����������������������� Tips For Thriving, Instead of Surviving!
����������������� By:� Coach Preston True, Accomplishment Coaching� �������������� We've all heard the gloom and doom stories about the
economy in general and in South East Michigan, in particular.�
We can go along with that line of thinking, or we can choose to
have a different perspective.� Our� interpretations are what
drive our actions, 100% of the time!� Therefore, we can take
action or merely react to what we perceive is happening.
� ������������ Here are a few positive action steps you can take to proactively build
your business: �������������� 1) Create a weekly 15 minute session with yourself, during which you
outline what your PURPOSE is as a business owner and what is the
PURPOSE of your busines customers/clients who still inspire me?", and "
What higher purpose/mission does my business fulfill?"� This is the stuff that
truly drives us. ������������� 2)� Embrace Marketing!� Any business, and especially small
business, is all about MARKETING.� If you are not comfortable with, struggle
with or despise marketing yourself and your business, please seek support
now.� You will not be in business for long without embracing it.� A colleague
once shared with me, "I'm in the sales and marketing business.� I just happen
to offer commercial cleaning services."� Notice that just shifting a perspective
might benefit you. ������������� 3) Enroll others in supporting you.� This is where most small business owners fall short.� So many of us operate from the "myth of individualism"
- a myth that has us convinced the only way to make it is on our own.� Again, this
thinking is a key ingredient of failure.� Here are some suggestions: ������������� a) Consider that "recession" is just an interpretation.� And consider that
"recession-proofing" your business puts you in a context of REACTING rather than
CREATING.� So rather than waiting or times to get tough and deal with them at that
point, schedule regular time to plan out your day, your month and your year.� Be willing to create a big goal (BIG being defined as NOT predictable) and take action
to move toward it.� Make your context (or lens through which you see the world) one
of abundance rather than scarcity. ������������� b) Enroll 5-7 business associates as your "advisory board".� Big corporations have them, why can't you?� Meet 4-6 times a year on a Saturday
morning for breakfast, share what's working and not working in your business,
and take action on the input from your board.� You'll not only see things happen for
you, but they'll become a champion for you when you put their suggestions into action. ������������� c) Join a mastermind or association group.� Ask around your business
community to see if there are groups of like-minded business owners or
associations that serve your industry that come together to share ideas and
support one another.�� I belong to a local chapter of the International Coach
Federation� (www.michigancoaches.org) and it's a huge support from marketing
ideas to industry trends to managing my practice. ������������� d) Hire a coach.� A coach is an objective partner who supports you in
navigating the tough times and champions your ability and your future.� A coach
does� NOT have answers, a coach asks powerful questions that help you uncover
your answers - the types of answers you are far more likely to take action on.�
Visit the International Coach Federation website to find coaches in your area (www.coachfederation.com) who can support you in many aspects of your business
and life. ������������� e) Go schedule a lunch with the one thriving business owner and ask lots
of questions.� It'll be the most inspiring 90 minutes you've had in a long time. �������������� Happy Prosperity!����������������������������������� �����������������������������������������������������������������
��������������� -Coach Preston
______________________________________________________________________
Preston True is a native of Chicago and moved to Metro
Detroit to start a new career and life for
himself and his family, one that inspired and fulfilled
him. He chose the profession of coaching
because he enjoyed the ongoing learning and training process
himself and also got tremendous
value from facilitating breakthroughs for his clients.
Preston works with inspiring leaders and organizations through individual
and private coaching; team, group and organizational coaching; workshops,
seminars and teleconferences; and also through presentations and Keynote
speaking engagements. For more information, visit www.breakyoursilence.com,
or www.accomplishmentcoaching.com or
call Preston at 249-219-9435.
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