Excuse me did you leave money on the table? Networking Events

Have you recently attended a networking event and left money on the table? I’m not talking about the money you left on the table as a tip for the waiter or waitress. I’m talking about your failure to have a system on what you were going to do with all those business cards you collected at the networking event.

 

When you attend a networking event your intention or goal is to leave with two fists full of business cards. Guess what, that is why everyone else is there too. If you do not have a system in place to follow up with the people you met then what was the purpose of going to the event? Networking effectively and efficiently requires a system. Using my tips below will guarantee that you do not leave money on the table after your next networking event.

 

1.  Immediate action. When you get home from the networking event immediately sit down and look at the business cards you collected and put a face to the card. Try and remember what intrigued you about that person. Jot down notes about the conversation you had and any pain points you can remember. Pain points are the issues that are causing that person grief and you can relieve or know another person that can relieve the pain.

 

2. Next day action: The day after the networking event you should send a handwritten note or an email to each person you met at the networking event.  Do not send one mass chain or spam email. Take time to begin to establish rapport with the person. Mention in your email things that you discussed with that person. Show the person you actually remember who they were. Invite the person to stay in contact with you. Do not try and sell something to the person in this first email exchange.  Immediately add the person to your email data base and your newsletter data base.  Add the business card to your rolodex. Do not let the business card get lost. 

 

3. Be selective. After your initial introduction email you will want to seriously think about the people you met that you would really like to have as a client and why or who you met that you liked and would like to add to your circle of friends. Now is the time to email an article you have written or an email link that they can use to alleviate one of their pain points. Again this is not the time to sell them something; you are still cultivating the relationship. It is ok not to want to network with someone you met. You need to be true to your values and ethical standards.

 

4. Cultivate the relationship. Networking and gathering new client leads can follow the same stages of a dating relationship. You would not propose to a person on a first or second date so don’t try and sell someone something on the first or second time of meeting them. Take time to cultivate a true relationship. Periodically, send an email just to say hello and let the person know that you are thinking of them and wishing them success.

 

5. Use your manners: When you receive an email from someone be sure you take time to acknowledge the email. Do not ignore anyone that contacts you.  This is very rude and people do not do business with rude business owners.  People do business with those they like, know, and trust.

 

I recently attended a networking event where I collected over 21 business cards and brochures. Only one person contacted me.  The rest of the people either assumed I didn’t care about makeup, flooring, clean air, office supplies, marketing my business, and advertising on the radio or they had no follow up system in place on what to do with all the business cards they had collected. They left money on the table. 

 

You must have a system in place so you know what you are going to do with all the business cards you have collected at your networking event. Implementing my five steps above into your system will guarantee that you do not get caught leaving money on the table after your next networking event.

 

 

Developing Your Presence with Your Business Card

Developing Your Presence with Your Business Card

1.       Make sure the print is large enough for others to read

2.       Never run out of business cards

3.       Invest in high quality paper and printing – no home computer junk

4.       Do not write on the other persons business card in front of that person – do so afterwards

5.       If in a foreign country have one side printed in the host countries language and present it facing up.

6.       Know the culture you are networking – In Asian cultures, use two hands to give and receive cards, and place your counterpart’s card on the tabletop when during the business meeting. In Japan the exchange of business cards is a very formal and respectful process, taking a great deal of time (no deck dealing flinging going on)

7.       Carry your cards in a nice case…not a stack with a rubber band around them.

8.       Place cards on community bulletin boards

9.       Include business cards in your bill paying and business correspondence

10.   Give people a reason to keep your card – print something unique on it..i.e. coupon, calendar, list of services etc

11.   As a business owner have cards printed for all employees. It will make them feel appreciated and they are part of your network so use them to network for you

12.   Keep the information on the cards up to date

 

10 Tips for Developing Your Presence in the Workplace

Have you ever worked for a company and the upper management changed and no one seemed to recognize or care what your education level or job skills were? This has happened to all of us.  It can be very frustrating and a blow to your self esteem. We all know to request an interview to speak with our new supervisor. But sometimes they don’t want to learn about whom we are or what we have done in the past. They just want to talk about themselves and their vision for the company. Using my ten tips you will be able to develop your presence in the workplace through your written and oral communication.

 

1.  Prepare business cards with your name followed by your degree i.e. B.S., B.A, M.S., M.A., M. E., Ph.D. etc… Remember to use a professional font and color.

2.  Write interoffice memos on your personalized note pads, stationary, or sticky notes that include your name, degree, and job title.

3. Sign documents using your conferred degree when appropriate; example, Jerri J. Ray, M.S.

4. Write articles for your office newsletter. If you do not have an office newsletter start one and include a short biography so everyone learns about you.

5. Use your elevator speech, or short biography about you, on the bottom of your emails below your signature block.

6. Provide your supervisor a weekly memo of what you accomplished during the week, outstanding projects, and what you are planning to accomplish for the upcoming week. Do not wait until it is time for your annual review to try and sell yourself. Keep a weekly list of what you have done to improve your job performance for the benefit of the company.

7. Stay abreast of current trends in your area of expertise. Forward journal articles or news paper articles of interest to your supervisor and use a personalized sticky note when writing a short note to state why you found the article of interest.

8. Contribute to staff meetings by always having an article or item of interest to share or by giving a presentation.

9. Attend workshops and then give a presentation to your co-workers on what you learned.

10. Smile, maintain eye contact, and use your manners.

 

These ten tips will get you noticed in a very subtle, professional manner and remembered; so that, when there is a new job opening, you will be considered for advancement.

 

Now is the time to invest in you. Go order your personalized stationary, memo pads, sticky notes, and business cards. Employing the ten tips above will guarantee you will no longer be lumped in a category of being just another invisible worker bee. You will be recognized as the professional you are.

 

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Jaynine

 

Coach Jaynine turns Dreams Into Reality. She facilitates personal improvement through the use of assessments, self empowerment, and client specific action steps via the telephone and internet. Experience what life coaching can do for you by downloading her FREE Productivity Tracker at https//www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

Who is in the Driver’s Seat of Your Business: You or the client?

Did you become an entrepreneur because you wanted the freedom to dictate your own work hours? Did you want to be your own boss? So how did it happen that you are now working 7 days a week? Do you take phone calls on your day off or when you are closed and ultimately agree to see clients on a day you are closed for business? Guess what if you are seeing clients on days you are typically closed for business or you are constantly lowering your prices due to client demands you are no longer in the driver’s seat. You client is driving your business. Now is the time to reclaim your position behind the steering wheel by following the three B’s.

1.  Boundaries. You need to set firm boundaries. Clients do not need access to you 24/7. If you use a cell phone you need to let the call go to voicemail and have a message that states your business hours and when the caller can expect you to return his or her call. Post your business hours on your marketing materials, the entrance to your business, and mention your hours when scheduling appointments. Clients need to know what your regular hours of business are and they need to show respect by adhering to your hours of business.

2.  Backbone. Unless your backbone was surgically removed you need to find it and use it. Stand up tall with pride in your stance and let the offending client know that the appointment they are requesting cannot be granted because that is a day you are not open for business. Offer the client the next available appointment. DO NOT be guilted into accommodating a client on your day off. If you do grant the client an appointment you may want to charge double or triple for the inconvenience. You do not need to keep offending clients. You can fire clients that do not respect you.

3. Balance. You need to schedule in advance days that you will be closed for business so that you have time for self care. Being an entrepreneur requires you balancing the day to day tasks needed to run a business, working with clients, managing your family, and taking time for you. If you don’t learn to create balance in your life you will find that you are stressed out and soon you will be suffering from burnout. Post upcoming vacations in your newsletter so that your clients can plan accordingly for your absence.

You belong in the driver’s seat. When you applying the three B’s your clients will show you respect by not asking you to provide services on your day off because they will know when you are typically closed. You will have pride in your step because you stood up for yourself and you will have time for self care. You will win when you set boundaries, find your backbone, and have balance in your life. Your friends and family will win also because they will have a less frazzled YOU.

Coach Jaynine ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. She coaches small business owners on the necessary systems and strategies that are needed to turn their business into an asset instead of a liability. Her clients increase their productivity and earning power while living life on their terms. Experience what Coaching can do for you by downloading your complimentary Productivity Tracker at https//www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

Military Widows Can Enjoy the Holiday Season

The holiday day season is not always joyful for those who have lost a loved one. However, Military Widows can enjoy the holiday season by using my 5 tips below:

1. Reminisce: No where is it said that you must forget your spouse. Quite the opposite is true. You need to acknowledge your feelings. Carry out your normal traditions and honor your spouse. Use this time to give thanks for his or her sacrifices. It is not time for a pity party but it is time to reminisce and enjoy the memories you built together during the holiday season.

2. Give your time to others: Now is the time to get active and donate your time and energy to helping others.  The holiday season is not a license to have a pity party. There are many organizations that need volunteers during the holiday season. You could go visit people in the hospital who are alone or go to the animal shelter and feed the animals. Tis the season for sharing. The USO always needs volunteers to help prepare and serve the holiday meals.

3. Adopt a Single Service Member: Many single service members cannot afford to go home for the holidays or they have duty. You could invite a few of them into your home to share a holiday meal. When you do your marathon cookie baking don’t forget to take a few trays of cookies to the people living in the barracks. I’m sure they are missing Mom’s homemade sugar cookies or gingerbread men. Remember, you are not the only one missing someone during the holiday season. No pity party allowed.

4. Spend time with other Military Widows: Combining forces with others in similar situations is a great way to get through the holidays. Just remember…no pity party. When you combine your talents and resources you can do amazing things. You could bake and cook for the single service members or just enjoy combining your resources and enjoying a holiday meal together. Don’t forget there are families from out of town visiting their sons and daughters in the hospital who would enjoy a real home cooked meal too. Lastly, don’t forget everyone working on the actual holiday. Be creative, enjoy the season and remember…no pity party allowed.

5. Start a new tradition: You can look at the glass as half empty or half full. This can be the time to start a new tradition. Life is exciting and is meant to be enjoyed. Think of something unique to your family that can be a new tradition. Maybe you want to eat cold pizza for breakfast and ice cream for lunch…who cares…there is no right or wrong. It is your family and your tradition; that is what memories are made of.

Remember No Pity Party Allowed; where ever you are in life there is someone worse off. Take the time to reminisce, give your time to others, adopt a single service member, spend time with other military widows, or start a new tradition. You do not have to do all 5 tips listed above but by doing a few you will get yourself motivated to enjoy the holiday season.  Enjoy a very blessed holiday season.

Coach Jaynine is a retired United States Marine and Life Coach. She ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. She facilitates personal improvement through the use of assessments, self empowerment, and client specific action steps via the telephone and internet. Her clients increase their productivity and earning power while living life on their terms. Experience what Coaching can do for you by registering for a complimentary coaching session at https//www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

                                                                                                                          

Get a Dog and Increase Your Productivity

Let me start by saying I have not always been a dog person. I love cats. Mr. Skittles is an 18 pound old cat that I rescued in 2002. He loves to sit on the edge of my desk or on the keyboard and supervise me as I work. He doesn’t need to go for a walk and rarely begs me for anything other than to refill his food dish. He is content to just lounge and sleep. The most nuisances he causes is making me vacuum the furniture to get rid of his cat hair. Mr. Skittles is content to let me work nonstop 10-12 hours a day at my desk as long as I don’t type too loudly.

 

Now, Miss Savanna joined our household this fall. She is a young Pit Bull who loves to be the center of attention. She begs to go outside at least once an hour. Just when I sit down to work she comes in with a toy and wants me to stop what I’m doing and play fetch or chase her throughout the house and play hide and go seek.

 

I have finally found the secret to getting work done now that there is a dog in the house. You have to take her for a walk so she is tired and sleeps all morning. Savanna and I get up an hour earlier than I use to; our day starts around 4 am. Oh, I hear you groaning now. Well, we get up and I have coffee and check emails, plan my day, and typically get one or two small tasks accomplished before it is 6 am and the sun is out. Savanna knows when it is light enough to go for a walk and she starts begging if I’m not moving to get dressed. I admit walking Savanna has replaced my morning run. But she is slowly working up her endurance and soon we will be running instead of walking.

 

The weather is getting very nipping this time of year.  The fresh morning air is great to get the brain working. I usually solve all the world’s problems and invent challenge questions for my clients while Savanna and I are out for our morning walk. We typically are gone about 40 minutes and I admit I do not like cold weather and if it were not for Savanna I would not be outside in the fresh brisk air.

 

While on our morning walk we see all the cars with people rushing to work and the children getting on school buses. I am always reminded why I love working from home. I have the freedom to plan my day as I please. I do not miss being part of the early morning rush to work crowd. I love being my own boss.

 

When I return from our morning walk I typically am full of ideas and I see problems more clearly. I work in my office very diligently and efficiently in the morning. At lunch time Savanna and I may take a break and go for a very short walk. Again, it clears the brain fog and I’m refreshed.

 

Afternoons will typically find me and Savanna watching an episode or two of the Dog Whisperer and napping. Then we go for a late afternoon walk. Again the brain fog is lifted and I find I am ready to easily work at my desk for another 4-6 hours.

 

Becoming a dog owner has increased my productivity by providing me with mental clarity. I also have reduced stress and strain caused by sitting at a desk too long. Again, the daily walks with Savanna remind me why I love being an entrepreneur; I can set my own schedule.

 

If you don’t own a dog that needs walked I still highly recommend forcing yourself away from your desk and going for a walk a couple times a day. Exercise will clear the brain fog and leave you focused and inspired which will result in you being more productive. You will get more work done in less time.

 

So, when you find yourself looking at your computer screen and not having a thought in your brain on what to type. Hit SAVE, grab your dog or stop by my house and get Savanna and go clear away the brain fog! You will find you are more productivity and inspired when you return to your desk.

 

 

Own a Dog and Lose Weight Effortlessly

I’m new to dog ownership. I use to go to the gym or go for a morning run daily. Those activities have ceased since I became a dog owner. However, below are some things I have discovered that have aided to my effortless weight loss without going to the gym or going on a morning run.

1.  Hearing. Dogs have a keen sense of hearing. They can hear you trying to quietly and secretively unwrap a snack cake from a mile away. I love chocolate and we all know that dogs are not supposed to eat chocolate. It doesn’t matter how quietly I attempt to open a package of M&Ms or Hostess snack cake she is there with that look. You all know that look I’m talking about.

2.  Smell. Dogs can smell whatever it is that you want to eat from the far end of the house. They will appear from out of nowhere to get a better whiff of what you are attempting to digest.

3.  Eyes. Dogs have those big puppy dog eyes that make you feel guilty if you don’t share. You will never again get to consume an entire Whopper or slice of pizza. You will be lucky if you eat half of whatever you attempt to eat. Those puppy dog eyes will guilt you into caving in and sharing.

4. Vocal Sound. You can be as quiet as a church mouse. You can try and not make eye contact. You can try and ignore your dog while you eat but guess what; you won’t be able to. Your dog will whimper as if he or she is a wounded child on his or her death bed to get attention. If that doesn’t work he or she will get a bit louder and turn up the volume until he or she is barking at you like you are the next contestant on that weight loss reality television show and he or she is trying to shame you into dropping the food. You just can’t ignore the whimpering or barking. Now you know why dogs are great in television; they can act on demand.

5. Pavlov’s Dog. If you can make it through the barking and the “look” you won’t be able to withstand the drool dripping from your dogs’ mouth. He or she will sit there and salivate. I think it is part of the acting thing. They know how to gross you out and keep you from wanting to take another bite. They know as the drool is hitting your foot that you won’t be able to keep eating and you will feel sorry for him or her and give up your snack and wave the white flag and surrender.

So, if you are having trouble dieting on your own I highly suggest you get a dog. You will never ever be able to eat an entire meal again without sharing or being grossed out. You will start to shed pounds effortlessly thanks to your new four legged friend.

 

5 Tips for Enjoying a Stress Free Holiday Season

The word BUDGET often elicits thoughts of being in a straight jacket and being forced to sit home alone being denied fun and food. A budget is not about deprivation. A budget is a plan on how you are going to spend your money for the upcoming month. Using my 5 Tips below you will be able to enjoy a stress free holiday season.

1.  Review your basic living expenses. This is where you will record your mortgage or rent, electric, cable, cell phone, water, and other fixed expenses.

2. Make a list of all your holiday expenses. You will want to list the people you intend to buy presents for to include your neighbors, mailman, hair stylist, and other service people. You will also need to add greeting cards, thank you cards, postage, baking supplies, holiday decorations, party supplies, and holiday clothing.

3. When you know how much money you have left over from your basic you budget you will need to devise a spending plan for all the categories you listed in number 2 above. In your spending plan for the holidays you will want to list each person or category and how much money you are going to realistically spend. Putting the plan on paper will let you see where you may need to make adjustments so that you do not need to use a credit card or take out a loan.

4. In order to keep holiday spending down you may want to capitalize on your talents. If you love to bake- give away your goodies as gifts. If you enjoy walking dogs then make dog walking coupons for your neighbors and friends. The holidays are not about going on a marathon shopping spree. They are about giving thanks.

5. When you are going holiday shopping use the envelope system. For each category on your budget put the allotted amount of CASH in an envelope. When you go shopping use only the cash in each envelope for the item or category it is allotted. Do not cheat and rob one envelope to pay for something in another envelope. When you run out of money in the envelope you are done spending in that category. 

Planning in advance for the holiday season can ensure that you are able to truly enjoy the season for the right reason. Using the 5 Tips above will guarantee that you know where you are spending your money this holiday season. Business owners should also follow the above 5 Tips to ensure that they stay within budget during the holiday season when giving holiday gifts to their employees and customers.

 

 

Coach Jaynine ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. She facilitates personal improvement through the use of assessments, self empowerment, and client specific action steps via the telephone and internet. Her clients increase their productivity and earning power while living life on their terms. Experience what Coaching can do for you by registering for a complimentary teleclass at https//www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

Are You Addicted to Networking Events?

Attending networking events more often than you get your teeth cleaned is a clear sign that you need to attend my Networking Detox Program.  Attending networking events more than a few times a year is unproductive and leads you to having a false sense of security that you are actually working on your business.

When you are away from your business you are not conducting revenue producing activities. However, don’t feel bad you are not the only candidate for my Networking Detox Program. Below are 5 steps to aid you as you quit your networking event addiction so that you can focus on revenue producing activities.

1.  Plan.  Attending networking events or any events requires planning. It requires you to spend time getting dressed and commuting to and from the event. A one hour networking event can end up eating up half a day or more. Do not waste valuable time attending events that do not have your target niche in attendance. Remember you must have a niche in order to be seen as the expert in your respective field. People do business with those that are specialized. They see value in working with a specialist. Think about the medical field. People visit a specialist for a particular ailment and they are willing to pay extra. The same can be said for car repair people. People go to a muffler specialist, an oil change specialist, transmission specialist etc. You want your clients to see you as the specialist or expert in your arena.  

