Life and Business Coaching from SolutionBox

Personal Update

2008-10-03T22:58:00.000-04:00

From desperate and dark times early in the year, I've emerged like a butterfly.

Somehow, unexpectedly, I find myself sitting peacefully in the lovely Canfield residence at 7am...typing.
In 30 minutes it's time for kick boxing with personal trainer in the private gym next to the guest suite I'm staying in.
Jack and Inga have been so warm and welcoming; it's still surprising to me that the universe providing such abundance.

I left New York July 10 for a quick 10 day trip, and....well....just never went back. I did the Transformational Leadership Council retreat (Marianne Williamson was one of my favourites, as well as Inga Canfield and Zen Debrucke) in Vail, then Calgary for 3 weeks with my new Canadian family (thinking of buying a house there), then Harbin Hot Springs for 10 days, the SANG conference with AMAZING authors and speakers (where I got to connect with Jack more).

Then it was off to Ojai, CA for 28 DAYS WITH BYRON KATIE. I don't think I'll write about that just now; only to say it was super intense, probably priceless, and I'm thrilled to not be there now ;-)

I'm postponing my Australian trip for a few weeks so I can hang out in LA, and write the book from this amazing home office nestled in the hills, and spend time with my new friend Zen. We're re-branding, and the book will be called "The Wealthy Gypsy - How to Create a Lifestyle of Freedom, from a Lifestyle of Service". My intention is to have it written by November 30, and then to self publish and launch early in the new year.

I'm off now to yet another course, and then it's play-work all the way!

Love to you all

David
PS You can see pictures, video, and updates at www.davidsfacebook.com

Help - They're Taking It!

2008-09-10T00:43:00.001-04:00

They're taking away my phone, and my laptop!

(not to mention my books, music and 50 other things I enjoy)

For 28 days!

Could your business survive this for 28 days?

Could it survive without you?

Here's a 3 minute video challenge from me:

do you get distracted like crazy?

2008-09-02T12:27:00.002-04:00

It's like I have ADD

I sit down to do a CRITICAL task, and end up doing 10 other things.

Like......writing this damn blog entry!

Here's my new, fun technique:

1) Declare Hail Mary mode until a fixed time (I'm declaring it now until 10:30am - one hour from now), to focus on a SPECIFIC task.

2) If you do the slightest thing that isn't directly related to that task, you go out into the street, fall to your knees, and do 10 Hail Mary's.

3) Come back to task.

Ok - I'm off - I have a date with the street....

Personal Update

2008-09-01T20:42:00.004-04:00

Hi guys,

There's no expectation to read this. I wrote it to list all the pieces that are 'coming in', being worked on as I travel the globe indefinitely. Inner and outer journey. If you're interested, I suggest scanning the bold headings, or printing off with a leisurely cup of coffee.

Love,
D

STATE OF THE ONION

David is summarizing his current life journey – at 6am after a strong dream. (He's also playing with talking in the third person – a technique to help him see that who he is, is not what he always thought he was: a body, thoughts, feelings, another etc…..It feels pretty weird and he still sees people who do this as pretentious wankers, but let's see how it goes)
He left NY for a 10 day trip – July 10 – and he hasn't been back. He now doesn't plan to return.
Here are the pieces he's working on, seeing:

THE PROCESS…AND SLEEP

Who needs sleep? Letting go the concept of 8 hours uninterrupted sleep. He's waking up 1 (thank God) to 4 times a night, and using the energy that's there. He writes down his dreams as best he can, listens to them. Sometimes he picks up a book, or writes, like now. Opened to the possibility that waking at night is a GOOD thing! So he can write down his dreams, and listen to his subconscious.

Welcoming tears Sometimes he goes for a walk, and emotion pours out…..old, old feelings….problem-less, without distress, healing. The mind doesn't need to label or explain it! It knows it's OK, it's old, and it's being released. There's compassion. Amidst the soft crying and shaking, there is no problem, no distress. He's really ready to listen to his psyche, in a very new way of being.

Hurting heart Sometimes his heart hurts. He used to think the wracking sobs were sadness, like something was wrong. But now it seems it's just a lot of love for the heart to bear, and it occurs as a pain that's worth feeling, as the heart opens, and something whispers: "it's OK to let this in. It's OK".

The man behind the curtain Realized his sub-conscious (including limbic system) has been running the show for 40 years, and that his conscious mind/cortex has no control over it. Problem ;-) So now fascinated with anything that will help the two speak to each other – that will help release and heal any fears and wounds stored in the subconscious. (And without years of therapy or psycho-analysis!)

Dreaming In particular, studying and practicing dream remembering, dream analysis, intentional dreaming, and soon lucid dreaming.

THE OTHER

The magical other Clear-ifying his search for the magical other to fulfill him, probably based on some kind of mother separation, and loss of his sister. And a 'seeking' hungry energy, like a dog wanting to play fetch, with every attractive woman who passes. Fortunately God and David have different plans for his sex life, and he's getting to be celibate against his will. And enjoy humor around it.

Unavailable? Let's date Clear-ifying his pattern of choosing unavailable women – either those with another partner, or young women who are working themselves out, and have yet to go through an independent phase to prove they can handle things on their own and find out who they are.

Moving on Letting go the myth and illusion of Kristina he's made up, and feels sometimes deep in his cells, seemingly as real as breathing. Opening his heart, loving her and her choices, blessing her and her choices. Grieving. Respecting and honoring. And setting boundaries. Right now no contact for 6 months feels right to truly free himself energetically from his self-hypnosis around this 'other'. (Besides – God sent him 2 more Kristina's anyway ;-)

A real woman Seeing new possibility of partnering with a real ~woman~; a woman of experience; a woman who knows who she is; a woman who feels whole and complete in herself, and ready for partnership. A woman who is not my student.

Choice and intention Perhaps he's at a place to choose more carefully his next relationship, instead of based on initial chemicals and hormones (see What the Bleep), and a need to complete himself. Feedback from his men friends will be critical in this, and perhaps not having sex for 6 months with a potential long-term partner. (As opposed to short-term recreational relationships).

Childish joy A little girl – 3 and 11/12ths she informs me - has borrowed his heart. And he can taste the fear of loving, the old story that you just CAN'T love because it's too risky. Seems time for kids to come back into his life in some way.

THE SELF

Self-partnered Right now, partnering with himself seems key. Self-nurturing, time alone, creating a life not revolved around women, or 'the other', David appreciating David.

Service For months this keeps popping up. Now doing anonymous good is a fulfilling, private game.

Enjoying himself. Feeling a huge amount of energy online – like a million volts; an alertness, a humming vibrating presence. Seeing how all of who he is, is contributing to the lovely people around him, and it is good.

Who we really are Getting glimpses of who he is. He's not his body; not his thoughts; not his feelings; not his situation or habits or doings or preferences or attractions; not his judgments; not THE OTHER. Glimpsing the illusion he's been swimming in – Samsara, Maya….Ahhh, the lovely ego….

Continuing TheWork.com, to see through the illusion of thought.

GOOD MEN

Oh wow…this is as fresh as 24 hours…

Where it all started Will 'fix it' with his father, and have "the conversations we might have had"…..now. Find out who this guy really is.

Real male friend Will learn how to get his emotional needs met from men, and to truly bond deeply with men.

Freeing the wild spirit Deepen his bond with nature; opening to the idea of complete solitude for days at a time.

THE BODY

Drug-free! He's exercising, feeling good in his body. Stopped sleeping pills 2 weeks ago, and Zoloft (an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drug) 10 days ago. Taking loads of vitamins and natural supplements, including the amino acids 5HTP and GABA, a little L-tyrosine, and melatonin.

Very low sugar, caffeine, alcohol. His sacrum is making itself known (funny, I didn't know it was there before), so he's looking for a network chiropractor in San Francisco.

FUN AND TRAVEL

After Calgary, Colorado, Calgary, Harbin Hot Springs….he's now off to the NAPA Valley to schmooze and deal and network and actually generate some cash for the year, then Mill Valley to (if you know of someone in Marin County near SF with an awesome house they'd like house-sat for 7 days during burning man, let me, uhhhh….him, know.)

Then it's a month at Turn Around House, 8 days in LA with friends, apparently Australia (just found out) with David Frey on business (and great chance to open up things with Dad), and then perhaps a communal living experiment in Marin County or Costa Rica for the month of November. Another conference in Hawaii in January, and other than that he's wide open (send him invites! If you can get past the third person thing ;-) It's about being with nature, quiet, and open hearted people right now.

Making the transition to a Mac, to have a stable operating system. (Now isn't that interesting?) He's done with the crashes.
Oh – and his 40th birthday is August 27 – Wednesday!

BOOKS READ/READING

The Eden Project - In Search of the Magical Other – James Hollis
Return to Love – Marianne Williamson
Age of Miracles – Marianne Williamson
Warrior of the Light – Paulo Coelho
Wild Nights – David Deida
Manhood – Stephen Biddulf
Codependent no More – Melody Beattie
Siddartha – Hermann Hess
Spiritual Enlightenment, the Damndest Thing – Jed McKenna
Loving What Is – Byron Katie
I Need Your Love - Is That True? – Byron Katie
Core Transformation
Seeing Who You Really Are – Douglas E. Harding
Photo Reading – Paul Scheele

MY GOALS AND GAMES

write book with awesome ghostwriter (The Wealthy Gypsy)
find marketing person/company to promote my products
find speaking agent to get me 12 big speaking gigs a year
find perfect person to create and run a 3 day Internet Bootcamp
find person to implement high end coaching program for my market
find person to create membership site
meet Richard Branson and Robin Williams

David

PS I seem to be posting regular updates at www.solutionboxblog.com and www.davidsfacebook.com – text, pics, video….so you can track things there.

The Costa Rica Experiment

2008-09-01T01:53:00.002-04:00

Hi guys,

I'm doing a communal living experiment in Costa Rica November 1-30.

I'm looking for a kick-ass pad for someone to rent us, or donate, for the experiment.

Would you post here details of places you KNOW are good? Or people you know who have a place that may be available?

(posting here is preferred, but if you wish to send it privately, you can email terri AT solutionbox.com)

CRITERIA FOR THE HOUSE:
can house 15 people, hot tub, killer view over forest or ocean or both, preferably high enough to be cool (i.e. more mountainous) but not a dealbreaker, no more than 1 hour from a major city, 30 minutes preferred, in nature, place for kids to play that's removed sound-wise from sleeping and main living areas, high speed internet via cable or sattelite (that's a deal breaker).

Thanks for your help!

David

The Wealthy Gypsy: Business man leaves desk never to return

2008-08-28T11:33:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
The Wealthy Gypsy:
Business man leaves desk, never to return

New York resident David Wood left July 10 for a 10 day trip to Colorado, and 4 days later decided never to return.

He's living out of his suitcase and laptop, and is exploring what it is to be a "Wealthy Gypsy."

His apartment is being rented out via remote control.

He's been seen hiking into back country armed with Bear Spray in the Banff National Park, Canada, river rafting with speakers and authors from The Secret in Vail Colorado, and lunching with such thought leaders at Jack Canfield (of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame)in the Napa Valley.

David says: "It's amazing what can happen when you quit your job".

He's using the experience to improve his "Wealthy Gypsy Training Program" which helps people to replicate this very unusual lifestyle.

David has three staff whom he's never met.

Speakers and Authors Networking Conference

2008-08-28T10:58:00.003-04:00

(I arrived in NAPA Valley for the second conference for the Speakers and Authors Networking Group (SANG), thinking I would be bored by all the business.

But I was BUZZING and flying the whole two days.

We’re talking about best selling authors, multi-millionaires and even billionaires, including Jack Canfield (from the Chicken Soup of the Soul series), Bill Bartmann, Ron LeGrand, Alex Mandossian, Stephen Pierce, Joel Comm, Russell Brunson, John Carlton, Armando Montelongo, Veronica Montelongo, Brendon Burchard, Mike Koenigs, Kevin Nations, Matt Morris, Simon Leung, and dozens more.

Wow - just one simple idea couldl doublel sales 400%.

I'm meeting people that can put me on stages in front of a thousand people, with just a word.

I've been wanting to really connect with Jack, and yesterday we had lunch and a good, real talk.

Instead of speed dating we did speed networking, and I have a juicy, NEW (again) title for the book and training program - stay tuned.

David

Wild Nights

2008-08-27T15:45:00.002-04:00

WARNING: The language is direct and explicit and may offend.

From "Wild Nights", by David Deida....

Relationship is bondage, unless your love is larger than the cult.

Love is a wound. Love hurts. You must learn to live wide open; hurting open with love.

If you are bound to objects - even people you truly love - then you suffer, because they can’t deliver what you want from them.

These boys, they’re going to fantasize about sex with young women for the rest of their lives. And by the time the ladies are saggy and wrinkled, and the men are too old to care, it’ll be too late. They won’t have the energy to open beyond their shriveled concerns for a better life. A day without too much pain will be good enough. And when they start dying, they’ll be horrified.

No-one is willing to feel the bliss of the Great One, because they are wrapped up in sex, or wishing they were.

I was using the affection and flesh that now surrounded me to pad myself from the stark free-fall of utter surrender, from the nothingness of deep, open being.

The feeling of tragedy dissipated, leaving only a deep love, wounded to be sure, but also eternal.

One day Michelle, your breasts will hang like soggy pancakes and your ass will sag to your knees. You’ll wake up in the morning, put your dentures in and paint your rotting face, and wonder which of your friends died today.

She’s not your mother. As good as her love feels, as war as her love fills your heart, you are clinging to the breast and missing the moment’s depth. You are afaid to feel totally alone – that is, so open there is no other. NO OTHER.

You need an other so you can be assured of yourself. And the one you want, the one that gives you the most assurance, is your mother. You want to feel her warmth, her smell, her support, her devotion to you – you won’t let go of that.

On the surface, it looked like he and his teacher were at war. But the war was always already over, and love had won, even if the fight continued to appear on the surface.

“You have been given a burden of bliss”, Mykonos said quietly, but with absolute intention. “You know what you have to do”. “This burden is my gift to you”.

It’s time to sit down and have dinner with the monster. (this one from David Holloway)

Trevor Adventures

2008-08-27T13:30:00.005-04:00

Deer

2008-08-24T17:20:00.003-04:00

David in Canada

2008-08-14T19:14:00.020-04:00

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

This is how to work!

2008-08-14T18:34:00.004-04:00

Interviews with Trevor

2008-08-14T16:20:00.006-04:00

Part 2

MM #99: How Big Will You Play ?

2008-08-05T10:16:00.004-04:00

1.Announcements/Offers

How Did These Coaches Set Up Their Businesses So Quickly?

You can save yourself the hundreds or thousands of dollars you may have paid a mentor coach or training school. After personally mentoring sixty coaches and founding a coach training school, I've compiled everything I know about starting a successful coaching practice in one easy-to-follow Manual.

And it's wonderful to see such huge results like this:

"I have just broken through the 50th client barrier! When I first read the Coachstart Manual, I had coached just 14 people, and thought '50 clients...no way!'. But just five months later, it's a reality! Thanks for all your help setting me up as a coach, I will always be grateful."

Daniel Midson-Short, Australia
www.lifestylerevolution.com.au

“I wish I had known about the CoachStart Manual before I signed up with my training school. I could have saved myself almost £600!”

Clare Evans, UK

"I 'inhaled' the manual and loved it. You give very practical advice and I particularly liked the 'sample' dialogues that a coach might have with a prospect (warm and hot invitations) and the sample script. I practice it every chance I get. Thanks for such a great and inspiring Manual!"

Midgie Thompson, UK
www.brightfuturescoaching.com

So, let's get started! Get your CoachStart Manual in the next 5 minutes at www.coachstart.com, and start building!

2.FEATURE: How Big Will You Play?

The year is just over half over. How have you progressed with your career goals? What do you want for the last half of this year?

For the next six months, you can decide to play full out, reaching between 10 and 20 clients and exceeding $2000 per month in revenue. Or, you can aim simply to take on a couple of non-paying clients - it's up to you. You create your game.

Either way, one of the key principles of coaching is to get clear on what you will make happen.

If you're committed to this process, write down or print out the below and put it somewhere you will see it regularly. Then put in place the supporting structure(s) you have chosen and come back. Tell three people you are doing this and ask if they can think of a way to support you.

Target Date

By Dec. 31, 2008 or _________________.

(You can pick a closer goal date.)

Target Clients

By target date I want to be coaching ________ clients.

Target Income

And have a monthly income of $______________.

Support Structure(s)

_____________________________________________

(What will you have in place so you can reach your target goals? i.e. regular marketing time in your schedule, a Mentor Coach, a mastermind group.)

***

This article is based on part of the CoachStart Manual, your guide to starting a coaching business.

Action

1. Decide on your career targets for the next 3-6 months.

2. Print out or write out your targets.

3. Set up your support structures.

4. Share your targets and support structures at the blog

***

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

MM 98: Make Your Business Economy-Proof

2008-07-10T11:29:00.003-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About '10 Super Coaches'

To find out how 10 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too, click here:

10 Super Coaches

"I was working on a marketing strategy that was going to cost quite a bit of money when I bought the ebook. It made me realise there is a MUCH more direct, and less expensive method. Saved me several hundred pounds and gave me a kick up the rear end to do something else. Thanks!"

Neil Gilbranch, United Kingdom

"David, the product is awesome! I cannot express it any other way. I'm still digesting the nuggets on every page and relishing every interview. Thank you for the your brilliance in its development."

Heather Fraser USA

Visit 10 Super Coaches

First Time Author Pre-Booked on Oprah???!!?

I've known Ariane for a little while and love what she is creating. Ariane is committed to helping people through life changes- big and small, personal and professional, even social and global! Her company, TheFirst30Days.com, covers dozens of these changes. She has recently published her foundational book, The First 30 Days; Your Guide To Any Change (and Loving Your Life More) . And before her first book is even published, she's pre-booked on Oprah!

Go to Amazon and pick up a copy of this great book. If you don't find it worth way more than you paid for it, contact us and I'll mail you a check for your purchase price ;-)

2. FEATURE: Make Your Business Economy-Proof

How is your coaching business doing in this slow economy?

Would you like to learn sound business practices that will boost your business
no matter what the economic conditions?

Think Positive

The first place to begin is with journaling. Buy a 99 cent notebook and start journaling about what was great the day before. Write one or two wonderful things from yesterday - even if it is that you walked your dog! It must be something that made you feel good and the bigger your sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, the better. Do this daily starting today.

The purpose of the above exercise is to keep you focused on the positive while you grow your business.

Get Accountable

Secondly, put in place someone that you can be accountable to. A spouse is a possible choice because they are tied to how well your business does, as long as it doesn't bring up fights. Set up weekly meetings with your accountability person and go over the following:

1. Money received this week

2. Money received so far this month

3. Number of new clients this week

4. Number of new prospects this week (or number of
exploratory coaching sessions)

5. Number of new subscribers this week

These two steps, journaling and weekly accountability, may help you to overcome many blocks you might currently be up against.

Now that you have the basics in place, we can start on building your business to be recession-proof!

Find Your Niche

In building a business, you want to identify a niche. Don't worry about being too specific because
your business will grow and expand to similar niches. However, starting out, you
will want to FOCUS on only one.

Here are some questions to get you started in finding the right niche for you:

1. Will it be fun?

2. Will they pay you? Can they afford you?

3. Are they experiencing pain or profit? (This is a good one. If they are experiencing pain, or a problem, how can you provide a solution? Or is there big profitability in what you're helping them with?)

4. Can you find them? (This question will tell you if you are not being specific enough.)

5. How well are they served? (Do a lot of other businesses cater to them?)

6. Can I build alliances?

Find Your Clients

Okay, now that you have discovered your niche, it is time to start building your client base!

1. Start by listing everyone in your niche. Say you are catering to pet grooming salons, list all the salons you can find. Do you see a worldwide potential?

2. Using the list you have made, make your goal to get your newsletter to every one.

3. List all the trade publications and submit your articles for print.

4. Speak at the next conference.

5. Identify vendors and explore the possibility of a partnership or alliance.

6. Identify all national and global associations and contact about the possibility of an alliance.

Make sure that every step of the way you are journaling and holding weekly meetings with your accountability partner.

If you are clear on who your clients are, you live in their world, and you are very visible to them, you will be amazed at how quickly your coaching business will grow!

***

This is from David's interview with Ernest Oriente in 10 Super Coaches Share Their Secrets if you are looking for more inspiration from successful coaches.

Action

1. Start a daily journal. Write what was great about the day before!

2. Find an accountability partner and schedule weekly meetings. (Could be a
spouse or close friend or a mentor coach.)

3. Define your niche.

4. Research any national or global association related to your niche.

5. Post the actions you will take at the blog.

6. What additional steps would you suggest your fellow coaches take? What is working for you right now? What has worked in the past? I invite you to share it on the blog.

***

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

Meditation walk

2008-07-06T09:45:00.000-04:00

Today I did my morning meditation walk backwards.

There is a path along the river. I looked as far as I could see before it curved out of sight, saw no obstructions, turned around, and walked backwards.

It was scary at first. And then I relaxed into it. It was a wonderful feeling watching scenery pass by, as if in a car. And wonderful not seeing what was coming, not having to worry or think about it. Just see what was passing me by.
I walked for about 10 minutes.

I found I'm no longer afraid of sitting on wet benches or grass.

I walked past a fountain and laughed aloud, thinking "Oh no, I bet I know where this is going".
I walked to the fountain, and hesitated at the edge, my feet getting splashed. I didn't want to be automatic about walking into it fully dressed, on a cold day, and I wanted to view it's beauty. So I watched, enjoyed, wondering if I would get the impulse to move in.

Then I heard a voice over a megaphone. I turned around and saw a public safety van. I thought they were telling me to step away from the fountain. But then I realized, over the loudspeaker, the man was urging me to go ahead, walk into it.

That made it so easy; I knew it was time, and I walked into it.

It was freezing!!!! And I stood there, with cold water shooting up between my legs and up my back, and yelled and surrendered.

When I walked out of it, I turned, and through cascading water I saw his face through the window of the van. He was holding two thumbs up and was grinning as widely as possible. I'd made his day. And he'd made mine. It was magic.

I also learned that no-one, but NO-ONE, messes with the guy with no shoes, fully clothed and dripping wet...

sitting in a tree.

David

Poetry (I know, who knew?)

2008-07-04T19:57:00.004-04:00

Special
Through clouded eyes
I have always been special
Standing taller than half the world
Yet shorter than the rest
A lonely height, indeed

No wit, nor speed, nor pain
Could match mine own
Superior, and broken, entwined

Yet now
With eyes wide seeking
Pain lashing me forward
I seem quite ordinary

As ordinary as a leaf
As ordinary as a stone
As ordinary as a rainbow

Prison
Prisoner of my own mind
How do I embrace thee?
Turn the cold bars white with love?

I shout at the wallsThe walls of my shouting
I wail at the lockThe lock of my hate

Loathing hardens the bars
In love, they shimmer and mist

If I loved my prison,
What then would I call it?Is it even mine
To worry after?

She
I starve for her so
I taste mine own hunger
Craving her sweet breath
Her shampooed hair, wafting
Through my brain

Dance free
Curve and sway
So I may be free
For I know not
Mine own dance

Come, nameless one
Complete me
For I was born yearning
Let me suckle at the breast
I never had
And walk, with blind eyes
Past the Divine
WaitingWithin
And swaying with every leaf.

Joy
What joy
To be aware
Cradled by the Universe
In a bed cloud
Or not

Delicious thoughts
My private TV
Serving me

Let’s start again
Hello, mind
I’m David, or not

Share your stories with me
Share your lives with me
Be just as you are (as if you could be anything other)

I’m listening now
Curiosity, a smile, replacing
blind belief

Making Love
Diving to the depths of being
Souls unclothed
Pulsing
Our racing hearts
thumping in stillness

Goddess
I began, as your teacher
A wise man,
with years to his name
A provider,
weighted by bags of gold

I alone held the key,
to the gateway,
of your pleasure,
and the way to opening
Teacher, banker, landlord, pimp
Master, and owner

And now, I find
through some whim of God…

My teachers cloak in shreds!
My years are as ash,
floating in the breeze by
your soaring wisdom
My gold lay in the gutter
as you glide past it,
in your own,
hard earned finery.

Pleasure is yours,
as it ever was
to claim and flow
Your body a temple,
where others
may drink and tithe

The chain of need smashed!
Shattered!

No longer, a reason to stay.

As you approached the oasis,
You saw your frailty
shimmer and mist.
A mirage,
nothing more.

You walk alone
A Goddess resplendent
Radiant.

I have no golden cuffs by which
to hold you.
No finery with which
to dazzle you

I stand before you
Naked
Without even body
I lay down my wit, my charm
my special stories.
Neither teacher nor student.
Not provider nor beggar
No tantric guru or exclusive…
exclusive…
anything.

All that’s left,
is me.
laid bare.

And now Goddess
With the world at your feet
And suitors flocking
I am astonished!

As I find you walking freely,
by my side
in the garden of not knowing.

I marvel
that you are here
And at last,
I see the true face
of love.

by David

Calgary visit

2008-07-04T19:35:00.002-04:00

I'll be in Calgary July 10-15 inclusive, and would like to connect with you, and others in the SolutionBox, coaching, or motivational and spiritual communities.

