Dream Catcher

Have you ever spent hours speaking with someone that inquired about your business only to find out that they could not afford your services or your services or products were not a “good fit” for their business? I’ve even experienced that after I talked to someone for hours then they revealed they did not like anything to do with computers, social media or learning in a virtual environment. Had I know that I would not have even scheduled an appointment to learn more about their business. They were not my ideal client.

As a business owner we need to think of our time as billable hours. We need to consider every meeting or task whether or not it is a good use of our time. So, I hear you asking…”How do I do this?” The answer lies in your prequalifying procedures. When you follow my steps below you will know that the person you are meeting is your ideal client. Your ideal client wants your service and is willing to invest in it.

Two Steps to Prequalifying Clients

1. When someone visits your website or contacts you on the telephone ask him or her a series of questions.  It may be only three or six questions. This will show you two things. First, it will show you the person is committed by answering the questions and can follow directions. Second, it will let you know more about the person seeking your service or product. This will allow you to determine if the person is your ideal client or whether you may want to refer him or her to another business associate.

2. Your next step after receiving the answers to your questions is to send a reply along with a description of your services and fees. In your reply you will want to schedule a time to follow up in person or on the telephone. The person will have your fee schedule and a list of your products and services. This will allow the person to know before the session whether or not he or she can afford your product or service.

When you prequalify someone interested in your products or services you will save the other person time and embarrassment if they cannot afford your services or products. You will save yourself time and money by not spending hours with someone who is not your ideal client.

Your ideal client may not be able to easily afford your product or service. But, if he or she has the desire to invest in your product or service he or she will find the money. Prequalifying the person based on their ability to pay allows them to save the money until they can pay. It also allows him or her to find the money. Maybe he or she needs to wait a month until a bill is paid off or until it is income tax time. That is ok. They will know not to spend that money. They will also know upfront the value of what you offer. Yes, they may shop around and that is ok. But, if they are your ideal client he or she will hire you when the time is right without you having to do a heavy sales pitch.  Prequalifying your clients will save you both time and money.

Jaynine Howard is a retired United States Marine and former psychotherapist. She is the owner of Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching. Founded in 2006, Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching helps business owners, nonprofits, and individuals nationally and internationally turn their dreams into wealth and success. Coach Jaynine and her team of associate coaches will help you jump start your business and life through business, career, and life coaching. Jaynine is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, the Carteret Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville.  You can download your free ecourse My 5 Secrets to Networking http://networkingdetox.com/.

Do you find yourself making excuses for your business? Do you say “Oh, I’m just a small business owner?” or “I’m a new business owner?” or perhaps “I have no money”. Well, I learned early on in my military career that excuses are like a certain body part. We all have one. Today is the day to drop the excuses and start playing with the big dogs. What would you need to do to be able to compete with the big dogs?

Employ my five tips because – today is the day you stop talking and start doing.

1. Change Your Mindset – take time to review your mission and vision statement. Do they still inspire you and remind you why you are in business? It may be time to update them. Are you on track to reach your vision? I want you to stop playing small. I want you to stop listening to the hype that it is ok to not turn a profit until you hit your five year anniversary. You must change your mindset and start acting and performing like the owner of a big business. You must wake up each day and get dressed and perform with a purpose. Identify at least one item that will help you grow your business and do it. Do it whether you like it or not. Determine if your business is a true business or a hobby and run it as such.

2. Review Your Financials – do not ignore or put off doing your bookkeeping. You must learn what the numbers mean. Do you even know your credit score? Do you know your net worth? The big dogs know what numbers are on their financial statements and they know their net worth. If you are in an industry that requires working capital it is ok to apply for a loan so that you can continue to grow your business. You need to educate yourself on the loan programs available. You need to have a credit card for business emergencies. You need to know your banker. You must be proactive. Stop being scared of the numbers.

3. Review Your Business Systems – when a client does not pay, the bank account is empty, the ad copy has a typo, emails are not returned in a timely manner, telephone calls are missed or a bill is paid late it is time to review your business systems. Take time to review what is working and what is not working for each and every business system. If you have not taken time to design your business systems you are leaving money on the table by wasting time and forgetting to invoice clients. You are also probably not following up with new clients again, leaving money on the table. You must have systems to save yourself time and money.

