Guest Post

Find Time to Turn Problems Upside Down With 3 Questions 2

19 June 2015 in Guest Post tagged beyond stuck / beyond stuck points / explore beyond / moving beyond stuck / Paula Eder / problem / questions / solution / step beyond stuck / stuck place / time

In today’s guest post Paula Eder, “The Time Finder”, shares some of her expertise and knowledge in:

Find Time to Turn Problems Upside Down With 3 Questions

by Paula Eder

"Find Time to Turn Problems Upside Down With 3 Questions" by Paula Eder

Finding time to actually SOLVE problems is one of the most energizing things you can do! Just watch as one problem successfully solved leads to a dramatic increase in your confidence and energy for taking on new challenges – even in areas that are totally unrelated to your original problem.

Let me share with you three of my favorite “power questions” for helping you get unstuck. These have proven to be remarkably effective in helping my clients move from stymied to successful when a challenge has (temporarily) stopped them in their tracks.

What is it that helps? At the core of these three questions lies your creativity. You’re encouraged to tap your creative powers so you can visualize your challenge in fresh ways. This shift in perspective gives you fresh… even surprising… ideas for solutions, too.

1) What does my stuck place LOOK LIKE?

Your image-rich right brain offers a wealth of fresh insights, if you open to the answers it provides. What DOES this stuck place remind you of? Quicksand? A roadblock? Or is it a threatening figure or animal? Draw a quick sketch to sharpen your insights and to provide fresh clues.

Have fun with this exercise in intuition. Use your ingenuity to progress beyond the obstacle you see impeding your progress. Can you translate this success into a tactic that might carry you one step beyond stuck? If your project is a long-range one, consider asking yourself at bedtime for a dream that enriches your understanding still further.

2) What is this impasse GIVING me?

Try this question when you’re REALLY stumped, and be sure to always speak to yourself with friendly curiosity- not blame! Your intention is to better comprehend that you ALWAYS exercise power – even when you feel stuck. You can redirect your energy to move forward on your project, after you weigh the actual pros and cons of spinning your wheels.

This question also helps you to identify old bargains you may have struck with yourself in earlier times. Once you put words to them and recognize how circumstances have changed, revising those old scripts can proceed quite quickly!

3) Where am I HIDING MY POWER?

Yes, the good news is that it’s there SOMEWHERE – all of your insights and grit to succeed! All you need is to locate your winning energy and discover what is covering it up. Forming a picture of your power calling out to you as you explore beyond the resentment, resistance, and fear can be very inspiring!

You may even decide to cast off some of what stands between you and your progress. Maybe you will let go of an excuse you no longer wish to rely upon, or an unrealistically high standard that has paralyzed you.

Moving beyond stuck points is really self-actualization. Problem solving generates more confidence, clarity and enthusiasm! So give yourself every advantage – actually try these out! If these questions wake you up and intrigue you, try printing them out. Then you can refer to them the next time you lose valuable momentum.

About Paula Eder

There’s a different way to be in your day, and I want to share it with you!

My name is Paula Eder. I mentor spirit-driven solopreneurs and small business owners to align their core values and energy with their time choices and behaviors so that they can make more money, create more freedom, and find more time.

Living on a working farm in rural New Hampshire, my connection with time is organic, spiritual, and down-to-earth practical – much like the vitality and resiliency of the seasons. From my base in New Hampshire I’ve maintained a thriving international coaching practice for the past 35 years, am a published author, a Certified Coach in Kendall Summerhawk’s Money Breakthrough Methodâ¢ Program; and a certified graduate of the Vanguard class of the Authentic Happiness Coaching Program conducted by Martin E. P. Seligman, PhD; and Ben Dean, PhD.

I have always been fascinated with time’s ability to hold the most profound and the most mundane moments simultaneously. Helping people understand time through the gateway of their hearts is my passion. My Heart-Based Time Management System helps busy people just like you develop the skills to make authentic time choices that lead to work success, personal growth, vibrant health, and an ever-deepening relationship with yourself and those you love.

To learn more about my unique, Heart-Based Time Management System and begin your transformational journey, sign up for my Finding Time Success Kit. Discover how you can find time for what matters most.

