When I heard this, I had major resistance because I had “built” my business on this principle. Or so I thought.
My coach gave me a challenge and that was to NEVER do a TRADE again. Some call it bartering, I called it an energy exchange.
Is TRADE killing your business? It was mine and this is why.
The single greatest act of service you can give to your client that will create the biggest transformation is the opportunity to invest in themselves.
The investment is proof to themselves of their value, talent, potential and it now opens a flood of other possibilities. By not accepting that investment, you rob them of the very experience that they so desire, which is to embrace their own value.
The truth is if someone wants to work with you and they see the value in it they will do what ever it takes to invest in you. The excuse “I can’t afford it” is never about the money. It’s an easy way out, I’ve used it, I’ve had people use it on me and it’s not the true reason.
The new rule for doing a trade is you write the other person a check, they write you a check. Even if it’s the same amount and you essentially swap.
Isn’t it true that if you want something bad enough, you find a way?
I still do “trades” but this way we both have the rich EXPERIENCE of investing in ourselves and receiving value of what we have invested in. If you have ever done a traditional “trade” and one or both of you get burned out because you aren’t totally committed, it’s most likely because you didn’t value it completely from the beginning.
My TRADE Guidelines:
1. If it’s something that both parties already wanted, then do a trade. And a trade is NOW, you write them a check, they write you a check. You deposit each other’s checks and track it in your bookkeeping (which you are supposed to do with barters anyway by the way).
2. No more than 15% of your monthly income is done in trades. My rule of thumb is 10%, which is the same amount I give back, whether in donations, tithe, or gifting.
3. Exchange service for service. Exchange hard costs for hard costs. If I have a product that costs me (my hard cost) $300 and someone wants to trade me for two massages worth $300, I have to consider my hard costs. Is it worth it and does it makes sense? To make it easy, exchange service for service and hard cost for hard cost.
4. Track all exchanges in writing just as you would with any client or customer. Clarity serves everyone in the long run. Write it down. Keep it simple.
Wanna know the piece of coaching that rocked my world four weeks ago? What totally shook me up and caused me to question EVERYTHING? What caused me to let go of a ton of guilt, “should-haves,” and “what-ifs?”
First, let me explain the state I was in. I was hungry for something to shift in my life and businesses and ready to release what ever block, problem, what ever I had to, so I can get the results I wanted quicker. I saw some recurring patterns in my life and business and I was DONE! It was those tiny, little nagging things that added up to be big results.
I had realized that the whole idea of working harder, going a little bit longer, hang on tightly because it will eventually work out was a lie. And I had bought into it. But that wasn’t the real problem. The real problem was how in the world do I reframe THOSE stories of “working harder” with something that actually works? How do I stop working harder and work SMARTER?
Anyone else with me? Have you ever felt just so READY to be DONE with the current self-created circumstances? Have you ever felt like something has GOT TO GIVE so you can see the next step? I was there. I was soooooo there. Granted, things were going pretty well but I was ready for spectacular.
So I set the intention to find a teacher. Someone who can show me what I’m not seeing.
Then I come across Suzanne Evans. I was awed and inspired and loved her irreverence. She teaches business how it is while making an impact on the world worth noting. She didn’t cut corners, she is bold, honest, and most of all BRILLIANT. On our call I was asking her about the options she had available for clients and she got done telling me about her programs starting at $67 a month for a do-it-yourself product to her premium $47,000 a year package. I didn’t even question whether she could deliver $47,000 of value to my businesses and life. The only thing I was questioning is HOW I could swing forty-seven grand right now. Seriously? I’ve never purchased a car for even that much mula!
I settled on her $10,000 annual program and said something like “Hmmmm, I’m just not sure how I can make this happen right this second. There has got to be a way…”
And this is what rocked my world!
Suzanne said “Angela, what is there to worry about? You haven’t even made the decision. Until you make the decision there is no ‘how’ to even consider. You have to make the decision FIRST, the way will unfold but only AFTER you make the decision.”
Eh? I went into defense in my mind. I have to know what my options are and how each one would work and analyze what would work best and, and, and…let the insanity begin. Then I got it. OMG. I got it.
How many times did I THINK I was making a decision and I really wasn’t? I was preparing for Plan A to take place, while also preparing for plan B, C, D and F in the background of my mind going at the same time. No wonder I got confused, frustrated and got mixed results. I was giving my energy too many things to focus on.
