Business: Is one question enough?

What is your focus...

- money or passion?
- time or relationships?
- work or vision?

Is life interesting enough for you...

- Who is it you find most interesting?
- What is it you find most interesting?
- What places do you find most interesting?

Is your life everything it could be...

- How often are you at your best?
- How often do you enjoy the fact that you are a live?
- How often are you filled with an overwhelming gratitude for the present?
- How often are you filled with an overwhelming gratitude for the person nearest you?
- How often do you lose track of time because you are so focused and lost in the moment?

Does your business pull or push you forward...

- Do you fight to wake-up every morning?
- Is money your biggest concern?
- Are you eager to share what you do with the person standing in front of you?
- Is your day filled with hope?
- Is your freedom limited or liberated as a result?

Finding direction, finding meaning...

It seems to me if all you want more than a way to pay the bills that spending time with yourself to learn what really matters for you would be important. Without doing so, how will you ever know whether or not you're headed in a direction that is meaningful?

Action steps...

1. Take a moment to write down the seven most influential people in your life.
2. Take a moment to write down the seven most influential people in your business.
3. Go through the above questions as if you were one of the most influential people in your life and business.
4. Take notes, journal, do what you do, just make sure you are paying attention.
5. Use what you learned.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Business Mindset: Tire kickers don't make good business owners!

Chris Brogan is NOT a tire kicker!!!

If you haven't heard of Chris Brogan just goto ChrisBrogan.com and you'll find his blog.

Why does Chris matter? Because there is something for you and I to learn from what Chris is up to these days...more specifically a series of posts titled "Overnight Success...".

To say Chris' videos have stirred me to action would be an understatement. The "Overnight Success..." videos are more like a wake-up call...a reminder to...PAY ATTENTION!

So, why isn't Mr. Brogan a tire kicker...watch the vids and answer the question for yourself...

Once you've watched the vids ask yourself...

- Would I go that far?
- What am I willing to do to grow my business?

Until you start taking action all the books, the tapes, the CDs and DVDs, seminars and teleclasses simply won't matter.

Do you really know, understanding doesn't count, what having a thriving business will do for you and those you love?

Chris Brogan does!!!

Chris is taking action, like it or not, he has made a commitment and he is going for IT! He knows what a thriving business will mean for him and his family and he's making it happen.

Tire kickers don't go for IT...

Tire kickers don't go for IT, they hesitate, they doubt and they let opportunity pass them by.

Earlier I shared how Chris' "Overnight Success..." vids have been a reminder for me to "PAY ATTENTION". Still, making time for a video even if it's only a minute or two can be a challenge. So, here's a way for you make sure you are paying attention...ask yourself, on a regular basis, the following question...

"Is what I'm doing working?"

Be honest with yourself, don't let yourself BS yourself. If what you are doing isn't working then change IT!

Stop kicking tires and start...

"PAYING ATTENTION!"

...be committed and take action.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Winning is not just a word!!!

Words are so seductive...

It is intriguing to me how many people have such an affinity for quotes. People will read them, seek them out and even share them. Equally true is that people will have a tendency to relate to quotes on such a personal level that there can be a sense of sharing themselves when they share the quote.

The words because they have such a personal relationship with the individual can take on a life of their own.

Yet, aside from having an affinity for the same quote will one typically be curious enough to ask "Do they really understand what that quote means for me, do they really understand what it is I am meaning or wanting to share?"

I would say this..."I doubt it!"

Lost in translation...

Context, timing and ones situation will no doubt influence how a quote that is shared by another is interpreted. Allowing ourselves to assume that the reader of the quote will understand is a bit short sighted, much like the conversation that passes comments from one person to the next with a casual "you know what I mean...".

If we never take the time to question what is being said and the intent or to share our understanding of same then how do we ever really know that either party is talking about the same thing...in short "WE DON'T!"

What do you mean?

No, I don't want to hear the quote again, rather I would like to hear what you have to say...

- What are your feelings and thoughts
- What has caused you pick this particular quote
- What has compelled you to share the quote with me

The more a word, a phrase or even a quote is shared the less meaning it will actually have. A point that is often lost to many.

There are no short-cuts to communicating effectively.

Do you care enough?

What would change for you if instead of sharing a quote you took the time to consider what the quote means for you and what it is you want others to understand from the quote. Yes, in YOUR WORDS!