2.  Clarify. Clarify between networking events, marketing events, and social events. Do not convince yourself that marketing events and social events are networking events. They are not the same thing. Networking events have a clearly defined agenda for all attendees. Everyone is there to make contacts and gather leads. Marketing events are a way for people to market themselves but not necessarily collect leads. Social events are purely for pleasure. When you turn a ribbon cutting event (which is someone else’s marketing event) and social events into networking events you may offend people by appearing overly hungry. There is a time and place for everything. This is not to say you cannot take advantage of a situation when it presents itself but you must do so very carefully and cautiously. Remember, people do business with those they know, like, and trust. Take time at social events to begin to develop rapport with people you are just meeting.

3. System. You must have a system in place so that you know what you are going to do with all the contacts you make at your networking event. If you follow up with the contacts you make you will not need to continually go to new networking events to meet new potential clients. You will have more leads than you can manage. You must also have other systems in place to generate leads. You should be generating leads through article writing, social networking sites, and word of mouth referrals. 

4. Convert. Convert customers into clients. Customers are people that do business with you once. Clients have a relationship with you and are loyal to you. You must take time to build a relationship with your customers so that they become clients. When you have a large client base you will not need to find new customers; thus you will not need to attend networking events each month or each week.

5. Channel. Networking events can leave you with a feeling similar to runners high. They can be invigorating and leave you motivated. Channel that feeling into working on revenue producing activities while watching your bank account grow.

When you plan and clarify which networking events are advantageous to you and your business you will have more free time to spend on revenue producing activities.  Developing a system for what you are going to do with all the leads you make at networking events will enable you to reduce the time spent attending more networking events. Converting customers into clients will save you time by having loyal clients who contact you when they need your product or service. Clients will also be great at referring more clients to you. Remember people do business with those they know, like, and trust. Channel your energy into developing and cultivating relationships with your current customers and clients.  Enjoy the feeling you get from graduating my networking event Detox program as you watch your bank account grow.   

 

Coach Jaynine

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

I wish you a very relaxing and happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

Please take time to express gratitude to our men and women defending our Country. Many are alone in the barracks unable to travel to be with their families this holiday season. If you have an extra pie or plate of dinner drop it by your nearest military installation or better yet go on line to Lejeune Yard Sales or Craigslist or what ever venue you decide and post an invitation inviting someone to join you to share your holiday meal. There is nothing better than a house full of people enjoying the holiday feast and festivities.

As a retired United States Marine I know it can be lonely being away from loved ones during the Holidays.  I truly appreciate the sacrafices our men and women in uniform are making and also the sacrafices of all the people working as contractors overseas too.

Thank you for allow me the priviledge to continue to pursue my dreams.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,
Jaynine

 

P.S. If you do not celebrate Thanksgiving I wish you a very blessed day too!

Do You have Customers or Clients?

Customers are people that come to your business and purchase your product or service once or maybe twice. Attracting customers is expensive. It often requires an expenditure of your time and money as you slave at your computer designing advertising campaigns that may or may not work. You also design coupons and offer free samples or products to draw new customers. You spend countless hours finding unique ways to brand your business in order to attract new customers.

Clients are your loyal customers. They return to purchase your product or service without you having to spend a great deal of time or money enticing them to return.

It makes good business sense to convert your customers into clients. This may take some time and money at first but in the long run it will be a great investment. You want to establish rapport with your customers. Upon meeting a prospective client at a networking event, through an introduction, or the first purchase you want to take time to express gratitude. Send the person a handwritten note or email expressing that you are pleased to make their acquaintance. Do not attempt to sell the person anything. Think of the stages of a friendship. You begin will small talk and gradually move on to deeper topics. The same process is used to develop a client relationship. You invite the person to join your newsletter campaign. You being to introduce the person to your business by sharing an article that you have written that the person might find beneficial. Continue to build rapport. You can ask the person to join you on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media places.

If the person has already become a customer you will want to add value to the service or products you are providing. Make the person fall in love with you and see you as the expert. Have you ever heard of a baker’s dozen? A baker’s dozen is 13. This practice started a long time ago. Local bakers wanted to have repeat customers so they included one extra item in the bag so that the person felt special. By giving the customer one extra cookie or pastry it guaranteed that the person would become a client. Who doesn’t like getting something free?

Clients save you money. If you have loyal clients you will not need to spend large sums of money on advertising. You can tell your clients about upcoming specials by announcing them in your newsletter.  Using an auto-responder will allow you send a very personalized email to everyone in your client email account. There are also various places that will send out greeting cards for you too. Using a Virtual Assistant can also be a great resource to help you on converting customers to clients. Initially, it may take a few dollars to turn a customer into a client but in the long run it will be a great investment.

Clients are also a great source of word of mouth advertising. Women particularly love to have what their friends have so they will want to go to the same establishments that their friends patronize. Remember, people do business with those they know, like, and trust.

If your customers treat you disrespectfully by arriving late for appointments, not showing up for appointments, or canceling appointments at the last minute it is time for some self reflection. You may want to solicit feedback from your customers to find out why they are not becoming clients or why they are not loyal to you. Ask yourself honestly if you are providing value to the customer. What are you providing that they are not getting from someone selling the same product or service? If the answer is nothing think about what you can do to begin to offer value. Do you make them feel special by remembering their name? Do you offer them something extra for free? Is your establishment clean? Are you presenting the correct image to your customers and clients?

When you take time to know your customers and establish rapport they will become clients. Clients will give you peace of mind that you are doing things right and you will not have to spend endless amounts of money on advertising. Cultivating relationships with your clients can be no cost when you employ social media and computer technology.

Remember to take time to develop rapport and add value when conducting business so you that you will convert your customers into clients.

Self Care: Your Health and the Holiday Season

Self care is defined as taking a personal day or a personal time out to recharge your batteries, rest your brain, and just be a bit lazy. It is a separate activity from going to the gym; which can put you in competitive mode and makes your brain think. Self care is often underrated and scorned. People try to shame you when you take time for you. However, you must take time for self care in order to perform your best and let your immune system recharge too.

 

Growing up my mother didn’t allow us to do very much on Sunday. It was reserved as a day of getting up early for morning mass, visiting grandparents then coming home and curling up in front of the television. Depending upon the weather it would determine what choice of channels we had. Yes, this was before cable television. PBS offered the old black and white movie classics and if the weather was near perfect we could tune in and enjoy a classic movie or an old Hop Along Cassidy episode. This was our unannounced family time. Yes, it seemed boring at times, but we sat and thumbed through catalogs and magazines, catnapped, and have conversations. We rested our bodies and brains; our immune system thanked us.

 

Sundays also did not allow for homework or hanging out with friends. My mother truly called it a “day of rest”. The only chore we may have been found performing was hauling in wood for the wood burning stove. We usually had yummy snacks while lounging around on a lazy Sunday afternoon. If the weather was perfect in the summer we may be found outside riding horses with those pink Hostess snowballs smuggled in the saddle bags. Those are favorite childhood treat. They bring back fond memories.

 

Early in my young adult life when I found I was suddenly a busy mom and United States Marine I took the advice of Mary Kay Ash and got up an hour earlier each day. This was my private time to enjoy reading, writing a letter, or just enjoying the quiet morning before everyone got up and the rush of the day started.

 

Years later when I found myself a single parent my quiet time was at 9pm each evening. After the children were asleep and it was 9pm it didn’t matter if the floor needed a good sweeping or a load of laundry needed folding it was now my time and those things would wait until the next day. My ritual was at 9pm to free myself and my brain of the chaos of the day. After performing my nighttime rituals I would crawl into bed with a good mindless romance novel and escape for a few hours. This private time allowed me to stay sane.

 

Today everyone from children to older adults is rushing around multi tasking at record speeds. People all of a sudden think there is something wrong with just staying home and curling up on the sofa with a good book or watching television. I always wondered why people subscribe to huge cable packages then are never home to watch television.

 

Now is the time to reclaim your quiet time. It is time to devote a regular time to you and your self care. You will find that you get more accomplished after having a day or few hours of scheduled rest. I remember reading an article from the 1940s or 1950s that told women to take a nap each afternoon and put on fresh makeup before the husband came home so that she was refreshed and able to tend to the husband; that seemed silly advice at the time I read it. But now as I work from home and often begin my day at 4am I love being able to take an afternoon power nap. It recharges my brain and I am more productive in the afternoon. You cannot sit at your desk and work for 10-12 hours without a break and be totally 100% productive. You need to rest your brain.

 

When my son was little we use to spend the week deciding what snacks we would make to eat while watching Sunday football games. I would usually end up falling asleep and he would wake me up to tell me the score. This became our family tradition and is what memories are made of. Get creative and solicit family members on creating a day of self care for the entire family.

 

At this moment the holidays are upon us and people are rushing to shop and attend various events it is the time to find your time for peace. Announce to everyone that with the economy in crisis mode it is time to stop spending recklessly and it is time to start enjoying the things you have in your home such as the television, books, board games, and each other. Spending an afternoon baking cookies or bread as Christmas gifts can be relaxing and save money too. Watching one of the many televisions you have in your home is a free activity that can replace spending big bucks at the movie theatre.

 

Now is the time to focus on you and your family and their health. Making and taking time for self care will ensure you have a rested mind, recharged immune system, and more money in your wallet.

 

 

Self Care: No Cost or Low Cost Ways to Indulge

Self care if very important. Our bodies need down time to recharge the brain and immune system. Indulging in self care does not need to rob the bank. Below are 5 of my favorites that are no cost or low cost ways to indulge in self care.

 

1.  Pajama day. This is a day where you get up and shower, put on your make up, and slide into your favorite comfy pj’s.  You spend the day on the sofa or in bed with the remote control in one hand and your favorite beverage in the other. Sitting beside you is a stack of magazines you’ve been waiting to read. You also get to indulge in your favorite treats. The day is yours! Be creative and relax.

 

2. Leftover Night. Entertaining will be stress free when you invite your friends to bring over their leftovers for a potluck dinner. I often cook on weekends for my children but am left with tons of leftovers on Monday. In order that they not go to waste I call my single friends or single parent friends and they bring over their leftovers for a great night of casual dining and great conversation. There is no need to spend time cooking and cleaning because you only need to heat up leftovers and then load the dishwasher. It is amazing how leftover night held during the workweek can make such a big difference in your stress level. Don’t wait for the weekend to connect with friends. Pick up your phone and invite them over during the workweek for leftover night. If they don’t have leftovers they can bring the salad or beverage.

 

3. Library. Your local library is a great source of reading material for you and the entire family. Plus many libraries also have videos you can check out for free. This can be a two night event. Spend one afternoon or evening at the library then spend the next afternoon or evening watching a movie as a family or lounging around reading your new library books. This can easily become a family ritual. Growing up we went to the library every Saturday morning followed by going to lunch at the local diner for lunch. I still remember the name, Kringle’s Restaurant. Take time to explore your library. It is a no cost way to read the latest novels and watch some great classic movies. Your children can engage in self care by attending a free story time.

 

4.  Bedtime Ritual. You need a bedtime ritual so that you are guaranteed you will take time for you. Set a scheduled time each evening that you will go to your bedroom. Develop a routine for cleansing your face, taking care of your hands and nails, followed by sliding into your cozy pajamas. Ensure that you have on your favorite lotion and body spray. You can spray linen spray on your pillow case to ensure a tranquil night’s sleep too. Slide into bed with your favorite book, magazine, or write in your journal. It is ok to enjoy some mindless television too. Ensure that you are focusing on what you want to do. The last few hours of the evening should be spent relaxing not ironing laundry and getting ready for the morning. You will find you sleep better when you have a nighttime routine that includes time for relaxing before you are actually ready to fall asleep.

 

5. Pedicure & Manicure. If you find that making time to get your toes and nails painted is stressing you out I suggest you invest a few dollars in a bottle of nail polish and paint your own nails and toes. When you are home watching television and feel the urge to multi-task set your feet in a bucket of warm soapy water. Let the pedicure process begin. I personally do not like to sit around for an hour while someone scrubs my feet and digs under my toenails. I find it painful. I also do not find it enjoyable to get beat by a massaging chair. Getting a professional pedicure requires just too much planning since you have to ensure your legs are shaved and you have on flip flops. I would rather sit on my bed and paint my own toes. It costs less than $5 to do your own pedicure at home, plus I can enjoy a glass of wine and lounge in my pj’s. If you go to a salon and include a tip you are going to spend $20 or more and you won’t get to enjoy a glass of wine.

 

Taking time for self care does not need to rob the bank. Think of the activities you enjoy whether it is being alone or spending time with family and friends and be creative on how to take time to relax without breaking the bank. Leftovers have taken a bad rap for many years. I promise your friends will love the idea of leftover night. You get great conversation and dinner for free!

 

I challenge you this week to start taking time for self care. You and your family will enjoy the benefits. Because you will be more focused and relaxed afterwards.

 

 

 

25 Tips for Indulging in Self Care

Self care is important for your mental and physical health. It is important that you learn to invest in YOU. Self care is about giving yourself permission to pamper you so you can live life on your terms.

 

My 25 tips below will get you started on the transformation journey of investing in you and your mental and physical wellbeing.

 

1. Read a book.

2. Paint your nails.

3. Listen to a book on tape.

4. Meditate

5. Write in a journal.

6. Sip your favorite beverage.

7. Snuggle with your spouse.

8. Watch mindless television without feeling guilty.

9. Take your ironing to the dry cleaners.

10. Bake cookies or brownies.

11. Wake up early and sip your coffee while sitting outside listening to the birds.

12. Wear your sexiest bra and panties; don’t save them for a special occasion.

13. Take a nap.

14. Lay on the beach and just listen to the waves.

15. Eat dessert for dinner.

16. Talk on the phone with your friends

17. Rediscover your artsy side and complete a craft project.

18. Go to lunch and a movie with girlfriends.

19. Take your spouse to a Bed and Breakfast in a nearby town for the entire weekend.

20. Turn off your cell phone for an entire day.

21. Limit the amount of time you check your email.

22. Learn to say “NO” to requests that you really don’t want to indulge.

23. Listen to your gut instinct and follow its advice.

24. Only wear clothing that makes you feel beautiful and special.

25. Invest in YOU…hire a Coach!

 

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Jaynine

 

 

Coach Jaynine coaches Small Business Owners. They will take their business to the next level by increasing their visibility while establishing their credibility in the community by using the leverage power of the internet while employing proven systems and strategies. Jaynine ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. For more information go to www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

Leads, Referrals, and Networking Partners: Is there a Difference?

You often hear that we need a lead attraction system and you know you need to go to networking events. So when you are sitting at your desk with a mountain of names, email addresses, and phone numbers do you know what to do with them? Your action plan will depend on if the name is a lead, referral, or networking partner.  You need to categorize the names into three stacks: Lead, Referral, and Networking Partner.

Leads are names you received from your lead generating tool on your website or names that you received from somewhere or someone. If you received the name from a person and the person expressly stated that the person whose name they were giving you did not know they were giving you the name that is a lead. You may have briefly been introduced to the person but you don’t know if they are truly interested in your product or service. Think of a lead as someone you are going to cold call.

Referrals are names of people you received because they expressly asked someone else to pass their information on to you. This person is expecting your call and waiting for you to call. The rapport building relationship has already started because someone else has already spoken highly of you to that person.

Networking partners are people you meet at networking events and you both agree to work together and help each other. You aren’t purchasing anything from each other but possibly sharing contact lists or hosting an event together to get more business for both of you. This is a win win situation for both people involved. It is also often times called a Joint Venture.

Your approach to working with the individual will depend on whether they are a lead, referral or networking partner. Remember, people do business with those they like, know, and trust. If the person is a lead you must take extra time to cultivate the relationship. You should not expect to close a sale on the first contact. Leads don’t know you yet.  If the person is a referral he or she will have already heard about and probably investigated your website and reputation. He or she may be willing to purchase your service or product but you must proceed with caution and not be overly pushy. You don’t want to scare him or her off. A networking partner or joint venture partner is someone that you know you want to work with so you will be enthusiastic and very frank when discussing your ideas for the joint venture. You will be very open, honest, and blunt with this person because you know he or she is ready to work with you.

When you know the correct definitions of lead, referral, and networking partner you can see that when you do attend a networking event you have the opportunity to leave the event with leads, referrals, and networking partners. Your follow up strategies must focus on whether the person is a lead, referral, or networking partner. When you recognize this you will be able to better cultivate the relationships and move leads and referrals into becoming clients.

So when you think about it; is a networking event about collecting leads and referrals or joint venture partner?  Maybe the name should be changed to Lead Event or Referral Event. Networking Event sounds limiting so you must recognize that it is not just about collecting networking partners. You have the opportunity to gather leads, referrals, and joint partner venture opportunities. Maximize the results of your attendance and take time to develop rapport. Remember people do business with those they know, like, and trust.

 

 

My 5 Tips to Evaluate if a Business is a Real Business or Someone’s Hobby

People we meet will say that they are business owners. Yet the image they are projecting to the public or their customers is that their business is really a hobby. Below are my 5 tips on how to tell if a business is a true business or just someone’s hobby.

1. Credit Cards. Does the business have the ability to take credit or debit cards? If a business is not set up to take credit and debit cards I do not consider it a legitimate business. The owner has not taken the necessary steps to take all forms of payment. Most people prefer to pay by credit card so that they are offered the extra consumer protection that credit card companies provide in case of a dispute on the services or products provided. The hobby owner also does not realize how much money he or she is losing by not taking credit or debit cards. Many people want to pay using a debit or credit card.

2. Contract. If a business owner fails to provide you a contract, especially when requested, it should send warning bells to your brain and you should run. A legitimate business owner will have no problem drawing up a contract so that both of you understand the terms of the agreement. Without a contract the buyer has no grounds for recourse. Again, if you don’t get a contract the business owner is operating his or her business as if it is a hobby. Run…run fast.

3. Systems.  A legitimate business owner has systems in place for returning emails and phone calls. He or she will check their mail box daily. They will make regularly scheduled bank deposits. You should not have to ask a business owner if he or she received your payment and when they intend to deposit your check. A legitimate business owner will not send you documents to review for accuracy that are riddled with mistakes. They will have a system in place for proofreading. If you let yourself get to this step…slap yourself in the back of the head.

4. Active Listening Skills.  A business owner will listen to what you want and will let you know if he or she cannot deliver. A person who is running their business like a hobby will not actively listen and will later continually ask questions that were addressed during your first phone consultation. This also shows that he or she did not take notes of the conversation. By now your stomach is in knots and you are ready to cry. It is ok to cry and admit you got yourself into a pickle.

5. Insanity. If you find yourself ready to reach through the computer or telephone and wanting to choke the person you are doing business with and you feel like you are ready to lose your mind it is a clear sign that the person is running their business like a hobby.

If you pay attention to Tips 1 and 2 you will not find yourself dealing with Tips 3, 4, and 5. However, if you find yourself tormented with the behaviors in Tips 3, 4, and 5 this is the time to either confront the hobby owner or cut your losses and just move on with life and consider this a lesson learned. Your decision will depend upon your investment. Life is always about learning. Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself dealing with a hobby owner instead of a business owner. Just learn from it and next time use my 5 Tips for evaluating whether the business is a real business or someone’s hobby.

