Guest Post

What Is Spiritual Coaching?

 in Guest Post  tagged Alicia Holland / spiritual coach / spiritual coach intervenes / spiritual coaching / true potential

Two questions that often have new coaches scratching their heads are “what all the different coaching niches are?” and “how to talk about their coaching?” In today’s guest post Dr Alicia Holland Johnson shares how she talks about her work as she answers:

What Is Spiritual Coaching?

By Dr Alicia Holland Johnson

"What Is Spiritual Coaching? by?" Dr Alicia Holland Johnson

The human body is an intricate work of God’s vision for the universe. Beyond the realms of physical structure, Nature has designed each human being as a different entity, gifted with a unique purpose in life. As an individual scrambles forth in his rush for materialistic pursuits and commercial success, he often loses the ability to visualize the true purpose of his existence. Along with this, he also loses all contact with his inner core and subconscious mind. This is indeed a catastrophic stage when human life is diminished to mere physical existence.

By its intent, Spiritual Coaching is a structured process in which a person is led into a deep, meditative state of tranquility, with the sole aim of putting him back in touch with himself.

The human mind and body are gifted with a strong, inherent ability to solve life’s most complex problems and heal illnesses. However, clouded by the negative waves of fears, worries and self-doubt, this ability is often destroyed. It is here that a spiritual coach intervenes, bringing back the power to realize your true potential, be happy and above all, be able to solve your problems and heal yourself.

How does it work?

Spiritual coaching is administered by an experienced coach with a non-religious, neutral approach, either in a group or on an individual basis. The entire process begins with an informal orientation, followed by the slow induction of a meditative state. The coach then attempts to look deeper and identify the potential cause of anxiety and unrest within the individual. The strains of following sentiments or thoughts are identified:

  • Inability to form or achieve goals
  • Lack of interest or unsatisfactory personal lives
  • Lack of professional growth
  • Anxiety, fear and phobias
  • Constant state of illness
  • Inability to develop relationships

In some cases, spiritual coaching is preceded by mentoring, which is an informal, open-ended discussion. Once a basic comfort level has been reached, the spiritual coach will attempt to delve into deeper issues and target the core problematic zone. The coach will first try to restore the inner balance and awaken the consciousness of the individual’s true potential. Eventually, through powerful verbal, non-judgmental and persuasive techniques, he will empower the recipient to face challenges independently, with success.

About Alicia Holland

Alicia Holland, EdD, also known as AdvisorAlise, is a professional Cognitive and Intuitive, Spiritual Life Coach who has been having prophetic dreams since she was 7. She works with professional and entrepreneurial individuals and offers a practical and intuitive approach in her coaching that helps individuals become their best selves and create the lives that they desire. To schedule your complimentary breakthrough session, please visit  http://advisoralise.com/. You can also subscribe to her newsletters for some additional exclusive tips.

 

Article Source: What Is Spiritual Coaching?

Ezinearticles Expert page:Dr Alicia Holland Johnson

 

 

Sales Tips For Coaches

 in Guest Post  tagged business success / Dan Storey / finding clients / more clients / sales / sales conversations / selling

In today’s guest post Dan Storey shares some of his experience and knowledge as he focuses on a topic many coaches have questions about:

Sales Tips For Coaches

by Dan Storey

"Sales Tips For Coaches" by Dan Storey

One of the biggest challenges I hear from coaches I work with is that they don’t have enough clients. They give away free session after free session, host free talks, webinars and interviews and have hundreds of people interested in working with them, but when you ask them how many clients they actually work with, the answer is usually “not enough!”. “Not enough” often translates into financial terms as well, which means that great coaches often cannot do enough great coaching because they are unable to earn enough money to make it a sustainable business. Sound familiar?

Coaching, in its various formats, is a multi billion dollar industry with millions of people around the world paying experts to help them improve some area of their life. People can see the value in coaching and are willing to invest money in themselves when they see the potential return. There are people in your niche making plenty of money right now, and the reason they are making the money is because they have learned how to generate enquiries and turn them into paying clients.

This is the essence of selling, often a dirty word amongst coaches. After all, you do such a great job as a coach, you shouldn’t have to sell your services. Plus if someone wanted to work with you, they would just buy. If you have to push them to do something, eventually they are going to resent it and that will damage your relationship with them.

