wide selling? Is it a viable concept? Do your customers have to find you and meet you in person in order to do business?

For instance, if I am a computer repair facility, it probably is not realistic to assume that a person with a broken computer in Los Angeles is going to ship that system to me in a small town in Florida. He’s probably going to find a local-based business and drop it off there.

Now, if my business model is slightly different and highly specialized, that could be different. Let’s say instead of repairing computers I now am in the data recovery business and my specialty is recovering data from systems that have been damaged in rain and storms . . . and maybe there are only 3 or 4 of us in the country that are this highly capable. Do you see how a customer might want to find me and ship his broken system to me?

In this latter case, having a strong web presence will be important to getting the word out about my capabilities, my specialties. I might also still need to be in a physical location where people can drop off their equipment – and where I can accept deliveries and manage my shipments, house my employees and my spare parts.

If you are a multi-level marketer (and hey, that’s one of the fastest growing industries around!), or a self-employed professional such as myself, then it makes sense to operate from home and become outbound when necessary.

Maybe your plan is to start small, work from home and then grow into a larger place. No matter which way you go, the main thing is to know what your plan is and to be able to justify it to your investors and supporters.

So think about your big picture on your business and drill down to how you’re going to interact with customers, employees, and vendors. Deciding your location is an important component in your overall business concept and business plan.

To your success!
Coach Darlene

THE SEED OF AN IDEA - Building on Your Business Idea - Part 2

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:18:18 GMT

The Seed of an Idea – 5 Steps for Building on your Business Idea
PART 2

A business idea has been rolling around in your head . . . earlier we talked about the 1st of 5 steps to consider as you plant that idea in solid ground: the Business Concept. Today, let's take it a step further with a focus on who will buy your product or service.

STEP 2. WHO WILL BE YOUR CUSTOMER?

In the first article we talked about your concept – what you would offer. Another key success ingredient is to know and understand who will be buying your products or services. This is an equally important piece of your decision as you continue to think about the soundness of your business idea.

It pays to do this research. The more specific you can become with your demographics, the more viable your plan becomes.

If your product/service is a brand new item, ask yourself: Who would be the most likely early adopters? You can bet companies like Apple think of that when they work through their new product concepts.

If your product or service is more common, then it becomes even more important to identify your target audience. Today, there are too, too many choices when it’s time to make a purchase.

With the ever-present Internet, your market is often the entire world – so that can be a great thing. On the other hand, it also means your potential customers can ALSO reach across the Internet to make their purchases.

So ask yourself these starter questions:
1) Who definitely is NOT a customer interested in my product/service? (Sometimes asking who is NOT a potential customer helps get more clear on who IS!
2) Who might be a customer for my product or service?

You may find that this “WHO” category is still too broad. Think of it in these dimensions:

a) Is there a specific age group that will want what I offer? (A baby doll probably would not be exciting to many teenage girls.)

b) Do they have a typical level of education? (If I have some great products for professional chefs, the culinary schools and highly-rated restaurants might be a source for me)

c) Are they in a particular profession? (If I’m providing jet transportation services to movie stars, I probably won’t find the majority of my clients at a grocery store)

d) Do they tend to live in a particular geographic region? (I wouldn’t expect to sell too many snowmobiles in Florida.)

As you continue to develop your business concept, you’ll also discover more ways to identify your potential customer base. Use all of this information to help fine tune your business idea.

Next, we’ll cover a 3rd step in this series of developing your great business idea.

To your Success!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

PS: Join me in my monthly, Wednesday Wisdom telecalls, where like-minded business owners share their experiences and ideas for success.

THE SEED OF AN IDEA - Building on Your Business Idea - Part 1

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:23:52 GMT

The Seed of an Idea – 5 Steps for Building on your Business Idea

There is this tiny seed of an idea that you’ve been carrying around with you for some time now. Maybe it’s just one of many seeds, all neatly tucked away in your mind. If you’re serious about becoming a business owner, the ideas won’t die; they’ll keep “growing” on you. And then, one day, you’ll decide it’s time to get into action.

