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Joy Chudacoff ⁽¹⁰⁸⁾ United States

Joy Chudacoff

Smart Women Get Away

Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 (6 days 1 hour ago.) Viewed 4 times.

I'm in Park City , Utah on a family vacation having a wonderful time. Guess what? I initially didn't want to get away for a family vacation. I mean it's not that I didn't want to go to Park City . I love Park City . It is a peaceful, cozy town nestled between some magnificent mountains. It's not that I didn't want to have special time with my family. Then what was it? This is the same conversation that I bet you've had over and over again when it is time for you to get away. The conversation goes something like this:

"I don't have time to go away."

"I've got too much work to do."

"I don't have anyone to take care of the kids." (If it is a get-away just for you or you and your significant other)

When I shared these ridiculous excuses with my husband Greg, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. We have had this vacation planned and paid for months ago. It probably didn't help much that I was still protesting about all the reasons why I could not go even after we had boarded the plane and were heading down the runway for takeoff!

The minute we arrived in Park City , my whole attitude changed. I was exactly where I needed to be at this moment and time in my life. I needed a change in environment--we all do. This is a concept that I often share with the women I serve. (It is obviously one that I'm still learning myself!) If we stay in the same environment day after day, year after year, it is a real challenge to see your life in any other way. I have an exercise that I use in my Women's Success Circles called "reframing." It allows you to "reframe" situations in your life so that you can see new possibilities and silver linings. This exercise works well if you can do it in a peaceful, reflective environment. Being in your home or office with all of your "shoulds" and responsibilities can make it a challenge to be peaceful and reflective.

Still can't get your arms around making that leap to get away? Here are a few tips that will help you make the decision so that you, too, can get a new, fresh look at your life while enjoying some time off:

1. Get it on your calendar in ink - This is probably the best tip I will give you. Decide where you want to go and book it. No matter how many excuses I came up with, the fact was, the airplane tickets had been purchased and the place we were going to stay was paid for. If none of this had been done ahead of time, my excuses may have won the battle.

2. Go local - If your budget won't allow for an extended trip right now, no problem. Just driving one hour from your home and staying in a new environment changes everything. The women who work with me in both my Success Circles and privately at the B & B by the beach in Los Angeles report that a half-day to 24 hours creates dramatic, positive change in their lives. They give themselves permission to "reframe" different aspects of their lives.

3. Quality not Quantity - Organize your time away so that it works for you and everyone else that goes with you. For example, we have our time in Park City set up so that everyone gets plenty of time together as a family and plenty of time alone. Our kids attend some of the local camps during part of our vacation. This gives them the opportunity to meet new children and do lots of fun outdoor activities in a group and it gives me some alone time that I desperately need. The statement I just made is sometimes difficult for women to hear--"alone time that I desperately need." Women with or without children who lead busy lives never get enough alone time. This is a time to reconnect with your Authentic self. It is a time for you to spend "checking-in" with you rather than everyone else in your life. This is a crucial action step to take periodically if you have a desire to live a passionate, purposeful life.

4. Limit your Access - Create some "barriers" around your time. One of the reasons I love my work is that I can do it most anywhere, anytime. I have some women that I will work with while I'm away by phone and in person. However, I have designed that time around the activities that I want to do (biking, ice-skating, family, reading, etc.). Be vigilant about not checking email or voicemail all the time. Take some time to "honor yourself."

As I sit here looking at the majestic mountains and gorgeous Aspen trees, it is difficult to imagine that at one point, I could have missed this time in my life. Don't miss yours. Smart Women Get Away.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

2009 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000's of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you're ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com .

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Smart Women and a Bird in the Hand

Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 (6 days 1 hour ago.) Viewed 6 times.

One question that I hear frequently from the women I support is "How do I find and attract more new clients?" After all, new clients are necessary for your business to survive and thrive. The good news is, "new" clients are closer than you think. What do I mean? Have you ever heard the old phrase, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?"

I'm referring to your current clients----the people who have said "yes" to working with you and who believe in the service that you are providing. Your current clients typically have connections to people who may need your product or service. They have worked with you personally and can share their experience with others. The key is ensuring that the "experience" your current clients are having with you is a positive one so that they will feel comfortable sending you referrals.

My business is over 90% referral based. Most of the women who come to me are referred by women who have worked with me, either individually or in one of my Women's Success Circles. These women feel comfortable sending me their friends and colleagues because they know first-hand what the experience is like.

I'm going to share some tips and solutions that I've used over the years to build my business into a referral based business. You may read each one and say to yourself, "I already knew that." The question is "You may know it, but are you practicing it in your business with each and every client you come in contact with?" These are easy, simple steps you can take that will make a huge difference in the growth of your business.

