Bonita L. Richter, MBA, teaches coaches, consultants, and solo professionals how to market their businesses to increase sales , income, and generate wealth.

A business model is simply what activities you do to make money in your business. Missing just one major element jeopardizes the ability of your business to achieve the income results you desire.

The good news is a viable, profitable business model isn’t hard to create. I have clients who’ve used the same tips I’m about to share with you to grow their own businesses into multi-6-figure empires.

Following are some quick ideas and tips you can use to compare your current business model and lead generation activities. If you find you have some gaps in your money-making plan, simply apply the following ideas, and you’ll be on your way to creating a better performing business:

Define Your Business Model

Decide on three core ways you will be paid for your topic, such as through teleseminars, workshops/retreats, and coaching programs.

Decide what percent of your income will come from each of these three core activities.

Identify Your Signature System

Create a signature system; be known for something (such as how to help others make more money in their service business, or how to create a brand identity).

Think about steps you take a client through to achieve a result; this is your signature system.

What are your clients repeatedly asking for? This could be your new information product.

Create Your Profit Pyramid

Create a profit pyramid for each product and service your offer; include a minimum three levels, at three different price points.

Example: the first level will be your free gift, the second level will be an eBook or home study system, and the third level is your “big ticket” item.

Create Your Website, eZine, and Blog

Be sure you can collect the names and email addresses of people who visit your website. These people are warm leads.

Start publishing an eZine so you can keep in touch with your prospects, develop a relationship with them, and eventually promote and sell to them.

Start a blog. Google loves the contemporary nature of blogs, which will help with your Google ranking.

A blog gives your readers a chance to respond to you, comment and hold conversations with each other, which in turn builds relationships and strengthen the bonds of your “tribe” or followers.

Build Your List

Leverage your list-building activities. Think about how you will connect with the most people, with the least effort.

List-build in any number of ways, which may include; offering free teleseminars; be a guest on other peoples’ teleseminars; offer a free special give-a-way, such as a bundle of your articles, templates, etc.; launch a direct mail campaign; advertise; use Pay-Per-Click campaigns; and get a strong business referral network working for you.

Also consider public speaking, press releases, and social networking.

Develop Your Customer Service Strategy

How will you create raving fans? Think about what would delight them, offer it, and reward them for buying your products and services.

Read Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service, by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles to get great tips, as well as strategies for following up.

Use the tips above to increase momentum, and fast-forward you toward creating a profitable business model that’ll help you achieve the income goals you desire.

Copyright 2009, Bonita L. Richter

To download Bonita L. Richter’s popular and *FREE* Money and Marketing spreadsheet tools, and BONUS gifts visit ===> http://www.Profit-Strategies.biz/Templates.html

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“Executive coaching, which surfaced as a leadership development practice over a decade ago, is now among the most widely used executive development techniques.” McGovern, Lindemann, Vergara, Murphy, Barker and Warrenfeltz. 2001.

Although coaching is growing at a phenomenal rate in the UK, there is still some confusion around exactly what it entails, what it is and, crucially, what it isn’t.

What’s the difference between a coach and a mentor?

How does coaching work and can it really help me and my team?

Does coaching really make a difference?

Let’s see what we can do to clear up some of the confusion.

First of all coaching is goal oriented. It deals with the present and the future. It’s all about ‘em-powering’ the client to work out where they want to go, when they want to get there and how they can do it. It concentrates on enabling the client to take action in order to achieve their objectives.

If you imagine a line with ‘non-directive’ at one end and ‘directive’ at the other, coaches operate towards the non-directive end. Indeed pure coaching is completely non-directive (although as an Executive Coach I do not spend all my time being non-directive. There are times when some construcive feedback or a suggestion is necessary or helpful). So rather than give advice as a mentor would do (as someone who has ‘been there done that’), coaches ask powerful questions using clean language to ensure they do not lead the client.

In this way a coach can raise awareness, ownership and responsibility; and enable the client to think differently and deeply to come up with new ideas for themselves. A coach is also prepared to challenge the client and hold them responsible for taking action.\

Coaching generally takes place as a series of 1:1 sessions which can be either face to face or over the telephone. I find that Executive Coaching sessions typically take between 1½ to 2 hours each and are held on a regular basis. Fortnightly often works well but the interval will vary according to the client’s needs.

