I was so far behind I didn’t know where to start.

Recently I came to grips with the feeling that I was so far behind I didn’t know where to start. Rather a scary thing to admit being a coach and all.

Obviously I am not immune to life and things happen that disrupt. And, if I’m not on top of things right away, they seem to snowball. As soon as things start to get out of control, the less well I seem to be able to accurately determine what I can get done. When things are in a chaotic state, I make things much worse (oh so very much worse) by thinking I can do much more than is possible. It seems that my mind and good sense scramble right along with my routine!

Do you relate? If so, then you know what kind of a slippery slope this can be if it’s not checked really early. Depending on how long you stay in this “running behind chaotic state”, at the end of the day, week, month or (yikes) months, you have:

• unfinished projects
• little or no follow-up
• great leads getting colder by the minute
• unmet deadlines (broken promises)
• goals feeling further and further out of reach

Yes, there is a way to prevent getting into this mess. It takes some practice – and as you can tell by my confession I’m still practicing! Watch for our next ezine issue. I’ll cover in that issue what to do to avoid setting yourself up to be hopelessly behind.

What’s Your Red Flag?

When I find I’ve allowed myself to get out of control and am behind, I have to be really careful or it can get worse, way worse, before it gets better. Why? Because once I start thinking, “I’m so far behind I don’t know where to start – I don’t start. My routine is so out of whack I feel powerless to get back in sync.

To make matters worse, I’m so into ‘the overwhelm’ and so caught up in the guilt of “what’s not done,’ that I end up being reactive rather than proactive. I find myself spending time in my office doing the least important things. Eventually things get so bad that when I do (finally) sit down at my desk, the first thing I do is push the send and receive button. But that actually is a good thing.

How can aimlessly reading emails be a good thing?

Through the work I’ve done with my own coaches, I’ve identified this behavior as a major red flag. It acts as an alarm. I know when I’m sitting down and pushing ‘send and receive’ to see what I have to do, I’m not in control. I’ve learned over the years it is my habit when I’m in overwhelm. I look to my email for (of all things) direction! Today I’m aware that’s what I do when I’m out of control and it sends all kinds of warnings off in my head. I know I’ve blown through an opportunity to avoid chaos, I’m in it. It’s time to stand back and get back to basics.

Back to Basics

This is exactly what I do:

1. I grab a piece of paper and write down all the things I need to get done. It’s a brain dump. No editing. Just write down everything that’s undone.
2. I grab another piece of paper and determine my store hours for the day, or the week or the month. It doesn’t matter if you decide them each day or if you feel you can get them together for the month. Do what works. If you’ve never set store hours our Savvy CD http://www.savvysponsoring.com/storehours/ will make it quick and easy. Once you know when you’re starting and stopping work each day, you’ll wonder how you ever got anything done before!
3. After my brain dump and store hours schedule are completed, I take a minute to congratulate myself for “getting started right again” and let myself off the hook. There are going to be some things that are simply not going to get done when you go through this process. What it meant for me was letting go of the fact that I’d not sent out an ezine for months. I also didn’t offer two of my favorite coaching programs that were scheduled on my calendar. My guilt wasn’t going to change what was. Period. And the guilt didn’t help me to get moving. It was time to focus on what I was doing rather than what had slipped through the cracks. Make sense? Letting go of judgment and self recrimination is critical to moving forward. They act as anchors or a ball and chain at best. Let go of “what didn’t” and focus on what is.
4. I take a look at my list of things to do and circle three top money making activities. For you, these activities could include making follow up calls (use the most recent leads first), or an initial call to someone you think may be interested in your business or your product. Your goal might be setting a one-on-one appointment to make a business presentation. Or you might be asking someone to host a home event for you. All of these activities are money making activities.
5. Now grab your calendar and make an appointment with yourself to make these calls. Absolutely no ifs, ands or buts. This is an appointment with as much commitment as the one you make with your doctor. Real time carved out in your calendar for you to get these things done. Period. This means an appointment, an allotted exact time in your calendar. If you find yourself saying you’ll make the calls “when the kids are napping” or “after lunch” you’re setting yourself up for failure. Each day you work do these two things, (1) make sure you know your store hours and (2) that your calendar has you doing at least three money making activities before you do anything else.

Go Public!

If you have trouble keeping these commitments, go public. Tell someone you respect what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it. It could be your partner, upline or coach, someone who will hold you accountable and help you through whatever comes up.

