28 Jun
Confidence Culture, Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Business, Productivity

Is Work-Life Balance Actually Possible When You Own a Business?

Starting a business brings a lot of responsibilities and tasks that can quickly eat up your time. If you’re starting a business while also balancing home and family time, or a full-time job, it may seem impossible to get any true work-life balance.

Is it possible? Can you achieve work-life balance while owning and running a business?

Yes! It takes some changes to how you approach work, but you can make it happen! Here’s how.

Reflect on the Big Picture

If you’re struggling with your work-life balance, or lack thereof, the first step is to give yourself some distance and reflect on the big picture.

For many business owners, this reflection only happens when something significant happens, such as a death or the birth of a child, but it doesn’t have to take such a big upheaval.

Consider your sources of stress or dissatisfaction. How are the circumstances affecting your performance? Your happiness with your work or personal life? How are your priorities? What are you giving up pursuing your business goals?

Once you have a clear picture, you can take concrete steps to change them.

Delegate Wherever Possible

Small business owners are go-getters, which is great for getting a business off the ground, but not so great for taking on way too much. For many, the idea that “if I want something done right, I have to do it myself” can quickly take over.

Delegating can free up a lot of time, provided you can relinquish some control. Remember, it’s a choice to continue doing tasks that could be outsourced or delegated to someone else. This not only impacts your work-life balance, but as your business grows, it will pull you away from mission-critical tasks.

Take More Time Off

I know, easier said than done. But taking the appropriate time off is essential to keeping your wellbeing and work-life balance intact. Otherwise, you can quickly find yourself working every day and losing a sense of satisfaction with your life.

One helpful way to ensure you get the time you need is with a four-day workweek. With this approach, you can still be productive and make money with just four days, and you’ll be able to devote more time to personal responsibilities and leisure.

Set Rigid Hours

One of the ways business owners can get too caught up in their business is by keeping a flexible schedule. For traditional employees, they typically have set shifts, so they can manage their personal time.

When you own a business, it’s too easy to work 10, 12, or 14 hours without realizing how much time you’re really putting into it. You try to get “just one more thing” done in the day, and before you know it, you’ve worked far beyond a normal workday.

Start by setting a clear time that you begin and end your workday, even if you’re working from home. Remember, more time isn’t necessarily more productive time, and you’d be better served by sticking to a set schedule and forcing yourself to manage your time effectively.

Find Your Work-Life Balance

No one said running a business was easy. In fact, business owners typically work more and longer days than a comparable employee, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With some tweaks, you can find your work-life balance and still run a successful and profitable business.

Are you looking for some guidance with your business from a professional coach? Work with Allison Todd directly and see how you can reach your business goals!

13 Jun
Confidence Culture, Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Business

Streamline These Services with SOPs

Your business will have repeatable processes, even if you’re a sole proprietor. On your own, you may be keeping a lot of information in your head, since you’re doing it all yourself.

Unfortunately, that can take a toll over time. You may do the same things daily, weekly, or monthly, but eventually, you may come to a point of wondering if you did what you needed to. Or worse, you may be wondering how you did it the last time.

Developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, is an important step in building a viable business that’s ready to grow and scale.

What Are SOPs?

SOPs are outlines or checklists that demonstrate how to complete the repeated tasks that take place in your business, such as your social media management, customer service procedures, or other tasks.

They may not seem as important when you’re on your own, but as you scale, SOPs are essential to keeping your brand consistent and ensuring that everything is done on time and as efficiently as possible.

Also, creating an outline for repeated tasks helps you see where you can streamline your processes to save time. For some tasks, you may be creating more work for yourself because you have to start from scratch.

When you have SOPs, you have everything you need at your fingertips each time. You’re taking out everything that’s unnecessary, which is MUCH easier when you have a clear outline and plan.

Benefits of SOPs

How do SOPs help you streamline your business?

You can move faster through tasks, get more accomplished, and ultimately, earn more. You cut back on the time it takes to do the repeatable tasks your business needs, giving you more time to focus on mission-critical aspects of your business or to serve customers. In short, more money for fewer hours – who doesn’t love that?

You can bring on more team members and ensure that your standards are upheld. A well-documented process makes it much easier to bring on new team members and delegate tasks to them without concern for how it may impact your business or processes.