Business Owners: Do you respect, listen, and provide value to your customers?

I recently had two separate experiences where I hired someone to perform a service and they insisted on doing it their way and not my way. Both instances made me step back and realize that these people do not care about having me as a client. They are just interested in having me as a customer so they can take my money and perform the task the way they want and never deal with me again.

 

If you are a business owner I understand that you want to run your business the way you want. However, I highly suggest that you employ active listening skills. If you do not want to do what the customer is asking then you need to convey that to the customer. If you think you know what he or she wants done then you should repeat back to the person what you heard so there is no misunderstanding. A contract for even small services may be in order.

 

I’m amazed how often I seem to hire the lawn care people wanting to take my money for mowing my lawn but they don’t want to care for my lawn in the manner I asked. They always seem to think they know better. I recently hired someone to trim the scrubs, edge the sidewalk, rake the leaves, and mow the lawn. They had the audacity to state they didn’t need to rake because they would just keep mowing over them until they were gone.  They forgot the hedge clippers.  They edged the sidewalk with a weed eater so I didn’t get a nice edge on the curb.  They did not mow close to the fence so I will have to go out and rake the leaves myself. They used a leaf blower to blow the debris into the street and they were content to leave it there until I stated I would go sweep it up. Is it really that difficult to get a lawn taken care of properly?

 

What has happened to work ethics? What has happened to the customer is always right? It seems that those two things are no longer important. If a business owner wants to convert customers to clients he or she must employ my 3 Tips listed below.

 

1. Actively listen. Make sure you understand what the customer wants done.

2. Value & Quality Service. Provide quality service. The customer should not have to go finish the task him or herself. Know what your competition is doing and provide extra value.

3. Respect. Respect the way the customer wants the job done or don’t take the job.

 

Everyone wants to be respected; especially the person who is paying you for a service.

When you actively listen the customer will know that you are truly vested in doing a good job. There will be less room for miscommunication.  Providing value and quality service will ensure that the customer will call you again and become a client. If you have clients you will not need to continually advertise or seek new customers. It only makes good business sense to respect and actively listen while providing value and quality service so that he or she becomes a client.

Staying Focused during the Holiday Season

The Holiday Season is upon us. There are a host of holiday events to attend along with the normal rush of holiday shopping, decorating, and baking that needs to get done. How do you stay focused on running your business? Below are my 5 tips for staying focused when you would rather be out playing and sharing the holiday spirit.

1. Self Reflect. Take a few minutes to self reflect and think about why you love being a business owner. Look at your vision board and refresh your memory on what your goals are that you working so hard to accomplish. Self reflection will leave you motivated to tackle your day because you will be reminded why you are working so hard.

2.  Schedule. You must continue to follow a routine in order to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. You must also continue to keep a daily schedule showing your appointments. If your schedule is overflowing with parties and holiday activities you may need to set your alarm an hour earlier so you can focus on revenue producing activities before your actual work day begins. You will also want to schedule a set time for holiday shopping and holiday baking. Also, don’t forget to schedule that trip to the post office to mail your packages that need to arrive by Christmas.

3.  Prioritize.  When your calendars has more activities scheduled than you can humanly accomplish you need to prioritize. You will want to list the most critical items on your To Do List in their order of priority and get them completed first. If you have time to get to the other items then go for it and complete them but don’t beat yourself up if you do not get them accomplished. Focus on the most critical items first even if they are not the easiest to get accomplished. Do not spend time surfing the internet and Christmas shopping when you should be focused on completing revenue producing activities.

4. Delegate. In order to enjoy the holiday season you may need to learn to delegate a few of your responsibilities to friends, family, or employees. Ask a family member to deliver your holiday packages and cards to the post office when they take theirs. Learn to ask for help.  It may be the perfect time to hire a Virtual Assistant to help ease your workload. A Virtual Assistant can prepare your Christmas cards, newsletter, or manage your email plus a whole lot more. Just ask for assistance you may be surprised at who steps up to the plate to offer help. When delegating a task you will want to provide very detailed instructions so that the task is completed to your satisfaction. You will also want to follow up to ensure the task was completed. This may seem like it will take more time than doing it yourself but trust me it is worth your time to learn to delegate. The other person will feel admired, empowered, and respected that you asked him or her for assistance and you will feel a sense of relief that something is getting done while you work on something else. Delegating also allows you to play without feeling like you are neglecting your business.

5.  Schedule time for Play & Exercise. All work and no play makes a person feel neglected and leads to burnout. Be sure you do schedule time for play. Go to lunch with your friends and attend the holiday parties that you can easily accommodate into your busy schedule. Your brain needs time to rest. When you schedule time for play you will have clarity and focus when you resume working on your revenue producing business activities.

Do not forget to exercise during the very hectic holiday season; even if it is just going for a short walk around the block. Your immune system will benefit from the fresh air and exercise. Your mental health will benefit by the relaxing and de-stressing benefits associated with exercise. Your heart will benefit greatly too by growing stronger and reaping the benefits of YOU being less stressed. Be sure and take time for you! You deserve it.

You can enjoy the holiday season while staying focused on your running your business when you take time to self reflect, adhere to a schedule, prioritize your activities, delegate, schedule time for play, and exercise.

 

Coach Jaynine coaches Small Business Owners. They will take their business to the next level by increasing their visibility while establishing their credibility in the community by using the leverage power of the internet while employing proven systems and strategies. Jaynine ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. For more information go to www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

Congratulations to Delightful Decor Windows & More

Congratulations to Jennifer Harmon owner of Delightful Decor Windows & More…she has won my Challenge Question Unannounced Contest……

visit her website delightfuldecor@ec.rr.com

She is the EXPERT when it comes to choosing window treatments and doing home staging. She will make your house be the one that all your friends envy.

Get Organized: Save time and money

What is lurking in the back of your refrigerator? When was the last time you checked the expiration date on the mayonnaise and salad dressing? I was recently looking for something way in the back, the scary part, of the refrigerator and found those Christmas sausages sitting from last year. YIKES! That started my quest to examine other items more closely. It was not pretty as I very quickly filled up the trash can with everything from ricotta cheese to plastic tubs of leftover frosting. So this Holiday Season I challenge each of you to see what is lurking in your refrigerator.

Now as a business owner I decided that it was also probably time to apply the same challenge to my office. What is lurking in your office storage cabinet?

1. Printer Cartridges. Do you have extra ink for your printer? If you find you have ink for printers you no longer own I suggest you try and find them a good home. Donate them to your local thrift store or post a request on your social media outlet looking for someone who may need that type of ink. Don’t just let them go to waste by sitting unused and drying up.

2. Phone Books. Look at the date on your phone books. How many phone books do you have? Do you need more than one? Do you really need to keep the old ones? If you want a phone number from an old phone book I suggest transferring the number to your address book or rolodex. Remember, paper can be a fire hazard and it attracts bugs.

3. Paper clips. Now is the time to check your supply of paper clips and binder clips. Do you have them stored in a container or are they lying all over the inside of your desk drawer? Be honest.

4. Envelopes. Do you have the necessary sizes of envelopes on hand? Are the envelopes clean and new looking? Are they all stuck together? Don’t forget to check your supply of address labels. It is ok to toss the free address labels from all the previous places you have lived.

5. Pens & Pencils. Do you have an adequate supply of pens and pencils? Do they still work? Don’t forget to look for an eraser. Do you own one? I recently needed an eraser and used all the pencil erasers in my office. Now I have pencils with no erasers.

6. Paper. Do you have an adequate supply of writing paper and copier paper? Do you have thank you notes on hand? What about personalized stationary?

7. Misc. Items. Do you have tape? If you need to send packages do you have packaging tape on hand? Also, take time to make sure you have your scissors. If your house or office is like mine the scissors are often in another location other than my desk drawer. Treat yourself to a pair that is YOURS only.

As with the refrigerator it is time to give your office a good cleaning. Get rid of anything that you are not using. Time is running out to donate to your local charity for 2008. There are various forms online that you can use to record your donation. I know my local organization will give me a list with the estimated value of each item. I also take a few minutes to type my donation list.

Now is also the time of year to make one last big shopping trip to your local office supply store. This will enable you to be ready for the New Year and you will have one more office supply purchase for tax time.

When your office is organized you will function more efficiently. You will not need to stop what you are doing and run out to the store for tape, scissors, staples, binders, folders and whatever else seems to pop up. Buying in bulk will also save you money. Items purchased in bulk are often cheaper. Fewer trips to a store will save not only gas but money because you won’t be tempted to browse the aisle for things you really don’t need. So I challenge you this week to not only clean the refrigerator but to clean your office supply cabinet. Make your lists of items that need replenished and make one big shopping trip.  This will save you time and money as you head into the New Year. Don’t forget to buy your 2009 Day Planner and calendars.

 

Coach Jaynine coaches Small Business Owners. They will take their business to the next level by increasing their visibility while establishing their credibility in the community by using the leverage power of the internet while employing proven systems and strategies. Jaynine ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. For more information go to www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

Tact: How it can make or break your business

In a business relationship there is nothing more important than having rapport and being tactful with clients.  Rapport is defined by the Webster Dictionary as a close relationship or harmony. Everyone wants to work in harmony. Everyone wants to do business with those they know, like, and trust.

 

However, what do you do when you need to point out a clients shortcomings (because it is your job) or provide negative feedback? The answer is that you use TACT. Tact is defined by the Webster Dictionary as the delicate perception of the right thing to say or do without offending.

 

As a business owner, you will probably run across various scenarios each day that require you to use tact. Some people may think that using tact is for sissies or it is lying or wasting someone’s time by not stating it in plain English. This is where knowing your friends, clients, and customers come into play. You must know how these people respond to criticism. I personally do not see the need to be hurtful. I think there is always a gentle way to get the point across.

If you are the type of person to be very blunt with customers and friends you run the risk of offending people. Remember people do business with those they know, like, and trust. The person on the receiving end of your tactlessness may think you do not like him or her. They may think you do not want to do business with him or her because you are so rude and offensive.

 

Customers and clients are loyal to you because they trust you and respect you. As a business owner, you must be careful not to cross that fine line from being tactful to being tactless. I was always told, “You attract more flies with honey than vinegar”. I think this can be true for business owners too. If you are in retail and a client is asking your advice on a very unflattering outfit you would not blurt out that she looked horrible. You would gently shake your head no and offer her something else to try on and she would readily agree and try on more outfits. However, if you did tell her that she looked like a big fat cow in that outfit I can guarantee she would hurry up and get dressed and leave your establishment. You would lose a sale. This scenario can be applied to various businesses. Regardless what your product or service is remember the customer is always right (within reason of course).

 

When you position yourself as the expert and use tact your clients will respect your opinion. If you have not yet developed rapport with your customers and you are not tactful you run the risk of losing them as a potential customer or client.  You need to take time to develop rapport so you know your clients and they know you. Then you do not run the risk of accidently offending them by being tactless. When you have clients instead of customers, you will save money by not having to advertise as aggressively. Also, remember that people are great sources of word of mouth advertising. If you offend someone that person can do a lot of damage to your reputation. So always remember to think about the others person feelings and how they may interpret your words or actions. Being tactful is always better than being tactless.

Stress Free Holidays for Mom a.k.a. Master of Management

As a mom during the holiday season it is important to remember that you are not the slave and you do not need to do everything. I always remind my grown children that MOM stands for Master of Management. So if you are a MOM I invite you to use my 5 tips below so you enjoy a stress free holiday season.

1. Delegate the set up and cleanup. You do not have to do everything. Assign each family member a chore for holiday set up or cleanup. If you feel guilty assigning a chore then have everyone draw a chore out of a hat. After the holiday meal and before everyone leaves for the day ensure they have completed their chores. Remember, your grown children will respond to the same positive words of encouragement that they did when they were little. People love receiving praise regardless of their age so don’t forget to praise each person as they complete their chore. You may want to have a small basket with homemade breads or little gifts that they receive as their reward for completing their chore. However, remember which child growing up always required following up after and make sure they show you that they completed their chore.

2. Go Potluck. Nowhere is it written that you must do all the holiday cooking or incur the expense of feeding a large group of people. Pick the item you enjoy making the most such as the baking and decorating of the Christmas cookies or baking the turkey. Then allow each of the families in attendance the opportunity to pick the side items that they enjoy making and have them bring that item to the holiday meal. There will always be someone that says they do not cook.  You can appoint this person to bring the drinks, ice, napkins and plastic ware. If someone forgets to bring an item resist the urge to rush into the kitchen and make a replacement item. There is always so much food wasted at holiday time that one or two forgotten items won’t be missed.

3. Pets. If your household is like mine, everyone owns a pet and wants to bring them to the house for the Holidays. You need a plan on how to deal with the pets that do not get along. If you do not have a fenced in backyard you may want to request that the pets stay home. If pets are visiting, you will want to establish rules on feeding the pet’s table food. When everyone understands and acknowledges the rules on feeding table scraps to the pets there will be no surprises or crises later.

4. Gift Budget. Holiday time can be stressful for everyone regardless of his or her income. I encourage you to have a frank discussion regarding holiday gift giving. Set a price limit on how much you will spend per person and respect it. You may want to draw names so that people only need to buy one present.

5. Entertainment. Appoint one family member or appoint the children to decide the family entertainment for the day. This should be something FREE. Getting everyone to go outside for a family game of football or even just lying around in front of the television watching movies can be fun. If your family is a board game family have each family bring one board game and then set up different stations throughout the house. Have people playing games at each station. After a certain time they can move to the next station.

When everyone pitches in with the food preparation and cleanup, you will have a stress free day. When everyone knows the rules on pets there will be no surprises. When everyone knows the schedule for eating, cleanup, napping, and playing games the day will run smoothly. Holidays are for enjoying time together. This will be possible when you employ my 5 Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season. Employ my 5 Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season.

 

Coach Jaynine coaches Small Business Owners. They will take their business to the next level by increasing their visibility while establishing their credibility in the community by using the leverage power of the internet while employing proven systems and strategies. Jaynine ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. For more information go to www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

Let’s not forget…

As you embark on your holiday plans let’s not forget our men and women defending our freedom who will be working during the Holidays.

The freedoms we enjoy are due to the past generations of brave men and women who thoughtlessly were willing to give their lives for us.  Also, let’s give credit to the current generation of brave men and women. These fine men and women do not receive big paychecks nor work in fancy offices. They and their families sacrifice owning luxury items in order that we can enjoy living in this great Country.  They make these sacrifices willingly because they believe in our Country and the principles that our Founding Fathers built our country on.

When you bow your head to give thanks around the dinner table please take time to remember these dedicated men and women and ask that they be watched over and kept safe.  Also, please say a prayer of thanks to their families who are without their loved one during the holiday season and endure the sacrifice of being separated during this season.

Best wishes to everyone for a very blessed Holiday Season.

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Jaynine Howard, USMC (Ret)

Follow Up – the most important step in delegating

As a business owner, leader of an organization or manager you are required to delegate projects and tasks. When you delegate a project or task, you must ensure that the project or task is performed correctly. This requires that you follow up. The person completing the project or task may become offended that you are following up on his or her work but he or she needs to understand that you are just doing your job. It is your responsibility to ensure the project or task was completed and completed correctly.

If you fail to follow up you will never know if the task was actually completed or how it was completed. The person may have not completed it correctly or at all. Even if the person reports to you that, he or she has finished the project it is your responsibility to ensure it has been completed correctly.

Many times people assign a routine project or task and never take the time to follow up. Then when months have gone by, they all of a sudden realize the task has not been completed or it has been completed wrong. The person performing the task is then caught off guard when he or she is told that they have been doing something wrong for months. This is also unfair to the person doing the task. They should not be admonished for wrongdoing because you forgot to follow up. 

When you assign a project or task you immediately begin the follow up step by asking for clarification. You will want the person to relay what he or she thinks the task is and how it is to be completed along with the due date. When the completion date is near you will want to ask the person who is completing the task if he or she will meet your deadline or if he or she has any questions. When the due date arrives, you need to ask specifically if the project is done. Then you need to review that it was actually completed.

Remember, when you delegate immediately ask for clarification. Follow up before the project due date. On the due date follow up to ensure the project was completed to your satisfaction.

When you delegate remember to follow up so there will be no surprises.

 

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Coach Jaynine

www.coachjaynine.com

www.myobworkshop.com

www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

 

 

Happy New Year’s Eve

Wow, how time flies. Two years ago this evening is the anniversary of when I proposed to my husband. I’m so happy he said “YES”. It was a magical evening.

This year he will be working again overseas and I will be sitting home reminiscing. I am counting down until Valentine’s Day! He will be home for that major holiday.

Whatever your plans for this New Year’s Holiday my wish for you is that you be safe, have fun, and make new memories.

Be safe this evening and watch out for the other driver!

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Jaynine

P.S. Is 2009 the year that you are determined to take action and make those New Year’s Resolutions come true? If so, I invite you to contact me so I can help you turn your dreams into reality. www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com or www.coachjaynine.com

Post Holiday Depression: Do you have the post holiday blahs? Now it is time for my Holiday Detox!

Now that the hustle and bustle of the Holidays is over and you are left standing alone in the middle of your big empty living room surveying the damage now what? You wander from room to room. There is a mess in each room. There is wrapping paper, bows, gift boxes and receipts laying everywhere. Dirty dishes line the counter tops and there is not one single car left in the driveway showing signs that help is on the way. Now what; who is going to clean up the mess? Who is going to help with the laundry? Where are you going to find the energy to tackle the mess? Now is the time for a Holiday Detox!

Holiday Detox is needed when you are totally zapped of mental and physical energy. You may be feeling depressed and just want to go hibernate. Below are my 7 tips to combat the post Holiday blahs and begin your Holiday Detox.

1.  Music.  Now is the time to grab your IPOD or turn up the volume on your stereo. Select your favorite music that inspires you and gets you dancing in your chair. TURN UP THE VOLUME! You can even sing if you want.

2. Shower. Drag your body into the shower. Use the “special” occasion body wash followed by “special” occasion lotion and perfume. Remember the music volume is loud so you can hear it in the shower. Just be careful you do not slip while dancing in the shower.

3. Comfy clothes. Now put on your comfy clothes. However, do not confuse these with your lawn working clothes.  Your Holiday Detox outfit should make you feel “special” and pretty. Now is the time to wear an apron if you own one.

4. Multi task. Make a plan. Spray the showers and bathtubs with cleaner. Pour the toilet bowl cleaner in the toilet. Strip the beds and start a load of laundry. Then wander from room to room picking up all the trash. Next drag out the vacuum cleaner and vacuum the house from top to bottom. Remember the music is loud enough so you can hear above the roar of the vacuum cleaner.  Now go back and finish the bathrooms. Don’t forget the mirrors. Swap the laundry from the washer to the dryer. Time to start another load, I suggest the towels next they are easy to fold. While you have the glass cleaner out go clean all the finger prints and puppy dog nose prints off the sliding glass door and storm door.

