Tag: #ATlanta Business Coach

Running a Business and Anxiety: Here’s How You Can Cope (And Still Be Successful!)

Posted on | by admin

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with Anxiety

Hey there, fellow entrepreneurs and dream chasers! If you’re a woman like me, juggling the responsibilities of running a business while dealing with anxiety, you’re not alone. In a world where we’re constantly striving for success, the pressure can sometimes take a toll on our mental well-being. But fear not, because in this blog post, we’ll explore some practical strategies to help you cope with anxiety while continuing to thrive as a successful businesswoman.

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

First things first, let’s remove the stigma surrounding anxiety. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious, especially when you’re managing the complexities of a business. The key is to acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to not be okay all the time. Remember, vulnerability is a sign of strength, and addressing your emotions is the first step toward finding coping mechanisms that work for you.

Embrace Self-Care as a Non-Negotiable

Running a business is like running a marathon – you can’t do it effectively if you’re not taking care of yourself. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, indulging in your favorite hobby, or simply taking a walk in nature, these moments of self-indulgence can work wonders in reducing anxiety levels. Remember, a healthy and rejuvenated you is essential for making sound business decisions.

Master the Art of Time Management

Anxiety often thrives on chaos and uncertainty. Combat this by mastering the art of time management. Create a realistic schedule that allows for both work and personal time. Prioritize tasks and set clear boundaries to prevent burnout. When you’re in control of your time, you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle the unexpected curveballs that entrepreneurship often throws your way.

Seek Support: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

As women, we tend to shoulder a lot of responsibilities on our own. But remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness. Reach out to mentors, friends, or even a therapist who can offer guidance and a listening ear. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide a safe space to express your anxieties and receive valuable insights that could benefit your business.

Celebrate Small Wins and Practice Gratitude

Anxiety can make us forget the progress we’ve made. Combat this by celebrating even the smallest wins in your business journey. Whether it’s closing a deal, launching a new product, or simply overcoming a challenge, these victories deserve recognition. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. Keep a gratitude journal or take a moment each day to reflect on the positives in your entrepreneurial journey.

Navigating Anxiety on the Road to Success

As a female entrepreneur, you’re a force to be reckoned with. Anxiety might try to cast shadows on your path, but armed with these coping strategies, you can overcome its grip and continue your journey toward success. Remember that your well-being matters just as much as your business’s success. By acknowledging your feelings, embracing self-care, managing your time, seeking support, and celebrating wins, you’re setting yourself up for a balanced and triumphant entrepreneurial experience.

And hey, speaking of support and resources, if you’re looking for more tips, inspiration, and guidance on your entrepreneurial journey, make sure to visit my website allisontodd.com. I’ve compiled a wealth of articles, tools, and insights tailored specifically for ambitious women like you. Together, we can conquer the challenges that come our way and create a thriving business while prioritizing our mental well-being.

So, go out there, tackle challenges head-on, and let your anxiety become a stepping stone toward growth and resilience. You’ve got this, and your success story is waiting to be written – anxiety and all!

https://youtu.be/Lmyd3cFeJ4Q

Unleashing the Magic: Conquering Instagram Reels Without Being on Camera

Posted on | by admin

Introduction:

Hey there, fellow digital marketing enthusiasts! It’s great to have you here as we embark on a journey to master Instagram Reels without even stepping in front of a camera. Yes, you read that right – you can show up on Instagram Reels, dazzle your audience, and grow your brand without facing the lens! Intrigued? Well, let’s dive right in and uncover the secrets to conquer the world of Reels with your digital marketing prowess.

Create Captivating Animations:

First things first, animations can be your most powerful ally. With a plethora of user-friendly animation tools and apps available, you can breathe life into your content without recording a single frame. Engaging animations can take your audience on a visual delight, highlighting key messages and enhancing brand recall. From quirky text animations to vibrant graphic sequences, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with this versatile medium.

Curate User-Generated Content:

One of the best ways to participate in the Instagram Reels revolution without getting in front of the camera is by curating user-generated content (UGC). UGC showcases your audience’s experiences with your products or services, and it’s highly relatable. Encourage your followers to create Reels featuring your brand, share their stories, and celebrate their creativity. Not only does this foster a strong community, but it also saves you from any camera shyness!