How to Create SOPs

SOPs aren’t as simple as they may seem to create. They take planning, coordination, and research to be fully functional.

Fortunately, there are numerous tools and templates to help, but here’s a quick breakdown.

Clearly articulate the vision of why you’re writing an SOP and what you’d like the reader to achieve.

Identify the reader you’re writing for. Identifying and understanding the audience ensures your SOP is appropriate for the employee and suited to their knowledge and experience.

Define the scope of the task. As your business scales, some tasks may overlap between departments, and this is where SOPs can get tricky. Before you begin, define whether the SOP will be general or specific to one department.

Choose the relevant format. Formatting is important in SOPs. Your general format should include:

  • – Title page
  • – Department, date, and ID
  • – Purpose statement
  • – Definitions
  • – Step-by-step instructions
  • – Additional information that’s relevant to the task

Let’s Get Started!

If you want your business to grow, SOPs are a must to streamline your processes and develop consistency across all employees and departments.

Are you looking for help with growing and scaling your business? Get expert guidance with experienced business coach Allison Todd! Work with Allison Todd directly.

6 Things You Absolutely Need to Have in Your Contracts
23 May
Business Coach, Career Improvement, Confidence Culture

6 Things You Absolutely Need to Have in Your Contracts

Contracts are legal agreements between two or more parties. But just because something is called a contract doesn’t mean it’s legally binding, nor does it mean that all parties involved are equally protected.

All contracts must have several essential elements to be enforced in court. Contracts may be missing a few elements and still be legally enforceable, but you’ll still want them in there to be safe.

Here are 6 things you absolutely need to have in your contracts.

1. Capacity

Contractual capacity is an individual’s ability to enter into an enforceable contract. Just because someone can sign a document doesn’t make it legal.

There are a few classes of people who may not be considered legally capable of entering a contract, including minors, people with mental disabilities, and intoxicated people.

If a person without contractual capacity enters an agreement, it becomes voidable, meaning that that party can end the contract at any time.

2. The Offer

The offer is the statement of terms and conditions to which the person making the offer is bound. This clearly expresses the willingness to abide by the terms of the contract, which are binding as soon as the other party accepts.

For example, if you have a dog-walking business, your offer would include a promise to walk someone’s dog in exchange for compensation from the owner, the offeree.

3. Acceptance

The acceptance of an offer expresses the willingness to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract.

Three things must occur for an acceptance to be valid:

  • – The offeree knows the offer
  • – The offeree has intent to accept the offer
  • – The acceptance is expressed as an agreement to the conditions of the offer

4. Legality

The contract’s legality refers to whether the terms and conditions are consistent with the law. If the subject of the agreement isn’t legal, the contract won’t be valid.

For example, you can enter into a contract to pay someone for a legal service, but not to perform illegal services or sell illegal goods. No matter the contents of the contract, it won’t be valid and enforceable in court if the subject itself is not legal.

5. Consideration

Both parties entering into a contract must offer something of value that makes the other want to agree to it. This could be money, goods, the completion of an action, or the act of refraining from an action.

If there’s no exchange of money, the parties should ensure that the court would see the trade as valuable.

6. Mutuality

Also known as the meeting of the minds, mutuality states that both parties must be bound to perform the obligations stated in the contract. If that doesn’t happen, the law will rule that neither party is legally bound to the contract. Both parties need to be bound to the contract, or neither is bound to the contract.

Ready to Sign on the Dotted Line?

Legally binding contracts are complicated. Before you make an agreement, make sure your contract covers the 6 key elements of a contract.

Need more guidance with your business contracts from an experienced business coach? Work with Allison Todd directly! 

Break the Cycle of Toxic Productivity with Self-Love 
10 May
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity

Break the Cycle of Toxic Productivity with Self-Love 

With our always-on, always-available, fake-it-til-you-make-it hustle culture, there’s glory in being the workaholic, the go-getter, the workhorse.

We’ve normalized hustle culture, made it so that if you’re not always rushing, busy, and stressed, you’re not trying hard enough. Always go the extra mile.

Answer an email late in the evening? Sure! Put in extra hours on the weekend? No worries, you didn’t have plans anyway.

That’s not glory. That’s a fast-track to burnout and toxic productivity.

Being stressed and overworked is a toxic mindset skewed positive to keep you pushing harder and harder. But once you recognize it, you can prioritize self-love and break the toxic cycle.