5. Food. Now it is time to admit that part of the post holiday blahs is caused by the sugar roller coaster that you have been riding. Grab a big trash bag and toss all the leftover candy, cookies, fattening foods into a big trash bag and put them immediately in the trashcan outside. If you cannot seem to part with tossing the junk out then I suggest you give it to a teenager or someone with a high metabolism. Your body is screaming for a Detox. It is screaming NO MORE SUGAR. If you miss sipping on hot chocolate on cold afternoons, I highly suggest substituting a mug of hot lemon water. It works for me and curbs the appetite.

6. Exercise.  Now that you have tossed out the sugar and the house is vacuumed, it is time to reward yourself with a brisk walk. Go grab your shoes and get outside for a quick stroll around the block. You owe it to yourself to get out of the house with its stale air and get some fresh air. Remember, you are still being productive because you are doing laundry.

7. Reminisce and ENJOY. As you fold the last of the laundry, take time to remember why the holidays are so special. Load the holiday pictures onto your favorite websites and email them to all your friends. Now is also the time to enjoy the peace and quiet of your home. Grab the remote control and plop down on the sofa and enjoy being able to watch your favorite television show without interruption. Grab your note pad and start planning next year’s holiday spectacular which will include everyone helping complete chores before they dash out of the drive way.

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Coach Jaynine

 Is this the year to take action? Contact me today so you can turn your dreams into reality. www.dreamcatcher-lifecoaching.com

 

Increase Your Credibility: Dress for Success

Whether we want to admit it or not we form our opinions about people based upon how they look. We evaluate their capabilities and likeability based upon their grooming standards, verbal communication, and nonverbal communication. So just as you are sizing up someone that someone is also sizing you up.

 

Research states that is only takes someone 15 seconds to form an opinion about you based upon your appearance.

 

You are evaluated on:

55%  body language and appearance

38%  verbal tone

7%    verbal content

 

I want everyone to take a hard honest look in the mirror. We will start at the top…

 

Hairstyle – when was it last updated? Are you wearing the same hairstyle from high school? Do you need a haircut? Is your hair clean? What does your hair say about you? Is it too distracting? Remember when job hunting or at work it is better to be conservative than flashy.

 

Face – pay attention to your grooming of facial hair, application of cosmetics, and the color of your teeth. It is amazing how many people neglect their teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you drink a lot of coffee or smoke cigarettes invest in teeth whitening. Women need to pay attention to how a lipstick shade changes the shade of white of their teeth. Facial hair to include eyebrows, chin, lip etc speaks volumes about you. Invest in laser hair removal or waxing. Trust me; people are noticing and talking. This includes men too. Ensure your eyebrows, mustache and beards are properly groomed.

 

Hands – look at your nails and cuticles. What do they say about you? Are your nails clean? Are your cuticles torn and dry? Are your hands clean? Do not wear chipped nail polish.

 

Clothing – is it stylish, clean, and well pressed? Are you wearing clothes that fit? When we talk about clothing, two colors I think that are often overlooked are black and white. This week take a good look at your clothes that are black and white. Is the black really black or is it faded…is the white crisp white or is it yellowed or grey? Two other colors that are often worn faded are red and brown. Pay attention to the age and color of your clothing.

 

I know many people think that they can wear old clothes and no one cares at their work. However, guess again, when you see someone looking unkept that is how you perceive their job performance, work ethic, and education. If someone is wearing outdated clothing guess what; people will assume that persons job skills are also outdated.

 

Toes– if you wear sandals do your feet look neat? Are your toe nails polished? Is the polish chipped? What about your heels?  Are they rough and cracked. People are noticing. Go get a pedicure. But remember, never wear sandals to a job interview. Most employers will also require you to wear closed toe shoes on the job.

 

Shoes – are the heels worn? Take a close look at the toes of your shoes. Are they scuffed? Are the heels worn? A cobbler can fix your shoes for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Do not wear tennis shoes to work unless it is part of your job description.

 

Action:  I want you to assess the clothing in your closet to include your footwear. Throw away anything stained, faded, dingy, things that do not fit, or are out of style. You do not want to be categorized as being outdated. Now I want you to take an honest look at your hairstyle, your purse, and your makeup? When was the last time you replaced your makeup? Remember bacteria get in your makeup and it does not last forever. Bacteria in your cosmetics can be the cause of breakouts.

Make a list of items you need to buy or replace so that you present a professional image. Now armed with a list of items you need to replace prepare a budget so that you can easily afford to replace them.

 

It is imperative you understand your office and corporate dress code. When you are presenting a clean and professional image, you will be taken seriously. You will be seen as credible and the expert in your community.

Increase Your Credibility: Improve Your Verbal Communication Skills

Whether you want to admit or not you judge people on their use of the English language and your ability to understand their accent. We often assume (very wrong) that someone is uneducated if we cannot understand what they are saying; if they have a regional accent. We also make stereotypes based upon the slang the person uses. The worst faux pas is attempting to use words you cannot pronounce or you use a word that is just not appropriate. People can spot someone trying to be someone they are not. Below are my tips to help you increase your credibility when you are speaking.

15 Tips for Improving Your

Communication Skiills

 

1.       Develop your voice—if you have a high whiney voice research says you are often seen as being helpless and playing the victim role. Researchers recommend that you practice singing an octave lower than your normal voice.

2.       Slow down – fast talkers are often perceived as nervous and unsure of themselves or as someone trying to sell you something.

3.       Animate your voice – not like a Disney character. Avoid being boring and monotone; smile when you talk. Practice raising and lowering your pitch when you talk.

4.       Enunciate – speak clearly, don’t mumble. Move your mouth when you speak.

5.       Use the Appropriate Volume – soft or low volume when sitting close to someone and a louder volume when speaking to a large group.

6.       Pronounce your words correctly. If you cannot pronounce it correctly don’t use it.

7.       Be authentic and use the right word – we all know people that use big words to try and impress us. It doesn’t work does it;  we aren’t impressed.

8.       Make eye contact – if you are nervous making eye contact ….keep your eyes focused on scanning the persons T zone (the person will think you are looking at him or her). Don’t do it too fast though you make look like you are being silly.

9.       Use hand gestures – use small hand gestures for small groups and large hand gestures for large groups. Hand gestures help get your meaning across.

10.   Don’t send mixed messages – ensure your hand gestures and facial expressions match what your words are saying. Don’t be delivering bad news by smiling; the person will think you are joking.

11.   Read out loud daily

12.   Tape your conversations and listen to yourself

13.   Watch other people’s reactions to you as you speak

14.   Ask for feedback

15.   Breath

 

Verbal Communication Tips that ADD CREDIBILITY

 

1.       Avoid unnecessary laughter.

2.       Don’t end statements with a question – use a period- bring your voice down.

3.       Say what you want to say and don’t apologize for saying it.

4.       Place emphasis on key words.

5.       Avoid qualifiers – I think, I believe, If you aren’t too busy, could you help me instead of I need help – they take away confidence.

6.       Avoid fillers – umm, aaa, ugh – if you don’t know what to say just stay silent

7.       Avoid throat clearing, shaky voice.

8.       Move your mouth as you speak – this keeps you from mumbling for talking to fast.

9.       Speak at the correct volume.

10.   Know your audience and your subject matter and be authentic.

 

When you improve your communication skills you will increase your productivity and credibility. You will be seen as the expert in the community.

 

 

Mind Your Own Business: Grow Your Business Now

Two years ago retired Marine, Jaynine Howard, traded in her combat boots to help others catch their dreams. On January 24, 2009, Dream Catcher, Howard’s small business coaching, mentoring and consulting company, is set to join forces with three dynamic coaches from Virginia and New York to help Small Business Owners welcome in the new year. In addition, Microsoft has just announced that they will be the sponsor for the conference and future conferences, which are held around the United States.

 

Coach Howard says her clients are “small business owners who are ready to take their business to the next level.  My clients are willing to learn how to create a winning mindset, develop their presence in the community so they are known as the expert, get comfortable with delegating to increase productivity, and outsource tasks.   For them, it’s their chance to also learn practical strategies that they can use to solve everyday challenges.” 

 

Coach Howard capitalizes on her military experience and the knowledge gained while pursuing her PhD in Psychology as she works with dynamic business owners.  Sessions are conducted via telephone and the internet thus allowing clients to save travel, time and money by not having to take time off work or leave home. 

 

Coach Howard is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville. To learn more about these dynamic Coaches and to register for the Mind Your Own Business: Grow Your Business Now Conference visit her website at www.myobworkshop.com .

Increase Your Credibility: Part III Nonverbal Communication

How often do you focus on the other person’s nonverbal communication? Are you aware of how you communicate nonverbally? Below are my tips for increasing your credibility through nonverbal communication.

 

Facial Expressions & Gestures

 

Nonverbal communication and behavior can vary between cultures. However, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, fear, and anger are similar worldwide.

 

•      Pay attention to your face and others. Is it mask-like, stoic, animated, emotionally present showing interest?

•      Is your face showing what you are really thinking? Are you smiling when you really would like to choke the person speaking?

•      Gestures are deliberate movements that communicate a meaning without words. What hand gestures are you making? If someone saw just your hand gestures would they know what was going on?

 

Body Language

•      Posture and movement of your body can convey feelings and attitudes.

•      Most people assume that crossed arms means the person is being defensive and leg crossing is flirting behavior.

•      Most research on body language was conducted in the 1970s and is over interpreted.

•      New research states that body language cues are far more subtle and less definitive than the 1970s research stated.

 

Proxemics

•      Proxemics is commonly known as personal space.

•      The proper distance for personal space is dictated by social norms, situational factors, personal choice, and level of familiarity

•      18 inches to 4 feet is commonly used for having a casual conversation.

•      10 to 12 feet is the distanced used for speaking to a crowd.

•      If you are a poor judge of distance just use the standard…one arm lengths away. Hold your arm out in front of you and that is the distance to stand between people.

 

Eye Gaze

•      Staring, rapid blinking, down cast eyes all are nonverbal communication behaviors.

•      Eyes can give away what the person is really thinking. Have you ever seen someone’s eyes smiling while the rest of their face was stoic?

•      Eye contact can be considered evasive or confrontational and intimidating.

•      Communication experts state that the normal interval of eye contact should last 4 to 5 seconds.

•      Good eye contact is not STARING into the other persons eyes.

 

Haptics

•      Haptics is communicating through touch.

•      This can be a hug and we all know there are variations to a hug. Each hug can have a different meaning.

•      Touching someone on the shoulder or a slap on the back all convey meaning.

•      Stroking of the hair is considered flirtatious.

 

Appearance

•      Your choice of clothing, hairstyle, and clothing color all make a statement about you.

 

 

10 Tips for Nonverbal Communication Success

 

•      Pay attention to the other persons Nonverbal Signals.

•      Look for spoken words and nonverbal communication that don’t match.

•      Focus on your tone and pitch when speaking.

•      Employ good eye contact.

•      Ask for clarifications for nonverbal communication.

•      Use verbal and nonverbal communication congruently.

•      If you are speaking to a group survey the group for everyone’s nonverbal behavior.

•      Always consider the situation and context someone is talking.

•      Recognize that signals can be misinterpreted

•      Practice, practice, practice

 

Writing an Online Dating Profile: Part I

This is the first of a 5 part series.

Your profile is where you advertise yourself. 

Integrity is key. Do not mislead or misrepresent yourself to the reader. Post current photos or at a minimum let the observer know the date of your photos. I personally do not think it is appropriate to have pictures of children on your profile. Please use caution. Men do not like it when women post their high school prom photo or year book photo when the woman is over 40 years old. Use current photos. It doesn’t matter how well preserved you are if you are over 40 years old you do not look like your high school year book photo.

This is the time to dust off your old English Textbook. Use proper sentence structure to include capitalizing the first word in a sentence. End all sentences with proper punctuation. Do not use slang or improper grammar unless you truly want to be judged by the image those words project. Do not forget to run spell check. Trust me…if you write a really bad profile people will print it and show all their friends and you will be the laughing stock of that particular dating website.

When writing your profile I highly recommend writing your profile as a word document so that you can run spell check.  You also can then cut and past the word document into the space provided by pressing the control key and the C key simultaneously to copy the document, then put the cursor in the area where you want the document. Press the control key and the V key simultaneously and the document will paste itself into the allotted space. Another advantage of saving your profile as a word document is that you will be able to cut and paste it onto various dating websites or update it as necessary without re-typing the entire document.

If the website has a section for a personal description please be authentic. There is nothing worse than investing time establishing rapport with someone then finally meeting that person only to discover he or she does not look anything like the person described in the online advertisement. This is pointless; starting a relationship based on false information is wrong and just wastes everyone’s time. Also, do not lie about your age. Sooner or later your fibbing will be discovered and the trust will be broken. Everyone is attracted to a certain type so there is nothing wrong with not wanting to date someone shorter than you are or who has a hair color you don’t like etc.

Write your profile with integrity and enjoy the dating experience.

 

Coach Jaynine is an author, speaker, and coach. She propels her clients to take action so they achieve greatness so they can turn their dreams into reality. Visit her website at www.attractlovekeeplove.com for more information.

 

Stages in a Relationship

There are 10 stages in a relationship. It is paramount that you be able to identify each stage. Often people wake up one day and they are in the termination stage and they haven’t a clue how they got there. They just didn’t see it coming; because they didn’t pay attention to the relationship. All relationships need care and attention. Your car will not run if you do not do routine maintenance and put gas in it; a relationship needs fuel and maintenance too.

 

10 Stages of a Romantic Relationship

 

1.  Initiating Stage: This is when you first meet a person or become aware of whom he or she is. This stage can be very brief depending upon the circumstances. If you see someone at a social event and are then later introduced at that event you spend a very brief period of time in this stage. However, if you watch someone from afar for several months waiting for an introduction you may spend a great deal of time in this stage.

 

2.  Experimenting Stage: This stage is where people make small talk. This stage can be brief or very lengthy. There is no need to rush this stage.

 

3. Intensifying Stage: Friendship is born during this stage. You share common interests and needs with the other person.

 

4. Integrating Stage: This stage is where you begin to count on the other person. You know without discussion that Friday night you always go to dinner or on the weekend he will mow your lawn without you having to ask.

 

5. Bonding Stage: During this stage a commitment is formed. You do not have to enter the bonding stage. You can proceed to another stage. However, most people think of the bonding stage as when two people move in together or get married.

 

6. Differentiating Stage: The differentiating stage has the participants each focusing on his or her own pursuits. They are still committed to the relationship but they are not always joined at the hip. This is healthy as the individuality is re-established.

 

7. Circumscribing Stage: Now is the time to re-invest in the relationship or risk losing what you had in Stages 1-5. Many marriages or relationships end during this stage because people have forgotten what once attracted them to each other.

 

8. Stagnating Stage: If the relationship is still struggling this stage has the participants going through the motions or routine. There is still tension in the relationship and rituals have lost their meaning.

 

9. Avoiding Stage: The tension from the stagnating stage is still present and people begin to avoid each other. Arguments get more intense. The participants may make repeated attempts to save the relationship and friendship.

 

10. Terminating Stage: During this stage the relationship either ends because the participants choose and agree to end it or during the avoidance stage the people drift away and never reconnect with each other.

 

These 10 Stages can be used to give your relationship a tune up or to see where you are headed. I think it is important to pull out this list and identify where you are currently operating so that you can be prepared to take action and work on your relationship or make the decision to terminate it.

 

Coach Jaynine is an author, speaker, and coach. She propels her clients to greatness so they can turn their dreams into reality. Visit her website at www.attractlovekeeplove.com for more information.

 

 

Sex and Dating

I firmly believe that if you are old enough to date you are old enough to talk about sex. If you cannot talk about sex with the other person; then you are not old enough or mature enough to be engaging in sex. Below are my 10 Rules for Safe Sex.

Coach Jaynine’s 10 Rules for Safe Sex

1.    Men and Women always practice safe sex.

2.    Women do not be shy…buy your own condoms and ask the man to use them.

3.    Before engaging in oral sex or intercourse ask the person to get an HIV/AIDS test and get you tested too. Play show and tell and exchange medical reports.

4.    Educate yourself about the latest STDs. Do not rely upon outdated information or gossip. Get the facts from your doctor or reputable website.

5.    Remember you cannot look and see all STDs.

6.    DO NOT PLAY Russian Roulette with your life.

7.    If you have an STD be responsible and tell your potential partner. In some instances, it is a crime to not disclose that information and infect someone.

8.    Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.

9.    Do not be coerced into performing sex acts that you are uncomfortable engaging in.

10. ENJOY that you are old enough to be responsible for YOUR sexual health!!

 

Online dating and meeting people can be fun and exciting. However, never compromise your health and safety because you do not want to offend someone. Anyone that has been involved in online dating knows the items mentioned above are common sense and he or she will not be offended. If that person is offended, listen to your vibration and run!

 

Coach Jaynine is an author, speaker, and coach. She propels her clients to greatness so they can turn their dreams into reality. Visit her website at www.attractlovekeeplove.com for more information.

 

Dating and Safety

Writing your online profile is where you get to advertise yourself. Below are my tips on what NOT to include in your profile, my first meeting safety tips, and following your gut instinct.

Please respect your privacy and personal information. Do not be coaxed into providing the below information.

Do not include the following anywhere in your profile or reveal when first meeting someone:

• Last name
• Street Address
• Home Phone (use a cell phone)
• Work Phone
• Social Security Number
• Banking information
• Income (this may attract gold diggers…and yes, men can be gold diggers too)
• Place where you work (you don’t want them calling or showing up unannounced)
• Information regarding where your children play sports or go to school

 

Anyone that has been involved in online dating knows there are unspoken safety tips to follow. I have taken the privilege of writing them down and sharing them with those that may not know them in order to ensure your safety.

First Meeting Safety Tips:

• Do not allow the person to pick you up…meet them at a public place. I recommend a coffee shop or lunchtime cafe so that you have a quick reason to leave (need to get back to work etc) if there is no chemistry or the person misrepresented him or herself.
• Park your car in front of the coffee shop, under a light, or in a very public place (in case he walks you to your car).
• Ensure someone knows where you going and what time to expect you to return home.
• Escape Phone Call-have someone call you on your cell phone at a prescribed time to ensure you are safe. If the meeting is not going well this can be the excuse you can use to make your escape by politely explaining a friend needs you to pick up a sick child from school/sports etc. If the meeting is going well, you can thank the caller for calling and resume your meeting.

We often do not listen to our gut instinct. We often rationalize why we want to go against what it is telling us to do. I say “LISTEN TO YOUR GUT AND FOLLOW WHAT IT IS SAYING”.