Embrace the Power of Voiceovers:

Voiceovers can work wonders in making your Reels stand out without showing your face. You can either use your own voice or even hire a professional voice artist to narrate your content. With a well-crafted script and engaging voice, your Reels will resonate with viewers, conveying your message effectively. Remember, storytelling through voice can be equally compelling as visual storytelling.

Dive into the World of Stop-Motion:

Get ready to unleash your inner filmmaker with stop-motion videos. This playful technique involves taking a series of photos with incremental changes between each shot. Once compiled, it creates a mesmerizing and creative video that captivates audiences. From product demonstrations to DIY tutorials, the stop-motion technique will keep your audience hooked without requiring you to be on camera.

Leverage Screen Recording:

Are you an expert in your field? If yes, then screen recording is your golden ticket to Reels success! Share your knowledge by demonstrating your skills, whether it’s creating stunning graphics, navigating a website, or showcasing software tips. Viewers love valuable insights, and your expertise will speak for itself, all while you stay behind the scenes.

Explore Slideshow Presentations:

Slideshow presentations are an excellent way to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience on Instagram Reels. Use vibrant visuals, add catchy captions, and let your creativity flow. These dynamic slideshows are a hit on the platform and provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase your brand without being the center of attention.

Conclusion:

Ready to embrace the Instagram Reels revolution with our expert assistance? At AllisonTodd.com, we craft personalized strategies tailored to your brand’s unique voice and goals. Let’s create magic together!

Schedule a call and take your social media marketing to new heights. Unleash the power of captivating storytelling sans camera – watch your brand soar on Instagram Reels!

Happy Reeling and social media marketing success!

https://youtu.be/kVMLoKicYj8

5 Things Microprenuers Should Do To Establish Their Presence Online

Posted on | by admin

Introduction

As a microentrepreneur, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to establish a strong online presence. However, through trial and error, I’ve learned some valuable strategies that have significantly boosted my online visibility and helped my business grow. In this blog, I’ll share five easy-to-understand steps that all microentrepreneurs can take to establish a powerful online presence and reach a wider audience.

Step 1: Create an Engaging Website

Your website serves as your digital storefront, and it’s essential to make a strong first impression. Work on creating an engaging and user-friendly website that reflects your brand’s identity and showcases your products or services.

In my journey, I collaborated with web design experts to revamp my website. They helped me choose a visually appealing design, organized the content in a user-friendly manner, and optimized it for mobile devices.

Step 2: Produce Quality Content

Content is king in the digital world. Share valuable and relevant content that speaks to the needs and interests of your target audience. Whether it’s through blog posts, videos, or social media updates, ensure that your content provides real value.

I started blogging about topics related to my industry, and I was amazed by the positive response from my audience. They appreciated the useful information and started sharing my content with their networks, expanding my reach organically.

Step 3: Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools to connect with your audience and build a community around your brand. Identify the platforms where your target customers are most active and engage with them regularly.

I initially struggled with social media, but with dedication and guidance from digital marketing experts, I learned how to create engaging posts, interact with my followers, and leverage social media advertising to reach a broader audience.

Step 4: Optimize for Search Engines

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving your website’s visibility in search engine results. Conduct keyword research to understand what your potential customers are searching for and optimize your website and content accordingly.

SEO seemed intimidating at first, but with the help of SEO specialists, I learned the basics and implemented strategies to improve my website’s ranking on search engines. As a result, more people discovered my business when searching for relevant keywords.

Step 5: Engage with Email Marketing

Email marketing is an effective way to stay connected with your audience and nurture leads. Collect email addresses from interested visitors and send them valuable and personalized content on a regular basis.

Initially, I underestimated the power of email marketing. However, after building an email list and sending targeted content to my subscribers, I noticed increased customer loyalty and repeat business.