What Is Toxic Productivity?

In recent years, our culture has been about the hustle and the grind. The “first-in, last-out” type is the one who gets the promotion.

The shift to hybrid and remote work only worsened this mindset. The boundaries between our work lives and our personal lives blurred more and more. Our phones and laptops are always on, we’re always available – and expected to be.

It’s difficult to turn the notifications off, especially with no physical separation between work and home. Our home office, couch, recliner, or even our beds may have become the new workspace, so of course we can’t just turn our work minds off.  

With no rest, no downtime, and no boundaries, we can’t enjoy our free time or focus on self-care and self-reflection. We may prioritize a project over date night, our child’s sports game or recital, or our own sleep.

Productivity is important, for sure, but it can be detrimental if it consumes our lives. If we think work is more important than anything else, to the point that we can’t relax and enjoy our families, hobbies, or time relaxing on our own, that’s when productivity builds to burnout.

Balance, rest, and self-love are vital to true productivity. If you’re running on fumes or struggling with concentration and focus, are you truly productive? Is the work you’re doing the best quality it can be?

Probably not. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

My Struggle with Toxic Productivity

“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

We’ve all heard some variation on this quote, implying that if you’re passionate about what you do, it’ll never feel like work. You can’t get overworked, stressed, or burned out doing what you love, right? Wrong!

I was nearly claimed by my own toxic productivity. I worked all the time. It was easier to be productive.

Then COVID-19 hit. The lockdowns, stillness, and the claustrophobia of the pandemic made me feel like I had to move faster, produce twice as much, and push toward my ultimate goal.

I was buried in toxic productivity without realizing it – only to be buried by the bad news avalanche.

It was time to reconnect and recharge, focus a little on me. Time for a reset.

How to Overcome Toxic Productivity

The most important tool for overcoming toxic productivity is knowing how to recognize it.

Are you always focused on work – always checking email, even during time with your family or friends?

Are you checking or answering communications during off-hours, such as nights and weekends?

Are you measuring your self-worth through your work? Is excelling at your job or career the most important thing to you?

Are you missing out on quality time with your family, friends, pets, or hobbies in order to work?

Are you using work as a way to escape difficult life situations, such as a significant death or conflict with your partner?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may be struggling with toxic productivity.

Fortunately, you can break the cycle of overworking.

Take an Extended Recess from Work Responsibilities

If you’ve been going and going, it’s time to take a break. Taking time away from work responsibilities to focus on fun and passions is important at any time, but it’s even more important after the tumult of the past two years.

We experienced a collective trauma together during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s time to take a moment to breathe, reflect, and shift the focus back to yourself for a bit.

Spend time recharging and reconnecting. Feed your soul, reflect, and reset. Rediscover a lost hobby, or take up a new one.

Go for a walk or a drive with no destination in mind. Lie in the grass and watch the clouds. Do the least productive things you can think of to give your mind and body a rest.

However you choose to spend your time, it’s important that it’s about what you want, not the professional you, but the personal you – the multifaceted you. Close your laptop, turn off your phone, and just enjoy.

Over time, you’ll get used to unplugging and enjoy some much-needed time for yourself.

Prioritize Work-Life Balance

Even if you work from home, you need clear boundaries between work time and private time. You can set a work schedule for yourself, much like office hours, or designate time slots when you can be productive that work around your family’s schedule.

Whichever you choose, it’s important to stick to your schedule. Adjust as needed but be disciplined in your work time and your personal time.

During your personal time, do the things you enjoy. Practice your hobby, spend time with family, cook yourself a meal, watch your favorite television show, meditate, or do whatever makes you happy. When you return to work, you’ll be refreshed and ready to go.

Create a Self-Love Box

We all need reminders to develop healthy habits, and the self-love box is just that. Having a self-love box on hand can reinforce the message and give you tools to prioritize you.

Drawing from my experience as a confidence and business coach, I put together a self-love box that has all the tools and resources you need to love you greater! I’m always telling clients to create flashcards for their niche, and now I’ve taken that idea 10 steps further to build the ultimate toolkit to end your toxic productivity.

End the Toxic Cycle with Self-Love

Toxic productivity can sneak up on you, but when you know what to look for, you can promote better work-life balance and unplug to unleash your true productivity.