If keeping a calendar is tough for you chances are you’re trying to pack it way too full. Check out our Sexy Savvy Calendar CD, it will make things way easy. http://www.savvysponsoring.com/calendar/

Once you’ve moved the items on your list into your calendar, you can strike them from your list. Two important things to remember in order to successfully work through that list of things. (1) Do the money making activities first in your business hours and (2) give your self plenty of time to accomplish what you want to get through. If you have time left over you can add something else to your calendar. But if you pack your calendar too full, you’re asking for frustration at the end of the day because you were unable to complete your goals.

For many of us this is the toughest thing of all. We all have so much to do and what feels like so little time to do it. But less really is more when it comes to planning what you can get done.

Can You Be Seduced?

One last thought about planning. Sometimes we think planning our day takes too long. It can be very seductive to “just jump in.” Planning is your business roadmap. Having a roadmap doesn’t mean you’ll never get lost, but it is your best tool to get back on track.

I hope this ezine helps you stay on top of things. As for me, it’s great being back in sync, and wonderful to, again, be in touch with you.

If you didn’t take the moment above to register for our complimentary coaching hour covering, “How to get your new recruits into confident money making activity within their first 48 hours” well go ahead and click here now to register. The teleclass is on Tuesday, March 4th at 9am PST / Noon EST. It’s open to everyone. Hope to see you there.

Warmly,

Jillian

“Where can I meet people? It’s a question I’m asked all the time, Or a sponsor will say to me, “My team is telling me they don’t have anyone to talk to. What do I tell them?” Ouch! Not a good thing.

But before we really get into this let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with a couple of definitions.

We are all in Network Marketing, but what is networking exactly? Here’s what it’s not. Networking is not handing out business cards; it’s not offering products wholesale (that’s a straight sales technique); it’s not putting your business card into the envelope of all your paid bills (although that’s not a bad idea); it’s not even exchanging business cards.

So if those examples are not networking what is it? We know it’s about relationships but what does that mean to us as networkers.

It means we create mutually beneficial (that’s give and take) relationships. We often think of these as win-win relationships. These are relationships we build authentically and strategically.

What happens when we do this? We develop a large group of people from all walks of life who will gladly and continually refer lots of business to us while we do the same for them.

It is simple really. Don’t groan, It really is simple. Look, you’ve heard:

People will do business with people they know, like and trust.

And if you doubt that, ask yourself this, “Where would you rather get your referrals, from the yellow pages or someone you know? Of course a referral. I’d much rather have a friend refer me to a doctor, or a dentist or a baby sitter than the yellow pages!

How do we allow people to get to know us so they can like us and figure out it is okay to trust us?

Let’s jump back to that definition of Networking. Remember the giving and helping part? That’s the ticket to our success to be of service to others in order to help them be successful not only in their careers but also in their lives.

And here’s a big piece of the puzzle:

Networking is invisible.

If you’re doing it “right” no one knows.

They don’t know because all you’re doing is getting to know them. You’re getting to know what they do and you ask how you might help them. And then you do. And you help them for fun and for free! That’s right you don’t ask anything in return.

In fact it would be best if you didn’t even think of getting anything in return. Focus on them…on them…on them. Ask them, “How do I know if someone is a good lead for you?” And then keep your eyes open for people to “match up.”

If you want to succeed in building a strong (Know You, Like You and Trust You) relationships do the little things consistently, first class and timely.

People are much more impressed with who you are in relationship to them than they are with what you’ve got to sell or what you know. Sincerely care about them and it will trump what ever you don’t know and bring you endless referrals from those who care about you because you’re so important to them!

Be patient.

But be patient. The biggest mistake we can make is to jump in with our product or business before we’ve a good strong relationship. If you have any doubt as to whether or not they know, trust and like you, it’s too soon. Be in the relationship longer, do more and be more to them.

Here are some other ways to meet people and expand your business. If you like these tools and want to get proficient at building a large sphere of influence, check out our Six Month Savvy Sponsoring Coaching programs.

Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month Program for Arbonne* Independent Reps.

Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month All Company Program

Contact your customer/wholesale buyers’ list.