If you have ever heard yourself saying any of the above, you have “stuff” around selling. “Stuff” is the not-so-technical term for limiting beliefs and associations that are attached to a concept. If you want to go into it a little deeper (which I am not sure we have time for in this post), then coaches face an additional challenge of selling themselves, which raises all sorts of self-worth type questions. However, assuming for the moment that you are confident in the value of what you are selling, let’s look a little at the issues around selling you have, and some practical tips on what you can do to get over this fast.

Issue 1 – Salespeople are…

How do you complete this phrase? Are you full of glowing compliments for salespeople, or do you immediately think of the stereotypical fast-talking, only-interested-in-the-deal kind of hustler that is only interested in your money? Many peoples’s global beliefs and generalisations around salespeople immediately push them away from any personal associations with sales and selling. However, to be great at what you do, you have to sell. For example, do you want to be a great author or a “best-selling” author? Maybe it is time to examine your personal beliefs around sales people.

Issue 2 – What Do I Say?

Have you heard of the Xanadu close? Or the Orchid sales strategy? Or what about the PAWS approach to asking questions? I hope not, I just made those three things up. However, there are a million and one sales tactics out there designed to make you better at selling. The problem is not really ‘what do you say’ but more ‘what DON’T you say’! Information overload happens everywhere, and sales is no different, and where there is confusion there is usually inertia. Shortly you will learn that sales is simply a conversation with a desired outcome, so lets keep it simple.

Issue 3 – What If They Reject Me?

Ok, now we raise the big issue of rejection. You are a great coach, you can build rapport with anyone easily and you develop close relationships that allow you to help people improve their lives. So what if they say “no” when you ask them to buy something. Yikes! This is the biggest fear for all salespeople, not just coaches, so first of all, lets just accept that it exists. Yes, you will face rejection, and even if you are a great salesperson, you will probably hear “no” more often than “yes”. Just accept that you don’t like rejection, and that it is a natural part of selling. As Susan Jeffers wrote ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’. Just remember that you have a bigger dream for yourself which you won’t let this fear hold you back from.

Ok, now we know the issues, take a deep breath and leet them go… feel better? Do those issues still exist? Of course, they aren’t going to go away over night. However, now that you have addressed them and accepted them, we can move forward.

So how do we sell? Rather than try and get you to do everything all at once, here are my top three tips for people who want to start selling more.

Action 1 – Tell Them Right From The Start

I’m sure you have heard of the Aristotlian triptych of “tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them”? Setting the agenda and telling people what is going to happen up front allows them to relax and enjoy the process. If you suddenly spring a sales pitch on someone unawares, this will seem out of place and therefore have a lower chance of success. For example, if you are conducting a free session, introduce the session by saying “we are going to go through a number of process and then, when we are finished, we will look at the possible ways we can work together moving forward”. Throw in a couple of nicely worded presuppositions if you like, but when you start to tell them about your options, they won’t react adversely.

Action 2 – Be Prescriptive

Imagine going to the doctors. You sit down and before you open your mouth, the doctor starts telling you all of the different treatments that exist for all the different possible illnesses. Is that what normally happens? No, you usually have a consultation where the doctor examines you and then you are prescribed a course of treatment. As people, we trust people with expertise to make the best decision for us, and your potential client probably wants a little guidance on what direction to take rather than leaving the choice in their hands. Being prescriptive with your sales offering makes it easier for your client to say yes by removing any superfluous options.

Action 3 – Follow Up

Many people do not like to be forced into making decisions and prefer to think about it first. Many sales approaches discourage thinking and tell you to strike while the iron is hot, and whilst this may work in some situations, it might not be as conducive to coaching. If someone enjoys your session and then wants to think about their options then this is fine. What is not fine, however, is that you put the emphasis on them to call you back and buy. Follow up with them, via email at least but I would recommend in person where possible, to give them a second or third chance to buy. If they don’t want to work with you, that is one thing, but if they aren’t ready to work with you yet, then that is something completely different. Maintain contact, keep in touch, and give them plenty of opportunities to say yes in the future.

If you adopt these three behaviours, you will see significant improvements in your sales rates as a coach. At first, it might seem a little clunky and awkward, but practice will make you more effective and better able to include these elements in your normal coaching conversations. Please post any comments and thoughts you may have below.

