Need Help Achieving Your Goal?

Yesterday we talked about “drawing a line in the sand”, hitting reset when we are stuck. Each month I set goal in my business – some months I struggle while others I knock it out of the park.  I am one of those always looking for the next coaching opportunity to help me get through a rough spot.  Did you know you, can actually coach yourself?

Thank you Valerie Burton for sharing these seven questions and inspiring me to troubleshoot some of my own challenges.  I’m not saying business coaching is not necessary or helpful but sometimes we can work through the challenges on our own to help us grow and move out of our comfort zone.  Let’s get started:

1. What are your three most important values?

Values are the concepts and principles you feel are most important – what you value in your life. For example, one of my values is caring/ concern for others. Taking care of others has always been important in my life.  I always wanted my own business because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others – from the early days making premature baby clothes till now – caring for others is always in the forefront.  Research says we stick to our goals when they revolve around our values. Not sure what your values are?  CLICK HERE for a link to some examples.  What are your three most important values?

2. What goal would best reflect those values?

Once you know your values, think about your goals and ask, “Does this goal reflect what I value?” If it doesn’t reflect them at all, then it may be time to drop the goal. If the goal reflects a little, tweak it so it represents what matters most to you. When you make your goal more meaningful, you increase the likelihood you will persevere until you reach it.

3. What are the measurable signs I’ve reached my goal?

We have all heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals, right?  The bottom line is your goal should be very specific. For example, my goal to goal weight.  A more specific version of this goal could be, “I’m going to lose a pound a week for the next 3 months.” It is a goal you can measure at a doable pace. It becomes about you consistently changing small habits to be successful. With a specific goal, you are able to get very specific about what you need to do in order to achieve it.

4. What skill do I need to acquire in order to be able to reach my goal?

I dream big – some would say too big.  What about you?  If you dream big and you haven’t reached your goal yet, maybe there is a good reason.  Maybe you don’t have the skill set to fully achieve your goal.  Don’t get discouraged! Acquiring the right skills can become a goal to help you reach your goal. Why “acquire” instead of “learn”?  Sometimes you need to personally learn the skills and sometimes you need to find someone who has the skill so they can help you reach your goal.  You might hire someone to help you or team up with a partner, or it maybe have a conversation with someone who understands what it takes to reach the goal. “Be honest with yourself ” about the skills you need to reach your goal.

5. What is my game plan for handling a setback on my way to the goal?

Let’s face it, we will have setbacks. There will be disappointments. There may be failures along the way.  What happens when I don’t lose the pound a week or when my business calendar is not full?  Are you ready for them or are you convinced it will never happen?  SMACK!  We need a game plan so 1) it’s not a surprise because you’ve already planned for it, and 2) you already know what to do. Think ahead and ask yourself: “How will I handle a setback so I bounce back quickly and keep moving forward?”

6. Who is the best person(s) to give me feedback on my progress?

Feedback or accountability is necessary for success. Talk to someone who is objective, someone who can look at your work and say, “I’ve been there, done that and here’s what will work.” Remember the old saying “Iron sharpens iron”?  Ask and willing accept help from those who understand the process.

7. What is an alternative path to my goal?

Do you have a list of action steps and think there is only one way to achieve your goal?  Guess what?  You need to be flexible. Your path might not be the path meant to be used to reach the goal. Be open to an alternative path if your path is not working. Be flexible and creative, and sooner than not, you’ll arrive at your finish line.

What is your goal and does it reflect your values?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Work Smarter

I have always struggled with the concept,”working smarter”.  I think it is finally starting to sink in…. since I have my own business.  Over the last week or so, I have been talking to friends in direct sales who have been feeling overwhelmed and stressed.  Some because of life while others are learning to find a balance between home, work, business and family.

Working my Thirty One business full time can sometimes feel like I am spinning my wheels.  Now if I could lose weight while doing it, it would be perfect but sadly, it just seems I spin my wheels and get stuck in non-productive activities.

Building a direct sales business (or any business really), doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful.  The best part of direct sales, is the ability to make your own hours so whether you have a few hours a week or several hours every day to work your business, you want to be able to get results and reach your goals, right?

So, since you aren’t loosing any weight by spinning those wheels, why not try these five ways to work smarter in your direct sales business (or with any goal).

#1. Know your goals & break them down into action steps.

The best way to work smarter is to actually know what your goals are and the activities you need to be doing to reach them. I am great for saying I want to make “$1000 or more per month income from my business” or “I want to promote to Senior Director” but knowing what the steps are to get there are not always as easy.  Saying it is great.  The truth is you need to break it down into smaller milestones and activity goals so you know what to focus on each day, week & month to reach them. Sometimes it is easier said then done.

How many parties/shows/demos will it take per month?  How many customer orders?  Of course recruiting plays a big part, so how many do you need to add to your team?  Honestly when breaking down my goals, I focus on things I have control over.  Yes, team sales play a factor because I can’t control what someone else does in their business.  Break down your goals, how many parties or customer orders do you need each month? How many active team members do you need to promote?  Once you have the monthly activities,  you can break them down even further to weekly goals and daily activities.

#2. Work your Business Like a Business.

I know you have heard it 1,000 times.  If you want to earn the income of a business, you have to treat your business like a business.  If you have a “day job”, think about the things you do going into work on a regular basis to earn a paycheck.  Yes, it is the same with a direct sales business. Your business is “flexible BUT NOT optional”.  You still have to put in the hours and work to have a paycheck and grow your business.  Create a schedule to work your business which fits into your current lifestyle and family.

#3. Focus on Income Producing Activities.

This is an area I struggle in.  Now you have a schedule, you are ready to treat your business like a business by learning where to focus your limited time. I sometimes find myself wasting time on things which don’t generate income or move me closer to reaching my goals. Social Media can be a time sucker.  Re-creating tools and training can be a waste of time.  What are income producing activities?  Things which lead to a cash transaction like customer orders, parties, recruiting and team building. You should focus 80% of your time on direct marketing, follow up, building relationships, holding parties, recruiting, and helping your team build their business.

#4. Set up Streamlined Systems

Systems equal success & less stress. I can attest to this since I have set up a system which seems to work, at least with follow-up.  I am still a work in progress for hostess coaching.  Don’t have a system?  Start by writing all the things you do in each area of your business.  Now, write down the ones you should be doing but aren’t.  Where can you batch similar tasks together to save time?  Can you delegate activities?  How about automated emails or training videos or documents with frequently asked questions you can refer people to?  With these things, you can streamline the processes in your business so you don’t jump around or or miss out on important steps in your business.

#5. Develop a mindset of success & stop procrastinating.

Don’t let your fears rule your thoughts. Don’t let procrastination hold you back.  Don’t make excuses.  Procrastination is the #1 killer of productivity.  It is a form of fear. It means stepping out of your comfort zone.  YIKES!  Scary stuff, right? The only way to overcome procrastination is to make a real commitment to reaching your goals.  Have a plan, have set goals with activities and have an accountability partner to connect with to help you stop procrastinating.

Basically, ask yourself these three question before you do any activity:

1. Is this going to get me closer to my goals?
2. Will this make the best use of my time?
3. Does this honor my mission in life & business?

If the answer is yes, go for it!  What is keeping you from reaching your goals?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Are You On the Road of Uncertainty?

Happy Friday!

Over the last few weeks, I have felt some uncertainty.  My inner gremlins have been bumping around trying to get out.  Why?  Change…. changing the way I run my business.  Changing the way I do things at home.  Changing my diet due to health issues.  Wondering what I should be doing as a result of all of these health challenges (#mswillnotdefineme).  Change creates doubt and fear, who is with me?

So, today I want to talk about changing uncertainties into positive action.  Whether you are growing a business, running a household, starting a new job or just a new eating plan – uncertainty surrounds us.  First, know that you are NOT alone!  Fear and doubt creeps in all of the time, it is how we handle that makes the difference.

Remember the feeling of being ready to move forward in a challenge?  Everything made sense.  You were ready to conquer the world.  You set a goal and achieved it.  Nothing could stop you.  Hold onto that feeling?  Then something happens to shake that world up.  A weight gain.  Life challenges.  Your business slows down.  You get laid off from your job.  Fear and doubt enters the picture.  Those positive feelings are replaced with doubt.  Now, not only are you uncertain about a specific situation, you have uncertainty about your life.  Right?

Let’s kick “uncertainty” to the curb…..

1. Set a goal. Look at the potential that surrounds you.  Healthy eating is a chance to try new foods.  Expanding your circles if growing a business is a chance to meet new people.  Exercising is a way to get healthy and meet new people.  Look at the long term effects of what this change can do for you.  The goal should be attainable with a little bit of a stretch.
2. Admit to yourself and some one else (friend, hubby, mentor – you pick)  that you are at this place of uncertainty. I know, scary right?  It means letting someone else know you have fears and doubts.  It will also help you to step out of your comfort zone.  It’s time to dig down to the root of the uncertainty so you can move forward.
3. Make a plan.  Make the action steps in the plan, manageable.  A little bit of a stretch but nothing that will paralyze you with fear so you don’t move forward.  Want to eat healthier?  Eliminate junk food from the house & substitute it with something that you can grab and munch on.  Maybe just start with portion control.  Want to grow your business?  Talk to new people who can help you expand your circles like: a teacher that has a school to fish from or a banker that has an entire branch and more to fish from or a preschool mom or worker that has an entire sea of committed moms and employees that would want to raise money or refresh their school or a principal who knows her staff supports her interest, and would support a fun teacher appreciation party of fellowship and fun!
4. Commit to the goal and the action steps in your plan.  You know you can do it. Take it one day at a time or maybe even one hour at a time.  Whatever it takes, stay committed to achieving your goal.  Have fun and be consistent.
5. Your efforts must be continuous. Don’t push hard for a few months or a few days and then let things fizzle.  Yes, life gets in the way BUT you can do it.  When you push hard all the time, you will overcome the obstacles.  New struggles will creep up but since you have achieved success once, you will be able to do it again.

What steps will you take this weekend to KICK uncertainty to the curb?  I would love to hear from you…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Time to CELEBRATE

WOOHOO Wednesday!  I LOVE when I wake up in the morning with an AHA moment.  I haven’t even finished my second cup of coffee and already my mind is in overdrive.  This week is about reflection in my Thirty One business and setting goals for the NEW YEAR!

First, let me recap 2013 – 2014:

• Personal Volume: $26,028
• Recruits: 4
• Parties Held: 48
• Average Party: $542
• Team Sales: $104,112
• Total Downline: 22

Now, here is 2014 – 2015:

• Personal Volume: $21,834
• Recruits: 4
• Parties Held: 37
• Average Party: $590
• Team Sales: $191,795
• Total Downline: 40

You are probably wondering, why WOOHOO?  Because I learned from this comparison.  First, the obvious – the money is in the parties.  Not as many parties, not as much personal volume.  Okay, this is a no-brainer right, especially in the party plan business.  You have to work your business like a business for it to be successful.  You need to put yourself out there, try new things and keep showing up.

This past year was full of personal growth and challenges for me.  I CELEBRATE that I was able to maintain my business while dealing with my depression.  I CELEBRATE that I was able to ENCOURAGE my team to reach for their goals despite my difficulties.  I CELEBRATE that my I have a 90% retention rate with my recruits which means not a lot of kit nappers.  I CELEBRATE that I increased my party average which means more FREE products for my hostesses.

Along wit a NEW year full of excitement comes NEW goals.  Those goals won’t just be written on paper but there will be ACTION steps to go along with them.

I am going to share my journey on how I work my business with you.  I hope that no matter where you are in your business or with what direct sales company you are with, we will be able to CELEBRATE together when goals are achieved.

Today is going to be AWESOME… not only am I meeting with TWO potential recruits BUT I am also working with Eryka Peskin.  Eryka is an Abundance Coach and a Fierce Cheerleader.   She is committed to freeing you from the limiting beliefs and scarcity mentality that keeps you locked into unfulfilling, uninspiring and soul-sucking situations.  WOW!  Doesn’t that sound exciting?  Check her out on Facebook.  Like her on Facebook so you can hear about some of her programs – the last one was a Celebration Challenge for 14 days.  It was FREE and it helped me reframe and CELEBRATE all areas of my life.  What a great way to kick off the NEW YEAR!

Do you have your business or personal goals written down?  Maybe you can’t think past this week, that is okay.  Write them down.  Ready to leap to the BIG goals, don’t just write them down put steps with them.  I will share some of my steps this week along with my goals to not only help you but to keep me accountable.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!