Free Teleclass Wednesday: Strategies to More Easily Use Writing to Build Your Visibility, Credibility and Expert Status
Join me for a FREE, one-time teleseminar on Wednesday, September 1st, at 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET)
Register here: http://www.powerdynamicspub.com/expertstatusteleclass.htm
Are you frustrated that you can’t seem to find the time to write articles and blog posts – Let alone a book?
Are you working harder than ever and you know something has to change for you to enjoy a profitable and sustainable business?
Is it a challenge for you to get booked for speaking and radio interviews?
Here is another important question to ask yourself right now:
What is it costing you in lost opportunities and lost revenue NOT to have built up your expert status?
During this complimentary teleseminar, Caterina Rando will share some of the biggest mistakes business owners make that get in the way of attracting expert status, new clients, and media opportunities.
Here is what we will cover in this info packed call:
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Most importantly, by the end of the call, you’ll be ready to take action to build your expert status, build your revenue, and take your business to the next level.
Don’t miss this timely and exciting opportunity to learn how to easily build your expert status and open doors to new clients and opportunities today.
Register here: http://www.powerdynamicspub.com/expertstatusteleclass.htm
Are You a Waiter or a Chef?
I have been waiting seven months for an exciting training program to be approved for continuing education by an association. I have been waiting eight months for non-profit status to come through for a charity I started last year, A Good Deed Tea http://www.agooddeedtea.org.
I am not waiting in the usual way. Metaphorically, I am not reading a magazine in the waiting room till my turn is called. I am right outside the door in the hall, where I will not disturb anyone, with my laptop, my cell phone and my planner whipping up a fury or other possibilities while moving projects forward and making deadlines, not waiting—never waiting.
How about you? Do you ever hear yourself say things will be better when? Or, I can’t do that—until I finish with this? Or are you waiting for summer to be over, or the fog to roll in, or a course to conclude before you really get going? If you do you may just be a waiter, like one in the restaurant, hanging out in the kitchen waiting for his dish to come up before it can be served.
Do not be a waiter. Be a chef—always seeking to discover a new way of preparation or a new ingredient that will allure the masses to taste a fresh and exciting gastronomic delight.
By the way, lately, I have been putting cinnamon on everything and just loving it. It is like I have discovered the spice for the first time. With a little innovation what is ordinary can be extraordinary again.
I live in San Francisco, a very foodie town. San Francisco has more restaurants per capita then anyplace else in the U.S. Here all the chefs go to the restaurants of other chefs to eat after they have completed their shifts. They watch each other work, share ideas, taste test and inspire their own creativity.
The great thing about experimenting with food is that you can spit something out if you do not like it. Business is different. Still, if something does not work, most of the time you are not stuck with it. Like when you burn a piece of toast—just throw it out and start again.
I have had to nudge many clients who were waiters, who were waiting till everything was all figured out or just right. You have heard it said: How you do one thing is how you do everything. Do you think that is true for you? If so, are you a waiter or a chef? Waiters wait, chefs create. I love being a chef! How about you? Reflect on this as you go through your day.
Skinned Knees are Easy to Hide
Here is the thing about being self-employed. You never know—I never know—what the future holds. Maybe that is true for any situation in life. Still, I do know one thing: I will always be just fine. Here is why I can say that. I know I will always keep moving.
“Fall down seven times, get up eight.”
- Japanese proverb
That awesome quote describes me. How about you?
I am very future-focused. I rarely reflect on yesteryear and I never take enough time to celebrate my successes or rest after a big one. How about you?
I am not sure if being future-focused is good or bad. One thing I do know for sure is that I do not focus on the past—on the things that did not work out. I don’t even want to call them failures, nor do I ever think of anything as a failure. Instead, it was just a project or idea that did not work out—like a book for entrepreneurs in Australia into which my team invested lots of research time and I invested several thousand dollars that never got off the ground. Or the two training programs I paid someone to develop from my speeches and writings that I have never done anything with, or that expensive marketing piece on which I spent countless hours and paid beaucoups bucks for that never even got out the door. So what. I can say “so what” because I always have more to-dos and ideas in motion—what I call my exciting projects.
“Fall down seven times, get up eight.”
- Japanese proverb
I love being an entrepreneur! Where else can you watch all of your good and not so good ideas come to life? Where else can you keep falling down and getting back up, love doing it, and never have to explain yourself to anyone? After all, skinned knees are easy to hide. Where in your business is it time for you to risk a trip, stumble or fall?
If you think it is time to risk a skinned knee, here are a few steps to take you there:
- Keep track of your good ideas and not so good ideas in one place. Like an idea journal or word file on your computer.
- Take time every day for some thinking and planning— taking time to review what you have going on and let the ideas come in on how to do it better, more innovatively, faster, more profitably etc.
- Make a commitment to regularly learn in whatever way you learn best. Learn about what others are doing in your industry, in other industries and reflect on how you can be inspired by what others are doing to enhance what you are doing.
- Make a commitment to implement new ideas, plans and strategies on a regular basis. Some of them will turn into business breakthroughs.