When I thought I was making a decision, I was really letting myself off the hook from being 100% committed to my ideal outcome. End of story.
Making a decision means cutting yourself off from all other options. It means taking all other options off of the table. It means doing what ever it takes to fulfill the vision. (It doesn’t mean over-committing and doing it all by yourself while working yourself to death.)
I realized I had made a lot of “decisions” by default.
So I made the decision to work with Suzanne who is a seven-figure coach. When I made the decision the way unfolded. I put a project on hold because I realized that wasn’t my priority. This gave me the additional cash flow I needed. I launched a new product and program because it was finally time to stop hiding. Her program ended up being decreased in price by just over $4,000. I received money from unexpected resources. I found a killer flight to Orlando where our first live meeting will be with Suzanne and a mastermind. Everything supported me taking full advantage of the opportunity. I made the DECISION and expected it to be so. Things are still unfolding to support my DECISION.
When I catch myself saying “If this doesn’t go as planned, I can always do plan B, or it’s not a sign that I should do it…I know I haven’t made the decision but once again let myself off the hook from getting what I know at some level is possible.
“IF I hire (insert ANY company hire), HOW would I afford it?”
“If I attend this event, HOW could I schedule it in?”
“If I tell my client this isn’t working out, HOW will they respond.”
“If I tell my significant other they are bugging me, HOW will they react.”
Notice your conversations, if you start the statement with “IF” and it’s followed by worrying about a hypothetical situation, STOP. There is nothing to worry about until you make the decision. And even when you make the decision, worry isn’t required. Worry doesn’t get you closer to your desired results.
It’s simply making the decision. Commit. Take action. Ask for guidance. Rely on what you DO know. Trust. Surrender. Take more action. Get quiet. (Not entirely in that order, but close.) And the way will unfold.
Now this doesn’t go to say, you can’t change your mind ever. Or that it’s not useful to consider your options. But, do you get the impact of this on your relationships, bank account, business, health, etc. My world is still shaking from this simple, yet profound concept.
Making a decision means I take full accountability for my results. Yep, it can be a bit intense at times. But after all, I did say that I was “ready for something to give” so I could see my next step. Who would have thought that the ‘thing that would give’ would be my habit of being indecisive. Because if it didn’t work out, I would be the only person to point a finger at. WOW – now that is total honesty.
That is the true power.
And nothing feels better than to look at your results and know that you created it. You created the way. You received the support to make it possible and you couldn’t have designed it any more perfectly.
The only question left is “What is your decision?”
As I prepare everything for this year’s SHINE with Ali Brown, I’m super excited to share this contest with you that I am entering myself ASAP!
Check out this contest that can win you $5,000 for your business:
Are you sitting on a new business idea because you just don’t have the money to get started? Or, maybe you need a little support so you can feel confident about moving forward. Ali Brown–millionaire entrepreneur and Inc. 500 CEO–wants to help you launch your business!
Ali just announced her first EVER, “Let Ali Bankroll Your Business Competition.” Ali will select ONE lucky winner and invest $5,000 in their new business venture. A first-place winner will also be selected to win The Ultimate Ali Success Package—this is Ali’s complete success library, featuring every single system and toolkit she used (and STILL uses) to run her multi-million dollar enterprise.
“Let Ali Bankroll Your Business Competition”
Grand Prize: $5,000
First-Place Prize: The Ultimate Ali Success Package (a $4,997 value!)
Deadline to Enter: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 (by midnight EST)
To enter, you must do 3 things:
1. Fill out an application downloadable here:
http://www.autowebbusiness.com/app/?af=1122276
2. Fax application back to (877) 742-8046 or email your completed application to support@shineevent.com.
3. Post a video on Ali Brown’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/alibrownfan
4. Submit your application and post your video no later than midnight (12:00AM EST), Wednesday, October 20, 2010. That’s only
7 days away!
Ali will announce the winners Wednesday, November 3 at SHINE in Las Vegas. You must be in the room to claim your prize. If you
are serious about your new business idea and think you have what it takes to win, show your commitment.
SHINE is an intensive, 3 days of practical, hands-on training in topics like online marketing, business management, productivity,
business growth, 6-figure revenues, and more. You will walk away with the strategies, systems and tools to start your business,
guaranteed.
And if Ali picks you, you could walk away with $5,000 to finally launch your business. Learn all about the contest here:
http://tinyurl.com/2593mtr
Remember, the deadline to enter the “Let Ali Bankroll Your Business Competition” ends at midnight on Wednesday, October 20,
2010. Have fun with it, and good luck!
Good luck and see you at SHINE 2010!
