Blog - Page 2 of 8 - Yes I Can With A Plan

Baby Steps Add Up To Success

Posted on December 4, 2013 by lisalongDecember 4, 2013

Wooooohoooo it’s the end of the year and time for that last push to meet your goals for 2013! How close are you?

The end of the year can be an overwhelming time for many. When we are in a state of overwhelm, it’s impossible to think clearly and make the best choices. Obviously the key is to stay calm (easier said than done… I do agree).

So what are some key steps you can take to give yourself the time and space you need to accomplish your goals in a healthy, balanced manner?

Here are a few steps you can take right away to improve your bottom line and your life…

1. Let go of the idea you have to do it all. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I guarantee there are things you can delegate to others.

Two of the women in my mastermind group were doing work they did not enjoy. The solution… they resigned from doing the tasks they don’t want to do. (Life is too precious to spend your time doing something you don’t like). These tasks needed to be reassigned. It took four people to replace each of these women!

I know how difficult this step can be. So, let’s break it down…. identify one thing you can delegate. Then, delegate it. That’s easy!

2. As stated in the video – take baby steps each and every day toward your goal. This way you keep the momentum going without getting discouraged or burned out. Remember… a marathon is run one step at a time.

Each day identify one baby step you can do that will lead you toward your goal. Then, focus on that one baby step and do not move on to anything else until that one step is completed.

I have a few resources you’re welcome to utilize:

> Calming Your Mind For Success Meditation, my thank you gift.

Here’s the details, just call in:

Day: Thursday December 5th, 2013
Time: 6:30pm ET (that’s 3:30 PT, 4:30 MT, 5:30CT)

Call: 805-399-1000 Access code: 878831

> Set aside fifteen minutes to chat with me and we’ll clarify what you need to do to get where you want to be. Schedule your fifteen minutes here

> Check out one of the mastermind groups

Enjoy your holiday season and I look forward to talking with you.

All the best to you and your family!

We would love to hear from you! Please click on “leave a reply” at the end of this posting and share your comments – What is your favorite nugget you got from this, today? What are you most excited about implementing from this “Yes I Can With A Plan! Bright Ideas” edition?

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

Lisa Long is an author, speaker and success coach helping businesses and individuals overcome sabotaging obstacles so get the results they want and live the life they truly desire. She is available for workshops, keynote, team and one-on-one coaching. Contact Lisa at: 928-284-9285, lisa@yesicanwithaplan.com, www.YesICanWithAPlan.com

Who Needs Motivation?

Posted on November 20, 2013 by lisalongNovember 20, 2013

I was recently asked: “Who needs motivation?”.

I find everyone needs motivation. I consider myself to be a very positive person. However, there are times, I need an extra push. This morning for example… I’m waking up at 5:00 for a 7:00am meeting. It’s cold. I don’t want to get out from under my warm covers and the safety of my bed.

I didn’t sleep well due to the *^&) smoke detector beeping through the night. If I could reach the darn thing, it would have been silenced. The garbage trucks pick up trash outside my bedroom window at 2:00am (I had no idea trash pick up runs all night). And there’s the young neighbors next door who deemed a Tuesday night party was necessary to blow off some steam. (I wonder if this is payback time for when I was 20 years old – Oey).

Several reasons pour into my mind justifying my desire to skip this meeting and stay in bed. After all, I do need my sleep. And, there’s another meeting next week that I can attend.

Then, I remember why I chose to sign up for this 7am meeting. The desired outcome… the success of my goal. My goal is important to me. I want to help more people achieve the results they want. As they reach their goal, I reach my goal. It’s a win-win. I think of my current clients and how happy they are with their success. My decision to help on a larger scale is returning to the forefront of my mind.

Now, I’m feeling more awake and motivated to get out of bed, get out there and make a difference. It hits me…this… choosing to get out of bed, get dressed and out of the house to meet with people by 7am is exactly why there is such a spread in wealth. This is why some are begging for food on the street while others are flying around in their private jet; why some are miserable while others are living a healthy, fulfilling life. It’s the self-motivation to make a decision and follow through with that decision; overriding the excuses we give ourselves.