Are you struggling with your career or business? Let’s chat! Schedule a discovery call with me!

3 Mistakes Women Make in Their Business Communications
02 May
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise

3 Mistakes Women Make In Their Business Communications

Language and speech are what separates us from the animal kingdom. It’s a powerful tool when wielded properly. 

But it can also just as easily deflate our power as women when we fall prey to some of these common mistakes in business communications.

#1 Lack of Confident Language

You know I love to talk about confidence! Phrases and words that imply hesitation or fear are more common in women’s communications than men. 

Hedges, qualifiers, and tag questions siphon the power from your language and thoughts. You appear indecisive and ill-equipped. 

Phrases To Avoid:

  • –“It should be…, shouldn’t it?”
  • –“I’m not an expert, but…”
  • –“I just think…”
  • –“I actually think that maybe…
  • –“Am I making sense?”

These phrases all introduce “shrinking” language — an attempt to make your thoughts and words less intrusive or confrontational. You’re preemptively avoiding criticism by suggesting that even you think that what you said may not be right or coherent. 

If you don’t agree with a point or concept, you can still be diplomatic without being unnecessarily aggressive. “I don’t see it that way, here’s why.” or, “I think there’s a better way. Here’s my idea.” are easy phrases to infuse into the meetings that display confidence in yourself and what you bring to the table. 

If you’re attempting to invite feedback or spark further discussion, ask for it without denigrating your contributions to the conversation. “What are your thoughts on this?” or “I look forward to hearing your perspective.” are more confident ways to elicit connection and discussion.

#2 Over-Explaining = Asking Permission 

Many women are still working to earn their place in their career fields. This breeds a desire to over-explain their positions and thoughts in an attempt to prove they deserve a seat at the table.

If you’re waiting for someone to tell you that you deserve a seat at the table, we have a little work to do! I’m telling you, here and now, you don’t have to write the textbook to prove you deserve to be where you are. 

How do I know this? 

Because you’re there! 

Your ability to confidently communicate your thoughts and position will advance you much farther than simply filling the space with words. If you can say in ten words, don’t use twenty.  

Pauses are powerful. Use them to your advantage. 

#3 Deflating Tone and Emphasis

English is one of the most complicated languages on planet Earth, but like most languages, tone plays a significant role in emphasizing our meaning or intent. When you raise the pitch of your voice at the end of a statement, your language automatically sounds like you’re questioning your own words. 

It makes you appear tentative, as if you were unsure of your opinion or even yourself before you ever opened your mouth. Practice lowering the tone of your voice at the end of sentences and see what a difference that makes in how you sound and feel. 

Clear and Confident For The Win

Helping women take fearless action is what I do. Book a confidence consultation and learn  how to boost your business communications.

4 Ways Confidence Changes How You Do Business
25 Apr
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Business

4 Ways Confidence Changes How You Do Business

I truly believe that confidence is the key to every other puzzle in life. 

When you’re confident in your business, you’re not afraid to make bold moves and take on a new challenge. You’re not fearful of what others may think and reduce your dreams or abilities to fit someone else’s mold. 

Here are my top four ways that business confidence changes how you do business. 

#1. Confidence Improves Communication Skills

Confidence helps you speak with clarity and with precision. You’re able to impart exactly what you want more efficiently and with conviction. 

Because you’re confident in your intent or purpose, you are more relaxed and in control of your speech and how you communicate emotions. 

Business confidence helps you clearly define what you bring to the table, why you’re worth what you charge, and why your clients and industry partners should care. It’s the ultimate business boost!

#2. You’ll Get More Enjoyment Out of Your Work

The more business confidence you have in yourself, and the more you own your worth, the less likely you are to seek external validation. You stop running your business to please other people or meet their expectations. 

You start doing what you love for YOU! You are empowered to think for yourself and act on your desires and ambitions. This is what keeps you showing up every day, happy to do the work. 

This kind of confident operation overflows into your client and partner relationships. It will ooze into your marketing and messaging. It will be obvious to them that you love what you do, and that’s infectious! 

#3. Your Conflict Resolution Will Be More Successful

Like it or not, conflicts and disagreements will occur in business just as they do in life. When you lack confidence in a conflict, you start to doubt your own abilities and second-guess every decision. 