Want to explore your True Power and your Wise Inner Voice more fully?

Let’s explore time together…

You will find expert guidance quickly with our free, weekly Finding Time Tips. You are invited to sign up at http://www.thetimefinder.com/time-resources

Each short Finding Time Tip is paired with a practical action step that you can use immediately to enhance your time effectiveness. As a bonus, you’ll also receive our free, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time Ezine where we discuss the role of time in our lives.

Offered by Paula Eder, Ph.D. The Time Finder.

Article Source: Find Time to Turn Problems Upside Down With 3 Questions

Article expert page

Coaching and Wisdom

12 June 2015 in Guest Post tagged 3 principles / coaching / consciousness / development / experience / growth / Liz Scott / mind / Thought

In this weeks guest post experienced coach and trainer Liz Scott shares some of her personal experience about her journey as a coach.

Coaching and Wisdom

By Liz Scott

A guest post by Liz Scott

The other day a client sat beside me telling me he was stressed. He relayed stories of pressurised work, poor relationships and a tricky childhood. He had a myriad of thoughts, fears and worries and his life was at breaking point. In no uncertain terms he told me he wanted to be ‘fixed’. It was a compelling story and his impatience was palpable. He wanted some tools and strategies to find a quick solution.

The trouble is I don’t work like that any more. Although I have completed hundreds of hours of training and have a myriad of tools, techniques and theories; they are rarely used. Instead I draw on my understanding of something called the Three Principles.

The Three Principles has had a profound influence on my life (I feel more peaceful and relaxed) and I’m starting to share this understanding with my clients. It simplifies my coaching and helps me to focus on inner wisdom.

During this session with my client I noticed a deep feeling of love and compassion and I just kept bringing him back to recognising his own internal wisdom and spirit. Did he skip off into the sunset fired with enthusiasm? No he didn’t. Was this session a success? Yes it was.

The most useful thing we can tell our clients is about the nature of being human; the Three Principles provides the building blocks of understanding. When clients get a glimpse of this they start the most fulfilling journey possible. When they stop trying to fix their thoughts and circumstances they can taste real freedom.

The Three Principles points to the three components of our human experience. These are:

Thoughts: We all have thoughts and when we believe our thoughts that is our reality
Consciousness: We are all able to bring our world alive. We have the ability to experience an emotional and physical world
Mind: There is a spiritual/universal force that is behind life

When you view the Three Principles as a list you probably feel underwhelmed! When you start to experience them at work in your life it feels enriching.

I am still new as a 3P coach and my style may not be slick or clever, but it is authentic. When I get a sense of my spiritual wisdom I am able to share and respond from a grounded and loving space.

Liz Scott and Husband with Labradoodle Buzz

My new journey

If you’d like to learn more about the 3Ps then follow me on my journey (both metaphysical and real).Over the summer my husband and I are cycling from Devon to London and back (with our Labradoodle Buzz) to talk to authors and facilitators of the Three Principles. If you would like to learn more as we learn more then follow this link http://forms.aweber.com/form/58/1527998558.htm

About Liz Scott

Liz Scott Coaching and Training Liz Scott is a leadership coach and coaching skills trainer. She works extensively in schools helping to develop coaching cultures. Liz and her husband Stu run their business www.lizscottcoaching.com and they also the leaders of a supportive network for coaches www.coachingconnect.co.uk

Does This Fear Inhibit Your Business?

5 June 2015 in Guest Post tagged Adele Michal / business growth / clients / confidence / fear / fulfillment / good enough / letting go / mindset / money

In this weeks guest post Adele Michal shares some of her experience and knowledge gained from working with women entrepreneurs.

Does This Fear Inhibit Your Business?

By Adele Michal

"Does This Fear Inhibit Your Business?" by Adele Michal

Do you ever wonder why so many mission-driven entrepreneurs find getting really clear on what they offer and how to talk about it to prospective clients so difficult?

FEAR plagues many women entrepreneurs who want to make a difference. Fear has many faces. I’ll talk about several of them here in the next few weeks.

Naming fears and clearing them out of your system is the BEST WAY for you to get clear on what services you offer in your business so that you develop ease enrolling your ideal clients.