I have an impulse around creating an evening where anyone can come and ask questions about sharing your gift with the world and gettingpaid for it, building a professional practice,or internet marketing.

I could speak to an existing gathering/meeting, or we could create our own - which would requirea space, someone to set it up etc. I don't think we'd charge for it, unless it was a nominal $20 which went to charity, or to cover the cost ofthe space.

An alternative (or as well as) to a talk/speech could be drinks at a fun, quiet, bar. I'd really enjoy that too.

1) Does a speech/teaching type event call to you?
2) Does a social event call to you?
3) What if anything, do you propose?

Please post your comments using the comments link below.

David

Create #53: What's Your Greatest Dream?

2008-06-24T10:27:00.006-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What are they Saying about 'Explode Your Practice'?

"David, thanks so much for creating Explode Your Practice™. I've listened to all the libraries, and my coaching practice is booming as a result!

I have:

-21 new exploration sessions booked
-9 new clients
-my website appearing in all major search engines, and
-I've started coaching international clients!

Daniel Midson-Short
Australia
www.lifestylerevolution.com.au

"I have already listened to at least 6 hours and my ability to open my practice has been accelerated by at least 3-6 months. Hearing David's real life advice to coaches has made a huge difference for me.

This will take months off my learning curve. I won't have to go through the frustrating trial and error process which costs time, money and clients! Thank you, David!"

Jeannie Crowell
Oregon, USA
jcrowell @ bendcable.com

Get your 'Explode Your Practice' CD set at:

http://www.explodeyourpractice.com/

Are you a snuggler?

I LOVE snuggling.

I just created a tshirt for myself that says: “get your snuggle on”
The site asked me if I wanted to make it available
publicly and I clicked Yes. Then I thought – maybe
others would like this tshirt. You can order it online
here:

Get your snuggle on T-Shirt

I can’t wait to wear it.

----------------------

2. FEATURE: What's Your Single Greatest Dream?

Let's keep this edition straight to the point.

What's your dream?

Your greatest dream?

What is your single greatest dream?

If you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY could have anything you want?

You know the most important step to having something, is declaring it.

Forming the very thought in your head, is the beginning.

Speaking it to the world, is the next step.

Hmmm…I wonder what it is for you…

An island in the carribean?

To bring one million people out of poverty?

To dance on broadway?

To have a best selling book? (yes, you know who you are)

To have the partner of your dreams?

To cure a disease?

ACTION
What is your single greatest dream?

Would you tell me?

Would you tell everyone?

Post it here: Blog

Love,

David Wood

-----------------

3. The Personal Touch
I’m three days fresh from the Byron Katie School
for The Work. This is the closest that might come
express what’s happening:

I’m cracked wide open. Heart unfurled…
Gentle sobs as the world pours in.
Love flowing me.
Any thought an excuse to feel
The key to freedom in my pocket
100 doors partially unlocked
Just beginning to open
The thrill of unfolding
Knowing it can’t stop now
Knowing it’s certain
Sensing the acceleration like cracks in a dam
And knowing it’s….already
Loud joy
Are you an angel?
What is not an angel?
Support too big to grasp
Support is God is Support
Body-gasms, bursts of pleasure
In the solitude awakes company
More together than surrounded by friends
Are you new here?
Yes, I am.

Love David

P.S. Sharings on your Byron Katie experience are welcome at blog

MM #97: Accountability for Personal Power

2008-06-09T19:06:00.006-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

When did 'Ten Super Coaches' Become 'Seventeen Super Coaches!?'

With your copy of the '10 Super Coaches ebook' you currently get a free expansion pack including another seven interviews!

To find out how 10 17 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too. Click here:

http://www.10SuperCoaches.com

"Why reinvent the wheel when you can see how successful people are already producing results you want? Don't hesitate, buy it today. The '10 Super Coaches' ebook has given me the confidence and inner strength I needed to build my business, I have been able to fine-tune my fees, and I have offered sample sessions with success."

Denise Simons, New Zealand
RELATE Coaching

Visit 10 Super Coaches

2. FEATURE: Accountability for Personal Power

Sometimes when you are coaching or delivering a service, the client doesn't hold up their end of the agreement. For example, perhaps they didn't do their "homework", following through on a commitment, or even call on time. Wouldn't it be great to hold them accountable?

And if you haven't already guessed it, it's best to start with ourselves. Where are we not holding ourselves accountable for what we say we'll do?

Often in our society, these commitments are glossed over. Don't worry about being late, missing all your deadlines or not doing what you said you would. People don't usually hold you accountable, and we let them 'slide' on things too. It's an unspoken deal.

However, not doing what I say I will do, creates a loss of power. I'll trust myself a little less, and people will trust me a little less. My word has less power the more I say something and not follow through. Can you see this in your life? As coaches, as people committed to being extraordinary, we have a chance to create something different - something unusual.

The coaching relationship can be a new way of relating for some people: being accountable for what we say and do. Wouldn't it be fantastic if everyone took on this new relationship model? Let's be a model for accountability.

Have you ever intended to do something, but it didn't happen? "I really wanted to write my vision BUT I didn't have time." Intention is great but a true commitment to what you say is something different.

Coaching Questions

Here are some questions to ask a client who is not following through on their actions (and of course you can apply these to yourself). Let's find the source of the resistance:

1. What is in the way? What is preventing you from doing this task?

Answer honestly. This may be a major block for you to work around. This also may be a signal to tell you that what you set for yourself is not really what you want to accomplish.

2. What are the benefits of completing the action?

Get in touch with how good it will feel to get the results.

3. What is the cost of not doing the action?

Really getting present to how life will be if the action is not done can be a big motivator.

4. Is this a commitment for you, or just a good idea?

Are you telling yourself, "I'll do it." or are you saying, "It is a good idea and if it's convenient, I'll do it." Let the client know they have options. They don't have to just agree or disagree. They can also counter offer and negotiate.

5. Would you like to drop this action or commitment?

Once I told a client who continually failed to write her newsletter: "Drop it. I'm sick of you saying the same thing every week. Let's drop this as a goal". And she replied: "That feels terrible. No way - I really want to do it". And the next week it was done. Threatening to take the goal away was very powerful, and fun!

Practices

Here are some practice strategies I suggest for myself. You might like to take one of these on for yourself this week, and have any of your clients practice it as well.

1. Honor your word.

Honoring your word means that you do everything you say you are going to do. So you will need to choose what you say carefully. When someone says "Call me tonight", if I'm not committed to it I say "I may do that, and if I don't feel free to call me". If someone says "Give Bill my love when you see him" I say: "I will if I think of it". If someone says are you coming to my party tomorrow night I might say: "I'm not sure how my energy will be tomorrow, and if I feel good I'll come".

Also you may wish to practice saying "no".

If you've said something and you don't want to follow through anymore or you can't, always communicate as soon as practical to renegotiate and empower the other person.

2. Under-promise and over-deliver.

Under-promise and over-deliver means...well, let's give an example: instead of agreeing to finish a project by Thursday, tell them Monday and have it done by Friday!

Not only will you build your self-esteem but you will also build the appreciation and respect of others. They will know what to expect from you and will want to communicate with you more often. People will know they can count on you.

3. Create a structure

If I'm committed to doing something, I'll often put a structure in place to get it done. You can use this for yourself, and of course encourage your clients to tell you the structure they will create to ensure something gets done. Their structure might include lots of notes posted everywhere, getting their secretary or spouse to give them reminders, or adding it to their scheduling book.

***

Action

What we learn is just insight without the application of practice. To really learn it, we must practice.

1. Say "no" three times this week!

2. Under-promise and over-deliver three times next week.

3. Pick a goal you want to move forward on, and put in place a structure to support you moving forward. (e.g. reminders, motivational picture, asking a buddy to call you, working with a coach).

4. What ONE THING did you get from this article the blog that will be most useful to you going forward? Post at the blog.

***

This was taking from the 'Top Coaching Techniques' self-study program. If you want more ideas to improve your coaching visit: Top Coaching Techniques.

Enjoy!

What book can save your business from failing?

2008-06-07T13:46:00.004-04:00

I'm excited to tell you that at the end of June I'll be interviewing a business legend - and you can join in.

He wrote THE book on how to start and run a successful business.

He didn't change my business thinking...

...he GAVE me my business thinking. I didn't know what a business truly was until I read it.

It's 'The E-Myth Revisited' by Michael Gerber. The book shows you how to go from working in your business to creating systems that let you have a life as well, and now has a cult following.

Now, you can just show up to the interview at the end of June if you like. But you will get MUCH more out of it if you have read The E-Myth.

So I encourage you to order your copy right now - today. You can find either of these books in your local bookstore or Amazon.com. (That's right, no affiliate commission - I just want you to read it!)

And after reading it, if you're ever willing to part with it, it will make an amazing gift for a friend.

Cheers,

David

P.S. Already a fan of the E-Myth and Michael Gerber? Share your experience in the comments.

P.P.S. If you want to make sure you don't miss the teleclass with Michael, lock in June 26 6pm EDT/NY time. Details will follow closer to the date.

P.P.P.S. The price of http://www.topcoachingtechniques.com/ will be going up soon. If you'd like deep confidence in your coaching ability, beat the price rise and order your copy today and listen in the car, on the train, around the home - train yourself! ;-)

MM #96: Sign More Clients With Powerful Questions

2008-05-27T15:04:00.002-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About '10 Super Coaches'

To find out how 10 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too, click here:

10 Super Coaches

"Why re-invent the wheel when you can see how successful people are already producing results you want? Don't hesitate, buy it today. The '10 Super Coaches' ebook has given me the confidence and inner strength I needed to build my business, I have been able to fine-tune my fees, and I have offered sample sessions with success."

Denise Simons, New Zealand
RELATE Coaching

David, the product is awesome! I cannot express it any other way. I'm still digesting the nuggets on every page and relishing every interview. Thank you for the your brilliance in its development."

Heather Fraser
USA

Visit 10 Super Coaches

2. FEATURE: Sign More Clients With Powerful Questions

As Coaches, we are always looking for ways to better the lives of our clients. But how can we help someone if they cannot commit to using a coach?

When doing a trial session with a new prospective client, we first must assess if they are in need of a coach. Let's face it- there aren't too many out there who aren't!

Then we have the opportunity to show them how we can help to improve their lives. For a client who does not know what they want or is slow to make decisions, this can be a difficult task.

So I am going to let you in on a technique that will eliminate excuses before your trial session even begins!

The Secret

The secret is in the "what".

It is said that 'what' questions really help people to access their own wisdom.

A 'what' question serves as an open-ended question that they can't only say 'yes' or 'no' to.

I know what you are thinking, 'This is great but how can I use it to eliminate excuses before the session begins?'

Great question!

The best way is to ask your prospective client to work out what information they need to be able to make a decision. In other words, have them write down, before the session, what they would need to know to be able to make a decision about setting up a coaching structure for their goals.

This is a fantastic opportunity to coach them through the decision of getting a coach! Give them their "homework" before the trial session by having them write down what they need to know in order to make a decision.

This is a really powerful technique that makes them take a look at themselves.

Examples

What are your current frustrations?

What would you like to change in your life?

What information do you need to make a decision on coaching?

What other people do you need to talk with before getting a coach?

What is the value to you of completing your goal?

What would it take for you to be really happy right now in this
conversation?

What would you need to achieve in 3 months to know hiring a coach was a great decision?

Action

Add "what" questions to your website if you have a form they can fill out to request a session.

Add some "what" questions to your introductory emails that help to prepare your prospective client for their trial session.

Let us know your "what" questions at the blog!

***

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

MM #95: How to Get Fantastic Testimonials

2008-05-12T13:14:00.002-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About 'First Fifty Clients'?

Simply Brilliant!!!!!

Visit First Fifty Clients

2. FEATURE: How To Get Fantastic Testimonials

Testimonials can be extremely valuable to a coaching business. Not only do they show prospective clients that you have successfully worked with others, they show YOU that you have made a difference in your client's life or company. Yet many people are afraid to ask for them.

Getting testimonials is easy and in my CoachStart™ Manual I give you all the steps you need.

Let's summarize a few here...

It's important to get at least three good testimonials. They can be short, but should promote your credibility, confidence, and services.

You must also get their permission to use the testimonials publicly, in your brochures, website, portfolio, etc.

The more information you can include, such as full name, title, company name, email address, etc. the more credible the testimonial. If you can get a picture, even better!

Through Instant Audio you can even have them call a phone number and record their testimonial - then add a link to the testimonial on your web site.

Quick Testimonial Tips

Get in the habit of asking for a testimonial each time you finish up with a client or when they are particularly excited about something they've achieved with your help
Don't be afraid to ask someone you've given just an Exploratory or Trial session to.
Start collecting positive e-mails and letters now – this will give you a good start in asking for testimonial later. You may even just use those e-mails! (with permission).
I suggest tweaking it to the language you want, and then ask the client for approval of the final edit.
When you speak to a club or company, get agreement in advance for a testimonial.

Sources of Testimonials

Possible sources of testimonials include your friends and colleagues.

Let them know you are starting your Coaching business and ask them to jot down how you have helped them – managing former employees, counseling someone on a problem, or just giving advice that really helped them. Or offer them a coaching session so they become one of your first clients!

Of course your actual clients are a great source for testimonials. If you are new, you can offer free coaching for a month on a particular topic in return for a testimonial. Past clients of any type can also give testimonials, even if not specific to coaching. Statements such as "Thank you for helping me with my relationship goals – you've made a difference" are powerful statements.

Use Your Testimonials

Once you've gathered your testimonials, print them out, put them on your website, share with prospective clients – Use Them!

Action

Jot down the names of six-ten people whom you have assisted in some way in the past.

Ask these people to email you with 1 paragraph on how you have helped them move forward in their life.

If you like, share some of your favorite testimonials at the blog!

***

This was drawn from The CoachStart™ Manual, found together with hundreds of dollars in free bonuses, here.

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

Create #52: Structures: When You Just Can't Get Motivated

2008-05-03T08:43:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What are they Saying about 'Explode Your Practice'?
"I have already listened to at least 6 hours and my ability to open my practice has been accelerated by at least 3-6 months. Hearing David's real life advice to coaches has made a huge difference for me. This will take months off my learning curve. I won't have to go through the frustrating trial and error process which costs time, money and clients! Thank you, David!"Jeannie Crowell Oregon, USA jcrowell @ bendcable.com

Get your 'Explode Your Practice' CD set at:

http://www.explodeyourpractice.com/

New York Event: Day of Marketing
I'll be speaking at this event at Columbia University. It's Friday, May 16, from 8 am to 6:30 pm, and Saturday, May 17, from 8 am to 12:30 pm.

If you can make it to NYC you'll hear my speech that people paid up to $2000 to hear last year, plus we can say hello.

My topic? ‘The Four Freedoms: How to do what you love and get paid for it' For more detail on what I'm covering see http://www.internetclients.net/- that pretty much lays it out. Check it out and kindly post on http://www.solutionbox.com/comment if you decided to register ;-)

Register Here

2. FEATURE: Structures - When You Just Can't Get Motivated

For three months I've barely touched work. In fact I've found it hard to leave the house much of the time. And for some people (including me the past few months), lack of motivation can be just the surface. I've recently experienced anxiety and depression, and now a break up. (Yes, yes, all part of the spiritual journey. And - it can all be a bit inconvenient when there are bills to pay, and results you want to produce!)

You may be in a similar place. You may just be feeling unmotivated and wanting some oomph in your life. Or you may be doing well, and want to fly higher.

This article is for you.

I'm feeling motivated and excited right now. And I figure if I can do it coming from the space I've been in, then anyone can do it.

I'll keep it to two simple steps:

Step 1) What do you need for yourself?

Take a look at what's missing for YOU. What are you not giving yourself? What could you add to your life that would fill YOU up? Is it a soothing bath each day? A massage? Doing a good deed? Nurturing touch from a friend? More (or less) time with your partner? Exercise? Or to see an exciting football game.For me, it's setting up a lot of company/social interaction. It's being around inspirational people who are making things happen. It’s exercise and moving my body. It's music, good food, and chai tea ;-) It's doing the inner work. And it's keeping busy so I'm not navel gazing too much on my own in my apartment with my thoughts.

What is it for you? I invite you to make a list right now of things that you might really enjoy; that would fill you up; that would have you feel nurtured and happier.

Step 2) Put the structures in place to have this in your life

Given I don't feel like leaving the house right now, and I'm often not in the mood to set up something supportive, setting up structure in advance can often be the key.

What kind of structure would support you moving forward with your goals? And giving you what you need to soar higher?

For business goals do you need a goal buddy? A coach? More social interaction or fun? Accountability? Inspiration?

For more personal goals do you need more fun? More nurturing? To be in action each day? A goal buddy? A coach or therapist? A filled in calendar?

As you read through the list of structures I've created (am creating) for myself, see what comes to you as something that would serve you:

joining a men's group
scheduling time with friends including sleep-overs
registering for volunteer work
exercising almost every day (e.g. rollerblading in central park, squash, 5 Rhythms/Sweat Your Prayers, Bikram yoga)
setting up a buddy for a regular 8:30am call to do withholds (you get 15 minutes each to talk uninterrupted and blurt out the rubbish in your head; or you could do the Morning Pages)
setting up appointments to work from a café with friends, instead from my home office.
hiring an awesome coach to help me do The Work
massage twice a week

***

Action

1) Go to the blog right now and post the top three things that would fill you up; that would have you feel nurtured and happier and possibly more motivated.

2) After that list, post the STRUCTURES you will put in place in the next 7 days to make sure these things happen without you having to keep creating them all the time; they just happen. (Hint: a regular schedule helps, as does committing with a buddy or coach).

* * * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog. I'd love to hear what gifts you're going to give yourself, and the structures you'll put in place to ensure they happen.

3. The Personal Touch

As you may already know from the above article, things have been pretty rough. And - out of the ashes rises blah blah blah. I've learned a lot about what I want/need in relationship and what serves me. I've set boundaries for myself, even when it was very difficult to do so. I've set up strong structures in my life to take care of myself. And I'm exploring who I am - and how my thoughts work (yes, it's pretty trippy - highly recommend http://www.thework.com/ ).

Fortunately - the last 3-4 weeks have been a major turn around. I'm excited about business again, and getting stuck into things. My purpose is becoming clearer, and I'm feeling connected with it: Helping people share their gift with the world, and to get paid for it. And ultimately - to help people be free in all aspects of their life. And I'm intrigued by this thing called 'service' - it's popping up in a lot of different areas. I'm absolutely thrilled to have been voted into the http://www.transformationalleadershipcouncil.com/ , and I feel it's calling me to play a bigger game.

I'll probably do quite a bit of speaking this year and next, and spoke last week to a class at Columbia University which was great. Time soon to get back to the book and ensure the message gets out to the world.

I'm having a few tentative dates, and enjoying my wonderful friends. Also exploring my vision to live with other people after a long time being solo. Life is good!

Lots of love,
David

'August Rush' - and your purpose

2008-04-27T12:10:00.001-04:00

FUN INVITATION
I just watched the movie ‘August Rush’, and loved it.

Further, I had a very deep insight afterwards that affects and supports my coaching, my marketing, and my purpose. I encourage and challenge you to watch the movie in the next 7 days, and post any insights you have about your purpose – what you’re up to in the world - at this link:

http://tinyurl.com/3k4xto (or click 'add comment' below)

(If you’ve seen it recently – then feel free to post now!)

ONLY ONCE YOU’VE WATCHED IT…
Once you’ve watched (or re-watched the movie), then listen to MY insight here:

August Rush - 3 minute audio

And I hope you’ll post your own insights. I found the movie very moving, and hope you do to.

David

MM #93: How Do I Write My Coaching Agreement?

2008-02-21T15:57:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About 'First Fifty Clients'?

Simply Brilliant!!!!!

I listened to the disc for the first time on Monday and have already booked 45 people for exploratory sessions. I may have to extend my goal to 100 people in 100 days. I never knew I could inspire people to take advantage of a free session. You have motivated me into action and I wish to thank you for this. " - Loretta Digger, UK

Visit First Fifty Clients

Brief Note From David
Hi guys, quick note to say I've been traveling the last 3 months - California, Australia, and my brother's wedding in the Cook Islands. Now that I'm back in New York I'm feeling more business energy gradually flowing in my veins, and turning my attention back to how YOU can fill your practice with clients. So stay tuned to more from SolutionBox. Cheers,David

2. FEATURE: How Do I Write a Coaching Agreement?

The CoachStart™ Manual includes a special bonus that you can use in your coaching business – an actual Coaching Agreement with my policies and procedures included! This is a great tool to get you started as you create your own personal coaching agreement. Below I have given you some ideas to craft your own Coaching Agreement. Please note that I am not an attorney, so I recommend that you get legal advice and not to rely on this agreement for legal protection. Let's begin.In your Coaching Agreement with each client, you'll want to specifically detail what your client will receive, what you expect of them, the fees, and what they can expect from you. The following sections are important:

Coaching Sessions

Here you should lay out how many sessions you will have each month and the type and length of each session. Identifying extra services including e-mail availability, extra check-in calls, referral opportunities, etc. These bonuses in the Coaching Agreement add value and let your clients know you are available to them when needed.

Expectations and Self-Coaching

I expect each of my clients to e-mail me a Self-Coaching Form before every session. In the Coaching Agreement, I detail the value and importance of this document. The Self-Coaching Form will make each session more productive, efficient, and will DOUBLE the value they receive from your coaching sessions! Basically the Self-Coaching Form includes what they learned this week, what actions they completed, what actions they didn't, etc. Think what questions you ask often in your coaching sessions and create your own form.

Rescheduling and Billing

Be very specific on whether or not sessions are cancellable and give them time-specific rescheduling options. Billing should always be in advance. It's a good idea to offer discounts for paying multiple months in advance, such as a 25% to purchase 3 months of coaching. After six months, I offer coaching options of just one session a month with e-mail support.

Termination and Non-Refundability

This is where you again remind them of the importance of their investment and that the agreement can be cancelled only at the end of a billing cycle. I prefer to allow cancellation at the end of a particular month - so they aren't thinking every session "should I keep going or not?"Some coaches don't give refunds - I certainly didn't. I want the client to have a huge stake in the relationship, and to MAKE the time worthwhile.

Liability

Again - you should seek legal advice on this section. I'll just raise a few of the issues that can come up in a worst case scenario:

- client changes career, new career doesn't work out, client sues you

- client takes action at work and gets fired, client sues you

- client turns out to have a history of mental illness and you were playing with fire, client harms self or others, client or family sues you

- client starts a new business which fails, client sues youFor more information on liability check with a lawyer. Also, see if you can get liability.

And

- International Coach Federation members can get professional insurance here. ***

This was drawn from The CoachStart™ Manual, which can be found together with hundreds of dollars in free bonuses here.

Action

1. Write out what your monthly coaching service will include.

2. Describe what you expect of your clients.

3. Describe what your clients can expect of you.

4. Share your thoughts and ask questions at the blog!

* * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

MM #92: Your Speaking Process

2008-02-04T16:55:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

How Did These Coaches Set Up Their Businesses So Quickly?

And it's wonderful to see such huge results like this:

"I can't think of a better investment or more profitable long term step for an aspiring coach to take other than purchase and devour the CoachStart Manual. I used this guide as my Bible when commencing my coaching business and my first 12 months generated revenues over 6 figures....well in excess of my plans and expectations. For a fast start to your business I strongly recommend its use, you'll gain confidence and turn your dreams into reality."

Ken Wright, US

www.TheWrightCoaching.com

"I've already recouped the costs of the First Fifty Clients and the CoachStart Manual in coaching fees in 3 weeks."

Eddie Smith

Houston, Texas

www.lifecoachingtoday.com

So, let's get started! Get your CoachStart Manual in the next 5 minutes at http://www.coachstart.com/, and start building!

Visit a 6 Figure Coach

Last year we had a fantastic call with Ken Wright. You can find more about this coach, who made 6 figures in his first year of coaching, here:

http://www.thewrightcoaching.com/

(And you can sign up for his newsletter, "Tips to Lead the Wright Way", on the front page, bottom right)

2. FEATURE: Create Your Speaking Process

Here's a simple process to print and post up on your wall. Add some deadline dates too:

1) Pick a sexy sounding topic that you care about.

(Hint: solve a key problem for people)

2) Pick four key tips or solutions around that topic.

3) Draft an outline for your speech.

(Hint: powerpoint is a simple way to keep you on track, but don't put your whole speech on it, just bullet points)

4) SET A DATE and invite your friends to hear your speech - before you even have it ready.

(Hint: they'll give you written testimonials at the end, and verbal suggestions to improve it)

5) Put together an impressive looking bio with picture of you.

6) Join the National Speakers Association and go along to local meetings.

(Hint: find out who fields requests for speakers, and let them know you'll handle any free request to speak, just for the experience)

7) Call your local public service groups (e.g. Rotary, Zonta), and get on their roster.

(Hint: negotiate in advance a testimonial letter from every single speech. You'll sometimes get an offer of a paid speech out of your free speeches.)