A 2001 report entitled ‘Maximising the Impact of Executive Coaching’ (McGovern, Lindemann, Vergara, Murphy, Barker and Warrenfeltz) studied 100 executives in America from 1996 to 2000. Its findings include:

* Average returns of 5.7 times the investment in Coaching.

* An array of Tangible Benefits (including 53% reporting increases in productivity).

* An array of Intangible Benefits (including 73% reporting improved relationships with staff reporting to them).

Not surprising then that Executive Coaching is growing so fast even, or perhaps especially, in the current climate!

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I wanted to create a better life for myself. I wanted more freedom to be able to be with family, travel and to speak and inspire other entrepreneurs.

When I first set out on this quest of business development, I didn’t realize I’d also be making a huge transformation in my self and personal development as well!

What I learned is that no amount of marketing, planning or goal setting would make me as successful as I wanted to be without the right mindset around TWO THINGS: Love & Money.

What I also learned is that in order to truly attain the lifestyle, the business and the life that you ultimately want you have to do 3 main things (and do them regularly mind you):

1. First, you have to develop your overall vision. What do you want your life to look like?

o Do you want quarterly vacations?

o Do you want a 7 figure income?

o Do you want to only work Tues-Thurs, 5 hours a day?

o Do you see yourself volunteering, giving back or doing something towards some other worthy cause?

o Whatever this looks like for you, you need to claim it! You need to really give this some deep thought, not just a fleeting idea. You also want to be on the same page in your visioning as your significant other (that helps).

o Helpful Tips to Keep Your Vision Top of Mind at All Times:

Create a vision board and hang it in your office – cut out magazine pictures or words, use photos of things you want, etc. to make a colorful collage of what your ULTIMATE VISION looks like.

Create a vision video, something short with motivating pictures, words and songs that capture what your ULTIMATE VISION looks like for you and then you can watch it every morning like my friend Kelly.

Develop vision statements, sort of like a mission statement, and then write them on sticky notes or signs around your office, car and home.

2. Second, you want to outline specific and timely goals that you want to attain in a specific time period. You can post these on your vision board too, I do. I make up about 8 goals for the year – big, lofty ones like publish my book, hold my first 4 day event, be a speaker at a big annual conference, etc.

I don’t worry about posting all the little details that go with each goal or writing down HOW I plan to accomplish them because that would be too daunting of a task.

o You just want to write enough to throw it out into the Universe what you plan to accomplish.

o Plus, when you write simple, quick goals like this you can actually take them and post them in your office, by your bedside, in your wallet, car or other significant place where they will ALWAYS be on the top of your mind.

o Then of course you have to BELIEVE and have complete FAITH that you WILL attain them. (that’s the hard part)

3. Thirdly, you need to take a look at your environment and your relationships.

o Are they serving you?

o Are you being supported?

o Are you being encouraged (at all times no matter what crazy ideas you come up with)?

o Are you completely and utterly happy? Because if you’re not, what’s the point?

o Take a deep look at your environment, your relationships with loved ones, co-workers and anyone around you or anyTHING around you that could be bringing you down. You have to keep your mind OUT of the negative AT ALL TIMES – this is CRUCIAL to your success!!!

Hopefully I’ve given you something to think about as far as how you can redesign your life or business (There’s always room for improvement!).

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As a woman entrepreneur myself, what I’ve discovered about women entrepreneurs who excel is that they do so in some ways that are similar to their male counterparts and in other ways that are distinctly different.

Both women and men entrepreneurs who excel:

* Are self-disciplined.

* Hold strong, clear visions about the direction of their companies.

* Follow detailed plans of action to support their visions.

* Know how to make tough-call.

* Use mentors and coaches to keep them strategically aligned for success.

* Exude confidence and determination.

* See problems, failures, and setbacks as opportunities, openings, and clarifiers.

Women entrepreneurs do all that and then some. More often then men, women also:

* Create lifestyle businesses that encompass the full spectrum of their lives.