Let’s talk about one fear that may be affecting you and your business without your knowing it so that you can address and change it.

The FEAR of doing it WRONG!

If you are like most women in business, you fear:

messing up,
not being perfect, and
not knowing how to respond to a new situation or challenge.

Many men do not have this fear and in fact, are quite confident that they can do things they’ve never done before or been trained to do.

In contrast, many very capable women resist trying something new and instead seek another certification or more training so they are sure to be able to handle what might come up.

As you can imagine, fear of doing “it” wrong keeps many service-based entrepreneurs from getting clear on exactly what they offer, how it benefits their clients, and how valuable it is.

Many of us were raised to be “good girls” and want to please the people who are important to us. Caring about others is what we do as women, but in business we can carry it too far.

Let’s look at a way to address the Fear of Doing It Wrong:

Ask yourself where in your business and offerings you are trying to please someone besides yourself.

Do you discount your prices?
Do you stay unclear about your services and offers so that no one knows exactly what you do?
Do you do too many trades or complimentary sessions?

(** See my note below)

Behind all of these actions is a fear of not pleasing someone who matters to you. Ask yourself:

Who is that person?

What would s/he say if you tried something new or bold?

How would s/he respond if you did something wrong?

As you come up with your answers to these questions, imagine a different response than fear.

Could you laugh at yourself for thinking that anyone would really want less than the best for you?

Can you release some of the fear by breathing it out and give yourself some freedom to move forward another step?

How about giving yourself a Free Pass from Perfection for the next 30 days? Intend to do it wrong. Let yourself learn. You can perfect it later and the world will not fall apart.

It is critical to you and your business that you name, face, and disable your fear of Doing It Wrong. If you’re not clearly sharing your work and gifts with the people you are meant to help, they cannot get the benefit of working with you. And that is a shame.

Life and business are messy. There’s no such thing as perfection. Doing is better than perfect. We’ll all survive if you don’t get it right this time. Next time you’ll know how to make it better.

I invite you to disengage from your Fear of Doing It Wrong this month. Please let me know how it goes for you. You may be surprised at how much you like the freedom to learn by doing.

** When you’re first starting your practice or service business, it’s good to do a few no cost or low-cost sessions to get experience and clarity about who you like to work with. It’s also sometimes appropriate to do a trade with someone whose work you really value and want. And it’s surely good to give pro-bono work to someone who can’t afford your fees at this time.

But if you are not charging, not charging enough, or doing a lot of trades, you are sabotaging your business, not giving your clients an opportunity to invest in themselves, and telling yourself subconsciously that what you do is not valuable.

This is a dangerous trend and does not serve you or your clients. Look at what you are afraid of and summon up the courage to face it. I promise it will be rewarding.

About Adele Michal

Adele Michal helps entrepreneurs and small business owners help more people and make more money by teaching them how to sell authentically instead fearing sales.

Adele is the creator of Peak State Selling™ Process. She works with individual clients and leads training courses on Selling Without Fear™. She focuses her work on helping her clients enhance their performance in authentic selling by using simple mind/body practices that create confidence, certainty, and charisma in every situation.

To receive Adele’s Free Gift, End Your Money Worries: 3 Simple Steps to Stop Squashing Your Income & Start Making More Money! go to www.womenmakemoremoney.com/gift

Article Source:Does This Fear Inhibit Your Business?

Article expert page: Adele Michal

How Disc Assessment Can Help Coaches to Assist Other

29 May 2015 in Guest Post tagged coaching tool / DISC assessment / Laura Morrissey

In this weeks guest post Laura Morrissey discusses a tool coaches can use with their clients.

How Disc Assessment Can Help Coaches to Assist Others

By Laura Morrissey

"How Disc Assessment Can Help Coaches to Assist Others" by Laura Morrissey

As a committed coach, you will know coaching has many different angles and whether you are a life coach, corporate coach, spiritual coach, etc. your aim at the end of the day is to fundamentally bring out the best in people , prepare, encourage, and steer them towards their capabilities and in the direction they want.