Written by Lisa Long, CEO of Yes I Can With A Plan Success Systems for Entrepreneurs. A free success training webinar is available for you at www.yesicanwithaplan.com

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Is Your Unknown Subconscious Programming Clouding Your Abundance?

Posted on November 19, 2013 by lisalongNovember 19, 2013

I used to think mindset was about 10% – maybe 20% of success. Throughout the years of coaching, it has been proven to me that mindset is more like 95% of our success.

It’s amazing how our thought patterns dictate our outcome. I’m sure you’ve heard the term “thoughts are things”. What that means is EVERYTHING around you began with a thought…. a daydream… a fantasy. That thought moves you into action and that action creates your results.

Sounds pretty simple. So all we have to do is think good thoughts and we’ll be rich and successful – right? If it were only that easy! Wouldn’t it be great to end struggle once and for all? Everyone would be living a life they are in love with.

This is the way it should be. We are designed to live abundantly and create freely.

We know how to think happy thoughts. So what’s the problem? Where’s the abundance? I’ll tell you. It’s that old programming from earlier in your life…. Even before you were born! Do you know we are taught what to think when we start listening to the outside world, at five months inside the womb?

Over the years, we’ve developed all kinds of rules, regulations and paradigms to “keep us safe”. The problem is these are actually roadblocks to your success.

Read these three questions out loud because I want you to really understand it:

Do you do things that you know will lead you to results you DON’T want?

And, do you find yourself not doing the things you know will get you the results you DO want?

Ever wonder why?

Isn’t this the most bizarre behavior? Yet, everyone does it.

Your Success Actions Steps –

grateful In honor of the U.S. celebrating Thanksgiving next week, I encourage you to keep a gratitude journal. This will raise your vibration and awareness of all the good you have and then you’ll attract more good into your life.

List all of your non-productive activities. Becoming aware of these will help in eliminating them.

Join me in my webinar “Your Mind and Money” where I’m going to go into great detail on how these paradigms block our success AND, more importantly, what to do about it.

I’m so excited to share this with you. It has changed my life and it will change your life too.

By the way, the “Your Mind and Money” webinar is my gift. Enjoy!

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What Does The NYC Marathon And Your Business Have In Common?

Posted on November 6, 2013 by lisalongNovember 18, 2013

There’s only seven weeks left of this year. Are you on track to meet your goals? What do you do If you’re not?

GET INTO ACTION – FAST!!

You may have the idea that no business takes place during the months of November and December because of all the holidays. We get these rules set up in our mind from what we’ve heard in the past. I used to think the end of the year was the time to slow down and not expect much business to take place.

If you’ve been coasting, I’m going to suggest that you switch gears and get into action. The end of the year rocks. It’s a great time for business. And, you can only coast in one direction……. downhill!

Think about it… it’s the end of the year and if your (potential) clients are still suffering from lack of sleep, lack of energy, lack of money, lack of time, lack of clear direction, etc. they have not created the wonderful year they wanted and this is the last chance to step it up for 2013. And, you can help them make sure 2013 is what they want.

NOW is your opportunity to get in front of your potential clients with a knock your socks off special offer and help them wrap up 2013; entering 2014 on a positive note with clear direction and hope for positive life changes.

marathonwinner You’ll notice in this picture, the runner is smiling… really big. Why? This person just triumphed the NYC INC Marathon. It’s a long 26.2 mile run. You may be feeling like you’ve been running a marathon – an entrepreneur’s marathon this year. It’s not over. Now, it’s time for the BIG push. Go for it! All out, no excuses!!

Action Steps for a Successful 2013 Wrap Up Sprint:

1. Track your own success throughout the year. You’ll notice what you track grows. This is easily accomplished with a simple Excel spreadsheet. You don’t need to get fancy to track where you are; keep it simple.

2. Reach out to those who have expressed an interest in working with you. There is still time for you to reach your goals, and help your clients get raving results from working with you.

3. Contact your current clients. Wish them happy holidays and let them know you are available. Find out if they do need your assistance (or if they know anyone who needs your assistance now).

