Not only have I been a big fan of Les McKeown’s work from afar, but his quarterly Predictable Success workshop happened to fall the day before another conference I was attending started. Perfect!

Unlike other workshops I’ve been to, there was no workbook. Basically the two books are the workshop material – Predictable Success and The Synergist.

The workshop was a great refresher on the model, and its components. But it also cemented the concepts further through examples and attendee discussion. I was in mind heaven working through the concepts! The link between the personality styles – visionary, operator, processor and synergist – and the stages on the Predictable Success growth model were covered at length.

And it was through this discussion I really grasped what my business needed to do to move forward to Predictable Success, and what type of team members I required to get there. I now also understand better the Predictable Success stage that is best for long-term clients, and the one that is best as a short-term option.

The best thing about this model is you don’t have to learn the concepts and mould yourself to it. It is based on many years of observations and fact, which means you fit somewhere in the model and work your way to Predictable Success.

One of the homework items I was set before attending the workshop was the Predictable Success quiz 1 and quiz 2. Something I forgot to do (oops!). Les works through your profile in the workshop, so it’s in your best interests to get this done. Even for those not attending, the quiz gives you such an insight into your business and your personality style, I highly recommend you do it.

I know I will continue to reread both Predictable Success and The Synergist as “workbooks”, but also highlight and tag substantially. And I will regularly retake the quiz to see if my Synergistic skills are improving.

If you haven’t read either of the books I highly recommend both. You can get them here:

And if you do plan on attending Les’s workshop, read the books (and do the quizzes) beforehand.

Related posts:

1. Plan Your Resources For Success
2. Don’t just speak and run
3. Up-selling and Cross-selling

It was fabulous to meet her in person, and the event was just what I needed. I had implemented quite a bit of the client attraction system in my business, but of late had not been consistent with the approach (ie my marketing), so this event was just the kick start I needed.

Here are a few things that really stuck with me:

The money I make is affected by the marketing I do.

Now you’re probably thinking, duh I know that. Well, yes, so did I, but the kicker for me was when she said this:

“Consistency + reliability = trust”

And trust is just one component of the ‘know, like and trust’ factor that must be present for any sales conversion.

Yes, I’ve been consistently inconsistent with my marketing (as Fabienne likes to put it). And that stops right here, right now.

I have just devised a marketing plan on the plane while travelling to my next conference in Seattle.

Starting blogging and sending my newsletter is priority one, and well you’re reading it. Yay me!

My next action is to revisit Fabienne’s client attraction system upon my return home, which coincides with my new branding that is happening soon. Refresh the brand, refresh the marketing!

If you’re feeling a bit stuck or stifled in your business at the moment, head to an event, get some inspiration and get into action!

As Fabienne says, “Take a no excuses approach”.

Related posts:

1. How To Achieve Your Goals With A Marketing Plan
2. Ali Brown’s 11 Low cost to no cost marketing and business strategies for 2010
3. New teleseminar course starting Weds 17 November

Related posts:

1. Get your momentum started
2. Are your numbers pie in the sky?
3. Check In

“A lot of teaching fails from too much info, not too little.”

From what I can tell from feedback, I give great information. But as to what content my reader is after, I’m not really sure. So here’s the thing, I want to ask you what you what to know. I currently write about three topics – numbers, systems and motivation.

1. What information would be most useful for you?

- Numbers

- Systems

- Motivation (you need some?)

2. What format would you prefer for free information?

- Video (I’m about to start using this format)

- Audio (my free monthly call will begin next month)

- Blog posts written by me

3. I’m always reading and finding new material from others. Do you want to see the interesting things that I find? I currently only share these on Twitter and Facebook. Would you like them shared on here?

4. Can you tell me a little about you? The more I know about you, the more I can tailor my information for you. Are you a:

- Service professional?

- Small business with products?

- Online and offline business?

- Offline only?

5. What is your most pressing need in your business right now? What I can help you learn to reach your goals?

6. What would you like to see from me in the form of paid products? What is your best way to learn?

- Teleseminars

- Information products

- Group programs

- 1-on-1 coaching

- In-person events

7. What timeframe would your ideal learning program come in?

- 1 day intensive

- 6 weeks

- 3 months

- 6 months

- 12 months

8. What timeframe would your ideal support program come in?

- Fast, action-based, get-it-done type assistance in a very intensive short timeframe, say 6 weeks

- Fast, action-based, get-it-done type assistance in a slightly longer timeframe, say 3 months

- Slower, action-based, over 6 months

- Give me more time in between, action-based, over 12 months

9. Or perhaps you would like to see learning and support combined. Would you prefer:

- Group program, short and intense?

- Group program, longer timeframe?

- Group and 1-on-1 coaching, short and intense?

- Group and 1-on-1 coaching, longer timeframe?

Would love your answers below in the comments section.

Related posts:

1. I can’t believe I’m gifting this….
2. Are your numbers pie in the sky?
3. Mapping your money Alexis Neely style

I’ve had enough with half-hearted results in my fitness, so I’ve done something about it.  This morning I had my first session with a personal trainer. Not only was I super rejuvenated afterwards, even though it hurt like no tomorrow at the time, but I worked harder than I have in a long, long time.

So what was the difference? She pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. And she told me afterwards she was taking it easy on me because it was my first time. Hmm, that’s a bit scary, but I’m looking forward to the pain in our next session. I’m looking forward to it because I know that I need her to push me even more. I’ve forgotten what my body is capable of and have been hiding behind some past injuries rather than really push myself.

It got me thinking about business and how we can become gun shy from past failures, current fears and lack of faith. It stops us dead in our tracks. There is no forward movement, no backwards movement, no momentum at all to get to the next station on that railway line.

We need someone to clear the tracks, provide a solution to the lack of movement and get our momentum going again. Just like my trainer is able to see what I am capable of achieving in my fitness, so is a business coach for your business. They can often provide ideas and solutions to your non movement that you can’t see, simply because you are the one stuck there, trying hard to move, but unable to see the situation from the outside.

It’s simple really; just get help. Get a business coach to help you move forward, maintain the momentum required to keep achieving your business goals. As simple as this is to say, it’s harder to do. We are oh so stubborn, thinking we are strong enough to fulfill our own journey. And yes you are strong enough, but it’s not about just that; it’s about being able to see what you’re really capable of, which is so much more than you think. Only someone else can help you see that.

Just like I’ve done with my fitness and my business, will you be able to accept that you need help to be your best?

Related posts:

1. Get your momentum started
2. Are your numbers pie in the sky?
3. I failed but that’s okay…

Do your days rush past in a flurry of activity, only to leave you feeling disheveled at the end and with no sense of accomplishment?

Instead, imagine working through your day more productively and achieving your goals.

Here are some tips I use to achieve that more productive day:

Write down the goals I am working towards. The “written” part is crucial; goals in my head don’t count. It is only if they are written form that I can “consciously” work towards them.

1. Break down my goals into mini goals and the tasks associated with them. Create a project plan listing the tasks to achieve each mini goal (my milestones)
2. Plan my day preferably the day before. BE realistic. We all have urgent and important tasks that must be done, but I make sure I still have time for my goals that are important, but not necessarily urgent.
3. Schedule in my project work just like I do client work.
4. Cut back on meetings. Does it really need to be held at all? If it does, I get to the point quickly and keep on track. If it’s scheduled for an hour, I try and complete the meeting in 40 minutes ~ no waffle.
5. Minimise distractions during focus time. I schedule time to work on projects at my best focus time of the day. I turn off the phone, notifications, social media and concentrate and I’m always amazed at what I can achieve during pure focus time.
6. Batch tasks together. I do like tasks and like location-based tasks all in one hit – it’s much more efficient.
7. Don’t live in the email inbox. Shut it off. I only go in there twice a day, and when I am there I focus and get through the actions. If they are longer time frame actions, I schedule them in.
8. Reward myself for great accomplishments during the day. Perhaps it’s time on social media, watching some YouTube videos or coffee with a friend.

Honestly, if you just pick one of these to start you will notice a remarkable improvement in your day. Try it out and let me know.

Do you have any other tips for a more productive day?

Related posts:

1. What not to do?
2. Missed some baby steps?
3. Have you lost your loops?

Implementing systems is fabulous, but some just stop there. There is so much more that can be done for continuous improvement. Let’s see where your systems could work better together:

Systems Integration

Systems implemented in various components of your business, but are not integrated together. Integration of key systems can save time, money, headaches and error.

Key systems to integrate together:

• customer relationship management (CRM)
• customer support
• project management
• billing
• shopping cart
• accounting

The integration that works best is dependent on your business. In the earlier stages it’s not always necessary to have all components talking to each other. For example, I have my project management, billing and accounting systems integrated, but not my CRM. I personally prefer to think about that function (prospects for business) separately from my clients.

Think of integration as the left hand talking to the right hand. When your hands don’t get the right messages, communication can be misconstrued, things missed and errors made.

Integration creates a seamless flow of business information. Sounds calming, doesn’t it?  It is. You can concentrate on the important stuff.

A great tool I have come across for integrating software is OneSaas. Created in Sydney, Australia, OneSaas, run by Corneliu, can be the integration answer you’ve been looking for. Integrating one system with another can be as simple as signing up and following the instructions. You know us lay people aren’t always fantastic at making these things work, but the Corneliu team is more than happy to help. So if you try this fab service and can’t get it to work, don’t give up. Let them know and they’ll get you sorted. I highly recommend it!

Strive for efficiency

When you’ve been systemised for some time you get so used to the system working perfectly that it doesn’t occur to you there could be a better way.

As our businesses grow things change, as do technologies, external environments and our customers. When these things occur sometimes our existing systems can handle the changes, sometimes they cant. Regardless of whether they can or can’t, it’s imperative to commit to continuous improvement for your business, and that means continuous improvement for your systems.

Always look for improvement in your existing systems, investigate new technologies and see whether they can apply to your business to drive improvement.

The more you can streamline your systems to work together, the more time and energy you’ll have to concentrate on your business growth.

If you’re unsure how to integrate your systems or require systems for your business, get in touch at info@numbersarelife.com and we’ll get your right hand talking to your left.

Related posts:

1. Systems break
2. 9 steps to a More Productive Day
3. My systems have evolved

The same goes for scheduling in vacations. They are often booked around ongoing commitments that can’t be moved. Planning plays a big part in ensuring your transition from work mode to play mode is successful.

My plan involves:

• mapping out school holidays on the entire calendar year wall planner
• identifying conflicts with immovable deadlines
• finding resources to meet the deadlines if I’m unable
• organising suitable fun time for my children to ensure they are looked after while I meet the deadlines (no less than 2 months in advance)
• mapping out evergreen marketing campaigns within school terms
• mapping out “launch” campaigns within school terms

I have the following guidelines to maintain my sanity:

• only schedule what is humanly possible (ie, I’m not a robot; I need sleep!)
• give myself a break over the holidays (ie, don’t plan any big projects thinking I’ll get them done!)
• maintain exercise throughout school holidays (it is much easier to get momentum back on projects than lose 2 weeks of fitness!)
• I still work, but ensure its outside kid’s “awake hours” (this means early morning and night times during holidays )
• know that the first week of the new school term is for catch up and don’t expect to launch a new program (if I do, fantastic, but my expectations are low)
• my house gets a spring clean every holidays, (that way I don’t feel so bad when I focus on my business and great family weekend time during term)

What do you do to ensure your school holidays or vacation times are as stress free as possible? And how do you ensure your business keeps running?

Related posts:

1. Planning as simple as three words?
2. Your Financial Plan doesn’t have to be painful
3. My system broke, now what?

Once we’re adults we tend to “rush over” baby steps, anxious to get to the end result. And often, as the end result is slow coming, we are left feeling disappointed, unmotivated and doubtful of our intentions. I have been guilty of this many times. In this fast-paced world we live in, we have forgotten about taking single, focused steps to achieve the end result. So, how can you maintain your motivation, drive and focus to achieve your end results, without sabotaging yourself along the way?

Simplify.

Yes, simplify.

Take that end result – that goal or outcome – and break it down. Too often we focus on our ultimate goals, but forget about the “baby steps” necessary to take on the journey to the destination. Here’s how you do it.

• Take your goal and simplify the wording as much as possible. Write it so a five-year old could understand what you want to achieve
• Ask yourself what is the most logical “smaller result” that occurs before the end goal?
• Ask yourself again what is the most logical “smaller result” that occurs before that?
• Continue that process until you arrive back at where you are right now
• Re-read all of the “steps” you have developed. Can you explain them to a five-year old?

If not, simplify them again.

Each step should be like a progressive climb up a ladder, building one on top of the other.  Once you reach each rung, you work on progressing to the next, and the next, and so on.
Each rung on the ladder gives you a single focus, which maintains your motivation and, once achieved, gives you the reward you need to stay on the journey to the end. Each rung is just a little taste, giving you a glimpse of the end result and what it will be like to achieve that goal. Bite-sized tastes can fuel your determination to succeed and keep working towards the end result.

Determination can go a long way, and is often the difference between achieving and failing. Give yourself a chance to stay determined and focus on the end result by taking “baby steps” – simple, doable steps that lead you on the path to success.

What are you waiting for? Take a baby step today.

Related posts:

1. 9 steps to a More Productive Day
2. Planning as simple as three words?
3. I failed but that’s okay…

Managing myself

I use an iPhone. All of my email, calendaring & contacts filter through google apps which allows me to access all of this information through the online interface on my iPhone, iPad or Mac, no syncing required, it’s real time!

I’m also an information lover. I am constantly reading books, listening to mp3’s and coming across useful information on the internet. To keep track of it all, I use an online system called Evernote. It has many uses but I mainly use it as an electronic filing cabinet. There is a feature called “clip to Evernote” for your browser that allows you to “print” an interesting website page or part of a page to Evernote and then tag it appropriately. Later, if you’re looking for information that you found about Facebook for example, you search for the tag ”facebook” and peruse the notes that appear under that tag to find the article. I also use it to keep a list of books to buy that I come across.

Managing my business

For managing the bookwork of my business I use an online accounting system called Saasu. Not only is it simple to use but you can also give your accountant/bookkeeper access to either do the work for you or to check what you have been doing. It has payroll, foreign currency and you pay a flat subscription fee monthly or yearly that includes all updates. The best thing is you can try it for free to see if you like it!

I also use Highrise, an online customer relationship management tool to manage my marketing funnel database of leads, prospects, clients and where they are in that process. I use this as a follow up mechanism for each stage of marketing to be done.

We manage our files internally with Dropbox. It’s a great system that utilises cloud technology to allow access to your files no matter where you are.  When you work with a team in different geographical locations this system makes working virtually so much easier. When we’re exchanging files with external parties to our business we prefer to use Box.net another online file sharing system.  We use two different systems as Box.net allows access to sub folders in directories.

My marketing calendar and tasks however are in Backpack. This is a great online tool that allows you to create pages for your strategy and plot the particular tasks associated with that strategy into the calendar so you know exactly what you should be doing to achieve your marketing goals. The calendar then synchronises with your chosen calendar (i.e. Outlook, Google etc) so you can see these tasks at a glance beside your normal calendar when planning your weeks.

I also use a year-at-a-glance wall planner for my marketing, so I can see the entire year at a glance, not just month by month.

Managing teams and projects

As our team do not always see each other in person, we needed a way to communicate with each other on issues that may have arisen and tasks to be completed. We found our solution with TeamworkPM Not only does it allow you to communicate with your team by project, you can also invite others to contribute or have access to the project. It is brilliant for tracking messages and their status. It saves a lot of time because you no longer have to search your inbox for related emails on a single subject. You can also assign and cross items off a common to-do list, and post information in notebooks. You can upload multiple versions of files. Everything is in one central place. It’s a great collaboration tool that can be used amongst your team.

Not all of us are comfortable using technology-based systems and yet there are some of us that use them extensively. I tend to use the best bits of many systems to create an “overall system” that works for me.

Do my systems evolve? Of course! I gravitate towards systems more or less depending on what projects I am working on at the time. Will I be using all of these systems in the same way next year? Maybe not, but one thing’s for sure, I will always use systems to enhance productivity for my business.

Related posts:

1. Use Technology And Systems To Run Your Business Like A Well-Oiled Machine
2. Systems break
3. Is your right hand talking to your left?