A good coach will draw out and develop a person’s potential from within, rather than push and try to influence then from the external environment. For this reason, Disc Assessment can be a valuable tool for coaches, being a form of coaching itself, the aim of the software is to make an individual more aware of their own inner and outer traits and qualities, presenting them with feedback and knowledge on how to utilize their traits to work with others and work as best as they can.

DISC

Disc works on the basis that a person’s character and traits can fall into one (or more) of four fields; Dominance, Influential, Steadiness, Conscientious. Each of these four groups represents a number of different defining qualities, the goals of each ‘type’ and how to deal and work with that person. However, as each individual is different, many find that their own character falls into more than one field, which can be even more beneficial particularly in the working world.

The dominant individual is competitive, driven, forceful, and strong-willed and is motivated by winning and success. They need a brief bottom line when being dealt with, seeking control of audience and independence.

Influential people are usually centred on group activities, marvelling in social recognition. It is important to share your experiences with this person, asking questions and allowing them so talk and you can recognise this person through their magnetic, warm and disorganised ways. Victory and friendship are what this person seeks.

Those under steady however are calm and patient, appreciating the status-quo and controlled environments. They need others who can react quickly to unexpected change and who can apply pressure on others and these are some of their witnesses.

The conscientious type however seek to gain knowledge and enjoy showing their expertise and quality work. Accuracy, stability and personal growth are important and when dealing with this person, facts and details are important to focus on.

DISC and the Individual

By understanding which character profile(s) your client falls into, you can better understand how to deal with your client and how best to approach them in order for them to reach their own level of efficiency. The in-depth feedback that disc offers, which you can use to develop the individual, allows them to become better acquainted with themselves and to utilize their skills and traits in an effective way in the working environment or life in general.

Conflict often surfaces when there is a lack of understanding between people, when others do not act in conformity to our expectations, or when we do not understand the reason, motivation or intention behind the actions of others. Personality clashes can be a common issue, although learning about your own personality and understanding the character traits of others can really help you work through conflict and reduce it greatly.

As well as dealing with personality clashes, Disc can also help to identify stress. It is able to detect and aid colleagues who are prone to stress and/or frustration, factors which can result in negativity, sickness, and under-achievement. This can hinder the progress of their organisation’s objectives.

In addition, for individuals who excel in their job roles (that match their skills, attitude and behaviour) and who have a keen determination and motivation, Disc can help to identify qualities and skills within a person such as management and leadership skills, organisation, sales aptitude and team-player qualities.

Coaching and DISC

As a coach, you may find it beneficial to use Disc yourself for a more personal involvement, in order to determine a better way that you yourself can help clients. For example, a dominant coach may want to provide peace and harmony, influential coaches may be interested in meeting with new people, steady coaches may have a high willingness to help people whereas a conscientious coach will seek peace and can adapt well.

When entering an environment where you are helping people progress using Disc, it is useful to understand yourself how it works and how it can help you to develop as a person and within a working environment. You will have the capability to understand how you address clients, improving your approach and how to make your advice and coaching more effective to each individual.

About Laura Morrissey

Laura Morrissey is a digital content editor for Disc Assessment. She shares tips for both leaders and coaches in working to the best of their ability together. Her specialist areas are coaching and team building.

Connecting with Laura via Social Media:

On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrisseylaura

On Twitter: @LauraMorrissey

Close More Sales With Killer Testimonials

22 May 2015 in Guest Post tagged clients / marketing / Mikhail Yourtaev / sales / sales process / satisfied customers / testimonials / video testimonials

In today’s guest post Mikhail Yourtaev shares some of his sales expertise and knowledge in:

Close More Sales With Killer Testimonials

by Mikhail Yourtaev

"Close More Sales With Killer Testimonials" by Mikhail Yourtaev

Every sales process should have testimonials to build trust with a prospect.There is no doubt that powerful testimonials from previous or existing customers will boost your chances of converting new sales because testimonials connect with the natural human desire to find consensus before making a purchase. Most people are followers and before deciding to make a purchase, people love to comfort themselves that they are making the correct decision by researching what others are saying about the product or service that you are offering.

3 Types of Testimonials

Written testimonials
Audio testimonials
Video testimonials.

Nail these 3 types of testimonials and you will increase your sales. Prepare to delve deeper into each of these testimonials.

