Absolutely the Best Way to Find a Great Mentor
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Find a Great Mentor
Absolutely the Best Way to Find a Great Mentor
Finding a great mentor is one of the most important tasks of an entrepreneur. A mentor is a key member of your business team. Despite the importance of this task, many entrepreneurs do not know how to find a great mentor. They often approach this important task with the wrong mindset and wrong strategy. In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we discuss absolutely the best way to find a great mentor.
As I write this blog post, Richard Bolles, the author of the classic “What Color is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job Hunters and Career Changers” has just died. His handy guide has provided inspiration for millions of job hunters and career changers for almost 50 years.
I recall the first time I read the book when I was in college. The dream of becoming an attorney seemed so far away. However, I followed Bolles’ advice, an arranged an informational interview with an attorney in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia. I told him that I wanted to talk to him about law school and being a lawyer. He agreed to meet with me while I was home from college on winter break. That initial information interview reinforced my desire to become an attorney.
This attorney was the first in a long-line of mentors who have helped me guide my career.
In turn, I have mentored several people as throughout their careers. Sometimes the mentoring relationship lasts a few years or only a few months. It always depends on the fit between me and the person seeking mentoring.
In my experience, the mentoring relationships that work best, are those based on mutual respect and assistance. You first build a relationship, then you ask for help. Do not expect a stranger to be your mentor! Be sure that you can offer something of value in return.
As an entrepreneur, you want to find a mentor who is already successful at what you want to do. You want to find someone who can teach you the ropes and help you avoid the traps for the unwary!
Conclusion
In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Training Series Dexter and I share with you absolutely the best way to find a great mentor. Find someone who understands your dream and is willingly to work with you to create a strategic action plan that you can implement.
At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you fulfill your biggest dreams and aspirations. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™.
Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love!
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
© Kianlin | Dreamstime.com – Mentor
How to Find Your Inspiration: What is Your Why?
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How to Find Your Inspiration: What is Your Why?
How to Find Your Inspiration: What is Your Why?
To find your inspiration is the first step in achieving the goals that excite you. Only when you know your why will you find the courage and inspiration to start or to grow your business. Having the proper mindset is the key for the determination you will need to succeed. The German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once said, “He who knows his why can endure any how.”
When you find your inspiration and know your why you will be able: (1) find the courage to take the risks needed to succeed; (2) stay motivated when you face setbacks; and (3) move your life into an entirely new, more challenging and rewarding direction.
When you first decided to start your business, you may have been thinking:
· “I am tired of working in this terrible job.”
· “I need to spend more time with my family.”
· “This job just does not pay enough.”
These thoughts and others go through the mind of many people thinking about starting a business. But you will find, that these reasons will not be enough to sustain your motivation once you start your business.
These primarily negative thoughts will not inspire you:
· To increase your skills;
· To be brave and authentic in your marketing;
· To find the courage to launch a new product or service;
· To make your business thrive.
What is your why? What inspires and motivates you?
Is it Your Passion?
Many business owners are motivated by passion for a topic, a market, or a product. They would spend their entire day talking and learning about it. Whichever type of passion-based business owner you are, learning to harness that passion will help you elevate your business.
Is it Your Lifestyle?
Other business owners are inspired by the desire for the lifestyle that comes from owning their own business. Are you motivated by the freedom of having a lifestyle that allows you to travel or to drive beautiful cars? Whatever your big dream, you knew that you would never make it with your day job. There is nothing wrong with desiring a lifestyle that you find thrilling and fulfilling. Be sure to maintain your integrity and authenticity in pursuit of your dream lifestyle.
Is it Philanthropic?
Many business owners are inspired to go into business so that they can give more to charitable concerns. Are you motivated by a desire to give more to charities at home or abroad? Perhaps you want to have the freedom to volunteer with local hospitals, animal shelter, or churches. If you have a heart for a cause, a philanthropic why can be the motivating cause that elevates your business.
Conclusion
In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Training Series we explored how to find your inspiration by focusing on your why. To find your own why, consider your biggest dreams. What brings joy and a sense of fulfillment into your life!