With Love and To Your Success!
Angela
The first step to reaching your goals is to make a decision. Is ambiguity keeping you stuck in self doubt and falling short of accomplishing your dreams and goals?
I’m in process of learning a pretty HUGE lesson. I was getting frustrated about how things weren’t moving quickly enough in my businesses and I realized that I hadn’t FULLY committed to them. I half way committed. I committed when it was easy. I took action when it was convenient. But my goals were still negotiable.
Have you ever moved down a path but with “Plan B” still present in your mind the whole time? Yet wonder why Plan A wasn’t happening?
I remember my mentor Lisa Nichols telling me that until my goals were NON Negotiable, any little thing will get in my way. Any excuse will do.
The first step is to make the decision. This is what I hear a lot of (in my own head and a lot of people around me):
If it’s meant to be then it will work out, I’m not going to force it.
Well that didn’t work out, I guess ti’s not supposed to happen.
The result of this thinking is that once again in our lives and in our business, we settle for mediocrity. We negotiate on our vision. In a way we give up and justify it.
NOW, there is a balance between the flow and getting the job done. There are times when my vision is big enough that the hurdles that come up are not going to make me quit. What the hurdles WILL do though is guide me down a different path but still reaching my vision.
I realized that there were things I was “working on” that I hadn’t full committed to. It was a part-time goal so how could I get frustrated with a part-time result?
The first thing for success is to make the decision that you are going to do what ever you are going to do. When we wait for everything to align perfectly, what we have is waiting.
Look at what you are working on in your life and in your business. Where things are not matching what you want, ask yourself if you have really committed. Chances are, you haven’t.
Let me know what you find.
With Love and To Your Success!
Angela
WOW! WOW! WOW!
I am so uplifted and inspired after Biz Divas tonight!
Quite honestly, I was feeling a little burned out this summer and decided to put Biz Divas on hold for two months so I could re-prioritize and decide if running Biz Divas still fit in my vision. I learned a very valuable lesson because I allowed myself to take a step back and re-evaluate. Thanks to my coach Heather Laughter for assisting me with getting clear about how to move forward and remember my passion.
This is what I learned and it’s ironic that it’s what I taught at Biz Divas also this month. 
We teach what we need to learn the most.
I was reminded of my passion and realized that I got stuck in some of the mechanics that drive me bonkers. I’m not the detail person, yet I was focusing on the details…yet I was wondering why I was getting burned out???? Hilarious!
This is one my absolute favorite videos and this was shown tonight at Biz Divas also.
Entrepreneurs are making a difference. It starts with our personal economy, then ripples to our local economy creating a global shift.
Marilyn Sorensen: Visionary, JV Genius & Professional Hugger.
Thank to you to the beautiful and amazing Marilyn Sorensen for being my partner in success and the other half of the “Power Twins!” She was a fantastic co-presenter tonight!
Wow, it’s been months since I’ve posted an article…which is a sign, I’ve just come out of a major reorganization and re-focus on what I love. I allowed myself to get carried away with other tasks that I didn’t really love and now I’m back and it feels good.
It feels awesome to be back in action and creating some pretty spectacular momentum. Plus, I learned how to keep connected in the middle of climbing a taller mountain at a pace I’ve never experienced before.
I spent labor day weekend in Star Valley, Wyoming, which is the home to my hubby Richard. It was there that I got some amazing ah-has and insights.
Before the weekend, I set the intention to receive clarity and inspiration on what direction to take certain aspects of my business. I asked for more clarity and confidence in my message and the courage to share my passions more broadly. I then just stepped back and allowed to happen what was going to happen.
I was amazed at the simplicity of my answers and found them everywhere.
Ah-ha #1: Just Because I Don’t See Anything Doesn’t Mean Things Aren’t Happening
Looking at the opening of where the water emerges and it "appears" that nothing is happening.
In Afton, WY (one of the towns of Star Valley) there is the Swift Creek Intermittent Spring. There is an underground lake that fills up a pocket just below the surface and when that pocket fills up, it runs down Swift Creek. This happens intermittently every 15 minutes or so during the summer and fall.
It’s crazy to think that this creek only runs about every 15 minutes…yet there is always water under the surface.
I hiked to the top of this creek and I was in awe…
At the top looking down when the creek is running.
