Category Archives: Kits Tips Archive

As we swirl around in that small boat in the middle of a rushing river, it’s normal to have old doubts resurface. Some call it the inner critic, the saboteur or the gremlin.

This chattering voice in our heads is endless – Do I still have the right stuff? Do I have the right skills? Do I have the right knowledge? Do I know the right people, am I too old, too young, too experienced, too inexperienced? And this voice holds us back just when we need the confidence, the energy and the focus to chart these new waters.

While we are busy convincing ourselves that we can’t, or shouldn’t, take action on our own behalf, others are digging deep to find their inner entrepreneur spirits and creating opportunities for themselves. So, look carefully at your own beliefs and behaviors and if they’re not helping you right now, make them the first things to toss out of that boat. Here’s how:

• Know What You Want (Personally & professionally in 2009)
• Name It (What are those self-limiting beliefs that keep creeping in?)
• Ask Yourself (Is this belief getting me where I what to be?)
• Move It Over (Don’t argue with it, just move it over for now.)
• Substitute (Practice another message that is positive & proactive.)

Here’s an example. You want your business to stay open and show some financial growth in 2009. But the “tried and true” product or service you have been providing is not selling right now. Do you stay with what is comfortable even if it’s not working, or do you reposition and remarket your business? That takes guts. This is when those self-doubts can come rushing in to immobilize us.

These are strategic choices – a fork in the river – that can make all the difference in how 2010 will look for you and your business.

Yes. If you don’t need it, toss it out. And pick up what you do need. In this month’s wonderful book, The Next Level, Scott Eblin describes this process as making strategic choices. These choices start with:

Once you have that clear understanding, you need to get up above the situation. Imagine you’re in a helicopter up above that turbulent river – so you can see what’s ahead of you and what’s coming at you. Get the fullest perspective you can.

Based on that information and knowing your own strengths, you can then make strategic choices. What do you need to keep in that boat and what do you need to toss out to successfully navigate through upcoming bends in the river? Move quickly but thoughtfully. Here are the steps:

Get up above for a wider, 360-degree perspective.

1. Assess what’s needed in this new situation.
2. Know what you want to achieve in this next level.
3. Intentionally choose to pick up new behaviors and beliefs that you need.
4. Have the courage let go of behaviors and beliefs that no longer serve you.

There are many, many uses of technology to take yourself to the next level of business success, which means lots of choices and decisions for you to make.

How to begin?By asking yourself, “What do I want?” This is the “Why am I doing this?” question. Do I want to keep my job in this tough economy, move into a new job, attract new clients, build my own business or just stay socially in touch. And then think carefully about what value you can provide your target audience. This is key! This is what people are thinking – how can you make their lives easier? What do they come to you for and why? Keep in mind those trends we were talking about last month and ask yourself “Why” and then Who, What, When, Where and How. Answer those questions and you have the beginnings of a marketing plan for yourself!

• Who is my ideal client/customer/audience?
• What value can I provide them?
• When is the best time to reach them?
• Where are they?
• How do I reach them?

For this first Monday on this first month of the 2009, let’s focus our eyes toward the future.

What are the trends in today’s global economy and world markets? What is everyone talking about? What are the big problems our country and other countries face? What industries are growing, what is declining and where are people willing to put their time, energy and efforts?

Here are 3 ways to find out what’s happening:

• Grab an international, national and local newspaper. With a black Sharpie, scan the headlines for trends. Circle them all and start to notice big areas of interest such as the “Green” movement, sustainable energy, universal health care and global inter-connections, to name a few.
• Listen to people’s complaints. What are they struggling with? Is this a trend (example: lack of time)? Remember: where there is a problem, there is a job.
•  Watch those wild gadgets and products hitting the market. What is their appeal and what need do they satisfy?

This past year was certainly a wild roller coaster ride. And 2009 will probably be just as challenging. So hold onto your hats and be ready to kick it up to the next level. Let’s be bolder, more creative and a lot more willing to take risks as we grow ourselves and our businesses in the New Year.