4. Stop the Excuses – today is the day you stop using all the excuses that new business owners have heard and used. Today is the day you step up and start playing big.  If you do not have working capital use the free of the internet. Go to the library and use their computer if you do not own one. There are several resources available to you even if you do not have money. There are even free legal services. When you start to hear an excuse coming out of your mouth you must stop and think about what business system needs changed so that you never ever utter that excuse again. Stop the excuses. Stop blaming the dog, stop blaming the spouse, stop blaming the mailman etc…STOP THE EXCUSES!

5. Call Your Coach – as your business coach I will guide you to finding the right answer for your business. I am not a franchise coach. I design my programs for each of my clients based on his or her needs. I find the resources and design the programs so that my clients will succeed in business. I am just a phone call or email away.

You are a business owner because you believe in your product or service. Now is the time to step out of your comfort zone and start playing with the big dogs. When you use my five tips above you will see a shift in your thinking, attitude, posture and bank account. So get on out there and start playing with the big dogs.

Jaynine Howard is a retired United States Marine and former psychotherapist. She is the owner of Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching. Founded in 2006, Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching helps business owners, nonprofits, and individuals nationally and internationally turn their dreams into wealth and success. Coach Jaynine and her team of associate coaches will help you jump start your business and life through business, career, and life coaching. Jaynine is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, the Carteret Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville.  You can download your free ecourse My 5 Secrets to Networking http://networkingdetox.com/.

A business owner who does not establish boundaries with clients is essentially a convenience store that is open 24/7. Does your phone ring on holidays, weekends, or after hours? Do your clients purchase a small package or service but demand the items included in the pricier package? Business owners must learn to establish boundaries.

Below are five benefits for establishing boundaries.

Five Benefits of Establishing Boundaries

1. No Miscommunication – the first time you let the offender get their way by demanding services they did not pay for they will think it is ok. Stop it.

2. No loss of sleep – when you get interrupted during nap time or bedtime you lose sleep which reduces your creativity and productivity.

3. Less stress – boundary violators cause you unneeded stress due to being angry at being taken advantage of.

4. No loss of income – do not give away a product or service for free. Also, review number two above. When your creativity or productivity is interrupted you are losing money.

5. You are treated with respect.

Now, I know it is easier said than done. But you must make it a habit to establish boundaries early on in the business relationship.

Establish Boundaries

1. Post office hours on your door, on your sales literature, and in your contracts.

2. Do not answer the phone or return an email that is not an emergency except during normal business hours.

3. Firmly but politely verbally communicate to the offender that he or she has crossed the boundary.  Be prepared with a script that you have practiced  or can email that lets the person know what product or service they purchased and that they must pay extra for the added services they are requesting. Do not give your product or services away for free.

Sometimes it is hard for our clients and customers to realize they are not our only client or customer. When you establish boundaries with your clients and customers everyone will understand the rules of the game. Remember, your time is money. Business owners think billable hours. Your afterhour’s time is your afterhour’s time. Unless you advertise that you are on call 24/7 you should not be nor do you have to be. Do not get in the habit of being available 24/7. You need time to unwind and recharge your batteries so that you can start the next day offering great products and customer service. Business owners you must establish boundaries with clients so that you can grow your business.

Jaynine Howard is a retired United States Marine and former psychotherapist. She is the owner of Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching. Founded in 2006, Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching helps business owners, nonprofits, and individuals nationally and internationally turn their dreams into wealth and success. Coach Jaynine and her team of associate coaches will help you jump start your business and life through business, career, and life coaching. Jaynine is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, the Carteret Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville.  You can download your free ecourse My 5 Secrets to Networking http://networkingdetox.com/.

Communication is present in everything we do whether it is verbal or nonverbal. Business owners often get so caught up in running their business that they fail to make time to spend quality time with their loved ones. I want to remind you that what you are NOT saying may be misinterpreted by your family and friends. Does your spouse or children really understand what you are doing when you are not at home? Do they think networking events are fun gatherings with friends? Do they view your presence on social media as frittering away time?

When you work from home it is easy to work on your business every waking moment. You may even wake up early to get a jump start on your business. But, what message is this sending to your spouse? Is he or she interpreting your devotion to your business as an insult? Are you hurting his or her feelings and making him or her feel left out? Are you making your spouse feel inferior? Are you making your spouse feel like he or she is not a good provider? Have you stopped to think about what nonverbal message you are sending?