Written Testimonials

Written testimonials are the least effective of the three types. This is because there is not a lot of trust that can be built as new age consumers are more savvy than they were previously and realize that written testimonials can be fake. Therefore because scammers use fake written testimonials as a sales conversion technique to profiteer from selling bad products or services to customers, genuine ethical marketers suffer as well. Thus the need arises for a different type of testimonial.

Audio Testimonials

Audio testimonials are better than written as there is a genuine human voice that can be heard. Your prospect can also hear the emotions in your satisfied customers voice. If those emotions are positive, which they should be than your prospect attributes these positive emotions to your service or product. Your prospect can imagine themselves being in the same position as your satisfied customer for whom you have solved a problem.

Video Testimonials

Video testimonials are the best type of testimonial that you can acquire from a satisfied customer. This is because your prospect can now not only hear but also see your customers. Your prospect can also see and hear the emotions that your satisfied customers are experiencing when they are talking about your service or product. This builds trust between you and your prospect. Therefore bringing them closer in buying your service or product.

Bonus Super Tactic

Get awesome results by using this simple template when acquiring testimonials to use in your sales process. Ask your customers the following 3 questions to get killer results.

What was life, like before using your service or product?

What is life, like now using your product or service?

What will life, be like in 12 months and beyond using your product or service?

These 3 questions create a big brighter future for your prospects. Your prospects can see and hear how your product or service has added value to the life of your satisfied customers and your prospects will imagine the same transformation in their lives. Thus building trust and bringing them a step closer in buying from you.

What if the prospect does not buy?

Well you have built trust and can now enjoy building a relationship with your new prospect and you never know this prospect can turn into a life-long customer.

Conclusion

Do what ever it takes to acquire killer testimonials from satisfied customers, especially video testimonials. Try to gather these testimonials when your customers emotions are highest, which is when they are using your service and product and it is adding value to their lives. Happy testimonial hunting.

About Mikhail Yourtaev

Do you want to learn more timeless sales strategies? Grab your FREE training HERE: http://www.easysalestraining.com

Article Source: Close More Sales With Killer Testimonials

Article expert: Mikhail Yourtaev

Ready For a Boost in Your Biz?

15 May 2015 in Guest Post tagged coaching business / Kim Kirmmse Toth / Positive Aging Inc / VIP Days / Virtual Retreat Days

In this weeks guest post expert Kim Kirmmse Toth shares a couple of things you can offer in your coaching practice to boost your business.

Ready For a Boost in Your Biz?

VIP Days and Virtual Retreat Days!

By Kim Kirmmse Toth

"Ready For a Boost in Your Biz? VIP Days and Virtual Retreat Days!" by Kim Kirmmse Toth Seriously, this is something you really need to add to your business if you have not already. I have done so many of these myself and I love them!

There are many people who use these two terms, VIP and VRD, as being the same. I see them differently.

I see a VIP day as being with one person for anywhere from 2 to 4 or 5 hours. Your client is totally in charge of the agenda so you as their coach/mentor have no planning to do or preparations to be made. I do like for clients to give me some of the topics they wish to discuss. That way, I may have some resources that might be helpful to them.

These VIP days can be ‘stand alone’ sessions for a particular client or they can be part of a High End Platinum Program that people are paying you very good money for. They are an excellent bonus or reward for paying up front.

A Virtual Retreat Day (VRD), in my mind, is with a group and a chosen topic. I have done them on Niche, setting up High End Platinum Programs, How to Charge What You Are Worth and other topics.

I like to keep these groups small, usually no more than 5 people so everyone gets a lot of personal attention.

Basically, we are on and off the phone 4 to 5 times during the day. Everyone calls in on a bridge line. I teach for maybe 20 to 40 minutes and answer any questions. I give them their ‘assignment’ and we all hang up. They do their work and I get to hang! Then we all get back on the phone at a particular time and review the work they have done. Then we move on to the next teaching point and continue this way for about 4 hours. It is a fast way to get a lot learned or experienced rather than doing a 6 week teleclass or something that is more stretched out. People like that!

One of the most fun ones I have done, and I should do again, was an Organization Virtual Retreat Day.