Invest your best thinking in these initial steps, and you’ll be well ahead of most of your competition!

The early stages of preparation for your garden spot include steps like tilling the soil and fertilizing it, and maybe adding in some compost. Yet, even before that comes the important decision of WHAT you will plant – and WHERE you will plant it. Is this the right season? Are you located in an appropriate geographic region that will support the types of things you plan to grow?

In business, you should consider similar questions about your seed of an idea. This 5-part series will look at the steps necessary to more clearly focus on your business idea. It’s time to plant those seeds and get growing!

STEP 1. WHAT IS THE BUSINESS CONCEPT?

What type of business will it be? The question sounds very simple, doesn’t it? As you begin to peel back the layers, however, you can bet a thousand more questions will pop up.

This first decision is probably one of the most important ones to make. And the more specific you can get on this answer, the stronger chance you have of succeeding.

As you prepare your soil for your planting, you’ll want to think ahead and prepare for those pesky weeds and bugs that inevitably show up. So it is in your business planning. Getting answers to as many questions as you can come up with now will go a long way to filtering out the unexpected surprises in your business world.

There are thousands of business models that fit into the various industry sectors. What is it that YOU want to do? How will you be different from all the others? Why would I want to buy from you instead of someone down the street?

Are you going to open a sandwich shop or a parts store? Do you want to run a restaurant? If so, what kind? Will it be a quaint, mom-and-pop place with blue-plate specials – or an upscale, dinner only establishment?

Once you have a basic idea, invest in some quality “think” time and really narrow it down. Get a picture in your mind of exactly what your physical place will look like. What types of employees will you have? How many will it take to run the place? How do you see your days playing out? If you’re carrying inventory, do you need warehouse space? Retail space? Work with your concept for awhile and see how it feels. There is no rush.

Are you a “specialist” kind of person, or a “generalist?” And how will that shape your business model? Are you going to be known as another restaurant owner in town, or the best place to go for blueberry pancakes on Saturday mornings?

Sometimes, visionaries see a need (customers looking for something and can't find what they want) and that’s where the idea begins to develop for a product, service or business.

Other times, an entrepreneur will want to have a business for the sake of being self-employed, and he or she really doesn’t know (or doesn’t care) what business it is. “I want to own a self-storage business,” may be the vision.

And there’s always a third scenario, the hobbyist, who says, “I’d love to teach art classes.” They have a great love or hobby and want to turn it into a business.

Any of these scenarios can be successful; but each requires a very different approach.

If you haven’t already started one – go out right now and buy a big notebook. You’ll want several dividers. For now, create a section and label it “IDEAS.” Then fill it up! (And be sure to capture all those questions that are lurking in the back of your mind!)

The next article will help you fine tune this concept by asking, “Who is your Customer?”

To your Success!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

PS: Join me in my monthly, Wednesday Wisdom telecalls, where like-minded business owners share their experiences and ideas for success.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM - Building Your Team to Increase Your Success

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:55:25 GMT

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – August 20th, 2008 Noon CST

Building Your Team to Increase Your Success
- Create the talent around you so you can grow your business! -

One of the most common challenges faced by many new business startups is building a solid foundation to help sustain their business as they grow.

If you're a solo-preneur - working all by yourself - then you know what I mean when I say, "It gets lonely at the water cooler!"

And what about if you're a stay-at-home parent - not necessarily in business - but still needing addidtional support? You can take this idea and mold it to fit any situation.

Who do you go to when you want to bounce some ideas around? WHo can you call when you need a quick legal reading? Where can you find resources to help with temporary surges in your business?

It's about networking, it's about hiring virtual assistants. It's about all that and MORE.

Come join us on this call in August and learn creative ways to get a team around you to help solidify your business practices.

Participate in this call and learn:

The purpose of a Board of Advisors
The structure: How many? How often?
What are their roles? What to look for as you select the right "players"
5 things YOU need to know before inviting them to join

Fellow coach, Kim Pichot of Complete Success, will join me in a fun, mind-altering discussion about Building A Team around you.