When was the last time you sat down with your spouse and verbally communicated what was going on in your business? When was the last time you asked your spouse if he or she was bothered by the amount of time you spend on your business?

Business owners, the keys to having a healthy marriage are communication; verbally and nonverbally.

My three tips below will help you bring balance to your life so as a business owner can having a healthy marriage.

1. Boundaries: Sit down with your spouse and discuss the hours you really need to spend running your business. Verbally communicate why you are working so hard so that the other person knows you are not avoiding him or her. Together establish boundaries for your business. This can be in the form of establishing work hours that you both honor. You may want to establish a set time to eat meals together. I suggest grabbing the calendar and planning date night and vacation time so that you do not schedule clients or conferences during that time. It may seem boring or callous to schedule time with your family but as a business owner you know that if you do not you will fill that time with client sessions or time working on your business. It takes a while to break old habits. Your new habit is to start spending time with your family if you have been a workaholic. You may want to establish a bedtime ritual or plan on spending a morning in bed together instead of jumping out of bed early to start working.

2. Actively Listen: Part of communication is actively listening to the other person. Do you really focus your attention on what your partner is saying or is your mind focusing on what you need to be doing? When your spouse or child is speaking to you I want you to disengage from business mode and actively listen to what he or she is saying. This includes paying attention to their body language. He or she may say he or she is ok if you cancel date night to meet with a client but his or her body language may be saying the opposite.

3. Respect Your Spouse & Family: Social media is one of my secret weapons to growing my business. However, respect your spouse and children’s wishes on how much you share about them and your personal life online. Again, sit down and verbally communicate. Ask your family members if they like or do not like what you are saying online. Social media is a great way to promote your business and build rapport with clients. But, do not do so at the expense of your family and friends. If your spouse or children do not want to be mentioned in your blog or social media updates then do not include them in your status updates. However, remember you will never know what your spouse or children are thinking if you do not ask them. Communicate!

Verbal and nonverbal communication are key to balancing being a business owner and having a happy relationship with your spouse and children. You must ask the tough questions. You must ask for feedback. It is ok to ask your family members if they feel ignored because of the amount of time you spend growing your business. I challenge you to go employ active listening while sitting down with your family and discussing their feelings and attitude about the amount of time you spend growing your business. Do not assume that your spouse and children see you as driven toward succeeding. They may think you do not want to spend time with them. Again, communicate, communicate, communicate.

Jaynine Howard is a retired United States Marine and former psychotherapists. She is the owner of Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching. Founded in 2006, Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching helps business owners, nonprofits, and individuals nationally and internationally turn their dreams into wealth and success. Coach Jaynine and her team of associate coaches will help you jump start your business and life through business, career, and life coaching. Jaynine is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, the Carteret Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville. You can download your free ecourse Stop the Snatchers and Grabbers at http://coachjaynine.com/blog/.

Miss Savanna is my very friendly blue pit-bull. She normally lies on the floor beside my desk or she can be found looking out the window. Miss Savanna delights in occasionally chasing a cat. But, she also lets those same cats rub up against her and occasionally snuggle up with her on her bed.

Last night I was outside and the door was cracked open. She stood patiently watching me out the window. A neighbor had his American Bulldog running loose. The American Bulldog took out after a stray cat that we feed. The next thing I know Miss Savanna was out the door chasing the American Bulldog. She was attempting to protect the cat. I saw a new side of Miss Savanna. She was going after the bully.

So, I want to ask you what does it take for you to take action. If you are a parent what have you done to help stop bullying? You do not have to wait for your child to become the target of a bully. You can educate your child on why bulling is wrong. You can educate your child on how to protect him or herself against a bully.

Again, what makes you take action? Do you operate in reactive mode or are you proactive? I prefer to operate in proactive mode. I think it is wasteful to operate in reactive mode.

Below are my three tips to stop bullying before it begins.

1. Educate: Educate yourself and your children on what constitutes bullying. http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/ is a great website to educate you and your children on the topic of bullying.

2. Consequences/Rules: Let your children know that you do not condone bullying and what the consequence will be if they bully anyone. You must let your children know that you will not tolerate name calling, teasing, making fun, hurtful joking etc. Stop it before it gets out of hand. You may need to self reflect and realize that you and your spouse are not always setting the best example. When my children were little the word “stupid” was considered a bad word. They did not understand why “Earnest Scared Stupid” was a movie title. Make sure your friends and other family members understand that you are instituting a no bullying campaign and ask that they refrain from teasing your children.