Listen to your Vibration (Gut Instinct)

• Listen for inconsistencies in the conversation
• If the person won’t share a phone number maybe he or she is married.
• If after meeting and hitting it off the person does not introduce you to friends or family and only meets you at a location of your choice inquire why. Is he or she married?
• Be cautious of the person that displays anger easily or tries to control you – look for passive-aggressive behavior
• Acknowledge rude behavior
• Refuses to share a current photo
• Person still lives with parents
• Has served time in jail
• Is overly interested in a person’s children
• Excessive bragging
• Overly dominate religious or political views
• Immediately talks about sex or things of a very personal nature
• Do a Google search of their name and see what items may pop up online.
• Visit various dating websites to see if the persons profile is the same on each site or if there are discrepancies in age/height/marital status etc

 When you follow my safety tips listed above you will ensure that you have taken responsibility for your safety so you have a fun and pleasurable dating experience.

 Coach Jaynine is an author, speaker, and coach. She propels her clients to greatness so they can turn their dreams into reality. Visit her website at www.attractlovekeeplove.com for more information.

 

Coach Jaynine’s Online Dating Etiquette Tips

Online dating is all the rage today. I do not even know how people meet prospective dates if they are not engaged in online dating. I have heard several complaints from men and women regarding online dating which prompted me to make my list of Dating Etiquette Tips.

1. Be prepared to pay for your own coffee or meal on the first meeting. Do not expect the other person to pay for your meal or coffee; this is not a date it is a meeting.

 

2. Don’t be afraid to call the other person. We are all too old for games or following outdated rules of dating. Pick up the phone and call the person if you want to chat.

 

3. If there is no attraction don’t feel bad; be honest. Do not waste each others time and money if there is no connection. Online dating can be expensive.

 

4. Don’t contact people that you know your friends are trying to establish an online relationship with. This goes back to the one rule from high school that must be followed.

 

5. Be willing to drive to meet the person or at least half way. Do not expect the other person to do all the driving. Everyone has to get up early for work etc. Respect the other person.

 

6. Use your manners and respect yourself.

 

7. Do not use online dating as a way to never have to cook your own dinner or pay for your movie ticket. I have heard several complaints from men that women just want dinner and then never call again. Remember, dinner costs money.  Be nice and pick up the tab once in a while.

 

8. Remember that online dating is time consuming and costly. Do not tease or flirt if you have no desire to meet the person.

 

9. Offer to pick up the tab once in a while. This is similar to #7. If you go on weekend getaways offer to pick up the tab. If you financially cannot do this then get creative and plan a romantic picnic or something equally nice.

 

10. Treat the other person with respect.

 

When you employ my ten tips for online dating etiquette, you will be guaranteed a pleasant dating experience.

 

Coach Jaynine is an author, speaker, and coach. She propels her clients to greatness so they can turn their dreams into reality. Visit her website at www.attractlovekeeplove.com for more information.

 

Free Dating Websites

This morning on CNN …Clark Howard mentioned the below free dating websites.

www.downtoearth.com

www.okcupid.com

www.plentyoffish.com   I had you used this unsuccessfully in the past.

www.loveaccess.com was a free site when I tried it unsuccessfully years ago.

I met my husband through yahoo personals. We were married on June 21, 2008 are very happy.

Coach Jaynine is an author, speaker, and coach. She propels her clients to greatness so they can turn their dreams into reality. Visit her website at www.attractlovekeeplove.com for more information.

Enjoy a Free or Low Cost Valentine’s Day

Oooooooooooo I hear you saying, “How can Valentine’s Day be fun or romantic if I have to stick to a budget?” However, I am telling you “Valentine’s Day does not have to break the bank”.

 

My 7 tips will help you have a low cost or no cost romantic Valentine’s Day.

 

1. Mood Music.  Visit http://www.playlist.com/ and create your own playlist of all your favorite songs. This is a no cost and legal way to download your favorite music. You can play the music from your computer. FREE

 

2. Candles. Visit your local dollar type store and purchase tapers, votives and pillars in various colors. You will also be able to find heart shaped confetti to decorate around the base of the candles. Candles will compliment the mood music. Do not waste money on expensive candles because they will be gone by morning. Try to buy unscented you do not want the scent to clash with your perfume. $5.00

 

3. Picnic. Think about some of your favorite foods. If the climate is right, pack a picnic basket with all your favorite foods and head outdoors. If the weather keeps you indoors spread out your blanket on the floor and have your picnic indoors or on your bed. Wear something sexy so you are dessert.  Get out your good china, silver, and crystal. Use what food is in the cupboard or shop for groceries on a budget.

 

4. Movies. Go to your video store or library and pick up a couple of your favorite date night movies. Watch these snuggled up on the bed or on the sofa after you have devoured your picnic. FREE – $5.00

 

5.  Sexy little something. There is no need to buy something new; you know that stuff never stays on very long. Look in your closet or dresser and pick out something you have not worn in a while. Dab on your favorite perfume. Put on your makeup and do not forget to wear the jewelry he has bought you. FREE

 

6. Bubbly. Don’t forget the bubbly or your favorite beverage. Get out your wedding toasting flutes or your pretty stemware. Make your picnic special by using the “good” stuff. $15.00 or what fits your budget. If you don’t want alcohol have your favorite nonalcoholic beverage in wine glasses or champagne flutes.

 

7. Bubble Bath. Again visit your dollar type store. This is not the time to splurge on expensive bubble bath because you will not probably be in the tub long enough to enjoy it. Splurge and use the entire bottle of bubbles if you want.  Place the candles around the edge of the tub and grab your bubbly to sip. $1.00 for bubble bath.

 

Staying home and creating your own romantic hideaway can be fun and low cost. You will not need to spend hours waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant. You can parade around in as skimpy of an outfit as you want. You can take your time enjoying the evening and each other wherever you want. When you use my seven tips, you will have a very low cost yet romantic Valentine’s Day.

 

Don’t forget to turn off the cell phones, lock the doors, pull the drapes closed, and enjoy your Valentine’s Day.  

 

Coach Jaynine is an author, speaker, and coach. She propels her clients to greatness so they can turn their dreams into reality. Visit her website at www.attractlovekeeplove.com for more information.

Taming Your Fear During a Recession: Part I

Does listening to the news or reading the newspaper make you feel scared? Does walking to the mailbox invoke feelings of gloom and doom? Do you walk around the majority of the day feeling anxious and afraid as if waiting for the other shoe to drop? The current state of the economy is the topic of discussion today and every day.  It invokes negative feelings in most people.

Taming your feelings of anxiety and fear is mandatory so you can move forward and have a happy and productive life. First, we must define anxiety and fear since most people misuse the words anxiety and fear. ANXIETY is defined as the vague unpleasant emotional feeling that makes us feel apprehensive, dread, distress, and an uneasiness. Anxiety is not focused on a specific object. Anxiety is manifested cognitively, behaviorally, and physiologically. FEAR is similar to anxiety but it is focused on a specific object such as public speaking, cold calling, or failure. People who experience fear can lose the ability to think, act, and perform.

There are three main perspectives associated with anxiety and fear. The Biological Perspective states that the  GABA system is responsible motivating fear and anxiety. People often go to their doctor and ask for medication to control or aid in reducing anxiety. Benzodiapines are anti-anxiety drugs that can be prescribed to regulate the GABA neural transmissions.

The Cognitive Perspective states that there are three motivators for anxiety and fear:  1. Loss of Control  2. Inability to use coping skills  3. State anxiety verses Trait Anxiety.

The Learning Perspective states that anxiety and fear are learned responses to situations. Your body develops its own coping skills to deal with the routine situations. Therefore, when things push us out of our comfort zone we experience anxiety. When you hide from your anxiety and fear your body becomes conditioned to the object that invokes those feelings. When you confront your fear and anxiety, your body learns to not experience fear and anxiety i.e. being afraid of dogs. You can either confront the fear (fight) and be calm when seeing a dog or you can hide from your feelings and always experience the flight tendency. When you feel the flight or fight response, take a minute to acknowledge it for what it is.

You can identify anxiety and fear by identifying the Physiological Symptoms of Anxiety or Fear. These are commonly manifested by someone complaining of having a stomachache, head ache, shortness of breath, butterflies or a pit in your stomach feeling, nausea, diarrhea, sleeplessness, high blood pressure, hunger or no appetite. This is just a short list you can make your own list of physiological symptoms.

Now is the time to change your mindset from negative to positive. Most situations that cause us to experience anxiety are experiences of growth.  Do you notice when you get butterflies in your stomach? Do you run from situations that make you feel the butterflies? When you pinpoint the source of anxiety and fear, you can confront the fear. Then you can design coping skills or a plan of action. Self certain people are aware and acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses. When you do not know or acknowledge your weaknesses, you are ill equipped to develop coping skills to conquer them.

The use of Coping Skills will help you reduce anxiety and fear. The most commonly used coping skills are visualization, positive self-talk, relaxation exercises/meditate/yoga, educate you, exercise, vent and mastermind, journaling and investing in a Coach.

When you are feeling anxiety or fear regarding MONEY or your Business Success employ the 5 Steps below in order to TAME YOUR FEAR:

1. Confront the fear.

2. Reexamine your business systems and strategies

3. Look at your budget and ensure you are financially sound or take action to ensure you get back on track

4. Examine your niche. If your niche can no longer can afford your products or services tailor your product funnel so that there is something they can afford.

5. Call or email your Coach.

You must take the necessary steps to tame your fear so that you can move forward and grow your business, grow personally and professionally, and be a pleasure to be around.

 

This is the first of a three part series on Taming Your Fear. Jaynine Howard, PhD (ABD) has over 25 years of experience. She coaches dynamic business owners on how to increase their visibility and credibility in the community so they are positioned as the EXPERT by employing proven systems and strategies that will increase revenue. Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality? Download your free productivity tracker at www.coachjaynine.com

Don’t forget to join me on Friday, February 27 at 2pm EST for a free teleclass on Taming Your Fear. For more information visit www.coachjaynine.com

Taming Your Fear During a Recession: Part II

Taming your Fear during a recession requires the use of Coping Skills.  Coping Skills will help you reduce anxiety and fear. The most commonly used are:

1.  Visualization. When you can pinpoint the source of your anxiety or fear you will be able to sit back and relax as you visualize a positive outcome. As you visualize the various scenarios you will be able to be in control of the outcome of the situation.

2. Positive self talk. Negative Nellie’s and Debbie Downers are bad for your psyche. Learn to use positive self talk to chase away anxiety and fear. Try to see the positive in all situations. Learn to employ the Laws of Attraction.

3.  Relaxation exercises/meditate/yoga. Now is the time to learn to be greedy and take time for YOU. Scheduling even just 15 minutes a day to engage in relaxation exercises, meditation, or yoga will reduce the stress, anxiety and fear you may be experiencing.  

4. Educate yourself. When you know the source of your anxiety and fear is the unknown take time to invest in educating yourself. If you do not understand your finances, or how to run a particular aspect of your business now is the time to learn. Educating yourself does not have to cost a lot of money. The internet and local library are valuable sources of credible information. You can also take part in free Teleclasses and webinars hosted by various agencies and coaches.

5. Exercise. Exercise will increase the production of your feel good endorphins and help chase the blues away. It is also a great way to stimulate the creative juices and brain storm. I always solve the world problems while out walking my dog or going for a run.

6. Vent and mastermind. We all know that keeping things bottled up inside is not good. Find someone that you can confide in and share you troubles and joys. If you do not belong to a mastermind group start one of your own. We all need people that we can trust and share our worries; plus they need us too for the very same reason.  

7.  Journaling.  Journaling and behavior charting are a great way to record the date, time, and situation that invokes feelings of fear and anxiety. After journaling or charting for a period of time you will be able to review if there are certain people or situations that always invoke the butterflies in your stomach to flutter.

8. Invest  in a Coach. Now is the time to invest in coaching.

Remember: Most situations that cause us to experience anxiety and fear are opportunities to grow.  Using my 8 coping skills listed above you will be able to tame your fear during a recession or anytime.

This is the second of a three part series on Taming Your Fear. Jaynine Howard, PhD (ABD) has over 25 years of experience. She coaches dynamic business owners on how to increase their visibility and credibility in the community so they are positioned as the EXPERT by employing proven systems and strategies that will increase revenue. Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality? Download your free productivity tracker at www.coachjaynine.com  Join me on Friday, February 27, 2009 @ 2pm EST for a free teleclass on Taming Your Fear. For more information visit www.coachjaynine.com

Taming Your Fear During a Recession: Part III

When you are feeling anxiety or fear regarding MONEY or your Business Success, employ my 5 Steps to Success below:

1. Confront the fear. Fear is different than anxiety. Fear is associated with a specific object. When you become paralyzed and cannot function due to an upcoming event, you are experiencing fear. You must be able to pinpoint the source of your fear in order to confront it. You can identify your fear by journaling. When you keep a journal you will be able to go back and identify times you experience anxiety and fear and use coping skills to manage the fear and anxiety.

2. Reexamine your business systems and strategies.  When the news or current events are making you feel fearful it is time to examine your business and personal systems and strategies. Now is the time to review your business plan, marketing plan, lead attraction and networking systems, and your crisis plan.

3. Look at your budget and ensure you are financially sound or take action to ensure you get back on track.  Remember, a budget is not a straight jacket to curtail all spending. A budget is a plan on how you are going to spend your money. Embrace the word budget and make the necessary adjustments for your personal and business survival. Do not forget to use the leverage power of Web2.0.

4. Examine your niche. If your niche can no longer afford your products or services it is time to tailor your product funnel so that there is something they can afford. Since many consumers are tightening their belts it is time to ensure that you have products or services that they can afford. You may want to bundle services to provide more value or offer individual products and services at a lower cost or for free. If you do not have a referral program or loyal customer rewards program now is the time to start one.

5. Call or email your Coach. Your coach can help you brainstorm the necessary systems and strategies needed so you can continue to grow your business and tame your fear.  Your coach will propel you to take action and hold you accountable. Coaching is an investment in you and your business. Isn’t now the time to invest in you and your business? Today is the someday you have been waiting for…take action now.

 

This is the third of a three part series on Taming Your Fear. Jaynine Howard, PhD (ABD) has over 25 years of experience. She coaches dynamic business owners on how to increase their visibility and credibility in the community so they are positioned as the EXPERT by employing proven systems and strategies that will increase revenue. Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality? Download your free productivity tracker at www.coachjaynine.com and don’t forget to join me on Friday, Feb 27th at 2pm EST for a free teleclass on Taming Your Fear.

My 5 Secrets to Newtorking Success

Download your free copy of My 5 Secrets to Networking Success today at www.networkingdetox.com

Failure is OK During a Recession or Anytime: Failure is the welcomed opportunity to grow personally and professionally

Failure is ok. The media is bombarding us with stories of failure. There are layoffs, economic failure, and other gloom and doom stories. I am here to tell that failure is ok. You do not need to play the victim. I am not sure how the word failure became such a dirty word. But listen…failure is ok. Failing at something is just a sign that you need to learn more about that particular area of your life. Here is what I want you to do next time you think you “failed”.

1.  Self Reflect:  Find a quiet space and claim it all to yourself. Turn off the cell phone and get out your pen and paper. Think real hard back to what went wrong. Write it down. Think about what went right? Write it down too. Think about your coulda, woulda, shoulda’s. Write them down. Self reflection will show you that you didn’t fail.

 

2.  Dream: Dare to dream new dreams or continue with your current dream. Your dream should be somewhat realistic and attainable only you know how committed you are to making them reality. Make a list of things you would like to accomplish this week, this month, and this year. Make another list of things you would like to accomplish with the next 2, 3, 5 years and so on. Remember this is your list not someone else’s and not a list of things you should do. It is your list. You own it.

 

3.  Design a MAP: Now you need to design a Master Action Plan. This will be your roadmap on how you are going to get yourself from where you are today to where you want to be by the end of the week, month and year. You will also design a roadmap for the upcoming years also. Designing your MAP will take time but it is time well spent or how else are you going to know you are headed in the right direction?

 

4.  Take Action: Now you need to put action behind those dreams so they are transformed into reality. Taking action is probably the hardest step. Often you do not know how to get moving. But remember you have your MAP. Pull it out and read the first step. Use your Map to get you moving in the direction of completing your first dream by the end of the week. Rome was not built in a day. Your dreams will not come true overnight. You must take baby steps and sometimes big steps to get you moving so you can turn your dreams into reality. But at least get up, get moving forward so you can succeed.

 

5.   Reward Yourself: As you accomplish your goals and dreams reward yourself. You may want to predetermine a reward prior to beginning to work on your MAP. This way you have a carrot dangling over you that you want; it will motivate you to work hard. The reward can be as simple as buying a new bottle of nail polish, going to the library to check out new books, or splurging on your favorite coffee. You can also have larger rewards for when you have accomplished several smaller goals. This could be something such as a facial, massage, or mini weekend vacation. Rewarding your self is not being selfish. It is rewarding yourself for a job well done it is taking care of you. Women often fail to reward themselves, others often take them for granted, and fail even say thank you. NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN YOU!

 

6.  Journaling: Record your progress or lack of progress daily in a journal. This will allow you to see what you have done with your time. After a period of time of using a journal or my productivity tracker you will begin to see where you are wasting time or someone else is sabotaging your time and efforts.

 

As you learn to focus on you and work toward your dreams, you will see that failure is the welcomed opportunity to grow personally and professionally. You will have renewed confidence in yourself and your abilities because you will see that you are taking action because you have plan; you have focus, clarity, and purpose. Remember get up at a set time each day. Get dressed with a purpose. Keep your chin up and eyes pointed forward so you can see where you are going! Have a great transformation journey.

 

Jaynine Howard, PhD (ABD) has over 25 years of experience helping others win. She coaches dynamic business owners on how to increase their visibility and credibility in the community so they are positioned as the EXPERT by employing proven systems and strategies that will increase revenue. Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality? Sign up for her teleclass series Are You Playing to Win or Are You Playing to Lose www.dreamcatcher.camp8.org

 

 

Are you a conversation monopolizer? Conversation is a two-way exchange of information

Conversation is a two-way exchange of information. There seems to be an epidemic that has affected each of us. Lately, people keep telling me how they just got off the phone or went to dinner with someone who did all the talking and they did not get to say anything other than an occasional “hmmm” “oh my” “really” “yes” “you don’t say”. This is not engaging in a conversation. This is being an audience member.

If you are guilty of doing all the talking, I encourage you to stop and share the stage. Ask questions and actively listen to the other person. I have identified three types of conversation monopolizers.

1. The 1 Upper – this person has done whatever you just told them you did but they did it on a more grandiose scale. Thus, leaving you feeling defeated. I suggest that even if you can one up the person because you really have been there or done that…stop yourself, bite your tongue, and let the person enjoy basking in their glory.

2. The Know It All – this person thinks he or she knows how you should be conducting your life or business within seconds of introducing yourself to them. The best thing you can do is just nod your head in agreement with your best fake smile because if you try to argue or state your position they will continue to give you unsolicited advice anyway.

3. The Martyr – this person is never having a good day. They are the sacrificial lamb to all their family and friends and they love it. When you meet this person, I suggest you run…run very fast and get away. Their negative energy is contagious and you do not want to catch it.

I encourage you to implement my six steps for polite conversation.