What would change if instead of accepting a quote as a response you actually took the time to ask...

"What about that quote is so important for you?"

Much more than a word...

Winning is one of the most over used words in the English language and perhaps even on a global scale and it is exactly because of it's over use that "winning" has absolutely no meaning. Well, at least in a universal sense.

Does winning mean scoring a goal, completing a marathon, getting out of bed, surviving cancer or being a friend?

The truth is, it probably means all of those things and more depending on the person.

The opportunity...

In this case the opportunity might be to ask "What does winning mean for you?"

This is not an easy question, especially for someone who has never considered it. Even for someone who has considered it, it still be difficult to answer in this moment.

The power of the word does not lie within the word itself, rather it lies in the awareness of the person who is willing to contemplate "what the word means for them".


Inspired by...

This post was inspired by @TheSCICoach to follow and read her tweets click here... and her recent string of tweets on winning.

I love the topic of winning..

- It is rich with opportunity for discovery and growth
- It is rich with meaning

It takes courage and compassion to say "I want to win" and to go for it, especially if you know exactly what it means for YOU!

Still, if you don't ever take the time to consider "What does winning mean for me?" how can you ever really know what you are saying when you say...

"I WANT TO WIN!"

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Self-care: Teachers, guides, students and James Arthur Ray...

James Ray followers die...

If you are not familiar with this incident, Ray recently held a retreat including a 36 hour fast and a sweat lodge ceremony that ultimately lead to the death of two and 19 others injured.

To read more about the James A. Ray sweat lodge tragedy, click here...

More to the point is what can we learn from this experience?

Recorded audio session - The James Ray Incident: A Discussion about Authority with Shawna Bowen and guests, click here...

Pay attention, pay attention, pay attention...

As a student, a teacher, a follower, a guide and even a mentor is important to remember that it is essential, even critical, as an individual that we always put self-care first. There is no one living who has all the answers or an answer that is right for everyone.

When we begin to see someone in that light and give them the power to make choices for us it is a warning sign. A warning that there is something amiss. It's a time to step back and to collect your self and your thoughts.

Your life is your responsibility...

When we allow others to choose for us we suspend our responsibility to ourselves. No one and I do mean no one can be more vested in your life than you. It is your life to live and to experience, it was given to YOU and no one else.

Only YOU can experience your life!

T Harv Eker says it well when he says...

"I speaking from my experience, you can only speak from your experience."

"Try what I say if it works keep do if, if it doesn't then stop!"

We all can benefit from keeping a critical mind as we explore our curiosity and begin to reach beyond our comfort zones.

- Be willing to question what is being asked of you
- Be willing to seek other possibilities
- Be willing to trust yourself and your body

It takes great courage...

To stand for yourself, to live the life you choose does require courage as you will no doubt be challenged and questioned by others. Just remember the person you are standing for is YOU!

- Be your greatest fan
- Be your greatest advocate
- Be your best friend

Your life is yours to live, remember that, treasure it and accept the responsibility that comes with living your life.

What about teachers, guides, trainers and mentors?

Pay attention, you have a responsibility to those who say yes to you. You have a responsibility to empower your students and or mentees to be courageous and to speak for themselves. You have a responsibility give voice to their questions and concerns even if they remain silent.

Seth Godin says it well "It's easy to under estimate how difficult it is for someone to become curious"...

Listen Seth Godin as he shares his thoughts on curiosity, click here...

My point that it is not always easy for the follower, the student or the mentee to question the one they look up to. As teachers it is important to remember this and to keep at the forefront of all teachings and learning opportunities.

Teachers, guides, trainers and mentors are not there to live our lives...

Learn from others, be curious, experiment, give your best effort and live your life. Make your own choices and celebrate those who choose to do the same.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Business and stories...

The ultimate message...

Stories are the ultimate message as they bring to life what cannot
be conveyed logically. Stories can be inspirational, heart-warming,
scary and even heart-breaking.

Do you have a story?
Do you recall the last time you shared your story?

Chris Barrow says "Tell 1,000 people!"

To polish a stone you must toss it into a tumbler and then let it
tumble amongst the other rocks and grit until it's surface
eventually reaches a brilliant lustre.

The same holds true for the stories you share. Until your story is
is tested, refined and tested again and again it will most likely
lack focus, structure and a compelling message. Not only does your
story suffer without putting it to the test, your skills as a story
teller will most likely be greatly diminished without practice.