At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you fulfill your biggest dreams and aspirations. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love!
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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How to Reach Your Money Goals with Multiple Streams of Income
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How to Reach Your Money Goals with Multiple Streams of Income
How to Reach Your Money Goals with Multiple Streams of Income
The first quarter of 2017 is almost over. Are you on track to reach your money goals for 2017? Or are you struggling to make your business profitable? Perhaps it is time to approach your money goals with a different mindset and action plan. This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series addresses how you can reach your money goals with multiple streams of income.
Develop S.M.A.R.T. Goals
You should begin this process by setting goals that are S.M.A.R.T. Make sure that your goals are:
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Attainable
R: Realistic
T: Time-bound
Meaningful goals are essential requirements of business success. With goals, you have (1) a target to aim for; (2) a purpose for being; (3) and a direction to travel. Without goals, you can wander aimlessly and get sidetracked by any new thing that comes along.
Make a Habit Of Tracking Your Income and Spending
Developing good money habits is essential for your success. Otherwise your money habits could sabotage your business success. One very good money habit to start, if you have not already done so, is tracking your income and spending. This means tracking all business and personal expenses.
Develop Multiple Streams of Income
One way to meet your money goals is to develop multiple streams of income. If you are still working, you can start a business on a part-time basis. It is great to have a Plan B. Your job may end unexpectedly. For example, your employer could decide to downsize or re-organize. Or your union may decide to go on strike. Whatever they call it, you are out of your job.
If you have already started your internet-based lifestyle business, you can begin to add multiple streams of income. You want to start with 1 or 2 models and then add more later.
For example, consider the following:
- Affiliate Marketing
- Writing books
- Teaching Classes On-line
- Selling Information Products
- Mentoring
- Selling Products on Amazon
Conclusion
You can reach your money goals by following a few time-proven steps. First, set S.M.A.R.T. goals. Second, begin to make a habit of tracking your income and expenses. Third, develop multiple streams of income.
At My Biz Dream Team, we can show you how to develop an internet lifestyle business that can help you reach your money goals. Check out The Strategic Pathway to Success Program™. Let us show you how to reach your goal of creating a lifestyle and a business that you love!
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker, helping you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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Is Your Money Mindset Keeping You Broke?
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Is Your Money Mindset Keeping You Broke?
Is Your Money Mindset Keeping You Broke
Your money mindset is often the difference between prosperity and hardship. Do you realize that the stories that you tell yourself about money could be holding you back from the success that you desire? This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series looks at how your money mindset may be standing in the way of your prosperity and keeping you broke.
What is Your Money Story?
In this episode, we discuss two typical money stories that may be stopping your prosperity. One money story is the “Doomed” story. In this story, you are cursed never to have any money because your entire family is cursed with bad luck when it comes to money. You are “the victim” of someone’s bad luck or bad deeds. Does this sound familiar?
The next money story that may be standing in the way of your prosperity is the “Evil Money” story. In this story, you tell yourself that having money is bad. You do not deserve the good things of life. You tell yourself repeatedly that money is evil. Does this sound familiar?
If you take a close look at that often misquoted verse (1Timothy 6:10) it says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” In context, the quote is about those who are tempted by riches and make foolish decisions that lead to their ruin. Unfortunately, some people may become so afraid of materialism, they often go the other way. They often create money stories that do not allow them to provide for their families’ basic needs.
Katherine Keller, in her insightful article in Entrepreneur magazine “5 Beliefs that Keep You Broke,” highlights how those beliefs may be keeping you from using your energy “towards creativity, peace, joy, happiness, the ability to solve problems, or to feel that [you] have control over [y]our [life].”
The Truth About Money
Do you know the truth about money? Money is a tool. It is a tool that you can use to create the freedom to give. Money is a tool to give you freedom to help others when help is most needed. Instead of giving out of guilt, it is much more effective to give out of a feeling of empowerment. It is more effective to renew the well, so that the more you give, the more you receive. That is what creating a strong, positive financial story allows you to do.