Use the Savvy Sponsoring “Sophisticated Three Foot Rule”

• BNI Referral group. This group it’s ok to go in expecting referrals but you must give them too. And it still takes time for ‘the know, trust and like’ to happen. Do your part the other will come.
• Reconnect with old friends. If one of our greatest gifts as human beings is human connection then this is truly a gift. Whether these people ever do anything in your business or refer anyone to you, your business has enriched your life with friendships
• Strategically asking for referrals from those you do know. Help them remember people by asking questions that will narrow their list in their heads.
• For more immediate results (both no’s and yeses) always prospect those who call to sell you something
• Join organizations that interest you and mean something to you, especially something you’re passionate about. You already have something in common with these folks. They may never be in your business but over time (when they like, trust and know you) they’ll refer business to you.
• At any function look for someone who may look uncomfortable and ease their way into the group. Be of service. Make someone comfortable and they’ll never forget you.
• Try everything many more times than once before you decide it won’t work and quit trying!

If you’d like to know more about how to build this kind of strong sphere of influence please join us for our complimentary call on May 31st. We’ll give you some great ideas of what to do right now. And if you’re ready to really become a “Savvy Sponsor” then check out our next Six Month Savvy Coaching programs.

Click Here to Register: Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month Program for Arbonne* Independent Reps.

Click Here to Register: Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month All Company Program

In my last ezine we talked about being focused on results and how that typically produces exactly what we don’t want…less than stellar results.

Why? Because being focused on the one piece over which we have little or no control – the end result – typically makes us anxious. That makes sense too doesn’t it? If you’re trying to control something you don’t have any control over one can realistically expect that would produce some mental distress!

And I don’t know about you, but when I’m under mental stress I’m not functioning at my best! And if I’m not functioning at my best my confidence level starts to dip too. How about you?

What’s the best way to handle this? Focus on what you do have control over. Not sure what that is? Go look in the mirror. In the end friends the only thing we have any control over at all is ourselves.

Don’t toss this down or hit delete just yet. I know those are only words. I know it’s not always easy to “get a grip.” But I have a few tricks to help you get ‘you” on a smoother path.

In the last ezine I coached you through some things that you can control and that will ultimately boost your results. And more importantly add much more enjoyment to anything you’re doing. I know that’s a big claim but if you’re willing to do some things a bit differently you will have more fun all the time.

Remember Ruth and her “lousy golf game” from our last ezine issue? Her score was way too high and she wasn’t having any fun. Ruth did two things last week and only two things differently.

First, she bought herself a tool that allowed her to free up her mind during each hole from worrying about how many strokes she was taking. She didn’t have to remember her “ever mounting score” anymore the “stroke counter” would take care of that.

Second, she agreed that when she realized she wasn’t enjoying herself she was going to ask herself, “What do I need to remove in order to have more fun.”

Now I’d like to tell you that Ruth’s score improved by 10 points but it didn’t. Well it sort of did! And yes, Ruth would tell you that her game improved. Why? Because she didn’t have the same angst while playing. And the part of her game that Ruth was stressing over, her putting, did improve greatly. As she said to me if my driving game hadn’t gone “to pot” I would have shaved 10 points off my score.

She was actually stoked. Because she did see improvement. And because she knows she can drive better than she did she felt it is only a matter of time before her game becomes more consistent at the lower score. She also realized that she could use a new driver. She was probably costing herself distance in her game because of a less than stellar tool.

Ok so how do you take these “golfing tips” and use them in your business so you can enjoy your business more?

What do I mean “be aware”? Check yourself out. Literally. How’s the stomach. Got a knot in it? Are you hands clenched tight? Do you feel like you’ve got to think about breathing? What’s going on with you?

In other words you’re going to start to pay attention to how you feel.

When do you do this? ALL THE TIME.

• Be aware of how you’re feeling when you’re doing desk work (those administrative duties).
• How are you feeling when you’re talking to team mates?
• How do you feel when you’re talking to someone about your products?
• What’s going on with you when you’re interviewing a possible new recruit?

Then the next question you ask yourself is:

What do I need to remove in order to feel better?

Ruth realized a golf stroke counter – a simple tool would help her take her eyes off her score. Next she’s going to try out some new drivers to help her distance. But the biggest thing she did was simply pay attention to how much fun she was having.

If you’ve worked with me before or read this ezine then you know that I believe and coach that awareness is curative. In other words things generally improve simply because you’re aware – paying attention!

And folks you have full control over that. It may take some practice but you do have control over that.

Bottom line: You can keep doing what you’re doing now and feel exactly like you feel or….you can get a grip on you by trying something different.

What’s it going to be? The ball is in your court.