Conclusion

Establishing your online presence as a microentrepreneur may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and perseverance, it’s entirely achievable. Through my journey, I’ve come to realize the importance of a compelling website, quality content, social media engagement, SEO, and email marketing.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, don’t hesitate to embrace these five steps.

At AllisonTodd.com, we understand the unique challenges microentrepreneurs face in the digital world. Our goal is to help you succeed by providing a range of tailored digital marketing services that will elevate your brand and attract your target audience.

With a team of dedicated professionals, we offer top-notch website design, captivating content creation, social media mastery, SEO optimization, and personalized email marketing campaigns. We are committed to understanding your vision and tailoring our strategies to align with your business objectives.

Why You Should Building Teams Around the Talent Not Based on the Confines of Traditional Roles

Posted on | by admin

At the start of the pandemic, over 120,000 businesses temporarily closed and left over 30 million US workers unemployed. Though job openings have steadily increased, millions of Americans left the labor force in the Great Resignation.

As the labor shortage seemed to rebound, we faced the Great Reshuffle. People quit jobs in droves to pursue dreams, seek better opportunities, or enjoy better work-life balance.

Employers need positions filled, however. Attracting and retaining talent is no small feat, especially at a time when candidates are in high demand.

Pay and benefits are a big part of the equation, but they’re not enough. Employees are seeking opportunities where they feel valued, respected, and invested in – and that starts with the hiring process.

Stop Hiring Based on Traditional Roles

No matter the company or position, the hiring process is usually the same. The position needs to be filled, HR writes a job description, and it’s posted on a job board. Candidates apply and are screened based on impersonal algorithms or required fields, narrowing the list.

The candidates that make it through are interviewed to narrow the list further, sometimes over the course of several interviews, before they’re sent an offer. These interviews often include the same tired questions like “what are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “why do you want this job?”

Are these questions the best way to find out if a candidate is a good fit for your company? They may offer some insights or show creativity, but they may not be effective for getting to the ideal candidate.

But still, you send out offers and rejections, hire an employee, onboard the employee, and put them through training. This could take weeks or months, on top of all the time spent in the hiring process.

That’s a lot of money and time. The employee will take time to adjust as well, which could add about six months to the process before you see return on that investment.

If the employee doesn’t work out, then it was all for nothing. You have to start the whole process over again.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.

Why Do Employees Leave Jobs?

As of February 2022, self-employed workers made up about 11% of the 157 million employed workers in the US. This is a dramatic increase over the past two decades.

These workers left their stable full-time jobs and took the risk to get more job satisfaction and control. They wanted the opportunity to develop skills and tackle challenges, which they didn’t have in their current positions.

Employees don’t want to go to work, take orders, and go home. They want to take on new challenges and find opportunities for growth in their careers. If they don’t have a role they can grow into, they move on.

And it all starts with the hiring process. Instead of always being behind the problem, you can get ahead of it and attract talent by providing the satisfaction they’re looking for.

Find a Better Way to Hire

The traditional hiring process isn’t ideal. Here’s another approach.

You have a role you need to fill, general requirements, and a benefits package and salary range to create a job listing. It’s that job listing that prompts a change-up.

Instead of outlining arbitrary requirements, focus on what you really need for the role. Some positions will need licensing or education, but not always. Think about whether you’re eliminating possible candidates based on requirements that are really more preferences.

For example, do you need 5+ or 10+ years of experience? Is a degree required for the role, or just a nice bonus? Do you need just that specific degree, or would related degrees provide a lot of the same information?

Most importantly, are any of these requirements so set in stone that you’re willing to prescreen based on them, never seeing a portion of the applicants?

The years of experience is a particularly tricky one. If you need a mid-level employee and ask for 5 years of experience, you’re getting an employee who’s squarely in the middle of where they need to be. That shortens your training time, but how much can you get out of the employee before they outgrow their role?

If you hire someone who’s approaching that experience level, you have an opportunity to help them grow into it. Remember, the skills that can’t be taught, such as adaptability, teamwork, and personal engagement, are more important than teachable skills like proficiency with a specific software.

Once you figure out what you really need, you can screen candidates effectively and start your interview process. And here’s where you really change things up.