Once you understand that money is a tool that you can use to shape your world, then you can begin to remove the blocks to your prosperity.
Changing Your Money Mindset
It does not matter which type of negative money mindset that you have. If it leaves you feeling financially fearful and disempowered, it is a money story you need to change.
Your money mindset will shape how you view your business and the decisions that you will make. Will you decide out of fear or out of power?
Listen to the podcast as we discuss the seven symptoms that show that you are prosperity blocked and doomed to stay broke if you do not change!
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker who helps you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
How to Showcase Your Fabulous and Authentic Voice
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Showcase Your Fabulous and Authentic Voice
How to Showcase Your Fabulous and Authentic Voice
This week’s episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series is all about how to showcase your fabulous and authentic voice. In this episode, we discuss the importance of sharing your expertise in a manner that builds trust and loyalty. As you share your expertise, you build your authority status and become a trusted advisor.
Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” The “song” is not music. Instead, it is your unexpressed authentic self, waiting to come out. Perhaps it is fear of rejection or fear of success that keeps you from sharing with the world your wisdom and expertise. Or it could be a lack of confidence. Whatever is holding you back, can emerge as you become an entrepreneur.
In a Huffington Post article, Dennis Merritt Jones wrote, “Finding your authentic voice is for naught unless you are willing to use it.” Once you begin to use your authentic voice, magic starts to occur in your life.
Are you ready to use and showcase your fabulous authentic voice?
In this episode, we discuss 5 steps that showcase your fabulous and authentic voice. They are:
1. Write Blog Posts
One of the best ways to showcase your voice is to write blog posts that present top quality information using your unique perspective.
2. Publish a Book
Publishing a book is a fantastic way to establish your authority status and share your voice. Nothing opens more doors for other opportunities like a book.
3. Hold Live Events
Holding live events such as webinars or teleseminars that provide value-laden information to people who want to learn from you is a great way to connect with your audience.
4. Produce a Podcast
An audio podcast allows you to express yourself orally. You may find it easier to express your ideas orally than in writing. To find out how you can produce your own impactful podcast series, check out our Special Report and Training Guide: The Podcasting Power Playbook. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast series: My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series where we share powerful strategies to help you build a business of significance and achieve uncommon results.
5. Create Information Products
Another great way to connect with your audience is to create information products that allow your audience to learn more in-depth information from you. You may want to create an information product online that uses a membership site to deliver written, video, or audio content.
Conclusion/Call to Action
There are many ways to showcase your fabulous authentic voice as you allow it to emerge. You can use your voice to impact the world as you (1) write blog posts; (2) publish a book; (3) hold live events; (4) produce a podcast; and (5) create an information product. These opportunities and others help you become a recognized authority and showcase your authentic voice.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, entrepreneur, and speaker who helps you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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This is What Happens When You Leave your 9-5 Job
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Leaving Your 9-5 Job
This is What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job
This is what happens when you leave your 9-5 job. You execute the plan that you have spent weeks preparing. You decide whether you are going to (1) quit your job completely within the month or (2) phase out your job in stages, setting up your business on a part-time basis. This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series will tell you all about you can expect when you leave your 9-5 job. This episode concludes a 4 part series that provides you with a systematic approach to leave your 9-5 job and begin your entrepreneur dream.
We have included a checklist to support this episode: What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 for Your Entrepreneur Dream? Click here to get your checklist.
Below is an excerpt from the checklist.
Plan for Growth
I am ready TO ACT and get started—today!
I have identified my key:
Milestones
Goals
I know how much I need to:
Cover my expenses
Invest back into my business
Make a profit
I have determined what software, tools and services I need
I understand I will have challenges but I am ready to meet them with a positive, proactive attitude
I have a plan and a roadmap that will help me deal with issues like discouragement or challenges
I have set up and planned a rock-solid foundation for my business, with everything set up in place
I have planned for growth and expansion to the best of my ability and research right now.