Just because you can’t see or hear the water filling just below the surface, doesn’t mean that activity isn’t happening. It just takes patience and trust that nature will keep producing what it’s produced for many years…
How many times in my business did I consider walking away because what I could “see” wasn’t matching what I “wanted to happen.” My logical reasoning was that nothing was happening so I need to move somewhere else.
What would have happened in those moments of walking away, I would have realized that possibly something better than what I wanted was being created, I just couldn’t see it yet?
What I learned at the top of this creek was that there is always movement. Sometimes it’s more subtle than other times and it looks much different than it did last time, than we think it will when we imagine it in our heads, or different than what other people tell us.
The point is that something is happening and it’s up to me to have clarity in my intentions and desired results to know when to be patient, take action or when to move. When I’m grounded in my intentions and clear about it, I will know.
Which brings me to my second ah-ha!
Ah-ha #2: If I’m Not Rooted in My Purpose, I will Lose My Footing
What does it mean to be so laser focused that it doesn’t matter what gets in your way? You know know you are in the right place at the right time, taking the right action for the right reason.
I was walking down the path back to the head of the trail and saw this tree on the steep interface. The tree was at least 20′ tall and it’s roots were twisted around anything near it so it could stay rooted in the earth. The tree wasn’t trying to be or do anything else, just BE what it is. It wasn’t trying to be a rock near the river, or a wild flower patch, it simply is a tree not trying to do anything else.
Where are your roots?
How many times do I lose my footing because I attempt to BE something other than what I inherently am? How often do you lose focus of your vision because another path looks more fun or attractive?
Or we convince ourselves that our path really isn’t our path because the trail get’s a little bumpy or our foundation gets rocked a little?
We’ve all done it.
When we lose focus on who we are, we lose site of how to get there when opportunities come up that can be the window to lead us to our next step.
I asked myself, where are my roots planted? Do they run deep or are they shallow? Are they solid? Have they been imprinted with other items that surround me for support? Do I allow my roots to be entangled with things around me for support or do I disregard them for fear that they may get in the way of what I’m creating?
Ah-ha #3: There is Always Room for Growth
As I continued down the trail, I was in my own thoughts about what I’ve just realized and was feeling very content in my answers I had received from this hike in Afton, Wyoming.
Then I took a quick glance to my left and saw this small 4′ pine tree growing out a rock mountain. I didn’t see any earth, just a sheer face rock and couldn’t believe it.
This tree is growing where circumstances may otherwise be impossible!
Just when I think I’m done growing, there is something more for me to see and experience.
The only question is, am I aware and open enough to see it? Or do I tell myself “I’m complete.” “I already know that.” “I know enough right now to keep me going for a while.”
And, when circumstances attempt to dictate that what I’m focused on is impossible, there is ALWAYS a possibilitiy. The only person it’s up to is me. Circumstances don’t determine who I am or what I’m capable of, it’s my beliefs of the perceptions of those circumstances and what I tell myself is possible or not.
Just like this tree that is growing despite being alone and depsite growing out of a rock, it’s growing. There is the possibility of life every where.
There are dreams every where. Who am I to say what’s possible? If the tree can grow there of all places, my dreams absolutely have a home from which to grow.
And all of this from a hike to Swift Creek Intermittent Spring with my husband and three good friends, Clayton, Kathy and Mike. What a remarkable afternoon.
And what’s even cooler than that is today as I’ve been taking action, I’ve had some obstacles and fixed beliefs come up for me. I just keep thinking about the tree that is still growing despite perceived circumstances. I keep reminding myself that something is always happening even if i can’t immediately see it. Are my roots and actions planted in my purpose?
Which “ah-ha” most resonates with you and where you are at in your business? I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below and share your insights.
I work with several mentors and coaches and one of my favorites is James Roche, also known as the Info Product Guy. His newsletters are always packed full of information and this article is from his most recent one. I LOVE this article and it impacted me greatly so I’m sharing it with you.
James Roche "The Info Product Guy"
Get other articles like this from James here.
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to move forward on a project and getting stuck. It’s frustrating because you may spend days, even weeks, spinning in your head with no solution in sight. Maybe you have to write an article, deal with a high-maintenance vendor or produce an info product, if you feel stuck, don’t worry. There is a proven five step problem solving technique that can get you unstuck and give you fast clarity on the issue you’re facing.