About Dan Storey

Dan Storey is the author of Next Level Persuasion – Sell anything to anyone and have them thank you for it! which is available on Amazon in paperback and kindle formats. Dan spends his time training businesses and sales teams how to sell more effectively using neuro-linguistic programming, basing much of the training on the content from the book. Click here to find out more about Dan Storey and Next Level Persuasion or buy the book on Amazon here.

Prevent Self Employment Burnout With Self Love 1

 in Guest Post  tagged Brook Montagna / mindful life coach / mindfulness coach / self employment burnout / self love / success life coach

Many coaches, when they set up their own coaching business, work on a self employed basis. In today’s guest post Brook Montagna focuses upon how to:

Prevent Self Employment Burnout With Self Love

By Brook Montagna

"Prevent Self Employment Burnout With Self Love" by Brook Montagna

Self employment usually begins as an act of self love. Didn’t you choose to create your own business in order to do what you love doing, express your talents and gifts, set your own hours, be creative, reach your financial goals, and enjoy life more?

Ah yes, but with the commitment to your dream comes immense responsibility, and you may gradually slip into behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that look more like self-disregard than self love, and what you once enjoyed may begin to feel exhausting. As a Life Coach, I frequently coach self employed entrepreneurs to help them be more successful and almost always we must first address burnout behaviors.

Are you burned out? Do you recognize some of these behaviors and tendencies?

  • Don’t allow yourself adequate time to rest and refresh.
  • Work long hours, skip meals, and cancel social events.
  • Ignore your exercise program, meditation, or journal writing, because you can’t squeeze them into your busy schedule.
  • Set unrealistic expectations for yourself to “do it all”, and do it perfectly!
  • Feel guilty when you do take time for yourself because of all that must be done.
  • Blame yourself with negative self talk when your business is struggling or doesn’t give the results you hoped for.
  • Relentlessly push yourself to do more, better, or different.
  • Forget to acknowledge and celebrate your successes.

Time to Put Self Love Back Into Self Employment!

Acts of self love will sustain you, making the way to your goals easier and more fun. In my work as a life coach, I help my clients see that for long term business growth and sustainability, it pays to be more like the tortoise than the hare, setting a pace to stay in the race, while enjoying the journey.

Here are four mindful life coaching tips for self love that will help you stay in the race.

1 – Acceptance. Accept the fact that you have needs for rest, relaxation, and good self care. Accept the fact that there are 24 hours in a day, and then set reasonable expectations for yourself within that reality. Accept mistakes. Accept successes. Accept random events and a lack of control over some things. Accept the challenges that come with being bold and courageous. Accept help when needed.

2 – Self Care. Write out actions that you know are best for you in each of the following areas: Health, Spirituality, Relationships, Environment, Finances, Fun. From what you have written, create a self care plan that includes such things as diet, exercise, sleep, seeing a doctor, reading, journal writing, meditation, budgeting, saving, financial advice, time in nature, time with friends, travel, dance, listening to music, better lighting, eliminate distractions, etc. Drop the guilt feelings and implement your plan as an act of self love.

3 – Commitment. When others take time for themselves to go on vacation or to a movie or need to study, you cheer them on, and respect their boundaries. When you want to take time for yourself, you may feel guilty or have trouble saying no to others’ demands. Self love is setting good boundaries without feeling guilty. Self love is committing the time and space to stick to your self care plan. Paradoxically, the consequence of doing this is that you will be stronger and have more energy to give to others.

4 – Compassion. When you feel that you are struggling, or when things seem to be falling apart and you feel it’s up to you to fix everything, take some time to regain perspective and offer yourself some comfort and understanding. Mistakes are part of the learning curve and it helps to remind yourself of your good efforts and accomplishments up to now. Let yourself off the emotional hook long enough to relax and refresh so that you have the necessary energy to problem solve and be creative.

Practicing these mindful life coaching approaches daily will allow you to stay the course and get back to living your dream!

About Brook Montagna

Brook Montagna, Mindful Life Coach, provides coaching for personal, professional and spiritual growth and greater success in all areas of life. Call 760-533-8905, or Email Br***@**************ch.com for a Free Coaching Consultation! Find out about specific coaching approaches and programs here: www.mindfullifecoach.com. Get life coaching tips on living mindfully and successfully at www.mindfulwayoflife.com.