1. Ask about the other person first before telling your news.

2. Actively listen to the tone of their voice and the words they are saying. Often times you may hear a discrepancy. If you hear, a discrepancy probe further and focus on them.

3. Share the stage. When you share your news, remember the person has news to share too. Enjoy the exchange of words. Enjoy having a real conversation.

4. Do not 1 Up the other person. Let them bask in their glory.

5. Do not be The Know It All; because guess what, you do not know it all.

6. Don’t whine or be negative. It is very draining to others.

When you implement my six steps for polite conversation, you will be the person that others love to engage in a conversation with.

 

Jaynine Howard is the owner of Dream Catcher – Business Coaching. She has over 20 years of experience helping others design systems and strategies that increase their productivity and credibility. If you are ready to take action and earn more money, contact her today at www.coachjaynine.com. Sign up to receive your free e-course Networking Detox: My 5 Secrets to Networking Success today at www.networkingdetox.com

 

Home Based Businesses are SUPERIOR not Inferior

Home based business does not mean inferior quality in goods produced or services offered. Nor does it mean that the business is not profitable or that it is someone’s hobby. Over the past year, I have attended various programs and listened to speakers talk down to home based business owners. The presenters often wanted to share his or her unsolicited advice on how he or she grew his or her business that of course was never a home based business to begin with. I am here today to dispel the negative connotation associated with the term home based business.

 

Many people become a solopreneur or micropreneur because they want the freedom to think for themselves, create their own programs and products, and have control over their destiny. Several professions do not lend themselves to turn into big business. Nor do all business owners want to own a big business. I think those spouting their unsolicited advice often forget this. I am psychologist and business coach. I am not a franchise. I write my own coaching programs based on my unique personal, professional and educational background.  I have already retired from one profession and enjoy life on my terms. The solopreneurs that I know and coach are artists, designers, and professionals that serve a unique niche. Often consumers do not want to purchase a product from a large conglomerate. They want to support the Mom and Pop or local business owners.

 

The New York Times recently wrote that many solopreneurs are launching their own businesses because they cannot find employment or as a way to have something to rely upon in case they are laid off. Being a solopreneur takes the stress out of being fired or laid off.  Small businesses typically fail not due to lack of money but lack of energy. The majority of my business-coaching clients are operating debt free. They will be around for a very long time to ensure customer satisfaction. Since they are small business owners, they know the names of their clients and know their clients’ needs. Home based allows the solopreneur to save money on overhead costs and pass that savings on to his or her clients. Characteristically, the home based business owner offers flexibility that is not seen in a larger storefront business. The home based business owner will often conduct business on weekends, early morning, or late evening so the client does not need to take off work.

 

Before dismissing doing business with a home based business I encourage you to get to know the business owner. He or she is probably college educated with an advanced degree or has over 10 years industry experience. Personally, getting to know the home based business owner is something you may not get the pleasure of doing when conducting business with a larger storefront or big business. It also gives you the opportunity to support your local economy.

 

Remember, home based business does not mean inferior quality in goods or services. Home based business means flexibility for the consumer, passed down savings due to lower overhead, and a higher degree of customer service and satisfaction. The home based business owners is a small business owner because that is what he or she wants to be. Home based businesses offer Superior services to YOU and for YOU.

 

Dimdim Webinar Registration Widget

Please join me.

Spring Time is Inventory Time

Now that the first quarter of the year has passed, it is time to take inventory.  Inventory is often thought of as counting office supplies or products sitting in a warehouse waiting to be sold. The thought of conducting an inventory solicits moans and groans from those having to count the beans. When I think of inventory, I think in broader terms. In my opinion, inventory can take the form of office supplies or products in a warehouse but it also encompasses personal growth and your vision for your business as well as lessons learned.

The second quarter of the year is the time to replace depleted office supplies before you are caught off guard with zero supplies on hand.  It may be time to order supplies in larger quantities to save money if you actually use the products and have available storage. However, I caution you against purchasing excess products that you cannot pay cash for or that may be damaged while sitting in storage. You should not pay for storage if you do not have it readily available. Do not purchase excess office supplies if you do not have the available cash. There is no point in buying in bulk to get a discount if you have to charge the purchase and pay interest on the purchase or pay for extra for storing of the supplies. 

Products sitting in your warehouse or not sitting in your warehouse will enable you to review your product inventory and profit centers. Now is the time to take time to see what products are selling and what products may need to be eliminated from your product line or have their price reduced so they sell. If a product is flying off the shelf, you may want to review the price and see if you are selling it too cheaply. It is also the time to solicit input from your customers and listen to what they want.

What lessons did you learn in the first quarter of the year? Using journaling and self-reflection, you will be able to review the events of the first quarter. What are your plans for personal growth? Have you grown from the lessons learned in the first quarter? Did you learn from your mistakes? Do you need to take continuing education courses? Remember it is ok and necessary to invest in you so take the time to invest in you.

Are you on track for personal and business growth? What better time to review your roadmap for success and ensure that you are honoring your business mission statement and vision.  Use this moment to make any necessary adjustments so you can continue to grow personally and professionally and honor your mission statement and vision.

Hence, as the pollen falls from the trees and your nose begins to sniffle I encourage to make time for your spring inventory. Invest in self-reflection so you can learn from the lessons that took place during the first quarter of the year. Invest in your personal and professional growth by investing in a coach.

A business coach will help you review your personal and professional inventory so you can live life on your terms and turn your dreams into reality. Today is the someday you have been waiting for…so let’s get busy and grow your business NOW.

 

Coach Jaynine turns dreams into reality. She coaches business owners who want to make more money. Jaynine coaches business owners on the systems and strategies needed to increase their productivity, credibility and visibility in the community so they are seen as the expert in the community. If you are ready to be seen as the expert contact her today at www.coachjaynine.com and sign up to receive her FREE e-course “My 5 Secrets to Networking Success”.

©Jaynine Howard, Dream Catcher and Coach Jaynine’s Blog, 2009, unauthorized use and /or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jaynine Howard and Coach Jaynine’s Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Spring is in the air…are you tweeting?

Are you tweeting? Twitter is capturing the world by storm. It is the latest and greatest social networking site.  Twitter allows you to engage in social networking by typing a 140-character message. This ensures the message is brief and concise. Your friends on Twitter are called tweeps and your message is called a tweet. Social networking is used to build your visibility, increase your credibility, and establish yourself as the expert in your niche while increasing your revenue.  Social networking is a free tool that all business owners should be utilizing. The purpose of social networking is to connect with others in your industry, get instant access to what is going on in the world, learn from others, see what others are saying about you or your customers, and lastly drive people to your website.

 

People buy products and services from those they know, like, and trust. Social networking is about networking. You want to take time to build relationships. Do not post photos or comments that are unprofessional. If you would not want your mother or grandmother to see it or read it- do not post it. When writing your online profile you want to write it in the first person and include your hobbies and outside business interests so that you can establish rapport with visitors to your social networking site.  Do not blatantly sell your products or services on your social networking site. Social networking sites are anti-spam and they will shut you down. Make sure your messages are genuine and not one message that you cut and paste to everyone on your friend list.

 

You will want to build your network slowly with quality people. Remember it is quality verse quantity. Do not worry about having thousands of people as your friends. Focus on the quality of the relationships. You can build your network by joining groups such as alumni organizations, hobby groups, and sports teams. Take time to ask questions of group members and truly begin to establish rapport.

 

Additionally you will want to update your status feature a few times a week. There are various time management tools to help make this painless.

 

Ping.fm is a tool that allows you to post a message and it will post it on all your social networking sites.

Twitter.com allows you to post a tweet and have it posted on Facebook simultaneously.

Tweetlater.com allows the user to set up tweets to go out on a certain day and time for up to a year.

Twellow.com lets you find people by region, state, name, business etc…it is a phone book with a search feature.

Tweetdeck.com is run from your desktop and lets you access your twitter account by friends, direct messages, and replies. You can also Tweet from Tweetdeck.

 

Remember, people do business with those they know, like, and trust. Using my tips above will guarantee that everyone will be buzzing about you and your business. So get out there and start Tweeting!

 

Coach Jaynine helps business owners make more money. She coaches clients on the systems and strategies needed to increase their productivity, visibility and credibility in the community. Coach Jaynine is a retired United States Marine and a PhD candidate with Capella University. She relies upon her 20 plus years of management experience and her degree in psychology to get people to take action so they make more money. Visit her website at www.coachjaynine.com and download your free   e-course Networking Detox: My 5 Secrets to Networking Success.

Happy Sunday

It is a glorious spring day here in Jacksonville, North Carolina. I just got in from a walk/jog with Miss Savanna and will be heading to the beach later this morning with my daughter. This evening I will be enjoying fondue with girl friends in Wilmington, North Carolina at The Little Dipper.

I hope you are remembering to take time for self care and are able to enjoy spending a leisurely day with family and friends. If you are reading this I know you are as driven as me. So I wanted to stop by this morning and give you permission to take the day off from working hard raising your family, cleaning house, and working on your business. You are NOT allowed to work today. Go enjoy the day and enjoy life!

I know most of you know the story regarding a conversation I had with one of my clients Grandmothers. She was a dynamic lady who had lived life but was now taking care of a disabled granddaughter and taking care of a very ill husband. She had no regrets. She also could no longer drive. She told me one day to go out and make my dreams come true. She told me to do whatever I wanted so that when I was old and not able to drive or get around I would not be old and grouchy. She said “enjoy life now, do what you want to do, do what you are dreaming of doing so when you can’t get around you have memories to make you smile. Those memories will make you happy when you are alone or not able to get around.” I always remember that conversation and am so glad that someone gave me permission to enjoy life.

So get off the insanity train and make time TODAY to enjoy life.

Yours truly…turning dreams into reality,

Coach Jaynine

Do You Have Your Beach Body or Are You Exercise Challenged?

Four months have passed since you made your New Years Resolution to stick to an exercise plan. How are you doing? Are you sticking to your plan or have you abandoned it? Each year people start the New Year with the best intentions to stick to an exercise program; so what happened? Many people adopted a plan that was not suited for their personality. Ask yourself “Does your personality fit your exercise routine or are you trying to fit into your exercise routine?” Beach season is just around the corner. But there is still time to get your beach body.

Research shows that you will only adhere to an exercise program that fits your true personality. In order for you to design an exercise plan that you will stick to you must honestly answer four questions. How much time do you have to devote to exercise? Do you get bored easily with your current exercise routine? Do you prefer to workout alone or with a partner? Does your exercise routine reflect your personality? If lack of time prevents you from attending a gym you may want to consider activities that can be conducted in the privacy of your home or outdoors in your neighborhood when weather permits. Many at home activities do not require the purchase of expensive equipment. Unfortunately, people often use lack of time to exercise as an excuse to not go to the gym. Think back to what you enjoyed doing for fun when you were a child. Jumping rope, roller blading, or riding a bike can add variety to your exercise program. If you have various activities you enjoy you can alternate your workout program to alleviate boredom before it strikes. Additionally, well meaning people may say they will join you at the gym only to call at the last minute and cancel; resulting in you skipping your workout. If you truly like working out with a partner find someone who is dependable, committed, and who will push you to reach a peak performance. There is nothing wrong with preferring to workout alone. People often drop out of an exercise program because the program does not fit their personality. If you are a night owl do not try to be the first person at the gym each morning. For those of you that like being outside in the fresh air get yourself outside and hit the running or walking trails; don’t stay inside the gym on the treadmill.  When you are honest with yourself on how much time you can devote to exercising, have a plan to combat boredom or workout partner no shows, and find a routine that suits your personality you will overcome your exercise challenges.

May is the perfect month to stop being exercised challenged. The weather is not too hot or too cold. Beach season is just around the corner; what better motivator than to find an exercise routine that compliments your true personality.

Local Business Owner Reaches Out In “Effective Communication Month”

news release

for immediate release            

 Local Business Owner Reaches Out In “Effective Communication Month”

  Jacksonville, NC –May 11, 2009- We can all think of times when a misunderstanding has caused big problems. We spend our entire lives communicating but we’re normally too busy getting our message out there to worry about whether it has been effective. That is why during “Effective Communication Month” a local business owner is making sure every action or word, spoken or written is communicated to the right people in the right way and is urging other businesses to do the same.

 From May 1^st to the 31^st  JAYNINE HOWARD will be the taking the time to communicate effectively with her friends and family as well as her clients and business partners.

 Howard, who owns and runs Dream Catcher in Jacksonville, points to recent data that shows as more consumers tighten their budgets, it’s quality customer service is what keeps a business viable and strong and says “Effective Communication Month” as a catalyst for review. “With such strong competition in such difficult times it’s vital that we make ourselves heard. A company that is considered more of a partner with their prospects, rather than a vendor, ends up becoming an asset to customers,” she says.

 “Communicating the wrong thing, communicating with the wrong person, communicating in the wrong way or simply explaining things badly can be fatal for a small business. If you don’t already have a plan or strategy for your communications I would strongly encourage you to use this month to create one, try a few things out and put your plan into practice,” Howard says.  “Ask yourself how your current and prospective clients respond to your communications, how you would like them to respond, and what you need to do for them to respond in that way?”

 Founded in 2006, Dream Catcher helps business owners to develop their presence by using the free of Web 2.0.

 So what is Howard doing to improve the effectiveness of her communication? She will be hosting a Lunch and Learn free seminar called Crash Course in Social Networking:  How to Get Your Business Noticed at the CCCC Melton Skills Center, Room 110 from 12-1:30pm EST.  “The main thing is to build relationships and make yourself understood….and most of all to have fun with it” says Howard.

 

 

###

 

 

contact: Jaynine Howard

910-539-2810

Jaynine@coachjaynine.com

 

Time to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Coach Jaynine

Do you know what your comfort zone is? Do you recognize the physiological and psychological symptoms of when you are pushed by events or people to get out of your comfort zone? Your comfort zone is often the place where you are able to operate on automatic pilot and produce stellar results. So why would want to get out of your comfort zone? The list is endless. Maybe you want to pursue a new dream or goal. Maybe you want to grow personally or professionally. Maybe you are bored and really do not like being in your comfort zone. We all have stayed employed at jobs where we did not like the people or the work yet we stayed because it was comfortable. We made up excuses on why we could not job hunt or do something different.

Today is the day to take action to get out of your comfort zone. I want you to implement my five tips below so you can turn your dreams into reality.

1. Dare to dream. Find a quiet spot and take time to reminisce on things you wanted to accomplish in this lifetime. How many do you still want to accomplish? Write them in a journal or on a piece of paper.

2. MAP. Start designing your master action plan on how you will accomplish each goal or dream. It is ok to take baby steps. Assign goal completion dates beside each task so you know the date you want to have each goal completed.

3. Reward. How are you going to reward yourself for completing each goal? You may have small rewards for baby steps and larger rewards for the bigger goals.

4. Tell the World. Announce to your friends and family your new goals. Solicit their help in pushing you out of your comfort zone and completing your goals.

5. Examine Your Environment. You will need to take time to examine your environment so you can pinpoint people, places, and things that are sabotaging your efforts to move forward and escape your comfort zone. You will need to recognize people that are jealous that you are moving forward and you will want to recognize places and things that keep you from moving forward i.e. fear, time, lack of knowledge, etc. Do not let people, places, and things keep you from turning your dreams into reality.

As long as you are in your comfort zone, you are not growing personally or professionally. I want you to embrace the butterflies in your tummy feeling. I want you acknowledge that sweaty palms are a sign of growth. Now is the time to take a deep breath, enter a room full of strangers at a networking event, and say hello first. When you implement my five tips above you will be able to propel yourself to take action and get yourself out of your comfort zone. I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and start turning your dreams into reality.

 

Coach Jaynine turns Dreams into Reality. She teaches business owners how to develop their presence in the community by having the necessary systems in place so they are seen as the EXPERT. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to be the expert, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810. You can sign up for a free membership at www.coachjaynine.com

Customer Service and Your Authentic Self

We often hear people say that to truly enjoy being a business owner we need to be authentic. We also hear that customers and clients will flock to us when we are authentic. Well, just what does authentic mean?  The Webster dictionary defines authentic as being reliable and genuine.

We all want to provide reliable service and our customers and clients expect us to be reliable. However, do they expect us to be genuine? I think the answer is yes and no.

If your business thrives on you providing advice and your customers see you as the expert then you will probably get away with being blunt and saying what needs to be said even though it may not be what the person wants to hear. I think the key is using tact and being respectful. Do not shame the client. Nevertheless, the client is paying you to be the expert and be honest with him or her.

However, if you are in a business that requires you to adopt the “client is always right” mentality you may not always be able to be authentic. The key is to appear authentic when you truly do not want to be. People can see through the B.S. and fluff and all you will do is make them annoyed and skeptical of your intentions.  When attempting to appear authentic you will need to make sure your body language matches your verbal language.  Do not say something positive while displaying negative body language.

Business relationships are based upon the “know, like, and trust” factor. You must establish rapport with your customers and clients. You must take time to get to know their likes and dislikes. None of us like being around a person who thinks they know us and are overly friendly; it makes us cautious and leery of their intentions. Taking time to establish rapport is key. When you know the person and you like the person you will be able to employ tact to guide the conversation in the right direction. When trust has been established, the customer or client will see you as the expert and trust your opinion. Only when the “know, like, and trust” is established will you be able to be your authentic self.

When you are authentic, you will have less stress in your life because you do not have to pretend to be someone that you are not. You will be at inner peace and know that you provided excellent customer service.

 

Coach Jaynine turns Dreams into Reality. She teaches business owners how to develop their presence in the community by having the necessary systems in place so they are seen as the EXPERT. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to be the expert, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810. You can sign up for a free membership at www.coachjaynine.com

 

Article Writing, Growing Your List and the Squeeze Page

 

Are you a business owner wanting to grow your business? The answer is in your “list”. You can build your list by writing articles, blogs, and sending out a newsletter to promote your business. People buy from experts. Establish yourself as the expert in your niche by writing.

Article writing is easier than you think. You pick a topic that is your passion and offer the reader tips, your opinion, and your insight on that topic. Because you are writing on a topic that is your passion the article writing process will be effortless.  You will be able to write an article within 10 – 20 minutes because you are writing on a topic that you know very well and are the expert on. You can recycle your article by posting it on your various blogs and social networking sites. You can also use the article in your newsletter and offer it to others to use in their newsletters too. Go Green…recycle, recycle, recycle.

Now, after you have written your article you will want to include a resource box at the end of the page. This will include a call to action. You want the reader to go to your website. The website you will want the reader to visit will be your Squeeze Page. This way the reader is only afforded the opportunity to read one page of information and he or she will leave their email address and other contact information to receive a free product such as a special report, ecourse, or coupon. When the reader visits your main website, too many distractions such as multiple pages, buttons to click, and information to read can cause the reader to not leave his or her information. You want to capture his or her email address so you can add him or her to your “list”.

Grow Your Business NOW by writing articles, posting them to your blog and social networking sites, and driving traffic to your Squeeze Page.

Coach Jaynine turns Dreams into Reality. She teaches business owners how to develop their presence in the community by having the necessary systems in place so they are seen as the EXPERT. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to be the expert, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810.