Instead of asking the standard questions, consider a new approach that tests creativity and gives you an idea of how they’ll perform in the position.

Present them with a problem your company is currently facing and ask how they would solve it. For example, tell them you’re struggling to attract a certain audience and ask what they would do differently.

The answers they offer will showcase their creativity, how well they understand your company and the role, and how they can be an asset to your team.

Revamp Your Hiring Process for Long-Term Success

Talent has a bit of an upper hand in the job market now. The interview goes both ways, so if you want to attract the best talent, develop a better hiring process that tests creativity. 

Compassionate Leadership: Why Putting Your Employees Well Being and Mental Health Is Vital to Long-Term Business Success

Posted on | by admin

Compassion comes from the Latin word compati, which means “suffer with.” Showing compassion has been a key component of nearly every religion as a way to connect with others and spread harmony.

In psychology, compassion is an action more than an emotion. It combines elements of love, care, and empathy with the intent to alleviate the suffering of others or share in it with them.

Recently, research has indicated that compassion is an important aspect of a productive work environment. Showing compassion to managers, colleagues, and employees is essential for job satisfaction and motivation.

Understanding Compassion

Showing compassion for others depends on three factors:

  • – We must feel that the troubles causing suffering are serious.
  • – We expect that the sufferer’s troubles are the result of external circumstances (not self-inflicted).
  • – We must be able to empathize and picture ourselves in the circumstances.

 

Compassion isn’t a give and take. In most cases, the person showing compassion rarely expects to receive the same or get something for their expression. Basically, compassion is “empathy in action.”

In the workplace, showing compassion can lead to reduced stress and more job satisfaction for employees. It also inspires more loyalty, dedication, and engagement, reducing employee attrition and low morale.

We can express compassion in the workplace by:

  • – Actively listening without judgment
  • – Noticing when colleagues are experiencing personal stress or pain and making an effort to help them feel more comfortable and secure in the workplace
  • – Accepting criticism and addressing underperformance or failure without unnecessary harshness

 

Showing compassion in this manner not only benefits the people involved, but it has a positive impact on the company’s performance culture. Empathy and kindness upgrade the value system of the employees and they feel more involved with the team.

Benefits of Workplace Compassion

Employee Retention

One of the key benefits of a compassionate workplace is employee retention, especially with compassionate leaders. Employees who receive empathy and support from their colleagues and leaders regularly are more likely to stick around and put effort into the organizational goals.

Conversely, if employees are treated poorly or receive no professional cooperation, they will eventually lose motivation and productivity will suffer.

Stress Reduction

Compassion creates space for active communication. Employees in compassionate workplaces can vent out their professional stress (appropriately) and socialize to improve productivity. Compassion can also help with managing work stress and burnout in fast-paced environments.

Physical Well Being

Feeling compassion not only offers psychological benefits but physical ones. Employees who spend time interacting with their colleagues show steady blood pressure and heart rate, according to studies.

Less stress also means better immune systems, reducing the number of sick days and illness. Employees can better manage their work-life balance and enjoy a healthier work and social life.

Interpersonal Bonding

Leaders who take compassionate approaches to work have employees who are likely to reciprocate and work harder for the company. They form healthier and stronger professional relationships and feel that they are part of a team, contributing to better work performance and satisfaction.

What Is Compassionate Leadership?

Compassionate leadership is focused on the individual and their needs, as well as the needs of the team. These leaders can inspire a journey of personal growth and development, no matter how tough the challenges get. They understand that no one is perfect, but they see potential in others and help them reach it.

Modern-day leaders who want to navigate their people and organizations toward success require compassionate leadership. In the past, compassion was seen as a weakness – compassionate people were “soft.”

Now, leaders must treat their colleagues and teams with care and kindness to help them succeed, as individuals and as a team.

Tips for Showing Compassionate Leadership at Work

If you’re wondering how you can apply these skills to your own workplace and teams, here are some tips:

Self-Compassion

Positive vibes start with yourself. You must prioritize self-care and kindness to yourself before you can show it to others. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, focus on your strengths instead of your weaknesses, and pay yourself compliments.