8) After 3 speeches, quote a $200 or $500 fee per speech.

(Hint: if people baulk, you can always drop your price)

***

If you would like the full chapter on speaking to get clients or if you would like to see the other chapters included in The CoachStart Manual™, you can find them here.

Action

Print out the steps above.

Add your deadlines next to each step.

Post it on your wall

Get started on your first step and post at the blog what you will do by when, for accountability.

* * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

Create #51: Set Awesome Goals for 2008

2008-01-17T16:02:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What are they Saying about 'Explode Your Practice'?

"David, thanks so much for creating Explode Your Practice™. I've listened to all the libraries, and my coaching practice is booming as a result!

I have:

21 new exploration sessions booked
9 new clients
my website appearing in all major search engines, and
I've started coaching international clients!

Daniel Midson-Short
Australia
www.lifestylerevolution.com.au

"I have already listened to at least 6 hours and my ability to open my practice has been accelerated by at least 3-6 months. Hearing David's real life advice to coaches has made a huge difference for me.

This will take months off my learning curve. I won't have to go through the frustrating trial and error process which costs time, money and clients! Thank you, David!"

Jeannie Crowell
Oregon, USA
jcrowell @ bendcable.com

Get your 'Explode Your Practice' CD set at:

http://www.explodeyourpractice.com/

2. FEATURE: Set Awesome Goals for 2008

(Reprinted from a past article as it's so good!)

Welcome to the New Year! Did you ever want to be one of those people who makes resolutions or sets goals every year and actually sticks to them?

My friend Peter Hegarty has made 3 resolutions every year for the last 15 years, and completed every one!!! Imagine if you had set and achieved 45 extra goals for your life!

But that's pretty 'out there'. This article isn't for those of you who easily create three resolutions every year, create a plan for achieving them, and put it into action without effort.

No - it's for those of us who WANT to make some changes to our life, and are JUST ABOUT to do some goal setting, and were waiting for the push that comes from this very newsletter. Well here it is!

And you'll be glad to hear I'm not going to bust your chops about goals. I'm clear that many of us don't set goals because we don't want to set ourselves up for 'failure'. It's a bit confronting. Well - welcome to the 'easy flow' method of goal setting.

I'm going to simply invite you to create three goals that will make a difference to your life, and then to put them up on your wall. If you don't complete them - what have you lost? You're no worse off. And if just picking some goals and putting them on your wall is enough to tip you over the edge and cause some results, then you've discovered a very easy way to make changes!

My 3 Step Goal Finder™ Method

So let's get started. Here's my easy 3 Step Goal Finder™ method:

1) Firstly pick an area of your life that you really would love to polish up. (Not SHOULD polish up, but would LOVE to polish up). Common areas are relationships, career, finances, health & fun/lifestyle.

2) Then set a resolution or goal that would put a smile on your face when achieved, and write by when you would like to have it. (A stretch is OK, but keep it doable.)

3) OPTIONAL: Repeat this process until you have 3 goals. (Note: You can skip these steps and simply pick something that you know in your heart you want to do.)

Your goals should be specific (i.e. will it be clear when you've reached it? A goal like 'feel better' about myself is hard to measure. While a goal like 'lose 10 pounds' is very clear.)

***

Action: So what calls to you...

A healthy toned body?

A clear financial plan?

30% increase in income?

Starting your own business?

Feeling free, expressed, and in love with your partner?

Back in communication where there has been a rift?

Two weeks in Peru?

To sing in public?

Learn a language?

Own your own home?

A job you love where you're truly making a difference?

Find a life partner?

* * * *

1. Decide on your one to three targets.

2. Now that you have one to three targets, they need to see the light of day! So write them down in big letters and put them up where you'll see them every day. You might even like to get creative, and use paint, and/or find a picture that motivates you.

3. I also highly recommend telling at least three people, to make it real. If it feels appropriate, ask for their support (e.g. to call you once a week to ask how it's doing). Of course - it's hard to beat getting your own coach; at the minimum you show yourself you're serious

(I just hired a nutritional counselor for 3 months myself)

4. You can also clarify your top 3 goals in the next 10 minutes at the Free Goals Report:

http://www.FreeGoalsReport.com/quiz.asp?id=45

This is a test version of what can be on your site. If you want a customized Free Goals Report for your site you can register here:

Goals Report Client Stream

5. Post your goals at the blog for the world to see!

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog

3. The Personal Touch

I write from the Harbin Hot Springs cafe, CA, on this rainy foggy day.

Feeling comfortably tired and peaceful, I reflect that the last three months have been some of the most intense of my life. Feeling tired and 'down' almost every day was worrying and uncomfortable. And when I stopped sleeping three weeks ago I had a choice: take sleeping pills to smooth it out, or 'go natural' and face every scary, icky, tense, exposed screaming feeling that comes up.

I'm proud to say I took the latter path, and at one point had a friend with me for 36 hours straight as I felt every feeling that came up. Beyond Ouch!

For a guy who's biggest fear is being exhausted and going into an anxiety loop at the same time, it was a wild experience to have nights with 90 minutes and even 20 minutes sleep. There were several times that were it not for my guide pointing out that craving a sleeping pill was my mind trying to protect me, so I could avoid the feelings, I would have definitely popped that Ambien that kept (falsely) promising me blissful sleep. For the conclusion to this experience, a list of things I learned (plus late night rambling brain dumps and my 'Warrior' post, see my personal blog.)

WARNING: It's uncensored, unedited, and a rawer sharing than you are used to from me. If this or swearing offends then don't read it. Personal Blog: www.KoalaJuice.com - the first post on this is called "Awakening Through Pain".

On lighter topics, Kristina and I have spent two weeks at OneTaste in San Francisco, deeply enjoying our new community of friends. We plan to move here in June (Mill Valley in Marin County) and perhaps be part time residents of this unusual community.

I fly to Australia Feb 10 (and joined by Kristina March 5) for a little business, a new visa, and my brother's wedding! Returning April 2 to San Francisco, and then doing Byron Katie's 9 day training school of 'The Work' in Los Angeles. We'd love to go to Sandy and Nicole's wedding in Bali in May, but not sure how all that traveling will sit with us.

Love David

California Sues Federal Goverment over emissions

2008-01-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

As Bush seems to stand in the way of environmental responsibility, California sues! Go Arnold.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-epa3jan03,1,6968553.story

MM #90: Global Warming: The Results are IN! (Special Issue)

2008-01-01T20:15:00.000-05:00

Note: This edition is a 'Special Issue' because it's not on the topic of building your coaching or other professional practice. And, it's going to both the 'Mentor Monthly' and the 'Create a Life You Love' subscribers.

I mostly quote from Time Magazine - as it's a bit more credible than me ;-) Anything not in quotes is from me.

“Our current respons to global warming is like jumping
out a 20 story window and counting each floor as you go saying
'so far, so good' ...." - Anonymous

Conclusions

The Earth is heating up. Humans are contributing to it. Projections are bad to catastrophic. We're seeing scary effects already. If we stopped all CO2 emissions today, we're still probably screwed. Yet we're making it worse. Any serious debate is largely over. Even in the face of uncertainty, it's smart for us to take BIG action steps. The U.S. - as the biggest offender - must take action, instead of blocking action.

Is Global Warming really happening?

In 2007 the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has finally stopped hedging: "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal".

These findings have been endorsed by the Royal Society of Canada, the Royal Society (UK), the Russian Academy of Sciences, and a dozen other leading scientific bodies.

But are humans really causing it?

The above U.N. report stated there is "very high confidence" that humans have played a significant role by overloading the atmosphere with carbon dioxide (CO2). The report concluded that while the long-term solution is to reduce CO2 levels, for now we're going to have to dig in and prepare, building better levees, moving to higher ground and abandoning vulnerable floodplains altogether.

Hang on...don't ancient examples of global warming suggest that it's occurrence in our time may be natural as well?

"Although this is certainly possible, it appears unlikely. While the causes...in earlier instances...remain unknown, scientists agree that the current rise in levels of greenhouse gases is largely of human origin." - Time Magazine

But isn't there a lot of debate?

"For years, popular skepticism about climatological science stood in the way of addressing the problem, but the naysayers - many of whom were on the payroll of energy companies - have become an increasingly marginalized breed." - Time Magazine

And again, there are dozens of leading scientific bodies which have finally reached a consensus - not an easy thing in any field!

But if I have any doubt, I shouldn't do anything yet, right?

As above, there is no serious debate anymore. But even if there was, wouldn't just the chance that thousands of credible scientists are right, be reason to act - just to be safe? Call it an insurance policy. Here's an 8 minute argument for acting that has had 3 million views on Youtube!

Well, OK. But will the effects be that bad?

Well let's see. Floods. Droughts. Fires. Hurricanes. Sea level rising 20 feet. War. Species becoming extinct. More disease. Yes, it looks like they will be that bad.

But won't it take hundreds of years for it to get serious?

Ummm....Hurricane Katrina?

We've been hoping that "the glacial pace of nature would give us decades ore even centuries to sort out the problem. But [nature] can move with surprising speed....global climate systems are booby-trapped with tipping points and feedback loops.....the slow creep of environmental decay gives way to sudden and self-perpetuating collapse." - Time Magazine

But what if we take a bunch of action, and it turns out thousands of leading scientists were wrong? Or it was a plot by thousands of greenies to make money from scare tactics?

Then we might feel pretty silly. And the economy might take a hit. Oh no! Compare this to the option of not taking action because you're waiting for everyone to agree, and the entire Greenland ice shelf melts.

Which course of action seems the most responsible to you?

The U.S., Asia, and the Rest of the World

"The U.S. is home to less than 5% of the world's people,

yet it produces 25% of the CO2 emissions on the planet"

- Time Magazine

174 nations have ratified the Kyoto treaty to reduce carbon emissions. (And I'm a little teary that the second-last developed nation to hold out, Australia, finally ratified it December 3, 2007).

The U.S. has not ratified the treaty, along with Afghanistan, Iraq, Brunei, and Tajikistan.

The explosive growth in China and India is scary - way scary - and in 50 years they'll be the ones with the biggest impact. China and India seem willing to make moves, but Time Magazine says "they feel Washington must take the lead."

"Bush has called for a new international accord to fight climate change to be in place by the end of 2008. But most of the measures he supports involve voluntary , not mandatory, emissions controls, rather than the laws with teeth scientists are calling for. ...Bush explicitly rejected mandatory caps on emissions." - Time Magazine

This breaks his 2000 campaign promise: "We will require all power plants to meet clean-air standards in order to reduce emissions of...carbon dioxide within a reasonable period of time." George W. Bush

What can you do? 5 easy things:

Change all your light bulbs to energy savers (CFL's) - you'll save money over the long run. Order them today.

Move your thermostat down 3° in winter (wear a sweater!) and up 3° in summer.

Call your utility company and ask for a free or low-cost energy audit.

Turn off electronic devices you're not using them, and unplug devices from the wall (yep - standby power accounts for

Take public transport (and trade your car for a hybrid)

Conclusions

ACTION

If you're not yet convinced that action is required:

Watch 'The Most Terrifying Video You'll Ever See' (8 min)

Read 'How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic', and The Royal Society's guide, to get your biggest questions answered.

Post your conclusion (or remaining questions) on the blog here. (Hint: If you like to debate - that's the place to do it)

If you believe action is required:

What can we, as a 70,000 strong SolutionBox community, do to impact the issue? Post - in bullet point form - the top 5 actions you think we should or could take. Post on the blog.

Invite everyone you know to participate in this discussion by forwarding this newsletter with a personal note, or inviting them to the blog.

Cheers,

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

Announcements/Offers

How Did This New Coach Make 6 Figures in ONE YEAR?

And it's wonderful to see such huge results like this:

"I've already recouped the cost of the CoachStart Manual in coaching fees in 3 weeks."
Eddie Smith
Houston, Texas
www.lifecoachingtoday.com

So, let's get started! Get your CoachStart Manual in the next 5 minutes at http://www.coachstart.com/, and start building!

Is Global Warming really happening?

2008-01-01T19:58:00.000-05:00

If you like to debate, this is the place to do it.

Respectfully. If you feel anger, be responsible for it, OK?

'Flames' will be deleted.

And your posts will have MUCH more meaning if you're already read the arguments here. No use re-inventing the wheel, right?

Look forward to your comments.

David

MM #88: How Far Did You Come in 2007?

2007-12-27T10:21:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

Is it time to upgrade or create your keynote speech?

Internationally renowned speaker Marcia Reynolds is holding her keynote retreat on January 24-26 in Phoenix. She holds this retreat only once a year for 6-8 participants.

She says, "I guarantee that if you attend the retreat, you will walk away with a speech that you are passionate about, that includes a powerful opening and closing and is structured as a keynote (not a mini seminar). You will get individual coaching and chance to practice and develop your stories."

For more information, call Marcia at 602-954-9030 or email her at Marcia@covisioning.com.

What People are Saying About '10 Super Coaches'

To find out how 10 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too, click here:

10 Super Coaches

Neil Gilbranch, United Kingdom

"Why re-invent the wheel when you can see how successful people are already producing results you want? Don't hesitate, buy it today. The '10 Super Coaches' ebook has given me the confidence and inner strength I needed to build my business, I have been able to fine-tune my fees, and I have offered sample sessions with success."

Denise Simons, New Zealand

RELATE Coaching

Visit 10 SuperCoaches

2. FEATURE: How far did you come in 2007?

Before you go on to conquer the world in 2008, don't you think it's important to celebrate how far you have come this year.

Look back.

What have you accomplished?

What are you proud of?

And so importantly - what are you grateful for? (Because gratitude not only feels good - it generates growth.)

I'll start. Below I'll share what I'm proud to have accomplished this year, and what I'm grateful for.

But don't read it passively. Oh no.

At the bottom I'm going to ask you to write YOUR Celebratory.

As you read mine, ideas will spark for what you can celebrate this year.

I'll ask you to go straight to the blog and post for the world to see.

And I'll ask you to forward to everyone you care about, so they can join you in the process; you can read their celebratory, and congratulate them.

* * *

DAVID'S CELBRATORY FOR 2007

Health & Lifestyle

Huge personal breakthrough in which I felt feelings so intense I thought I might die, instead of using sleeping pills to send them away.

Body is lean and healthy; rarely do I get sick

Dipped my toe in the 'global warming' waters, and set to take action in 2008. No longer a rebel without a cause ;-)

Nominated to Transformational Leadership Council

Relationships

Made some wonderful new, close friends (Ezra, Nicole, Reese, Racheli, Magalie, Alex - to name a few)

Am well supported by my old friends (Jon, Bron, Sonja, Reid, Beth, Kye, Flaven, Cindy, Gerry, Maria - to name a few)

Celebrated one year with my partner Kristina!

Began new business relationships - and in some cases friendships, with Alex Mandossian (who has been invaluable on the business and personal front), John Gray (valuable support and introductions), Harv Eker, Chet Holmes, Joel Comm, Donna Steinhorn and Michael Gerber.

Incredibly fortunate to have the support of Beth Dargis, Kimberly Marlow, and Terri Carey, - without whom you wouldn't even get to read this newsletter.

Finance & Business & Career

Contributed to two anthologies, one with foreword by Mark Victor Hansen

Completed book proposal and sent to agent

Increased combined subscribers to 70,000

Increased revenue 70% over previous year

Landed on the national speaking stage with a bang, speaking to audiences of 1,000 and selling products in the mid-six-figures range.

Learned 105 things that don't work

* * *

Action - now it's time for YOU

Don't just read my Celebratory, make this valuable for you.

Post your Celebratory where we can all acknowledge you, here.

Whether you spend 1 minute or 1 day on it doesn't matter.

Just post it.

Remember, where there is gratitude and appreciation, there is growth. It's critical to chew and swallow what you've received this year, before asking for more.

If you find yourself judging your achievements - good! This is an opportunity to look deeper at what you can be grateful for. AND - to light the fire in your belly to really make 2008 count.

Go ahead - post your Celebratory now.

Your Friends

I really want to read what my friends are celebrating this year. So I'm going to forward this invitation to them and ask them all to post as well.

If you really want to start a gratitude movement, I invite you to do the same.

(Hint: be sure and tell them to add their name to the post, so you can find it on the blog!)

Love and gratitude,

Stop Global Warming - what's our move?

2007-12-26T18:31:00.000-05:00

I'm a newbie to the global warming issue, and committed to making a BIG impact by HELPING people to change mass behaviour.

My question is: HOW CAN WE BEST SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT?

Here's my current thinking. Would appreciate you adding to it:

PERSONAL GOALS FOR ALL PEOPLE
a) watch one key video (call it THE VIDEO)
b) reduce their own carbon imprint to zero
c) contact their lawmaker on a piece of key legislation

LEADERSHIP GOALS FOR PEOPLE
a) have 100 friends watch THE VIDEO
b) have 100 of their friends to reduce imprint to zero
c) have 100 of their friends contact their lawmaker

I figure THEN we'll have a movement, with integrity. Perhaps when people can check off the above list they can call themselves a 'climate champion' or whatever label we come up with.

HOW TO MAKE ALL THIS HAPPEN
Rather than start our own, or my own charity, I'm thinking to find an existing charity that:
a) uses publicity and email communication effectively
b) motivates people to take the above actions
c) is open to help re: strategy, internet marketing, etc (i.e. will listen)

...and then we can support that charity as much as possible, driving traffic to their site and email capture.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Craziness? Please post your comment below.

As I said, I'm new, and could use all your help as I clarify my thinking - and before we ask the 70,000 people on my list to act.

Thanks,

David

I quit!

2007-12-24T10:09:00.000-05:00

I just quit my job.

Which might sound strange since I work for myself.

I'm burned out - been working too hard, to the point where every waking and sleeping moment was about work. Everything blurred to the point that I forget what a day off looks like.

The results got too important - I got attached to the outcome, and started to feel a lot of pressure to make things happen. (Which is ridiculous!)

So I quit. At least for the next four days I'm only going to do what I want to do. As my good friend Nicole Daedone said: "It just has to feel good".

If I don't want to speak to groups - I won't speak. If it feels like too much pressure to put the pitch and sales stuff together, I won't worry whether I sell anything at the end of the speech. I'm done going for book endorsements unless they feel natural and fun. And I've chilled out about selling it to a publisher. (In my mind it's already sold and published, and it will do how it's going to do).

I don't have to earn any money in the next 12 months. I don't have to sell one product. I don't have to travel anywhere I don't want to, or for longer than I want. I don't have to hang out with anyone I don't want to - regardless of the business opportunity they might bring. I don't ~need~ to write a book, and if I do, I don't need anyone to buy it.

Being hyperfocused can be a gift. I get enormous things done in a short period of time. And...there's balance.

Will this last past Dec 27? I don't know. But it's feeling good right now, and I'm enjoying LOST and reading up on the environment.

So I quit.

I quit my own job.

David

Chillin’ with Nicolas Cage and Wonder Woman

2007-12-19T23:33:00.001-05:00

I generally look down on groupies. People chasing celebrities just to get a spark of their energy, or a moment of fame because someone who IS somebody spoke to them.And yet there I was at the After Party for National Treasure II.

Thinking it pretty boring, I was about to leave when my friend suggested we head towards the middle where there were more people. I almost missed Ed Harris walking right past me, and then spotted Nick Cage and John Voight in a knot of 50 people. At this stage I was still adamant I was ‘above it all’, but I gravitated towards the stars just to be at the centre of this celebrity-nova. And then it happened.

As Nicholas brushed right past me, a voice that wasn’t mine said: “Are you spent, or could you do one more photo Mr. Cage?” A few words with Nick, a few words with John Voight, and then it was all a blur until I came to and found myself hugging and posing for pictures with Wonder Woman (who by the way was just a darling, and had very nice things to say about red heads).

Now I think I’m hooked. I had such a good time I’d like to go to more of these functions – to see all the hype and pomp – to play with it – to see who I connect with. And to get pictures with people simply because a lot of people know their face. Oh my God, I’m a groupie! Where can I get help?

Oh, how’d I get into the after party?

I asked. As people left the theatre after the premiere I asked them (a lot of them) if they were going to the after party. Eventually a couple said they were too tired and going home, so I said: “Oh, my friend and I are short two passes if you wouldn’t mind us using them”.

Book Outline - Chapter Headings

2007-12-19T19:52:00.001-05:00

I'm interested to know what else you would add? What would you take away?

Introduction
Chapter 1--Is it truly possible? Busting the 5 Myths
Chapter 2--Your Life Experience is Valuable
Chapter 3--The ‘David 7 Step’ – an overview
Chapter 4--Step #1: How to Uncover Your True Niche
Chapter 5--Step #2: How to Set Up Your Web Site in 7 Days
Chapter 6--Choose Courage, not FearChapter 7--Step #3: The Foundation of Your Empire - Your Newsletter
Chapter 8--Step #4: A Short Cut to Product Creation – save 6 months!
Chapter 9--Your Key to Playing Big
Chapter 10--Step #5: Build Your Coaching or Consulting Revenue Stream
Chapter 11--Step #6: How to Drive Massive Traffic to Your SiteChapter 12--Step #7: How to Create Your Own Product in 14 days
Bonus Chapter--How to Build a Massive Email List
Conclusion: Getting Paid for Who You Are

Interested in what you would add or take away...

David

MM 88: Create Your Speaking Process

2007-12-17T12:29:00.001-05:00

COMING SOON

It's raining agents

2007-12-14T20:41:00.000-05:00

An agent I approached over 2 months ago about a SEPARATE book, on relationships, just got back to me with a YES. They would like to represent it.

This puts me in a bit of an awkward position as I've already approached another agent about both books, and won't know for a while if she's on board or not. Hmmmm....

Meanwhile a third agent has heard about the book and is interested, but I just can't see there's a lot of point in shopping around for agents, can you?

Meanwhile I've heard of a great publisher - an entrepreneurial publisher - which would be straight forward and not even require an agent. I'll keep you posted as things develop.....

David

The latest endorsements

2007-12-12T20:17:00.001-05:00

Continuing my mission to include you in the entire process of writing a best-selling book...

I'm happy to announce the latest book endorsements are from good friends:

- Marcia Reynolds, Past President International Coach Federation and author of Outsmart Your Brain (who wrote a very personal, heartfelt endorsement), and

- Marcia Wieder, author of Making Your Dreams Come True

Jay Abraham has graciously agreed to take a look at the book outline, and I'm approaching the wonderful Deepak Chopra, Neale Donald Walsch, Steve Wynn, Richard Branson, and maybe Jack Welch, I haven't decided yet. Plus one more mystery person who shall remain nameless until I know the result.

The proposal is being edited as we speak, and I still intend to mail it out to my agent of choice December 14.

Cheers,

David

Join our new facebook group!

2007-12-09T11:52:00.000-05:00

It's now open!

1) Join the facebook fan group here:

www.GetPaidForWhoYouAre.com/group

(Hint: if not a member, then take 5 min to signup for facebook)

2) Introduce yourself by responding to the discussion board post 'Introduce yourself - what's your niche?'.

3) Add me as a friend:

www.GetPaidForWhoYouAre.com/david

Hint: For a 5 minute video message from me guiding you through it, click here. <-- video message

See you on the 'book!

David
PS Any trouble please post your comments here.

John Gray kindly said 'yes'

2007-12-09T11:47:00.000-05:00

I'm really happy to see that my friends and colleagues are loving the book, and rallying behind it.

We now have endorsements from:

- John Gray (Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus)
- Alex Mandossian (http://www.teleseminarsolution.com/ )
- Michael Port (Book Yourself Solid)
- Joel Comm (The Adsense Code)

and an intention to endorse from Chet Holmes and Michael Gerber.

Waiting to hear back from Steve Wynn.

The proposal gets mailed to the publisher this week!

David

Mentor Monthly #87: Professionals - Add Coaching To Your Services

2007-12-05T14:22:00.000-05:00

Announcements/Offers

Free Listing in Links Directory
We have a links directory for coaches, trainers, counselors, therapists, fitness trainers, consultants and other service professionals. Get yourself listed - for free! All you need to do is link back to our site. This increases both your link popularity and ours with Google - meaning we both come up higher when people do a web search.

To submit your site to our directory, visit:
http://www.life-coaching-resource.com/links/

Thanks Ken Wright for a fantastic, informative call Thursday!
You can find more about this coach, who made 6 figures in his first year of coaching, here:
http://www.thewrightcoaching.com/

(And you can sign up for his newsletter, "Tips to Lead the Wright Way", on the front page, bottom right)

How Did These Coaches Set Up Their Businesses So Quickly?
You can save yourself the hundreds or thousands of dollars you may have paid a mentor coach or training school. After personally mentoring sixty coaches and founding a coach training school, I've compiled everything I know about starting a successful coaching practice in one easy-to-follow Manual.

And it's wonderful to see such huge results like this:

"I can't think of a better investment or more profitable long term step for an aspiring coach to take other than purchase and devour the CoachStart Manual. I used this guide as my Bible when commencing my coaching business and my first 12 months generated revenues over 6 figures....well in excess of my plans and expectations. For a fast start to your business I strongly recommend its use, you'll gain confidence and turn your dreams into reality."