Some clients and I were all lamenting about how messy our home offices were so we got together on a Friday afternoon, on the phone. We each committed to what it was we were going to do anywhere from cleaning off desks, to filing to deleting emails. Anything that had to do with organizing your office.

We made our commitments, I wrote them all down, then we would hang up the phone. We took 45 minutes to do our ‘work’ then got back on the phone again and shared what we had accomplished. And we all were amazed at how much we had done!

We did this all afternoon and after we all had our final call I was so charged up I just kept going.

Be creative with these “Days”. There really are no hardcore rules here.

Your clients will appreciate you!

About Kim Kirmmse Toth

Kim Kirmmse Toth LCSW, PCC mentors entrepreneurial ‘women after 50’ on how to build a business around your life, in part-time hours, to ensure your financial freedom & safety in your retirement years. Get her FREE series on how you can do this also at http://positiveaginginc.com

Kim is doing a training call on the subject of VIP and Virtual Retreat Days this Wednesday (20th May) as part of her mentorship program. Click here to find out more.

Article Source: Ready For a Boost in Your Biz? VIP Days and Virtual Retreat Days!

Article Expert: Kim Kirmmse Toth

Do You Know Where to Start in Growing Your Business?

8 May 2015 in Guest Post tagged business / business development / business growth / business success / Sheela Masand

In this weeks guest post expert Sheela Masand shares on the topic of business and growing a coaching practice.

Do You Know Where to Start in Growing Your Business?

By Sheela Masand

"Do You Know Where to Start in Growing Your Business?" by Sheela Masand

“I just don’t know where to start”

This is one of the common answers I hear having asked the question – how can I help you?

So in my business, practitioners are coming to me to help them grow their businesses/practices which generally means they need clients. They are heart centred service professionals and the fact that you are part of this community, I imagine you are one of these too and can relate.

You may have just the same question too.

Where to start?

Well, there are no hard and fast rules as far as I am concerned, but one of the most helpful places to start is to ask yourself WHY?

The big why.

The reason you took that training and paid all that money and spent all that time. What inspired you to do that?

My guess is that it is because you experienced some type of transformation in your life and so you want to go and share that with others because it has been so life changing for you. It might be a health issue, a relationship struggle, a financial challenge or a mental/emotional situation. Whatever it is, I encourage you to write it down and dig deep.

This is the fuel for your journey of growing your business. At least it’s one type of fuel I know of that works. When you really dig into your big why, your reason for embarking upon the road less travelled (not the traditional job route), you will feel the inspiration and the next step ie, where to start, will most likely reveal itself to you.

There are a couple of reasons I see why this happens.

1. As you explore the question… WHY… your thoughts are changing and so are your feelings. Generally this leads to feelings of inspiration as you uncover the reasons why.

2. You will feel more connected to the Source/Universe/God as old habitual thinking of overwhelm or confusion drop away. This leaves space for new thoughts to emerge and the first step to be seen.

Ever feel like giving up?

Your big why is what will keep you going in times you feel like giving up, that’s why it’s so important to write it down and keep it somewhere you can refer to when required. We all have those times we feel like throwing in the towel. Yours might sound something like:

“I’m just not good enough”… or
“nobody will ever work with me”… or
“why do I keep struggling when I could just get a job?”

This is completely “normal” and normal in this context means you are not the only one! I speak to lots and lots of solo-preneurs who feel like giving up many times over and yet something keeps them going (most of them anyway).

They remember WHY they chose to do their “thing” whether it’s coaching, massage, teaching, homeopathy or creating dream weekends for people. Quite often they remember how it felt to them to not have the solution to the problem they had and if they hadn’t found that particular service, their lives would not have changed.

Remembering the big WHY is what gets most practitioners jumping out of bed in the morning and raring to take action.

Me too!

Here’s a little of my BIG WHY shared with the intention of helping you get yours written.

I love to help people who love to help people! I love knowing that for each person I can support with their work, there is a ripple effect through the work they are doing and so it goes on rippling out in the world. I also know that what I do is not just about business. My work helps on a very personal level too and that ripples out within a person’s personal life too.