Effective Communication

The key to being compassionate at work is communicating effectively. No matter who you’re speaking to, communicate openly and clearly to avoid confusion. You should also listen to employees or colleagues who feel comfortable confiding in you and show patience and neutrality.

Appropriate Contact

Touch can be powerful when you’re expressing empathy. Physical contact is minimal in the workplace, but you can use it appropriately with a light touch on the shoulder or holding a hand while listening to a story.

If physical contact isn’t appropriate or comfortable in the situation, show nonverbal cues that express compassion and empathy like eye contact or turning your body toward the person speaking.

Initiation

It takes one person to make the first move and show compassion. Whether you do it with personal support, feedback, or an open discussion about opinions, you can set an example to the entire team and teach them to be more open and empathetic to each other.

Thoughtfulness

Being in tune to the emotions and thoughts of others is an important aspect of compassion. Consider how your words or actions may affect your colleagues, subordinates, or managers and think about how you’d feel in their situation.

Encouragement

Compassion in the workplace is most often reflected by verbal encouragement and motivation. You can show compassion in the workplace by supporting your colleagues and cheering others on for their work and achievements. This type of positive reinforcement can bring about favorable changes.

Flexibility

Compassionate leaders need to have an open mind and realize the power that small changes in daily routine can influence productivity. Instead of being “stuck in their ways,” compassionate leaders are ready to tweak their leadership policies, lifestyle, or strategies to benefit an individual, team, or the entire organization.

Learning

A compassionate leader never stops asking questions, prompting feedback, and learning from others. Gaining new perspectives helps you get closer to others and remove any barriers to their success.

Mindfulness

Leaders have an array of tasks to complete in one day. Taking a moment to slow down, breathe, and observe can help you gain the mindfulness of your team and work environment. If there are stressors or tension, you can identify and address them more readily.

Gratitude

Everyone wants to feel like they’re positively contributing to their workplace and that they’re appreciated. When leaders show gratitude, they earn respect from their employees. This can be done through mentoring, guidance, or merely recognizing a job well done or work put in.

Team Spirit

In the past, workplaces thrived with employees that came to work, did their jobs, and went home. Employees don’t want to just take orders anymore, not feeling like their work contributes to anything important. They want to feel valued, appreciated, and most importantly, useful.

Promoting team spirit makes a workplace more appealing and helps everyone involved in a project or team feel like they’re working toward a shared goal. This not only motivates better work, but it promotes healthier interpersonal relationships.

Top Examples of Compassionate Workplaces

Compassion is slowly working its way into modern companies. These three companies show how compassion can contribute to success:

The Hospital Corporation of America

The Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) is a leading healthcare organization in the US. With over a hundred hospitals and a vast number of employees working at different levels, it’s incredible that HCA has a strong track record of a supportive, positive environment.

In fact, the HCA’s codes of conduct include policies for compassion toward colleagues and clients. The company is proud of its emotionally rewarding culture and strives to provide everyone – from top to bottom – with equal kindness and empathy.

The UnitedHealth Group

The UnitedHealth Group is an American healthcare company that ranked fifth in the most successful companies in Fortune 500 rankings in 2018. The company’s tagline even encourages empathy by stating: “Walk in the shoes of the people we serve and those with whom we work.”

The Autism Research Center

The Autism Research Center (ARC) is an initiative of Cambridge University in the United Kingdom to promote awareness of autism, the benefits of early prevention, and the importance of extensive research.

Despite having a huge team of scientists, professionals, and support staff from all over the world, the ARC has a strong commitment to the principles of empathy and kindness. Education, collaboration, and support are the foundation of ARC and attract researchers, educators, and parents to the cause.

Compassion Is the Key to Success

If you want to be an effective leader, it’s essential to have compassion for the people who work with you. Compassionate leaders are not as common as they need be, but they’re an asset to the workplace.

Compassionate leaders listen, invest in their people, and create a collaborative culture with a positive attitude to help employees feel valued and appreciated. Through compassionate leadership, you can spread joy, connect with others, and resonate positivity in your organization.