Register now: Wednesday Wisdom call – August 20th , 2008.

Be prepared to share you wisdom during this lively call -- we’ll want to know how you have boosted your business by adding TEAM!

To your success!
Coach Darlene

Building Your Team for Success

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:13:22 GMT

When my husband and I owned our own computer business, the inside joke was . . . “Why yes, as owners, we get to work half days . . . we just have to pick which twelve hours we want!”

Business owners face all sorts of challenges. We have the day-to-day management of staff, customers, inventory, vendors, and the list goes on. Is it any wonder that, at the end of the day, we’ve barely got time to do any strategizing or planning for our future growth?

One of the success factors in any business, regardless of size, is to learn to build a team around you.

Certainly, your staff is important. But what I’m talking about is beyond the internal support. This is about thoughtfully putting together a group of outsiders who can offer expertise, experience and connections in other areas that you cannot get otherwise.

In corporations, a board of directors is part of their structure. Most often, they’re paid for their expertise and they show up at quarterly meetings (or whatever frequency is mandated). They may review budgets and marketing plans put together by the staff. They are elected by the stockholders and thus, are accountable as to the profitability of the company.

In our case, that may be a bit too elegant and too formal. However, the expertise is needed, just the same. So it’s important to acknowledge areas in which you are weakest – or those things you don’t like to do – and then seek out willing participants who can assist you.

For day-to-day operations, you’ll want to think about bookkeepers, marketing assistance, repair teams and so forth. Virtual assistants are great options here, especially if your needs are sporadic and not requiring consistent, 40-hour weeks.

And for the really big, heavy decisions, I encourage you to think about developing a Board of Advisors. These could be people who come from the same industry as you – or from disparate ones, but who also have strong skills in various areas.

Who do you admire in your community that has been successful and could provide some great insights? Why not approach them to be part of your “dream team” and allow them to impart their knowledge as a mentor?

Some of my clients merely want a team of 4-5 people who can meet with them quarterly to go over specific topics – maybe this time it’s the business plan for next year. Maybe next time it’s reviewing an employee compensation plan.

This concept is what I refer to as a Board of Advisors. And this is your game, so you make up the rules. You can design a team around your needs and work the program any way you want. You can choose to implement their ideas or not.

Being a sole proprietor or a business owner with limited staffing does not have to result in limited success. Add a Board of Advisers and take your business to the top!

If you’d like ideas on how to get started with a Board of Advisers, join me during my f'ree call: Wednesday Wisdom on August 20th when we talk about Building Your Team for Success.

Until then, have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Tired of Struggling? Find the Adventure Instead!

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:18:57 GMT

“Struggle and adventure are two sides of the same coin. When you find yourself struggling, flip it over!”
by C.J. Hayden, Get Clients NOW!™

I take myself too seriously sometimes. And the same goes for my business, too. After awhile, things often seem to become stale, worn-out; and I lose my excitement. How about you?

When you find yourself struggling and the results aren’t coming, it’s time to take a step back and try another approach. When you change your perspective, even just a little freshness will go a long way!

Try this easy exercise with me:
How appealing is the word “diet” to you? What if, instead, you replaced it with “nourishment program” - would that be more enticing? Now you are focusing on what the benefits are - and what you WANT more of.

Let’s try another one. Think of the word “budget.” How does that settle inside your gut? Is it something you look forward to each month? Let’s replace it with the phrase, “spending plan,” and see what comes up for you. Does it sound more exciting? If you're like me, I'd much rather be thinking about what I want to spend my money on instead of what I can't have.

It’s all in how we look at the world. Words become labels that hold certain messages and expectations. Sometimes, we’re doomed before we even get started! By changing your pictures, you change your thought patterns, and it is then easier to get into action.

So replace that old, stale, picture with another that is more fun, more exciting, and more rewarding. When you enjoy something, guess what! You will usually do it again and again.