Imagine 1,000 people...

Can you imagine telling 1,000 people your story?

What would change for you, how would your story change, can you imagine?

How long would it take you to tell 1,000 people your story...5 years, 3 years, 1 year or less?

If you wait, resist, put it off how long will it take to tell 1,000 people your story?

I know, all these questions...it's just your business right?

Well, what are you waiting for...get out of here...go on...do it now!

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Remember, possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

james at coachesbuzz.com

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Business Goals: Does the score really matter?

Some times I find it easier to relate to business as a parent than as a business owner. This is one of those moments...wink!

Is it really the score you want to watch?

So, often as a parent observing the various sporting events for my children it is made very clear by some (more than not) that the SCORE of the game or match MATTERS. Never mind the skills, the learning, whether or not the child played well or maybe even seeing improvement both at a team level and or at an individual level.

A string of losing scores can quickly over shadow all other aspects of the game and the child.

At the end of the day it will not be the score that the child recalls, it will be their experience. Was my Dad or Mom nagging me because I missed the ball or we lost the game or my play didn't meet their expectations or will they remember how much they enjoyed the game, how well they played and maybe even what they learned.

Does the score matter?

I've always said it like this...until you can play the game, until you can execute plays the score doesn't have to much meaning. It's mostly a confirmation of the fact that you haven't learned to play the game well enough to be competitive.

What about you and your business...

Have you learned how to play the game?
Have you learned the rules?
Have you learned how to keep score?

In business the score isn't as obvious as it is in say a basketball game or a football game.

Let's look at how you're keeping score in your business...

- One of the most common ways to keep score is simply NOT TOO.
- Can I pay the bills.
- Is there money in the bank.
- Size of list.
- Number of customers.
- Is my schedule full.
- Size of inventory.
- Number of sales.
- Am I having fun.
- Reviews.
- Referrals.
- Testimonials.
- Vacations.
- Long weekends.
- The car you drive.
- The house you own.
- Where you live.
- The clothes you buy.
- The food you eat.

...there are more ways to keep score in business that you can count.

Why keep score?

By keeping score you are able to measure how well you're playing in the game called 'Business'.

Keeping score allows you to make adjustments, to ask questions, to consider alternatives. Ultimately it's an opportunity for you to step back and to look at your level of play and the results with an objective eye.

It's an opportunity to consider whats working and whats not.

Not keeping score is like treading water!

If all you're doing is treading water, soon or later you will get tired and once that happens survival becomes a challenge.

By not keeping score you are actually allowing circumstance to control your future. Like a boat without a sail at sea, you will be at the mercy of the moment.

Keeping score starts with you...

Before you can begin to keep score there must be a reason to do so. If there isn't a KNOWN reason, a purpose, a goal or a desire to be, do or have with your business the score won't have to much value. Your motivation will not be what it could be.

Without knowing what you want the opportunities that are revealed to you by keeping score won't be seen. Your ability to choose in the moment will be lost because you will not have a way to measure the opportunity. You will not have a way to see the potential of the moment.

Over time it will be important to keep in mind your reasons for keeping score can and will change and that's okay. Just make sure you have a purpose. Start small, test the waters, see what you can accomplish and build from there.

If you're going to play the game called 'Business' then be there 100%.

- By not playing the game at 100% you're wasting time, the time of your customers as well as yours.

- By not playing the game at 100% you will not be able to withstand those challenging moments all business will face from time-to-time.

- By not playing the game at 100% you will be sloppy and more inclined to make mistakes.

What to do...

1. Decide what you want from your business.
2. Decide how to best keep score (i.e., as it relates to your goals).
3. Play the game at 100%.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

PS: I'll talk more about how to play the game in upcoming posts.

PPS: Looking for a way to turn your business around? Let's talk...

james at coachesbuzz.com

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Business Attitude: Don't blame the ducks!

Hey we're in a recession...

Does it feel like everyone around you is talking about how bad things are?
Do you find that it's easier to just agree than to disagree?

Who the hell wants to have a different outlook when so many are so eager to say and look at you like 'who the hell are you and what planet did you come from!" Very few are up for the challenge...so most will settle for the discomfort of being agreeable with all the people they disagree.

In short those who settle have allowed everyone else to TELL THEM how to think, how to live and how to feel.

I'm here to say 'SCREW THE DUCKS!' YOU have a choice...