Should You Quit Your 9-5 to Work on Your Business Full Time? Here’s How to Know When It’s Time to Make the Move

Posted on | by admin

Hustling at your 9-5 job while trying to get your business up and running is no easy task. At first, you may be so excited that you don’t notice the toll it’s taking on you. But over time, the long hours and stress will build, and as the months or years go by, you may feel like something has to give.

Holding onto both your full-time job and your business is a great strategy to ensure that you’re financially protected while you wait for the business to become profitable. That’s meant to be a short-term strategy, however, not a sustainable option in the long term.

Eventually, you will need to choose between your full-time job and your business. Knowing when is key to both your security and the security of your business.

When to Quit Your Job

We’ve all heard stories of entrepreneurs who quit their job one day and their business took off, making them practical overnight millionaires. Though it happens, that’s extremely rare. The more likely course is quitting too soon and ending up with no cash flow, or waiting too long and burning out.

Here are the signs you should quit your job:

You Have Good Income

There are suggestions for how much you should make or what percentage of your full-time salary before you can quit your 9-5. This guideline is helpful, but it’s not ideal for every situation.

If you’re making more money than you need to at this point with your full-time job. If that’s the case, you don’t need to wait until you’re making a certain percentage of it. Maybe half is enough for you to live comfortably for a while.

Consider how much your business really needs to bring in for you to feel comfortable. Are you willing to sacrifice anything to make this decision more feasible, like a streaming entertainment subscription, happy hours with friends, or that Sunday football package? Are you willing to prepare more meals at home, even if you’ve had a long and tiring day?

The answer and decision are yours and yours alone. No matter how much you make or think you can live on, it’s important to plan it out to make sure there are no surprises.

You Have Savings

If you have a robust savings account and emergency fund from your full-time job, you may have enough to be confident in quitting to pursue your business full-time.

Remember, some businesses and industries take longer to launch, have greater startup costs, or have a longer period before they become profitable. It doesn’t mean they’ll fail, but simply that you may need to wait longer before they generate a return.

If your savings account isn’t quite there yet, think about how much more you want to have before you’ll feel comfortable quitting. Then, consider whether you could put a bit more away each pay to reach that goal.

You Have a Plan

Going full-time with your business and leaving a stable 9-5 can seem exciting, but you still have responsibilities. Make a plan and establish your budgets before you make any rash decisions.

Though it may not be as fun as some dramatic exit from your job, having a plan in place ensures security and sustainability. Your story may not prompt anyone to make a movie about your dramatic path to success, either, but you’re more likely to succeed in a way that counts.

Are You Ready?

Quitting and going full-time with your business is a huge leap. Fortunately, with some planning and financial security, you can make your dream a reality in the smartest and most practical way possible.

Looking to get your business from startup to successful? Work with Allison directly!

When Should You Raise Your Prices?

Posted on | by admin

For many business owners, coming up with a pricing strategy was a challenge in the first place. Now, you’ve been in operation a few years and it may be time to raise your prices, but the anxiety is back.

You fear that if you increase the cost of the product too quickly, customers will go elsewhere. But leaving your prices low without adjustments for inflation, cost of living, overhead, or other variables that affect your expenses, you could run yourself right out of business.

Here’s how to tell if it’s time to raise your prices.

Your Close Rate Is High

If a customer conversion rate is over 80%, you probably have prices that are too low. Ideally, your close rate should be in between 75% and 80%. If the conversion rate is in this range, you may want to check over your prices and see if you should increase them.

Of course, if you have an exceptional product that caught the attention of customers quickly, you may find that you have a higher conversion rate after raising prices. Sometimes, products that are too cheap can be a turn off to consumers – they assume there’s a reason they’re so cheap.

You Haven’t Raised Prices

If you haven’t raised prices in years, or you’ve never raised prices, now is the time. Often, business owners are afraid to raise prices at this point because they believe loyal customers will turn away.

Keep in mind that prices have very little impact on demand, so the demand won’t go anywhere. Sure, some customers may not be happy about the prices going up, but most will support you. A modest increase in price isn’t going to deter anyone.