Let’s put some fun back into our daily living!

Play with this today. Whenever you find yourself putting off a task, or just not enjoying what you’re doing, ask these questions:

Does it need to be done at all? (Are you creating work and struggling with something for no reason?)
What part of this am I not enjoying?
How can I make a game out of it or change my framework around it? (Hint: often, just visualizing the reward will help!)

If you’d like to take the struggle out of your grinding schedule and, instead, you want to flow with more ease throughout your day, I can show you how to create your Ideal Week.

Call or email me. I love new adventures!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Gleaming, Silver Birds and Other Patriotic Thoughts

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:26:30 GMT

" ...And the Rockets’ red glare, the Bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night, that our Flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the Land of the free, and the home of the brave.”

from The Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key, 1814

No matter how many times I see a man or woman in uniform, nor how many hundreds of times I’ve seen, heard and felt the mighty roar of the gleaming, silver birds flying overhead, I still get a tingling excitement in the pit of my stomach.

I can’t help it. I grew up in a military environment, and I married into it, too. My current place of residence is smack dab in the middle (that’s southern talk!) of a host of military bases. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love all that this represents and I so appreciate the sacrifices made so that you and I can still live FREE in this great country.

Many days, on my drive to and from a nearby town, I am graced by a mighty jet flying just overhead. Often, it is at the break of dawn, with the sun barely peeking over the treetops. As the shining bird comes mightily soaring down from high in the sky, I can hear the roaring of the engines and feel the thrusting of its power. I am filled with excitement . . . and I swell with pride. Other times, I witness the constant practice of other types of “birds” in their lonely droning over a pattern, determined to master their technologies and skills as they serve to protect one another in the heat of battle.

I’m lucky enough to benefit from these encounters at least once a week. And yet, with each occasion, it’s like experiencing it for the first time. I never tire of it. Just as I never tire of seeing the performances of the precision teams – the Air Force’s Thunderbirds and the Navy’s Blue Angels.

From Day One of their training, everyone in the military learns pride, discipline sacrifice and respect. That’s respect for others AND respect for themselves. I don’t think we see enough of any of those virtues today.

They learn about cooperation and trust. No major project (or mission) can be accomplished by one person alone; it takes many, if not hundreds. They come to understand that teamwork is critical to their survival. Every day, they are responsible for each other’s lives.

These are the symbols that stand out for me when I think of our military.

Are you, as a civilian, willing to be accountable for that level of reliability in your workplace? And on top of that, be willing to work in not-so-plush conditions and to work for low pay and barely suitable housing? Think about it.

There may be some of you who read this and are against everything the military stands for. And so, I gladly give you the space to feel that way. You are free to write and say what you want about that – or any other topic. (That’s thanks to our military, by the way, that you can do that!)

There are many of you who will also understand what I feel and will silently “high-five” me for what I cannot adequately put into words. But once you have lived it, you know and understand it; and it really needs no further explanation.

So it is on this great day of celebration that I boast of our nation – and especially of our military men and women and their families. I do so appreciate the sacrifices they make and the commitment they exhibit.

When I see you in uniform on the street and I give a silent nod or smile, know that inside, my heart bursts with honor and a deep respect. YOU are important in my life, no matter what role you play.

If you are one of the pilots in those gleaming, shining birds that flies overhead, you may see a hand wildly waving out a car’s window as you swoosh by. Know it is me, representing thousands of others, waving you onward and upward. (I declare . . . those wheels will someday tap the roof of my car, they’re so close!).

I am proud that, together, we make up this wonderful community – and I'm proud to call you my neighbor and friend.

To our freedom!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Let’s Celebrate!

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:14:09 GMT

The month of June always feels magical to me. It is a time for endings and beginnings as high school graduates close out one phase of their lives and move into another. Many weddings are held in June - the partners are leaving one life and beginning another.

As you look at your life these past 6 months, what are the celebrations that stand out for you? In what ways have these experiences impacted your life and your relationships with others? How do they mark the ending of one thing -- and the beginning of another for you?

