For Every Problem There IS a Solution
For Every Problem There IS a SolutionHave you ever met someone who claims they want an solution to a problem, but when given the answer, they pooh-pooh it?
Then they say, “This stuff doesn’t work.” It’s not that the solution doesn’t work, it might be they (deep inside) don’t want it to work.
Some people are so attached to their story they’ll do whatever they can to be right.
Why is it some people will ask for solutions to their problems, even pay for the strategies to solve problems, but then continue to do things their way?
It’s like watching someone drown because they won’t learn how to swim and are constantly diving into the water.
Vetting Clients Comes with Time and Experience
I’ve made it a policy to vet potential clients by digging into their history. Mind you, I’m talking about high-end clients. I’m not referring to people who buy a $20 product. I’m referring to those who have one-on-one time with me, hire me to consult or keynote at their conference.
One of the quickest ways to determine if you will be able to help a client is to listen to their back story. A few simple questions will let you know if you will be just one more “they didn’t work coaches” or if you actually can help.
It’s not that you’re not good, even great, at what you do. It’s that some people continually fail to implement ideas that actually will work because they fear failure, success or both. Sadly, by not taking different actions, they are creating the very thing they fear most; failure.
Listen to The Whole Story
Recently, I received an email from a woman who was very upset with a vendor she hired.
“I wasted my money. Why does this always happen to me? One more time, I threw money away. When I complained, she wasn’t willing to do anything to fix the problem.”
The email was long and drawn out, but the general tone was the same; the woman felt she had been burned… one more time.
I actually know the vendor and I know her work to be very high quality. I also know she offers stellar customer care.
Several of my personal clients use her services, as do I, and none of us have had this experience. And yet, virtually every vendor this woman worked with resulted in the same outcome; the woman feeling slighted.
Complainers Run In Packs
I’ve heard similar stories from people who have hired coaches. Although the coaches run very successful businesses, have helped lots of people get great results, there are those individuals who never get results from any of the coaches they have hired.
Often, these folks seek out others who have a similar mindset in order to console each other in the “ain’t it sad” scenario.
A closer look will reveal it has little, if anything, to do with the coach and everything to do with the fact the person isn’t willing to implement the ideas presented.
I’m not saying there aren’t some bad, really bad, coaches. What I am saying is everyone has an M.O.
Success Was Hers… But It Frightened Her
Years ago I worked with a woman who wanted to build a strong local presence, increase the number of private clients she worked with and of course, increase her revenues and profit margins.
We worked on a great solution; it was to get out in her local market and offer complimentary presentations.
Initially, she was gung-ho, implementing virtually every idea we discussed.
She hosted her first ever event in which 45 people attended. Everyone gave her rave reviews.
She made a very nice offer to those in attendance and sold several thousand dollars worth of services.
Her results were wildly successful.She was on Cloud 9.
“I love this. I want to keep doing this,” she exclaimed.
Yet, within a very short period of time she reverted back to old behaviors. She quit doing the very things that resulted in her successful outcome.
When I asked her what was going on, she gave me a song and dance about this not being what she is meant to do. And off she went to chase more squirrels.
Last I heard, she was once again struggling in her business and deciding if she needed to close shop.
To me, this is insane.
How do I know? Because for years this was my story.
My Story Was Like A Broken Record
Although I knew I needed to do things differently and would seek out how to make changes, I continued to do things my way.
My way ended me up fat, broke and frustrated. I was so attached to my story of why I couldn’t succeed that no matter how clear the answer was I would hold fast to “my way.”
I came to realize (and accept) if things were to change in my life I HAD to be willing to do things differently.
I had to be willing to take full responsibility for my actions. I especially had to be willing to get uncomfortable in order to let go of what was familiar and keeping me broke.
Taking responsibility, changing the way I did things and not telling the same old story has allowed me to create a successful life and business. I’m coming up on my 23rd year in business.
Find Those Who are Doing It
Over the last decade, I’ve hired several business coaches. Each has a proven track record, has something unique to offer and each pushes me out of my comfort zone.
The fact is, if you want to go beyond your current level of success it is essential to get outside, often wayyyyyy outside, your comfort zone.
I would be incredibly foolish if I were to pay experts for their insights and then not apply what they recommend. After all, I hired them for a reason; they knew things I didn’t.
By applying what they advise, I get to experience even greater success than I can achieve on my own.
For example, with one coach, one recommendation I implemented resulted in over $30,000 worth of added revenue in less than a month.
If I would not have tried her method I probably wouldn’t have generated the extra $30,000.
The knowledge I obtained from my business coaches is beyond outstanding. Yet, it’s worth nothing to me if I don’t apply it.