You start to lose trust in your own judgment and are hesitant to take on a confrontation in order to reach a resolution. When you have confidence in yourself and your capabilities, you believe what you say with conviction, and others will believe it, too. 

#4. Business Confidence Makes You A Better Leader

As a leader, the level of self-confidence you have can be directly associated with the level of trust your team has in you. The more confident you are in yourself, your abilities, your ideas, and what you bring to the table, the easier it is for those under you to trust what you say and do.

Business confidence helps you set ambitious goals and inspires your team to meet them. It helps you hold those you lead accountable for their actions or performance. When you’re more confident yourself, you see and recognize success and progress in others. 

Never underestimate the power of confidence in your life or in your business. If you need that ultimate business boost, or you crave to live a more confident life, I’ve got you! Inspiring and cultivating confidence in others is what I do! Reach out to me here, and let’s chat about how you can live more confidently.

5 Ways Business Women Can Avoid Burnout
17 Apr
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity

5 Ways Business Women Can Avoid Burnout

As busy businesswoman, it’s hard for us to take a step back and put ourselves first. IT’s especially difficult when also faced with other demands on your time, such as children and family. 

Burnout is often hard to pinpoint or acknowledge. In a post-pandemic world, many of you may be running on autopilot because your cup is empty and dry. This leads to unaddressed trauma, unresolved emotions, and burnout that leaks into other areas of our lives.

Here are my top tips for avoiding burnout in your business and in your life. 

#1 Regularly Take A Well-Deserved Break

This one shouldn’t be surprising, but I know firsthand that when you have a jam-packed schedule, it feels impossible. Friend, you have to schedule time off intentionally. You have to choose yourself.

Block out time for a break on your calendar as if it were an incredibly important meeting that you cannot miss. This time should be at least 30 minutes to an hour every week or bi-weekly if that’s not possible. 

Sit outside and meditate in the fresh air, lay down and listen to an audiobook to rest your eyes, or go for a walk. Choose any relaxing or leisurely activity you enjoy. 

#2 Delegate

In order to preserve as much energy as possible, it’s essential to delegate tasks you don’t have to do yourself. This is the best use of your time and skills. 

Determine the tasks you’re weak in or that you simply don’t enjoy. What are the time-consuming little things that drive you crazy every week? What projects never quite turn out how you like, and you wish they were better? 

Assign these to your team or a virtual assistant who can ease the burden on your time and your energy. 

#3 Say No With Conviction

Burnout often shows up when you’re trying too hard to multitask on too many projects and are overwhelmed. Even the top performers in your industry, or any industry, must prioritize their time and manage projects efficiently. 

When new projects spring up, it’s ok to say no if it will help you avoid burnout. This is true for any stage of your career. Whether you work for someone else or own your own company, you need to focus on what matters. 

#4 Learn To Unplug

Unfortunately, most working women still perform as if we have something to prove. We take on projects that drag into the night and eat up our weekends. We miss out on things we value to “stay on top.”

Greater productivity is unlocked while you work only when you completely unplug when you’re not. Turn off your notifications and delete apps from your phone if you have to. Resist the urge to “check-in” after hours. 

#5 Get Compassionate Support and Accountability

I help businesswomen like you everyday to grow through burnout without sacrificing their careers or business. It’s my job! I love it, and I’m not ashamed to say I excel at it. If you’d like to take advantage of compassionate support and avoid burnout, let’s chat! Schedule with me here!

Mitigating the Impact of Inflation on Fundraising
15 Apr
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity

Mitigating the Impact of Inflation on Fundraising

Everyone is seeing the impact of inflation, from a trip to the grocery store to monthly utility bills. In the past year, inflation amounted to 7.9% — the fastest pace since 1982 – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Inflation isn’t likely to resolve anytime soon, especially with the increasing energy costs due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This is especially troubling for nonprofits. Many charitable organizations receive a significant amount of funding at the fiscal year’s end – June 30 – and the budget implications are only just now obvious.

Nonprofit leaders need to navigate uncertainty and position the valuable work as critical, regardless of what economic indicators show.

What Is Inflation?

The simple definition of inflation is that it’s a sustained upward movement in the price of goods and services in an economy. If all else stays constant, this reflects a loss of purchasing power for a currency. It takes more currency units to buy the same goods and services.