The summer solstice occurs in June. For the northern hemisphere, this is the day in which we experience the most amount of daylight. And of course, the end of June is significant because we’re now at the halfway point in this year.

Are your plans for your life unfolding as expected or in new, surprising ways? How is this revelation meaningful? If the general direction is not what you really want, how will you move it into the direction you desire?

It is always so easy, and so human-like, for us to focus on what is not working or what has not gone right for us. Before we know it, we’ve put ourselves into a downward spiral while we keep the negative currents flowing through us.

And then, when good things do come our way, we often dismiss it with a flip of a hand. “Oh, it was just a bit of luck,” or “That wouldn’t ever happen again.”

I have news for you: we create our own luck. It is our attitudes and beliefs that hold the experience as either a positive one or a negative one. Even in tragedy, there is a gift if we look for it.

There are ALWAYS positive experiences in your life each day. Practice focusing on the things you want more of – not on the things you don’t want or don’t like. Do this for the next five days. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how your entire outlook shifts. And if you’d like a 5-minute guided assistance, contact me.

So if you want more positive experiences, keep your mind and spirit filled with the goodness and flowing energy that embodies those moments and thoughts that inspire you.

You are unique. You are special. You deserve all the joy and happiness that surrounds you. It’s there waiting for you to partake. How will you celebrate your life today?

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Our Many Gifts. Today’s Gift: Challenges

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:16:39 GMT

As you drive yourself through your day, the road may be long and predictable, or winding and a bit testy. There may be roadblocks, potholes to navigate around, and detours may be required.

Which path you choose to get you through the day’s maze is not as important as HOW you get through the day. What attitude do you carry when you are thrown an unexpected challenge – let’s say a detour – in your plan for the day?

You can stomp around, fret and whine about how unfair it all is. After all, THIS was THE day you had planned to do “such-and-such.” And now this!

Or you can take in the new surprise, take a deep breath, and then decide to be open to discovery.

There is always some type of learning that comes with an obstacle. How can you look at the situation differently? What tests are being put before you?

Consider this: Do you intentionally create roadblocks for yourself? Might they be constructed as a way to feed your fears or your procrastination?

Take some time and honestly assess the challenges you face. Look for common patterns and themes.

Bumps in the road will always exist. When you come upon a detour sign while driving your car, you have a choice to make. You can respect the wisdom that someone may know something you don’t and heed the warning – or you can barrel straight ahead on your pre-determined course. As a result, harm may come to you or your vehicle as it hits the pothole or runs through the “no entrance” sign.

In life, we have warning signs too, and it is solely up to you to determine whether or not to pay attention to these signals.

Do you like a straight and narrow path? Or do you prefer a few twists and turns – just to keep it interesting? When we keep ourselves open to challenges, delightful surprises show up!

Keep your eyes open today for unexpected delights!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

WEDNESDAY WISDOM - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:33:19 GMT

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – June 18, 2008 Noon CST

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
- Our Relationship with Money -

Money is an emotional topic for most people. Everyone grows up with deep-rooted beliefs about money; and these beliefs affect us in a multitude of ways. I’m betting you’re like the majority of us – as children, the subject was taboo while we were around the adults. And sadly, that’s how we continue to treat the topic of our personal finances with our own children – we don’t talk about money in front of them.

I’m here to encourage you to break that chain of silence and let’s start that conversation with those around us! Truly - it’s not a dirty subject!

Very few people have been fortunate enough to have some great mentors. Most of us learn as we go; and believe me, we’re making a lot of mistakes along the way. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to share our knowledge with others? Well now there is! Come join me on this month’s Wednesday Wisdom call and let’s talk about The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – our Relationship with Money.

This call is not about beating you up because you’re in debt or can’t seem to get ahead. It’s about helping you understand what your beliefs and attitudes are about money – and how those beliefs get in the way of your financial well-being. With the direction the economy is going and the alarming statistics about the debt burden Americans are accumulating, it’s time to get this topic out on the table.