Develop Consistency
I am cultivating the habit of ACTING every day
I am avoiding the traps of:
Perfectionism
Procrastination
I am taking my planned steps—one after the other
I understand that being fearless is not a feeling, but a decision
I understand that consistency in my business practices and habits is vital to success
I understand I need also to have:
A list-building plan
A social media plan
A content plan
An outsourcing and automation plan
Develop a Sales Funnel
I am planning an entire, cohesive sales funnel rather than just one offer or package
I am tailoring that sales funnel to the steps my ideal client or customer is going to need to take after each offer
Use Automation to Reach Goals
I am using automation to create consistency in my practices, speed them up and ensure that tasks are performed efficiently
I am semi-automating my content and offerings to ensure they are of top quality and consistency
I am automating tasks and functions that do not depend directly on my personal involvement
I have determined:
What to automate
Which system, method or tool to use
I have listed the functions I may need automated, and properly researched the best choice in automation options.
Build a Powerful Team
I am planning for outsourcing in my business
Immediately
In the future
Task by task—starting soon
I am planning one day to have a powerful team that can function well in my absence.
Conclusion/Call to Action
This is what happens when you leave your 9-5 job. You begin to build a viable and sustainable business. You begin a strategic pathway to entrepreneurial success. You begin to live the life of your dreams. By following a few strategic steps, this is what happens when you leave your 9-5 job, you will:
- Plan for Growth
- Develop Consistency
- Develop a Sales Funnel
- Use Automation to Reach to Goals
- Build a Powerful Team
Leave us a comment to let us know if you are ready TO ACT and leave your 9-5 job.
I am Pamela Montgomery, the attorney, author, and entrepreneur who helps you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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A Powerful Approach for a Practical Business Start-up
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A Powerful Approach for A Practical Business Start-up
A Powerful Approach for a Practical Business Start-up
A powerful approach for a practical business start-up begins with brainstorming a few crucial questions that will launch your business on a solid foundation with a sound business plan. This episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series, discusses this powerful approach for a practical business start-up.
Begin brainstorming by asking yourself these key questions:
Are you building quality into your business set-up?
Sometimes it is easy as a new entrepreneur to justify using free products and services because, “I am just beginning.” But it is a trap for the unwary. You may very well find yourself caught in a mess of disorganization and chaos because you choose the cheapest option available. If you want a business that will survive and grow, begin by building quality into the DNA of the business. Make sure that you have a presence on the internet that you own and control. Yes, that means buying a domain name and paying for hosting. They money that you spend up front will be well worth it over time.
How will you attract your ideal client?
As you brainstorm about the business that you will launch, carefully consider: (1) who is your ideal client and (2) how will you attract your ideal client. Are your clients located in your local community, globally, online or off-line?
It is necessary to go beyond demographics and to think about the psychographics of the clients you want to buy your goods and services. What kinds of problems do they have? How can you help them solve those problems? When pondering these questions, think about what your ideal client is looking for help with. Then consider how you can teach her or do a task for her.
You need to also consider the kind of learner she is. Is she a kinesthetic, visual, or oral learner? You may need a mix of learning modalities to reach your ideal client.
What is the perfect business model for you?
After considering your entrepreneurial personality type, think about the type of business model that works best for you. Do you want to deal one-on-one with clients on a daily business? Do you prefer to work with clients in a group setting? Will you provide clients with products and services that they can use without your direct involvement? If you plan to be a coach or consultant of any kind, you may want to consider a combination of
(1) one-on-one consulting;
(2) special VIP events; and
(3) information products that produce passive income.
You may find that too much of one type of product or services may overtax your abilities to provide high-quality.
Conclusion/Call to Action
This article has presented you with a powerful approach for a practical business start-up that will result in you launching your business on a solid foundation with a sound business plan. So are you ready to leave your 9-5 job?
Remember to brainstorm the following ideas:
- How will you attract your ideal client?
- Are you building quality into your business start-up?
- What is the perfect business model for you?
Leave us a comment to let us know if we can help you with your business startup.