Simply put, your money doesn’t go as far. You can’t buy as many groceries or essentials for the same amount as you did previously.

Many consumers associate inflation with the rise of a few key goods or services, such as oil or the real estate industry. but inflation is only present when the overall price of goods and services is increasing across the board.

When inflation increases faster than wages, it leads to a decrease in purchasing power that causes people to put up more money to buy necessities, but getting less for it. For the average consumer, this can create financial strain and reduced discretionary spending.

The problem here is that many people don’t understand what inflation really is. They believe the prices are increasing, when that’s not what’s happening. The value of each dollar is declining.

Why the distinction? If people believe that it’s prices, not dollars, donors may unknowingly reduce the value of their donations because they don’t regard inflation as the reduced value of money.

They’re not deliberately giving less – they’re accidentally giving less because they’re failing to recognize the diminished purchasing power of their donations.

Even if inflation were to return to its previous levels, it would take time before we see the effects of that. With the end of the year approaching quickly, fundraisers need to take a proactive approach to combat the effects.

Plan Ahead in Thinking, Giving, and Strategy

Donors want to make a difference – that’s why they donate. They’re not trying to decrease their gift, but they just don’t appreciate that it doesn’t have the same purchasing power.

We can’t expect them to know this on their own, however. They can be politely reminded that inflation affects nonprofits, too, and the cost of staffing, supplies, services, and more. It also impacts the lives nonprofits serve – if it’s this difficult for the people who can pay, imagine what it does for those who can’t?

Bottom line – we need more money to make the same impact. We need to ensure donors understand the need for the work and how the dynamics of the world impact it. Donors want to hear stories about those served by their donations, and how, so highlight some of your top stories.

If possible, show metrics of how donations allow impact. Whether the nonprofit is focused on food security, education, literacy, clean water, or support for families, showing the metrics ensures that donors know the impact of their investment – and why it matters if money doesn’t go as far.

How Can We Help?

External pressures like inflation can be a big catalyst for creativity and collaboration. How can we, as community leaders, partners, and corporations, plan ahead and be proactive in our efforts?

The simple solution is to increase the gift to account for inflation and ensure that nonprofits have equivalent purchasing power. But writing a check isn’t the only thing we can do.

Inflation not only decreases what can be done with the donations, but increases the costs for the nonprofits. Volunteering helps nonprofits do more with less, reducing the burden and ensuring that help goes where it’s needed.

Finally, there’s advocacy. You can spread the word about the efforts of nonprofits and encourage others to get involved. Whether they offer monetary gifts, volunteer their time, or spread the word themselves, it all makes a difference. 

Let’s Talk About It!

I’ve had wonderful conversations with innovative leaders ready to grow their community and “put their back in it.” I’d love to talk to other leaders and business owners who feel the same. Schedule a 15-Minute Discovery with me and let’s get started!

6 Ways to Feel Confident When You Don’t Think You Have It in You
11 Apr
Confidence Culture, Grow Your Expertise, Inspiration

6 Ways to Feel Confident When You Don’t Think You Have It in You

Confidence is just something you have or don’t have, right?

Wrong! Confidence isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s a skill that is developed with time and intentional practice.

If you don’t feel confident, don’t worry – you can learn to become more confident and influence people in business and in life.

1. Practice Self-Love

If you want to be confident, you need to love yourself first. When you love yourself and all that you are – flaws and everything – you’ll have confidence no matter what comes along.

Before you can master the art of confidence, you must master self-love, self-respect, and self-awareness. Be proud of your values and your strengths, and commit to working on your weaknesses. You can acknowledge your flaws and still appreciate what makes you, you.

2. Conquer Your Self-Limiting Beliefs

People without confidence are prone to unconsciously adopting limiting beliefs about their capabilities or what they deserve. Then, as they self-sabotage, they reinforce the beliefs that were there all along.

Overcoming these self-limiting beliefs is a major step toward true confidence. Consider the thoughts and beliefs that diminish your confidence, such as self-doubt, anxiety, and insecurity. Replace them with empowering beliefs – you CAN do it and you DO deserve it.

3. Align Confidence with Your Goals

Why does becoming more confident matter to you? Are you a leader in your workplace and you need to project confidence to run your team? Do you present at conferences and need confidence to conquer your fears?