Ken Wright, US
www.TheWrightCoaching.com

“I wish I had known about the CoachStart Manual before I signed up with my training school. I could have saved myself almost £600!”

Clare Evans, UK

"I 'inhaled' the manual and loved it. You give very practical advice and I particularly liked the 'sample' dialogues that a coach might have with a prospect (warm and hot invitations) and the sample script. I practice it every chance I get. Thanks for such a great and inspiring Manual!"

Midgie Thompson, UK
www.brightfuturescoaching.com

So, let's get started! Get your CoachStart Manual in the next 5 minutes at http://www.coachstart.com/, and start building!

FEATURE: Professionals - Add Coaching To Your Services

Have you thought of entering the coaching industry? Are you a teacher, trainer, counselor, therapist, financial planner or other professional and feel coaching could be a great new career or add on to your current service?

Advantages

Advantages of adding coaching to your repertoire include:

possible cross-selling from your current services (i.e. they hire you as a trainer, and you upsell them to your coaching. You've been coaching someone for 3 months, and they bring you into their company as a trainer)

adding variety to your work which may help maintain creativity in your work

you have an existing client base to begin offering your new services!

Adding coaching to your current services can help you build your practice and increase your income by adding more value to your current services.

What's the difference?

Some people ask "What's the difference between coaching, and what I already do?"Sometimes the line is blurred. You could actually offer the exact same service under the label of coaching, and you might make more sales. For example, people might be reluctant to hire a therapist fearing people will think something is wrong with them. But if they see you offer 'coaching', they might jump on it.

However, there really is a difference. As a coach, you're not being an expert. You might slip in expert advice, but you're really just asking the right questions, to help the client see their own answers. (For more on how to structure a coaching service, see The CoachStart™ Manual).

Easy Strategy

One easy strategy is to offer every one of your current and past clients a complimentary coaching session with no obligation. Make the offer for a specific limited time as a thank you for being a client.

During the trial session, you can introduce them to your new service. Plus you will want to ask them for their feedback and invite them to more sessions if they enjoy it.

Gift Sessions

At the end of the trial session, you may offer them three additional complimentary coaching session vouchers to share with their friends and colleagues. Ask them if there is anyone they'd like to give this gift to and give suggestions - someone contemplating a major life change, someone interested in self-help topics, someone needing a little extra support or someone who might enjoy trying out a session.

These trial sessions with your current clients also give you the opportunity to feel out if coaching is right for you. They will help you decide if coaching is something you want to continue as an additional service or even help you transition into full-time coaching.

If you would like the full chapter on entering the coaching profession or if you would like to see the other chapters included in The CoachStart Manual™, you can find them here.

Action

If you are a professional thinking of coaching, create your warm invitation script. (i.e. what will you say when you get someone on the phone?)

Write down a goal of how many current clients you will contact this week about coaching.

For accountability, post your goal at the blog. Post again when you have accomplished your goal.

For current coaches, how many contacts will you call to offer an introductory session? Post it at the blog. Then post again when you have accomplished your goal.

* * *
Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

Traditional Publishing vs Entrepreneurial Publishing

2007-11-29T11:33:00.000-05:00

I have no idea which way to go right now.

Advantages of Traditional publishers:
- handle a lot of the headache (e.g. language translation), and can get really good distrubution - if they want to. They can also help promote your book, but typically only do that for a few.
- advance (useful if you don't believe in the book's success but they do, and if you need the cash)
- looks good; credible

Disavantages of Traditional Publishers:
- low royalty (8% instead of 20%)
- might keep high control of content, packaging, title, and things like electronic rights
- might limit you putting in calls to action

Once upon a time you could either go traditional, or self publish. Seems this new breed of publisher allows you to kind of self publish, but also get distribution.....

I'll let you know what I decide.

D

a billionaire would like to see it...

2007-11-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

Last week I approached Steve Wynn, the man who built the Las Vegas Golden Nugget, the Mirage, the Bellagio, and the Wynn. I asked him if he'd consider endorsing the book when it comes out.

Today I got a call from his office saying no promises, but he wants to see the manuscript. Woo hoo!

If you never ask, you never know....

David

Is it facebook time?

2007-11-23T12:13:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be nice to have a LOT more interactionwith each other? With the whole R&D team?

Everyone on the team speaking their mind and supporting each other around coaching, and creating information products to automate their business?

I'm starting to get the web 2.0, online community itch.

QUESTIONS
Should SolutionBox set up a facebook group, or fan page?

Would MySpace or Ning be better?

How do you suggest we REALLY get a thriving community going on one of these online platforms?

Please post your answers here.

Thanks!

David
P.S. If you're already facebooked, you can also become a 'fan' and post on our trial page here:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=8843671549

Book Introduction 2.0 (Comment Here!)

2007-11-20T15:35:00.000-05:00

The water was hotter than I could stand. I was dipping my toe into a natural hot spring full of naked Californians, just one week into my month-around-the-world vacation. As I submerged an entire ankle in the scalding pool the thought struck me: “I don’t have to go home…..ever.”

In the flickering candle light of the cavern, I examined this ridiculous thought, and realized that amazingly, incredibly it was true. I had clothes, I had my wallet, and I had my lap top. Having converted my professional practice to an internet business, I actually didn’t have to go home……ever. Three years later, I still haven’t.

YOU HAVE SO MUCH to share.

Your life experience is valuable. Whether it's being married, or getting divorced. Whether having a child, or losing someone dear to you. Whether creating a million dollar business, or failing at three startups. Or perhaps it's simply how you got your first job or found a way to stick to your diet!

If only there was a way to share that with the world so that:

1) you could truly impact, and make a difference in, the world
2) you reached thousands or millions of people, instead of hundreds
3) you could do this from any location on the planet, creating geographical freedom.
4) you were well paid for it

And – I know this isn’t for everyone, but if you wanted to – what if you could automate it, so you can be asleep or on vacation - and still be helping the world, while your bank account goes up!

Sound impossible? Outrageous? Too good to be true? Just another ‘you can do anything book?’

Does it offend you because you believe a person should work 40-60 hours a week, 50 weeks of the year to make a living? Could you be uncomfortable with great wealth and success, however you define it? Do you hold a belief that only technical or business-minded people can do it?

Or have you sensed that this is possible for some time now? Have you always known that you have a lot to offer; that there is a group of people wanting to learn from you. Perhaps you have intuited that what you know, even what you THINK, has value. Perhaps you have glimpsed the concept of getting paid not so much for what you do, but who you ARE.

Isn't it true that you would love nothing more than to share what you know with the world, to hundreds, thousands, if not millions - if only you knew the process?

Now I’m not promising you’ll definitely make internet millions. It took hard work for me to reach the $85,000 a month I’m averaging now. And I won’t promise you a ‘four hour work week’. The author of that book and I both work way more hours than that, although it’s by choice. For many of you making a fortune and never working again are not your priorities.

But I will tell you they are both very possible outcomes of following the process outlined in this book. And if these goals seem too impossible, lofty or ‘hyped up’ to you, let’s look at some more down to earth goals that are easier to wrap the mind around:

How would your life be enhanced if you made an extra $3000 per month on the side using this book, while keeping your day job?

How would it feel to cut back to a job working only 2 or 3 days a week because your ‘how to’ CD is starting to sell really well?

What if your final result was simply having all the clients you could handle from the internet, and doubling your fees?

What would it be worth to you to transition to something you really care about, receiving 5 thank you notes a week from people you have helped?

“WHAT DO YOU DO?” people ask me, and the answer changes every time. It just doesn’t fit into what their ears are expecting:

I work from my laptop wherever I am.

I sell information products in 49 countries using the internet.

I publish an electronic newsletter, an ezine, to 70,000 solo service professionals.

I’m a speaker.

I’m a writer.

A trainer.

An internet marketer.

A traveler having fun with his friends.

A creator of information products.

But the bottom line? I share everything I learn with the people who need to hear it. I’ve created a river of information that ‘streams’ out to the world, while I’m asleep or on vacation. I’ve also set it up so that people can pay a fair exchange for the information. Apparently by magic, the solution streams from my psyche into their psyche, and a fair exchange of money streams from their wallet into my bank account. All without requiring my presence or my time.

Imagine if every time you learned to do something well, you added it to an automatic information stream. One day it’s a Top Ten List of how to improve your relationship, or you record a conversation with my partner and upload it to the web. An idea strikes you for a cool life quiz, and you have my assistant – whom you've never met – draft something for you to review on your iphone while you're spending time with friends.

Personally I think this creative energy, the process of taking your own life experiences, thoughts, and feelings and turning them into solutions for others, is the most enjoyable and interesting thing about this new lifestyle. It’s very fulfilling to get a constant stream of thank you notes from around the world.

And it’s a blast! When I found I could sound like a digeridoo (an Aboriginal musical instrument), I uploaded a silly video viewed by hundreds of people, just for fun. When Ben and Jerry’s opened a vote for which ice cream flavor would be resurrected from it’s flavor graveyard, 438 of my subscribers generally voted for Wavy Gravy – even over their own favorite flavor.

But my friends are most fascinated about my lifestyle. They constantly want to know how it is that I work from home. How is it that I can live in any country that I like? What is it about my job that let’s me play squash at 11am, have a massage at 2, and audition for a commercial for an Australian bank at 4?

They all want to know how I can surf in Australia for a month, spend 6 weeks starting a new business in the Philippines, party with 1,000 millionaires in Morocco, and when I come home my bank account is higher than it was before. What allows me to do a phone interview with an Irish radio station, have my picture in a Marie Claire ‘cuddle party’ article, and then teach squash for two weeks at a Jamaican resort? How do I have time to create new products and services for people, when most people are fighting fires in their businesses.

I started to consider a book to show people the process. When T. Harv Eker’s people asked me to speak at their Never Work Again conference, for the first time I told 1,200 people how I did it. I was surprised to see tears after the speech as people got in touch with how deeply they want to make a difference in the world, and share what they know, but also how frustrated they are in not knowing how to do it. But I realized that it was still a little confusing and daunting to people.

So at the next speech, I broke the whole procedure down into a simple 7 step process. When I offered a self study training program on how to do it, people were literally running for my booth, with one now famous woman leaping onto the table! It was now very clear that a book was needed.

Now personally, I don’t mind whether you start your own business or work for someone else. It doesn’t matter to me if you work 9-5 every day or create your own schedule. You can stay your whole life in one city, or travel the world creating solutions from an RV.

But it DOES matter to me if you are doing something you don’t love. It DOES matter to me if you are not happy, fulfilled and lit up because you’re using your creative energy; not expressing who you are; not sharing what you love with the world. It DOES matter to me of you don’t go for creating the lifestyle you dream if because you say it doesn’t exist, or you doubt your ability.

If you want a standard, traditional 9-5 job, then set this book back on the shelf; it’s not for you.

But if you want the freedom to earn money for who you are, to live where you like, to set your own schedule, and to get your time back….

Then I invite you to use the same process I did to create the lifestyle that serves you, and others.

It would be sad to me if you missed out on a lifestyle of contribution, creativity and fun, simply because you decided it wasn’t possible for you. I’d hate to think it was because your negative self talk told you: “That’s for other people. I’m not creative. I don’t know business.”

“Something new cannot enter your life, until first you create the possibility”

For years no-one broke the four minute mile because it just wasn’t possible. No-one sailed around the earth because everyone knew it was flat.

When a baby elephant is born in a circus, they tie it’s leg to a stake with a strong chain. Over time, they gradually reduce the thickness of the chain until a full grown elephant is ‘held’ by a flimsy piece of rope. It’s tied to a stake, because it believes it is.

You could say a lifestyle of abundance, contribution and freedom isn’t possible for you, or you can test the strength of your leg rope.

Create the possibility for yourself. Without knowing the steps.

I’ll show you the rest.

I will show you the 7 steps to creating a lifestyle of contribution, impact, creativity, financial freedom, and geographical freedom.

Help the world. Live anywhere. Be creative. Be wealthy. Work a lot, or a little. Be free.

In this book you will learn the 7 step process that I used to create this lifestyle, impacting over 100,000 people and funding my travels and adventures, through an automated helping-the-world-type-business. You’ll learn the same 7 step process that is now helping hundreds of people to ditch their 9 to 5 job and create the lifestyle they dream of - even if you're non-technical or doubt you have something valuable to offer.

I'll show you how to get paid for what you know and love.

I'll show you....

how to get paid for who you are.

******

Thanks for reading the draft intro! If you were going to shorten it, exactly what paragraph(s) would you take out?

Comment here.

Thanks,

David

Old Introduction (comments closed - see updated intro)

2007-11-14T12:16:00.000-05:00

INTRODUCTION

I believe people have so much to share. YOU have so much to share.

Your life experience is valuable. Whether it's being married, or getting divorced. Whether having a child, or losing someone dear to you. Whether creating a million dollar business, or failing at three startups.

If only there was a way to share that with the world so that:

1) you were well paid for it

2) you truly impact, and make a difference in, the world

3) you reach thousands or millions of people, instead of hundreds

4) you could do this from any location on the planet, creating geographical freedom, and

5) you could automate it, so you can be asleep or on vacation - and still be helping the world, while your bank account goes up!

Sound impossible? Outrageous? Have you been let down by too much 'hype' in the past? Does it offend you because you believe a person should work 40-60 hours a week, 50 weeks of the year to make a living? Could you be uncomfortable with great wealth and success, however you define it? Do you hold a belief that only technical or business-minded people can do it?

Or have you sensed that this is possible for some time now? Have you always known that you have a lot to offer; that there is a group of people wanting to learn from you. Perhaps you have intuited that what you know, even what you THINK, has value. Perhaps you have glimpsed the concept of getting paid not so much for what you do, but who you ARE.

Isn't it true that you would love nothing more than to get it out to the world, to hundreds, thousands, if not millions - if only you knew the process?

In this book I will show you the 7 steps to creating a lifestyle of contribution, impact, creativity, financial freedom, and geographical freedom.

Help the world. Live anywhere. Be creative. Be wealthy. Choose to work or not. Be free.

I'll show you the 7 step process that I used to create this lifestyle, impacting over 100,000 people and funding my travels and adventures, through an automated helping-the-world-type-business. I'll show you the same 7 step process that is now helping hundreds of people to ditch their 9 to 5 job and create the lifestyle they dream of - even if you're non-technical or time-scarce.

I'll show you how to get paid for what you know and love.

I'll show you....

how to get paid for who you are.

* * *

My question for you: If YOU were writing this introduction, what would you change? Just click here!

Thanks,

David

Agent, and Dec 15 deadline

2007-11-14T12:05:00.000-05:00

Even though I have 4 separate referrals now to publishers, my intuition is to go with an agent.

I've had a couple of referrals to a top, top agent, who doesn't take unsolicited proposals. I was planning just to call when the proposal was ready, but....

This morning during mediation I had the idea to get in touch now, spark some interest, fertilize the soil....

So I called the agent, and we had a 30 minute chat. Apparently she doesn't normally answer the phone, but her assistant was out today. She loved the premise of the book, gave me some advice, and said she'd love to see the proposal.

I'm very excited, and want to do nothing but focus on the proposal for the next two weeks. In the next 2 days I will finish my critical tasks, and get into full motion!

David

Book: publishers

2007-11-14T12:04:00.001-05:00

I had the feeling it that it would be very difficult to find a publisher. I didn't want to approach 100 and get 100 rejections - you hear about such hard slogs. And that was one of my hesitations in committing to a book.

But when I committed, I committed to having it published. And I'm very willing to self publish. After all - I'm going to be the one marketing it, and I'm the one that's going to make it a best seller. I just want a publisher for a) more credibility b) less hassle (e.g. language translations) c) wider distribution. But I'm very willing to self publish.

And interestingly, excitingly, the universe seems to be supporting this book! I 'sighted' John Gray 2 weeks ago in a hotel, one thing led to another, and he's agreed to take a look at my book and consider endorsing it. He also referred me to a top agent in the business. A good friend and author (Michael Port) offered to help me with the proposal and introduce me to his publisher (thank you so much Michael!). Another successful author offered to forward the proposal to his editor when it's ready. And on the plane back from California last week, the guy sitting next to me just landed a book deal, and referred me to his editor!

I'm excited - I'm intentional. Yay!

David

Book: side track!

2007-11-14T12:00:00.001-05:00

Mitch Meyerson (again thanks Michael Port for the referral) asked me to contribute a chapter to his latest Guerilla Marketing book, with foreword by Mark Victor Hansen.

Focussed as I am, I think this is too hard to pass up, so I've just written Chapter 3 - Intentionality.

Excited to see it come out, and probably hit best seller status.

It seems incredible to me that it's possible to co-author a best seller with 5 hours work!

I'll let you know details when the book's available.

David

Book: Genesis

2007-11-14T11:51:00.001-05:00

Tim Ferris's 4 Hour Work Week really hit me between the eyes, and I found myself wishing I had written it - or at least snagged the title!Kristina has been telling me I should write a book about how to create the lifestyle I've created, by sharing what you know and love with the world.

Speaking at the 'Never Work Again' conference by Harv Eker catapulted things when I saw the incredible response of the audience to my message.

But it wasn't until Marcia Wieder's 'Inspired Speaker's Workshop', and talking to Marcia and Michael Port that I really felt like a book was the #1 thing for me to do right now. I got pumped!

And I'm ready.

Clearing my schedule.....

MM#86: How to Get Clients Via Alliances

2007-11-05T11:58:00.001-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

How Did These Coaches Set Up Their Businesses So Quickly?

And it's wonderful to see such huge results like this:

"I have just broken through the 50th client barrier! When I first read the Coachstart eManual, I had coached just 14 people, and thought '50 clients...no way!'. But just five months later, it's a reality! Thanks for all your help setting me up as a coach, I will always be grateful."

Daniel Midson-Short, Australia
http://www.lifestylerevolution.com.au/

“I wish I had known about the CoachStart Manual before I signed up with my training school. I could have saved myself almost £600!”

Clare Evans, UK

I 'inhaled' the manual and loved it. You give very practical advice and I particularly liked the 'sample' dialogues that a coach might have with a prospect (warm and hot invitations) and the sample script. I practice it every chance I get. Thanks for such a great and inspiring Manual!"

Midgie Thompson, UK
http://www.brightfuturescoaching.com/

So, let's get started! Get your CoachStart Manual in the next 5 minutes at http://www.coachstart.com/, and start building!

2. FEATURE: How To Get Clients Via Alliances

What happens when you make 10 calls to prospective clients? You might get two clients, right?

But what if you made 10 calls to potential alliances, made two alliances, and each alliance led to fifty new clients in the next year! Which would be the best use of your time?

In an alliance, both parties must benefit. So, the approach to potential alliances should include what you can do for them as well as what you'd like them to do for you. Make the offer appealing and easy to implement.

For example, suppose you are a masseuse and you create an alliance with a local gym. The gym hands out your "Free Reflexology with your First Massage" coupons to every new member. In return, you send out the gym's flyer with your Christmas Mailing. Everyone wins! The
customers win by being introduced to a great masseuse and gym, with free bonuses. The gym wins by getting their offer in front of your clients, who are interested in their health. And you win by gaining a steady stream of clients – all with much the same effort you would make to only gain two clients!

In the CoachStart Manual™ I detail my 5-step process to set up streams of alliance clients easily, creating a win-win situation between you and your alliances.

I'd like to give you the first three steps here in this article:

1. TARGET MARKET

After you've decided to become a Coach or other service professional, and decided whom you will serve (discussed in chapter 3 of the CoachStart Manual™), you'll need to identify specific characteristics of your target market. Write down characteristics such as income, interests, magazines they read, clubs they belong to, other types of businesses they frequent, etc. As an example, massage clients may need to have a certain level of disposable income, live in your local area, be interested in health, and more.

2. LIST PROVIDERS

Make a list of businesses who sell to your potential clients. Who already has relationships within your target market? As you brainstorm and list these providers, think about the most productive providers and those most likely to be a good match – then order your list. Here are some examples for the massage industry:

Gyms
Yoga Studios

Cafes

Book Clubs

Health Spas

Dance Schools

Sporting Clubs

Life Coaches

Doctors

Other masseuses with different styles

3. THEY SCRATCH YOUR BACK

For each potential alliance partner you've listed, jot down how they can scratch your back - what they could to promote your service. Be creative and think about how their business practices can support your goal to increase your client base. For example, they could:

Distribute your flyer to their new members or in their regular mailings.

Display a sign advertising your offer at their premises.

Sell your product directly. They collect the money and pass the agreed fee to you.

Invite you to give a free speech/seminar to their members.

Publish your articles in their newsletter or magazine.

Pay commission on sales you send them.

Send a special letter or email to their clients advertising your product/service

See how exciting this can be!!?

These steps get you started on your way to increasing your client base . You can make a difference to people around you, right now!

And you can set up streams of clients, instead of 'drips' of clients, right now.

Action

Describe your target market.

Make your list of people/businesses that are already helping your target market.

Jot down what they can do for you, and what you can do for them.

Plan to meet with at least one potential alliance this week either in person, by phone or email.

Share your plans now, and when you have accomplished them at the blog!

***

This chapter was drawn from The CoachStart™ Manual, found together with hundreds of dollars in free bonuses, here.

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

PDF Loader

2007-10-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

Looks like EFT is making waves -

releasing emotions....

I'll check it out

EMOfree.com

Create # 50: My Nightmare. My Miracle

2007-10-11T14:21:00.000-04:00

1. Offers
Save Thousands on Coach Training

I created a one-of-a-kind training product that can triple the confidence of coaches everywhere, launch their skills to a new level, and help to generate astounding results with their clients. A self-study training product that not even the coaching schools have, and that two past International Coach Federation presidents are impressed with and have endorsed.

Limited Quantity Available
We only have a limited number of these packages available from the initial production run. After these are gone we plan to tweak it, improve it, and raise the price. So you may
save a few hundred dollars here.

If you have any interest at all in being a better coach, or a more confident coach, I highly recommend you grab a copy and get started straight away.

Get your copy of this world's first in coach training here:

Top Coaching Techniques

Relationship R & D Team

If you have an interest in the man-woman game, then I'd love YOU to join the new Relationship Research & Development team!

Some of it may be quite controversial, particularly the title, so be ready to have your buttons pressed ;-)

TO JOIN THE NEW RELATIONSHIP R&D TEAM

Simply visit: www.SolutionBox.com/rdteam.htm

P.S. By being on this R&D Team you agree that
we can use your comments and posts and success
stories in the book.

P.P.S. If you're wondering 'what about gay couples?',
gay couples will benefit too from this info, but the
focus is on heterosexual couples.

P.P.P.S. Comments welcome at http://tinyurl.com/25b9te

-------------------------------------------

2. FEATURE: My Nightmare. My Miracle.

This one is deep.

It's personal.

It's a bit more raw and uncensored than what I have written in the past, so you may experience some surprise.

Some of you may not resonate with the experience, and that's OK. Take what's useful, and leave what isn't.

For those of you who might wish to see me as ‘flawless' or perfect, this may be an eye-opener ;-)
I've written it partly because I'm proud of this huge personal achievement, and partly because I'm always sharing with you what I discover is possible.

Some of you may resonate with this…..and see an area in yourself where you are Holding. Contracted. Afraid to go. Afraid to ‘let go'. And perhaps this article will lend you inspiration
and strength to open up that area ;-)

This writing is for you.

__________________________________________________

My Nightmare. My Miracle.

I was floating in tropical paradise, and 24 hours away from a nervous breakdown.

5 times before in my life I hadn't slept for a couple of days, and each time I'd spun out into an anxiety cycle that took weeks or months of drugs to bring back into line. I'm talking about near panic, and often just worried about how bad the panic might get! Having just finished one of these 6 month rides after India, I was even more worried about some kind of chronic lifetime cycle I'd never break out of.

I looked around at the palm trees, sipped my virgin pina colada, and reflected on Kristina and I swimming in the ocean earlier that day – during a Puerto Rican rain storm! Life seemed so perfect.

Yet…I was exhausted. Tension cramped my belly, my throat was knotted, and the more tired I got, the greater the fear grew - and the less likely sleep was. When it got this bad in the past, I'd broken the cycle and saved myself with sleeping pills . But they just weren't working any more. Things were spinning out of control, and I was running out of options.

I narrowed it down to this: I was afraid of not sleeping, and at some deep level, I was afraid of sleeping. In short – I was f*****.

So…. I set up a phone session with my emergency ‘ coach ' in the UK, Kira Kay . Picture me in the open air lobby of a Puerto Rican resort, speaking into my laptop as bikini-ed women stroll past:

“I think you're ready David, to face this fear once and for all. Take no sleeping pills, whatever happens….after 3 days you're body will probably shut down if you don't sleep. Be willing to face anything – to risk insanity, to risk death….all your fears whatever they may be. A nd I know you can come through the other side. But you've got to WANT it more than life.”

This was one of the most horrible and terrifying things I could imagine – my lifetime Achilles heal. I had no confidence that the result would be a happy healthy David…..it could be much, much worse. And I didn't want it more than life; I like life very much!

But it seemed the entire point was to face these fears…..of nervous breakdown, insanity, and perhaps at some level….death. And again, I was running out of options as the pills just weren't working. I decided YES ; wanting freedom, but not truly believing it was possible.