Feedback – Why We Hate It and Why We Need It!

Whether you are the employer or employee or a business person selling a service or product you will at one time or another be the recipient of unsolicited feedback. Does it make you feel personally attacked and cause you to become defensive? Do you feel like a small child being scolded? Does it make you feel inferior? If so, you are not alone. Unsolicited feedback is often unwelcomed. However, it should not be ignored.

Feedback whether solicited or unsolicited should be considered an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. In order to learn from feedback you must develop your feedback-ability. Things are constantly changing. There will always be new industry standards and consumer trends that require your attention. Someone will always offer a way for you to do something better or differently. Feedback from others can ensure that you are staying abreast of things that you may not have noticed.

 In order to develop your feedback-ability you must implement these 3 steps.

1. Solicit your employees, peers, and customers for their feedback.

2. Put down your defensive shield.

3. Exam the feedback and turn any negative feedback into a positive learning experience. Example: If the feedback is that your product looks dingy and faded you can examine the placement of the product and move it from the window before more merchandise is damaged. The feedback just saved you money. We all have annoying habits that drive people crazy. It is better to know what you are doing that is driving people nuts and be able to curtail it than to wake up one day and you are alone or you are asked to leave.

Lack of feedback does not mean that everything is going great in your business or life. Implementing the 3 steps above will ensure that you have employees that feel confident they can bring their ideas and concerns to you without fear of reprisal. Customers will feel valued that you respect their opinions. So put down the defensive shield and open your eyes and turn feedback into an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

 

Coach Jaynine turns Dreams into Reality. She teaches business owners how to develop their presence in the community by having the necessary systems in place so they are seen as the EXPERT. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to be the expert, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today. You can download her free eCourse Networking Detox: My 5 Secrets to Networking Success at www.coachjaynine.com

Mind Your Own Business: REINVENT YOURSELF COACHING SERIES

Two years ago retired Marine, Jaynine Howard, traded in her combat boots to help others catch their dreams. On July 7, 2009, Dream Catcher, Howard’s small business coaching, mentoring and consulting company, is set to join forces with Linda Griffin a business coach from Virginia to help individuals who are re-entering the workforce after being laid off , had an extended absence, who are thinking about starting their own business or coming out of retirement to reinvent themselves.

Coach Howard says “Give us four weeks and we’ll give you a jump start on achieving your goals. We take a no-nonsense approach and blend in a little fun to ensure that by August, you will have clearly identified and personalized business goals, a resume that works for both corporate career or entrepreneur, and a game plan on how to use your talents, passion and mission for business.” 

Coach Howard capitalizes on her experience as a retired Marine, psychologist, and life and business coach to help individuals turn their dreams into reality.  Sessions are conducted via telephone and the internet thus allowing clients to save travel, time and money by not having to take time off work or leave home.  Sessions are also recorded in case a person cannot attend all eight sessions.

Coach Howard is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville. To learn more about these dynamic Coaches and to register for the Mind Your Own Business: Reinvent Yourself Coaching Series visit her website at www.myobworkshop.com .

 ###

Twitter Tip Thursday – Qwitter

It’s Twitter Tip Thursday – Stop Smoking using Qwitter http://bit.ly/16k5MD

This is a great tool to use to track the number of cigarettes you are smoking and it allows you to keep a journal to record your thoughts.

 If you would like to receive tips like this please sign up for my free ecourse Networking Detox: My 5 Secrets to Networking Success at www.coachjaynine.com and you will be added to my mailing list to receive Twitter Tips each Thursday directly in your email.

Happy Tweeting!

Coach Jaynine

You and Your Business: Do You Have a Mission Statement?

Why are you in business? What problems do you solve for the consumer? Do you have ethical standards? Where is your moral compass pointing? When was the last time you reviewed your Mission Statement? Do you even have a Mission Statement?

A Mission Statement is not just for business owners. Families can have a Mission Statement too. A Mission Statement is a clear concise statement that expresses your purpose in a way that resonates with employees and customers.

There are three main parts to a Mission Statement:

 1. Purpose of the business, organization or family – what need or opportunity does the business address.

 2.  How does your business address the needs – what do you do to take away the customers pain point.

 3.  Organizational values – what principles or beliefs guide your work.

Your Mission Statement should be reviewed at least every five years. The reason you want a Mission Statement is so that potential customers know what you do and how you do it and the direction your moral compass is pointing. People do business with those they know, like, and trust. You will also want to review your mission statement when expanding your product line or expanding your business to see if you are staying true to your Mission. Your employees need to know your Mission Statement so they know what the purpose of the business is so they can focus on fulfilling the Mission.

 When you are writing your Mission Statement, you will want to:

1. Express your purpose in a way that inspires loyalty.

2. Motivate those affiliated with your business.

3. Articulate your mission in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

4. Use proactive verbs.

5. Skip industry jargon.

6. Keep it brief.

As we celebrate Independence Day, I challenge each of you to sit down at your family gathering and write a Family Mission Statement. Lead a family discussion on what is important to your family and how you would like future generations to remember your family. Do you want to be remembered as the family that argued all the time or the family that did volunteer work and contributed to society? Older children can write the statement after soliciting ideas from all generations of family members and the smaller children can draw pictures depicting your family’s Mission Statement. Get creative, have fun, and let your family know where the family moral compass is pointing.

 If you are a business owner, I challenge you to dust off your mission statement and review it. Has your mission changed? Do your marketing materials reflect your mission? Do your products and services align with your Mission Statement? When I see your logo or brand, will I know what your mission is? If you do not have a mission statement NOW is the time to write one. 

 

If you would like to learn more about growing your business I invite you to join my Dynamic Business Owners Coaching Club. I coach business owners who want to make more money on the systems and strategies needed.

Five Tips to Control Summertime Chaos

Regardless of your age, marital or socioeconomic status, at one time or another, you will experience stress and anxiety. Each changing season produces different stressors. Summertime has the pendulum swinging from how to keep children from fighting and saying they are bored to keeping them free from sunburns to an upcoming move to a new neighborhood. The body’s initial reaction to stress is fight or flight. Symptoms of excess stress include feeling mentally and physically exhausted, problems sleeping, tension headaches, bowel disturbances, a lowered immune system, and irritability.

Here are five tips to control summertime chaos:

 1. Laugh. You have probably heard that laughter is the best medicine. Research shows that laughing produces endorphins which cause you to relax, experience joy, and ease pain. When feeling stressed picking up the telephone and speaking with a friend can often bring a smile to your face that will aid in producing the feel good endorphins. Also, turning on the television and watching your favorite sitcom can aid in reducing stress and anxiety.

 2. Evaluate your diet. Limit caffeinated products because caffeine is a stimulant. Alcohol consumption should also be restricted since alcohol is a depressant. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables over commercially processed items. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables are easier for your body to digest than commercially processed foods such as cookies and chips. However, there is nothing wrong with occasionally indulging your chocolate craving.

 3.  Exercise. Engaging in exercise is another way for your body to produce endorphins. Taking time for a walk after dinner or meeting a friend for a game of racquetball can raise your level of feel good endorphins while getting you in shape physically and mentally.

 4. Have a MAP (Master Action Plan). When you stop to think about what is causing anxiety such as an upcoming move or the absence of a spouse during a deployment you can develop strategies to cope with the stress. Creating a step by step plan on how to walk through the action will allow you to empower yourself by taking charge of the situation. If you are experiencing stress on how to keep the children entertained during summer vacation you can develop a daily schedule so that the child knows what to expect throughout the day; children thrive on routine. Having a Plan A is great but having Plan B and Plan C will ensure you have covered whatever may be thrown at you with minimal disruption.

 5. Increase Productivity. Productivity creates an atmosphere of positive change and is more fruitful than worrying and doing nothing.

 It is impossible to ignore or reduce all stressors from our lives. However, when you are able to recognize your limits of stress and know how to use practical strategies to reduce stress you will control summertime chaos. Therefore, laugh and exercise to raise your endorphin level. Be productive and design your MAP to navigate stressful situations. Lastly, don’t forget to occasionally indulge your chocolate craving and enjoy your summer.

 Coach Jaynine turns Dreams into Reality. She teaches business owners how to develop their presence in the community by having the necessary systems in place so they are seen as the EXPERT. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to be the expert, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810.

Twitter Tip Thursday

 TrackThis

track packages using http://www.usetrackthis.com/   you must follow on Twitter TrackThis and send them a Direct Message (DM) with the tracking number and assign it a nickname. Then you will receive DM’s when the package changes locations. This is great for following your packages that are being shipped using FedEx, USPS, UPS, or DHL.

Small Business Owners Need a Board of Directors too: Who is on your team?

Are you a small business owner? Do you try to do everything yourself? Are you becoming a master of a trades and expert of none? Do you have family and friends trying to tell you how to run your business?  If you answer YES to these questions, I want you to STOP doing what you are doing and design your team.

Large corporations have advisors and a board of directors. You need to surround yourself with advisors and have your own board of directors. The things you consider work someone else considers play. I want you to make a list of things that you think of as work or a chore and find someone who is the expert in that field and ask him or her to be on your board of directors.

Your board of directors or team of advisors should consist of at least a seven key people.

1. Bookkeeper/Quick Books Professional. If you do not like doing your record keeping or understand what the reports are telling you then you need a bookkeeper or Quick Books Professional on your team. He or she will input your receipts, income and expenses into Quick Books or your appropriate software. He or she will then sit down with you and advise you on what the reports really mean. He or she can also save you money by sending out invoices and collecting payment. He or she can also remind you when to pay your bills so you do not incur late fees.

2. Tax preparer/Enrolled Agent. This person will be a fresh set of eyes on the work your bookkeeper or Quick Books Professional has done. An enrolled agent will be able to represent you if you are ever audited by the IRS. Find a person that resonates with your personality. If you are conservative and do not want to push the envelope then find a tax preparer or enrolled agent that is conservative. If you are daring, bold, and want to push the limits, find a person that also lives dangerously. You will probably not like the person if your personalities do not mesh.

3. Website Designer. You will not be taken seriously if you do not have a professional website. A homemade website is good for the first year or two when you are just starting out and truly deciding if being an entrepreneur is for you. However, after that when you start getting clients you need a professionally designed website. Interview several people and find someone that is listening to what you want and respects your budget. It is not always you get what you pay for. There are many wonderful web designers who will not charge you an arm and a leg for a website. On the flipside there are people charging mega bucks who will not produce the website that you want. You also need someone that can think for you and offer suggestions. It is his or hers job to know Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and other ways to drive traffic to your site. He or she will also be able to advise you on the latest trends and update or maintain your website. The person must also understand your unique industry needs and trends.

4. Marketing/Public Relations Expert. Unless you went to school and studied marketing or advertising this is one area that you will spend a great deal of money when trying to “do it yourself” (DIY). DIY projects cost small business owners lost time and money. The marketing and advertising budget is probably the area where most businesses during their start up stage waste their largest chunk of money because they don’t know what they are doing. Business owners spend recklessly designing business cards and brochures using templates that everyone else is using. This is a red flag that the business is new and not profitable. The worst part is that other small business owners used the same templates and know exactly where the new small business owner purchased his or her products. The products will usually have a typo or misaligned text due to the purchaser’s error when designing the business card or brochure.  You and your business are judged on the quality of your business cards, brochures, etc. Since you have not studied marketing, a marketing professional will be able to assist you in designing your items so you look big, profitable, and attract clients that will pay you for your services.

5. Lawyer. Have you attended law school? If the answer is no then you need to have a lawyer who can review your contracts. Yes, you will at one time or another need to have a contract with a client or with another business owner. Start asking other small business owners whom they use so you can find a lawyer who can be on your team. Again, ensure he or she understands your industry.

6. Banker. We all love and need money. There will be a time when you will want to borrow money for a home loan or business expansion. It is best to know what you need when you go to apply for a loan then when you want the loan. Find a small business owner friendly banker. He or she will be able to tell you what you need to have if you should ever want to get a loan. You will be surprised that banks will want more paperwork from an entrepreneur than someone that receives a steady paycheck if you want to purchase a home or get a loan. It is best to know what they will require so your Quick Books Advisor and Enrolled Agent can routinely prepare these items.

7. Business Coach. Your business coach will be your mentor, confidant, advisor, and coach. She will challenge you to take action and keep moving your business forward. She will be objective, see things through a fresh set of eyes, and tell you how she sees it. She will not pacify you or sugar coat things. When you are attacked by fear and doubt, she will help you work through the self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors. She will keep you focused and hold you accountable for what you say you are going to do. If you are becoming complacent, she will call you on the carpet. Your business coach will teach you the systems and strategies needed to grow your business so you earn more money.

The members you have on your board of directors should be people you trust and who you see as the expert in their field. You are relying upon them to be your other part of your brain. You expect them to advise you. You will want to sit down with your board of directors on a regular basis so they can help you grow your business. Remember, a board of directors is not just for corporations and big business. A board of directors is for the savvy business owner who want to succeed and grow his or her business.

 

Twitter Tip Thursday – Tweet What You Eat

Tweet What You Eat

http://www.tweetwhatyoueat.com/

For those of us who are looking for a new way to track calories and your weight…here it is….Tweet What You Eat is a food and weight diary. They also have a forum section. You can view your diary on your cellphone or internet and print out a spreadsheet. Using it is very simple. Send a tweet to TWYE saying “follow twye” and you will start following TWYE and they will start following you. Then you send a D (direct message) to TWYE with what you have just eaten. Use a colon to associate food items and a comma to separate items. Happy Tweeting!

Oprah spends money on advertising/marketing: Do you?

Oprah advertises on television. She makes sure that viewers know what channel to watch her show.  Are you letting your customers and clients know how to get in touch with you?

 Advertising/marketing must be done regardless of your budget. Below are my tips for advertising/marketing your business.

 Free

Article writing

Blogging

Social Networking

Word of mouth advertising

Speaking Engagements, (you may be paid as a speaker and actually make money)

Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce Member to Member Flyers

Internet Radio interviews

Host your own radio show

Free Business Listings on various websites

New Jacksonville-Onslow County Chamber of Commerce members get a free 8-minute interview on The Talk Station or five free advertising spots.

Host a free teleseminar

Start a newsletter using a 60-day free trial and use Merchant Circle newsletter option

 Small Fee – under $100

Networking Events

Classified Ads

Advertising space in Association or Group newsletters

DIY Brochures

DIY Business cards

DIY Rack cards

(DIY projects can end up costing more money than you anticipate due to errors you make or time you are not working with clients while you are busy designing your items)

Promotional materials such as pens, pencils, postcards, magnets, coffee mugs etc.

Guerilla Marketing

Print flyers and hand them out

Newsletter

Pay for someone to write your articles

Pay for someone to manage your social networking

 Medium Fee – $101 – $500

Newspaper advertising

The Talk Station radio advertising

Brochures designed by a professional

Business cards designed by a professional

Rack cards designed by a professional

Window graphics

Movie theatre advertising dependent upon location

Promotional materials such as pens, pencils, postcards, magnets, coffee mugs etc.

Expo fees

Coffee News

Membership fee to join various Associations

Networking registration or meal fees

Money Mailer

Banner Advertising

Pay Per Click Advertising

 High Fee – $500 or higher

Advertising in National Magazines

Car wrap

Professional Website design

Movie theatre advertising dependent upon location

Expo fees

Television advertising

Billboard

Banner Advertising

Pay Per Click Advertising

Direct mail

Telemarketing

Radio Advertising

 As you can see, there are many free or low cost ways to market or advertise your business. The lists above are just a few suggestions. Do you have a marketing plan? I want you to take out a calendar and design a 90-day plan. Write down what or how you are going to do to advertise/market your business.

 I also want you to take a hard look at your finances. Be honest and realistic. How are you going to spend your money? Design a plan incorporating the suggestions above based upon your budget. Do not be embarrassed if your 90-day calendar is filled with free or low cost ways to advertise or market your business. Only you know your budget. It is better to do something than to do nothing.

 Remember, it is your responsibility to let customers and clients know you are still in business. It is not their job to track you down to see if you are still in business.

Twitter Tip Thursday – TwitPic

TwitPic

http://twitpic.com/

You can upload photos from your phone  or from the website. Go to the website and log in with your Twitter account information. How easy is that?

Have fun but remember…if you would not want your mother or grandmother to see the pics do not post them. Also, if you are job hunting think twice before you post.

Happy Thursday Everyone!

Twitter Tip Thursday – StockTwits

StockTwits

http://www.stocktwits.com/

This is a great way to stay abreast of what is going on in the Stock Market. You can explore StockTwits without an account. Just visit the website above and enter your company name or ticker and see what is going on.

Happy Tweeting!

Grow Your Business with a Newsletter!

Are you a Small Business Owner or Independent Contractor who is looking for a no cost or low cost way to stay in touch with clients and customers?

 Are you seeking a way to show your clients or customers that you are the expert in your niche?

 Do you want to remind your clients that you are still in business?

 Join me on August 17, 2009 at 8pm EST.

I will teach you how to grow your business with a newsletter.

I will teach you 7 key items you need to know:                 

1. Why you need to publish a newsletter
2. What to put in your newsletter
3. Where to get content for your newsletter
4. How often to publish your newsletter
5. Who should receive your newsletter
6. How to make money with a newsletter
7. How to publish your newsletter for free or very low cost

When you know the answers to these 7 questions, you will be ready to launch a successful newsletter campaign and grow your business so you are seen as the expert and make more money.

Cost:  $27.00 for non-Dynamic Coaching Club Members

           Free for Dynamic Business Owners Coaching Club Members

Location:  This is a Virtual Event. You will be able participate either using your telephone or your computer. You receive the call in details when you register. Seating is limited.

The call will be recorded and you will receive an e-Course with your registration. Therefore, do not worry about not being able to attend the call live. As always, you are encouraged to email me after the class with any questions that might come up as you design your newsletter. I will not abandon you after the class.

You can register at http://www.dreamcatcher.camp8.org/Default.aspx?pageId=288911&eventId=75887&EventViewMode=2&CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=8/30/2009

 I look forward to helping you grow your business!

Twitter Tip Thursday – ChipIn

ChipIn

 http://www.chipin.com/

Do you need to raise funds for your soccer team, school PTA, or other cause?

ChipIn allows you to let your social networking buddies know what you need money for, how much and by when. They can chip in as much or as little as they want by using PayPal. You can also create a widget for your Facebook account to promote your ChipIn.

 Just another fun way to promote your business or event.

 Happy Tweeting!

 

Learn to feel satisfied and bring a project to fruition: Stop being a butterfly.

Are you like a butterfly? Starting one task and then before it is completed you are flying off to start another task? Is your mind buzzing with new ideas and projects? Yet, you have a pile of unfinished projects?

We all the love the feeling we get when we get a new idea or inspiration. However, when was the last time you felt satisfaction in bringing a project to fruition? My five tips below will provide you the feeling of satisfaction of bringing a project to fruition.

