Create an Illustrative Business Model

Have you ever attended a networking event and tried articulating your business objective to someone who just doesn’t seem to grasp the concept?  They may even be your ideal client.
When people ask, “What do you do?” most people answer, “I help businesses with their social media strategy,” “I coach executives” or “We build websites.” That’s what we’ve been taught, but what the person really wants to know is, “Do I need to know you?”
When we share our expertise, while we understand the full context, the person we’re speaking to may have a different interpretation and just move on to the next person, not realizing they DO need to know you.  Therefore, it’s important that, when articulating your expertise, you have a clear problem-solution statement that addresses the Who, What and Why? Take a look at the sample problem-solution statement below:
I work with [your ideal client] + [biggest problem you solve]. I help them to [transformation/outcome your clients achieve].

Here are a couple of examples I use interchangeably:

“I work with service-based entrepreneurs who are seeking to get to new levels in their businesses. I help them create high-profit businesses that give them more freedom in their work/life mix.”

“I work with service-oriented entrepreneurs who are struggling to get a breakthrough in their businesses. I help them create thriving, 6-figures business, and beyond, so that they have the means and freedom to live life on their own terms.”

The next step is to design a business model that keeps you focused and true to your vision, but also gives your prospective clients a clear illustration of the key benefits they receive from working with you, as well as the primary areas of focus to achieve the desired outcome or transformation.

My take action challenge for you this week is to >>download my illustrated business model << and use it as a guide for creating your own. Because people have short memories and attention spans, an illustration is a great re-enforcement tool.  (There are many types of business models; most often used for internal purposes. This exercise is a simple illustration for marketing purposes).

Allow prospects to download it from your website, social media or online newsletter. Make copies to share offline at networking events, on business display tables, at training sessions, and other business hotspots.

Getting Unstuck: The Freedom to Choose

On this day 237 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring independence of the existing thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. For that reason the United States of America looks forward to celebrating July 4, also known as “Independence Day.”

Whether you’re in America or another country, now is a good time for all of us to explore an important aspect of freedom----the freedom to choose. More specifically, you might consider the necessity to get unstuck by doing something different.

Each of us gets stuck in bad habits, in business and life, which set off a chain reaction of responses that only make matters worse, thereby escalating our discomfort and frustration. How we respond to these situations will in large part determine how much peace and freedom we experience.   

With a bit of practice and careful scrutiny we can catch ourselves in those times of being “Stuck.” Once we learn to recognize when we’re stuck, and how we tend to get stuck, we then have the opportunity to choose a different alternative.

Entrepreneurs get stuck for various reasons, not the least of which is we lose our focus. This is huge because without focus things will not go well with for you. There of lots of underlying causes such as being distracted by personal issues, losing your business confidence or, out of desperation, you find yourself seeking a quick fix or a miracle. No matter the cause, you know you’re stuck when you feel helpless, with no clear direction for how to get ahead. 

The next time you find yourself grinding to a halt, try one of these 4 “un-sticking” tactic:

Don’t fight the feeling. Allow yourself to take note of what it feels like to be stuck. Use this opportunity to ask yourself some revealing questions: “What’s causing me to feel stuck?” “Have I gotten off-track?” “Am I afraid or intimidated?” “Am I anxious?” “Have I lost clarity?” Answering these questions will give you some footing to move forward.

Don’t worry about making mistakes. The problem with most of us is that we fear getting it wrong. We spend too much time trying to make sure our strategy is flawless and end up missing out on a great opportunity. Have you been procrastinating at following up on a lead? Go ahead and pick up the phone.  Is there an idea brewing in your head that sounds outlandish, but just won’t go away? Do your research and then give it a try. What have you to lose? You never know what’s possible if you don’t give it a shot.

Get Help. Far too many entrepreneurs try to do it all their own, and that’s simply too much stress for today’s business pace. Not to mention the fact that it’s truly unrealistic. Two heads are better than one and a group of supportive relationships is even better. We all need an inner circle of people to support, challenge and encourage our ideas. In addition, partnering with a business coach is a great investment for helping you see your potential in areas where you feel stuck.

Recognize it as Part of the Process. Understand that being stuck is not unique to you, but that it is part of the growth process we all experience.  Quite frequently, it’s when the intensity is at its strongest, that we’re on the verge of a breakthrough in business or life.  It’s always darkest right before the dawn. That’s why it’s important to not try distancing yourself from the feeling of being stuck, but rather recognize that it is there for a reason. Work through it and remind yourself that it is only temporary.

However you celebrate this Independence Day, I’m pretty sure that your vision of freedom does not include being stuck in a rut, either in business or life.  When these situation arise just remember that you have the freedom to choose a fresh alternative.

Enjoy your Independence Day!