DAY 1
I faced some of my worst demons that same day. Simply being with the fear and exhaustion. Kristina left to spend time with her Puerto Rican family, and I wandered the resort and beach….alone. This day I discovered I CAN be exhausted, afraid, and alone. And make it through a day. I learned I can feel horrible one minute, and have a profound beautiful experience the next.

A fight with Kristina topped off the day, triggering my deep fear of feeling/being alone and abandoned. In the middle of deep pain, and feeling a gulf between Kristina and I, I called a man who had offered to help me heal if I ever got off the long term anti-anxiety medication. I figured this was a good time to call him – as I was just about to dive back on it!

What followed was profound.

Dr. Jo showed us, over the phone, how I could access my deepest feelings, and release them as I shook and sobbed, or laughed. He showed us how Kristina could sit and hold my hand as I cried, giving me pure love and support. And how this extra attention from a human being (versus feeling the feelings alone) made all the difference.

Kristina and I sat on our quiet balcony and took in the bright stars that framed the palm trees and Caribbean ocean. With Joseph's voice in my ears from my wireless internet skype phone, and Kristina holding my hand, I released 30 year old emotion s .

I went to bed ready to face whatever came up, armed with a couple of quick tips from Joseph, and some cautious optimism.

And promptly fell flat on my face.

After 3 hours in bed, and trying a bunch of techniques, I felt I couldn't take any more. I was exhausted and afraid, and Kristina was asleep. So at 1am I decided to parachute out with 10 mg of Ambien (the maximum recommended dosage). But when I pulled on the rip cord, nothing happened! In fact, half an hour later when an elephant should be comatose, my heart was beating furiously, and I could feel the panic increasing. If the max dosage won't knock me out – what will? What's at the end of the road?

I woke up feeling like crap, and scared that there was no way out. Perhaps I'm not strong enough to handle it.

DAY 2
Joseph was surprised and grateful to find out about my ‘not sleeping' pattern, and the fear around it. He suggested that me feeling terrified and exhausted while ALONE, and while the feelings were keeping me awake, was NOT productive! That it would be better to either take my attention off the feelings until I had support, or…..set up support for the middle of the night!

Thank God! This was MUCH more attractive than what I saw as the full ‘kamikaze-go-insane' approach. So I set up phone calls around the world in case I needed hand holding at 4am. (What a group of friends I have! Friends w ho will take a call in the middle of the night, willing to listen to me shout and sob!)

The result?

At 10pm that night I drifted off to sleep – pill-free! And, while Kristina was up reading ! (I can't remember ever drifting asleep while someone was in the room, and awake!) I cannot think of anything in my life, in this universe, more valuable to me than that experience.

DAY 4
Seeing my success, and that I clearly could handle more challenge s , the universe filled the resort with screaming kids – all part of three weddings scheduled for the weekend. I was HUGELY triggered by the noise, feeling very unsafe and out of control. We nearly left the resort, but I stuck it out to see what I could learn.

If you're curious about what was driving all this – what was at the core of it…..well, it doesn't really matter. And each of us is likely to have different experiences, beliefs or fears stored. Dr. Jo pointed out that understanding was the ‘booby prize'. The important thing was to release the feelings. But here was one glimpse I got into what was really going on for me:

I felt how important control was/is for me, and in the middle of a ‘sobbing session' I heard myself say: “If I'm not in control, things get f***** up, and people die”. Wo w! Talk about releasing deep stuff!

I went to bed, in that ‘unsafe' environment…. …and slept.

DAY 6
The universe p roceed ed to the next level of challenge; the next variable ….

I had to get up at 5am for the flight back to NY. I always take a pill before a big flight (10-24 hours), or an early one, to ensure I'm well rested, and avoid feeling like crap and powerless on the plane.

Well…this night I was willing to go into it. Willing to get no sleep. Willing to feel whatever came up, and to call friends and share it.

I got 3 hours sleep, had perhaps the best sex of my life, and we got a free upgrade to first class. With a 30 min plane doze, I was ready to enjoy the movie, and we had a wonderful trip!

AT HOME

I had a melt-down when I got home alone: “My body is against me and is sabotaging my sleep – will this ever f***** be over!?”. It FELT like I was back to square one.

But….lo and behold…..magic of great magic…..the feelings passed!

And the experience reminded me that the process wasn't done, (may never fully be done) and that resisting things was not going to bring sleep faster. What a lesson!

“Out of great pain, comes great insight”

THE REST
For the next four nights I slept soundly – wonderfully.

I've now been pill-free for 6 months, through a variety of situations that would normally require a pill to sleep e.g. a weekend residential course, noise from a neighbor, speaking to 1000 people the next day.

What looked like being a lifetime cycle of anxiety and drugs, has opened into an entirely new possibility for me: being with myself, and my feelings….ALL of them. I now have the belief that I can face any feeling or experience.

Freedom!

HOW I BROKE THROUGH: 6 THINGS

1) I don't have to face the feelings alone. (In fact, if I'm alone and they are keeping me awake, there's no point in feeling them. Put it off until I have support).

2) I can delay feeling the feelings until I have support. (This let me sleep at night, knowing things would be taken care of. I don't have to be at the mercy of these feelings)

3) I can set up support for when this experience is likely to be triggered. (For me, that's night time – particularly in an unfamiliar environment, and with noise. I had 5 people around the world willing to hold my hand on the phone while I went through the experience).

4) Releasing the emotion. (I did deep work each day on the phone with Joseph, and Kristina holding my hand. I accessed my deepest fears and sobbed my heart out. Check out co-counseling; I'm now a raving fan).

5) Being willing to go there. (Having support PLUS committing to face whatever comes up. The willingness to go dissolved the resistance, which was keeping the ‘thing' in place)

6) Compassion. (I was hating that part of my body, my self, that was stopping me from sleeping. Now I talk to it; have compassion for it…for what it/I have been through in the past that is bringing it up.)

__________________________________________________

So what does this mean for you? Perhaps you would like to tell me.

Where do you have strong emotions or symptoms triggered?

Where are you controlling your life, so you don't have to feel something?

Is there a situation you are unwilling to face?

Something your partner wants to do that you won't allow?

Scared to quit your job? Scared to commit to a partner? Scared to
break up with a partner? Scared to have kids?

Do you control your sleep environment? Do you control noise around you?

Do you control your partner? Do you control other's behaviour?

What areas of life do you avoid? What has you MOST uncomfortable?

If you're willing to share, I'd love to hear your answers on the blog

Or simply post what this article brings up for you.

Remember….

You don't have to address ANY of these areas.

You don't have to address ANY of these areas.

And….

You don't have to address ANY of these areas.

You're doing just fine.

And – if you want more freedom in your life, and this article resonates
with you…..perhaps you'll be moved to take a step towards confronting

w hat's happening with you . Perhaps you'll be willing to ‘go there'.

If you do, I recommend support, support, support.

Someone you trust.

The process Dr. Jo used with me is called co-couseling, and I'm sure there are many other support structures that may help.

Love,

David Wood

3. The Personal Touch

A year ago I had declared I wanted a monogamous relationship, but it seems my karma with open relationships is not yet done. I love an amazing woman, who also dearly loves her partner of 7 years. After 10 months together, Kristina has now moved in with me, and I feel incredibly blessed to have this play mate in life. And how perfect to trigger old fears of being left! We recently held a Borange ceremony to celebrate how good things are, with our parents and close friends in attendance (Video)

I spoke to 1200 people in Los Angeles, and 1000 people in Orlando; my first speeches in 6 years! The experience and results were stunning, and I'm looking forward to more speeches! ( more ) If you know of any big motivational events (coaching, wealth building, getting clients, business) you think I should speak at, please post it on the blog below, or reach me through the support link below.

Burning Man was intense! The big achievement there was actually falling asleep surrounded by 45,000 people. Yay!

And if you haven't seen ‘ An Inconvenient Truth ', watch it. Really. There's never been anything more important to watch. You'll be hearing more from me soon on this ;-)

Love and fun,

David

P.S. Comments invited on the blog.

MM #85: Using Speaking to Build a Practice

2007-09-27T16:45:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About '10 Super Coaches'

To find out how 10 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too, click here:

http://www.10supercoaches.com/

"I have enjoyed and most of all gotten inspired by reading "10 Super Coaches Share their Secrets". This is a tool for every coach to have when they require inspiration and/or different ideas to explore, when building our practices."

Martha Tellez
Australia

"David, the product is awesome! I cannot express it any other way. I'm still digesting the nuggets on every page and relishing every interview. Thank you for the your brilliance in its development."

Heather Fraser
USA

Visit http://www.10supercoaches.com/

Do you listen to audio books?

It's so nice to be able to hear the voice of the writer. And it turns your travel time into productive time!

Michael Port's big bestseller, Book Yourself Solid is in the "New and Notable" category at itunes.com. So, now, not only is it a bestselling book, it's also a bestselling audio book.

If you have itunes, I recommend you get it today: http://www.michaelport.com/recommends/itunes

Michael is an awesome guy. He believes that virtually every old-school marketing tactic is dead and that there is a better way to connect with the people you're meant to serve... he calls it the book yourself solid way.

2. FEATURE: Using Speaking to Build a Practice

Perhaps one of the quickest, and in some cases, most effective, ways to build a coaching practice is to give speeches at different organizations in your area. Before you launch a campaign though, a little legwork can be helpful. Here are just a few tips and tricks you can use to get speaking engagements and use them as an effective marketing tool for filling your practice. This information is drawn from the audios in our Explode Your Practice CD set.

Who to Present to

As with defining your target niche, begin by determining who you are presenting to.

I've found it MUCH easier to tap into an existing organization's membership and meetings, than to try and fill a hall myself. To make things easier on yourself, once you have identified a target audience (say, for instance, a women's entrepreneur group), find a pre-compiled electronic spreadsheet database of organization names and contact info plus the categories each organization or association falls into.

There are many such databases and a quick search of the Internet should turn up one for your specific country. For instance, in Australia, "Information Australia" can provide you with this information and in the United States, the "Directory of Associations" from Concept Marketing Group is a good reference.

In Australia I contacted Rotary, Lions, SWAP and Zonta (business women) clubs. I joined the National Speakers Association and let them know I was available to speak to ANY group. (This got me a couple of referrals, which I leveraged into more talks). I also recommend calling 5 top speakers and asking if they would refer me for the speeches that they can't fit into their schedule, or that don't pay enough.

What to Present

During the previous step, hopefully some possible topics came to mind that you could develop into a 20-30 minute presentation.

Some quick examples are: "How to double sales by connecting with people", "How to truly live life", "How to create a life you love", "The benefits of a life of integrity", "Follow your dream career", "Designing your perfect relationship". Choose something you care about, and something where you have related skills or experience. Even if you've coached three people on this issue, you'll have some tips to share.

Flush out the topic into an outline form so you have a good idea of how the speech will flow. Look to see what the audience members will learn from your speech.

Armed with this information, you are now ready to create a mini “media kit” of yourself that you can use to promote your presentation. Draft a letter explaining the presentation and the benefits to the audience. You might also want to include a brief bio of who you are along with a photo of yourself, so the organization knows why you are qualified to speak on your topic.

Lastly, if you already have some awards or testimonials for previous presentations or work, be sure to include those in your materials, too. Once assembled, you should have a nice package to send any organization looking for a dynamic presenter.

Set a Practice Date

Set a date, NOW, for your practice speech, and invite some close friends to come and hear you. You'll provide snacks and speech, they'll provide feedback and written testimonials.

Tip: Set the date BEFORE you have the speech ready. This guarantees you'll work on it ;-)

How to Promote

All this upfront work can be lost if no one shows up. How do you get people to hear you speak?

Try this technique: in the agreement with the organization or association, ask if they would be willing to send out an email before your presentation inviting everyone to attend and prepping them for what to expect. This email will be written by you so it makes it a win-win for both parties. It's the first contact you'll have with the audience so you will already be starting to build a relationship, and you might offer a free download from your web site.

The next contact they will have with you is during your speech and if you have any products to sell, be sure to check with the leadership of the organization or association to see if you can promote them or not.

Finally, after the presentation, ask the organization to send out another email (again written by you) thanking the members for coming to listen to you. Be sure to include in this email a free resource that will be of value to them as well as a link to your website so they can explore your products and services further. Using this approach to promote your presentation guarantees that you will 'touch' the membership three times in a short period of time maximizing the value of each one.

Your Coaching

I dropped references to my coaching throughout the speech. At the end I had a form passed out, and asked them to fill in the feedback section at the bottom, plus said: "If you'd like to be in contact with me, receive my newsletter, have me speak to your company, or even experience a coaching session, just tick the appropriate boxes". It was quite exciting to go home with 30 new subscribers, and sometimes 10 complimentary coaching session possibilities, after each speech.

***

If you enjoy making presentations in front of a group, a natural way to build your coaching practice is to use this passion to your advantage. Through the steps outlined above, you are sure to fill your calendar in no time – with both speaking engagements and new clients!

***

Want more? This, and 100 other topics are covered in more detail in the full Explode Your Practice CD set, available now.

Action

Decide if speaking is right for you. Look into Toastmasters or another organization to help you with your speaking.

Look up places to speak in your area and put them in a computer file or spreadsheet.

Decide on a topic or two to use in your speech.

Post your current status, and the plans you're committing to on the blog .

Enjoy!

David

MM #84: How to to Create Audio on Your Site

2007-09-05T13:50:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

Free Listing in Links Directory

We have a links directory for coaches, trainers, counselors, therapists, fitness trainers, consultants and other service professionals. Get yourself listed - for free! All you need to do is link back to our site. This increases both your link popularity and ours with Google - meaning we both come up higher when people do a web search.

To submit your site to our directory, visit:

http://www.life-coaching-resource.com/links/

When did 'Ten Super Coaches' Become 'Seventeen Super Coaches!?'

With your copy of the '10 Super Coaches ebook' you currently get a free expansion pack including another seven interviews!

To find out how 10 17 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too. Cl'ick here:

http://www.10SuperCoaches.com

Neil Gilbranch, United Kingdom

Visit http://www.10SuperCoaches.com

2. FEATURE: How to Use Audio on Your Site

Note: Proudly reprinted from Mentor Monthly #33

A popular trend I am sure you have noticed is audio on web sites. In this article I'll show you exactly how to create and compress your own audio clips for your web site!

Why Use Audio

The hardest part of selling on the internet, whether services or products, is fostering a relationship. The internet can be cold, faceless and voiceless. And people want to buy from people they know. Hearing your voice creates an instant connection and makes it easier to trust you.

Also people have different learning abilities. People who learn best auditorily will remember your content more easily.

Audio also adds interest and gets attention. Because of this, audio works best if used sparingly. Know your audience and test your results.

What Can You Do with Audio?

You can find many creative ways to try out audio:

make an introduction to your site and let them know you are a real person (see the SolutionBox left side bar)
give people a feel for your sincerity and enthusiasm
let your audience know exactly what you want them to do e.g. get your newsletter, sign up for a free course, download a free ebook
record speeches, teleclasses and interviews to sell or put on your site (with permission, of course)
deliver audio lessons and classes
provide enthusiastic, persuasive product descriptions
provide sample previews of things you want to sell

How to Create Audios

Has this sparked some ideas for you? Are you ready to learn how to make your own audios?

I've created a free audio/video presentation on how to record audio and convert it into different formats. You'll learn how to convert to streaming Flash, MP3, Real Audio and Windows Media File. We'll cover three different programs I like to use. And, I'll show you how to put the converted audio onto your web site.

Access your free 17 minute training video here:

http://www.solutionbox.com/video/audiotraining.htm

Action

Brainstorm ways to use audio on your site.
Watch the training video.
Experiment with putting audio on your site and share your experiment at the blog.

** *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

30 Days

2007-08-13T02:12:00.002-04:00

30 Days placeholder.

All posts labeled 30day will appear here on this page.

Delete this.

Please vote for the video blog name

2007-07-19T13:05:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much for all the feedback guys.

My question is below, and here's the update on all the feedback....

Much of it felt 'right on'. I heard:
- it's arrogant (and I agree)
- it's focused on helping people make money and not work, and people want to at least feel like they are focusing on service (even if they also want the other two)
- Many people would want/expect it to be free (because it's a blog, and because...some people expect lots of free stuff for nothing ;-)
- People want to live THEIR life, not someone elses (and more to the point, many people aren't familiar with the freedom I have in my lifestyle, so they don't know what they are getting)
- I'm thinking I'll include tips on how to impact, create money, and have free time, plus interweave my lifestyle, and that it will be free.

PLEASE VOTE FOR THE VIDEO BLOG NAME

www.TurnPassionIntoProfit.com
or
www.ServiceFunAndMoney.com
or
www.TheImpactBlog.com (on making an impact)

Please post your favorite here:

Post here

Thanks!

David

LiveLikeDavid.com

2007-07-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

Would you give me your opinion on something fun?

I'm starting a video blog. (i.e. 90 second video clips of me sharing an information nugget). But on what?

I’m thinking of doing it about my lifestyle, and showing others how to create my kind of lifestyle.i.e. travel when and where you want, choose whether to work or not, and impact the world while you sleep.

MY THREE QUESTIONS:
1) On a scale from 1 to 10, how likely would you be to watch this video blog about how to create my lifestyle?

2) If membership access cost $19 per month (and it contained really cool tips) how likely would you be to subscribe on a scale of 1 to 10?

3) If not this topic, if not livelikedavid.com, what topic would you MOST like to watch me talk about?

PLEASE POST YOUR ANSWERS ON THE BLOG
A reply email won’t work! Instead please post your answersto the above 3 questions here on the blog:

Post Your Answers Here

Thanks!

David

MM 83: The Trust Factor

2007-07-12T14:41:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

Confused about Coach Training and Certification?

Register for your free Coach Training Mini eCourse, which includes the free download: 'Independent Report on Coach Training and Certification.' Facts you should know about coach training and certification.

Click here to get your coaching training course and download:

http://www.BecomeACoach.com/freedownload.htm

2. FEATURE: "The Trust Factor"

It's interesting to note, that people will agree to pay several tens of thousands of dollars for a new car, after a couple of hours of haggling with someone who by stereotype is slimy and only out to make a buck.

Yet, when it comes to something truly life-changing, like hiring a life coach or service professional, people may find many reasons to say no even though the investment is typically only a few hundred dollars.

Today we'll explore a powerful technique for getting to that YES - drawn from the 'Explode Your Practice' CD set.

The Problem

So what makes saying yes to coaching and other services so much more difficult for people than signing a contract to secure financing for a new car?

I think it's because society is not used to valuing personal development. We haven't gotten hip enough to realise that personal development has gold at the end of the rainbow.

Another reason is that coaching is still 'new'. It's not normal or usual to have a coach, the way it has become normal in some circles to have a therapist.

And finally - people don't know what they are getting. With a Doctor, you know you'll get medical advice, and hopefully get well. You've been dozens of times before, and you know the drill. But what does working with a coach even look like? How many sessions? What happens? It's a big mystery, and people are reluctant to pay for a mystery.

Service Pyramid

We want to warm people up to us or as I like to say, flowers before sex in the Bahamas!

One strategy to get to that yes a little easier is to offer a range of products and services. Think of an upside down triangle or pyramid where the higher levels are less expensive and as you move down the pyramid, the financial commitment increases i.e. they pay you more.

A suggested pyramid: you could begin with a free newsletter on your website. To make signing up even more attractive, offer a free report available to those who subscribe to your newsletter. You may even want to promote that if purchased separately, it would be worth $29.95, creating a built-in perceived value to the download.

From there, you might offer a one-hour teleclass once a month or once a quarter that will connect you personally to your target market. Let's charge say $39 for this. Being able to hear your voice and discovering how you interact with others provides your prospective clients with another level of insight into your personality, your values and what it might be like to work with you, all leading to a greater sense of trust.

If the teleclass is successful, you might consider offering it as an in-person seminar that your prospective clients could travel to. To help make the seminar even more attractive, you could offer a limited number of discounted tickets to the event encouraging people to sign up early.

Further Down the Pyramid

You might then want to offer an eCourse, with say 20 lessons on how to achieve a particular goal. Let's say this will be $97.

Then perhaps a workbook or Manual for $149.

The next step could be a series of audio CDs or DVD's. Near the bottom of the pyramid you might upsell them to an exclusive membership site.

At the very bottom of the pyramid might be your services, the largest commitment you are asking of a person.

By the time they have reach the bottom of your pyramid, they are likely ready to sign up for those services because they trust you and have an established relationship with you through your products.

An Example Funnel:

Start With a Simple Funnel

No need to get overwhelmed though; it took me 5 years to set up the funnel I have now.

To get started quickly:

1) Throw up a newsletter on your site. Direct all efforts to getting subscribers, not sales for your coaching services.

2) Promote someone else's CD or book in your newsletter, for a commission

3) Offer coaching specials in your newsletter.

Now there's a quick funnel!

The Benefits of the Trust Factor

Besides getting to yes faster, building trust makes it easier to serve people, to collect payment from people and to motivate them.

Unless you come highly recommended by someone, getting a prospective client's trust takes time. However, by offering them opportunities to get to know you and your ideas at a variety of price points, you are laying the groundwork for creating that trust.

And - you're collecting income while you sleep or are on vacation!

***

Want more? This plus 100 other topics are covered in more detail in the full Explode Your Practice CD set, available now.

More on creating your own Product Funnel can be found in the Professional Training Program.

***

Action

Are you trying to promote your services without any introductory products or services? What does your current product/service funnel look like?
Write down how your new funnel will look at the end of 30 days.
Share your future funnel at the blog, and post again the results once the changes are implemented!

* * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

TheCharityCharity.org

2007-07-06T03:39:00.000-04:00

THECHARITYCHARITY.ORG

AIM: help the world. By helping the helpers.
By loaning money to startups or struggling helping-businesses where money will make a difference.

CRITERIA
- economically sustainable, viable business
- efficient
- making a difference in the world
- passionate leadership
- a loan will make a difference in the short term

IDEAS FOR SUCCESS
- internet application process
- review board
- success stories published
- donor list published
- different donor levels
- Google advertising on site (paid to SB as sponsor)
- not matching SB brand.

RESOURCES NEEDED
- legal
- web (mega-professional design)
- web database
- CEO w/drive and killer organizational abilities, business acumen, experience. Can manage volunteers. Run whole show without me. Applications should include ideas for success, and exhaustive list of things to be handled, initial and ongoing, plus resources needed.
(- PR, later)

SECOND PHASE
- donations from others
- publicity
- perhaps set up official charity or foundation

I'd love your comments and suggestions!

David

Want to convert visitors to sales like crazy?

2007-06-30T13:44:00.000-04:00

Here's a VERY valuable link you'll want to follow...

Just found this amazing page which hard data on what works and what doesn't when converting visitors to subscribers, or sales:

http://www.marketingexperiments.com/improving-website-conversion/landing-page-optimization-pt2.html

Cheers!

David

I'd like your 'life coaching' articles

2007-06-30T09:39:00.000-04:00

I’m looking for good articles on ‘life coaching’ or ‘business coaching’to add to our network of sites.

In fact, I’m going for 100! Have some? Want to write some?

REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 300 words (no maximum).
- must be on the topic of coaching. (see below for a list of suggested key words or titles)
- you must own the copyright
- include your full name and contact information (note once your contact information is provided, it cannot be updated later on, so please double check)

IF YOU HAVE ARTICLES THAT QUALIFY:
Please post them here (they can all be in the one post if you like).

TO WRITE AN ARTICLE(S):
Just pick one line below in the ‘List of Keywords/Topics’, and make sure the words on that line appear frequently in the article. Then post them here.

Go on - you can dash one off in 10 minutes using what you already know. (I just stopped to write a short one in 5).

WHAT WE’LL DO:
If we choose your articles (and many, many will be chosen), we’ll post it on our site(s), with brief, summarized contact information. We will list your web site.

Note that ACTIVE links back to your site will be limited to one active link per five articles submitted.

By submitting your articles, you’re agreeing we may tweak or edit the content to suit our purposes, and may publish it forever, so long as we maintain attribution to you. You may still publish your article anywhere else you like.

SUGGESTED LIST OF KEYWORDS/TOPICS
life coaching, life coach, life coaches
business coaching, business coach
david wood
executive coaching, executive coach
corporate coaching, corporate coach
coaching, coach
life coach training, life coaching training, coach training
dr. phil, dr phil, doctor phil
tony robbins, anthony robbins
Certified life coach, Certified life coach training
Life coach certification, Life coaching certification
Life coach accreditation
Life coaching schools
Wayne dyer [Art: mention him as a coach, how he coaches/trains people]
Steven covey [Art: mention him as a coach, how he coaches/trains people]
sales coach
coach training institute, coaches training institute
coach university, coachu, coach u
counseling career [Art: whether to choose a career in counseling or coaching]
therapy career [Art: whether to choose a career in therapy or coaching]

SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES!
Post one. Write one. Post several. Write several.
The earlier they come in, the more chance they have of being chosen.

Click here to post your articles, or any comments or suggestions.

Happy writing!

David

MM #82: Branding in 4 Simple Steps

2007-06-14T18:37:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

For Serious Players...

Ready to really BUMP your practice to the next level?