You’ve Received Competitive Reviews

Whether we like it or not, our competitors’ prices influence our prices and how much the market will bear. You can use this same information to determine when it’s time to raise prices (and by how much).

Check out the prices that competitors are charging for comparable products and use that to inform your new pricing strategy. But don’t let the market dictate your pricing. If you’re the more expensive of the brands, your opportunity to come out ahead is in marketing your product for value or quality, rather than as the bargain.

Tips for Raising Prices

If you’ve determined that raising prices is a good decision, you can soften the blow by approaching pricing incrementally. Instead of doubling your price overnight, raise your prices by the appropriate amount. Consider how much of the price affects budget and how much leeway you have to add to the price.

Another option is to “grandfather” old clients in. With this method, you’ll keep the prices the same for your old customers and only raise prices for the new ones.

Boost Your Profits with Accurate Pricing

Pricing your products or services is always difficult. If you’re looking to raise prices, make sure to be transparent with customers to explain the reasons behind the price increase.

Could you use guidance to achieve your business goals? Work with business coach Allison directly!

Vetting Your Business Coach: What to Know Before Signing the Contract

Posted on | by admin

Business coaching is a valuable tool to support your professional growth, whether for your own business or to reach the next level in your career. You can learn to identify and move past roadblocks that are holding you back to become more productive.

But not all coaches are equally skilled or qualified. The market isn’t regulated like doctors or attorneys – anyone can become a coach. It’s vital that you do your due diligence to ensure that your time and financial investment are going toward a coach who can help you reach your goals.

Here’s what you need to know before you sign a contract:

Expertise

You want to work with a coach that has extensive experience helping people achieve their business goals, whether they’re just starting out or scaling a business. When you’re vetting your coaches, ask them how long they’ve been coaching and what type of training they underwent.

Goals

Before you embark on business coaching, it’s important that you understand what you’re looking to gain from the experience. Many people are confused about what a business coach actually does – they’re not business advisors. A coach is there to help you develop the skills and mindset to achieve your goals, not to solve problems in your business using their own knowledge and expertise.

Methodology

Business coaches often approach their coaching with different tools, methods, and strategies. Some will work for you and others may not, so make sure to find a coach that aligns with the way you process information and receive guidance. If you’re not sure if you’re a fit, ask your prospective coach how they approach coaching and what types of clients they prefer to work with.

Personality

This can’t be overstated – coaching is a deeply personal process. You need to feel like you’re in a comfortable, confidential space with your coach to discuss your personal growth, strengths and weaknesses, and roadblocks. It’s vital that you have a personality fit between yourself and your coach for this to be successful.

For example, some people respond more to a “tough love” relationship with someone who will be direct with their criticism and recommendations. Others need a coach who will soften the blow to make them more receptive to coaching and learning.

Timing

Business coaches offer different plans and schedules. Some are weekly, some are monthly, and you want to be sure you’ll have a coach who’s available at the time you need it most. Consider how often you want to meet with your coach in advance, then find a coach with the availability that works best for your needs.

Work with Allison Todd

Hiring a business coach is like hiring anyone else to perform a service – you need to do your research. Ask plenty of questions, look for referrals from people you trust, and discuss the process with your prospective coaches to increase the likelihood of success in your coaching experience.

Looking for business coaching? Work with Allison directly!

6 Things to Ask a Potential Business Coach

Posted on | by admin

A business coach can be a huge advantage when you’re starting a business, preparing to scale, in the middle of a transition, or you’re lacking clarity for the next steps or vision for your business.

You can find business coaches virtually everywhere, but they’re not created equal. Once you find coaches you’re interested in learning more about, you can schedule consultations to see if it’s a good fit.

This initial consultation can tell you a lot to inform your decision. Here are 6 questions to ask your business coach.

1. What Do You Specialize In?

Business coaches often have specializations, such as marketing, sales, and more. Some coaches focus entirely on new business owners and startups, while others coach for businesses that want to scale or expand.

When you’re hiring a business coach, consider their specializations, your own goals, and the type of help you need. You want a coach with adequate experience in the areas you’re looking to develop.