My aim through sharing the understanding of the Three Principles is specifically to help end unnecessary human suffering. As I watch and listen to what is happening in the world, I quite often question us as a species, why do human beings cause so much destruction and pain and how can I help to change it? I always come back to the same answer. The reason I see that this is happening is because of a lack of consciousness and misunderstanding.

When I hear stories of young girls being sold into prostitution, my heart is so heavy it hurts and I ask why again. Why would one human being do this to another human being? What is wrong with them? And then I remember again. The misunderstanding. That’s WHY I do what I do.

So if I can help in some way to open people’s eyes to the misunderstanding and point them in the direction of how it all works, then that’s what I want to do.

That’s what I am doing and that’s what keeps me going when I feel like it’s all too much or too little, or that little voice tells me I’m just not good enough at what I do.

So what’s your BIG WHY?

I encourage you take 10 minutes to uncover it. Please don’t underestimate the power of knowing your BIG WHY, it really can reveal your next step to growing your heart centred business.

I’d love to hear your BIG WHY. Please share with the community either on the blog knowing that this inspires others, or if it’s not for public consumption, send me a private message by emailing sh****@**********nd.com

About Sheela Masand

Sheela Masand was a co-founder and working partner of a multi-million Euro import business in Spain where she has lived for over 29 years. Her passion to help more people led her to open her current business, SheelaMasand.com, where she specializes in coaching and mentoring heart-based service professionals worldwide to get more clients and make more money.

Since coming across the Three Principles that explain how our lives work on a spiritual and psychological level, her work has shifted to become more organic, guided by wisdom and less dependent on tools and techniques. Her clients speak of major transformations in the way they see marketing, and instead of it being the hated piece of their business, they are happy to jump in and work their plans because it is fun, authentic and non-sales-y.

Sheela loves to work with people who are passionate about helping others have their own transformations, she sees herself as a support system for the helpers of the world. She has several different mediums through which she offers the support including bespoke one to one coaching programmes, VIP Days and an annual telesummit in partnership with a not for profit, plus several different training events and retreats on the sunny Costa Blanca in Spain.

Contact Sheela for more information on sh****@**********nd.com or call (0034) 67 759 6880

Sheela can help you to attract more clients and make more money in a fun and authentic way. Visit http://www.sheelamasand.com to pick up a special free gift “Top 3 Secrets to Attracting Clients without Spending a Cent.”

Article Source: Do You Know Where to Start in Growing Your Business?

Article Expert: Sheela Masand

Authentic Leadership Styles – Being True to You 2

1 May 2015 in Guest Post tagged authenticity / Dorie Clark / feedback / filter / impression / Lisa Thomson / Myers-Briggs / preferences / style / Susan Cain

In this weeks guest post business coach and HR professional Lisa Thomson shares and reflects upon a recent experience:

Authentic Leadership Styles – Being True to You

By Lisa Thomson

"Authentic Leadership Styles – Being True to You" by Lisa Thomson

“This above all: to thine own self be true.”
(Shakespeare)

This is a more of a personal reflection than many of my usual LinkedIn posts and content but is, I think, relevant in a professional context and I hope will be an interesting and stimulating point for discussion….

Recently (a couple of weeks ago) I was turned down for an opportunity I’d pursued and received feedback that I’ve been mulling over and digesting since. I always appreciate feedback, positive and negative, as constructive feedback is essential for our personal development. I try to do the same myself when recruiting – for the benefit of candidates.

I have to admit though, this one stung me a little. I was told I need stronger “gravitas and presence” to make a better first impression, and that with my current approach, for that opportunity, I’d run the risk of “being eaten alive”. Wow! As a result, I was very disappointed in myself, feeling I hadn’t represented my skills and approach to the best of my ability, and that I’d let myself down.

I’ve spent some time since though reflecting, and so share these thoughts in the hope this might be helpful and thought-provoking to others in my network too, or at least generate some discussion.

First Impressions Count…

Those of you who’ve met me in person I expect will have noticed that I am quietly spoken. I’m aware of this and have worked very hard to build my confidence and to project my voice, both throughout my earlier career and particularly during my recent participation on the Saltire Fellowship programme and studying in the States at Babson College, Boston.