Finding That Eureka! Moment
Last month, I was working with a multi-million dollar client who was stuck trying to fit all the components of her new program into a cohesive whole. She had binders full of great content and even more info spinning in her head. As I stood listening to her on the phone I went into creative problem solving mode – it’s a mini version of the five steps I’m going to show you.
Here’s what I did…
My eyes glazed over as I listened intensely to my client for 20 minutes. Then I asked lots of questions and poked at the problem with her for another 20 minutes. Nothing resolved itself – but that’s okay because I knew one of the five steps was to be confused and overwhelmed.
I then stopped listening. My client kept talking but I was thinking of doing my laundry and what I would make for dinner. (I used to feel guilty about this until I realized how important this step is.)
Then in a flash it struck me! I saw all the pieces fit together in a beautifully laid out map in my mind’s eye. I blurted out the idea. She was silent for a moment. Then she shouted, “That’s it!”
The Myth about Problem Solving
One of the greatest myths about problem solving is that you have to wait for inspiration to hit you. Nonsense! The production of new ideas is as definite a process as getting up in the morning and preparing for work. The key to getting unstuck is following a proven formula that artists, inventors and scientists have used for centuries.
How to Come Up with New Ideas Quickly
Italian sociologist Vilfredo Pareto defined an idea as “nothing more or less than a new combination of old elements.” The secret to problem solving is developing the skill to see relationships between old elements so that new ideas and solutions flow in.
When Picasso combined the flattening of perspective started by his mentor Cézanne and the disjointed shapes of African wooden sculptures he created a completely new style of art – Cubism.
When Einstein solved the greatest problems facing science at the time he said he would work extremely hard on the problem until he exhausted all mathematical possibilities. He would then go to sleep and forget about it. Then in his dreams everything fell into place. When he awoke, all he had to do was translate everything his sub-conscious mind showed him.
Problem solving isn’t hard. Simply follow these five steps:
1. Gather Raw Materials
There are two types of knowledge you want to research – specific and general.
Start by actively researching the specific parts of the problem you’re stuck on. If you want to create a new info product, ask your target market what their greatest challenges are. If you want to write a novel, go to places your characters would hang out. The more you understand the details of a problem the easier a solution will come to you.
You also want to explore areas outside of your main topic or industry. Imagine you’re a painter – you want as diverse a color pallet to draw from as possible. My field of expertise is marketing and information products, but I only spend one-third of my research time on that topic. The rest of the time my “research” consists of reading novels, studying philosophy and psychology, renting classic movies and sitting in coffee shops people watching.
You’d be surprised how effortless problem solving becomes once you pull from sources completely outside of your normal field of knowledge.
2. Think Hard
After you’ve done your research spend time digesting all you’ve seen and learned. If you’re creating a special report for your web site, what are all the possible emotional trigger points that will get a reader to call you for help? If you’re problem solving a title for your info product, write out dozens of possibilities.
As you’re thinking hard, little ideas will start to pop up. Write them down!
Keep processing in your head and keep taking notes until you’re exhausted. You’ll reach a hopeless stage where everything is jumbled in your mind. That’s good! You’re ready for the next step.
3. Stop Thinking!
Drop the issue from your mind. Let it all go and let your subconscious mind work on the issue out. Literally, sleep on it.
After I’ve thought really hard on an issue I’ll blast music and start cleaning my house. Or I’ll get in the car and drive to the beach. I’ll do anything but focus on the problem at hand.
4. Let the Eureka Moment Pop In
If you did the last three steps correctly, the forth step should happen automatically…and even surprise you. Maybe you’ll be putting away groceries or washing your hair when all of a sudden, “POP!” A brilliant solution will flash all of a sudden in your mind. Go write it down!
5. Put the Idea to Work
This is a fun step. Once you “see the light” take your idea out into the real world for some testing and tweaking. Show your idea to people you trust and get their feedback. They’ll see things you missed, which you can integrate so the solution becomes even stronger.
Practice these five steps over and over for any problem solving challenge you face. Once you get in the habit of problem solving like this the whole process can happen very quickly.
Take action now and pick a problem you are currently dealing with. Ask yourself, “What do I need to research regarding this problem?” Analyze the problem from many different angles. Once your brain is saturated – let it all go. The flash of inspiration will happen soon enough. And finally, test the solution in the real world and adjust as needed.
Get other tips and articles from James Roche here. You will love his newsletters. (With the hundreds of emails I get every week, I make time to read his newsletters because they are that good!)
