Making More Changes

I know that I just made some updates to the blog. But after getting some awesome feedback at the Blog Elevated conference, more changes are coming. Change is hard, but necessary for growth. So over the next couple of weeks, I'll be taking a break to refocus my efforts to give you the best content possible. The Top 10 Links of the week will still be available over the next couple of weeks. I am also preparing a guest post for Social Solutions Collectives. In the mean time, please take time to browse around. Tell me what you like and don't like. I can take it.



Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

TCCs Top 10 Links of the Week

Ahhhh. The end of the week. And it has been a productive one. There is so much awesome content out there, but I know that you don't have time to search for it all. So here's something to make your life a little bit easier. Whether you are looking for tools for your business or just a little inspiration, here is the place to be. And as always if you agree or disagree, let me know. I value your feedback. Have suggestions for next week? Drop them in comments below! See you next week!






Top 10 Links of the Week

1. How to Be Confident: 31 Practical Steps
2. Baby Steps Are Still Steps (My Eating Habits)
3. 8 Vital Small Business Internet Marketing Tips You Don't Know
4. How To Make Strong Gamechanger Connections
5. Coaching World: Theory & Practice
6. 14 Fantastic Free Tools for Design Collaboration
7. The Extraordinary Secret to Dealing with Change
8. How To Build The Perfect Blog Post Blueprint
9. Five Ways to Expand Your Social Circle and Connect with Like-Minded Women
10. How to use HootSuite to Manage Twitter Chats 

Quote of the Week

If you want to change attitudes, start with a change in behavior.
William Glasser

How are you perceived? Are you a go getter? Are you a slacker? Are you a self starter? Are you the leader? Are you a good worker bee? Are you excellent? Are you average? When you meet someone for the first time, do you come across as engaging or off-putting? Once you are perceived a certain way, it can be difficult to change that perception. But it can be changed. 

The way to change the way you are seen be others is to change your behavior. Here's an example. I had a friend who worked in the IT industry. She was very smart, but very quiet. She had also been passed over several times for promotions. One day one of the team leads pulled her to the side and explained some things to her. The lead explained that she was getting passed over because the perception was that she was happy where she was. She was viewed as a hard worker, but not very aggressive in furthering her career. That was a life altering conversation for her. Soon after, she went to her manager and expressed her concerns. She began to speak up more in team meetings. Soon she was moving further up in the company. But notice that her behavior had to change before everything else started happening. SHE had to be the one to change before those around her changed how they saw her. So what are you doing to change the attitudes around you? 

Coaching and the Stages of Change

There is a concept in psychology called the Stages of Change Model (SCM). The theory was developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente in their study of addictions. However, SCM is applicable to other areas including coaching.

First, let me explain the 5 stages.

Stage 1 – Precontemplation

In this stage, you may not be aware of a problem. Or you are aware of the problem, but have no desire to change or address the issue.

Stage 2 – Contemplation

If you are in this stage, you are aware that there’s an issue and you are seriously thinking about making changes

Stage 3 – Preparation

In this stage you are preparing to take action, and the action will happen quickly

Stage 4 – Action

In this stage you are actively modifying the way you are currently doing things to effect change

Stage 5 – Maintenance

In this stage the change has occurred, but you are engaging in activities that maintain the change.

So how does this apply to coaching?

The very act of coaching involves being able to identify what needs to be changed to cause the desired result. Most importantly, your client needs to have a clear understanding that in order to make it to the next level, they must change, be aware of what needs to change, take action to cause the change, and then identify mechanisms to maintain the change that has occurred.

The people who are not your customers yet in your target niche may not recognize they have a blockage that keeps them from reaching the next level. They are in the precontemplation stage. You should have such a clear understanding of your niche, that you can identify the blockages (i.e. thoughts, beliefs, actions) that keep your clients where they are, and in need of your services.

So your marketing efforts should be focused on identifying the blockages that your target client may not be aware is a problem, and how you can collaborate with them to make the breakthroughs they are seeking. This helps move your future clients from precontemplation to contemplation. You want your clients to seriously think about addressing the blockages that are holding them back.

For customers who are in the preparation stage, they are researching you to see how you can help fix their problem. You will be Googled.   So your reputation in the marketplace should be as pristine as possible. That means networking, getting testimonials from former clients, having good customer service, and engaging in quality collaborations that advance your own brand.

The clients who are ringing your phone are either in the prep or action stage. You should be able to build a rapport with the client so that they willingly hand you that nice check. We’ll address rapport building in another post. It’s important to verify that your client is in the action phase and is committed to change. One way of doing that is give them an extensive application to complete. There should also be a through interview that takes place. Your time is valuable and so is your client’s. If after the application and interview you sense that you and the client aren't  good fit or they may not yet be ready to take the steps to make it to the next level, let them know upfront. However, if the client calls and says “I’ll gladly pay your fee and do whatever it takes to get it done,” that’s a good indicator that he is ready to take some action. Be sure to note how they approach assignments that you give them. Are there excuses about why the assignment wasn't completed every time? Are they redirecting the conversation to focus on other issues, rather than the task at hand? You may need to reassess the client’s readiness for change. That happens sometimes. But address the issue when it first comes up, not 6 months later when the client still hasn't shown any noticeable results of the changes they are trying to make.  

In the course of helping your client, you will likely identify other blockages that you can help them with. Back to precontemplation. Bring it to their attention. But be respectful if they aren't ready to address it yet. You are planting seeds for future business because you want repeat clients. You may also identify an issue that is outside of your scope. If that is the case, then refer to another coach or in some cases a psychotherapist when appropriate. Other coaches appreciate referrals and in turn would likely return the favor in the future.

Depending on your business model, you can make money in the maintenance phase as well. This can be done by offering additional services or packages that help your clients maintain the change they were seeking.  In the process, you continue to add value, which is always a good thing.  

5 Things You Need to Do to Become Unstuck

Remember Groundhog Day? The movie came out back in 1993, but surprisingly still resonates today. You have a guy who continues to experience the same day over and over again. Until he began examining his life and make some changes. He got out, met people, helped others, and became open to new experiences. Maybe you're feeling like everyday is Groundhog Day. Everything is the same. You feel stifled by the monotony of it all. So here are 5 steps to help rescue you from your own personal Groundhog Day.

1. Identify your passions by answering the following questions:
• What do you love to do? 
• What gives you fulfillment and a sense of belonging? 
• What inspires you?
• What do you need for your life to be meaningful?
2. Identify goals that align with your passions. Ex: Have a passion for food and can barely boil water? Set a goal of taking a basic cooking class. Have a passion for food and travel? Set a goal to experience the cuisine in the country of your choice. 
3. Make small changes over time. When you have been stuck in a rut for awhile, change can be scary. So small changes, will help you become more comfortable with bigger changes you want to make down the line.
4. Be open to risk. People often find it difficult to get unstuck because being stuck is comfortable.  Seeking change requires taking a risk.  
5. Help others. You may not be remembered for the job you had or how much was in your bank account. But you will be remembered for how much you gave back. Also, if you spend some time, (not all, but some), giving back and focusing on others, then you won't be in your own head as much. You won't have to listen to the voice that say you can't make a difference, because you are. Even if it's just spending time with an older person or a child. You are valuable and you give value to others. 

Now you need to take action. You can read all the books, listen to all the podcasts, attend all the self-help rallies in the world. But no one can make you become unstuck. If you are interested in becoming unstuck and moving forward in life, I have several packages available to help you along. Contact me for a free sample coaching session @ 321-800-8520 or email me truechangelifecoach@gmail.com today!

Image courtesy of Master isolated images at FreeDigitalPhotos.net