Pamela Montgomery
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, speaker, and entrepreneur who helps you create the life of your dreams as you achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
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The Latest Guide for a Practical Business Start-up
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The Latest Guide for a Practical Business Start-up
The Latest Guide for a Practical Business Start-up
The latest guide for a practical business start-up gives you 5 crucial steps to follow to get your online business running.
You can assure yourself of a solid business foundation by following the latest guide for a practical business start-up.
You are not required to do anything that we recommend. It is up to you to decide how you want to run your business. However, years of experience has proven to us that it is better to put certain fundamental business structures in place to protect you, your family, and your future. Be sure to consult with a trusted advisor and an attorney as you move forward.
In this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series we share with you our systematic approach to starting up your on-line business so that you can leave your 9-5 job and start living your entrepreneur dream life.
1. Prepare a Business Plan
Last week we discussed doing research to discover if your business idea is viable and compatible with your business personality. We hope that you took the opportunity to take the entrepreneur assessment test in Harvard Business Review: Assessment: Identify your Entrepreneurial Personality Type
This week we want you to continue researching your business idea. Then write a business plan. The data and research that you have gathered should be enough to start making projections for your business.
Do not be intimidated by a business plan. It is not cast in stone. It does provide you a guide to follow during those crucial early days after start-up. For help in developing a business plan consult with your local economic development authority or the federal small business development centers that are sponsored by the Small Business Administration.
2. Create a Legal Entity for Your Business
Creating a legal entity for your business is an important step in building a solid business foundation. As you decide on the type of legal entity to create for your business think about your business goals and exit strategy. These considerations will help you decide what type of entity is most suitable for your situation.
You should familiarize yourself with the (1) different types of company structures and (2) laws and regulations regarding them. Then choose the best one for your circumstances. Consultation with a business attorney who specializes in this area is always a great idea.
You may decide that a sole proprietorship will work for you. A single owner business is the simplest type of business formation. Just be sure to make an analysis of your risk factors.
You may also want to consider forming a limited liability company or LLC. Over the past 25 years LLCs have been used very broadly and in many different types of circumstances. The state statutes on limited liability companies offer business owners great flexibility. An LLC shares characteristics of a corporation (limited liability) and a sole proprietorship or partnership (pass through taxation).
You need to decide whether you want to go through with the formalities of forming a LLC. If you decide to form a LLC, pay close attention to the provisions of the operating agreement, if you decide to have one. If your operating agreement does not specify what happens in certain situations, you may be subject to the default provisions of the relevant state statute. Also, be sure to ask your attorney about the benefits of a “charging order” as it relates to attacks of creditors on your LLC.
3. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Your Business
After you have formed your legal entity, then you can get an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax administration. You can apply online for your EIN. This is a free service.
Be sure that you have all the information needed to complete the form when you begin the online application. The online website does not allow you to save the information that you have already entered and return later.
The IRS offers many helpful tools on its website to help you through this process. These tools include a Frequently Asked Questions section and a video. We recommend that you review these tools before beginning the application process.
4. Establish Separate Business Accounts for Banking and PayPal
After you have your EIN, then you can use that it to set up your business banking account. This account should be separate from your personal business account. You should not mix the two. It only causes confusion at tax time.
You then can use your EIN to set up a separate business PayPal account that is linked to your business banking account.
When you have set up those business accounts, be sure that you are tracking your business expenses and income. In the beginning, you may want to track these items yourself. With the help of business software, you can create the various categories of income and expenses and track them. As your business grows you may want to hire a bookkeeper.
When you consult with your attorney about your business entity, ask for a recommendation for an accountant. An accountant is very helpful in giving you advice about the tax consequences of running your business.
5. Plan for a Private Space for Your Office
Plan for a private space for your office. Like many online entrepreneurs, you may start working from home. It is important to set up a separate space to run your business. If you are working at home, being able to close your door trains your family to know that you are working when you are in your office.
At first you may not be able to have a separate home office. We know people who started with a laptop on their deck. But eventually, you will want a private and separate space for your business. You will want a place where you can record your videos, podcasts, and webinars that is free of distractions.
There are also tax consequences for using a dedicated space in your home for your business office. Check with your accountant about this matter.
Conclusion/Call to Action
The latest guide for a practical start-up gives you 5 crucial steps to follow to get your online business running. Following this guide will help insure that your online business is fundamentally sound and has a solid foundation.
Remember to follow these 5 steps from the latest guide for a practical start-up:
- Prepare a Business Plan
- Create a Legal Entity for Your Business
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Establish Separate Business Accounts for Banking and PayPal
- Plan for a Private Space for Your Office
Click here to get a the latest guide for a practical start-up checklist. We mentioned this checklist on the podcast.
If you like what we have to say on this topic follow us.
I am Pamela Montgomery, the attorney, author, and online business strategist working with entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors as they create the lives of their dreams and achieve uncommon results.
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What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job: The Best Steps for a Solid Foundation
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What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job
What Happens When You Leave Your 9-5 Job: The Best Steps for a Solid Foundation
What happens when you leave your 9-5 job? It can be scary and overwhelming to think about leaving your job. But with the right mindset and a smart plan, it does not have to be. In this podcast and article, we give you a 3- step process that will help you build a solid business foundation. Following this process will give you a better idea of what happens when you leave your 9-5 job.
Step 1: Does Your Business Idea Excite You?
Does your business idea excite you? Is it something that you will eagerly jump out of the bed and commit to doing for the next year? Your business idea does not have to be a grand passion. But you do need to have a feeling of anticipation and a thrill for trying this new challenge. If your business idea does not excite you, go back to the drawing board!
Step 2: Does Your Personality Mesh with Your Business Idea?
Being an entrepreneur is more than being someone who is an expert in a skill or topic. You must be someone who does several things to significantly impact your client.
For example, will you:
· Transform and clarify your clients’ understanding of something they are currently doing
· Help clients’ see the “why” behind the “how”
· Share your clients’ excitement over their success.
Whatever you decide to offer your clients must be aligned with your core beliefs and personal values. Does your business idea allow you to be authentic?
You must believe that your solution to your clients’ problems will make the world a better place. Because you are the perfect person to supply the solution to their problems!
To help you understand your entrepreneurial personality, take this quick assessment from Harvard Business Review: “Assessment: Identify Your Entrepreneurial Personality Type.”
Step 3: Is this the Right time to Launch Your Business?
Timing is always a tricky question. You wonder whether you should you quit your 9-5 job now or ease into your business gradually. Dexter and I started our business while working full-time. That worked for us. You should make an individualized assessment of your situation. Then you can decide whether to quit now or to ease into your business gradually.
Here are a few issues to consider:
· Is there a paying market for your business idea? If you and your brother are the only two people interested in this idea, you may want to find something else.
· Do you have adequate start-up capital? You do not need a million dollars in your bank account. Countless numbers of entrepreneurs have started a business on a shoestring out of their garage or dorm room. It does help to have some savings and budget that you plan to follow.
· Is your niche narrow enough? Remember you want some competition, but not too much. If “weight loss” is your niche, it is probably too big. But if you target “vegans” that specific small segment you probably can serve.
· Is your business idea one that is sustainable and scalable? For example, once you teach them how to solve one small problem, are there issues that you can teach them? Is there a next step? Can you create multiple products and services?
· Have you done your research? Make sure to check on Amazon for any books on your specific topic. Look in grocery stores to see if there are magazines on the subject. What are the leaders in your niche doing to serve their clients?
· Do you have any clients lined up? It would be fabulous if you had a waiting list for your products or services.
· Have you tested your idea? Perhaps you want to share your new products or services with special group of “beta” testers. Perhaps for a reduced fee, they can give you feedback.
· Do you already have credentials or experience that instantly qualifies you as an expert? Are you already doing it or teaching it already? Do you have a strong network of connections?
Take your time to think through these issues. Do not act impulsively. Really dig deep and then decide.
Leaving you 9-5 job can be an exhilarating time in your life. It is the first step in achieving your goal of creating the life of your dreams.
Conclusion/Call to Action
What happens when you leave your 9-5 job? With the right plan and a strong mindset you can deal with the feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm. This article sets forth a 3-step process to help you build a solid business foundation.