...so, did you listen?

What came to mind?
Are you surrounded by ducks?

12 months from now you can either be another statistic or you and your business can matter enough to others to afford you the opportunity to live the life of an eagle!

Are you a duck or an eagle?

Whether or not you disagree I want to hear what you have to say...so, leave a comment and tweet me at... CoachesBUZZ

Just remember 'I'M NOT A DUCK!' you want to argue for your limitations and challenges find someone else...

I'M NOT INTERESTED!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

PS: In the words of Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero 'If it's not hell yes, then it's hell no!'

PSS: If you are looking for a coach with a kick-ass attitude. Guaranteed to challenge, encourage, inspire and to help you to see and live YOUR GREATEST POSSIBILITY...let's talk...

james at coachesbuzz.com

...stop waiting, either you want it or you don't!

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Mindset: Being Real...

I'll keep this short and sweet...

I have started and stopped at least a half a dozen blog entries and written countless miscellaneous notes with regard to winning and NONE of them have passed the ultimate test...me posting them to the blog.

Who knows, who cares, it happens...

Sometimes things don't flow...
Sometimes things really do suck...
Sometimes you really do need to scream...

...and THAT'S OK!

At best I'm imperfect and the same could be said about my work...

If things aren't working for you?
If you're struggling?
If you are starting to think 'What the hell am I doing?'

Well, RELAX! Give yourself a BREAK!

Change it up, choose something different to focus. Allow yourself to be YOU, allow yourself to experience FULLY your experience.

Serious, PAY ATTENTION you are most likely on the verge of learning something new. If not and you live through it you might just find that you have a valuable story to share.

So, stop fighting IT, because IT is really YOU!

Even YOU deserve a BREAK!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Winning Attitude: Unconditional love!

How willing are you to give?

What I mean is this...

Do you give freely or with condition?
Do you give freely or with expectation?
Do you give freely or with guilt?
Do you give freely or with resentment?
Do you give freely or carelessly?

Again, how willing are you to give?

Here are two powerful quotes for you to consider...

1. "People don't care what you know until they know you care."

Do people get that you care?

2. "We must learn to love life without trusting it." G.K. Chesterton

Trust doesn't come first! Trust isn't earned, it is given!

How trusting are you?

Actions:

1. Give yourself time each day to consider and to observe yourself and others.
2. Consider how willing you are to commit to others and yourself.
3. Notice how willing others appear to be when working with you.
4. Take notes, record yourself...get it out of your head!
5. Pay attention...wink!

Give your thoughts and your feelings a voice!

Before there is an action, there is a choice and before choice there is attitude. Our attitudes, and our perspectives shape our relationships, our lives and yes, our businesses!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

PS: Remember "PAY ATTENTION!"

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Coaching: 3 reasons why I'm not the coach for you...

You're satisfied with your life?
You're unwilling to make an effort?
You don't have a dream?
You know all you need to know?
You are happy alone
You enjoy overdraft charges
You enjoy cutoff notices
You enjoy being broke
You enjoy having money as an excuse to not go to the party
Your happy doing the same thing over and over and over again
You want someone else to care more than you do
You want someone else to work harder than you do
You would rather complain
You're right, really you're right
Your life is someone elses fault
You're unwilling to pickup a penny, a nickle, maybe even a dime
You're willing to do just enough
Your dream is "someday"
Being average is good enough
You aren't worth retail price
Noone really cares including you
You're to afraid
You put yourself last
You're reasonable
You're comfortable
You're not committed
You're committed to what you have
You want to keep everything in your head
Noone can do it better than you
You doubt yourself
You're angry
You've given up
You're willing to settle for less
You believe everyone else
You don't want to feel
You need to be convinced
You'll be serious...if
You'll believe...when
You'll do it...only when
You think "I can do that" and then do nothing
You want a guarantee
You want more than you give
You are confinced money is bad
You don't want to make money?
You want a job not a business
You think "why bother"
You're not worth $97 a year
You enjoy being mad
It works for everyone else not me
You're different, your the exception
You have to be convinced
You have to be motivated
You always choose the hardest path
You are convinced simple doesn't work
You are convinced noone else cares, so you don't care
You'll eat anything and expect to feel good
You'll do nothing and expect to have energy
You won't ask for help
You value others more than you value yourself
You're actions impact others and you don't get it
You think everyone else thinks like you
You're resigned to your life
You would rather invest a dollar in a lottery than 5 minutes in yourself
You believe luck has nothing to do with taking action
You don't plan
All the great opportunities are taken
Even free isn't good enough
People don't deserve to be paid for what they love
Planning is limiting
Speed is a challenge
Perfection comes first
Focus on why it won't work
Focued on the doubters
You're lazy
You want the easy path

Do your actions match what you're thinking?
Does your thinking match your actions?

