At my workshop last week, many of the women entrepreneurs spoke about their frustrations when it comes to attracting ideal clients. They said they wanted to learn whatever it takes to make more money. And yet, on follow-up phone calls with most of them, I learned the real truth.
They say one thing and then take different action. Growing a business takes time, energy, money (expenses and investments), action, and support.
Most entrepreneurs don’t know what they don’t know. I get that. That’s why I have 2 coaches!
Let me share some examples of where your actions are clearly representative of your core beliefs. For those of you who are serious entrepreneurs, this is for you.
1) You SAY you want to grow your business. As a solopreneur, many of you fall into bad habits – especially those of you who work from a home office. Yet, many of you have not set office hours, you don’t dress for success when working from home, you continually ‘give’ away your products and/or services. Habits can be good or bad depending on the goals you’ve set. When you decide you are truly IN business then shift some of these habits to actually reflect that truth. Watch the difference that makes.
2) You SAY you want to make more money. I heard that a lot at the workshop I facilitated last week. And yet most of you are not prepared to do what it takes to make that money. Your actions are more representative of your core beliefs when it comes to the topic of money. You don’t invest in travel, events and coaching because ‘I can’t afford it’ (YOUR mantra, not mine). When I made the decision a few years ago to re-launch my business and start over in my new life, I was prepared to DO whatever it took and PAY whatever it took and GO wherever I needed to be – and I did. You need to examine your beliefs about money – about debt – about investments – about business. There is good debt vs bad debt. All businesses invest in order to grow. You need to learn about money, about your core beliefs on the topic and then make the necessary changes in order to grow your business and make all the money you want.
3) You SAY you want to attract and work with ideal clients. I often hear entrepreneurs say ‘I work with everyone’. Well, that is a sweet thought – being out there, saving the world. But, seriously, you cannot work with everyone. You’ve got to decide, clearly and succinctly, who needs you most. And you also need to determine whether or not you are a Nordstrom’s or a Wal-Mart in the market. Get clear – and communicate it effectively and consistently. Your message and your pricing should reflect this. Get clear – get talking – be of service and do what you said you are going to do. Your core beliefs may be getting in the way of what you believe you deserve when it comes to high-paying, high-quality, ‘A’ class clients. Where are those beliefs holding you back? Take a look at your client list – what do you see? Are they ideal? If not, then take action and get rid of the energy-sucking clients and make room for the ideal clients. They will come – once you change your beliefs and take appropriate action.
4) You SAY you are prepared to do whatever it takes. I tried the ‘lone ranger’ approach in my business. It didn’t work for me and it won’t work for you. Stop being so cheap. Yes, cheap! You are so focused on counting your pennies that you are losing sight of what’s possible for your business and for your life. More importantly, you are getting in the way of being of service. You’ve got to invest in yourself and in your business to learn what’s going on in the world of marketing and sales. Let’s face it – until there’s a sale, there’s no business. Shift your thinking from ‘I can’t afford it’ to ‘HOW can I afford it?” You will be amazed at the difference this makes. Then, take action. Many of you are coaches – yet you don’t work with a coach. What? No one has the answers to all aspects of growing a business. Get smart – get a coach – get real and then do what you say you’re going to do. The world is waiting for you.
These are just a few of my favorite tips for growing your business, attracting ideal clients and making more money. It really is simple. Many of you have developed bad habits and poor thinking skills and you’re in a downward spiral. You can turn that around. You need to turn that around. Otherwise, you and your business are going right down the tubes. That would be a waste and a shame.
In the words of my mentor, Lou Tice: “When you change beliefs, you change performance. You have the power!”
Where can you follow through this week and do what you said you were going to do? I’d love to hear………
Please share your thoughts!