I believe the only way to get better at the things you struggle with is to embrace them, and to push yourself out of your comfort zone as often as possible. For example when attending events, I always make an effort to ask questions and engage in group discussions.

I am a passionate networker, something I’ve learned to love – getting out to meet new contacts and share ideas as often as possible. I’ve had regular opportunities to develop my public speaking skills, through my role as Director for Scotland at Startup Grind, pitching at startup events & competitions, and most recently giving a talk at the launch of the Entrepreneurial Scotland Future Leaders network at Edinburgh Castle. I’m massively grateful for all of these opportunities and embrace these whenever I can.

Preferences and Styles….

My Myers-Briggs type, for those of you who are interested in psychometrics, is INFJ. A fantastic book for the introverts among us (and for the extroverts too!) is Susan Cain’s ‘Quiet’ – a great read on the often undervalued power of introverts and why those who shout the loudest are sometimes not the ones we should focus attention on…..

Having received the recent feedback mentioned above, I wondered whether I should have represented myself differently at the meeting, asserted myself more strongly, raised my voice louder or taken a more challenging approach. Perhaps. We can always improve ourselves and self and personal development is the only way.

However I also think that there is something to be said for staying true to yourself, and being authentic – and perhaps there is a point where, if we try too hard to be something we are not, we risk losing what makes us different and successful. In Boston, I attended a workshop with the inspiring Dorie Clark, author of Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Reimagine Your Future.

One enduring take away from that for me was:

“Your reputation lasts for a long time, and needs to be treated with respect. You won’t get very far if you try to be something you’re not. Rather, your personal brand is about figuring out who you really are and what you do best, and then living that brand out. It’s the essence of authenticity.”

In practice….

In my HR work, I regularly deal with tough situations. I’ve managed change projects, restructures, downsizing and very challenging employee relations issues, and received regular feedback from managers and leaders that my support and guidance has been invaluable – a strong and calming presence, keeping everyone right and on track in tough situations. I hugely appreciate that. I’ve managed these situations in my own style and my own tone of voice.

I believe I don’t need to shout to be heard, so long as what I have to say is credible and I have the knowledge and reasoning to back it up, and that the best way to gain respect and authority is through building positive relationships and building rapport – skills I do well, and am proud of.

I’m also not afraid to stick up for myself and what I believe in. Specializing in early stage and often founder-managed high-growth businesses, I’ve worked with some very strong and challenging characters during my career and am proud to have earned their ears, support and respect.

I probably don’t come across as a domineering character. I might not thrive in a ‘dog eat dog’ environment. However I’ve been privileged so far in my career and education to work with a number of incredibly supportive previous managers, mentors and contacts, who have believed in me, listened and helped to build my confidence and it’s in that type of positive environment I excel and thrive.

Summing Up….

And so what? Am I trying to lick my wounds in the face of rejection? I hope not. In summary, I think it’s important to know yourself, your strengths, to play to those strengths and to be authentic. It’s important to listen to feedback, take it on board, but also filter it – stay true to who you are. It might not be for everyone, but what matters most is that it’s right and works for you.

As a business coach, I work with clients to help develop confidence and leadership and management skills, and I’d love to hear your feedback on my thoughts above and any personal style or feedback challenges you might have faced or be working through. Please comment below or get in touch direct ( li**@**********co.uk), as I’d be delighted to hear from you.

About Lisa Thomson

Lisa is a 2014/15 Saltire Fellow with Entrepreneurial Scotland, with a range of HR experience gained in high-growth, Scottish technology companies including Wolfson Microelectronics, Axios Systems, Sumerian Europe and Aridhia Informatics. She is also Director for Scotland of Startup Grind, a global networking community for entrepreneurs operating in more than 160 City Chapters and 65 countries worldwide. She is a qualified Executive Coach having trained with the Edinburgh Coaching Academy and currently undertaking an ILM Level 7 accreditation qualification.

Lisa has recently returned from a programme of accelerated MBA programme studies at Babson College in Boston USA and is now building Purpose, a niche HR/Management growth consultancy providing services to early stage and investor backed businesses.

Connecting with Lisa via Social Media:

On LinkedIn at https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lisaandersonhr

On Twitter: @LisaA_HR