Be on Time This one simple step can garner you huge rewards in your client's eyes. Being on time sends a clear message that you value your client. You are respectful of their time. My goal is to always arrive before the client does, get clear and focused so that I am ready to devote my time and energy to their needs. Have I ever been late? You bet (I live in LA where traffic is un-predictable!), however it's rare.

Be prepared Ask yourself a question before you meet with your client. For what purpose are they coming to see me? Do I have all of the documents, forms, contracts, and support materials that I need to make this time valuable and productive? With time being such a cherished commodity, it's key that you come prepared with everything you need to support the client.

Underpromise and Overdeliver Give your client more than they expect. In addition to everything you've agreed to do for the client, go the extra mile! Provide useful resources that can support their business or personal life in some way. If you have a referral or you can make a connection between your client and another person where they can both benefit, make it happen!

Thank YOU! This is so important, however I find this being the most overlooked step. Make sure to "Thank" your clients for working with you. It's true you provided a service that helped them but it's key to thank them for choosing to work with you. After all, they do have options. Send birthday cards, call them occasionally to check-in and see how they are doing.

T he Golden Rule a simple habit to get into. Treat your clients the way you would like to be treated. It really makes a big difference in your working relationship.

If you choose to make these tips and solutions a part of your daily interaction with your clients, you'll soon find referrals coming your way. When this happens, make sure you take that final step; Show your appreciation for receiving the referral! One of the ways that I appreciate referrals from clients, is by sending them a Thank you card with a gift of some sort attached-maybe a coffee card, etc. Last year, I hosted a "mani-pedi appreciation afternoon" where women came, had their toes and nails done, feet and shoulders massaged, along with champagne, wine, and cheese.

These are simple steps that you can put into practice right away. Take a moment now and choose the ones that you can begin implementing with your next client. You'll find rave reviews and referrals coming your way!

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

2009 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000's of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you're ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at http://www.profitswithpassion.com.

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Smart Women, Halloween and Attracting Your Ideal Client

Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 (6 days 1 hour ago.) Viewed 2 times.

Last weekend, we took our kids trick or treating in our neighborhood and it was exciting. I enjoyed watching Jack and Jenna's faces light up when they saw a friend from school or someone dressed as their favorite character. One observation from the evening that intrigued me was watching which houses the children gravitated to most often. The houses that were adorned with lights, decorations and an irresistible "come visit me" feeling were the ones the children ran to first. They would actually skip over homes that had little or no "invitation." They would stand in long lines at homes that had that welcome feeling, waiting for one piece of candy rather than use that time to visit two or three homes that had less of a welcome presence. This got me thinking about how Smart Women entrepreneurs could learn a lot from Halloween when it comes to attracting their ideal client.

Having a business is one thing; creating a successful plan to attract your ideal client to your business is another. With all of the choices that people have today when searching for products and services, it's essential that you create that "welcome" feeling or "I have exactly what you need" feeling so that when they arrive at your web site or meet you in person, there's no question that you and your business are exactly what they need to solve their problem. Marketing is about solving problems for people. You need to quickly and effectively let your ideal client know that you have what they need and want. The people in our neighborhood that went the extra mile to create a true trick or treat "experience" were the ones whose homes were visited the most.

Are you going the extra mile for your ideal client? In my Women's Success Circles, we spend a lot of time creating marketing plans that will generate more ideal clients for each woman's business. What "experience" are you creating so they want to return to you again and again for your product or service?

Here are a few tips and solutions on how you can attract more of your ideal client:

1. Dress for Success When you're going to attend any function where you might run into your ideal client, dress for success . Hey, I love my comfy sweats and t-shirts just like everyone else, but I wouldn't wear them to an event where my ideal client might be.

2. Create an "inviting" Web Site and/or Blog When your ideal client arrives at your web site or blog, you have just a few seconds to create an "experience" that will make them want to stay. Offer something of value to them. Give them a free report, quiz or other material that will get them acquainted with you and your business. Create something that makes them want to visit your web site or blog again and again.

3. Design an effective Business Card Create a logo that signifies what your business is about. My logo, the nautilus shell, is what I truly believe embodies a woman's life. Make sure all of the information is current and correct. You will need a phone number, web site address and email address where they can reach you. Avoid making the card too busy. You want the card to convey clarity and success for the reader.

I went out trick or treating with my children to have fun, see all of the creative costumes and create a memory for our family. As usual, I found some useful tips and solutions for Smart Women. It's everywhere. All you need to do is be open to the possibilities

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

2009 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000's of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you're ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at http://www.profitswithpassion.com.

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Smart Women Smart Solutions

Smart Women Get Away

Smart Women and a Bird in the Hand

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