The Insanity of Investing (ooops – throwing money away)
Frequently I see people who will invest in great information from people with a proven track record, yet they put a half-hearted effort into implementation or worse yet, do nothing with the knowledge (or argue why they are different, their market is different and hold to the belief the information won’t work for them) and then they say the expert’s information doesn’t work.
It never ceases to amaze me how much people invest in programs, seminars, workshops and mentors only to continue doing things their way. The very way that got them where they’re at and likely has them stuck in a rut of some sort. After all, if they weren’t in a rut why would they invest in the knowledge and guidance in the first place?
Mindset is Everything
A place people get incredibly stuck is with their money mindset. I see this every single day.
Countless men and women continually talk about how tough times are. They claim they just can’t seem to make money. When they see others making money the first thing out of their mouth is, “You are so lucky. It’s easy for you.”
These type of comments grate on my nerves as much as fingernails on a chalkboard.
It’s not luck or things being easy that allow some people to continually generate revenue. Not at all. It’s that we have different strategies.
Building and running a successful business takes discipline. It’s not something that “just happens.” It’s something you plan and work at.
Stop the Blame, Stop the Insanity
Rather than blaming the economy or saying people are just not spending money, why not pay attention to your own habits, thoughts and conversations.
Organize your day in a way that you have specific outcomes you MUST achieve.
Avoid conversations that include, “I’m not making any money,” and “I have no idea how I’m going to make any money.”
This is absolutely essential to changing the money mindset. More people engage in the “Money is tight” conversation rather than, “There is more than enough to fill my needs.”
The willingness to NOT engage in negative conversations is absolutely essential to unblocking money channels.
Read books, listen to CDs, and absorb anything and everything on positive money beliefs that you possibly can.
7 Step Process
Want to see a change in your business for the better? Try these 7 Steps To Success
- For a period of 30 days start your day by expressing gratitude.
- Begin your time in your office with something that will monetize your business. Stay out of email first thing in the morning other than to access any emails that are directly connected with monetizing your business.
- Minimize your time in social networks unless the time is directly related to your business growth.
- Be willing to end conversations talking about “how slow things are, my market is different, my business is different, you don’t understand, blah, blah, blah.”
- Engage in conversations about business growth, what the market wants, needs and is willing to pay for, trends and possibility.
- Map out your next 30 days. Put a plan in place to create something that will monetize and grow your business. Work the plan.
- Rather than assuming the success others experience is based on how lucky they are, dig deeper and take a look at what they are doing to create their success. Look at their systems and be willing to model what they are doing. It’s likely when you do you too will experience a new level of success.
Here’s the deal; you can choose to continue on the path of the insane people who have the solutions at their fingertips, but still do things their way or you can follow the path of those who are wildly successful.
The choice is yours.
Take Your Business to the Next Level
Ready to take your business to the next level? Join me on December 15th in Beaverton, Oregon for Passion for Thriving Event. Only 35 spots available and most have been claimed.
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The event takes place in Beaverton, Oregon. There’s just one thing… seating is limited to 35 people and only a few spots remain.
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Congratulations to you Kathleen! I want to know how you did it. Have a bunch of baby weight I have to get rid of 🙂
Kat
I eat very green. About 70% of my food intake is raw. Lots of veggies, a few servings of fruits. I do what I can to eat organic. No processed sugar whatsoever. No breads, pastas, cakes, chips, sodas, or any other “stuff” I know is unhealthy. I drink lots of water throughout the day. It’s been so worth it.
WOW — I’ll have to add you to my list of Women that Inspire me — I just started my journey ( 2 weeks ago ) and am doing a daily blog — http://www.FitFrimFabulousAtFifty.com — http://www.FitFirmFabAtFifty.com —
In a few weeks I will be posting about Women that have gone through the process — and would love to feature you if you have time!
Thank you for sharing – Cheers, Phillis
Would love to talk with you Phillis. If you could Private Message me in Facebook that would be great.
Will do — man I am so tickled about your post — I sent it to my group & clients!
Thanks Phillis. Glad you sent it along to others you feel it can inspire.
You go girl! Congratulations! 😀
🙂
Congratulations on your success in setting a goal and sticking with it until you got where you were going – both personally and professionally! It’s not easy to do but it is so worthwhile. Thanks for the reminder that it takes action and attitude to truly get somewhere. 🙂
Thank you Jannis. I appreciate your kind words.
Hi Kathleen,
Congratulations on your weight loss and for doing it in a healthful way. Taking the time to get the weight off the right way will help make it more likely that you’ll keep it off for good.
As someone who has also had weight struggles, has successfully maintained a nearly 50 pound weight loss, and now coaches others as an expert guide on their own wellness journeys, the next big step is having a plan for not gaining the weight back which is where most people go awry.
However, you’ve learned, as have I–as both a business lesson and a health lesson–that it’s all about putting the information you have to good use. And as a customer of yours, I’ve certainly put your good information to use. Great job!