Ready for advanced training on creating long-term marketing engines?

Then listen in to this extensive collection of my most powerful mentoring sessions over the last three years, with your own copy of:

"EXPLODE YOUR COACHING PRACTICE™: Proven Practice Building Secrets to Give You More Clients Than You Can Handle."

Get your copy now:

Explode Your Practice

2. FEATURE: Branding in 4 Simple Steps

You have a name for your business and have even determined your focus or niche. Great!

Now, how do you let others know about you? How do you market your products and services to your chosen audience in a way that they will understand and relate to?

It all comes down to something called branding. Here is a simple 4-step process for defining your brand from the audio Branding Basics which you can hear on disk #2 of the Explode Your Practice CD set.

So, what exactly is a brand? A brand can be thought of as a set of perceptions a prospective (or existing) client gets when they hear the name of your coaching practice or see the logo you will be designing to represent it.

The important thing to remember here is that it's not the same as the actual products or services you sell. Instead, it's a feeling a person has.

STEP #1: Solidifying Your Target Market

As you did when you launched your business, start by identifying your target market. Who are they specifically? What demographics can you identify about them? What's their age? Gender? Race? Marital status? Income level? Where do they live? Work?

Then try and go one step further to see if you can identify some lifestyle characteristics for them as well. Where do these people hang out? What do they like to read? What movies do they enjoy? What restaurants do they eat at? What associations do they belong to?

All of these factors can tell you even more about your target audience such as what's important enough to them that they will spend both time and money on it.

Can you use this information to sell your products and services in a unique or interesting way? Take some time to think about it.

If you are struggling with this exercise and just can t seem to come up with anything, try focusing on the individuals you have coached in the past or are coaching now. Are they your ideal client? If so, why? What characteristics are you drawn to that make them an ideal client for you? If they aren't your ideal client, that s OK too. Thinking about why they might not be ideal can lead to some insights too.

STEP #2: What?

Once you have your target market defined as specifically as possible, consider the key message(s) you'd like them to remember when they hear the name of your business or see your logo. What word or words do you want them to instantly recall? When thinking about a company such as Harley-Davidson, it's pretty easy to identify a couple of words that represent this brand, such as freedom or independence.

STEP #3: How?

Descriptive words (like the ones you may have come up with in step #2) typically have a feeling or emotion associated with them and these feelings or emotions can be captured through the use of symbols, images or even the colors you select.

Again, thinking back to Harley-Davidson, the colors they chose are black and orange. Black conveys a sense of power, strength and independence, and the orange is a unique color orange (some say the specific mix is a trade secret). Color is just one way that Harley-Davidson stirs up what they want its riders to feel when they are cruising down the highway on a motorcycle made by the company.

How do you want your prospective clients to feel when they see the name or logo associated with your business? Think about how symbols, images and colors can convey those emotions and feelings for you.

STEP #4: Put it all together

Now comes the fun part! Working with a graphic designer (try someplace like elance.com), pull everything together - the key message(s), symbols, images, colors, feelings and emotions - intoa logo for your business.

Once you have some ideas drawn up, test them out on your clients, friends, or R & D Team. What impressions do they get when they see your logo? How does it make them feel? Would they hire you based on what they see?

Depending on feedback you receive, make any necessary changes and keep testing until you are satisfied with the results.

Using this basic 4-step process, you can create a powerful brand that will be easy to recognize and remember, excites you when you are talking about it to prospective clients and will virtually sell itself as it conveys the feelings and emotions you want it to.

Tip: If it excites you, and excites your potential clients, you have a winner!

Good luck and I am looking forward to seeing your unique brand on the Internet soon!

***

Want more? This plus 100 other topics are covered in more detail in the full Explode Your Practice CD set, available now.

***

Action

Write down your ideal client and their lifestyle choices.
Write down what emotions you want people to connect to your business.
Look at some logos on the internet to get a feel for what you may like.
Get together with a graphic designer to create some logos to test.
Post your answers to the above, and final winning logo at the blog .

43things.com

2007-05-27T22:03:00.000-04:00

I've been doing some dreaming tonight - and thought wouldn't it be great to have a website (dreamlist.com say) where everyone could list their dreams?

Well someone's done it, and well - www.43things.com

You pick your goals, and then you can post - like diary entries on them - and support one another along the way. Awesome!

these guys seem like the real deal.

Oh, and it's free.

David

FindTheUpside.net - volunteer manager?

2007-05-27T21:48:00.000-04:00

Hmmm...

I'd love to have a site that was all about finding the upside in EVERYTHING that happens. As a way to enjoy life, be grateful, raise our 'vibration' if you're into that sort of thing.

I mean - is there a better way to enjoy life?

I see two kinds of posts:

POSTS REQUESTING HELP FINDING UPSIDE
people would post what has happened, and request a positive view point that can help them find the opportunity in what has happened (lost job, breaking up, feeling down, cancer...)

POSTS SHARING SUCCESS IN FINDING UPSIDE
People would post a big challenge that looked terrible, and how they found a way to enjoy or profit from it by changing their point of view.

* * *
Would you like to make this happen?

If you have web and project management experience, let me know if you're interested in managing/creating this project. Would be a volunteer position, and the site would be free.

STEPS
1) Simple logo/brand
2) install software on site (should be free open-source community software already available that can be customised)
3) Set up volunteer moderator(s)
4) David to invite 70,000 people to post
5) Optional: send out a few press releases to generate some media interest

I'll kick in any cash required.

David

MM #81: I've Got a Client - Now What?

2007-05-24T11:19:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

For Serious Players...

Ready to really BUMP your practice to the next level?

Ready for advanced training on creating long-term marketing engines?

Then listen in to this extensive collection of my most powerful mentoring sessions over the last three years, with your own copy of:-

"EXPLODE YOUR COACHING PRACTICE™: Proven Practice Building Secrets to Give You More Clients Than You Can Handle."

Get your copy now:

http://www.ExplodeYourPractice.com

2. FEATURE: "I've Got a Client - Now What?"

So ... you’ve done 50 or so trial sessions. You’re feeling a little more confident in your skills as a life coach. You’ve even signed up a couple of paying clients. Congratulations! You’ve mastered the first session.

Now you may be wondering what structures you will need to have in place to support an on-going coaching relationship with a client?

It might help to think of it this way: it’s their game, they are in charge of defining the goals ("calling the plays"), identifying key strategies to achieve those goals and completing the action items you assign them each week.

However, it’s your rules that they have to play by. You define when, how often and for how long each coaching session is. You hold them accountable for accomplishing any tasks they have agreed to. You celebrate their success with them as well as get them "unstuck" when they are struggling.

Until you have written down the rules - also known as your policies - you don't really have a coaching practice. Answering these questions, and putting them into a document, really brings your practice into existence.

Here are a few suggestions for "rules" from the series "How To Set Up a Client" which you can hear on disk #1 of Explode Your Practice CD set.

Your Policies and Procedures

Decisions to make when you set up your coaching practice:

How many times a month will you meet and how long is each coaching session?
Will you only coach over the phone or in person as well? If both, will you have a different fee structure for each one?
What if the client needs to cancel or reschedule? Do they lose that session or if they tell you 24 hours in advance will you look for a substitute time?
What if you need to cancel or reschedule? Does the same 24 hour advance notice apply to you too?
What basic information do you need to collect from the client?
What if the client needs support in between sessions? Will you encourage them to email or call you?
If so, will there be a limit on the number of emails or on the length of the phone calls?
And who calls for a coaching session? Does that change if the call is international for one of you?

All of these rules can be written in your operations manual, and in the welcome packet forms so everyone is clear about expectations.

Train Your Client

It's up to you to let the client know what you expect of them. Some expectations of the client might include:

Be on time and ready for the call each week (and that goes for you too!).
Complete their assigned homework for the week unless they have renegotiated a deadline with you beforehand.
Be prepared with what they want to discuss during the coaching session.
Pay their monthly coaching fees in full by the date you have agreed to with them.

Of course, a coaching relationship involves two people. Some expectations the client may have of you:

Check in with them on previous homework assignments and question them when something hasn’t been completed - hold them accountable.
Track the client's progress towards a goal.
Be on time for every session, no matter what.

* * *

It's worth repeating: It's not until these policies and procedures are defined that you really have a coaching practice. Answering these questions, and putting them into a document, really brings your practice into existence.

Enjoy setting up your practice!

* * *

Want more? This plus 100 other topics are covered in more detail in the full Explode Your Practice CD set, available now.

* * *

Action

Start your "rules list." Use the questions above as guidelines.
Put your rules (policies) in writing.
Share your own rules at the blog, and post again the results once the sessions are done!

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

Amazing Branding

2007-05-10T12:41:00.001-04:00

Check out www.GeekSquad.com

And http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat108400050002&type=category

And call the support line - it's so fun!

It's all secret agent stuff - they have really jumped on the geeky thing.

Plus - they'll tune and tweak your PC by remote - 24 hours a day! And they offered to do it for me right there and then - no waiting!

Makes me want to create a fun company like this.

How can you make your brand more YOU!?

More fun?

D

A Few Good Men

2007-05-09T17:08:00.000-04:00

It's occurred to me that truly good men - or those who have let their goodness come through, are not so common.

And yet they are there.

I know men with big hearts. With depth.

With presence. And humour.

With gentleness, yet great strength.

Who adore their woman, yet would let nothing stand
in the way of them serving the world.

If you'd like to find them - find a 'David Deida' workshop - that's where I've met quite a few.

My thought is: How cool would it be to have a web site
where only men such as this are listed.

A place where the goddesses in the world can go to find their mate - their partner.

Men who are pre-screened. And every woman who has an interaction with them can provide feedback....rate them.

The jerks fall by the wayside, and the true men of depth, presence and love come to the fore.

What do you think? Am I on to something? Is this bullshit? Add your 2 cents.

Alright - back to what I was doing. But if you're moved to make this happen, and you have the skills to manage such a project - I'll back you.

David

Create #49: Don't Forget to Celebrate

2007-05-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What are they Saying about 'Explode Your Practice™'?

"David, thanks so much for creating Explode Your Practice™. I've listened to all the libraries, and my coaching practice is booming as a result!

I have:

21 new exploration sessions booked
9 new clients
my website appearing in all major search engines, and
I've started coaching international clients!

Daniel Midson-Short
Australia
www.lifestylerevolution.com.au

"I have already listened to at least 6 hours and my ability to open my practice has been accelerated by at least 3-6 months. Hearing David's real life advice to coaches has made a huge difference for me.

This will take months off my learning curve. I won't have to go through the frustrating trial and error process which costs time, money and clients! Thank you, David!"

Jeannie Crowell
Oregon, USA
jcrowell @ bendcable.com

Get your 'Explode Your Practice' CD set at:

www.ExplodeYourPractice.com

2. FEATURE: Don't Forget to Celebrate

We rush through one thing so we can get to the next. Just like the window decorator at the shopping mall, we can't wait for Christmas to be over so we can start getting ready for Valentine's Day. There might be snow outside, but we're already thinking about the beach.

In our society, we experience a certain pressure to finish as much as possible in the shortest amount of time - all in the name of efficiency. A "to-do" list with everything checked off is a wonderful thing to behold.

But what happens when you're so wrapped up in the big finish that you don't pay attention during the race itself? You miss the experience of the journey.

A Goal Reached

One of my clients achieved a huge goal - she launched her newsletter. Instead of being a source of pride and accomplishment, it was a non-event. Why? She was disappointed that the launch was two months behind schedule. She was beating herself up for her perceived tardiness instead of feeling good about reaching an important goal. And this particular goal was enormous!

Upon realizing that her achievement was an important milestone no matter the timing, she created a celebration - a road trip to see a dear friend - as a gift to herself.

Recognize Your Victories

Chances are, you've achieved something during the past 3-6 months. Did you stop, feel the sense of accomplishment, and take time to celebrate? Or did you move on to the next project?

It's never too late for a celebration. Think of a way to reward yourself or make note of what you have done. No, you are not being indulgent - you are thanking the universe and attracting even more success by acknowledging that good things do happen.

Here are a few examples of accomplishments to celebrate, with ideas of how to give them their due:

Made a new friend
- Plan a special lunch together
Completed a project for work
- Take a day off and do whatever makes you happiest
Went to the gym every day all week
- Treat yourself to new workout clothing or equipment
Finished a cooking class
- Invite friends over and show them your cooking technique
Got your first article published
- Getting a ticket to that writing seminar you've been thinking about
Reached your goal for number of leads followed up
- Buy a nice plant for the office, then go out dancing at night

Take the Time

Many people complain that time passes too quickly. But there's a way to make it slow down - by slowing yourself down. Relish the moments. Smell the roses. Celebrate.

Action

Write down every goal
you've reached in the past six months - no matter how small.
Which ones did you celebrate or acknowledge in some way?
Choose a way to celebrate what you've achieved in the past 6 months. Tell those important to you.
Share it with the world by posting on the blog right now! .
Invite your friends to consider and celebrate their wins. More celebration in the world is a good thing!

Enjoy,

3. The Personal Touch

I've had a girlfriend for 5 months now, and I'm blissed. And learning. I'm seeing my desire for security, my ego & desire to feel special, more clearly than ever before. I'm putting even more attention on what Kristina wants, ahead of these feelings that may not be serving me. I wrote a book on it once, but for the first time I've now actually committed to giving a woman everything she wants, even when it's terrifying for me. There's a lot of conditioning and habit for me to unravel! I'll let you know how we do.

Well I've definitely recovered from the whole India experience. The fragility is gone and I can't stop making plans with Kristina.

My trip to Australia, with my buddy Ezra, was awesome. You can view pics, notes, and a WAY COOL 7 minute slide show at www.koalajuice.com.

Coming up: Orlando and Disneyworld in May, Puerto Rico in June, Costa Rica in July, Burning Man & Harbin Hot Springs in September, and my parents are visiting me in NY (first time ever) in October. Kristina and I are doing 2-4 More House courses in a row, which will probably be life changing.

I'm working less than ever, and April was a record sales month. Wild, huh? In two days' time I'll be sharing the stage with speakers like Armin Morin and Jay Abrams, which I never saw coming. (And the organizers called me, which feels great.) I'll be getting footage of that talk so stay tuned.

Love David!

P.S. Comments invited on the blog.

Brilliant Sales Strategy

2007-05-02T21:00:00.000-04:00

My goodness,

I just took advantage of an offer for 250 free business cards, and ended up paying $25!

What's more I'm happy about it!

They load a bit of profit into the shipping, but they must have offered me 15 upgrade options during the process, and once I'd put all the work in, I didn't want to pull out; and it was easy to click a button and get the special enhancements.

The system is brilliant - try it out at www.vistaprint.com (click on the FREE option). I'm going to look for ways I can use this model in my business.

David

MM #80: Tips and Tricks for Signing Up Clients

2007-04-20T09:35:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About '10 Super Coaches'

To find out how 10 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too, click here:

http://www.10SuperCoaches.com

"I've been doing the 'invitation to an exploratory session' or simply reconnecting with past clients, and it is definitely working for me. At first, I felt I was moving outside my comfort zone....but amazingly, things are really happening! I've had some great responses, I have doubled the size of my prospect list, and have arranged for three exploratory meetings already. This simple exercise has re-energised me. Fantastic - thank you!"
Christine Musson, United Kingdom

"Hearing the ideas of others who already have successful coaching businesses was very helpful. Some of my own ideas were reinforced, and I learned over and over what actually works. Your program has helped me tremendously to get myself moving toward my goal. Thank you David for sharing all your expertise!"
Eloise Becker, USA

Visit http://www.10SuperCoaches.com

2. FEATURE: Tips and Techniques for Signing Up Clients

Gaining confidence as a new coach is largely a matter of coaching as many people as you can.

After 50 sessions, regardless whether or not you sign up any clients, you will have learned much about yourself, your particular style of coaching and how best to have that conversation all new coaches dread: asking the prospective client if they'd be interested in continuing the coaching relationship on a paying basis. Here are a few pointers from the Explode Your Practice training series available on CD.

Tip #1. Fifty sessions can seem overwhelming to a beginning coach, so start by finding five people whom you would love to coach and invite them to do an exploratory session with you.

Tip #2. When asking someone if they might be interested in doing a session with you, be very clear in your mind why you want to do a session with that person and then communicate those reasons to him or her in an open, honest and authentic manner. For instance, if you know someone who is successful in business, let him or her know that through coaching, you'd like to help duplicate that success in other areas. This insight and concern for their well-being is sure to resonate with potential clients.

Tip #3. In order to conduct an exploratory session, you don't need to have a bunch of paperwork prepared ahead of time. The objective here is to coach, not to perfect the forms you use during "intake" to learn more about your clients, their specific challenges and how you can best support them. That can come later once you are more confident in your own skills and abilities.

Tip #4. An easy way to conduct an exploratory session with someone is to simply spend 30 minutes to an hour identifying three goals he or she would like to set, but may lack the structure to actually implement. Out of those three, also really get firm with the client on which is the most important goal. Ask, "Which of your goals would make the biggest difference in your life if you were to take that first step towards achieving it?" If you try and handle all three in 30-60 minutes you're likely to get bogged down and lose focus.

IMPORTANT: Have fun with the session! You won't die - honestly!

Tip #5. In order to naturally segue into the conversation to convert prospects into paying clients at the end of the coaching session, ask how the session felt for them. Did they enjoy it? Did they feel supported during the session? Do they feel inspired to do something about their goals? If they do, follow-up by asking them if they would be interested in learning more about the coaching structure and how you can support them in the attainment of their goals.

Tip #6. Track your responses from each person you ask to commit to an ongoing coaching relationship with you. Include the yes's, the nos and the reasons for both. This information can be invaluable in discovering what is working for you as well as how to combat the objections people may have to coaching. Armed with this data, you'll be much better prepared for that conversation when the time comes to have it again.

Challenge them to commit

Tip #7. Sometimes the key to converting prospective clients is to identify the most pressing goal they are struggling with at the moment and then challenge them to "be bold" and take that first step towards fulfilling it - sign up for a month's worth of coaching where they will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how the process truly supports what they are trying to accomplish in their lives. If you have to, really dig to find out what it's going to take for them to commit to the process.

Tip #8. If money is at the root of the objection, don't be quick to offer up alternative arrangements. Let them think about it a bit first before discussing possible options. Let them really take a look at what they value in their life, and where they spend money.

Then, you might offer options such as one month of coaching at half price and if they see the benefit and value of it in their lives, then subsequent months are at full price. Another idea is if they agree to commit to a three month contract, you will give them the third month free. Or, you could offer a "volume discount" of sorts, the longer the contract they commit to, the greater the discount they receive. For instance, for a three month contract, they would receive a 10% discount off the full coaching price, for a six month contract, they would receive a 20% discount off the full coaching price and for a nine month contract, they would receive a 30% discount off the full coaching price.

Tip #9. Perhaps most importantly though, assure prospective clients that coaching is a fun experience and can involve as little as a phone call once a week if they so choose, or 100% of their waking hours - they get to decide. If they would like action items and want to be held accountable to completing them, that's their choice. The structure of the relationship and the role you are to provide for prospective clients is entirely up to them, providing you feel it's in their best interest. How easy it that?

Signing up clients is at the heart of building your coaching practice. Keep these tips in mind as you conduct your exploratory sessions and you are sure to convert prospective clients to paying ones!

* * *
Want more? This, and 100 other topics are covered in more detail in the full Explode Your Practice CD set, available now for shipping anywhere in the world.
* * *

Action

Make a list of five people with whom you'd like to do an exploratory session.
Contact these people, keeping Tip #2 in mind.
When you've scheduled the sessions, post at the blog, and post again the results once the sessions are done!

* * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

MM #79: How to Design a Teleclass

2007-04-10T15:05:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About 'First Fifty Clients'

How Did A Former Helicopter Rescue Nurse Get 17 Life Coaching Clients in Just 3 Months?!

Find out at:
http://www.FirstFiftyClients.com

"David's strategies helped me get my coaching business up and running with 17 clients after just three months! And I couldn't believe I had $3,000 a month coming in just from helping people with their lives!"
- Estelle Gibbins, Brisbane, Australia

"I have applied the information, with terrific results. I started last Monday, making a deal with myself to have a new client each day. So far, that has occurred - and I have ten new clients!"
- Julie Gleeson, USA
The Art of Living

Visit http://www.FirstFiftyClients.com

2. FEATURE: How to Design a Teleclass

A teleclass can be a very effective way to get a start with potential new clients.

And - a great way to 'add value' for existing clients.

In a way, it's expensive for you to provide one on one time. By speaking to groups of people, your cost per person plummets. People can then access you at a lower price point (e.g. $75 p.m instead of $300 p.m) so you can reach a much greater market!

Or, you can 'audition' your services, so to speak, for 20-200 people at one time. Wouldn't you rather do a trial session for 200 people over 1 hour, instead of 200 hours!?

Holding regular teleclasses can also help you keep your practice fresh with new ideas, and give you a solid base for generating materials to use in future gatherings - or even as stand-alone products!

Ideally, you should have an online presence in order to attract enrollees, but you can start with just a few email addresses. The investment you make in creating a website and newsletter pay dividends as they help potential clients get to know you and your business. Announce your teleclasses online, and send reminders to your newsletter subscribers.

Another tool you'll need is a teleconference bridge. This is easier than it sounds, as there are a number of free telephone conference services available on the internet. These services allow you to schedule your call in advance and automatically email instructions to your participants. They need only to dial in and provide a pre-designated login code. Most free services will require your participants to make a long-distance call. Some offer a toll-free number for an charge of approximately $.10 per minute. One free service is www.FreeConference.com.

When Bigger Isn't Better

What's the ideal size for a teleclass? Ideally, your class should consist of at least four people - enough to generate questions and conversation. Some limit their class size to a maximum of six. This keeps the group intimate and workable. By keeping your class small, you have a better chance of getting to know the participants and their needs.

If you go above 8, your time doesn't count as 'coaching' time for the International Coach Federation certification guidelines, but you get to reach many more people! So there's a trade-off between numbers and the quality of coaching. Many of the classes I do are more like lectures. We have so many people on a given call, we often have to mute the participants because of background noise.

Note, too, that I don't think I've ever charged for a teleclass. I'd like to, and soon - it's just that I've used teleclasses as freebies; lead-ins to upsell to another product such as my coaching services, a partner's products for commission, and ultimately my own products.

How many sessions should you provide in a teleclass series? Well - it could be just a one-off teleclass. Or, you could provide four, eight, or even 12 sessions, usually weekly. Multiple sessions becomes a 'course,' which is appealing to both the clients and often the coach. Consider offering your first class session as a freebie, so clients can "try before they buy." If they like what they hear, it's likely they will sign up for the rest of the course.

Teleclass Structure

Here's a tried-and-true formula for a four-week teleclass series, whether the focus is on job search, weight loss, or relationships.

First teleclass: In your first session, begin by focusing on participants' goals and vision. Use a conversation-starter to get things going. For example: "Do you want to be the locomotive in your life, or the caboose? Which one are you right now?" Determine where your participants are in relation to their goals, and how ready they are for change in their lives.

Second teleclass: After your participants have clearly outlined their goals, you can focus on strategies for change. What is one step each participant can take to get on the right track toward what they want? Discussing this question in a group format will generate ideas and excitement. As an added bonus, you're creating a support structure!

Third teleclass: In the third session, it's time to focus on action. It's time to move up to the "locomotive," so to speak, and leave the "caboose" behind - where it belongs. Participants can commit to one or more action steps, and prepare to share their experiences in the final teleclass.

Fourth teleclass: Wrap up the teleclass by reviewing all the previous topics (goals/vision, strategies for change, action). Allow participants to share what they've learned. Give them an opportunity for one-on-one coaching with you - perhaps at a special introductory rate if they are new clients. If interest is strong, you can schedule an 'advanced' teleclass for the group.

TIP: Have participants buddy up in pairs, so they can support each other during the week, particularly in completing action steps. I also love the idea of a discussion board online, so people can ask questions, and share what's happening. Now you have a community!

Teleclasses are a great way to create camaraderie and generate client relationships. Customize a class for your niche - and have fun with it!
* * *

Action: Create a teleclass

Come up with a compelling topic for a teleclass. What is your niche? How can you tailor your class to your audience? What FOUR major things should participants know to be more successful in this area?
Optional advanced: Schedule your class. Make a commitment!
Post details at the blog.
- and check in with your results after your class has begun.

* * *

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

MM #78: The 3 C's of Successful Web Sites

2007-03-25T15:07:00.001-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

For Serious Players Only...

Ready to really BUMP your practice to the next level?

Ready for advanced training on creating long-term marketing engines?

Then listen in to this extensive collection of my most powerful mentoring sessions over the last three years, with your own copy of:-

"EXPLODE YOUR COACHING PRACTICE™: Proven Practice Building Secrets to Give You More Clients Than You Can Handle."

Get your copy now:

Explode Your Practice

2. FEATURE: The 3 C's of Successful Web Sites

When putting together a website, it can seem quite daunting, especially if you don’t come from an IT or marketing background. To help make this task a bit easier, here are a few pointers from a coaching call you can hear in Explode Your Practice:

Creating Content to Connect

Most coaching websites include information about what coaching is, how to contact the coach, and past successes. When writing copy for your first site though, think about the feeling you’d like to create as a prospective client reads through your content.