2. What Is Your Coaching Style?

Coaches have different styles and approaches to their work. Some coaches act as consultants or advisors, while others may be focused on showing you how to find your own answers and identify your own path to success.

Is the coach focused on the client in the center of the arrangement, or is it about strategy and mindset? Make sure you know what you’re getting with your business coach and that it’s the type of help you think you need.

3. How Do You Work with Clients?

Many business coaches offer virtual coaching, which gives you the pick of the litter from all over the country. Others may only offer in-person sessions, or group programs, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

You should also ask about how many calls or meetings you’ll receive each month, whether you’ll receive support in between if you have questions, and what resources you’ll have access to.

4. What Types of Clients Do You Typically Work with?

Business coaches often have niches they work within. Some specialize in just one industry or niche, or they may work with a variety of industries. Make sure the coach you’re looking to hire has the experience you need in your own niche or industry.

5. What Results Do You Typically See?

Naturally, coaches may only wish to share their most positive outcomes with potential clients, but it’s still helpful to know what the typical results are. Ask questions about the clients and where they started versus where they ended up after working with the coach, which can give you a lot of insights into the results the coach usually sees.

If possible, get testimonials or reviews from previous clients to get firsthand accounts of their experiences with the coach.

6. What Do You Look for in a Client?

Even though you’re looking for a coach and you’ll pay for their services, you want a relationship that’s built on both parties feeling like it’s a fit. Ask your business coach what types of clients they enjoy working with and how you fit into the equation. Both parties need to be committed to see success.

Ready to Start Your Coaching Journey?

Finding the right business coach takes some planning and research, but the right fit is essential to seeing you realize your business goals. If you’re ready to get started, work with Allison Todd directly!

Business Women: Why We Settle for Less (And Why We Shouldn’t)

Posted on | by admin

Women still struggle with inequality in the workplace – even if they own their own business! Women continue to earn less, on average, than men in the same positions, and they’re underrepresented in the top positions and fields.

Research has shown that biases, both conscious and subconscious, are part of the problem, but that’s not all. Women sometimes don’t get what they want and deserve because they aren’t asking for it.

Women often feel apprehension asking for what they want or need. Women are also more pessimistic about what is available when they negotiate, so they ask for less and get less if they do negotiate.

Don’t settle for less! And here’s why you never should.

Settling for Less Means Choosing Limitations

When you settle for less than you deserve, you’re choosing a life filled with limitations of your own doing. You’re actively restricting your own potential, whether it’s out of apprehension, fear of failure or rejection, or any other barrier.

You’ll never be able to succeed or grow if you’re stuck in your own self-imposed comfort zone!

Settling Means Giving Up on Your Goals

When you settle, it’s a way of giving up. You’re essentially saying that the dreams and goals you have aren’t possible, aren’t worth fighting for. Never stop pushing!

Plenty of people settle, whether in their careers, their relationships, or other aspects of their life. They think that “good enough” is enough, and maybe it’s not. Maybe the spot you’re settling in was the stepping stone to get you closer to your goal.

Settling Means You’re Accepting Less than the Best You Could Have

Everyone has moments when they could choose to settle or keep pushing harder for what they want. We may choose what seems right at that moment instead of continuing to push for better options, possibly ending up in a less than favorable position.

But what if what’s truly the best for us means taking that chance? If you’re setting on your career path or your business goals, you’re choosing the second-best option over being the best you can be. Life is too short to stop there.

Settling Means Settling for a Lesser Version of Yourself

If you settle on the mediocre and average, you’re missing out on living your fullest potential. Whether you end up in a job with no growth potential or give up when running your own business gets hard, you’re setting yourself up to stay stuck.

Remember, you can’t change the past, but you can avoid the same mistakes in the future. Take action and make positive change before regret sets in.

You Deserve the Best

You are worthy and deserving of the best life has to offer. Never settle for less!

If something isn’t working out, isn’t having a positive effect on your life, let it go! Don’t hold onto something that no longer serves you. Move on and move forward to get the life you deserve.

Looking for motivation? Work with Allison Todd directly and see how you can reach your fullest potential with the guidance of a professional business and career coach!