Did you know that, on average, every American household has approximately $87.000 in consumer debt? Get this: according to a 2005 survey through Oppenheimer Funds, 97% of Baby Boomers are not prepared financially for retirement.

If you fit somewhere among these statistics, obviously, you’re not alone!

So what are the other 3% doing RIGHT? If you’re ready for a change in your financial “attitude” then join me on this month’s Wednesday Wisdom call – June 18th at Noon CST. And if you can’t make the call – register anyway to receive the F ree bonuses. The call will be recorded for later playback and you’ll still get the bonuses – but only if you register.

Do you have a belief there is “not enough” in your life? Are you perhaps wondering how you’ll find any extra money to begin a savings program? Or how you can accelerate the one you have? How would you be different if you could come from a feeling of prosperity in all that you do?

Fellow coach, Kim Pichot of Complete Success, will join me in a fun, mind-altering discussion about Our Relationship With Money

You can choose to have a healthy attitude about money. In this F’REE monthly call, we will talk about moving from a debt-ridden lifestyle to a life of financial freedom:

• Hear mind-boggling statistics about the money management decisions we make
• Discover what beliefs you have about money - and how they may be holding you back.
• Take a short quiz to help you understand your personal roadblocks to financial freedom.
• Learn 3 simple steps to move from debt to prosperity
• Share ways that you create a feeling of prosperity in your own life

As a bonus, those who register for this F’REE call will also receive my 4-part series on “The Color of Money.”

Be prepared to share you wisdom during this lively call -- we’ll want to know what YOU think about the topic of money!

To your wealth!
Coach Darlene

Our Many Gifts. Today’s Gift: Uniqueness

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:34:32 GMT

I’ve been traveling a good bit these days, and I think about the impact my absence has on those around me. Or more to the point, the impact I bring to others when I am with them.

Certainly there are many people who “fill-in” while we’re away. Maybe you have a neighbor who picks up your mail and waters your lawn, a pet sitter who takes care of your furry companions, or a co-worker who does double duty while you’re away.

It’s not that they couldn’t get along without us. As I’ve just indicated, they can pick up the ‘work’ and keep going. Really, it’s more about what we – you and I - bring to our relationships; and that’s what can’t be replaced.

You are a unique individual with all your wonderful and quirky ways. It’s you who brings a smile to your friend’s face when she’s at rock bottom. And it’s you who inspires the ball team with your special words of encouragement. You may be the one with the gentle touch that holds a neighbor’s hand when he suffers a personal loss. The distinctive touches you bring into the day often impact others in ways you may never know.

You are someone special. And there is no one else in the world like you.

Remember that when someone comes into your life, it is a gift, a blessing. Likewise, your presence in another person’s life is a gift, a blessing to him or her. You are important to them. And no matter how many tasks someone else can perform in your absence, no one else can replace you.

How will you celebrate your uniqueness today?

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

WEDNESDAY WISDOM - Leadership Skills

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Tue, 20 May 2008 21:40:51 GMT

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – May 21st 2008
Essential Leadership Skills for Today's Entrepreneurs

Bring up the topic of “Leadership” among your co-workers and friends, and you’ll likely have a diverse discussion on what it takes to be an effective leader these days.

Are you leading a family, leading a band, leading a department in a company . . . or perhaps leading the company? What does that mean, exactly? And how do you lead without becoming a dictator?

Leadership includes the elements of having a vision (and communicating it effectlvely), being able to inspire your team, and having the wisdom to know when to tighten the reins and when to let loose!

And this just touches the surface on the big topic of leadership.

Are you already in a leadership role and feeling somewhat stale on your skills? Maybe you have recently been put in a new leadership position (at any level!) or perhaps you want to someday have leadership responsibility. I invite you to join me on my next Wednesday Wisdom call – May 21st, 2008.