Winning Does Matter!!!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Coaching: What's great about coaching...

Who's Andrea J Lee?

If you are a coach and you haven't heard of Andrea, it's time...and here's your chance. She is always up to something and right now her latest biggy is quietly being assembled, yet she is starting to tease the world with the tiniest of glimpses.

Anyways, I digress, coaching is one of those things you can't put in a box, although it's been done, and you can't put it in a book, although that's been done. Still, it is the actual experience of coaching that really says it all. And, everyone has a different experience...yep...I know, it's crazy good!

What's great about coaching...

Andrea recently posted to her blog a post that shares five quotes refering to what is great about coaching. I added my thoughts to the mix and would encourage you to do the same.

click here to view Andrea's post...

It's a chance to share your experience of coaching and maybe even to contribute to something bigger than you.

Share your experience...

Have you had a coaching experience you would like to share? Please do by leaving a comment.

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

PS: Make sure you take a second to check out Andrea's post.

© 2009 James Possible LLC. All rights reserved in all media.

Business Strategies: Did you miss it?

Growing your business in 2009...

Every Wednesday during 2009 you will have an opportunity to join me and a growing community of action oriented business minded professionals who are working to build a profitable and thriving business in 2009.  A business they love for the life style they want to live.

Listen to last weeks live audio recording, NOW!

Isolation is a challenge for most solo-professionals...

Do you ever find it frustrating and lonely as you work in and on your business?

This really is a great opportunity for you to turn your loneliness around.  Join me every Wednesday on a lively weekly business call focussed on answering questions, discussing strategies,  your business and your dream.

You can get started without spending a dime...

Each of the "Winning Matters!" calls will be held every Wednesday.

Call time 11:30am Eastern Standard Time

Phone number: 1-218-936-7999
Access code: 977222

Call length: 90 minutes

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!

Client Attraction: It starts with excellence!

Are you playing all out?

It really doesn't matter how everyone else plays the game when it comes to business.  Ultimately your business, it's success and all you achieve with it comes back to "YOU"!

A couple questions to ask yourself...

Have  you set up your business to win i.e., have you given yourself the best possible chance to win?

Are you going through the motions?

Have you settled for "good enough" or "close enough for government work" as your standard?

...people know these things intuitively when then meet you.  If your not playing the game with everything you have to give it will become very obvious at the time when it's most critical.  The moment the curious visitor decides to say "YES! I'm in..." or "Not today...".

80/20 rule...

Have you ever heard the saying "80% of winning the game is showing up."

Or have you ever heard "20% of business is about skill, the other 80% is about attitude."

Both sayings, while they may be accurate, can actually take you out of the game i.e., keep you from having the successful business you want if you are not careful.  This is especially true is you are a soloprofessional or a solobusiness owner (i.e., a life or business coach).

How much skill is enough?

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 be "AAAMAZING" and 1 being "BOOOOO! HISSSSS!" how would you rate your skills, your ability to perform the service you delivering?

How would you rate the quality of the service you deliver?  (10 being "OMG I WANT MORE!" and 1 being "EEEEEW, GET AWAY, NOW!")

My point, unless you are going to promote someone else, someone who is EXTREMELY skilled, you will have to be the one with the skills!  You will have to be the one with the "MAGIC"!

Before attitude comes skill...

First things first, become a master at what you do (the service you want to provide).  Once you are masterful then focusing on the business will be much easier.

Excellence in action...

...exellence is very compelling and extremely attractive.

When you skills are masterful it's easy for people to remember you, it's easy for people to recommend you.

Time to get real with yourself...

1. Are you delivering the quality of service you want?

2. Are your clients AAAAAMAZED by you and the benefits of working with you?

3. How compelling is the experience of working with you?

4. What 3 things could you do today to improve your skills and your service?

5. Well, what are you waiting for...GET BUSY!

To your success,

James Possible (Mr. Possible)

Possibility is not an accident, it's a choice!