DebbieQ
As I sit here sick, my mind is still thinking . . .
by Debbie Quintana on 02/07/10
It doesn't seem to stop. Even when I'm stuck in bed with sinus infection while my family sits down stairs enjoying the superbowl. I've already slept, ate, texted, Facebook'd and a ton more. I'm so done. But then I started to feel lousy and decided I needed a few things. I texted my husband and gave him my list of "stuff" that I wanted. Soda water, Jello, soft tissues, a heating pad for ny neck, chaptstick, throat lozenges and water.
It then occurred to me that in my Gourmet Gifts workshop, we have a gift basket that's already made up and in stock. It's a gift basket well sell regulary for people with colds. I realized at that moment that I'm doing something right. I've created a gift basket based on previous experiences and its benefitting me right now.
...and no, I didn't make him wrap and bow it.
Are you creating realistic products for your customers? Whether you own a gift basket company or not, the concept applies. Is the product you have current, real and useable? Think about it and triple check your work. It's not just about what you have to offer, its about what your customers need you to offer.
Who's your coach?
by Debbie Quintana on 02/07/10
I'm not entirely sure, but I'm thinking that hiring a business coach is one of the best decisions I've ever made
I was recently asked why I have a business coach, what he does for me and why I'm willing to spend money on coaching. Now, I admit, it wasn't the brightest question I've received but for those of you who are wondering what coaching is about, listen up.
First, life is like a baseball game. You get up to bat, swing and sometimes you make it to first and sometimes you miss. Your teammates are there to support you and cohesively work with you to get that home run that will give you the score. Baseball is a team sport. It requires coordination, motivation and a variety of skills that you must learn in order to be an effective player. Can you image a team of players coming together with the ultimate goal of winning without a coach?
Business and personal life have the same foundational concepts. You know you want to win but getting there is a whole other story. You might think that you've identified your "win" properly, you might even think you have all the tools you need to get there. But, as I always say, "you don't know what you don't know". A coach is there to ensure you have a clear understanding of your path and the skills, attributes and knowledge that you need are defined. Coaches are paid partners that are there specifically to help you define your "home run" and help you get there. It's about getting your foot off first before moving to second and making sure you have the right running shoes to get there.
One word of caution - when picking your coach, pay attention to their personal level of success. This isn't about picking someone that has been in your life for a long time or a long lost friend. It's about partnering and paying someone that has demonstrated success in their own life and will be able to identify the best course of action. The biggest mistake I've seen people make is making their life long "mentor" their trust advisor. They may mean well and think they know what's best for you but in the end, they're missing the foundational elements of a real coach. For example, if someone ever just plainly tells you that something "won't work" that should be a red flag, especially if their reasons are more personal opinions than statements backed up but concrete research and real life examples. Proper coaches will tell you that it will work but you'll have to take steps 1-10 to make it work. Anything is possible, you just have to have the proper drive, motivation and skills.
A few words of advice when it comes to the coaching process. Very much like counseling, coaching only works if you are genuine, open and trusting. If you're holding back any information that will inhibit your success, you're not doing yourself or your coach any favors. As a matter of fact, you're simply wasting time and money. Second, don't be a "yes man". If you don't agree or want further explanation, ask for it. Don't feel you have to accept every piece of advice and direction they share with you. Lastly and perhaps most important, be open to constructive criticism as opposed to being offended, hurt or embarrassed. Your coach is there to help you become a better person and ultimately, get to home plate.
Go hit that home run and have fun doing it!