4. If you’re looking to add to your income with passive income, contact me. I’m paying commission for inviting your friends to my free success training events. Just send an email to me.

5. Make sure to attend my complimentary webinar “Your Mind and Money”. It will help you breakthrough the blocks that are holding you back.

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Are You Working Too Hard To Get Clients?

Posted on October 24, 2013 by lisalongOctober 24, 2013

39166277 Do you feel like you’re doing tons of marketing but have nothing to show for it, except maybe a headache and increased debt? As a marketing and advertising expert, I’ve heard stories like this many times. Would you like a few pointers to help you get the most out of your marketing?

There are several strategies you can utilize in marketing that are very low cost or even no cost. So, don’t fall into the trap “you have to have money to make money”. On the other hand, you can lose a lot of money, time and energy (not to mention it’s beyond frustrating) if you don’t know what you’re doing. I want to help you avoid this.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in marketing is (not having a clear, concise message. If your message is not clear, your client (or potential client) doesn’t hear you calling “I’m here to help you, I’m here to help you… work with me.”

Here are tips to help you clarify your marketing message:

1. Know whom you are talking to. This is a big hurdle for many of us entrepreneurs because we think we have to please everyone or we might lose some of the action. Write this down: “When you talk to everyone, nobody listens.” Each person is thinking you’re talking to someone else.

2. What results do you want from your marketing message? Start with this in mind before you start each marketing endeavor. Make sure that everything in your marketing message guides your client toward this desired outcome, or result.

Action Steps –

Identify whom you really WANT to work with. If you could work with anyone you choose, who would you want to spend your time helping?

If you’re not sure who this may be, look through all of your previous client files. Pull out the files of your favorite clients.

Identify the following:

What they have in common
- Gender
- Age
- Occupation
- Marital status
- Current life situation / status
- Residence
- Children / no children
Why do you enjoy working with each person in this group?
What were their results after working with you?

Imagine you’re sitting down with your potential client. What would your conversation be like? What do you have to say to this individual? This can take some massaging. If you would like help, contact us.

Have fun with this. Write down what you find with these exercises. Notice your level of excitement as you discover who your ideal client is.

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What’s Holding You Back?

Posted on October 10, 2013 by lisalongOctober 10, 2013

I’m so happy to be here with you today. I have to say, I have the absolute best clients on the planet. Everyone of you are a blessing with unique gifts, amazing hearts full of love and an unshakable desire to be in service.

It pays to not work with everyone because then you get to work with whom you choose to work with.

jumpforjoy I haven’t always been so lucky. When I first started my own practice I would work with anyone who would pay me (and yes, I did freebies too). I was basically in “anything for money” mode. Whew, I’m thrilled those days are behind me.

Want to know my turning point?

A huge, life changing shift occurred when I clearly identified my passion; what do I want to do?

This may sound over simplified; I understand. I went through it myself. Getting crystal clear on your passion can be quite a challenge, especially for us entrepreneurs who are talented in so many different areas and have so many interests. It’s easy to be all over the board with what you offer for clients, or potential clients (the goal, of course, is to help them become raving, paying clients).

Getting clear on your passion is crucial because:

You cannot create a clear and compelling marketing message until you do
You attract clients that you love spending time with
You can’t wait to get up in the morning and do more of what you love
You love what you do so much that you would do it for free – but you don’t have to
You easily shine at sharing your passion and this attracts more clients to you
Everything flows easily and effortlessly – it’s fun and rewarding.

Action Step

Sit down in a quiet, uninterrupted space and ask yourself: “If I could do anything I want, how would I choose to spend my day? How would I choose to help others?

What is it that you could do all day and still feel energized at the end of the day?
What would you do for free just because you love it?
What if you knew nobody would judge you for your choice? Would you make the same choice?

Spend time with this and go deeper than the first surface answer that comes to you. If you would like help with this life changing process, contact us. We’re here to help you succeed at what you love.