 

 

 

Article Source: Prevent Self Employment Burnout With Self Love

Ezinearticles Expert page: Brook Montagna

 

 

Have You Met The Networker From Hell?

 in Guest Post  tagged business / LinkedIn / Lisa Chilvers / meeting / networking

In today’s guest post Lisa Chilvers asks:

Have You Met The Networker From Hell?

By Lisa Chilvers

"Have You Met The Networker From Hell?" by Lisa Chilvers

I did quite a lot of networking last week… unusual for me, but, like buses, several interesting events came along together so off I trundled.

Generally, they were good – lots of new people to talk to and although I didn’t meet anyone I was interested in for my own business, there were a couple of lovely people there who might well turn out to be useful contacts for my clients.

So, there I was, happily chatting away about websites when he appeared, the one person you dread meeting at an event like this. That’s right, the “Networker from Hell” or NFH, as I like to call him. (NFH, as we all know, stands for something else entirely, but it’s also a fitting acronym here too, with the words “no” and “hope” applying perfectly)

We’ve all met this guy. Strides right in from left-field, business card in hand, which he then proceeds to thrust into your unsuspecting hand, while trying to shake the other one simultaneously. Ignoring any other ongoing conversation, he (or even she) then proceeds to bang on about themselves for the next five minutes, asks you nothing about your own business, then strides off purposefully looking for his next victim, leaving everyone slightly shell-shocked in his wake. Fantastic!

Could it get any worse? Well actually it does! In fact, this particular individual has met me before on no less than four previous occasions and yet he still pounced on me as a potential new source of business and treated me as a total stranger. He clearly had no recollection of any earlier encounters. I’d like to think this has nothing to do with me and my ability to make a stunning first impression and everything to do with the fact that he obviously pays very little attention to who he actually meets at these type of things.

This is clearly not networking at its best. What does he really hope to achieve by this approach? I’ve no idea, but I do know what my response to it will always be. His business card will go in the nearest recycling receptacle, never to be thought of again.

In short, he has No Flipping (trying to keep it polite and professional) Hope!

Fortunately, Mr NFH is a rare breed these days. Most people know how to network and are a pleasure to meet and chat to, regardless of whether there’s any business to be done.

But, if most have sorted it out on an actual basis, why oh why do so many fail to grasp the niceties on a virtual platform? I’m talking about LinkedIn here and those individuals you’ve never set eyes on before who send that dreadful standard, lazy message “I’d like to add you to my network”

I bet you would! But it’s not going to happen.

LinkedIn is, among other things, an online networking tool. It works very well if you use it correctly and can be great for getting to know people you might not otherwise get to meet, particularly if they live miles away or even on another continent. I’ve made some very valuable contacts through LinkedIn, by commenting on discussions and generally being sociable, by striking up conversations with others who share similar, as well as conflicting, opinions. I now have a number of contacts across the UK, as well as in America, that I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting face-to-face, but through the conversations we’ve had to date, feel I’ve got to know them fairly well and they have become valuable connections.

The key here is “networking” – it’s just like the face-to-face stuff, but online. So you should act accordingly. If you’re not a NFH in person, don’t be one online. If you want to connect with someone you don’t know, give them a reason to respond to you. Show interest in them and what they do. Start building that relationship. Explain why you’d like to connect. It’ll make all the difference.

Don’t be an NFH.

Just because you’re not meeting someone face-to-face, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make the proper introductions.
Treat online networking like it is in real life; show interest in the person you’re trying to connect with and start building a relationship

About Lisa Chilvers

Lisa Chilvers is a business development specialist with emphasis on improving customer retention and delivering five star service, helping SME’s implement strategies to grow their businesses by building better relationships with their customers and clients.

She specialises in providing the tools and strategies needed to address business issues and delivers bespoke development consultancy, training and coaching to companies across the UK, helping them to be the best at what they do.”

Social Networking Links

Google+: https://plus.google.com/103317990054669275360
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisachilvers1
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Athena_Business
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UChRzCwMmSk7bVEj1L8BkkNw

 

 

Article Source: Have You Met The Networker From Hell?