Step 1: Does your business idea excite you.
Step 2: Does your personality mesh with your business idea?
Step 3: Is this the right time to launch your business?
Let us know if you are ready to leave your 9-5 job. Contact us to help you develop a plan to launch your business idea and put you on the strategic pathway to success.
I am Pamela Montgomery, an attorney, author, and online business strategist working with entrepreneurs, speakers, and authors as they create the life of their dreams and achieve uncommon results!
How to Brainstorm Your Non-Fiction Book in 10 Easy Steps
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Dexter and Pamela Montgomery
How to Brainstorm Your Non-Fiction Book
How to brainstorm your non-fiction book is the topic of this episode of My Biz Dream Team: Opportunity Wednesday Training Series. Writing a non-fiction book can feel unmanageable. You may feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the process. We have separated the process into 10-steps that will help you deal with those feelings.
Before you sit down to write your book, be sure to plan. Many of our recent posts and podcasts have been about the preparation you make before you start writing. This is the last in a 4-part series on how to brainstorm your non-fiction book.
Recap of Previous Episodes: Strategies for Writing Your Non-fiction Book
First, here is the recap of the previous episodes.
Step 1: What is the goal for your book?
This is the first step that many first-time authors skip. However, it is probably the single most important decision that you need to make.
Step 2: What will your book be about?
You must refine your message. Who is your ideal client? Why does he need your book? What unique insight can you provide?
Step 3: How will you incorporate your story into your book?
Remember that you have an important message that only you can share. It is your job to uncover and share your unique story.
Step 4: Conduct research
You want to do research on the top 10 books in your niche. This is not to copy them, but to get a sense of what is selling. What types of books does your audience buy? How can you address their problem from a different point of view? What is your unique position on the issues and problems of your audience?
Step 5: Outline and Organize your Content.
Remember that your outline keeps you focused. Your outline tells you what to put in the book. It also tells you what to leave out.
Step 6: Set Goals, Deadlines
Give yourself a deadline and then announce it! Do not let yourself off the hook!
Dexter and Pamela Montgomery
Summary of Episode 3: How to Brainstorm Your Non-fiction Book
Now to the last four steps in how to brainstorm your non-fiction book. We discuss these four steps in detail in the podcast.
Step 7: Develop a plan for dealing with distractions and procrastination.
You should anticipate distractions and develop a plan. For example, you can plan to keep family and friends away while you are writing by turning off the phone and closing the door to your office.
Step 8: Choose a publishing platform for your book.
Unless your goal is to publish a New York times, bestseller, then a combination of Kindle and Create space (Amazon’s print on demand company) is probably the right choice for you. This option allows you to get your book out quickly.
Step 9: Choose the design for the book cover.
Your cover must (1) grab a reader’s attention the instant they see it, (2) pique the interest of a casual browser, and (3) quickly explain what your book is about. Also, make sure that the cover is consistent with the overall branding of your business. To find out more about branding read this article.
Step 10: Planning the launch of your book
You want to start immediately to create buzz about your book. You can do it in a variety of ways. For example,
• Being a guest on podcasts or blogs in your niche
• Getting interviewed in newspapers or magazines
• Paid advertisements on social media
Remember that your book launch will have two distinct goals:
1. Pre-release—to let everyone know about your upcoming book and to get them excited about it.
2. Post-release—to make sales
Conclusion/Call to Action
This 4-part series on how to brainstorm your non-fiction book is a key part of our efforts to help you solve the problem of not attracting your ideal clients. Your solution to this problem is to follow these 10 steps. You will find your book-writing experience more manageable and less overwhelming if you follow the result-oriented solutions in this series. Preparing and planning before you begin to write your non-fiction book is essential for your success.
Leave us a comment below to let us know if you plan to write a non-fiction book.
I am Pamela Montgomery, attorney, author, online business strategist, and speaker, providing you result-oriented solutions to help you to achieve uncommon results in your business and in your life!
Pamela Montgomery
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