If you've been a member for a while you'll know the name Tina Forsyth. She is Chief Co-Conspirator in these parts, Business Manager of Multiple Streams of Coaching Income, et al, as well as dearly cherished friend.
Tina has many talents, among them her at times terrifying pragmatism, ability to get things done and nag others do the same. Having her first baby was no different. Samantha Grace Forsyth (7 pounds, 4 ounces) was born at home in Calgary on March 23, 2006 (6:21 am). Here are some of the first pictures:
(1) MOVE
Little urgent matters that crop up in a day can have a way of keeping you mesmerized by your email, never more than arm's length away from your computer. Could your laptop be throwing off a magnetic force or something??
Snap out of it with a little online yoga.
For me, this easy 38-minute workout is tantamount to breaking out of jail, some days. And yes, you guessed it, it fits nicely between telephone appointments, with time for lunch.
http://yogalearningcenter.com/FreeVideo.asx
Like the idea of a fresh yoga practice from the convenience of your home? Online yoga, it turns out, is the cheapest most efficient workout I can find.
www.andrearecommends.com/yoga.html
Audio Recording now available - What the heck is Pink Spoon (tm) Marketing Anyway?" TeleSeminar - just click the play button to listen to this recording or download the MP3 using the link beneath the player.
Pssst... If you prefer to find out the answer to this question in written format, sign up for the FREE 5-day ecourse, An Introduction to Pink Spoon Marketing, at http://www.pinkspoonmarketing.com.
Since launching http://www.PowerofCollaboration.com last week, I've received several questions about the live event.
Many of you have inquired about when I'll be on the East Coast, so I decided to make the answers available in this special issue of 'Creating What Matters.'
If you'd prefer to skip the FAQ and go straight to the website to find dates, location, and cost of the 'Power of Collaboration', visit http://www.PowerofCollaboration.com/faq. Even if you think the event is not for you, I invite you to read on for what you might learn about Collaboration anyway. You're going to be hearing a lot more about this 25-dollar word for 'doing things together' down the road, so why not now?
To those of you who joined me for the Money and Meaning call last Wednesday, thank you for contributing to the energy of the call. We had a particularly lively bunch this month, with a number of people joining from all walks of the business world. There were also a number of you who could not make Wednesday's call and requested to hear the 'replay', so if this is you (or if you would just like a 'refresher'), just click below to listen to the recording now:
Here's a hint: think of trying out your favorite flavor of ice cream... Did the first taste leave you wanting more? Did it prompt you to buy a whole ice cream cone, a full container, a specialty ice-cream cake, etc? To put it simply, Pink Spoon Marketing is the journey one takes from trying a free sample to buying a product. It all starts with a taste, but there's an art to creating a 'taste' that leaves your customer wanting more.
Key #1: Come to realize that your business is not yours; it's only on loan to you.
YOU are *not* in control.
Whether you have children or not, you've likely heard the saying 'Children are not ours, they're only on loan to us.'
Somewhere along the path to seven figures, often comes the realization that the same thing applies to your business. It's a foundational piece of the journey.
Sooner or later, you, the CEO, Founder, President, Owner, or whatever title you hold, realize that you are not in control, and the business is in actuality *not* yours. It hits you between the eyes. And regardless of your spiritual beliefs or personal faith, let's see if this makes a kind of sense:
Your business is really only on loan to you to shepherd awhile.
Different business owners respond to this very differently, so pause a moment now to make a note...how does this Key strike you? As something true, and freeing? Or odd, and uncertain? Maybe something else entirely.
Well, let's say a little more. What does it mean, your business is only 'on loan' to you? Case in point is the real-life story of a multimillion-dollar business called CoachVille, founded by the late Thomas Leonard.
While I was working as General Manager for CoachVille, Thomas once said to me, "Andrea, you're managing a multimillion dollar business for me now. I need for you to know I expect you to manage it, not control it."
As you know beyond a doubt, any business with substance on its way to significant financial success takes on a life of its own. This was definitely the case at CoachVille.
Thomas said, "CoachVille is like a giant tiger, with a tail that thrashes around as it runs back and forth. Riding on its back, you can't control it, you can only ride with it and from time to time, you might be able to lean into it with one knee or the other. But whatever you do, if you try to control it, it will break your back."
Literally. I've personally witnessed business owners' backs being broken, and I'm pretty sure you can think of a few examples too, if you consider it a moment.
To apply this key to your own situation, ask yourself 'In what way am I trying to force my business in a certain direction?'
How can loosening my grip on it, and listening deeply to how it wants to grow, help me nurture my business in a vibrant and organic way?
As the owner of a business that inspires for a living, I know without a doubt that you are here to elevate the lives of people you serve. Now let me ask whether you're ready for your business to coach you as well? Just think of it as the shoe on the proverbial other foot. :-)
When asked what Thomas' plan was, for CoachVille, or where he was headed, his answer was usually 'Nowhere' or 'Who knows?' But internally the way he described it was this:
The 'numbers' may not be the most exciting aspect of your day to day business activities, but what if measuring could be the catalyst that moves your business to the next level? Let's say to six or seven figures? Would this be good enough incentive to pull out the 'virtual' measuring stick? Listening to your numbers will point the way to what you must do next in terms of making more money in less time.
If you're ready to get into the nitty-gritty of the numbers, this upcoming Multiple Streams Workgroup is for you.
"Measuring What Matters: Set Up A Metrics Worksheet that Helps You Maximize Time and Effort"
This first of its kind offering is being held on five Wednesdays, March 15, 22, April 19, May 17, 24, 2006, From 100 to 200PM Eastern.
"I *really* enjoyed the (Overview) Metrics class yesterday. This is exactly what I need right now. I’m looking forward to using what I learned to help me set revenue goals and determine the right types of products and services to focus on."
- Jennifer Koretsky, www.JenniferKoretsky.com
As you may already know, our workgroups are designed to provide a supportive, collaborative environment to get stuff done - so if you're looking for *real* action in terms of metrics, not just information, this workgroup may be worth a serious look.
Click here for more insight about why numbers should matter to you, and details about the Workgroup.
The next 3 participants to register before March 10 will also receive a copy of "Multiple Streams in *Action*" a 12-CD set on the topic of implementing Multiple Streams first recorded February 2005.
Again, for more information and to reserve your seat, click here!
Responding to a request from Coach Pat Gundry, I've begun posting at a blog called AllThingsT.com dedicated to Thomas Leonard, author of 'The Portable Coach' and Founder of the International Federation of Coaches, CoachVille and some say, the Coaching Profession.
If you seek to create deeper emotional and intellectual connections with your clients and colleagues in your business...
And if your goal is to do so authentically, the memos here will be an inspiration.
First here is an overview document about the value of having a Virtual R&D Team at your disposal:
And here are 20 sample R&D Memos: