You consider making your first video for your website…

…and this is the voice that pops into your head.

You think about following up with the woman you met at that event who expressed interest in working with you…

…and you hear it again.

You know you should raise your prices…

…but that same voice just keeps holding you back.

You know this voice all too well.

It’s the snarky voice in your head that likes to mouth off whenever you think about being bold, a little decadent, or more self-nurturing.

And it slings out the same six syllables that steal your mojo every time…

“Who do you think you are?”

Usually this voice doesn’t act alone.  It’s a collective.  It’s your worst high school nightmare mean girls mob hanging out in the smoking lounge sneering at you.

Every woman I know has her own version of this mob waiting in the wings.

Even Oprah admits that every time she wanted to achieve more, the first voice she heard was:

“Who do you think you are?”

In other words:  Stay down, play small, shut up, and don’t embarrass yourself. Don’t even bother because you won’t make it, you don’t deserve it, everyone knows it, and they’ll all laugh at you when you fail.

So, next time that voice tries to rob you of your divine right to make a bold move, here’s what to do to take your mojo back…

Answer it.

Really.

Who DO you think you are?

————-

A little background:

Many years ago, I told my first coach about some fears coming up around a choice I was making.

I said, “…and all the voices in my head are saying, ‘Who do you think you are?’”

And he looked at me and said, “Well? Who do you think you are?”

I smiled and continued with my story.

He cut in.

“Stop! I really want to know, Christine. Who DO you think you are? Tell me right now.”

In a very tiny voice, I told him.

Then he made me say it again in a bigger, stronger voice.

And again after that.

And one more time.

He said, “There. Now you have an answer for your voices.”

And I am STILL living into the amazing results. (Thank you, Thom.)

—–

So, dear reader, here’s your assignment:

In the comments below, answer this question:

Who do you think you are?

Answer it AUTHENTICALLY.

Don’t get all lofty or holy on me.

Don’t get all “I’m a divine being, living in divine perfection with power and grace.”

Okay, fine.

True as that may be, if these words don’t resonate with you, you’ll never feel any bolder. And the mean high school girls will put their cigarettes out on your shoe.

Get gritty. Get granular.

Share it with the world, with the mean girls, with your family, with the snarky and the un-snarky, the Upleveled and the Downleveled…

Who do you think you are?

(And after you share your answer, I DARE you to go take that one bold step you’ve been avoiding…)

There’s a popular Esquire Magazine article called “75 Skills Every Man Should Master.”  There’s stuff about baseball, neckties, and other things that most of the extraordinary men in my life could care the least about.

It got me thinking about the happiest, coolest, most successful women I know.  And how they would take the question of mastery about 40,000 leagues deeper than neckties and baseball.

In fact, it dawned on me that the burning desire beneath my outward goals is almost always the mastery of one of the following skills.  The goals themselves – be they money, fitness, etc – are really the means to becoming a student of something much much cooler.

So, here are 9 Skills Every Woman Should Master…

1 – Reveling in your own preferences.

Taking the time to notice your delight. Trying new things, and honoring yourself enough to make time for them.  (No matter how stupid they seem.)  This is the key to the authenticity we women crave.

Unapologetically reveling in your own preferences gives you permission to be real – and serves others by letting them see your joy and choose (or not) to bask in it with you!

2 – Listening without judgment.

I’m convinced that suffering comes from judgment.  Not just self-judgment. But ALL judgment.

That being said, many people think that “listening” means “waiting my turn to talk.”  Which means that much of our time is not spent actually listening.  It is spent judging what’s being said.

Learning how to truly listen without judgment – whether to another person or to yourself – awakens the intuition.  It heals and empowers the speaker.  It enriches the present moment.

3 – Discerning “Nurture” from “Distract.”

Many of us lead exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful lives.  We are serving children, clients, parents, co-workers. Our self-care matters if we are to be of true service in the world.

There’s a huge difference, however, between nurturing ourselves with what we truly want and need – and distracting ourselves in order to stuff the stress or fill the time. Learning that difference, and honoring our true needs (ie, getting a massage vs. eating a sleeve of Oreos in one sitting) is crucial.

4 – Letting go of the need to “fix.”

Most of us know that when we try to fix another person, we rob them of empowerment. (And often, our “fixes” are more for US than for them.)  Allowing others to find their own wisdom, to make mistakes and to be exactly where they are on their path teaches us to accept the present moment as well as the mystery.

It also teaches us that we are not the ultimate deciders of what is right and wrong!

5 – Becoming an Imperfectionist.

Having a purpose, taking action, trying new things – all of these contribute to our deep satisfaction and joy.  When we expect ourselves to be perfect before trying new things, we cut off many avenues to happiness.

When you become an Imperfectionist, you finally recognize your ego voice exactly for what it is:  Your own personal Success Prevention Expert.

6 – Getting Out of the Comfort Zone.

Our growth and success are often proportional to how often we’re willing to let ourselves be uncomfortable.  We kid ourselves (and our souls) when we convince ourselves to play it safe.

Getting out of the comfort zone doesn’t mean extreme sports or stepping onto a stage. Sometimes it can be as seemingly small as saying no – or trying a yoga class.

7 – Saying No with Clarity.

Learning to say no is really about learning to say yes.

When we say no to something we don’t want to do, be, or have – we are actually saying Yes to our deeper desires.  Many women don’t believe they can have what they truly want, so they learn to settle, and their lives are filled with “maybe’s.”

Saying no – with clarity and without explaining – is really about honoring other people as well as ourselves.

8 – Allowing disappointment.

When we say no, or when we follow our dreams or true callings – people might be “disappointed” in our choices.

Life is not a campaign. We don’t have to get votes.  People can love us and still feel disappointed that we didn’t do it their way.   Too many women go on campaign trails to get others to agree with them before they take proactive steps.  This only serves to rob them of the creative energy they need.

Allowing people their disappointment sets us free.

9 – Making support mandatory.

I can’t remember NOT having a coach.  It’s now a requirement in my life in the same way it’s a requirement for a world-class athlete.

I feel the same about hiring people and about asking for help. Too many women hope for the best and go it alone.  (Been there, done that!)

Well, remember this little ditty from Einstein:  The problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.

Translation?  Get support, training and encouragement.  Make it a mandate.  You will soon discover a new level of lightness and velocity!

—-

Got some suggestions on this topic?  Take a second to share what skill YOU think every woman should master in the comments below. I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts!

A butt-ugly turn-around moment in my life happened when I was trying to fall asleep in a freezing cold cinder-block room in New York City’s East Village after a hellish performance at a premiere venue.

I thought my career was over.

I shivered between the threadbare sheets, questioning my existence, pondering a degree in accounting, a lone tear rolling down the side of my face…

You’d think I was primed and ready for a Spielberg-like spiritual breakthrough involving some angels.  Or, at the very least, a spaceship.

But what happened instead?

A cockroach walked across my face.

(True story. You can read how it turned out here.)

I sometimes tell this story when I speak because it hits my point home:  You can Uplevel your life regardless of the circumstances that surround you. Or crawl on you. (Plus, it’s pretty hysterical to me now.)

One of my colleagues heard me tell that story once and suggested that I stop telling it. “It makes you sound really pathetic,” she laughed.

A valid point, I suppose.

(Though I constantly hear from students of the Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program that the “cockroach” story was what made them hit the “buy” button — and over 1500 people have hit that very button!)

This idea of revealing the bare truth about ourselves is something that we – as solopreneurs and business owners – often struggle with.

After all, aren’t we supposed to be experts in the know?

My students ask me:

How vulnerable should I be?

How much should prospects know about my story?

In other words: If I share this stuff, will I still be seen as professional?

When it comes to your story, here’s the million-dollar truth:

You must tell your story.

It doesn’t have to include cockroaches.

But it does need to open your prospect’s heart and give meaning to WHY you do what you do.

Your story builds trust and creates a memorable brand. (Yeah, I don’t love that word either – but just roll with me here.)

There’s three reasons your story works:

1 – People remember stories.

Your prospect might not remember the first thing you said with your facts, features or data…

…but tell her about the time you got laid off the same day as your husband and that’s what propelled both of you to start a business?

THAT is what she will remember.

That’s because stories are visceral.

Stories are universal.

They connect with our hearts.

2 – People need connection.

More than ever, we’re all seeking deeper connection beyond just a “thumbs up” button. (Though we still like those too!)

When it comes to your marketing materials, always think in terms of connection.

And make sure your story is a part of it.

Your story builds trust. It tells your prospect that you’re real. It tells her that you “get” her.

3 – The C-V Cocktail

“C-V” stands for Credibility-Vulnerability.

Let’s start with Credibility.

Knowing how to position yourself is crucial in your marketing.

I teach my very own “CREATE Formula” for positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field.  The very first letter stands for Credibility.

Your credibility speaks to your prospect’s head.

This, of course, means your results, numbers, certifications, publications, sales, speaking dates, etc.  Your credibility is a part of what attracts people to work with you.

But it’s only ONE PART of our little marketing cocktail.

The other part is vulnerability.

Vulnerability speaks to the heart.

Both head and heart matter to your clients.

So, when it comes to your work in the world – whether you’re trying to get customers, clients, readers or patients – your story, your vulnerability has to be a piece of the puzzle.

Now, I’m not asking you to share about the time you drank too much at your cousin’s wedding and fell down the stairs and yacked all over her shoes.

Nor am I telling you to post on Facebook that you’re totally miserable today and you just forked your way through three plates of mac and cheese.  (We all have bad days. But some things do not serve to build your business!)

I am, however, proposing that you get very clear about the turning point in your life that started you on the path to doing what you’re doing right now.

So, here are some questions to get you started creating your story:

What were the circumstances in your “before” scene?

What was your struggle, your low-point?

What was the turning point?

What happened after that?

What made you do the work you’re doing?

If any answers are percolating in your head, here’s your assignment…

In the comments below, tell me how sharing your story will do more to help you connect with your prospective clients – and where you’ll start using it!

Oh, and one other thing…

If you have your own business…

…or if you want to start one…

please do yourself a big favor and sign up for my upcoming Training Call.

It’s totally free of charge.

Together, we’re going to find the money in your business. I’m going to teach you the secrets to creating cashflow in your business.  I rarely talk about this stuff so openly – so the lines will be packed full that day!

(Plus, I’m giving away instant access to a free video training when you sign up – so…seriously?  You gotta join me on this ride.)

Click here to grab the details!

The first house I ever bought had a pretty big lawn.

I used to mow it myself.  I was a tried-and-true DIY gal.  I prided myself on it.

Only problem?

I freakin’ couldn’t stand mowing the lawn.  I dreaded it all week.  Even though I was happy once it was finished, I started dreading it again the very next day!

At that time, I was just beginning to Uplevel my business and my success.  I started seeing my time differently.

I realized that the simple act of writing content or creating a product could pay me – in the long run – WAY more than the money I saved by mowing my own lawn.

I learned how to value the potential ROI of my true work.

In other words, I learned that it was time to FIRE MYSELF.

Was it scary?

Yes.

But when I finally hired someone to mow my lawn every week, I learned all about success and the value of my time. In other words, I got over myself and my fear of lack.

These days I’ve taken it to a much bigger level, and I have a full-time team working for me.

I now teach my clients new ways of valuing their time as they expand into more success in their own lives.  They always end up realizing the ROI (Return On Investment) of firing themselves – and hiring a team!

Here are 7 telltale signs that it might be time for you to fire yourself and get some support, too…

1 – You don’t have enough time to do the thing you’re best at.

What are you good at?  What do you want to be good at?  How much time do you actually spend doing that thing?

If you’re running around getting menial tasks done – and you have no time to pursue your passion, or engage in your high-pay-off, high-delight activities – then ask yourself why.

Even if you let go of one item (like cleaning your house) you’re proactively choosing the value of your time.   And choice is a game-changer.

2 – You resent people who don’t struggle.

This is a big one.

If you hold resentment for people who live life with joy, ease and success, this could be a sign that you are waiting for rescue. That just leads to more struggle.

Only YOU are in charge of whether or not you struggle.  Rescue yourself and learn what true empowerment feels like.

3 – You’re worried about the economy.

Waiting for the economy to get better before you’ll hire someone? Why not become a part of the solution and use your money to improve the economy?

While everyone else is pulling back and firing people – you can experience what it’s like to be the change you wish to see in the world!

4 – No one can do it as good as you.

If you just shouted “Amen Sister!” – then please step away from your computer. Go to the bathroom mirror. Look into your eyes and say the following aloud:

“I have a bit of a control issue.”

The belief that no one can do it better than you serves only to keep you in the role of the Martyr.  Unless you are, say, a brain surgeon, then there are many people who can (and will) do it as good as you. (And I doubt that brain surgeons run around cleaning the floor after surgery!)

5 – You’re playing not to lose.

Ask any coach or athlete about this.

When you play to not lose, all you’re doing is surviving, relying on yourself and hoping no one notices you.

When you play to win – you take risks, you keep your mental attitude strong, you rely on the team, you look for the goal.  Decide that you want to play to win.

6 – You’ve used this phrase at least once in the past month: “By the time I show someone how to do it, I could just do it myself.”

This is the mantra of someone who refuses to succeed. It’s the mantra of the struggle-addict.

Learning how to delegate is empowering. Not just for you, but for others as well. Besides, when you show them how to do it once, they can keep doing it so you don’t have to!

7 – You dread certain things so much that they don’t get done.

It’s okay to not enjoy certain aspects of your work or your life. This is the exact thing you can hire someone to do.

What items do you dread?  No matter what they are, when you get them off your plate, you’ll experience more energy just knowing they’re getting done – and you don’t have to worry about them anymore!

———–

There has NEVER been a better time to build your business. The world is now at your fingertips. If you are self-employed and still find yourself struggling – don’t blame yourself. Learning the how-to’s and the secrets of creating wealth can take time! So, let me help you shave years off of the learning curve and teach you the Secrets to Creating Cashflow on May 17. This is an exclusive one-time-only FREE training call. PLUS, I’m creating some in-depth video coaching to kickstart your Upleveling!  Click here for more details!

Irony: As I started to write this article, I thought, “I’ll just go play one quick Sudoku game first.”

I caught myself in the act and marched myself to my laptop.

People who say that procrastination is about laziness are probably the same people who think that anorexia is about not eating enough.

Procrastination isn’t about laziness. It’s about fear. It’s about perfectionism. It’s about overwhelm. We all experience these things!

The good news is that there are ways to get moving again.

Here are 9 of my favorite tricks to help even the worst procrastinator break the habit:

1 – When you get an idea, do some little thing to begin.

When I read Stephen King’s book On Writing, I noticed something.  I noticed that when Stephen King gets an idea, he writes it.  Immediately and imperfectly.

Most people get an idea.

Then they sit there.

They wonder if it’s a good idea.

Then, they wonder if it’s a good idea some more.

Got an idea? Begin it now!

2 – All hail small chunks of time!

Lots of us complain about having no time. My guess is that we all have lots of time. It just doesn’t happen to be all at once.

Are you waiting for many hours of spare time to begin your idea, your project, or your taxes?   Stop waiting!  Learn to use the spare half hour that comes up here and there. (I gave myself 45 minutes to write this article just to take my own advice.)

3 – Agree to do it badly.

Set a goal to do it badly. Set a goal to show up.  Let go of doing it ALL, or doing it WELL.

Some of my coaching clients’ biggest victories have a lot more to do with getting over perfectionism and fear, than they do about getting it all done perfectly.

4 – Commit aloud.

Call a friend and say something like this: “I’m going to spend the next hour working on creating my new product.” Then go do it.

Call the friend after the half hour and make her congratulate you. Repeat daily.

5 – Define quantities.

Nebulous goals make for nebulous results.

“I’m gonna get my office organized” is a lot like saying, “We oughtta do something about Global Warming.”

Most procrastinators have a hard time defining quantities. We think everything needs to be done NOW.

When are you going to do it? For how long? Which part of your office? The file cabinet? Or your desk?

Define the goal and acknowledge its completion.

6 – Install this System Upgrade into your Mental Hard Drive: Less is More.

Have fewer goals. Have no more than three priorities for a week.

Why?

Because you’re not lazy. You’re just trying to do too much.

Find out what it feels like to accomplish one thing instead of not quite getting to everything.  Wow – what a difference this makes!

7 – Do it first.

My very first coach made me write first thing in the morning. He told me to schedule the 2-hour chunk as my first activity upon waking.

Why?

“Because you’re telling the universe that this is your priority. And then the universe lines up everything to align with your priority.”

Action grounds your priorities. It makes them real. It also makes your day easier because you’re not wasting energy thinking about this thing you’re supposed to be doing.

8 – Avoid “nose-bleed” activities.

Email, voicemail, web stats – any activity that bleeds itself into your whole day becomes a non-activity.  It becomes a nose-bleed.

When you do it all the time, you never complete it. You just let it slowly drain the very life force from you.  Define times for these activities. Then, turn off your email, your cell phone, your web stats, until that time comes.

9 – Don’t ask how you “feel” about doing the activity.

Have you ever committed to getting fit? And then when the alarm goes off, you lie in bed thinking, “Do I really feel like going to the gym?” (Like you even have to ask!)

Change this pattern. Make your decision the night before. Commit to getting up and going right to the gym, the computer, the blank canvas. Don’t have coffee and sigh and think, “I’ll probably feel more like it at lunch time.” You won’t!

If it’s a priority, don’t waste time asking yourself how you feel about doing it. Feelings are an easy out.

———————————

There. I did it.

I wrote this article.

And now I don’t even want to play Sudoku! How about that?

It seems logical to think LOW these days.

After all, the economic roller coaster ride we’ve been on has left some business owners a wee bit nauseous.

Add to that the 24/7 media fear parade, and you end up with a hostile environment for the average solopreneur.

So, if business is down or if you’re just not bringing in enough cash…

…then yes, it would seem logical to respond to that outward assault by joining in the collective cowering, playing a little smaller, and keeping your prices way down.

Hey, you have to compete, right?

What better way to compete than by lowering your prices, right?

Well, actually, NOT right.

Wrong, in fact.

For at least three reasons…

(And as it turns out, there’s LOTS of better ways to compete. But we’ll get to that.)

Reason Number One…

(and here, I am stating the obvious, yet it’s amazing to me how many people forget this one)

… your business is SUPPOSED to make money.

Many solopreneurs got into business because they love what they do.  They’d do it for free they love it so much.

And when the talk turns to money, all their “stuff” comes up.

So, pricing themselves low turns out not to be a competitive strategy at all.

Turns out their low prices are merely a convenient way for them to avoid their fear of charging what they’re worth.

If that rings true, here’s a reminder:

Regardless of your LIFE purpose (or passion) — the purpose of YOUR BUSINESS is to make money.

And unless there’s a very good strategy behind being the cheapest “X” in your industry, there’s NO good reason to be a commodity and go for cheap.  You are not a tube of toothpaste or a pack of batteries or a box of tampons.

Second Reason…

In most cases, bargain hunters make terrible clients.

Do you really want a client who went on a long search for the cheapest life coach she could possibly find?  How invested do you think this client will be in her own long-term results?

Here’s what I mean…

Many years ago, I offered three-day personal growth retreats for women.  (Yes, I was still doing my rock star thing – but even back then, my passion was helping people Uplevel their lives.)

At first, I didn’t know what to charge so I went for “cheap.” I looked around at what other people charged for retreats, and I went lower.

Slight problem, though…

At each retreat, there were always several women who – in the middle of the activities on the second day – would leave to go shopping downtown.

They completely abandoned the group and had no interest in doing any of the work I was teaching.

They just wanted new shoes.

While there’s nothing wrong with that – it certainly wasn’t the kind of person I wanted at my retreats.

When I raised the prices of the retreats (significantly), I no longer attracted the day-shopper ladies.  I only attracted the people who truly wanted to get results.

And I learned a huge truth about money…

Money is a channel for the most powerful energy on the planet:

Commitment.

If someone is not committed enough to her own growth, passion, fun, health, wealth or business to INVEST in it through working with you…

…then most likely, she will check out to go shoe shopping halfway through your work with her.

The third reason that cheap is wrong is that it’s just plain lazy thinking.

You are SO much smarter than that tired old solution of pricing yourself low.

Being the cheapest or having the very best deal?

Yawn!

That’s like your lizard brain just took over your marketing department.

Don’t let your lizard brain take over your marketing department.

So then, let’s revisit our original question…

Should you raise your prices?

Yes, you should.

You absolutely should.

I’ll bet you a thousand bucks you don’t charge enough for what you do.

(And keep reading because I WILL follow through on this bet at the bottom of this post.)

Will it be scary?

Probably.

But let’s at least get you started, okay?

Here are three strategies to help you when it comes to raising your prices…

Strategy #1 – Christine’s Law of “Stretch, Don’t Splatter.”

When I first begin working with a client, she will often fight me tooth and nail about raising her prices.

She will invariably list her reasons:

• Her prospects will run away screaming.

• Her clients will set her office on fire.

• Her dad never liked her.

• Her business is different.

• She is a unique snowflake and no one understands how hard it is to be her.

• Her industry will shun her.

• Her friends will talk about her behind her back.

As you can see, we have a few mindset issues to contend with.

I never blow off mindset issues.

In fact, running a business is more about mindset than anything else – so it’s important to give yourself a break when the fear monsters go on a rampage.

“Stretch, Don’t Splatter” means that when you raise your prices, make sure that the price you choose is scary – but doesn’t completely splatter your brain.

An example:

One of my Platinum mastermind clients offered her first group program on-line.  Before this, she had worked solely with private clients.

She could not grasp charging more than $197 for her program.  I encouraged her to go higher – (her program is amazing!) – but she couldn’t do it.   $197 scared her and stretched her.

So, that’s where we started.

It sold out.

Once she experienced the success of her stretch, she more than tripled her pricing.  She told me, “I get it now!  I just had to see how this works!”

If I had pushed her too hard, she would’ve splattered.  She would’ve been incongruent and wouldn’t sell anyone into her program.

And I know what you’re thinking…

But Christine! This advice directly contradicts all the marketing gurus out there!

Yes, it does. Many of these experts will add zeros to your pricing without batting an eye and tell you to suck it up and play big.

Sadly, I have witnessed firsthand the wreckage that lies in the wake of such hasty advice.  Too many business owners are left disillusioned when they crank their prices beyond their own ability to handle it.

“Stretch, Don’t Splatter” means make it uncomfortable – but do not push yourself into losing your ability to sell.

It’s a fine line.

And it sure helps to have someone like me there to hold your hand when you first do it.

(In the meantime, I can promise that your clients will not set your office on fire.)

Strategy #2 – If someone doesn’t see the value in what you do, then the burden is on YOU to educate that person.

This is called marketing.

Plain and simple.

As a business owner, this is your job.

Your job is to educate.

Educating does not mean convincing them to buy from you.

Educating means providing value in high content blog posts.

It means sharing the story of your client who got her dream job because you helped her Uplevel her resume and caught some major mistakes she was making in her interviews.

It means writing articles or giving a seminar.

It means you are always marketing by giving away content.

In other words, marketing means teaching people all the things you think they should just freakin’ know already!

Strategy #3 – Learn some good old-fashioned pricing strategy.

Let’s say you work 40 billable hours per week.

(Yes, you still spend another 20 or so on the administrative stuff you shouldn’t be doing. But that’s another post for another day.)

Let’s say you raise your prices to $250/hour.

“Awesome!” you think. “That’s $10K per week! I’ll take it!”  (After all, if you take 2 weeks of vacation, that’s $500K per year!)

Not trying to rain on your little money parade – but you’ve got some big problems here…

For one thing, you’ve reached your ceiling.

Unless you keep charging more and more per hour, your ceiling is limited by the amount of hours you’re willing to work.

Slowly, but surely, that happy little $500K per year will lead to burn out.  Your operating expenses (as well as your ever-growing need for medication) will begin to suck you dry.

So, take this advice and run with it:

From now on, dollars per hour is your least favorite way to charge.  It has way too many limits.

And this is where pricing strategy gets fun.

Pricing strategy means that you ditch the hours-for-dollars treadmill, you think in terms of value and results and you creatively put together more strategic programs, packages and products.  (And you work A LOT less.)

Apply great pricing strategies to your work and watch your whole world open up.

And that brings me to the good news…

The economy is picking back up.

Things are getting rolling again.

It’s a great time to Uplevel your offers and your strategies. (And raise your prices!)

The bad news is this:

If you still insist on remaining in the fetal position and letting your fear dictate your pricing and your business, then you’ll miss out big time.

And I know some of you will stop reading now.

You’re nodding your head and saying what you always say when you come across something that could radically change your whole life… “I should think about this some more.”

You will then crawl back into the haze of Facebook, knowing in your heart that this post was the closest you’ll get to the door marked “Exit” in your comfort zone for all of 2012.

That’s fine.

Fear takes on many different forms, including distraction. I’ve been there too.

So, I’m talking to those of you who are still reading, and who are saying, “I’m all ears.”

You know the opportunities are out there for the taking. (We’ve all got some of those.)

And you know there are some demons and hurdles as well. (We’ve all got those too.)

And you know that getting some solid marketing and business strategy would rock your world.

And so would a little bit of hand-holding.

Not to mention some bad-ass field-tested demon-busting, hurdle-eradicating tactics!

Well, you’ll get all of that and LOTS more.

Here’s how…

I’m doing one (and only one!) event this year.

It’s called Uplevel Your Business LIVE 2012…

It’s happening July 29, 30, 31 in Atlanta, GA.

http://www.uplevellive.com/

This is the first time I’ve even announced it.

Which means that right now is a super special window of time.

I call it the early early early early bird window.

(My team calls it “pre-registration.”)

Either way, it’s for those of you who are IN.

You’re ready.

You’ve got a craving for Upleveling and nothing can scratch that itch until you’ve doubled your income and fired those clients that drain the last ounce of energy from you.

You’ve witnessed what happens when people return from my events and make lots more money in their businesses because not only do they have new strategies – but they now have a PLAN.

So, this is for YOU, my friend.

http://www.uplevellive.com/

Until this Sunday, the tuition is LOW.  The lowest it’ll be.

Plus, you’ll get a really cool bonus if you sign up now and become one of the early early early early birds…

I’ve got this new DVD.  It’s called “5 Fast Ways to Make Money Now.”

In it, I walk you step-by-step through 5 different pricing strategies — all very do-able and easy.

In it, I show you how to make more money, how to do it authentically, and how to apply it to your business. (Yes, even if you’re a unique snowflake!)

I also share how to blast through the mindset crap that comes up with each strategy.

And the minute you sign up to join me at Uplevel Your Business LIVE 2012, I will send this DVD to you totally free, no strings attached.

(Which means you can keep it, even if you decide later not to come. I can’t imagine why you would do such a thing – but I’m keeping my promise nonetheless!)

Why am I giving this away?

Well, I have this little craving of my own.

I like to work with people who are fired up. I like to “hit the ground running” with my students and my clients.

So –  I want you to start getting results now so we can hit the ground running on July 29.

(Actually, I’m hosting a little party on the 28^th – so that’s when we’ll start!)

Make sense?

And here’s where I make good on that bet I mentioned up above.

Remember way back up there in the beginning of this post?

Remember the thousand bucks I said I’d bet you?

Well, as it turns out, that’s pretty close to the ticket price for this early early early early bird special.

So – here’s what I’m going to do…

Sign up right now for Uplevel Your Business LIVE 2012.

Get your DVD. (Along with all the other little bonuses we throw in along the way – you’ll enjoy them. I promise.)

Come join me in Atlanta for three VERY full days (and evenings)  of Upleveling your Business, Wealth, Success, Pricing, Marketing, Mindset and Life…

And if you don’t feel like I’ve delivered on my promise…

Or if you don’t feel like you can use the tools you’ve gotten, the strategies you’ve learned or the connections you’ve made…

Or even if you’re just in a bad mood that day and feel like taking it out on someone…

…and we’ll give you a full 100% refund.

PLUS – I’ll write you a check on the spot for an extra $500 to cover your travel, hotel, time or bad mood.

That’s how much I stand by your inevitable success.

That’s how much I stand by the HUGE return you will get on your investment.

And THAT is how much I know I can show you exactly how to Uplevel Your Business and make more money in the second half of 2012 than you made all year in 2011!

So, here’s the link again:

http://www.uplevellive.com/

So, raise your prices.

Jump at your opportunities.

And, yes, UPLEVEL your Business!

I’ll see you in Atlanta!

Leave your comments or questions if you have ‘em…

For some people, breaking free from a corporate job to start their own business is the ultimate dream.  These days, more and more folks are turning this dream into a reality – and having lots of fun doing it!

However, years and years in the “corporate cage” may have created some mindsets that do not serve you as you become a successful entrepreneur.

Here are three big shifts that you may have to experience when you leave corporate to start your own business:

1 – From “Formal” to “Authentic.”

Whether it’s corporate jargon, panty hose, or a “stiff” presentation style, you might have to give yourself permission to be yourself for the first time in a long time.

That’s because many businesses these days are succeeding because of connection, not presentation. The challenge for many people after years of hiding behind the formalities of their corporate position is really about finding their voice and their style, and letting customers and clients get a glimpse of their realness.

2 – From “Lofty” to “Leverage.”

Let’s face it. These days, you can start a business with a laptop and a free wifi connection at Starbucks.

And yet, if you’ve been in corporate, you might have a limiting belief that your credibility comes from an office, business card, corporate car – and all the other lofty trappings you have come to associate with having a credible business.

Think of “leverage” as your new mantra. You can leverage the tools of the internet to create a virtual team as you grow. You can operate your business in your home, and no one has to know.  You can leverage time, money, tools, people, and automation to create a business that has almost no overhead costs so you can make money faster! (And leverage it further!)

3 – From “Slick” to “Imperfect.”

When I begin working with a client who has been in corporate, I often catch them “waiting.” Waiting to get it right. Waiting to make all their materials perfect. Waiting for things to look slick.

Waiting won’t make you money. Action will. Even if it’s imperfect action.

If you have an idea for a program or service or package, get it out there before the graphics (or other components) are slick enough for your old standards.  You can always tweak it later.

Imperfect Action is the game-changer.  In corporate, you might be so accustomed to waiting for approval, committees, chairman, supervisors, etc – that you’re probably not used to the velocity of going from idea to income in a matter of 24 hours.    But that is how fast your turnaround can be when you become an entrepreneur who takes imperfect action.  (Yes, I’ve experienced this myself and witnessed countless clients do the same.)

“Yeah, but what about…”

Now, of course, there are always some considerations in each and every business. And there are always people who will say, “Yeah but what about…”

There are three angles to consider when implementing these mindset shifts to your business.  Watch the video to find out more…

I dated a guy in college who had a strange ritual.   Every now and then, he decided he was out of shape.

“I’m disgusting!” he’d announce to no one in particular.

That afternoon, he would run for miles and miles. As if he could compensate for a sedentary semester in one quick spell.

The next day, his body would be so sore he could barely move.

Compare that with my friend Susan who lost over 65 pounds in one year.  She made health a habit. And even after losing all that weight, she has a daily practice of working out, eating well and watching her mindsets.

For Susan, it wasn’t an Event. It was a System.

Now, consider a big goal that could multiply your business results this year.

What systems, habits or practices (different words, same outcome) do you need to put into place to create the results you want?

Here’s why this is such a crucial question:

A system or habit is something you set up in advance from a place of intention.  You schedule it in advance. You set the alarm, define the work, set the timer, show up and get it done.

When you do this, you become immune to reactive thinking, to those days when you feel whiney, to the “I don’t feel like it’s,” and to the sudden moments of panic (like my college boyfriend used to have).

Your Magic Words are a ridiculously simple (but powerful) phrase that will multiply your results every time:

“This is just what I do.”

So…

•  The alarm goes off at 5am. There’s no asking yourself if you feel like getting up from the flannel sheets. (Of COURSE you don’t!)

You say, “This is just what I do.” No big deal.  You head to the gym.

• Every Thursday at 6pm, you spend 30 minutes in QuickBooks, reconciling, analyzing and getting clear on your finances.

This is just what I do means you don’t race to your on-line banking account in a fury when your worried thoughts take over.  You don’t have to react. You’ve got it covered every Thursday.

•  It’s 9am which means it’s time to spend two hours marketing your business even though you don’t feel “inspired.”

This is just what I do means you sit down and write.   It’s part of your business.  It’s scheduled. It’s non-negotiable.

•  It’s 5:30pm.  Your co-workers are all leaving the office. You’ve started your own business, so you stay at your desk for an hour to generate ideas and connect with your “A” List of contacts.

This is just what I do means that you’re creating long-term results and opportunities, rather than rushing out for a second job to get that extra cash right now.

This is just what I do also ensures that you’ll continue the practice, rather than giving up after one or two phone calls!

—-

If you fall prey to moods or “what if’s” or negative thoughts, then start using the Magic Words:  “This is just what I do.”  Creating systems, habits and practices will teach you more about success than success itself!

I started this article with not one single idea in my head.  The committee in my head wanted me to think there were no ideas left, and perhaps I’d be more inspired tomorrow.

Then, I just sat down to write.

This is just what I do.

Fact:  There’s lots of cranky people who will hear you talk about your business or your business idea – and they’ll tell you to “get real.”

They’ll remind you that 6 million people start a business each year.

Then they’ll tell you that one out of three of these will fail.

They have no stomach for phrases like “follow your passion.”

But, let’s not fault these grouchy left-brain types, okay?

After all, building a successful business isn’t for wimps.  And yes, it IS challenging at times.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed.

Take me for instance.

I started out soaring high on my crazy-ass music dream convinced that if I built it, then the money, fame and fans would flock to my door.

When that didn’t happen in a few months, I was bummed.

But each year, I learned how to run a business that supports the work I loved to do.

And when it came time to change my business model, I did that almost effortlessly based upon what I had already learned along the way.

And guess what?  I never had to get grouchy or lose my original passion.  (In other words, I know what I’m talking about here.)

So, here are 5 truths about building a successful business doing what you LOVE…

1 – Growth is Often Proportional to Investment

One of the gifts of owning your own business is that you learn how to be financially empowered and how to invest in yourself while creating a high return on that investment.

The old employee mindset says:  “Hey, when the company pays for it, I’ll do it.”

As an entrepreneur, if you live in this entitled state-of-mind, you’ll never succeed.  You must see money in a bigger way and invest in your own growth and education.

2 – Clarity Trumps Practicality

One of the most common questions I get from clients is this:

“Do you think my idea is practical, given this crazy economy?”

My answer is based on years of experience.  You must decide to do it first, and then you can look at the practical aspects of it.  That is the power of your commitment and your energy.

“Practical” is often a procrastination device! (Apologies to the sworn skeptics out there.)

Clarity trumps practicality. When someone is clear, and they take action from that place of clarity – then practicality becomes much more do-able.

3 – Systems are Cool.

If you are an entrepreneur, you’re probably great at “winging it.”

Only problem is that you live in chaos, and everything on your to-do list is urgent.  Keep this up – and you’ll eventually burn out.

Systems require that you step back and look at your daily activities.

Systems require that you ask: “How does this work? How can I make it more effective?”

Systems allow you to step away from your work, take vacations, have weekends – and most blessedly, have lots of free space in your mind for creativity.

4 – Ignoring Marketing Doesn’t Make You Humble.  (It makes you fail.)

I used to be a fan of the mantra: “Do what you love, and the money will follow.”  It’s a beautiful philosophy. And true on some levels.

But I also used it as a way to ignore the business side of my work.

After all, hey, if I’m aligned with my purpose, the cash will follow – then I don’t ever have to deal with it, right?

Uh, wrong.

I’ve since learned that avoidance is not a game plan.  Neither is hope.

Just because you’re scared to market yourself doesn’t mean you can’t do it!

When you learn how to authentically market yourself, you’ll never need money again.

5 –Use Your Left Brain and Right Brain

The right brain is far superior when it comes to writing, consulting, coaching, creating programs, training, speaking, and all of the stuff that makes your business great.  You will want to go there often.

The problem is that many people ONLY want to live in the right brain. (Hey, it’s a pretty happenin’ place!)

However, your left-brain must play a role in your success.  That’s because you need to communicate, strategize, build a team, create systems and do numbers, too.

In other words, a successful business owner uses both sides of the brain as she creates success.  When you understand this, business gets a lot easier.

As a solo-business owner, you’ve got it made.

There’s no boss to answer to.

Cubicles are a thing of the past.

HR doesn’t hound you for a lost security code.

And you’re probably reading this in a t-shirt and jeans. (Okay, you’re in your pajamas. I was going to ignore that part.)

Either way – it’s just you.  It’s just your home office.  And your cat who occasionally plants his butt on your keyboard while you’re typing.

In other words – to the outside viewer – it’s not a particularly impressive or slick operation.

So it’s natural to wonder if you should make your business appear larger (more slick, more impressive, more corporate) than it really is.

Well, it depends.

It depends on your client – who they are and what they want.

It depends on what you offer and what your clients love most about you.

It depends on what you want for yourself and the growth of your business.

With that said, let’s address the common questions people ask when it comes to making their business look bigger than it really is…

Question #1 – Should I answer my own phone?

If you ask me, this is NOT an issue of “bigger” or “slicker.”

This is an issue of professionalism and boundaries.

I encourage my clients (yes, even in start-up!) not to answer their own phones.  Instead, set up a voicemail system so that you return calls at a set time each day. When you answer your own phone, you consistently get interrupted all day long. Not good.

If you have a Virtual Assistant, you can direct incoming calls to her number. However, I believe it’s good to have a number that will be yours for years to come.  Your VA might not be around next month – but your business will. Get a number that can stay with you as you grow. Your VA can call in and retrieve messages for you.

Lastly, when you have a scheduled client appointment, then yes, answer your own phone.

Question #2 – Should I get an 800# for my business line?

Completely up to you.

When I was in the music business, getting an 800 number was a game-changer.  It Upleveled the professional image of my offices. It made music promoters more willing to call me back. It positioned me as a serious entertainer in the biz.  So, I’ve always had one.  They’re easy to get. And fairly inexpensive these days.

The advantage of a toll-free number is that it’ll go with you no matter where you go.  (Of course, the internet is making this true of local numbers as well.)

Now that everyone has free-minutes on cell phones, I don’t think it’s as big of a deal.  But there’s still that subconscious public perception that toll-free numbers imply a bigger business.

Question #3 – Should I refer to myself as “We” instead of “I” ?

This is where many solo-business owners miss the boat.

As mentioned above, a lot depends on what your client loves most about you.   If your client hires you because of the connection they have with you, or if you are the brand behind your company, then use “I.”  Don’t be afraid to be transparent here. That’s probably what they love about you!

More than ever, people are seeking relationship and connection.  Trying to adopt corporate-speak by referring to your business as “we” can sometimes have a negative effect. It will feel incongruent to your prospects and clients.

Again, you have to be the one to assess this.  But remember that people buy from people, not from companies. So, use “we” with caution if your company is still just you.

Question #4 – Should I get a real office?

My company – Uplevel YOU – has grown so fast in three years that I purchased a 3000 square foot downtown office space.  I did this because I work better with my team in person, rather than virtually.  Plus, I have several high-level clients who come for full-day private sessions.  It made sense to move my business into a centralized location.

However, this is not the best choice for everyone!  Consider these questions.  Do you like working from your home?  Do you work well with a virtual team?  Do you do most of your client work on the phone?  If you answered yes, then celebrate! Working from a home office eliminates overhead costs and long commutes.  Lucky you!

These days it’s common for successful entrepreneurs not to have an office, to work from cafes, and to gather in random meeting rooms.   The pressure to have an office is often just outdated thinking.

——-

You might want to consider whether you are trying to appear bigger – or if you just need to be more strategic about your positioning and credibility, which is really more about your marketing and content.  Don’t waste your time on appearing bigger. Instead, just keep delivering high value and content to your clients – and believe me, they won’t care if you sometimes have to pull cat hair off your laptop keyboard!

If you look below, you’ll see a place to leave a comment or question…

Fire away if you have a question on this topic.  OR share a secret you’ve used to make your business appear bigger.  Or let me know if you think this is a total non-issue for you!