* Have a natural affinity for customer care and service.

* Are three parts “strong woman” and one part “good girl.”

* Have strong, values-led businesses. – Trust and follow their intuition.

* Are “whole”-istic in their decision-making.

* Measure success by their quality of interaction with people and how much they help others.

Top Five Mistakes Made by Women in Business

1. Letting them see you sweat.

Too many times I’ve seen women, when they aren’t feeling confident about themselves or their abilities, disclose their lack of confidence. They do this by peppering their clients and colleagues with lots of questions before they delve into a project, hedging when it comes to making a commitment, as well as breaking eye contact and fidgeting.

Showing lack of confidence, either by word or action, is a self-defeating behavior. Never let them see you sweat! Say yes. Then figure out how to deliver.

2. Displaying negative emotions.

Displaying anger, bitterness, or spite is never attractive. Turning into the victim or martyr when things don’t go your way by whining, complaining, or blaming is counterproductive. Don’t defend yourself, argue, or yell at your clients or colleagues. And, for heaven’s sake, don’t cry!

You can deal with every challenge in business without being negative. Instead, take action. Offer a solution.

3. Making excuses.

Women seem to think that, if they explain why they didn’t return a call, answer an email, show up on time, or meet a deadline, everyone will understand and it will be okay. Not so.

Excuses say that what you were doing was more important than what someone else wanted you to do. An explanation means you are asking permission to be excused for what you did not do.

Instead, be impeccable with your word. Do as you say.

4. Being bitchy.

Take your cue from Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer: Stay calm and assertive. You do not have to be tough or come across aggressively in business. Instead, stay calm, be assertive, and develop a cooperative model when dealing with others.

5. Making decisions from a “lack mentality.”

Too many women have a mindset of scarcity when it comes to their businesses. They believe they lack time, money is scarce, and there aren’t enough customers. They don’t understand that near-term lack infects long-term prosperity. Therefore, make decisions for your business based on the far-term vision of expansion and growth.

Both women and men can and do succeed as business owners. Many of the things that men have been doing right for years can easily be adopted and put into practice by women. However, as a woman entrepreneur, it is also important for you to do two additional things. First, cultivate the instinctive qualities and skills that are specifically characteristic of women in business. Next, start to eliminate the five top mistakes women make in business. If you implement these key steps, you’re bound to excel as a woman entrepreneur.

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The Source of 80 Percent of Your Traffic Comes from Here

Did you know that for most writers and authors, (and coaches and artists) – about 80 percent of the traffic that comes to your Website is coming from the 3 major search engines – Google, Yahoo! and MSN?

That’s great news – because it means people can find you easily.

It’s also bad news – because if you don’t understand how to optimize your Website for the search engines – and yet still make it interesting and relevant for the people who are searching for you – then you’re going to get lost in a sea of other writers, authors, coaches and artists.

Should You Optimize Your Website or Blog for the Search Engines? Can You?

One of the biggest problems many writers and authors have is that they’re not sure what they should do and what they should stay away from – sometimes it’s tough to know where you should even start to optimize your Website or Blog.

And some writers and authors aren’t even sure if they CAN optimize their Website or Blog for the search engines, because it seems really complicated and scary.

And it doesn’t help when different experts have different ideas of what steps you should take when you’re just getting started. Which means it doesn’t take long before Search Engine Optimization can seem pretty overwhelming, partly because quite often those experts seem to contradict each other – and sometime even themselves!

Why You May Be Experiencing SEO Overload

And of course, with all the SEO information that’s floating around in cyberspace, it’s pretty easy to find yourself in “information overload” – which is another reason why so many people stay confused about what they should do to optimize their Websites – and end up doing less than they could – or should – be doing.

DIY (Do It Yourself) Search Engine Optimization

And that’s why we’ve written this article for you. We’ve done all the research, we’ve checked out the experts’ – and the so-called experts’ – Websites, and we’ve taken all the best information about Search Engine Optimization, cut through the fluff and the nonsense, and distilled it into an easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow – checklist. (I’ll tell you how you can get your own copy of the checklist in just a minute.)