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It’s Not About The Money

Posted on September 19, 2013 by lisalongSeptember 19, 2013

money puzzle One of the keys to creating wealth is to understand that money is not the goal. That’s right, I said, money is not the goal. Often people will tell me that they want to make more money. However, I know it is not money they are really wanting. It’s what money can buy and the freedom of time to do what they really want.

While you may think this is an insignificant difference, it is actually the reason so many people never become wealthy.  Most of us were taught throughout our childhood that the whole point of making money is to sock it away and build our own ‘nest egg’ or save it for a “rainy day”.

We think of money as an insurance against bad fortune, accidents or old age when we can no longer work. The wealthy know that money only works when it is in motion – not when it’s sitting in a bank account.

You must understand that wealth is a never-ending journey of growth and circulation and if that circulation is stopped, then the flow of money will cease. While it may seem that there are many roadblocks on your journey to wealth, the only real obstacle is what you believe, think, and feel about money.

Most of us were raised with the cliché “Seeing is Believing” which is a skeptical and negative view of life. Still, we hear it our whole lives until it becomes a part of our belief system.

Wealthy people understand that this cliché is exactly backward – you must believe in what you can achieve before you will see it happen in your life. They know that “Believing is Seeing.” The only thing that separates a millionaire from you right now is a wealthy mindset and the foundation of that mindset is belief.  Does this mean that the wealthy have some special skill or knowledge? No. (I talk about this specifically in my “Your Mind and Money” events.

Wealthy people do possess key characteristics that help them become wealthy.  One of these characteristics is a willingness to listen to their own heart. If you could become wealthy by listening to the masses, then the masses would be wealthy and they are not.

It’s human tendency to ask the opinions of those we love or respect. Unfortunately, we listen to their comments and biases not taking into account the results in their own lives. We accept it as truth.

Action steps –

couple on beach Go within. All your answers are within. Ask yourself: “If I had all the money I could every want, how would I choose to spend my time?”

I often hear answers like travel, relax, plant a garden, see my grandchildren more often. These are great.

Now, the second part to this question: “How would I choose to help others?” We receive ongoing income when we are helping others and providing value for them. What goods or services would they pay you for?

Now that you may have a clearer idea of what you would really like to do, let’s talk money.

How much money would you like to earn and why? Dig deep here. It’s not about the money but what the money would do for you.

Finally… you now have a goal to work toward and why the money is important to you. Now, get in ACTION to make this a reality.

I have found this is much easier with support. I am here to support you. Tell me your biggest obstacle and I’ll help you through it. And, make sure to attend “Your Mind and Money” webinar or live event where we get deep into why we are where we are and how to get where we want to be (it’s life changing).

Was this article helpful for you? I would love to hear your comments.

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When Should You Show Your Prices?

Posted on September 4, 2013 by lisalongSeptember 4, 2013

I get this question often from my clients who are building a thriving business full of paying clients. When you’re starting out or taking your business to the next level, you’re faced with “how do I get more (paying) clients?”

benefitscales There are a few key elements you want to understand so you don’t come across to your prospective clients like some money grubbing vandal ready to love ‘em and leave ‘em (I know you would never intentionally do this, but it happens).

First, you must remember your clients, or prospects, are people (not ATM machines). And people, all of us, have a history of baggage that creates our belief system. Our beliefs are part of our paradigm and determine how we process information and see the world. Your prospect’s wants are very likely not in harmony with their paradigm. (To learn more about this and help your prospects become grateful clients, make sure to attend one of the “Your Mind and Money” events.

For example, people will attend an event and see an offer inviting them to take the information deeper in their own life. Some will be skeptical and ask: “how do I know…”, “will it really…”, “what if…”; some will immediately find all the reasons why they cannot continue the teaching (especially if it involves paying money); some will say “I’ll try it and see what happens”; and some will declare “this is good. I’m going to take it and make it work for me”. (Which person are you?)

Each person processes information very differently. So how do you address this when you’re inviting others to work with you without going into overwhelm or just plain crazy?

There is one thing you must do for everyone. No matter how they process information and that is you MUST BUILD VALUE.