Knowing the purpose behind seeking confidence is the first step to realizing your goals and taking concrete steps to achieve them. Once you know the purpose of building confidence, it’s about training your brain to be more confident and secure.

4. Change Your Body Language

Confident people exude confidence before you ever speak to them – it’s all in the body language. They make eye contact, stand up straight, and shake hands firmly.

Fortunately, this is one you can “fake until you make it.” Lack of confidence takes a toll on your body language. Stand up straight, take purposeful strides, focus on eye contact, and make your presence known. You’ll naturally feel more confident, which can change your mindset.

5. Shift Your Perspective

If you’re feeling down or discouraged, a shift in your mindset can do wonders. Change your perspective on failure or loss. Remember, every misstep is creating a foundation for learning and future successes.

See failures as opportunities, rather than challenges. Focus on the positives of the situation – what did you learn? How can you grow? Success isn’t as sweet without failure.

6. Use Goal Visualization

Positive visualization can help you build confidence and create an environment of positivity. When you visualize something positive over and over, you start to believe it’s true. When the success finally arrives, such as getting that raise or promotion, you mentally pat yourself on the back.

Confidence Building with Allison Todd

Confident people aren’t born – they’re made. If you want to build your confidence and put your best self forward, coach Allison Todd can help. Her business coaching programs teach you how to have decisive confidence and make better and more strategic decisions within your business. Contact Allison Todd to learn more about coaching services!

What is Team Coaching?
26 Mar
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Productivity

What Is Team Coaching?

When it comes to coaching in the professional world, many people talk about the benefits and importance of executive coaching and 1:1 sessions. 

However, one form of coaching is often overlooked despite its touted benefits: team coaching. Similar to executive coaching, this form of coaching helps individuals hone their skills and prepare for their careers. It’s simply done in a team setting. 

Team coaching will typically involve one coach working with a group of managers or leaders from the same organization, usually one that has a team-oriented workplace. These sessions are focused on results, and that’s exactly what participants who work with Alison Todd walk away with. 

Helping Teams Reach Goals

Team coaching will have a heavy focus on helping the group reach certain goals. To do this, a coach like Allison will encourage engagement and sharing among the team so they can come together around their common purpose and vision. Each person in the team will have a chance to define and have their role in the team recognized, so each person’s responsibilities and expectations for future work are clearly understood. 

Before the team leaves the session, the following objectives should be accomplished: 

  • – A clear understanding of the team’s performance and development. 
  • – Strategies should be found through collaboration. 
  • – Boundaries should be defined and relationship issues addressed. 
  • – An understanding that results won’t be immediate but a commitment to progress. 

What to Look for in a Team Coach

If you’re considering enlisting the help of a team coach for your organization, Allison Todd and her team would be thrilled to put their expertise at work for you. If you’re not in their area and want someone local, you’ll want to find someone that properly navigates the intricacies of dealing with multiple personalities and working styles. Team coaching is unique in this aspect in comparison to executive or confidence coaching. 

To be effective, a team coach should exhibit the following traits:

  • – Holistic Focus: The ability to focus on the team as a whole. The coach has to be able to help the individuals gain insight and change behaviors that may not be helping the team unit. Giving individual feedback is typically a component of team coaching, however, it should be related to the team’s goals, not an individual’s. 

  • – Flexible Mindset: The ability to operate with ambiguity. Team coaching won’t always lead to a concrete answer or the strategy that the coach expected. Since this form of coaching involves multiple personalities, the coach has to be flexible in the way that the session develops and the direction it goes. 

  • – Ability to Set Boundaries: The coach has to be able to help the team members manage and set healthy boundaries. When dealing with the many relationships that make up a team, a team coach should be adept at understanding and identifying the need for boundaries. 

  • – Vision for the Future: One major difference with team coaching is that the results are rarely immediate or concrete. The goal should be commitment and dedication to the goal with the understanding that it’ll take time to achieve. 

Team Coaching and Your Organization

Team Coaching is a unique experience that’s guaranteed to produce results and strengthen relationships — if led by a skilled team coach. Coach Allison Todd and her team have helped countless professionals work through a myriad of issues as a unit and are excited to add more organizations in the future. 

If you’re considering signing up for a team coaching session, be sure to check the credentials and past results of your coach. As always, our team is ready and able to help you with all of your coaching needs. 

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