A Definition of Search Engine Optimization

But lets start with a simple definition of search engine optimization, so we’re both on the same page, and there’s no confusion:

Search engine optimization (SEO) means structuring your Website or Blog both on the site itself – (online optimization) and out in cyberspace (offline optimization) in a way that makes your web pages accessible to the search engines.

When done correctly, your SEO strategy can actually improve your Website’s chances of being found and placed as close to the top of the list as possible when someone searches for your chosen keywords.

And you don’t have to be a Search Engine Optimization Expert to make some simple changes that have significant results.

A Review of the Best Search Tools and Optimization Areas

The second part of this article will review the best search tools and tells you which areas of your Website or blog you can optimize that will have the biggest impact on where your site shows up when sometimes types a question on a search engine, using your chosen keywords.

The bottom line is, there are simple steps you can take to optimize your Website or blog for the search engines, and improve your chances of getting ranked highly so more of your clients, customers and fans can find you easily.

Photo: Agata Urbaniak

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Definition: answerable or accountable, as for something within one’s power, control, or management

What do you think of when you contemplate the word responsible? I want you to be honest with yourself here. Do you secretly wish you weren’t responsible for as much as you are? Are you trying to get out of responsibilities because they’re just “too much”? Have you been unrealistic about how much you can commit to and still uphold your responsibilities? Do you find yourself blaming others for things that don’t go your way?

I believe for entrepreneurs, responsibility can be a very loaded term. Let’s face it, we all want to feel responsible for our successes when they occur, but it’s no fun taking responsibility for your failures, too. But, alas, this is part of the conscious entrepreneur’s journey; being awake and aware to both sides of the coin when it comes to responsibility.

The truth is responsibility isn’t a very “hot” or “sexy” topic. Responsibility brings you face to face with the more challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur. I learned this the hard way by having gone through a few failures in my past, both with my Los Angeles based yoga studio and my Network for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs. Both of these businesses had a certain level of success, but not enough to be sustainable over the long run and I had to shut them down. It was painful to look at the truth that I was responsible for what happened with those businesses.

Granted, if I had them both to do over again today, I would change many things and I see exactly how I’d set those businesses up for long-term success. But, I have no intention of starting these business over again at this point, but I do feel I can share some thoughts that may help you feel fantastic about being responsible for your own success.

Here are three key considerations for loving your responsibilities… and owning them fully:

Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

This is one of the most pressing issues I see with entrepreneurs. It’s so easy for us to get excited about many, many things. Often entrepreneurs will bite off more than they can chew. The reason many business owners do this is because they don’t realize how much effort will go into a particular project. They make their timelines too short, their goals too aggressive and then get overwhelmed and discouraged when a project takes a long time and doesn’t reach it’s goals.

I’m taking my own advice into consideration and releasing a few projects that I just don’t have the time, or energy to do right now. I had bitten off more than I could chew. The important thing here is to try not do to this in the first place, but if you do you’ve got to take steps to recognize you’ve committed to too much, and make some adjustments so you feel you don’t have too much on your plate.

Hear What People Are Saying To You

Another mistake entrepreneurs make is a totally unconscious response of not hearing what people are telling you. This is easy to do when you’re excited about something and you want to live in the “honeymoon” of your idea. This is an intoxicating state of bliss, and it’s challenging to get grounded into some of the input you’re getting on your project.

This happened to me with my women’s networking group. I kept hearing from the women at the meetings that it was something very special, and I better prepare myself for rapid growth. I didn’t listen. I didn’t want to complicate things. I didn’t want the responsibility of running yet another business when the one I already had was struggling. So, I embarked on a “stop gap” approach to that business, rather than hearing what everyone told me in the beginning. Had I only “heard” what they said, I’m sure that business would be thriving today. So, if you notice you’re doing this in your business… letting important input go in one ear and out the other like you never even heard it… listen up! This is the Universe speaking to you through the people you’ve placed in your life. It’s worth paying full attention to what they’re saying, because their input may be guiding you toward taking on your responsibility with a lot more ease, grace and fun!