Fellow coach, Kim Pichot of Complete Success, will join me in a lively discussion about the Essential Leadership Skills for Today’s Entrepreneurs. Even if you don’t see yourself as owning your own business, you’ll find this information helpful as you move up your corporate ladder.

And during this lively call, we’ll want to know what YOU think about the topic of leadership!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Our Many Gifts. Today’s Gift: Structure or Not?

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 10:27:41 GMT

Have you ever thought about how you move through your day? Are you organized to a point where every task is impeccably timed, and you can check off the items as you accomplish them? Or do you find yourself in a more loosely-structured environment that may look like chaos to others, but produces results nonetheless?

Notice what your tendencies are from day to day. Also notice how others around you are organized. Is your friend more like you? What about your family members? Often, we are attracted to others who are more like us. At times, however, there is an innate knowing that something may be lacking within our style. The Universe hears us . . . and sends us someone quite opposite to create a sense of balance in our life. There is no right or wrong answer, just simply notice what is.

I’m reminded of the age-old comedy, The Odd Couple, where one roommate was fastidiously clean and the other was, well . . . a slob. While it made for great comedy, it also provided us with a mirror to do a check-in on ourselves.

If you had to define yourself as either one type or the other, which would it be? Which one is your more “natural,” instinctive way of being? It’s not so important which style shows up for you; what’s more valuable is to simply recognize it.

Of course, there are pro’s and con’s to both styles of self-organization. Keeping to a “routine” allows you to get things accomplished, to check off the items on our lists. It provides uniformity and “safe space” – you know exactly what will happen at what time, and how long it should take to do it. However, what happens when the rest of the world doesn’t march to your drumbeat? Does the upset send you over the edge? And if you’re so busy getting through the tasks, how often do you get a chance to “stop and smell the roses?”

At the other end of the spectrum, having little or no planned structure usually translates into being more whimsical and “in the moment.” Everything seems just fine if it’s out of place or the box lid doesn’t quite close on its contents. You’ll get to that project sometime – but maybe not today; right now you want to sit in your garden and leisurely read a book. Often, this style is viewed as more chaotic and disorganized by those who prefer the more orderly approach. They conclude this type of person is surely wasting his/her time doing nothing! And their projects just keep piling up! What you know, however, is that in this mode, you have room to breathe and room for surprises along the way!

Can you be structured and still be present in the day and enjoy your surroundings? Certainly. And most likely, each of us is somewhere in the middle of this scale. There are some situations which call for structure, and some would deliver more delicious pleasures if allowed to flow more naturally.

Understanding how certain things benefit you will often help you become more comfortable with what you know about yourself. So think about how structure (or lack thereof) shows up in your daily life. How does it support you? And perhaps, in which areas does it not benefit you?

Being a stickler for promptness may ensure you get to a job interview with time to spare. It allows you freedom to relax and collect your thoughts before you meet your potential next employer. However, being so focused on “getting there” may shut out your internal sensitivity to how you feel about the potential job. Is it something you really want and why?

On the other hand, the more casual approach likely keeps you calm and less stressed and “floating” through the day. It probably does not support you when you have to rush, and therefore, you are likely late to your appointments.

Understand yourself and how you function in the world. It is a gift that will support you well once you recognize it. You may even find it is easier to break out of your “normal” style and adapt to the other style now and then!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Wednesday Wisdom: Work-Life Balance

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:13:40 GMT

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – April 16th 2008
Work-Life Balance: Is it Possible?

Getting the kids to school on time, getting YOU to work on time, rushing to do the errands like grocery shopping, car maintenance, doctors’ appointments. . . and still finding time to attend your children’s outside activities. Whew! I’m tired just thinking of it all!

So how do you design your quality family time? If you have a significant other in your life – don’t forget to fit him or her in there! And heavens, when does the sacred time for YOU come in?

We all are granted the same amount of minutes in each day. Even though we may not think it's true -- what we do with these minutes, ticking, ticking away, is truly within our personal power to manage.