3. Make it Cool: Make “No Bullying” a cool thing. Actively participate with your children in events that promote “No Bullying”. Proudly wear t-shirts or carry a water bottle that proudly displays “No Bullying”.
Find an anti bullying rally in your area. Make it your family mantra – No More Bullying!

If you are a business owner, remember bullying can take place in the workplace too. You must stop bullying.

Jaynine Howard is a retired United States Marine and former psychotherapist. She is the owner of Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching. Founded in 2006, Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching helps business owners, nonprofits, and individuals nationally and internationally turn their dreams into wealth and success. Coach Jaynine and her team of associate coaches will help you jump start your business and life through business, career, and life coaching. Jaynine is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, the Carteret Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville. You can learn more about Dream Catcher by visiting http://coachjaynine.com. If you are in Eastern North Carolina you and your family can attend the next Kids Against Bullying in Schools free rally on August 20, 2010 at 5pm at Coastal Home Gallery. You can learn more about KABS at http://www.kabsnow.org

As a business owner, I have had a presence on Facebook and other social networking sites for almost three years. Social media is a great way to market your business. But, it is also a great way to network with other business owners. In the past two years, I have been asked to speak to various Mompreneur Groups, College Student Groups, Chamber of Commerce events and Women Business Owner Groups. I have been also been the guest on various online radio shows discussing my ebooks and teaching my ecourses.

Speaking to various groups allows me the opportunity to share my message with others throughout the United States and in other countries. This is the power of compound friending. Remember, social networking and public speaking are free ways to grow your business. When I speak in front of a group whether in person or online it is exposing me and my business to potential clients. It is allowing me the opportunity to share tips and resources that will help others grow their business.

When you use my five tips you will grow your business:

1. Be Yourself: Type your status updates in your lingo and language. Do not try to type, speak or present yourself in a manner that is not you. People that meet me and hire me resonate with my personality. They do not want a stiff executive who speaks or writes using big words. They like my down to earth no nonsense approach to life and business with a dash of humor.

2. Engage in Real Conversation: I try to spend a few minutes each day establishing rapport with people who give “the thumbs up” or “like” my posts. I click on their names to see who they are then I start engaging them in conversation.

3. Keep it Real: You will notice that my personal pages have tidbits and posts that reflect who I am. I love dogs and cats. I love pit bulls and post regularly about Miss Savanna my blue pit and Mr. Skittles my old grouchy cat. These posts let people see that I am not perfect and my life is not perfect. I don’t fret over an occasional typo so they can see I am human. I even joke about the fact I can’t type a complete correct sentence until I have consumed an entire pot of coffee. Social media is about presenting yourself just as you are – warts and all.

4. Keep it Clean: I know I just said keep it real however, I will add keep your posts clean. If you do not want grandma to see something do not post it online. Do not post things that would present you or your business in a negative way. Do not post inappropriate photos or use foul language. Also, do not get into a fight with someone online. Never ever speak poorly about someone. Keep your words and photos nice and squeaky clean.

5. Share: In order to grow your business you will need to show off your expertise so that you are seen as the expert. You do this by sharing your knowledge with your followers or list. If you are using Twitter you only have 140 characters. So you can share one small industry specific tip with your peeps. People love using social media to learn new things. When you share your knowledge it opens up opportunities for you to get new clients or customers, joint venture opportunities and invitations to speak at events.

When you use my five tips people will see you as human. They will see you as the expert in your niche. This will lead to invitations to speak to various groups either in person or online. When you accept invitations to speak you will get to promote your business for free. When you promote your business you will attract new clients, grow your business and put more money in your bank account.

Social media is a great way to market your business. But, it is also a great way to network with other business owners. Remember, social networking and public speaking are free ways to grow your business. When you promote your business you will attract new clients, grow your business and put more money in your bank account.

Jaynine Howard is a retired United States Marine and former psychotherapist. She is the owner of Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching. Founded in 2006, Dream Catcher Business & Life Coaching helps business owners, nonprofits, and individuals nationally and internationally turn their dreams into wealth and success. Coach Jaynine and her team of associate coaches will help you jump start your business and life through business, career, and life coaching. Jaynine is a member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, the Carteret Chamber of Commerce, the American Psychological Association, 24/7 Coaching, and Coachville. You can learn more about Dream Catcher by visiting http://coachjaynine.com.