Notice if You’re Placing Blame on Others

This one is a big tell-tale sign that you don’t want to take responsibility for your own success. This one isn’t particularly fun to look at, but it is extraordinarily valuable to do this self-evaluation. Simply notice… is there something in your business or your life that isn’t working right now. Identify what that is, and see if you are placing blame on someone else for the situation you are in.

Believe me, I understand that sometimes things happen to you, but even then, how you respond (versus react) is your responsibility. How you learn from a situation and use it to discover more about yourself and your relationship to responsibility can make a huge impact on your success. Everything that occurs in your business is a learning oppor^tunity… remember every single thing that happens is happening for one purpose and one purpose only; because the Universe is conspiring for your highest and best at all times. Even those situations where you want to blame; chances are those are the places you have the greatest gifts waiting for you.

When you take these three concepts into consideration in your business, you’ll find it much easier be fully engaged and happy in your commitments. You’ll also feel confident that you can be (and WANT to be) responsible for your own success. This is one of the most exciting aspects of being a conscious entrepreneur; there’s nobody that can create your success, but you. Yes, of course, you have coaches, consultants and mentors to help you along the way, but ultimately your success is up to you.

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Many companies have been offering continuity programs for years. Proactive does it with face cleanser. Leeza Gibbons does it with Sheer Cover makeup. Doubleday does it with books. Columbia House does it with DVDs. Each of these companies offers an option in which subscribers pay a set fee each month and receive something new in return (books, DVDs, etc.). I’ve belonged to all of these continuity programs at some point in my life, and chances are, you have, as well. How can you incorporate this recurring revenue model into your business?

Here are the 5 most effective online continuity program models to consider for your online business:

1. Retainer. Attorneys and accountants have done this for years — their clients go on a regular retainer and the client can contact the attorney/accountant whenever needed as defined by the parameters of the retainer. Consultants, coaches, and virtual assistants offer this option, as well, as a way of providing services over an extended period of time. While having this in place makes for less client turnover, this model is the most time-intensive model of all of these models, as the model requires trading time for dollars. Most retainers offer x number of hours of work or x projects to be completed in return for a set monetary amount.

2. Subscription Membership. In this model, you are providing new content regularly to your members via a membership web site. Members log in and access new articles, audio, checklists, ebooks, discussion forum posts, etc. This is a content-driven model, as you need to continue to provide new content for your returning members as well as to attract new members. The upside of this model is that many members retain their membership for a year or longer, especially if offered the option of a reduced annual membership fee.

3. Fixed-term membership. In this model, you are providing new content on a weekly basis to your members for a fixed period of time. While initially time-intensive to set up, this model runs fairly seamlessly once all of your program modules are written. As long as your topic isn’t one that needs continual updating, you can create this once and resell this again and again. However, unlike the other models, you keep your members only for a limited time (3 months, 6 months, 12 months) and then need to boost your marketing to continually replace members for this program.

4. Club or Inner Circle or VIP Program. This is a model that coaches, consultants, and speakers often use and may be marketed as a group coaching program. Typically the participant gets access to the program leader or an expert via a teleclass, and a printed teleclass transcript and CD are mailed to the participant each month. The program leader may also include open Q&A/coaching sessions, sporadic 1:1 coaching mini-sessions, and access to various resources and contacts to further help the participants. As long as members feel they are receiving value, they’ll generally remain a participant in this type of program.

5. Association. Becoming the founder or president of a national or international association offers the kind of leverage not found in any other model. Because associations connote expertise, being the leader of an association automatically makes you the expert in a particular area. Reporters and writers often look to leaders of associations to comment on trends in an industry, which will result in much media attention for your business. Membership benefits and membership packages are the key offerings here, whether that’s a monthly teleclass, access to specific downloadable content, networking opportunities, direct mail membership welcome packets, etc. This model is generally the least time-intensive, as 80% of your members will receive their membership package and not be heard from again until it’s dues renewal time.

Why continue to trade time for dollars? Take a look at these continuity program models and see which one(s) make sense for your online business. If you pick the right target market at the right time, one of these models may become your full-time business.

Photo: Iva Villi

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Are you asking yourself “What should I do?”