So I hope you’ll join me on the next Wednesday Wisdom call – April 16th at Noon CST and impart your wisdom with the rest of us as we discuss:

Creating intentions – what you WANT to happen
Establishing boundaries – in all areas of your life
Designing your Ideal Life

During this Wednesday Wisdom call, we’ll ask you to bring us your toughest challenges on how to create a balance that works for YOU!

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Sometimes You Need to Get Out of the Way!

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:52:24 GMT

Often, in our zeal to “be in charge,” we end up causing – or increasing – the frustration levels of those around us by not allowing individuals to demonstrate their own creativity.

What do you notice about those types of environments? Are they enjoyable? Do you feel light and free? Or are you (or your team members) feeling tense and tight?

When managers are so focused on every detail of how a project should be run, or exactly what words have to be used in an overhead presentation . . . sadly, they are misdirecting their energies. The managers should be focused on WHAT needs to get done and not on HOW it needs to get done. Let the team have a say in that!

When we stifle our staff’s creativity, the direct and indirect results include things like: lower productivity, lower attendance, higher costs, and higher tension across the team.

Here are 3 suggestions for letting go of your need to “control” everything and for becoming the leader they want you to be!
    • Understand the project and skill sets needed to successfully complete the job
    • Assess the talent available to you and their availability to work on this project
    • Be clear about what is needed and when

So when is micromanagement appropriate? Most everyone will have different thoughts on this, and certainly each situation should be evaluated on its own. Here are a two situations when a bit tighter control could be warranted:
• A highly visible project with severe consequences for failure
• A fairly new, inexperienced team

Some of the best projects I worked on (either as a manager or as a member of a working team) were a direct result of how much “buy-in” the team producers had in the decisions as to how they organized and in setting their own agenda for success.

Granted, delegation is risky for a manager. And it also requires a leap of faith. Yet, my experience has been that people will most always exceed your expectations if you let them!

In what ways might you begin to delegate and trust in a different way – beginning this week?

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Are You Standing in the Light?

Darlene@CoachForResults.com (Coach Darlene) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:11:58 GMT

For those of us who enjoy astronomy and the wonders of the Universe, tonight was a special night: we experienced a total lunar eclipse. It’s mind-boggling to realize that one half of the Earth can observe this occurrence, and it will be the only total eclipse this year.

During this event, the Sun, the Earth and the Moon (always a full moon!) are aligned in such a perfect plane that the Earth creates a shadow across the Moon by blocking the Sun’s light.

And so, tonight we will talk about the light that shines - and the shadows that lurk - in our own lives.

Take a few moments and think about the relationships that are most important to you. In what ways are you the guiding light for others? How do you support your friends and family members? Do you offer encouragement when they want to step out of their comfort zones? Or do you deflate their dreams through your own fears? Is it possible that you are a blocking force in that relationship?

And now, think about your own life, your own light. Are you shining brightly and basking in a feeling of abundance and support? Or are you lingering in the shadows of a blocking force?

What’s preventing you from stepping into the light?

Often, it is our own fears that prevent us from shining so brightly. It's the unknown that paralyzes us - and it usually has no basis in fact. It’s far easier to hang onto what we know than to explore what is waiting for us out there in the Universe. Interestingly, when we are willing to step into the light, we find it's not such a scary place!

Just as the moon will slowly emerge from the Earth’s shadow and shine brightly again, you, too, can take steps to ease out of the shadow and walk into the light.

The next total lunar eclipse will occur on Dec 21, 2010. Think ahead to that date. Where do you want to be on your own life’s pathway by then? All it takes to begin the journey is one step.

What one step can you take this week to move closer to your light?

Will you take that step?

Have a Golden Day!
Coach Darlene

Are you ready to take the 1st Step Toward Your Future?
Join others in Ft Walton Beach, Florida, in a 2-hour coaching program, “Step Into the Future.” March 17, 3pm CST. Contact Darlene for early reservations.

As a certified life coach, Darlene is skilled at leading others toward discovery of their bright lights. She would love to support you in that journey!