It doesn’t matter if you’re selling a $47 class or a 47 billion dollar ship, you must build value for the buyer (unless you’re working with the government which appears to have an endless supply of well fertilized money trees).

Most of us do not have access to these evergreen money trees, so let’s continue…

How do you build value?

First, ask them questions to learn their needs. LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN to them. Repeat back to them key elements. This helps them feel heard and validated. It also helps you make sure you are on the right track to solving their problems.

~ SELLING IS SOLVING PROBLEMS ~

Do not jump ahead with Dracula breath reeking of “I want to suck your money”. They’ll pick up on it and run to safety.

If you don’t come across as caring and wanting to help them solve their problem, it’s easy for your prospect to talk herself out of working with you.

Let’s get to the nitty-gritty…

Should you have your prices on your cards, brochures or website?

The answer is no; …unless:

You’re a retail center like Zappos competing in a never-ending price-war with others in the same industry.

You can guarantee you have the lowest price of whatever you offer (services should not rely on this tactic because everybody loses in the end).

You’re having a special offer, such as a class (you still want an opportunity to build the value before asking for money).

Just remember this 4 Step process –

When you’re offering a service:

1. Identify their need / problem.

2. Solve the problem (agreeing there is a problem and showing them how you can solve that problem for them).

3. Ask for payment (would you like to pay in cash or credit card is one quick and effective close).

4. Shut up and let them purchase.

Was this article helpful for you? I would love to hear your comments.

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Does Give and Ye Shall Receive Really Work?

Posted on August 21, 2013 by lisalongAugust 21, 2013

womanwithbasket A lot of people act like PacMan. They see everyone they meet as a dot they can gobble up on their way to success. Hey look—a potential client! Chomp, chomp, chomp. But it’s so much better for your business, and for yourself, to give instead of take.

Who would you rather be around and work with? Someone who’s going to take, take, take, and chomp you up? Or someone who’s looking to give you what you want?

It’s the Universal law of cause and effect. If you turn people off, they’re not going to stick around. Ralph Waldo Emerson called it the Law of Laws because it’s so important. Givers gain.

Never approach someone intending to get something from them. They’ll instinctively sense it and put up their guard. You won’t get it, and they won’t like you. Instead, think about how you can help them. They’ll subconsciously want to help you in return because you’ve left them with the impression of increase and abundance.

I teach this extensively in the Thinking Into Results program, and it can lead you to personal and professional growth (in all areas of your life).

When you have all that you need, you feel secure that there’s enough success for everyone. So you automatically approach people thinking, “What can I do for you?” If you’ve been meeting people and wondering, “What’s in it for me?” you’ve clearly mistaken yourself for a contestant in The Hunger Games. You’ve been worried about fighting off scarcity and beating out the competition as if your life depended on it. But in reality, there’s plenty of everything to go around. There’s more than enough business, success, friendship and love for you and everyone around you.

So put down the bow and arrow, and look for opportunities to just give. Find out what people want, and give it to them. Don’t expect anything in return. Give because you want to, and because it feels good. Some people will repay your kindness and others won’t. But this isn’t about them. Because giving helps you grow.

We all have the spiritual urge to find a deeper experience, and a fuller expression of our selves. We are either growing or dying. So if we’re not trying to become more aware and grow, we’re slowly and painfully killing ourselves.

The law of cause and effect states that energy returns to its source. What goes around, comes around. If you send out negative energy, it’ll boomerang right back at you. And the same thing goes for positive energy. Personally, I’d rather be hit upside the head with positive energy.

It’s like planting a garden. If you plant stink weed, you get stink weed. If you plant roses, you get roses. It’s crazy to plant stink weed and expect roses. But that’s exactly what so many people do when it comes to energy. They send out doom, gloom, jealousy and bitterness and then get upset when they get more in their life to be bitter about.

So how do you plant roses? Leave everyone you know feeling good about themselves. Listen more, and talk less. You have two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Don’t interject your story when someone else has the spotlight. You’ll get your turn. People naturally gravitate towards, and want to do business with positive people.

If you take honest pride in leaving everyone with the impression of increase, and live as a giving person, you will live an abundant life. It’s the law.