As a small business proprietor there are times where I need to call on my higher power. While out running the other morning the song by Carrie Underwood – Jesus Take the Wheel played twice in a row. It played at a time I was brainstorming about my upcoming business meeting. It made realize I just needed to stop worrying and let Jesus take the wheel. The song title has become my new mantra.

I was raised Roman Catholic so the song also reminded me of the Blessed Trinity which of course got me thinking. A business has three key players that are vital for its survival; the business owner, the business coach, and faith in the business owners’ high power.

The business owner’s attitude, knowledge and strength determine if the business will survive. He or she must have a positive attitude to get the business through tough times. The business owner must also work with a business coach that he or she resonates with and trusts. The business coach will provide the knowledge and strength to the business owner in areas he or she needs assistance. This may be in the form of moral support and changing a mindset when the business owner feels like quitting. A business coach may also assist the business owner in ensuring the business has the appropriate business systems and strategies in place so that the business can grow.

When I am working with clients in the capacity of a business or life coach there have been times when I have asked for guidance from my higher power. I know I am not the only business or life coach who will admit not having all the answers all the time. When those times strike you can bet I let Jesus take the wheel. The right answer for the situation is always provided.

Faith is very powerful. Your particular upbringing will determine whom you ask for guidance. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you sometimes need to take your hands off the steering wheel of life and ask Jesus to take the wheel.

As a business owner you must have faith. You must believe in your own dream and know that you know how to turn it into wealth and success. You must have faith in your business or life coach. He or she is the expert in the area your hired him or her. Let your coach do his or her job and coach you. If you believe in a higher power remember it is ok to ask for help from him or her too.

Business Owners remember, when the going gets tough ask your Coach for assistance and also ask Jesus or your higher power to take the wheel.

What do you do after you make a sale? Do you follow up with your clients or customers to ensure they received the product? Do you follow up to ensure they were satisfied? How do you know he or she is a happy consumer? Business Owners – you must follow up. Following up is part of your customer service strategy.

A few months ago, I purchased a Miche handbag for my mother in-law for Mother’s Day. The handbag did not arrive in time for Mother’s Day. When it finally arrived it was missing the inside organizer. I also had found out I had been overcharged and was due a refund. Now, almost three months later I still have not received the organizer or the refund. The handbag has not been given as the intended gift because of the missing organizer. Am I satisfied? Will I recommend this party hostess? I’m sure you can guess the answer to those two questions.

Around that same time I purchased photos from a local photographer. I wanted the photos for Father’s Day. Guess what…I still do not have them. They supposedly were put in the mail at the beginning of June. Will I recommend this photographer?

Now, I can hear you saying why I didn’t pick up the phone to ask where my products were. Well, I wanted to see whether their business was a true business or whether it was a hobby. I only recommend true businesses to my friends and fellow business owners. I did not want to recommend someone only later to have that friend or business owner disappointed or embarrassed by receiving poor service. This was a test for the business owner. The business owner flunked the test. But, in reality I should not have had to test the business owner to see if he or she offered great customer service.

Business owners you must follow up with clients and customers. Following up is one way to offer great customer service. When you don’t follow up you may never find out how unhappy or dissatisfied they really are.

These three tips will help you follow up and offer great customer service:

1. Email: Send an email letting the customer or client know that the product has been shipped and the estimated arrival date. We see this commonly used by all big name business owners and companies.

2. Phone Call: Business owners you can have your virtual assistant or intern call the customer to ensure he or she received the product. Your assistant can also ask at that time if there are any questions on how to use the product.

3. Survey: There are several free survey sites you can use to send a survey asking your customer or client if they received the product in good condition and if they have any questions or concerns regarding the product.

Remember, people do business with those they know, like, trust and see as the expert. You must employ a follow up procedure to aid you are offering great customer service. When you, as a business owner, do not follow up and offer outstanding customer service you are guaranteeing you will not have repeat customers.

Join me on Tueday July, 13, 2010 for a FREE teleclass giving you tips on how to make your next media release a success.

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/31087

Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Call ID: 31087