Ezinearticles Expert page: Lisa Chilvers

 

 

 

You ARE Creative, It’s A Capacity Not A Skill 1

 in Guest Post  tagged creative expression / creative skills / Sarah Schwab

How creative do you feel you are as a coach and business owner? In today’s guest post Sarah Schwab shares:

You ARE Creative, It’s A Capacity Not A Skill

By Sarah Schwab

"You ARE Creative, It's A Capacity Not A Skill" by Sarah Schwab

“To say ‘Creative People’ is redundant.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Too often, people claim that they just aren’t creative.

Maybe you’ve said that about yourself?

Hooey I say!

Creativity is a human trait. It is a capacity that is built into our DNA.

There is a stereotypical image of a “Creative Type,” and it usually looks like an artist or author. They are edgy, they have prolific imaginations, and they are often broke.

Or perhaps your image is more of the “Creative Class” that all the corporations and cities are seeking to attract. They are young, tech savvy, their medium is likely programming or design.

These images are limiting, and even dangerous.

The more we can embrace that everyone has the capacity to be creative, the more we will all benefit from it.

I’m not saying that everyone can paint a masterpiece or build a machine. That is a level above Creativity itself.

The Difference Between A Capacity And A Skill

To be creative is simply the ability to have original thoughts. It’s our ability to look at something, and have a unique thought about it. It could be through solving a problem, coming up with an idea, or seeing a new angle.

To execute or express our creativity requires a skill. Just because you have an idea for the next great video game doesn’t mean you can program it. Just because you have a vision for a novel doesn’t mean you can write it.

Creative skills can include everything from painting, drawing, writing, programming, designing, building, carving, speaking, moving… The list goes on and on!

Skills can be learned

How we express our ideas is a matter of form. Do we express them through writing, through creating spaces, through music?

Choosing your form and then learning and improving your skills is what allows you to fully express your creativity.

Some skills are more technical than others, but they all require some knowledge and a lot of practice to become proficient.

So, you can say that you aren’t an architect or a painter. Those just aren’t your chosen forms for creative expression, and you haven’t honed those skills.

Creativity must be fostered

While we all have the capacity for creativity, original thinking, and new ideas, many people lose touch with this ability. If it isn’t fostered, it can fade.

Sir Ken Robinson, in his well-known TED talk, argues that the education system, as well as society at large, is actually squashing our creativity. We are being taught to copy others, to get things “right” rather than trying new things or taking risks.

We need to give ourselves a chance to be creative. Some space to let our ideas grow. The opportunity to try different forms of creative expression and work on the ones we are most drawn to.

There are many ways to do this. For my clients and me, content creation is the opportunity. It is where creativity and entrepreneurship meet. Where finding a form for creativity and self-expression can grow your business and build your reputation.

And in the process, make the world a more creative place.

What do you think? Are you connected to your creativity? What is your form for expressing it? Leave me a comment below.

About Sarah Schwab

Sarah Schwab is the Founder and President of Content Creation Coach. She helps small businesses and entrepreneurs to create consistent, compelling content they need to market their business online. She believes in the power of self-expression and creativity to transform her clients’ businesses and lives. Find out more about her approach to online marketing and content creation in her F.R.E.E. report: “Create Content That Connects: Three Mistakes That Are Making Your Content Fall Flat.” Get your report today and find more blog articles like this one at www.contentcreationcoach.com

 

Social Networking Links

Facebook:www.facebook.com/contentcreationcoach
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sarah-schwab/6/737/600

 

 

Article Source: You ARE Creative, It’s A Capacity Not A Skill

Ezinearticles Expert page: Sarah Schwab

 

 

Soul Values – It Starts Here

 in Guest Post  tagged belief / Business with Passion / Living From Your Heart / personal development / possibility / Reeny Carvotta Barron

September is one of those times of year when many take the opportunity to reflect on their progress and plan. In this weeks guest post Reeny Carvotta Barron shares some of her experience and knowledge in:

Soul Values – It Starts Here

By Reeny Carvotta Barron

"Soul Values - It Starts Here" By Reeny Carvotta Barron

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and writing and planning this year as I launch my business and refine my message and my purpose – it’s hard work but it feels like the most valuable work there is in many ways. I’m learning so much, I’m connected with amazing people and I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It’s exhilarating – even though some days are exhausting. Who knew thinking could be so tiring?

Lately I’m thinking about the ego vs. the soul and what motivates and drives us to succeed and accomplish and how the soul and ego fit into the picture. Both the soul and the ego exist and they both have their place – even when they are in conflict with one another.