Your Success Action Steps –

1. Today, decide to make a conscious effort to send out more positive thoughts, feelings and actions every day. You WILL receive more in your life to be positive about.

2. Take out a sheet of paper and write down your thoughts, feelings and actions throughout the day. Do this without judgment. It’s not good or bad. This is just an awareness exercise.

3. Now, write down the areas you could be more positive. Be very specific and clear

4. Put this into practice immediately. Choose three things you can do today that will help shift your energy to be even more positive. Even if you think you’re already a very positive person, do this. All of us have room to grow and be even better. (Hint: a big one is stop gossiping or talking negatively about others).

Three things I can do right now to shift my energy to be even more positive and leave everyone with the impression of increase:

If you take honest pride
in leaving everyone with the impression of increase
and participate as a giving person yourself,
you will live an abundant life.
It’s the law.

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The Truth Is, You Already Have What It Takes

Posted on August 7, 2013 by lisalongAugust 7, 2013

Do you ever sit and dream about how you’d like your life to be –

The income you would like, cars, homes, vacations… and time to enjoy it all?

Do you picture yourself earning 4, 5 or even TEN TIMES your current income?

Then what happens? Often that little voice immediately kicks in with all the reasons you can’t or shouldn’t go for your dreams.

manthrowingmoneyyipee Does any of this sound familiar to you? These are a few of the sabotaging messages from my own little voice: You should be happy with what you have, you don’t need all that, it’s going to mean working harder, happiness is more important than money, you won’t have time to enjoy life, you can’t do it all now – how are you going to do more, I could settle for less and life would be easier, I don’t want to sabotage what I already have…

Did this strike a chord with you? It sure does with my clients (then the fun begins and we break through the fear, doubt, worry and virus codes planted in the mind).

Here’s the deal… you can and should have ALL OF YOUR WANTS MET. Those wants are put in your heart for a reason. It’s all divine. Your wants are not the same as my wants or your neighbor’s wants. They belong to you and it’s your job to manifest these wants into physical form so they can create results… the results YOU WANT!

I’m not talking about the want for more money. That’s vague. How much more do you want? Why? What would you do with ten times more income? Most say they want more money but never really know why and what this really means for their life. What would it do for you? Your family? Your future? Give this some serious thought and then GO FOR IT!

When I start a “Breakthrough to Success Strategy Session” I ask: “What do you want… really want in your life personally and professionally?” I’m surprised at how many people answer: “I don’t know.”

I believe each and every one of us knows what we want, we just need to give our self permission to have what we want and stop settling for anything less.

Action Steps –

Identify the results you want in your life, personally and professionally (I don’t know is not an answer)

Are your daily activities supporting you in reaching your goals? (The answer is most likely no. If it were yes, you would already be where you want to be).

You’ve probably seen this assignment from me before and I’m giving it to you again because it’s so powerful and I want you to seriously do it. The results will help you tremendously.

Keep track of your activities, every activity, for an entire day. You can use a Yes I Can With A Plan Daily Success System or any other time tracking device.

All of us have the same amount of time. How are you investing your minutes? Tomorrow you have 1440 minutes to spend any way you choose; to invest in yourself. What are you choosing to do with you minutes?

What if these 1440 minutes were $1440 dollars? How would you choose to spend your dollars? Does this lead you toward your goal or are you easily taken off focus by the latest and greatest idea to hit the street

You can always get more money. Every moment of time is a one shot opportunity… the present. How are you investing it? What are your minutes doing for you?

We are over half way through this year. That means you have spent or invested over 262,975 minutes. What do you have to show for it? What will you have to show for the next 262,975 minutes of you life?

You already have what it takes to succeed. It comes from within. Give yourself permission to listen to your heart and have what you want. Then be mindful of your minutes and INVEST your minutes toward your desired future.

YOU ARE CREATING THE REST OF YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW….

WHETHER YOU’RE AWARE OF IT OR NOT!

Want help creating the future you want? Contact me for a (no charge) “Breakthrough To Success Strategy Session” to schedule.

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