The goal is to make them feel comfortable as they get to know you and that they can trust you … sort of like you are chatting with them over a cup of coffee.

How much information you provide about yourself is up to you, but a few paragraphs on who you are, how you came to coaching and your personal philosophy on coaching is a good start.

You can also provide links to additional information such as your background, your certifications or other services you offer. By using this technique, you are less likely to overwhelm the prospective client.

Also, don’t forget to include a picture or two of yourself. Perhaps pick some that help to represent who you are as a person, your likes, your hobbies, and/or how you coach. These will not only “put a face to the name,” but also give the client some insight into your personality and whether they might enjoy working with you in a coaching relationship!

Collecting Information

What types of information should you collect and how much information? Basically, you can go about it in one of three different ways:

1. Email Only: offer a newsletter and collect only a person’s email address, and perhaps their first name (fast and easy to collect which may lead to higher response rates).
2. Detailed Information Only: create a form that a person has to complete asking for personal information, goals, what it means to be successful, how long they might be interested in being coached and how much they might be willing to pay for such services (more involved, but it can also be an effective tool for screening prospective clients). See here for an example.
3. Combination: offer a newsletter and collect only a person’s email address; follow-up with a page confirming their subscription and a request for additional information. If provided, they will receive an additional bonus gift (fast and easy to collect, but also allows for the opportunity to secure more detailed information if the person is willing).

Whichever way you go, it's good to have the support of an inexpensive programmer to set this all up.

Show a privacy policy prominently, and be up front about what they will receive i.e. don't offer a download and then add them to your newsletter without asking. A great system is to offer a free download, that comes with a complimentary newsletter subscription.

Communicating Niche

If you have defined your niche, explain it in language your clientele will understand and connect with. Then put it in a prominent place on your website. Make it easy for someone to learn about the type of people you work with and why. If you don’t have a well-defined niche yet, pick something that interests you, write up a paragraph or two about it and post it to your site. (In other words, at least pretend you have a focus area or specialty. People like to see focus. Before too long, you will be an expert in that area)

Who knows who might show up from that target market and if you find that you enjoy coaching them, even better … you may have just discovered your true calling.

* * *

If you keep these pointers in mind, you will be well on your way towards creating a compelling and targeted website for your chosen niche. Good luck and happy writing!

* * *

Take action on the 3 C's?

What do you have about you on your site? Is it connecting with your audience? If not, tweak your words, move them around, and add personable pictures.
Evaluate your way of collecting information about your prospective clients. Is it working for you? Would you like to experiment with any changes?
Ask some friends to look at your site and see if they can recognize your niche. If not, what can you add to your site to make your niche clearer?
Post the changes you will make at the blog for accountability.

* * *

Want more? This, and 100 other topics are covered in more detail in the full Explode Your Practice CD set, available now.

Enjoy!

Create #48: Beyond the Conditioned Mind

2007-03-19T10:29:00.000-04:00

1. Announcements/Offers

Ladies: Join the R&D Team for our New Women's Book!
Many of you have read the relationship guide for men at www.TruthAboutWomen.net. Well, it's time to write the relationship guide for women, with women's spokesperson Cindy Joseph.

I'm assembling an R&D (Research and Development) team just for this book. So ladies, if you have any interest in how to win with your guy, how to get more of what you want from him, or just to have more fun with him, send a blank email to david38-233431@autocontactor.com to join this new R&D team. Every now and then I'll send out some questions for you, and may even run the audio interviews past you for comment and questions!

Dave & Ez Hit Oz
I've had to go to Australia for a last minute business trip (writing this on the plane now), and decided to bring my good buddy and coach Ezra along. We're turning it into a two week vacation/party, and Ez will be blogging each day or so on what we're up to. If you'd like to follow along, you can do so here (give us a day or two to get started on it):

http://koalajuice.blogspot.com

How to Be Happy
Happiness is not something that can be attained through wealth, therapy, or relationships. It's inside every one of us, all of the time.

Paul Lowe (the guy I've learned a lot from) states: "You have happiness inside you now. Eternal dancing blissful happiness, inside you now ... Inside each person there is a something that is unaffected by anything."

He suggests: "If you are not happy, the intelligent thing is to make [happiness] your priority. Find that place inside you."

In his "How to Be Happy" CD, Paul explains how our conditioning obscures our natural state of joy and contentment, and how acceptance of each moment is the key to true happiness. Paul talks about the different vibrations we give out when we're happy, in complaint, or resisting the moment - and how a simple change in attitude can bring about a major shift in our interactions with the world.

(Personal Note: I bought this CD myself, and it rocks! I will be listening to it several times)

Cost for the CD is US$19 (15 Euro or 10 GBP) plus shipping. To order, send an email directly to Mia at buy@miamedia.org.

2. FEATURE: Beyond the Conditioned Mind

This Guest Article provided courtesy of one of my mentors, Paul Lowe: PaulLowe.org
* * *
We each live in our own individual world. It may not look like it, but 6 billion people live in 6 billion separate realities.

The way we see and experience the world is determined by how we grew up, the attitudes, opinions, beliefs and limitations we were given. In other words, by the conditioning we received to our minds and emotions.

This conditioning effects the way in which we see things. It is as though we are looking out of a window with curved glass - everything appears distorted. This distortion is created by our conditioning.

It isn't so

We think that which we see is the way things are, but it is not so. We are actually seeing through the distortion of our conditioned mind and this puts a spin on to our whole life and how we perceive ourselves. It is a huge handicap and certainly prevents us from reaching our maximum potential.

When we begin to disconnect from our mind and its fixed opinions an unexplainable mystery happens - life gets easier and better and better. Everything starts to click into place. Anger and judgment dissipate, a feeling of freedom descends and a gentle peace starts to permeate our whole being.

With that phenomenon comes another phase that keeps us moving and growing. We begin to recognise that life presents us with what we need to evolve into our greatest potential as a human being.

To take advantage of this possibility: be more adventurous, experiment, take a few risks. More aliveness happens in unpredictable situations. You only have one short life, and this is it. Live it to the full and don't take it too seriously. Have fun!

Action

What is your conditioning? Identify ways in which your perception is distorted.
Think of one risk you can take this week.
Take that risk, in a spirit of adventure.
Share your experience at the blog.

Enjoy!

3. The Personal Touch

I love writing this section - it's like my diary ;-)

I officially have a girlfriend: Kristina. She's smart, sassy, loving, fun, sexy, and passionate. I was pretty sure I wouldn't go back to 'poly-land', but this is what has shown up, and I'm thrilled. I'm having an absolute blast with her, and look forward to more great times.

My best buddy Ezra and I are getting even closer. Such a new feeling to be with someone who has so much attention on my happiness and goals - a little confronting at times, a little vulnerable - and I say bring it on! I'm dragging him to Australia with me, to visit the parents, kick some business goals, and have a whole heap of fun.

After four years, the relationship book specifically for women is under way! It is awesome, and I'm having a lot of fun with Cindy and Ezra on this! We have a couple of publishers interested, but we could use more, so if you have good contacts in the publishing industry, please forward to b-e-t-h@solutionbox.com (but without the dashes). US, UK or Australia are all fine.

NOTE: I'm assembling an R&D team just for this book. So ladies, if you have any interest in how to win with your guy, how to get more of what you want from him, or just to have more fun with him, send a blank email to david38-233431@autocontactor.com. Every now and then I'll send out some questions for you, and may even run the audio interviews past you for comment and questions!

I've turned my bedroom into a sultan's tent, which has been a HUGE amount of fun. I'm talking stretchy purple fabric covering the entire ceiling, and gold fabric winding down the walls like tent poles. Just ordered awesome candle holders and a 5 foot water feature - really fun to be putting so much attention on my environment.

Business wise the universe continues to provide. We've launched a limited edition of Top Coaching Techniques to the R&D team (the first coach training package of its kind in the world). If you missed out on that email b-e-t-h@solutionbox.com (no dashes) and she'll arrange a copy for you if there are any left.

I'm about to produce a DVD of the Internet Clients Webinar we did recently, a Google Pay Per Client training video specifically for a coaching campaign, plus a few other fun things. If you're interested in volunteering to join in the action, I think Beth could still use a couple (her email is above).

Love and fun,
David

P.S. Comments invited on the blog.

MM #77: How to Set a Competitive Fee for Your Coaching

2007-03-08T12:57:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

For Serious Players Only...

Ready to really BUMP your practice to the next level?

Ready for advanced training on creating long-term marketing engines?

Then listen in to this extensive collection of my most powerful mentoring sessions over the last three years, with your own copy of:-

"EXPLODE YOUR COACHING PRACTICE™: Proven Practice Building Secrets to Give You More Clients Than You Can Handle."

Get your copy now:

Explode Your Practice

2. FEATURE: How to Set a Competitive Fee for Your Coaching

Many service professionals are uncomfortable putting a dollar figure on the work they do. There's a fine line between pricing yourself out of your market - and selling yourself short. You can hear me coaching on this very topic in "Explode Your Practice." Here's a quick summary that will help you find the right balance.

Your clients look to you for initial clues about the value of your services. If you give them the idea that it's worth $50 per month, that's how they'll treat it. On the other hand, if your initial clue tells them your services are worth $1,000 per month, you may hit some resistance. They might think of other things in their life with a comparative cost, and say, "Hang on, how can that be?"

You may need to create a shift in their thinking and you may need to target a market that is certain to have the money. Some people easily spend thousands of dollars for a holiday, or for a high-profile course - they can also afford it for coaching if it's positioned correctly.

Naming Your Price

An average price for coaching seems to be $300-500 per month. If you back your services with a money-back guarantee, you will have a better chance of charging this or higher. (The drawback, however, is that your client's commitment may be lower now that they have a backdoor if things don't work out).

I started coaching at AU$250, which is about US$210. I later raised it to AU$300, where I stayed for a long time, scared to go higher. When I finally decided to go to $400, I had a lot of clients so I went ahead. They didn't blink, because $300 is still a lot of money for some people. The difference between $300 and $400 wasn't as big as I had expected.

When I went from $400 to $550, I was again surprised when people responded with, "Okay, that's what it costs."

You have to get your clients to consider the results. For instance, I had a client - a manager - who had taken dramatic steps forward inside herself. She was finally starting to say no, to take some time off, to find her peace. What's that worth? What was it worth to her employer, who was picking up the tab, to keep a valuable employee? Suddenly $2,000 doesn't seem so outrageous.

Now I'm at the point where I need to screen out clients - and setting my fee high helps to do that. What if you're not quite there?

Here's an example: Say you've decided on a fee of $300 per month. Tell clients if they pay three months in advance, you'll charge just $200 per month - a total of $600. It's like they are getting a month for free. Taking it further, you can charge $175 per month if they pay six months in advance.

Unless you are screening out clients, you probably shouldn't post a monthly cost of $300 on your site. With a pre-pay discount, however, you can say, "My prices range from $150-300 per month. Contact me for details."

Collect Up Front

Assume that your clients will want to pay up front. If they ask about a month-to-month plan, you can be agreeable but explain that system is more expensive. By preferring up-front payments, you are supporting your clients by making sure they follow through. If they just don't go for that, THEN you can offer a lower trial rate - in this example, $200 - for the first month, with the expectation of a three-month contract if all goes well.

As a higher-end coach, I let people know there are cheaper coaches. One of my clients pays month to month because that's all she can afford at one time. I've encouraged her to consider someone less expensive, and she said, "You know what? I want to keep going with you. My guess is that you pay for what you get. By paying this amount of money, I know I'll take it seriously."

Resistance

If a potential client says coaching seems expensive, ask, "What's it worth to you to achieve this goal? What's it worth to you to have these changes in your life? Are you ready to commit to having these goals?"

And: "What's the cost of NOT working with me?"

Once they have made that commitment internally, you should have a client.

* * *

Action: What are your services worth?

Decide on a flat fee structure. For example, one month (3 sessions) for $400. What feels right to you? How many sessions? How much?
Now, what kind of discount will you offer to clients who pay 3 months up front? Six months? Or is there another pre-pay structure that works better for you? (For instance, 9 months if you are working around a school year.)
Post what you plan on doing at the blog then check back in there with your results.

* * *

Want more? This, and 100 other topics are covered in more
details in the full Explode Your Practice CD set, available now.

Enjoy!

MM #76: How I got 1,600 Subscribers in a Month

2007-03-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What Are People Saying About 'First Fifty Clients'?

How Did A Former Helicopter Rescue Nurse Get 17 Life Coaching Clients in Just 3 Months?

Find out at:
http://www.FirstFiftyClients.com

"David's strategies helped me get my coaching business up and running with 17 clients after just three months! And I couldn't believe I had $3,000 a month coming in just from helping people with their lives!"
Estelle Gibbins, Brisbane, Australia

"I have applied the information, with terrific results. I started last Monday, making a deal with myself to have a new client each day. So far, that has occurred - and I have ten new clients!"
Julie Gleeson, USA
The Art of Living

Visit http://www.FirstFiftyClients.com

2. FEATURE: How I Got 1600 Subscribers in a Month

Proudly Reprinted from Mentor Monthly #13

***

Why get subscribers? Because it's a powerful way to let your community get to know you, to build a relationship, and stay in touch. If you're selling a product or a service, it usually takes several instances of contact before someone will buy from you. Enter the eZine!

I sent out an update recently to my R & D team mentioning I got 1600 new subscribers last month, and one member asked how I managed it. I thought I'd share the different methods with you, too.

Free Web Traffic

Submit your sites to the major search en'gines, and if you have crafted your pages properly, you will come up near the top when people search for your key words. E.g. 'life coaching', 'motivational speaker', 'corporate training'.

Save time and get better results by getting a good software program to do your work for you, and it will train you as you go.

There are certain key things you should have in any search engine software you buy. You can surf the web and research to your heart's content to find the one that is best for you. Or if you prefer to buy the one I use and recommend, you can get the free 30 day trial version of WebPosition Gold here: 30 Day Trial Version

Multiple Sites

I have more than one domain and many of my sites link to the other domains. Part of your search engine ranking has to do with how many sites link to yours. So through multiple sites, my search engine ranking goes up. Every site you have, in fact every PAGE you have on your site, is a chance you'll be found by a search engine. More pages, linking to your home page, also increases your Page Rank with Google, meaning you come up higher in the listing.

My site Life Coaching Resource is rated #1 on Google right now for the key words "life coaching". We used the phrase throughout the site and all our sites link there.

Free traffic is great - but it's not the only source...

Paid Google Traffic

I use Google Adwords to gain most of my customers. For Adwords you pay per click for certain keywords. Someone will type in, say "Life Coaching" in the Google search bar. When the search results come in, the ads on the right show up in correlation to the key words typed in. You only pay if someone clicks on the ad.

The secret for me is that the products the customers buy when they come to my sites, pay for the web traffic. As a bonus, I get lots of newsletter subscribers.

Sales Letter

When I am writing a sales letter for a product, I use that opportunity to ask for subscriptions. For an example of how I get a subscription, let's use www.10SuperCoaches.com. I use a hover ad that glides across to ask for the subscription.

You can also put it right into the text of your sales letter. Before we used the hover ad what I did was mention a few interesting 'hooks,' and then I put in this paragraph:

"Before I show you exactly how these ordinary people built such successful practices, make sure you take away a free copy of '50 Power Questions to Ask Your Client'. It comes with a free subscription to my Ezine 'Mentor Monthly™', which teaches you how to coach more effectively, and gain clients with ease. (Note: I will never disclose your private information to anyone else, and you may unsubscribe with two clicks of the mouse)."

Right under that paragraph is the subscription box. The 'thank you for subscribing page' pops up separately so when they close it they are still reading the sales letter.

Free Download

Notice in the above example I am not asking them to sign up for a newsletter. Rather, I suggest a free download of '50 Power Questions', which includes a free subscription.

I'm now using this technique at a lot of my sites e.g. www.life-coaching-resource.com. I have a post it graphic that makes the free download attention grabbing. And I also have it in the left column under Free Tools. In order to get the free download, people often choose to get the newsletter at the same time (note I don't require it though - they CAN uncheck the box if they really want to.)

What could you put together that will be of value to your customers?

(Or if you like, you can provide my '50 Power Questions' on your site as a free download. Just go to one of the above sites and follow the process to get the download, and then place it on your site the way I've done at www.life-coaching-resource.com.)

Radio Interview

I also received about 200 subscribers from a national radio interview. National was great, but I had to get up at 4am to do it!

Have you been in contact with your local media for radio or newspaper articles recently?

* * *

Action: Get more web traffic

Which of the 6 ways sounds the most exciting for you to do right now?
Start planning for how you will use that way to gain more traffic.
Post what you plan on doing at the blog then check back in there with your results.

* * *

Want more? You can find more ways to use the internet to gain clients and get more in depth on the solutions above in our new Internet Clients eCourse.

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

Subway No Pants Day 2007

2007-02-26T16:55:00.000-05:00

In January, just for fun I did something outside the norm and rode the subway like this! It was "No Pants Day" in New York City. Here's an excerpt from an article which appeared in Sydney, Australia's The Daily Telegraph:

14 Jan 2007 - PASSENGERS on the Number 6 train in New York yesterday got more than they bargained for as the annual No Pants Subway Ride swung into action.

The No Pants day has been a yearly tradition since 2002, when seven members of the comedy group Improv Everywhere kicked off the event by kicking off their trousers on the Lexington Avenue Local.

More than 150 people took part last year and this year's cool-legged crowd was tipped to be even bigger.

Group founder Charlie Todd told WNYC radio that the event starts slowly, with one person boarding the train in boxers and briefs.

"It's subtle at first, and it's hard for people to explain what could possibly be happening. By the end of the ride, when there's 20, 30, 40 people in their underwear, it becomes something that's obviously meant to be funny," he said.

It was classic! Really fun to mess with people's heads ;-)

David

Create #47: Re/Transformation

2007-02-12T12:35:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

Do You Own Any Positive Music?
Have you noticed how most music is about loss? Or trying to get somewhere? Or yearning?

Jana Stanfield is a motivational speaker and singer, and a personal friend. I think you'll find her website inspiring: www.janastanfield.com - she does a lot to help the world.

And in particular I recommend you get a copy of her CD 'Brave Faith', which I've been listening to for years. You can get a copy here. It's great for when you want to listen to something soothing or inspiring.

Shift From Limitation to Power
Your unconscious beliefs are running your life. Re/Transformation can shift your beliefs from limitation to power - often in just minutes.

I personally experienced a session with Frank Butterfield, which was very valuable, and very powerful - the man knows his stuff!

Sign up for the newsletter and receive a free audio guided visualization and step-by-step guide to the process. You'll be introduced to the landscape of your unconscious mind and see what Re/Transformation can do for you. Be one of the first 20 to sign up and receive a free one-on-one Re/Transformation facilitation. You won't want to miss this!

Get your free guided visualization (and possibly a free session!) here:
http://www.SolutionBox.com/retransformation.htm

(Note: this is commission-free. I like Frank and his stuff)

2. FEATURE: Re/Transformation

This Guest Article is from Frank Butterfield of Re/Transformation.com
***
Your unconscious mind is running your life!

That's right – running your life.

Everything you do and everything you say and everything you think is informed by the beliefs held in your unconscious mind.

See, your unconscious mind holds two kinds of beliefs:

Those that are helpful and amazing and push you forward in life again and again.

Those that are limiting and hold you back no matter how hard you try to change them.

It doesn't know the difference, however.

The unconscious mind is like a massively powerful computer. You feed it data (what you experience from moment to moment). It runs a program or two on that data (your unconscious beliefs). And gives you the output (your life works.... or it doesn't).

Re/Transformation lets you change the programming.

Limiting beliefs

Here are some sample limiting beliefs (a few might sound familiar):

I can't ever succeed because....
Everyone lies
Entrepreneurs are very cutthroat and I don't want to be that way
Women/Men like women/men with lots of money/a great house/a fancy car/some other quality so I'll never meet anyone
It's who you know
_____ people are just that way
Money is evil
People who have money are evil/corrupt
People can't be trusted
Everyone is out for themselves
Nice gals/guys finish last
People are too busy to care
It's a dog-eat-dog world
The world is falling apart
I'll never have what I really want
If I can't do it perfectly, I won't do it at all

Every belief in your unconscious mind is there because it is protecting you in some fashion. Each one of them had a very useful function at one time in your life.

Usually, the ones that are holding you back now were originally designed to protect you or empower you in some way in the past. Where these beliefs come from is interesting, but Re/Transformation allows you to shift them from limitation to power without having to figure that all out.

Re/Transformation shows you the belief and then transforms it

There was the coffeehouse owner who always felt stressed about customer service and managing all the little details. After Re/Transformation, he let go of the belief that he was disorganized and flustered. He took on a new empowering sense of calm and effortless management.

Then there was the woman who was so tied up in survival that she had become a pirate – taking from everyone and literally plundering anyone who would come along. That is, until she let that go and began to see herself as the amazingly powerful and capable woman she is today.

My favorite is the man who finally gave up his need to protect himself every minute of every day, particularly at night when he was trying to sleep. Working together, we found an intricate layer of beliefs that had achieved an amazing balance together – both keeping him asleep and awake at the same time. We gently released each one and replaced them with new beliefs that now support and nurture him. You might know him, as a matter of fact.... ;-)

Did each of these take days, months, or years to happen? No – each of these people experienced a significant shift in their unconscious beliefs in a matter of minutes.

How Re/Transformation works

Re/Transformation is a powerful and gentle process that allows you to immediately access and shift limiting beliefs.

You then empower yourself with new helpful beliefs that move you forward and support the vision of your higher self.

And it happens in a matter of minutes.

Action

Focus on a specific area of your life (money, work, relationships, etc.). What isn't working in this area? Write down at least 3 limiting beliefs you have about this situation.
Pick one belief from the list above that seems to be the most intractable and the most real. Pick the one that frustrates you the most.
What person embodies this one belief? This can be someone you know or don't know; someone from TV, a movie, a book, a tall tale, or a mythic legend; someone living or dead; someone real or imagined. What is this person's name?
Imagine yourself having a conversation with this person. Ask them any question you want. What they are doing for you? Are they protecting you from anything (past or present; real or imagined)? Pay attention to what they say back to you (even if you think you are just imagining it). Notice how you feel and what thoughts start coming to you.
Write down any insights you receive from this conversation. What tangible action steps will you take based on this new awareness?

For further assistance, Frank has offered….

Your unconscious beliefs are running your life. Re/Transformation can shift your beliefs from limitation to power in just minutes. Find out how at Re/Transformation. Sign up for the newsletter and receive a free audio guided visualization and step-by-step guide to the process. You'll be introduced to the landscape of your unconscious mind and see what Re/Transformation can do for you. Be one of the first 20 to sign up and receive a free one-on-one Re/Transformation facilitation. You won't want to miss this!

Sign up here:
http://www.SolutionBox.com/retransformation.htm

by Frank Butterfield
***
Thanks Frank ;-)

Enjoy!
David

3. The Personal Touch

In the last 'Create' issue I shared about my 'bump' in India. After having 'turned the corner' I had a resurgence of energy in the form of anxiety/fear. Boy - talk about an invitation from the universe to take a look at yourself and your way of being!

With this 'super sensitivity' over the past month, I've learned I can't get away with many things that used to work before such as - multi-tasking, thinking about all the things to do later today, and rushing. I'm learning to listen to my body, and to take care of myself and be really nice to myself. Come up against a belief "I should be able to heal myself on my own", resistance to using medication, an image I've been holding onto of a "strong, secure, fun, smart, independent, solid man", and my judgments about people who use medication or experience depression or anxiety. OK - I'm experiencing more of humanity! ;-) I've gone deeper into meditation and yoga, hired a nutritional counselor (no sugar, including fruit, sweetish vegetables, and most things you buy in a supermarket!), a homeopath, a therapist - all good stuff to explore what's coming up, being present, watching the mind, and caring for this body.

Oh, and - I'm usually having an awesome time. I'm doing great. This week things are much more than ever coming into balance and feeling smooth. Much love, authenticty, and learning.The journey continues...

Love David

P.S. Comments invited on the blog.

making a difference

2007-02-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

Hi guys,

This one is a personal request.

Someone told me today my newsletters have improved their life, and I realised I'm not aware of the impact I'm making to you guys on a personal level.

Oh, theoretically I know it's there, but I work from my computer at home so I never get to SEE the impact. And I'd like to FEEL it.

So if anything I've done, said or written has made an impact on your life at a Personal level, and you have a moment and the inclination, I'd like to hear about it here: Post Comment.

(If you've gotten business results that's great, but I'm really interested right now in what changes have happened in your life, or your experience of life, or for those around you? Or what have you learned about yourself and life from anything I've done?)

You can post your response to the question "How have I impacted your life" here:

Post Comment

Love and fun,

David

MM #75:Taking Your Success to the Next Level

2007-02-07T15:24:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

Independent Report on Coach Training and Certification

This free report by David Wood and Daniel Midson-Short reveals the real story behind coach training and certification, answering these crucial questions:

Do you need to be certified at all?
How to get a $300 coach training special
How to choose the perfect school for you
What if you already have related training?