In childhood, skinned knees are often considered a badge of honor—proof that you are playing full out. We could say the same about your business. Risk a skinned knee.
Perfect VS. Good—You Decide
French philosopher, Voltaire, is known for saying: “Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien,” which translates to “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” I think of this today as I edit several chapters for one of our upcoming books, Mompreneur Extraordinaire. There are times when perfect is necessary like when publishing words on the printed page. Although I have purchased and read books with typos and the sky did not fall nor did the publisher garner any criticism.
Perfect in most cases in your business is not a good ideal to pursue. Doing the best you can right now is.
I have worked with countless entrepreneurs who, before they met me, spent months working on a speech or a website or a training program—all while having their businesses go nowhere. Fear and a pursuit of perfection are the culprit.
Here is what I tell my entrepreneur clients that I am also telling you: Instead of perfect, embrace what I call Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3. Phase 1, is the just get it done. Phase 2, is the time when you incorporate upgrades, improvements and new innovations; and Phase 3 is when you feel it is in fact the best it can be.
People ask me all the time how I became a business speaker or a publisher—the answer is super simple. I started to speak and publish. If I waited till I was the best speaker I would still be waiting. If I waited till I knew everything about publishing I would still be waiting. Making yourself and your products or services better is in the doing and pursuing—not in the pre-education, the pre-release tweaking and the planning.
Look at your own business. Where are you waiting, or taking way too long to get something done because you think you need more info, or you want to get it perfect before it is released? Instead make a commitment to yourself to get it done in the next two days so you can start to make upgrades in Phase 2.
Do not get ready to get started to begin to plan a time when you will begin to get going. Just get going! Let me know how it goes.
By the way, with ten books printed or in production, plus the incredible training and co-author benefits we provide I do truly believe we are the best multi-author book publisher there is. Check us out at www.powerdynamicspub.com.
Which is it? Pick One and Stick To It. Always Be Easy to Find
When I married for the first time a couple of years ago, I was asked many times if I was going to change my name. My answer was always no. Not because I have proudly identified myself as a feminist since I was fourteen or because I am proud to be Italian-American and have an Italian last name, while my spouse’s is Irish. The reason is because by the time I finally tied the knot, I had already been in business for 15 years, and to change my name after working so hard to get my name out there for so long would have been a grave mistake- for me.
What brings this to mind today is I planned to tag a friend/client in a post on Facebook and she did not appear to be there. I finally found her after typing in her email address and learned that she is using her legal more formal name for her Facebook profile. Even though she is published under the shorter name and all her friends and clients know her by that shorter name.
Pick a name, one name, always spell it the same and use it everywhere. Be consistent. I even see people using a middle name or middle initial some places and other places not. I see women trying to use their married name for business and their maiden name for business- this no longer works. In this era or being able to find someone in an instant, it is important that you do not make it tough for people to locate you because they will quickly look to someone else and this can cost you business. Make a final decision, pick one and stick to it.
I know about this because I did legally and for business change my first name several years ago.
Let’s have some fun and give away a few prizes. Here is a Caterina trivia question: Can you tell me what my name used to be? Those of you that knew me before I was twenty are excluded from this. Your choice of a copy of one of our latest books from http://www.powerdynamicspub.com for the first three respondents that get it right.
To Friend or Not to Friend? That is the Question.
A lot of clients have been asking me lately about friending on Facebook. They want to know who to friend and who not to friend and what to do when people you do not know personally ask to be your friend. Let’s talk about it.
Think of yourself as the admissions director to your own University of Facebook. You can only allow 5000 people to be accepted to your very exclusive institution. You want them to be the ones that most fit the kinds of students or friends you want. People that will be interested in the courses (your posts) and people that will most resonate with what the administration has to offer- your products and services.
To determine who is best suited for admission you need a strategy and a criteria. To create your strategy answer the following question.
Why are you on Facebook? For fun, to reconnect with your high school and college friends, to stay in touch with your current clients, to attract new clients, to increase referrals? You are the only one who can answer this question. I suggest you have a business focus.
2. Based on your answers for question #1 you can now create your criteria for who you let in your online network. If you know them personally and you like them –let them in. For people that you do not know personally they have to meet your criteria, meaning they fall into one of the groups of the kind of people you want to connect with. They meet your ideal client profile or they are a good strategic alliance partner for you. If you think they are super interesting or cool you can of course still let them in.
This also means if you come across people you would like to add to your network you can friend them too. I suggest always including a note about why you would like to be their friend for a higher approval rating.
You can only let 5000 people into your exclusive network admit them wisely. Happy friending.
Smart Leadership for Entrepreneurs – Part 3 of 3
This is the final installment of a three part series about smart leadership for entrepreneurs. Read Part 1 about creating accountability and listening, or Part 2 about making requests, using positive language, brainstorming and acknowledging.
Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.
Develop a culture of celebrating everyone’s successes
When something goes great let other people know. Tell them when you solve a big problem, when you land an exciting new project, when you finish an crucial certification course. On the flip side ask other people to share their wins with you. Ask them for some wins, give them an opportunity to share with you what is exciting in their business.