In my view, the soul drives us to be, rather than do – the soul is connected to our higher purpose and isn’t as concerned with the day to day or with the outer.

It’s a delicious part of ourselves that we sometimes forget to take time to nourish. It’s where our inner wisdom lives. It’s where we know that we’re exactly right and perfect just as who we are and where we are. It’s a place that is always satisfied and doesn’t experience the longing that is so human and so defeating sometimes.

The soul is where we know that exactly what we’re doing right now and exactly what we’re experiencing is what is right for our growth and development.

And, it is. Truly it is. So often we don’t really see, believe or understand that it’s all right and perfect until we have the distance and luxury of time. Then we can look back and understand perfectly why things unfolded the way they did and we get that crisp, brilliant perspective on life. That’s when we understand that it all happened/happens as it ultimately meant to.

Why not skip the waiting and just know that right now? Not so easy you say? Agreed. But we can work toward that…

The ego on the other hand is like the competitive neighbor who wants what the person next door has, just because. Because why? Because it can, because it’s bent on desiring and agitating.

That ego agitation does generate motivation and drive and that certainly has a purpose, keeping our feet on the ground and the processes moving forward.

I’m going to spend some time this month on the soul vs. ego and I hope you’ll join me on the journey, by reading along and telling what you think, and how you see it. Together, let’s gain clarity about it all and see how we define these ideas… ready?

 

About Reeny Carvotta Barron

Reeny brings together the strengths of Higher Purpose Guidance Open Heart Coaching Heart of Business Mentor to guide intuitive sensitive women find their voice and embrace a soul aligned path to financial empowerment.

Her blogs, includes inspirational articles to guide you into the change you want to be.

You can have access to over 10 templates tools and meditations to use to realize change for yourself as you continue to live your life on purpose http://www.passionandpossibilities.com/gifts

 

 

 

Article Source:  Soul Values – It Starts Here

Reeny Carvotta Barron Ezinearticles expert page

Top 10 Tips to Make You More Productive When Working From Home

 in Guest Post  tagged Amy Woods / business / how to be productive working from home / working from home / working from home tips

Many coaches when they set up their own coaching business work from home. In today’s guest post Amy Woods shares:

Top 10 Tips to Make You More Productive When Working From Home

By Amy Woods

"Top 10 Tips to Make You More Productive When Working From Home" by Amy Woods

Did you know there are more people working from home today than there have ever been before? In the UK alone, according to the Office for National Statistics, the number of people working from home reached 4.2m in 2014. In the USA, 1 in 5 workers (30m people) are based from home, and that number is expected to increase considerably in the coming years. This conjures up images of millions of people working in their pyjamas, in sub-optimal postures, spending their days trying to resist the many distractions at home!

For many entrepreneurs, when setting-up their own business, a big change can be the change in work environment. In particular, if you’re setting-up an online business, you’re almost certainly going to get started by working from home. If working from home is not something that you’re used to, then it can be a very difficult adjustment. Difficult to be productive. Difficult to motivate yourself. It can even feel quite lonely and isolating. You may find yourself seeking solace from a Facebook binge instead of working through that long to-do list.

Never fear. If there is one thing I have become a pro at over many years now, it’s how to be productive when working from home. Let me share with you my top tips for staying happy, healthy and productive when working from home. I’ve thought through a typical day and laid out my tips in the order that they generally occur.

1. Dress like you mean business – I don’t mean wear your suit and polish your shoes! But personally I find I can develop the right mindset and be more work focussed if I feel like I’m at least dressed in a presentable way. I apply the rule that I must be presentable in such a way that if I needed to leave the house I could without feeling a bit of a mess. I always get dressed that’s for sure, no pyjamas! Everyone is different… for me, this also means my contact lenses are in and my makeup is on. Bottom line, make sure YOU feel like you mean business.

2. Have a dedicated workspace – If you have room in your home to do so, then have a home office set-up. If you don’t have room then at least make a dedicated section that is focussed on work. Some people often find it hard to cope with the blur of work and home, so reduce the fuzziness.

3. De-clutter and organise – Personally I like my workspace to be free from clutter and organised. Everyone is different. As Albert Einstein said:

‘If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?’