Melanie Jordan
Wellcoaches and ACE Certified Health and Wellness Coach
Thank you Melanie. Yes, you are so right. Maintenance is essential. With both my business and my health there are things I do on a daily basis and those things I absolutely will not do.
Thanks for your comments.
Kathleen I love how you always talk about mindset. It is the daily commitment to the “good healthy stuff” that gets us to where we want to be. No one can do it for us. You look great! Terri
Thanks Terri. Appreciate the feedback.
In January I decided that I wanted to lose the “baby weight” I have been carrying for 25 years. I’ve tried various programs and given up in frustration when the weight didn’t come off in a couple of months. But this time I decided to give myself a year. I told myself that as long as my weight was going down, it didn’t matter how long it took. It’s been 9 months, and I’m down 25 pounds and three sizes, even though I haven’t been able to exercise very much this year due to foot surgery and a pulled hamstring. Now I’m trying to apply the same strategy to my business and other goals that I’d all but given up on!
Way to go Gail. Being systematic, methodical and persistent is definitely the way to go. Best of luck with your business too.
What an achievement. Congratulations, Kathleen. I appreciate your vulnerability and generosity in sharing your struggle. Very inspiring.
Thanks Donaleen. I appreciate your kind words.
Congratulations, Kathleen!
The points that you made about paying for advice and not taking it really struck home! I’m going to follow your 7 Steps to Success (Your Way) for the next 30 days. I expect to see the kind of progress that doing it my way has not produced.
Keep us posted Edy!
dahlink… you look FABULOUS !!!
Thanks Kathleen!
Well done Kathleen!
You are a great role model for folks
Super blog post too! I find that once you start eating healthy food your body
Starts to crave it !!
Continued Success,
Ray k.
Toronto, Canada
Thanks so much Ray. And yes! It’s true that the body craves the great food if we make it available.
Kathleen,
You have been an inspiration for over a decade (clear back when you did your first event in Salt Lake City).
This is just one more reason to celebrate YOU!
Thank you JeanneLauree. I would love to do another event in Salt Lake City. I always had such a great time with such great friends and colleagues.
Thank you for sharing your success story Kathleen. It’s inspirational! Your weekend workshop in Portland was excellent and the 7 Key Steps to Success are a great reminder to put it into action!
Thanks so much Leslie. The Connection Experience in Portland was amazing specifically due to the people in attendance.
Great seven tips, Kathleen. The connection experience in Portland was a joy to attend – a great motivator with sound advice (+ a “gentle” kick in the tail to get my wolf book DONE!). I came back inspired and keen to go. Lupey (the wolf) is probably celebrating wherever he is, and saying something like “Its about time!!).
And yes, I saw first hand your weight loss success. That is another critical goal for me. I got lazy there as well. So, today was in the gym with a trainer and hit the grocery store for sensible vitals.
I believe these things work together. Motivation from one task spreads to the other. Win / Win or zipo…nothing.
Super post. Thanks.
Talk with you soon,
John
It was great to have you at The Connection Experience John. And so glad your book is well under way.
Hi, dear Kathleen, I’m happy for you.
My first book, THE WOLF WITH A BELL, coming soon to the markets. You can ask from( http://www.shaker-media.nl). Levent ISLEK.
Best regards.
Any book that has WOLF in the title must be worth reading! Bells and whistles all around. My challenge has been to move from science style writing (my background) to informative story telling. The hero is LUPEY, an amazing animal. Kathleen has been a great motivator to get my tribute to this animal done.
John, here is another book with “Wolf” in it: LONE WOLF by Jodi Picoult (#1 New York Times Bestselling Author).
I mentioned this to you during the Connection Experience in Portland, but I am seeing this as a chance to mention it again.
Greetings from London. It is a fantastic sunny day here and we are lucky. My heart goes out to our friends in New York today.
Is insanity the correct word, I asked myself? Yes, it probably is, I answered. If you KNOW that your business is unlikely to grow unless you seize the hour and take responsibility, why delay any longer? The insanity is to prevaricate, blame outside influences and waste vast amounts of time.
I thought using the weight-loss example to demonstrate a new mindset,was brilliant. We can all relate to that one!
I’m going to clear my mind, make my plans and apply the 7 Steps to Success throughout November. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Giles Brady
Covent Garden, London
Thank you for the prayers for our stateside friends. I am on the west coast. We are getting no where near the devastating weather conditions our east coast friends are getting. We are sending prayers for safe conditions for all.
Yes!
Great post Kathleen… really great.
Thanks for using your weight loss as the foundation… just what I needed. I started the “get fit and loose 40# by my birthday” thing too just this week.
Good for you Judy. Best of luck on achieving your weight loss goals by your birthday. Remember, a day at a time.
Kathleen,
You are the BOMB! You are such an inspiration and always have been to all! The years in Utah associating with you were awesome.