So often we are told to take action…”Just DO it”, as the famous Nike ads admonish. Teachers, mentors, and coaches, too, have advised us to take action-any action, just get moving they tell us. It’s true that often taking that first step dissolves doubt and some of the fear that paralyzes us. So there is some merit in the just do it advice.

However, and this is a big however, often taking fast action leads to uncertainty about the action taken. We ask ourselves, “Was that the right thing to do?” “Should I do something else?” “Did I consider all my options?” And we’re right back to doubting ourselves.

Sound familiar? And if you are considering a decision in your work, relationships, or health due to transitions occurring in your life, especially if you are in your middle years, then taking “the wrong” action can be downright frightening.

Sometimes, transitions are thrust upon us, and perhaps quite suddenly. Suppose, for example, you lose your job. GM announced bankruptcy and became the largest company ever to do so. In its wake 20,000 more people will lose their jobs. If, in your workplace, the pink slip arrives on your desk, what action do you take then? Or, how about if you receive an unfavorable health diagnosis that immediately spirals you into having to make a quick and often uninformed decision. These can be stressful situations that make it difficult to consider clear decisions.

DECISIONS MAKE THEMSELVES

When life offers us, as it often does, myriad choices and options, is there a foolproof way to make decisions less stressful and more aligned with our highest goals and values?

Years ago I heard an enlightened author, Byron Katie, say that she never makes a decision…that the decision—the next step—always shows up. I was very intrigued by that. So over the years I’ve tested it for myself.

Whenever I had to make a decision, I’d wait. Sometimes, in my early testing, a decision seemed so compelling that I couldn’t wait. My mind would play havoc with me and demand that I make a decision NOW! “What are you nuts!” thoughts would shout at me, “What are you waiting for?”

HOW TO ALLOW THE BEST DECISION TO JUST “SHOW UP”

However, over time, I came to see that it is true that decisions make themselves. It’s fascinating to watch this occur: I deliberately ask “What is next?” and then wait. The decision seems to just show up. Without any effort on my part, the right thing to do makes itself known, and then it’s simply a matter of easily following through.

Here’s how it works: Sometimes the decision is made or told to you by someone else.”OK, so here’s what you’ll do.” Sometimes the decision arrives by default. “Sorry, that item is no longer available”. Sometimes the decision comes as a KNOWING inside. “It’s time to make my health a priority.” And sometimes the decision simply arrives in the mail. “Hire us! We clean windows” just when you were thinking about your dirty windows. When you wait, the right action presents itself and feels guided from within.

HOW TO TAKE GUIDED ACTIONS

If you commit to taking guided action, decisions will get a lot easier to make, even stressful ones. It’ll take a bit of practice and getting used to; after all we have a strong drive to know the outcome for any decision we make. Yet guided actions are clear, certain, and in alignment with what we really want and desire. They emanate from our soul and speak to us through distinct sensations.

When people come to me for private sessions, the most frequently asked question is, “What should I do?” They feel a lot of stress around having to make the “right” decision. So here’s one method for taking guided action:

1. Get Clear About What It Is You Are Deciding. For example: I need money, should I sell my motorcycle? You love your motorcycle, and in your heart you don’t want to sell it, but you need the extra money.

2. Re-frame The Question Into A Wondering Statement: I need an extra $10,000; I wonder how I will get that. I wonder if selling my motorcycle is the best thing to do. I wonder what to do next.

3. Breathe and Let Go. Don’t skip this step!

4. Notice What Shows Up In Your Environment. Here’s when it gets fun! For example: Two days later a friend asks you if you’re interested in selling your motorcycle. Or, you get a flier in the mail that states, “We buy used motorcycles!”

5. Follow Through On What You Receive. It doesn’t mean you will sell your motorcycle. It means that discussing that option is your next step.

Simply wondering about something, anything—even about the direst situation, will immediately release stress and open your heart and mind to hearing guidance. “My goodness!” you exclaim as an answer shows up, “I was just wondering about that!”

Commit to taking guided action. You will LOVE making decisions this way. Go ahead, test it for yourself.

Photo: kliverap

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