1. Know Yourself. What time of day do you perform at your best? Are you a morning person? Are you a night owl? When you know when you perform at your best or are most creative you will be able to plan your schedule accordingly to use your most precious resource wisely; YOU!

2. Examine Your Environment. Who is sabotaging your efforts? Is it you? Is it fear? Is it your belief system? Is it family, friends, coworkers, or the office mascot? You must identify who is sabotaging your efforts and why. Do you not like working on the project? What does completing the project symbolize? Do your family and friends not respect your boundaries? Do family and friends not realize you are busy working? Let them know your office hours and ask them to respect your office hours and the need to get your project completed. Examine your belief system. Do you feel you are not supposed to be successful? Do you feel guilty charging customers and clients because you are doing what you love? Do you fear success? Take time to examine your environment and identify who is sabotaging your success.

3. Focus. Designate a time to complete or work on the project. Set an appointment with yourself if you must. Put the project in your day planner. Turn off all distractions before you begin your project. This can be the television, radio, cell phone, or telephone. You may want to post a note on your front door or office door that says “In Conference – Do NOT Disturb”.

4. Time Your Self. Just as a lawyer, doctor, dentist or other professional allows a certain amount of time for an appointment you need to do that also. Estimate how long the project or task will take or how long you will work on it during your allotted time. Set a timer and see how much you accomplish before the timer buzzes. After the timer goes off reward yourself with a small break. This will also clear your mind and eliminate tension in your body. If the task is not completed, schedule in your day planner another appointment for working on the project. This will ensure you do not get burned out or forget to return to the task or project.

5. Reward Your Self. It is hard work being the boss or being a solopreneur. There is no one around to give you a pat on the back or say “Great Job”. You need to recognize your accomplishments and reward yourself. The reward does not have to cost a lot of money. It may be as simple as taking a walk around the block to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. It may be going to lunch with friends or buying yourself some fresh flowers for your office. Record your accomplishments in a journal so that you can self reflect at a later date and time. Use positive self-talk to remind yourself how great you truly are.

You are your most precious resource. You must respect and honor your time. You must finish your projects or eliminate the ones that no longer bring you joy. Eliminating the clutter and having a plan will ensure that you are more productive. When you enlist my five tips, you will no longer be the social butterfly. You will be the respected and profit earning head of your business or organization. You will feel satisfaction that you have completed a project and you will ready to focus on your next moneymaking idea.

Twitter Tip Thursday –

Twittercal

http://twittercal.com/

Twittercal allows you to post  an event to your Google Calendar. You must follow gcal which you can do at the above link. After that you can send a direct message to gcal with your event details and it will post to your Google Calendar.

Happy Tweeting!

Are you establishing rapport or hurting your business success?

Recently, I had a client call and tell me about her experience on the telephone with someone she had looked forward to hiring. My client called a business owner to inquire about her services. The business owner in her attempt to establish rapport ended up losing the sale. The business owner talked excessively about her hobbies. She talked about how she loved to be outside instead of stuck indoors. Her remarks made my client question her commit to her business and the quality of services she would be providing. Another example of a rapport building blunder was when someone told me about her “Girls Gone Wild” weekend and made it sound like it was a regular part of her week. It left me wondering why in the world I would trust her with my personal or financial information.

Have you made a similar blunder when attempting to establish rapport? We all learn that people do business with those they know, like, trust and see as the expert. Take a moment to think about your past conversations. How may the listener have perceived what you were saying? Are you giving away too much personal information? Does the topic of conversation present you in a favorable light? Does the topic discussed present you as an enterprising person or a Negative Nelly? Were you smiling during the conversation or were you tired and grouchy? Could the listener hear the enthusiasm in your voice over the telephone or did you come across as unknowledgeable or disinterested?

Establishing rapport is key to business success. You must:

1. Active Listening: You must actively listen to what the caller is asking. Answer the callers’ questions concisely and confidently. If you do not know the answer just say you do not know.

2. Be prepared: Be prepared to answer any questions the caller may have and provide a written proposal or contract and references to the caller. Do not act like sending a written proposal or a contract is a foreign concept. It will make you look like you do not take your business seriously.

3. Do not be pushy or nosy: Do not be overly aggressive and ask for a credit card payment within the first few minutes of establishing rapport. This scares off potential clients. Also, do not sound or act offended when the potential client states they must discuss your proposal with their business partners. Do not sound amazed or shocked that they are a business with business partners. You must relay to the potential client that you respect their need to review the documents with their business partners or Board of Directors. I do encourage you to set an expiration date in your proposal or contract when sending one so that someone does not wait a year or two and expect the same fee for the product or service.

4. Follow up: Follow up after the phone call with the potential client. Ensure that they received the contract or materials they requested. Ask to clarify any questions they may have. Do not lose the sale because you assumed they received the information when in fact it was eaten by the email gremlins or lost in the mail.

5. Learn from Your Mistakes: Learn from your blunders. Take time to self reflect after a phone conversation with potential clients and think about what went well during the conversation and what you think you may need to improve upon next time. Use step 4 above to clarify anything you think you could have explained better during the phone conversation. Embrace each conversation as a learning experience.

Falling in love with selling over the telephone is not easy for everyone. Establishing rapport sounds easy to do but often it is not. If you do not know the caller extremely well and cannot see them to view their body language, you may not know you are steering the conversation down a slippery slope. Using my five tips above will help you ensure that you are successful at establishing rapport with new clients. When you master rapport building you will grow your business.

Are you networking or wasting your time?

I have written on this topic before but it is time to revisit it. We all love going to events. However, honestly, they all cost money. Even if there is no initial cost of attending an event you still will probably be required to purchase a meal or at a minimum a beverage at the event. There are also hidden costs associated with attending networking events. You will be spending your time in the car commuting and while at the event. Your time is a very precious resource. You will also be spending money on gas to get you to and from the event. Do not forget you may also catch yourself wanting to splurge on a new outfit or visiting your favorite hair or nail salon prior to the event.

Now, I am not saying do not attend events but I am going to tell you to be selective. If your target niche is not going to attend then why are you going to go? Do not say that everyone is your target niche. We all know that not everyone is our ideal client. I think it is very appropriate to call the organizer of the event and ask the demographics of the attendees. Evaluate the event with the same scrutiny you would use when evaluate where to spend your marketing dollars. After all, you will be there marketing you and your business.

After you have attended the event, do not let the contacts you made fade away. You will want to have a system in place for following up with the people you met. You may want to send them a hand written note or an email letting them know you enjoyed meeting them at the event. I often hear my clients complain that they attended events and met great people but no one followed up with them. This is because the other person did not know how to effectively network.

Networking effectively requires that you have a plan to evaluate what networking events are for you. You must have a system in place to follow up with people you met at the events. You can learn how to networking effectively by completing my free ecourse My 5 Secrets to Networking Success.

 

STOP TALKING AND START DOING! Coach Jaynine is a business coach who gets people to take action. She will get you to move from talking about what you want to do- to doing what you want to do. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to take action, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810. You can sign up for Networking Detox: My 5 Secrets to Networking Success at www.coachjaynine.com.

 

Twitter Tip Thursday – Jott

Jott

http://jott.com/jott/jott-links.html

Post your Twitter updates with your voice and a simple phone call.

How does it work? With Jott Assistant and Jott for Salesforce, you just call a simple phone number, speak your notes, messages, or updates and hang up. Jott Voicemail works the same way, but your friends, family, and colleagues are the ones leaving the messages when they call your number. Then, Jott takes the spoken messages, turns them into text, and sends them to the right destination via email, text message, or web update.

I have NOT used this service.

Stop Making Excuses, Confront Your Fear and Take Action

Fear and anxiety can sabotage you when you least expect it. You may not even realize that fear and anxiety are holding you back. You think you want something but then you don’t pursue it. You find yourself making excuses on why you are not finishing the task or project. We can sit all day long at our computers and tweak a website, sales copy, or proposal for a client but never actually complete the task. We say we are not finished with it because it is not perfect. We make excuses on why it isn’t finished. Now is the time to stop making excuses and take action.

When working with clients I often see them having great ideas that they never bring to fruition. They are afraid of failure. We have become a society that rewards good behavior and performance and we ridicule those who do not perform well. This learned behavior does not help the small business owner become successful.

The small business owner must be willing to take a risk. He or she must complete tasks and quit striving for perfection. He or she must stay focused on the desired outcome. Many small business owners do not like to follow up with prospective clients because of the fear of rejection. People often become small business owners not realizing that he or she will need to learn to sell his or her own product or service. Fear of rejection and fear of selling keep the business owner from growing his or her own business.

As a small business owner, you must do some self-reflection. Ask yourself why you are not finishing projects. Why are you not following up on leads from networking events? Why are you not asking people to purchase your product or service? What are you afraid of? Are you afraid they will say “no”? Are you afraid the person will hang up the phone on you? I doubt anyone has actually died from embarrassment so I challenge you to pick one thing that you keep putting off and finish it.

If your unfinished task is following up with prospective clients I challenge you design a script that you can read when calling or emailing prospective clients. You must know your intended outcome from the conversation and design your follow up system.

If you are procrastinating on completing a project, break the project into manageable chunks and design a schedule on when you will finish each item.

Stop trying to predict the future. Design a plan for success. Envision your business running smoothly and design the necessary systems and procedures needed so you can turn your dreams into reality. Next, hold yourself accountable for your actions. Take responsibility for your lack of action.  Confide in your coach so he or she can hold you accountable and challenge you so you can turn your dreams into reality.

Don’t make me take off my shoes and beat you!

 

STOP TALKING AND START DOING! Coach Jaynine is a business coach who gets people to take action. She will get you to move from talking about what you want to do- to doing what you want to do. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to take action, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810.

You Snooze You Lose: Don’t let fear stop you!

Is procrastination holding you back from turning your dreams into reality? I often hear people tell me what they want to do. However, rarely do I see them do anything to make that dream a reality.

What I do see is that person’s idea for a business now belongs to someone else. When you snooze, you lose. If you have a great idea for a product or business, I encourage you to stop procrastinating and take action. If you don’t know what to do with your idea I highly suggest you speak with someone at your local Small Business Center at your local Community College, visit the library, search the internet, and invest in a business coach.  Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from turning your dreams into reality.

 Ask yourself some very pointed questions.

1. Why am I procrastinating?

2. Do I really believe in my idea?

3. What should I do now?

When you are certain that you want to claim your idea as your own you need to do a few things immediately:

1. Secure your domain name and its variations

2. Register and/or Trademark the name and logo

3. Invest in YOU and your business.

Investing in you and your business will require a great deal of work. You will want to tap into your community resources to make sure you learn about your local licensing requirements and any necessary zoning restrictions. You will also need to invest in learning how to run a business. If you do not have the business basics such as a business plan, mission statement, EIN, register as a female, veteran owned, or minority business, or a business bank account to name just a few of the items you will often be seen as someone who has a hobby and you will not have a business mindset.

In order to operate a successful business you must stop procrastinating and adopt a business mindset. If you keep procrastinating, you will soon see your great idea belonging to someone else and you will have missed the boat. The choice is yours. Stop procrastinating and take action or snooze and lose.

 

Don't make me take off my shoes and beat you!

 

STOP TALKING AND START DOING! Coach Jaynine is a business coach who gets people to take action. She will get you to move from talking about what you want to do – to doing what you want to do. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to take action, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810.

 

Why are you procrastinating?

Why are you procrastinating? Why are you making excuses? Why are you never completing anything? Why are you putting off until tomorrow what can be done today? Do any of these phrases sound familiar?  

We all procrastinate at one time or another. We all are guilty of letting our family and friends sabotage our efforts.  We often allow this to happen because we do not want to hurt their feelings. We also allow this to happen because it is easier to allow them to lead us astray then to focus on getting the task accomplished.

Next time your family or friends interrupt you during your business hours asking for a favor remind them that you are at work. If you were not your own boss would they expect you to leave work and risk being fired to have lunch, run an errand or chat on the phone? Probably not, so why are they asking you now knowing that you need to run your business so it makes a profit and not run it into the ground.

Next time you have well-meaning family and friends offering their suggestions on how you should run your business you need to find your backbone and ask them where they learned that particular piece of unsolicited advice. You may be surprised that it is just their opinion. If they do not have the formal training in the area they are advising it is better to seek out an expert than someone that is not the expert in that area. You would not see a dentist about a heart murmur so why take unsolicited business advice from a nonprofessional. Their opinion is just that – their opinion.

We also must look in the mirror and realize we are our own worst enemy at times. We sabotage ourselves and put the blame on family, friends and household pets. If you know you are procrastinating you need to figure out why.

Do you procrastinate because of…?

1. Fear of failure or success

2. Fear of rejection

3. Lack of knowledge on how to proceed

4. You don’t like the task

5. Lack of time

Once you understand why you are procrastinating you can design a plan of action. If you are afraid of failure or rejection, just grab the bull by the horns and complete the task to the best of your ability.  Design a step-by-step system on how to complete the task. If you do not have the required knowledge seek out the guidance of a professional or a coach. Together you can work on completing the task.  If you do not like to perform the task or do not have the time to complete it consider hiring someone to complete the task.

Once the task is completed or delegated, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. You will be growing personally and a professionally. So, stop procrastinating. Stop talking and start doing. Take Action.

 

Don't make me take off my shoes and beat you!

 

STOP TALKING AND START DOING! Coach Jaynine is a business coach who gets people to take action. She will get you to move from talking about what you want to do – to doing what you want to do. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to take action, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810.

 

Stop Procrastinating and Take Action Now!

Why do you procrastinate? What is your definition of procrastination? My definition of procrastination is making up excuses not to finish something.

We are a country that loves instant. We have instant oatmeal, instant coffee, and hot water on demand. So when it is time to sit down and work on something we often don’t have the patience to do it. We would rather be off doing something fun or working on something that is easy.  We always put off what we don’t want to do. We procrastinate.

There are three main steps to stopping procrastination.

1. Self reflect . Take time to really examine why you are procrastinating. Is it because you don’t like the task? Is it because you don’t know what to do? Is it because you are afraid of failure or success? Are you afraid of rejection?

2. Confront Your Fear. Fear can paralyze you or propel you to take action. Let your fear propel you to take action. Stand up to fear.

3. Make a Plan. We often don’t complete something because we don’t know what to do or the project or task seems very overwhelming. You need to make time to design a system so you know how to complete your task. Visualize yourself completing the task. Walk yourself through all the necessary steps and all the possibilities that may occur and design a system.

When you take time to self reflect, confront your fear and design a plan you will be able to curtail your procrastinating ways and become the person that makes things happen. So make it your personal mantra when you look in the mirror Stop Procrastinating and Take Action Now!

 

Don't make me take off my shoes and beat you!

 

STOP TALKING AND START DOING! Coach Jaynine is a business coach who gets people to take action. She will get you to move from talking about what you want to do – to doing what you want to do. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to take action, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810.

 

Follow up: A Necessary Step in Customer Service

I received an email today from one of my favorite jewelry stores. They stated that a catalog they had sent me had been returned to them. The company representative asked me if I was still interested in their product.  They requested that if I was and had moved would I please provide them my new mailing address so they could update their records. Imagine how important I felt to know that someone had taken the time to send me an email and ask if I was still interested in their product. I was very impressed.

When was the last time you contacted clients or customers you have not heard from or seen in a while? Every year on my birthday and on the anniversary of when I bought my car and my sons’ truck, I receive a phone call from the car dealer. He does not try to sell me anything. He just asks me how the vehicle is doing and he asks if there is anything, he can do. It is just a short phone call. But, a nice one that I now welcome every year since I know there isn’t a heavy sales pitch. Guess what, when someone I know wants to buy a car guess whom I am going to recommend; my local Ford dealer.

Following up with clients or past clients is necessary to continue to grow your business. You also must follow up with prospective clients. Do you attend networking events then never contact anyone you met? I recently attended a networking event and did not hear from anyone until I made the first contact.

Following up does not have to be a heavy-handed sales pitch. If the person is a new acquaintance, the follow up email or phone call is a way to continue to establish rapport and build the relationship with the person. If you are following up with a client or previous customer, it is a way to offer great customer service.

Earlier in the year, I received horrible service at a salon. I refused to go back even though I still was owed over a thousand dollars in services. A few months ago, I purchased some “super foods” which I absolutely cannot stomach to ingest. However, I do believe in the power and value of them. The sales representative asked me if I liked them and I told her I could not stomach taking them due to the smell of the product. She commented I could return them but quickly changed the conversation. I have not heard from her since. This would have been a great opportunity for her to offer new recipes or ideas on how to use the product. I really wanted to benefit from the products but they now sit in the cupboard. She has now lost me as a client. These are two examples of businesses that lost future revenue because they did not follow up with me to ensure I was satisfied and happy.

Following up with customers and clients is a necessary step in customer service. It makes customers feel valued and ensures loyalty. It lets them know you remember who they are and that they were not just a quick sale. I think people want to stay loyal to one cosmetic representative, super food representative or other professional service.

If you do not have a follow up system, I encourage you to design one today. For current or previous clients you could contact them on the anniversary of their big purchase or on their birthday.  Ask if you have their current information and if there is anything you can do for them. You could also send out a free survey using http://www.surveymonkey.com/ to solicit their opinion on the service they received or how they like the product they purchased. If you met someone at a networking event or professional function you could have an email already drafted that you send the next day inviting the person to go to lunch or coffee so you can further develop the relationship.

Remember, word of mouth advertising can be good or bad. When you follow up with your previous or current clients or potential clients, you will be fresh in their mind when they recommend a service to their friends. They will also feel valued. You will also know if they were satisfied with their service or product. Following up is a necessary part of your customer service system.

 

STOP TALKING AND START DOING! Coach Jaynine is a business coach who gets people to take action. She will get you to move from talking about what you want to do – to doing what you want to do. Jaynine has over 20 years experience as a United States Marine, psychotherapist, and business owner. If you are ready to take action, increase your revenue and take your business to the next level contact Jaynine today at www.coachjaynine.com or 910-539-2810. You can receive her FREE ecourse Networking Detox: My 5 Secrets to Networking Success at www.coachjaynine.com

My Blog has moved

My blog has moved to www.coachjaynine.com/blog

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” Tehyi, Hsieh – examine your environment&choose wisely

Free breakfast tomorrow from 6am – 2pm courtesy of Denny’s http://ping.fm/nCcMq

Did you miss my interview with SevenOaks Pathwork faculty member Ms. Wendy Hubbard, M.ED.? You can listen to the recording http://ping.fm/il8gT

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature.” Helen Keller – have a gr8 wk

Have you downloaded your free Productivity Tracker so you can see who is sabotaging your time? http://ping.fm/mtg4n

Good Morning…Happy Tuesday!

I want to thank everyone that has voted for Tito in the Bissell Pet contest. I know it is a pain to register. Tito appreciates the votes.

Happy Sunday!

Please vote for my grandpup Tito in the Bissell Pet Photo contest http://ping.fm/hstqB

Thank you Kim & Corrie for voting for my grandpup in the Bissell Pet Photo contest. http://ping.fm/YkVKt