What a great achievement to obtain that goal; but really you always looked great!! No one really noticed before because you were so dynamic!
Karen, Utah
Kathleen:
Congratulations girl! Your amazing!
I just started a 90 day challenge with 10 women who need to get into a daily 30 min. exercise routine. I struggled with this type of routine for over 10 years. I really didn’t need to loose a whole lot of weight (10 ibs) but I certainly need to tighten up as the “force of gravity”…age crept in. Talk about focus, it is really hard but I am not giving up! If it wasn’t for the fb group and my commitment to it, I wouldn’t do it. Hopefully this commitment will start a habit of exercising every day that I will enjoy daily. That is the whole purpose of me joining. For the second half of my life, I need to really put this routine in place.
As I was doing this 90 day challenge, I’m finding that this type of restraint behavior is showing up a lot for me in my business. As I lost my entire empire of 24yr old business(s) due to employee embezzlement in 2010, me and my family’s retirement, in various brick and mortar industries, this “poor me” victimized mentality was really showing up. So, like your story I too hired a mentor too.
Your post here is so bang on, Kathleen. I will definitely share it with my clients also. I think your programs and teachings are amazing and have been following you for years. As I must finish my existing 8 month program with my existing mentor, I will not doubt continue to follow you as we share many coaching programs together such as Brendon.
Again, your amazing and congratulations, Kathleen. You look amazing also! Thanks for being so transparent and looking forward to your continued teachings! Your a blessing to us all and especially me. I am truly grateful for your teachings in my life!
Warmly,
Cheryl Lynn
Thanks for sharing this Kathleen – it’s just what I needed today as I begin my own journey of weight loss!
A pleasure to inspire.
I noticed all along that you were in a “losing mode” and I told you several times that you look gorgeous! You are an inspiration; I want to look like that and yet — no bread? You are suggesting that to a German who grew up on bread and potato salad.
Anybody out there who offers a weight loss program that includes bread?
I do drink lots of water: non-contaminated, clean, sparkling, delicious water! It helps also and supports any weight-loss program.
I wish I could forgo the bread, though (excuse, excuse). .
Britt
It’s all about choice. I grew up in a “meat and potatoes” home. Most boomers did. As in business, we decide what we want and what we are willing to give up to get it and what we are willing to add in. I LOVE bread but I love my health more.
As I shared at The Connection Experience there are things we must be willing to change in order to achieve the outcomes we desire.
No one has to do anything they don’t want, but Britt, now comes the backside kicking for you…”What do you want? To have a different result or continue to do what you are doing and keep getting the results you are currently getting?”
The choice is yours. No victims or excuses allowed.
I need those kick-butts!
Yes,I am making and have recently made, choices that I know are propelling me forward in the business I want to succeed in. Showing up for the Connection Experience was one of them and I am so glad I did! Other positive choices are moving me forward as well.
I arrived at my present weight because I let my tastebuds lead the way — and that includes, you guessed it: bread! I even bake it — it’s delicious and about as healthy as bread can be.
The decision on that is still out.
Congratulation Kathleen on your success . Thanks for the great words of wisdom and encouragement for us all. It speaks volume to the statement “we can do anything we put our mind to”
Kathleen, Thank you for providing such an fabulous testimonial on the power of committment. Your commitment to yourself, to your coach and to your bigger vision is extremely inspirational on so many levels. I will be sharing your story with my VibrantBoomerWoman.com list. Congratulations!
Thanks so much Doreen. Appreciate you sharing my story.
Congratulations, Kathleen! What a wonderful accomplishment. And you look fantastic. Fortunately I do not have a weight problem (which, with only a couple of years to go before I hit 70 years of age, is great) and have, for years, eaten relatively healthy. I love fruit and raw veggies though I don’t always eat the veggies raw. I eat very little meat other than fresh salmon filets. I do indulge in snacks once in a while, but never make a habit of it. I know they aren’t healthy, but if I indulge occasionally I don’t crave them. I do not usually eat much bread, but I have recently discovered Romano bean gluten-free bread–expensive, but delicious– made by a local bakery, and eat a little of that once in awhile.
To the other commenters who have shared their desire to lose weight, I wish you great success.
Congratulations, Kathleen. You look FABULOUS!!! And you lost the weight correctly…slowly and surely along with a winning mindset. I’ll bet you a chocolate cake (just kidding!) that you’ll stay at your new healthy weight for the rest of your life.
Thanks for your wise words as well.
XXOO
Enjoy the cake! 🙂 I do plan to maintain a healthy lifestyle now that I have a great point of reference of how great it feels to do son.
I have found this set of conversations very thoughtful and indeed inspiring. My congratulations to all who have shared so openly and with such conviction. This is exactly what our world needs. You folks are leaders! Well done….and thank you.