Available now as a free download in pdf format at:

BecomeACoach.com/freedownload.htm

(Comes as part of the free Coach Training Mini e-Course)

2. FEATURE: Case Study: From Successful Coach to Extraordinary

Michael Stoller was already a successful coach. He'd been at it for more than six years, logging 2,200 hours experience, and had coached more than 200 people. But he saw limitations in what he was doing, and he wanted to take his business to the next level.

That's when Michael called me. I was especially impressed with Michael's determination and results, so I asked my assistant Aine to get his story. It's a very inspiring one.

Note: the audio and some of this article sounds like promo for the CoachStart Program which I run for already successful coaches - which is ironic as I'm not seeking participants right now. But what I'd like you to get from this article and audio is inspiration from Michael's passion and results as a coach. There's a link to the full audio here.

Below are a few highlights of their conversation.

"I came to David specifically to re-brand myself," Michael explained. Although he was already a life coach, he wanted to work with a new clientele - business people and entrepreneurs with the financial resources to spend on his services.

Michael wasn't familiar with David's work until he received an email from his father, who had found David's site. "I was impressed with the way David marketed himself, his products and services," Michael said. He thought the investment sounded very high, but then said: "If you can help me get where I want to be, then the cost is very small."

Specific strategies

Michael decided to use a new approach to David's coaching services. "In the past, most coaches helped me get in touch with my inner wisdom, but I used David more as a mentor and guide," he noted. "I wanted direct advice, like 'Here's what I think you should do if you want to get to the place you want to be.' "During our sessions there would be specific suggestions like: 'Get this section of your website going. Hire someone to do your logo. Create a sample home page. Write your bio.'

One of the biggest action steps Michael took in the CoachStart Program was coming up with a powerful name and brand for his business: Career Rocket Coaching. "It was something David suggested way at the beginning, and it didn't ring with me, but it ended up that as I played with developing it and my logo, I really liked it," Michael remembered.

As Michael developed the content for his site, "David told me what he liked, but more importantly, what he didn't like, so my website would match the image I wanted to get across to my clients or potential clients."

Spectacular results

Michael had just moved from a metropolitan area to a smaller community of 25,000 when he started working on going to the next level. "I knew nobody," he said. But now:

Michael has six brand-new clients, and is making close to $2,000 per month just with those agreements. He has 8-10 more who are close to a verbal agreement.
His clients have signed up for six to nine months!
He launched his new website, CareerRocketCoaching.com
He has a new logo, new business cards, and even embroidered polo shirts. ;-)
He's been doing speeches and seminars, including The Art of Networking and Motivational Sales.
He was interviewed about coaching on local television!

Michael's next step is to develop products to sell over the internet for passive income. "Prior to working with David, I thought that was a three-to-five year goal. Now I see it as a one-to-two year goal," he remarked. "I'm thrilled with the results. Things I thought would take much longer to get to, they're actually pretty much around the corner."

What did you learn?

These results alone were certainly something to be happy about, but perhaps a more important result, Michael said, was "I found out that I know how to do this, it reinforced for me that I was doing the right thing. I really learned to trust myself."

"The thing I want my clients to be left with is that you can trust yourself above all others. And I've really learned that over the past three to four months."

Michael says that the most fulfilling part of being a coach is being "in a career that causes me to constantly look at my life, where I can create more satisfaction and joy in my life." He also gets a great deal of joy from "assisting people to see that what they want in their life is actually possible, that they are smart enough, creative enough, that they do have enough knowledge."

"I help them see they don't need to know more to be successful, they need to see what's stopping them. Starting them breaking down the barriers, those fears and concerns is extremely rewarding."

For coaches who are just starting out, that advice holds true as well. Michael feels it's important to remember that success "takes a lot of hard work, it doesn't happen overnight. I don't think it's rocket science to have a successful business, whether it's coaching or any other business. I think it's doing things consistently over time, and giving yourself enough time to succeed."

***

Action: So what calls to you...

Who is your mentor? Find someone to inspire you and keep you on track.
Where would you like to focus your coaching? Have you narrowed your niche?
What barriers are holding you back?
What do you plan on doing to move up to the next level?
Post your answers on the blog.

***

Want more? The principles Michael and David covered in the CoachStart Program are explained in The CoachStart Manual.

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

P.P.S. I'm generally not taking on clients right now, but if you happen to be one of those extraordinary coaches who has already generated success, and is ready to make a bigger impact on the world, then drop me a line using the form at the CoachStart Program page.

MM #74: Set Awesome Goals for 2007

2007-01-08T13:33:00.000-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

What's possible in YOUR relationship?

I was very moved to receive this success story from a reader of my ebook: "The Truth About Women":

"David, I have to say thank you sooooo MUCH!!! My husband and I seemed to be worlds apart until I found your ebook. We were in such bad shape I thought there was no where left to go.

We starting reading 'The Truth About Women' together about a week ago and it was as if the light came on. He actually looked at me and said "I GET IT! I understand now what you've been trying to tell me all along"

We have our good days and our bad days, but the bad ones are becoming far less and when we need to we just reference your ebook to seek coaching!

I know this all sounds so stereotypical but it is the truth. Thank you so much."

Tracey Iverson
West Chester PA USA
gtkiverson @ aol.com

Note: But don't be fooled - it's not just for people in trouble. Ready to take your relationship to the next level?

Click here for "The Truth About Women"

2. FEATURE: Set Awesome Goals for 2007!

(Reprinted from a past article as it's so good!)

Welcome to the New Year! Did you ever want to be one of those people who makes resolutions or sets goals every year and actually sticks to them?

My friend Peter Hegarty has made 3 resolutions every year for the last 15 years, and completed every one!!! Imagine if you had set and achieved 45 extra goals for your life!

But that's pretty 'out there'. This article isn't for those of you who easily create three resolutions every year, create a plan for achieving them, and put it into action without effort.

No - it's for those of us who WANT to make some changes to our life, and are JUST ABOUT to do some goal setting, and were waiting for the push that comes from this very newsletter. Well here it is!

My 3 Step Goal Finder™ Method

So let's get started. Here's my easy 3 Step Goal Finder™ method:

2) Then set a resolution or goal that would put a smile on your face when achieved, and write by when you would like to have it. (A stretch is OK, but keep it doable.)

3) OPTIONAL: Repeat this process until you have 3 goals. (Note: You can skip these steps and simply pick something that you know in your heart you want to do.)

Your goals should be specific (i.e. will it be clear when you've reached it? A goal like 'feel better' about myself is hard to measure. While a goal like 'lose 10 pounds' is very clear.)

***

Action: So what calls to you….

A healthy toned body?
A clear financial plan?
30% increase in income?
Starting your own business?
Feeling free, expressed, and in love with your partner?
Back in communication where there has been a rift?
Two weeks in Peru?
To sing in public?
Learn a language?
Own your own home?
A job you love where you're truly making a difference?
Find a life partner?

* * * *

1. Decide on your one to three targets.

4. Post your goals at the blog for the world to see!

Enjoy!

What are your goals for 2007?

2007-01-02T18:03:00.001-05:00

What are your goals for 2007?

Post them here!

David

Create #46: Shock Them. Thank Them.

2006-12-19T15:24:00.001-05:00

1. Announcements/Offers

Set Awesome Goals for 2007! Teleclass/Webinar Registration
Limited to 200 people

We're going to have an AWESOME call to set some awesome, inspiring, motivating, and FUN goals for you for 2007. Dial in from anywhere in the world.

I invite you to join me for this special call/webinar (it's a teleclass, but we'll interact over the computer too), and to leave the call ready to really make things happen in 2007.

When: Jan 18, 7pm (EST)

Cost: $19 (100% of this goes to the charity LifeLine International or LifeLine Australia, and is non-refundable)

Friends?: Yes, you can forward them this invite. (motivating your friends increases the chance of you reaching your goals ;-)

Reserve your spot

If you can't make the call: Register anyway and I'll send you the recording (definitely audio, maybe even video) so you can participate in your own time.

'How to be Happy' Paul Lowe 2006
1 CD, 15 tracks, 78 min. Live-recorded talks by Paul Lowe

I've gotten so much from Paul's seminars, and I want to give you the opportunity to hear him, too.

Happiness is not something that can be attained - through wealth, therapy, or relationships. It's inside every one of us, all of the time.

Paul states: "You have happiness inside you now. Eternal dancing blissful happiness, inside you now ... Inside each person there is a something that is unaffected by anything."

He suggests: "If you are not happy, the intelligent thing is to make [happiness] your priority. Find that place inside you."

Paul explains how our conditioning obscures our natural state of joy and contentment, and how acceptance of each moment is the key to true happiness.

This CD guides you to a new understanding.

Cost: 15 Euro or 19 USD or 10 GBP. (plus 2 Euro/ 3 USD/ 1,6 GBP for each shipping)

Order by e-mail to Mia at buy@miamedia.org.

2. FEATURE: Shock them. Thank them.

I gotta tell you - after 20 years this guy was more than surprised to get a phone call from me!

But I jump ahead of myself...

How much did teachers impact your life? I mean both the good ones, AND the bad ones?

* * *
I was back home with my parents for a couple of weeks, and the subject around the dining table turned to teachers.

I remembered a teacher who was really nasty to me in high school; I clearly remember him telling me loudly in front of a bunch of students: "You'll amount to nothing in this school, Wood. Nothing."

Thank goodness I didn't believe him, and went on to top the school in my final year. But it still had an impact. I shared with my Mum (also a teacher) over dinner how sensitive kids are to teachers' attitudes towards them.

And then I said: "You know - I was a real pain at school. I mucked around in class, rarely listened, and liked to stir teachers and students alike. But my science teacher (we'll call him Mr. Fourash to protect his privacy) handled us all really well. He always maintained his dignity, and NEVER said one unkind word to the entire class. He was nothing but supportive to us, no matter how much trouble we gave him - even when he was angry.

"That really means a lot to me, even today, and I probably should have told him."

Well - the trouble with sending your Mum to the Landmark Forum is you can't say something like that and get away with it. Next thing I know she's got the phone book out and is running her finger through it..."Fourash...Fourash...I'm sure he lives...here it is." And she hands me the number and quietly goes back to her lamb chops!

Now come on - I mean this is 20 years after high school; I haven't spoken a word to the man or laid eyes on him since I left town 20 years ago, and here I am holding his home phone number, with my mother avoiding eye contact and suddenly interested in the gravy jar.

"Oh what the hell" I said..."There's only one time to make a call like this, and that's now."

So I dialed the number, and as luck would have it he answered straight away. I said, "Hello this is David Wood calling for Mr. Fourash", and I'll tell you, it was pretty gratifying to hear him say "David Wood? You mean THE David Wood?" God love him.

So I explained that this was all spur of the moment, and I was sitting at dinner discussing him and on impulse called to tell him what a difference he made to me. I explained that I knew I was a difficult student at times, and quite a few of the teachers had felt threatened by that and tried to 'bring me down a peg' or reacted unkindly. But that I had always felt his good will towards me and the class, no matter what, and even to this day it made a difference that an authority figure treated me with kindness and respect, ESPECIALLY when I was difficult.

It was wonderful to reconnect and chat briefly with this lovely man after so many years, and to share how we were both doing, and to wish each other well.

He seemed to really appreciate the call, and I can only imagine that if teaching is your life's work, it's gotta feel pretty good to hear from someone out of the blue like that and be fully acknowledged for your contribution. Plus, I felt on top of the world when I got off the phone.

* * *

Who would you write to?

Are you interested in this game?

Think right now - who made a difference in your life? Who would you like to thank?

I don't expect every reader of this article to pick up the phone. But it's not so hard to call your school and find someone who would be willing to forward a letter for you if they are not willing to give out the teacher's address. And there's always the phone book, or you could place a brief acknowledgement in the local paper of your home town (what a great idea!). Guaranteed someone will pass the word.

I tracked down three teachers and got in touch with them (one from when I was 11 years old, and today I'm writing the teacher I had when I was 7!). If you'd like to see an example, I've posted it here.

And of course it doesn't have to be a teacher. It could be a neighbor, a relative, a police officer, a co-worker, a friend. And it can be someone you knew 10-40 years ago, or someone you see every day now ;-)

Action

1. Choose someone who made a big difference in your life.

2. Track down their phone number or mailing address or email (or a person willing to forward a note).

3. Call or write within the next 7 days.

3. Post on the blog, PLEASE. I'd love to read your stories. We can create our own little chicken soup helping right here.

3. The Personal Touch

I've just had one of the hardest times of my life.

I arrived in India for my 5 week 'guru intensive', and lasted 4 days. Lack of sleep and exhaustion led to anxiety and panic, and a nasty cycle I couldn't see my way out of. So I made an emergency exit back to my familiar apartment in New York. (this was the 5th time in 20 years, so not bad averages really ;-)

What caused it? Perhaps the four vaccinations I got the day before leaving New York, taking three times the maximum recommended dosage of something else by mistake, dehydration, the prospect of delving into my inner self, being in busy, poor India where this happened once before, the universe knocking on (well, knocking down) my door to get my attention, or all of the above.

Since the decision to leave India things have kept getting better. Clicking into place. Two weeks later I'm feeling my body back in balance, and the constant anxiety/fear is a manageable murmur.

The good that came of this trip/experience (well, did you expect me to just whine?):

- I have deep empathy for people who suffer from anxiety and/or depression (and a desire to help)

- a new sensitivity to feeling what's happening in my body, and seeing what 'it'/me wants

- a new awareness of how sensitive/fragile my operating system can be

- my eyes/heart are open for messages; I'm on a quest to discover what else there is to learn from this

- I FELT deeply and clearly the love and support I have around me, and feel blessed/grateful.

- lots of insights about life, enjoyment, being present (and it's still in process)

- lots of creative energy and some clarity around my future (advance peek: it involves public speaking, publishing books, tv/radio show, and leveraging people to run a bunch of projects just for fun). If you have any experience you would like to share around anxiety and/or depression, or if you could just use some support, I invite you to post on the blog. I'd love to read it.

Other news:
- launched ICE in November/December and it went really well, after SO much work and time, and that feels good.

- Prospects for 2007 are really good! Top Coaching Techniques launch coming up!

- Have two new amazing best friends (Beth and Ezra), and the darling Kristina is adding so much to my life I'm at times over-whelmed (in a good way;-)

Love, David

Thank you letter to my teacher

2006-12-19T15:20:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr. Ginns,

I don’t blame you if you don’t remember me – well, maybe a little bit.

It was your first year at West Cessnock, and I was perhaps the most precocious in your 6th grade class. We’re talking 1980 - so 16 years ago.

I’m writing to tell you that you really stood out for me, as a teacher. You showed me a lot of encouragement, respect and appreciation. You really helped my confidence, and to believe that I was pretty good at something.

I remember asking you several times if I might get into 7-1. And you said it would have to be a very strong 7-1 to keep me out. Well – as it turns out, something kicked in around year 9, and in my final year I ended up Dux of the school.

I became an Actuary working for a big firm in New York - consulting on international super for Fortune 500 companies.

Then I quit my job to play guitar in pubs back in Australia, and now I’m a life and business coach, supporting other coaches through sale of my internet products around the world. (Web site: www.lifecoachingresource.com )

I’m based in NY again, and travel a bit for business and lifestyle – in the air right now as I write this, heading to Morocco for the Young Entrepreneurs conference – then to the Philippines to set up a new business. It’s a good life.

Thanks for seeing my potential, instead of the pain in the ass I often was. You made a big difference to me, and I can only imagine the difference you made to all the other kids you taught.

How are you doing? Still teaching? If you have access to email, you can reach me at [email deleted]

With appreciation,

David Wood

MM #73: Top Tools to Use to Set Up Your Business

2006-12-06T15:07:00.000-05:00

Announcements/Offers

The Inside Scoop on Having the Internet Bring You Clients!
Launch Special Expires Midnight Friday

Would you love to have a steady stream of clients from around the world, emailing and calling you?

Announcing our long awaited eCourse version of 'How to Get 95% of Your Clients From The Internet'!

It's available this week with a group of bonuses that ALONE are worth several times the purchase price. PLUS - two very special launch bonuses that are only available until midnight this Friday.

Grab your copy now:
www.InternetClients.net/ecourse.htm

Are you a business & lifestyle coach wanting more clients?
Coach Chris J has more leads than he can handle. He’s looking for an experienced business coach who can guide/coach him in handling the clients he has.

In return he’ll set you up with a bunch of leads. If interested, email him directly at mailto:chrisjchrisj@yahoo.com.

Wondering why you can't seem to make money?
Toney Fitzgerald, international best selling author, speaker and coach, says in his new book, "Don't Bitch Just Get Rich". Blunt and to the point, you will learn to be totally accountable and responsible for your own reality - a rich life!

Stuck in your story about why you can never make more money? Get four free chapters:
http://www.dontbitchjustgetrich.com.au/

2. FEATURE: Top Tools to Use to Set Up Your Business

Many times we are asked which providers have the tools that provide the most value and usefulness for our type of businesses.

The more automation, systems and tools you are able to use, the less daily work you will need to do to keep your business running. We all know you have enough to do. You can read more about systems in this past article:

MM 12: Systems

We are happy to give you an overview of our trusted providers in an attempt to make your choices easier. (Note: if any of these providers have a commission system, I'm probably signed up. I'm always happy to be paid for referring services I believe in ;-)

Web Hosting Service

My friends Marc and Rebecca offer a Small Business Web Site Package for coaches including: unlimited web pages, 15 hours of design time, voice greeting, shopping cart, newsletter capability, and unlimited mailing lists for only $449.

I've taken a good look at it and I think it's pretty unbeatable. You could normally expect to pay $600 to $1,500 for this. If you want to get an idea of the quality you can expect, take a look at www.infinitehealthnow.com for an example of a spiritual site.

Copy Writing

Delegate the copywriting duties of your business to an expert. Someone not only with the skill to write killer sales letters, but is also in tune with your audience, what makes them tick, and what drives them to hire you to help them succeed in life.

Andy O'Bryan, CopyForCoaches.com, has been writing advertising copy for 20 years. He has come to know more than 100 of the world's most famous success icons and has a deep understanding of what coaches - and their clients - want.

Production Creation, Marketing and Sales

Produce your signature product or program in less than 90 days in Michael Port's #1 product creation program on the Internet: http://www.solutionbox.com/90dayproduct.htm

Web Traffic Expert or Software

In this article I explain my secrets to free traffic. For those new to the web, I'm talking about how to come up in the top ten listings (rankings) when someone searches for something like "life coaching" or "business coaching" on a search engine like AltaVista, Google, or Yahoo.

Autoresponder Software/Shopping Cart/Newsletter Management

Most people find it really confusing to pick an e-commerce system. In fact, they don't even know they are looking for an ecommerce system! They just wanted a shopping cart - without realizing how the entire package fits together.

I've created a special video showing you the inner workings of my entire ecommerce system. You'll see the individual control panels, along with my explanation of what each screen is for. (In fact I'm using the system to send this to you.

If you don't already know, you'll soon learn that online marketing means automation. The biggest bonus of being online is you can follow up repeatedly with your customers, over say a year, while you are asleep! Just imagine following up with 1000 customers, in an automated, targeted fashion for the next 12 months. That could be 12,000 emails arriving at just the right time, without you even thinking about it!

Professional Cart Solutions allows you to set up unlimited auto responders. Further, you can say 'When they subscribe to the AR for purchasing Product A, then UNSUBSCRIBE them from the AR that encourages them to purchase Product A'. Very powerful.

SiteSell.com

Site Build It! ("SBI!") is Web hosting that works. It is the only all-in-one site-brainstorming-building-hosting-and-marketing step-by-step system of software tools that delivers thriving, profitable businesses.

Its creator is an absolute genius, who's managed to combine web hosting, web site building, and web site marketing into one complete package. I'm sure Ken doesn't sleep!

Instant Audio

Put streaming audio on your web site. Check it out here. This is useful to hold your prospects and turn them into paying customers.

Credit Card Merchant Providers

How many clients do you have to lose because of a bounced check or changing their mind before they pay - before you realize you need to take credit cards? In this article we will start with the quickest method to set up, and then move on to the one that will make it easy for your clients to stay with you month after month. And - I'll tell you who I recommend if you're shopping for a merchant credit card account.

Assessment Generator

AssessmentGenerator allows you to create your very own assessments and place them on your web sites. When people visit your web site, they can complete the assessment and have their results e-mailed to them, while you get a new business lead.

***

Action: Systemizing your business with tools

What tools do you want next to build your business faster?
What are your favorite coaching tools?
Post your favorite coaching tools, thoughts and comments at the blog!

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Add it to the blog.

MM #72: How to Merge a Current Career with Coaching

2006-11-14T16:01:00.000-05:00

Announcements/Offers

What People are Saying About '10 Super Coaches'
To find out how 10 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too, click here:
http://www.10SuperCoaches.com

"I was working on a marketing strategy that was going to cost quite a bit of money when I bought the ebook. It made me realise there is a MUCH more direct, and less expensive method. Saved me several hundred pounds and gave me a kick up the rear end to do something else. Thanks!"
Neil Gilbranch, United Kingdom

FEATURE: How to Merge a Current Career with Coaching

MJ Jennings, the "Inspiration Woman," is an executive coach who has made as much as AUD$100,000 in one month from coaching!

Based in Hong Kong, she calls herself a "Pacific gypsy" because of the travel she does up and down AsiaPacific.

How did her life journey take her from a farm in New Zealand to the intense, vibrant career she now enjoys?

MJ first heard about coaching in 2000, and her interest peaked after being given an article by a friend. By that time, she'd moved with her children to Hong Kong. She had completed her masters in Human Resources and moved into Business Excellence, a team approach to continuous improvement. But coaching offered a different way to inspire people and help them move forward in their lives.

Tip: Use your current skill set to enhance and compliment your coaching style.

"I actually started coaching by being coached by a master - David Wood - about six years ago," she says. (Thanks for the plug MJ!) From Hong Kong, MJ arranged face-to-face and phone sessions. She found coaching was a natural transition from the work she was doing.

Not about having the answers

"I realized that my clients needed more than the traditional training approach," she explains. "I found I had lots of 'guinea pigs' to practice on."

Being coached herself gave her the confidence she needed to jump in and start doing it. "My initial perception of coaching was misguided... I thought I had to have the answers, and my approach was more along the lines of consulting or advisory. Now I really know coaching is all about the coachee, not me!" She credits this experience with giving her a deeper understanding of the coaching philosophy as well as a toolkit of forms, approaches and questioning techniques.

She became a founding member of the Hong Kong International Coaching Community, joined Coachville and became very active in promoting executive coaching as a business learning approach.

Tip: Get involved - join forces with other coaches to share information and make coaching more visible in your community.

According to MJ, awareness and acceptance of executive coaching has been slower in Hong Kong than it has been in other areas. "To survive as a coach, you need to have other 'strings to your bow' - and mine was training," she says. She leveraged the workshops she ran by promoting one-on-one "coaching based interventions." This built her confidence and her cash flow. "I built a company around the things I like doing, and the coaching has become a major part of that. We now generate revenues that have just kept growing."

Getting out there

MJ feels staying in the public eye is a key way to attract new business. She has been on radio programs a half dozen times and has done several interviews in local newspapers and magazines.

"Building a positive reputation is very important for credibility and approachability," she says.

Most of MJ's business is referral, and people see her in action as a speaker and doing other activities.

Tip: Be noticed. Look for ways to tie coaching in to what you're already doing, and offer your expertise to the media.

MJ says, "Practice what you preach - if it's a business it must look like one, feel like one and run like one, with a business plan, strategy, goals and action plans.

She has a "no surprises" policy, discussing fees and structure with clients up front. She does pro-bono work, charity workshops and offers coaching packages to encourage repeat business. At the same time, she negotiates higher fees for intensive programs to ensure a return on the investment in time and resources.

And she's busy. In the next six weeks, she'll have five coaching sessions in Singapore, three in Hong Kong, training workshops with one-on-one coaching sessions in Vietnam and Korea, followed by a week of coaching back in Hong Kong and four sessions in Tokyo.

Even coaches can use a coach

Part of MJ's success is how she "walks the talk." She says successful coaches need to have a commitment to life learning.

"If Tiger Woods has a coach - then there is a time in our lives when we all need a coach to stretch, guide, challenge and recognize effort," she explains.

Do talk to strangers

She advises other coaches to keep talking to strangers, and keep networking. Potential clients can't find you if you're not putting yourself out there, she points out.

Often, MJ's casual chats turn into business when she's asked what she does for a living. But "it's not about the money, or the potential for business," she says. "It's about them identifying a need that they have, and wanting to work through a coach to get that need met. I love it when they contact me and I'm their 'chosen' coach."

See more about MJ's business at ActiveCommunication.net.

MJ got her start through the CoachStart™ Mentoring Program - if you would like one of the few remaining positions, you can apply here.

***

Action: Expand Your Business

1. Start researching and asking for recommendations to hire a mentor coach
2. Does your coaching look like a business? Where do you need to become more business-like?
3. Do you have a current career or hobby you can merge with coaching? What would the first step be?
4. Post your first step, thoughts and comments at the blog!

Enjoy!

David