So perhaps clutter isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Clutter aside, you may want to consider what your workspace requires, and invest where possible, e.g. monitor, printer, storage etc. You may not have a lot of budget to invest in setting-up an all singing all dancing workspace at home, but if there is one thing alone that you should invest in, it’s an ergonomic chair that is good for your back. If there is one thing worse than an un-productive entrepreneur, it’s an un-productive entrepreneur with a bad back!

4. Be disciplined with time management and planning – I’m not saying that you should be at your desk from 9 to 5. Really where is the fun in escaping the 9-5 if you mimic it again at home! But, what I am saying is you need to work out how many hours you are going to work on your business each day, what you will work on, and you must map out your schedule, and stick to it. By all means that schedule may fit in around looking after the kids, attending a class at the gym, joining the ‘ladies that lunch’… whatever makes you happy. But, if you intend to work 6 hours tomorrow, plan when and stick to it. Be disciplined. One slip leads to another and before you know it, that 25 hour week becomes 8 hours and you wonder why you didn’t achieve what you set out to. Plan every day what you are going to do, better still, plan the night before for the next day.

5. Take breaks – Never forget that breaks are important. Personally, I’m bad for following this advice, I take less breaks when I work from home compared to when in an office. I find when I’m focussed and ‘in the zone’ I can go 3-4 hours without even having a drink. No-one is popping over and saying ‘fancy a break’… so I don’t. Take breaks. Stand up, step away from your desk. Go and make a cup of tea, go and have a little stroll outside, fresh air is wonderful, whatever you do have a brain break. Even if that’s watching 15 mins of trash on TV.

6. Plan your meals – You’re gong to find that you’re at home for lunch more than ever before, so plan for that from a food perspective. Eat healthy. Plan ahead where you can. And don’t forget to drink. Hydration is really important. More water, less caffeine!

7. Manage expectations – Make sure friends/family etc know you are working from home, and that it isn’t some sort of euphemism for lazing around doing very little… you are actually working from home. By all means arrange to see friends and family but at times that factor into your work schedule for the day. It’s okay to ignore the front door bell or the home phone, if you were at the office you wouldn’t answer so you don’t have to now.

8. Keep up human contact… don’t become a recluse. Make sure that you get out and about. Consider taking your work with you to a different environment. Why not go to your local coffee shop that has decent wi-fi? Perhaps you know others who work from home, you could meet for lunch, work together at the same location? This tip extends to being social with people you are engaging with to do business – you may find yourself emailing people all the time, why not occasionally phone them or have a video call on Skype, get to know the real person behind the typing!

9. Stay off social media – If you have the tendency to get stuck into Facebook, Twitter, Google+… etc etc, and before you know it an hour has passed by, STAY AWAY. Fine if you allow yourself ‘brain breaks’ and have a little gander at what’s going on once in a while, but as a general rule, try to stay away from non value-add activity that will only take you off task.

10. Know when to stop working – Don’t forget to stop working! Sounds simple enough yet it’s so easy to keep on working and forget when to call it a day. The reality is, if you’re in the midst of setting up your own business, you never really ‘stop’ working, it’s on your mind all the time. But that said, it’s not healthy to work long hours repeatedly – not healthy for your business as well as for you.

If you like this article please head on over to my website – http://www.mummyentrepreneur.co.uk. You will find other interesting articles, plus the opportunity to sign-up for a free training series on how to set-up an online business from scratch.

About Amy Woods

Amy Woods is the creator of mummyentrepreneur.co.uk.  Her website aims to inspire working parents to explore the opportunity of setting up their own digital businesses. Her key message is about gaining flexibility and freedom.  She has her own online business in digital marketing, and she is in the process of establishing a second online business.  She offers a free 7-part video training series to anyone interested, or just intrigued, in setting up their own online business.

Connect with Amy via Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mummyentrepreneur

Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/105011383858281149244/+MummyentrepreneurUkdigital/posts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MummyDigital

 

 

Article Source: Top 10 Tips to Make You More Productive When Working From Home

Expert Author page on ezinearticles.com

 

9 Tips on How to Successfully Live Stream with Periscope, Meerkat & Blab

 in Guest Post  tagged connect / live stream / marketing / Meerkat / Mikhail Yourtaev / Periscope

In today’s guest post Mikhail Yourtaev shares practically about one type of marketing strategy

9 Tips on How to Successfully Live Stream with Periscope, Meerkat & Blab

by Mikhail Yourtaev

"9 Tips on How to Successfully Live Stream with Periscope, Meerkat & Blab" by Mikhail Yourtaev

If your not live streaming, Why Not? . . . You should be and the earlier you get started the more success you will have. Why?