Use your intuition
Sometimes you might have a thought or an idea that you cannot intellectually or practically justify. If you want to share it, share it. You can start by saying I have an unrelated thought I would like to bounce off you.” “I am having the sense that.” Trust your intuition and use your intuition.
Have a theme
Create an idea, affirmation or motto in the form of a phrase or sentence that supports a new belief or behavior you are trying to cultivate with your team. Themes can also hold the focus on a particular desired outcome you are working towards. Themes can help you put your attention on a particular skill you want to continue to develop.
Here are some examples of themes some of my clients have used: We easily create customer solutions, We expect success, Trust yourself and your ability to get the job done, New business is everywhere. Pick a different theme for your team each month.
No matter what is the size of your team, it is in your best interest to consider yourself a coach to your employees, vendors and clients. Utilize these coaching skills and watch how your meetings come to fruition with ease. Also your new skills will enhance all your professional interactions. What could be smarter?
Have you enjoyed this series? If you have tried any of the ideas shared here, or have additional suggestions, please leave a comment!
Smart Leadership for Entrepreneurs – Part 2 of 3
This is part two of a three part series about smart leadership for entrepreneurs. Read Part 1 about creating accountability and listening. Be sure to subscribe to this site (on the right) so you don’t miss the next installment!
Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.
Make powerful requests
Sometimes we think we have made a request when really we have only had a discussion. A request looks like: “Will you do that before our next appointment?” or “I request that you fax me your bid by Wednesday.” Not a request: “If you get a chance send me your updated information.” or “Let me know when you can help me with this project.” When you make a request there are one of three responses. Accept the request with a “yes” response. Decline the request with a “no” response or negotiate the request by making a counteroffer.
Use positive language
Eliminate judgment from your communication, take out the word “should” from your vocabulary. Replacement words and phrases might be – would, could, have you considered, it would serve you. When conversing with someone, never start a sentence with “But.” This word invalidates whatever came before it. Instead of “but” use the word “and.”
Brainstorm
When you do not have the answer to a challenge at hand, generate ideas to create a possible solution through brainstorming. When doing this with yourself or with someone else, remember to not comment, evaluate, judge or edit any thoughts or suggestions. Continue to write them all down until there are no more. Then begin a dialogue using the ones that seem the most appealing. Eventually you may have a solution.
Be acknowledging
Talk about the good things you are hearing, make sure the people you interact with know that you are aware of their, risks, wins, expertise, etc.
Acknowledging someone is very different than complimenting them.
An acknowledgment refers to WHO the person is being. An example would be, ” I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me, it shows me that my project is important to you.” “I want you to know that in working with you, it is clear to me that you know your industry and you really care about your clients.” A compliment refers to something the person did or is wearing. ” That was a delicious batch of cookies you made.” “I really like your lapel pin.”
Coming up in Part 3 – Develop a culture of celebrating success, use your intuition, and use themes.
Smart Leadership for Entrepreneurs – Part 1 of 3
This is part one of a three part series about smart leadership for entrepreneurs. Be sure to subscribe to this site (on the right) so you don’t miss the next installments!
Smart Leadership for Entrepreneurs – Part 1
A leader steps up, they provide direction, and sometimes even motivation to get things moving. In today’s world accomplishment is achieved largely through collaboration and making sure people feel seen, heard and a part of the process. Entrepreneurs are good at many things: being innovative, risk-taking and moving quickly. One of the skills many can use l more of is leadership. Having the skills of a leader helps you get everything done with more support and engagement from everyone involved.
Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.
Create accountability
In your professional interactions make sure decisions and actions are not only talked about. Always get a clear, definite agreement. Always have both parties write down any agreements. Each agreement must be specific and measurable and accompanied by a timeline for completion. For example, if someone says to you, ” I will see if I can get to your proposal this week,” create accountability with them by asking, “Are you agreeing to call me back with your decision by Friday?” Take it one step further and make a phone date for Friday to ensure you will get your answer.
Practice power listening
In business you want to show your interest and enthusiasm through both your verbal and nonverbal communication. You will learn a lot more from listening. To be a power listener put your full attention on being fully present with the other person. This includes maintaining open body language; do not cross your arms or legs. Remember to have a relaxed face. Sometimes people are concentrating so hard they look like they are frowning. This intimidates the speaker. Always maintain constant eye contact when listening. Allow no interruptions, do not answer the phone do not begin to talk with anyone else, give the speaker your full attention. Use “ I am listening” words and phrases i.e.. “aha,” “yes,” “I see,” “really,” “interesting,” “I hear you.”
Coming up in Part 2 – Make powerful requests, use positive language, brainstorm, and acknowledge. Be sure to subscribe!
Seven Savvy Strategies to Make Your Business Thrive
Streamlined Radio Show
Holly Chantal from the Streamlined Success Radio Show interviewed me about Seven Savvy Strategies to Make Your Business Thrive. During this show, you will learn how to:
