Coaching

Business Transformation / Coaching / Mindset / Yearly Business Review — 5 Comments
8
May 13

How to radically alter the potential of your business

Marketing is everything you doSome one moderately famous once told me: “Immersing in a sound structured process of examination and reflection, conducted by a skilled professional has positive spin offs”. I have been reflecting on that and the positive reaction that always happens when clients start working with me.

The structured process of thinking about themselves, their business, looking at their strengths, imagining a new future, triggers such positive actions and feelings that circumstances will change, and clients do become more successful in their business. The action of working on your business radically alter the effectiveness of your mind and the potential of your business. This occurs because:

We are challenging your mind.  Neuroscience has now proven the old saying “use it or lose it”. The process we go through uses your mind productively to learn new skills. The benefits of increased mind function is an elevation in feelings of positivity, that more things are achievable or possible.

We begin with the end in mind. To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination or purpose. To know where you are headed, is to better understand where you are right now and what steps will be needed to continue in the direction for positive results.  My coaching process fosters a mindset of outcomes focus and optimised marketing, that will help you create solutions, and not keep you stuck in the problems of your business.

Reflection is the key to changing mindset. The process of finding quiet time for reflecting on your current business situation and the negative responses that comes up, provides insight about what you need to change. Through my coaching we work on a positive mindset combined with effective marketing, because it will be 80% of your success in business.

Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. The mind must believe it can do something before it is capable of actually doing it. By being aware of your mental self-talk, your thoughts, and being honest about your current situation; through reflection and answering questions about yourself and your business – it’s amazing what insights you will be provided.

Without awareness and giving yourself an opportunity to examine your business and learn new skills, you’re not likely to be able to do something about your business situation. If you don’t like the results you are getting, if you aren’t achieving your business goals, then knowing yourself, your strengths, and what you’ve been doing in the past to influence that situation is key. My structured process reveals both your personal and marketing barriers to business success. It helps you take control of what you can control.

There is no need for unconscious or disengaged marketing in 2013. Smart businesses make conscious, mindful marketing a part of their daily working lives.

Remember, if we’re unable to learn about ourselves, how we work and maximise our strengths, how are we to help ourselves excel at the business we have chosen?

Love to know what you think? Please leave a comment below.

About the author:  Teresa Bassham is the boss lady of Zenworkz Authentic Marketing and educates businesses to think, create, engage and optimise their marketing effort.  She coaches customers in strategies for traditional and online marketing; and implementation.  If you would like free how-to-do-it-yourself marketing resources or to subscribe to free e-news about all things marketing, please visit the website:

http://www.zenworkz.com/

For daily marketing tips and references, connect to our fabulous community on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Zenworkz.Authentic.Marketing

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Coaching / Mindset / Value Proposition — No Comments
17
Apr 13

Focus on your Strengths to be Successful

SWOTWhen I begin a coaching journey with a new customer, I get them to complete a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis on themselves and their business.  A SWOT analysis is a fairly simple, low cost way of assessing work preferences and current business situation.

It presents information that is vital for both parties in developing business and marketing plans, enabling the coached customer to focus on transforming strengths into capabilities, matching them with opportunities in the marketplace.

There are other practical applications from completing a SWOT analysis. The more you focus on your strengths the greater your strengths become. It is a solutions focussed approach which understands that setting objectives in the weaknesses area are not likely to be successful or completed for a long time.

So how do you identify your strengths? If you have a partner, they would be the first person to ask, although you might not like what you hear. If you need to make this assessment by yourself, a good way is to think about the activities you do that make you feel invigorated.

Strengths are tasks or activities that you always do first because they are enjoyable or easy; or because you love doing them. When you focus on your strengths, you do the activities that give you energy and drive, so you don’t want to stop doing them. Have you ever been totally engaged in something you love doing and were shocked when you realised how much time had past? This is working with your strengths.

The reality when you are starting out in a business is you do have to do a lot of activities that do not energise you. This is unavoidable until you can build your business and outsource tasks to those who are energised by tasks that you dislike.

A business should be built around a product or service that really works for you, energises you, is easy to do, and has good customer demand. Working this way will provide you all the energy you need to build a base of customers that adore your product or what you do, because you can do it better than anyone else.

It sounds really simple and many are surprised when I recommended working with their strengths and not focusing on their weaknesses; but it’s how great businesses have been built successfully for decades.

Any questions or comments, please feel free to leave a comment here or on Facebook?

About the author: Teresa Bassham is the boss lady of Zenworkz Authentic Marketing, and is passionate about educating business professionals to create their differential advantage, attract more ideal customers and create a marketing plan to achieve success.  She coaches customers face to face, online and by phone – if you would like to request coaching – please contact me.

For daily Marketing Tips visit and “like” my Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/Zenworkz.Authentic.Marketing

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Coaching / Marketing Plans / Mindset — 4 Comments
20
Feb 13

Are you just surviving or planning for abundance?

Surviving or Planning Abundance 1As it rains heavily outside, I am thinking about why some gardens are so abundant.  In a well tended garden there is usually no scarcity. Through planning and preparation a savvy gardener plants for abundance through the seasons of the year. The same can apply for a well tended business.

Through marketing planning and prioritising activities there also should be no scarcity of customers or rewards.

You would think that there should be no shortage of small business owners who would be tending their business for longer term results?  In the harsh reality of the current economic circumstances, there are many small businesses operating with short term thinking and actions. I wanted to understand why and looked at some interesting research published in Psychological Science into why perceptions of scarcity leads to risky spending.

This research points to people behaving very differently to the constant messages of gloom in the current economic environment.  The results are based on whether as children we perceived our family situation as well off or poor.  Those that perceived themselves as having a well off childhood, tended to look for delayed gratification and taking calculated risks for a longer term focus; whereas those who perceived themselves as having a poorer childhood, tended towards looking for short term gain and taking risks, bordering on gambling with their money.

The research suggests that this may reflect a survival mentality where the focus on short term goals may be a deeper evolutionary key to survival under conditions of scarcity (or perceptions of scarcity). Therefore, spending behaviours that would seem foolish from an economic perspective could seem quite rational from a survival perspective.

My take out from this research is that small business owners may act depending on deeper reasons than their current perceived economic circumstances.  Perhaps this is why despite these dire economic conditions, they will still invest in short term, “get rich quick” schemes rather than thinking longer term about their business.

The concept of scarcity is not a philosophical position, it is a basic concept of economics when having less of something forces people to make choices about supply and demand.  Scarcity is then a measure of perceived availability.

The perceptions of scarcity are very powerful in people’s minds.  It doesn’t help that in Australia, this is a federal election year and certain parties are talking down the economy for their own political end. Customers are affected by commentary of poor economic conditions; and as a result small businesses have been suffering from poor sales, even though the economic indicators are relatively good by world standards.

The solution is to block talk of scarcity from your minds and tend your business as an investment for long term abundance. Understand that short term survival strategies may provide short term gain but never longer term abundance.  An abundance mentality comes from having a strong belief or positive mindset, good strategic customer insight, and a marketing process to develop a plan to grow your business over the seasons of the year.

What are you doing to plan for abundance?  I’d love to hear your thoughts?

About the author: Teresa Bassham is the principle of Zenworkz Authentic Marketing, and is passionate about educating small and medium business professionals to create their differential advantage, attract more ideal customers and create a marketing plan to achieve success.  She coaches customers online and by phone – if you would like to request coaching – please contact me.

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Coaching / Developing Resourceful People / Mentoring / Mindset — No Comments
8
Feb 13

The Secret of Success is Investment in YOU!

Brain 2Wow, what a week it’s been, I have had many calls for help; and my immediate response as a coach is to listen, analyse and suggest positive actions. All week I have been encouraging my customers to take deep breaths, put issues into perspective and return to their agreed strategies which bring the real results.

Today I am focussing on an often overlooked aspect of being successful – investment in yourself and your mind.

I have observed through many hours of coaching excellent people who have chosen to invest in themselves; that 20% of our time together is building good strategic frameworks and 80% is about improving mindset. We set strategies, goals (sometimes multiple goals) and actions. I am there to support, encourage, refocus and problem solve throughout the coaching journey.

The customer relationship is very close because as a coach, I need to understand your strengths, weaknesses, dreams and family priorities. This is because underpinning strategies, goals and actions; “mindset” is the balance of your business ambitions, family responsibilities and maintaining good health.  When any one of these key aspects are out of alignment the coached customer can’t be positive and work to progress their strategic plan.

I wrote about mindset in a blog about how simple business habits can have the potential to radically alter the effectiveness of your mind and the success of your business.

In a nutshell, the mind must believe it can do something before it is capable of actually doing it. So we must always be aware of our mental self-talk. “The way to overcome negative thoughts and destructive emotions is to develop opposing, positive emotions that are stronger and more powerful” said the Dalai Lama. Think about the positive emotions you could use to replace your negative self-talk.

Fostering a mindset of outcomes focus and extreme optimism will help you create solutions, and not keep you stuck in the problems of your business.  Think about what clear outcomes you need to create to achieve your purpose and goals?

Building a successful business is like dancing the cha-cha, two steps forward and three steps back; the trials of business are great opportunities for learning and improvement of process, not for beating yourself up.

One final tip, “reflection is the key to changing mindset”. Find some quiet each day for reflecting on any negativity that enters your mind, and look for habitual patterns that you need to change. Remember:

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” ~ Sylvia Plath.

Invest in yourself. Hire a competent and caring coach. Learn from your daily reflection.  Work on a positive mindset every day because it will be 80% of your success in business!

What tips can you apply today?  I love to know your thoughts?

About the Author: Teresa Bassham of Zenworkz Authentic Marketing inspires small businesses to foster a Positive Mindset – Develop and use an empowering Marketing and Communications Plan for Business Profitability … see my full services at www.zenworkz.com

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Coaching / Keep Calm & Keep Marketing / Mindset — No Comments
31
Jul 12

Keep Calm and Keep a Positive Mindset – part 4

These trading times represent a difficult period for small business. Up and down economic cycles are inevitable and if we just keep positive, hang in there, and get through this difficult period, we will get some relief at the next up turn. This series of Keep Calm articles has been created to help improve feelings of confidence and personal power; part 4 provides tips for managing your mindset.

Taking positive action is the first step to feeling more in control.

Here are three simple business mindset habits that will have the potential to radically alter the effectiveness of your mind and the potential of your business:

Give up trying to be perfect if you want to be successful! 

We try to show customers that we are flawless to be liked and respected.  But you can’t please everyone, and you shouldn’t try. When you embrace who you really are and decide to be authentic, instead of perfect; you open yourself up to authentic customer relationships, authentic happiness, and tangible success.

Manage your Negative Self-Talk!

Besides our own thoughts, there is nothing that is absolutely in our control. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. The mind must believe it can do something before it is capable of actually doing it. So, be aware of your negative self-talk – replace it with positive self talk and a positive outlook.

Reflection is the key to changing mindset!

Find some quiet each day for reflecting on both positive and negative experiences that came up, and look for habitual patterns that you need to change. Learn from your daily reflection. Work on a positive mindset every day because it will be 80% of your success in business.

Ask yourself: What is the positive mindset you can apply today? Please leave a comment – I’d love to hear from you?

Author, Teresa Bassham principle Marketing Coach at Zenworkz Marketing, inspires small businesses to foster a positive marketing mindset and develop a empowering marketing plan for business profitability. See full services at http://www.zenworkz.com

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Advertising / Attracting Customers / Authentic Message Creation / Authentic Values / Coaching / Engaging customers / Integrated Marketing Strategy / Keep Calm & Keep Marketing / Marketing 101 / Selling — No Comments
17
Jul 12

Keep Calm and Keep Marketing Part 2 – Focus on Marketing Tactics

Recently I responded to a request to help small businesses that were feeling despondent because of falling sales and general feelings of frustration with marketing a small business in difficult, trading times.  In this series of posts, Part 2 will focus on marketing tactics you can do to survive and thrive.

Firstly don’t be tempted to stop marketing! This is not the time to cut back on marketing activity.  The key to building customer awareness is to take consistent, regular action. Be sure to keep your marketing activities going at least six months so that you can track your rate of return.

Promoting your products or service, little and often is better than one large, expensive campaign. The more you crop up in potential customer’s awareness, the more they feel that something is drawing them to you. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this from my customers – it was meant to be! Little did they know it is my marketing tactic.

Identify your best product or service by it’s revenue margin; then focus your promotional and selling efforts on this only. Add as many low cost promotional options as you have time for, like Twitter and Facebook Pages to broadcast valuable information about how to solve customers problems or bring them joy.  Update your LinkedIn profile regularly with updates about your business and any valuable content such as blog posts.

Work out how you are unique to your best customer and focus on doing this better. Define what your unique marketing difference is and promote that consistently. Being different and finding that difference is easier in a service based business because YOU are unique. Finding the difference in a product market, means adding or augmenting your products with value added services, like lay-by’s, special deliveries, or exceptional customer service – there are a thousand different options. The secret is understanding what you need to do to make your service or product a vital part of someone’s life to the extent that they just won’t be tempted by your direct competitor’s offers.

What makes your marketing message unique is your story, your purpose, and your values.  What makes your message compelling is that it is customer focused – it speaks to the customers hot button that your service or product fulfils as a necessary part of their life or business.  It must tap into the emotional metaphors: looking good, feeling good, being successful, rewarding themselves – refer to Maslow’s Hierarchy of highest needs.

Finally, recognise that you can’t always do this alone and if you are, not with peace or joy. To be able to hire support, you need to focus on sales and cash flow. You may need support from someone who can guide you? A coach or mentor can look at your business and your progress with an honest and objective eye; and guide you away from costly mistakes and focus on a direction that may well challenge you; but will also bring you the business success you desire.

 I’d love to hear your thoughts? Please leave a comment below:

About the Author: Teresa Bassham of Zenworkz Authentic Marketing inspires small businesses to develop and use an empowering Marketing and Communications Plan for Business Profitability … see my full services at www.zenworkz.com and while you are visiting my website – subscribe for weekly e-News updates on all topics related to authentic marketing.

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Business Transformation / Coaching / Developing Resourceful People / Mentoring / Mindset / Networking — No Comments
4
Jun 12

The Immeasurable Value of a Mentor

 

A mentor is: “An experienced and trusted advisor – one who expects more of us than we do”.

 

 

 

Mentoring, coaching, developing business people, and improving performance is a complex activity combining skill, knowledge, patience, values, and engagement.  It is not one trait but the combination together with commitment and intent, which builds successful mentoring relationships.

I write these words as I complete a role as a mentor to three young entrepreneurs in a regional program.  I have learnt, and still do, from many kind and wonderful people who have given their time and knowledge to help me. It was such a pleasure to pass on my knowledge and skills to help my small team.

My first true mentor was my Dad.  Born in the UK, served in “Dad’s Army” as a young man because he lost his trigger thumb as an apprentice butcher; learnt other trades on the black market during the war; migrated to Australia in the 60‘s when the rest of this family said he was crazy; and worked for years as a small business owner, finally losing all his hard earned money by purchasing a pub, just before random breath testing was introduced.  My values of hard work, being positive despite what life throws at you and always looking forward, is imbued with his values, approach and life observations.

In my early working life I have had many great managers that have challenged, coached, and supported me.  They set clear development expectations with me, provided a series of assignments to widen my skills and competency, and ensured continuous feedback.  The most valuable part of this experience was the ability to work closely with them, observing their approach; and values in decision making and problem solving.

The benefits from learning with the experience of the mentor include:

  • Exposure to different ideas and perspectives,
  • Insight into your own performance,
  • Support in development,
  • Avoiding and learning from mistakes,
  • Intellectual stimulation from interaction with a trusted and knowledgeable person, and often,
  • Increased visibility and an extension of influence within a community or group.

Where can you find a mentor?  Mentors can be found both in the workplace and outside it. But first you must be clear about the reason you want or need a mentor, and then you can better identify who might help.

If you are just starting a business, wanting to do a business plan or marketing plan, you could start by using the mentoring services available through the various state governments.

If you are an established business and want advice on how to get to the next stage and access new networks and channels, join an industry association and network.  Search online for an association or go to an industry conference and find out who the main players are. Take the initiative yourself and just ask.

Alternatively, try the informal type of mentoring, and think about your family and friends networks.  Networking communities and university alumni’s are other good places to look for mentoring programs.

Mentoring is also good if you are facing difficult times.  But maybe in this situation you could look at employing a business coach, management consultant to re-engineer processes, or an marketing coach to help with opportunity identification.

Finally, it’s important to observe the major ingredients in establishing successful Mentor/Mentee relationships, which are clarity of:

  • Mentor/Mentee development relationship goals, roles, and responsibilities,
  • Expectations and limits of relationship for all involved,
  • Mentor key areas of experience, competence, and attitude both professionally and personally that contribute to Mentee development needs,
  • Amount and length of time for development relationship,
  • Measurement of development outcomes.

I am deeply grateful for the many men and women who have given me the benefits of their experience and skill, and that I in turn, am able to repay their investment by mentoring others.

Have you had a mentor and gained immeasurable value?  I’d love to hear your story?

About the Author: Teresa Bassham runs Zenworkz Marketing, coaches and mentors small business in all aspects of authentic marketing.  My website contains many useful and free resources:www.zenworkz.com

If you would like to know more about Teresa’s services, please contact her: mailto:teresabassham@zenworkz.com

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