Because its a really fast growing medium, where you can share your content and expertise with the entire world. But is it viable for business . . . Well you can decide on that from these figures . . .

To watch interview on Periscope Success Click Here

I have now met 2 coaches/marketers who have sold more than 5 figures in 5 weeks using live streaming, I have been on Periscopes where there are over 1000 viewers. Another marketer has got the attention of a CEO of a 30 billion dollar company. The CEO has over 1.5M followers on Twitter and only follows 148 and has now followed this particular marketer. Ultimate goal for the marketer is to interview the CEO on a Google Hangout and he has almost got the interview. Mind Blowing, Right? So you be the judge.

A social media coach has increased his business by 30% by using live streaming.

For live streaming there are 3 main platforms Periscope, Meerkat and Blab.im. I have used Periscope and Blab.im. Periscope is owned by Twitter so when you start a live stream it automatically posts to Twitter that you are live streaming. Blab is also integrated with Twitter also send out push notifications to your followers when you start a live stream . . . BRILLLIAAANT!

I have been using live streaming with Periscope myself for the last 2 weeks and the results are as follows:

1st cast I had just over 20 live viewers without any prior marketing, by the 3rd cast I had 85 live viewers. I have now done 8 Periscope and the live viewers are always between 60-90 viewers. Engagement is very high and you can pick up replay viewers too!

Persicope and Meerkat is yourself broadcasting to the world, but on blab.im you can have up to 4 people chatting together. I utilize periscope to broadcast live coaching calls, where as blab.im you can do a hot seat or interview other experts in your niche to provide vale for your prospects and clients. Because it is live and it is video know, like and trust can be built very quickly and a prospect can experience you as a coach and get a taste of your teaching before becoming a full time client.

Tips to get started . . .

  1. Have a GREAT internet connection. You will lose your audience if you have bad connection.
  2. Have great audio and video. I would suggest investing in a good mic that plugs into your phone, if you are going to be serious about it. I recommend using a Rode SmartLav +. Get the SmartLav + and not just the SmartLav. You can also enhance your video by using an olloclip. Don’t know what it is check it out here: http://www.olloclip.com/.
  3. Experiment with different times to determine when your audience is most active. For best results I found early morning or evening. Think about when your audience has dead time.
  4. To get better results, use social media to notify your followers you will be live streaming and what your topic will be about. Use twitter hashtagsin your title to get more reach. I usually tweet 1 hour before and then another tweet 10mins before the live streaming starts.
  5. Do a Q & A or Just give away your best content to grow a following quickly. You can delete a periscope immediately after finishing your live stream. If you don’t delete the replay, the replay stays up for 24hrs and then gets removed. There is an option in Periscope that you can set up so that your scope is recorded to your camera roll. You can than upload this to Youtube or your website. Genius!
  6.  Follow experts in your niche and join their Periscopes. Engage with the expert and share your knowledge and also ask thought provoking questions. If you positively differentiate yourself and the expert starts engaging with you, the expert will follow you and also recommend you to their followers.
  7. When you start your scopes ask the audience to invite their followers on Periscope and Twitter before you drop your value bombs! Very quick way to grow a following.
  8. Be consistent. Find a time that works with you and your audience and do a scope daily or every second day whatever works for you, but just be consistent.
  9. Have FUN! Be Yourself and Enjoy It!

Exclusive interview with a tested step-by-step live streaming strategy here . . .

Remember Live streaming is still new so by starting out now you can quickly become an expert on live streaming and have plenty of business opportunities in the future to train and teach others

One last point to consider . . . If you knew how BIG Youtube would become and had a opportunity to be an early adopter would you have started earlier on Youtube? You probably would have . . . well this is the next big thing in social media and growing very fast. So go out there and start live streaming.

Hey and don’t forget to invite me along for you first live stream and the rest of the journey my Twitter and Periscope handle is @MikhailYourtaev. Please feel free to contact me for advice.

About Mikhail Yourtaev

Helping businesses to increase their sales by 25% or more within 6-9 months.
Husband, Father, Business Turbo-Charger.