And if you’re ready to put your “business card” to work for you check out my “Referral Card” program. Talk about a confidence builder! We start Monday.

Click Here to Register

…And How Are YOU Playing these days?

I came home to a voice mail from Ruthie, a really good friend. The message was short but it ended with Ruth painfully proclaiming, “Well another lousy golf game today.”

It is spring here in Seattle and Ruth is ready to get her golf game out of the winter closet and back on line. Her golfing buddies of the last couple of years weren’t available to play this year so she found herself looking for new ones.

Ruth is a professional food server in a high end restaurant here in Seattle. She’s the kind of woman you love to have serve you. She listens well and asks questions to clarify your preferences and just generally makes everything to make your dining experience enjoyable gets done.

Even though Ruth is in the public service sector of our economy I would not classify her as particularly “outgoing.”

In fact I’d say that Ruth is really a bit of an introvert. She re-fuels either by being alone or with a friend or two playing golf.

But in order for Ruth to play golf this year she was going to have to meet other golfers. She found herself having to join a ‘golfing club” — something way out of her comfort zone. Now she’s in the company of lots of other women during the time she’d really like to be recharging.

But worse, her relaxing game of golf just got really serious. Ruth has to determine her handicap. That means every stroke counts. Every one.

No longer is the game just for fun and a way to relax! Suddenly every stroke is being recorded and used to determine just how “good” her golf game is.

Ruth is now focused on the one thing she has absolutely no control over, the “results” of her golf game.

It all sounds a bit familiar doesn’t it? Now, what I know about golf you can put into a thimble and shake, but I asked Ruth if she’d play along with me for a minute to see if we could take some of the pressure off. Even if you’re not a golfer, I think you’ll be curious how we did this…

I asked her how she felt when she got up to hit the ball. “Tense. I know that every shot counts toward that handicap.” As Ruth talked a bit more she realized that she was also afraid she might not remember exactly how many shots she took so she was being hyper vigilant about writing it down. Bottom line Ruth was acutely aware of her score every time she picked up her club.

What was Ruth focused on? Results, results and more results.

I asked Ruth, “What do you think you need to remove to make your game more fun?”

She said that when she played with her old friends for the last couple of years there was no pressure on score. She cared and felt good when she played a “really good game” but there wasn’t the pressure to do so. If she didn’t need to be so vigilant about her score it might help.

In thinking about that, Ruth remembered a “stroke counter” she’d seen, a keychain-looking thing with beads on it that worked a bit like an abacus. If Ruth got one of these she wouldn’t need to remember her score until after the hole was finished. She would just move a bead over and at the end of the hole count them up.

Ruth and I have been friends for years. We share the belief that awareness is in and of itself curative. But often we work too hard at trying to fix something rather than trusting in watching ourselves as we move through the activity. In this case Ruth was trading the fun in her golf game for worry about the number of strokes it took to move the ball toward the hole.

What needed to change? Not her golf stroke but what she was feeling and thinking as she was taking her stroke. So along with the stroke counter Ruth decided to simply be aware of how much she was enjoying her game (or not!) as she played.

Can you see the similarities between golf and MLM? Can you relate to the feeling of struggle Ruth was working through? Maybe you’ve lost the ‘fun’ in your business lately too.

We spend so much energy worrying about our recruiting results or product sales (golf score) that we eat up the fun we can have if we just enjoyed ourselves in the process.

I think we can find simple tools to make our work easier too…

Do you have your elevator speech ready to go so you don’t have to “think” about what to say when someone says “What do you do?” Do you have a good referral card ready to hand someone to make your close easier or leave the road open for a call later? Are you ready with a comfortable way to ask for referrals?

These are easy tools much like Ruth’s stroke counter that will take the pressure off.

And here’s something you can do right this minute that will take almost no energy and every one of us can do it.

• Be aware of how you’re feeling when you’re working your business.

• Be aware of how you’re feeling when you’re doing the admin duties.

• How are you feeling when you’re talking to a team mate?

• How are you feeling when you’re talking to someone about your product?

• How are you feeling when you’re talking to a prospective business builder?

Then ask yourself what is it that is preventing you from having a better more enjoyable time while you do these things. Not only might the answers surprise you, but I’ll bet things start changing simply because you are aware.

Take a few minutes now and write some answers down won’t you? You might just find the fun in your business again.

As for Ruth, I’m not sure what will happen to her game, but I’ll let you know. And I’d love to know about any changes you see in yours.