How To Gracefully Stop “Giving Away The Farm”

Last year, I had the privilege of facilitating an amazing all-day virtual workshop for my “MMM goddesses” on the topic of money breakthroughs and manifestation. (“The MMM” is a program I ran last year, called The Marketing & Manifestation Mastermind – a precursor to my signature program, Goddess Business School™.)

One of my clients asked a question that had been “up” for many in the group lately. “How do I know when I am over-giving? And how do I stop over-giving?”

Over-giving is a classic symptom of the Money Mirror of Deservability. Deservability also shows up as cramming too much “stuff” in your packages and programs, giving away extra services (more than what’s paid for) without charging, or making yourself too available (think after-hours or weekend phone calls from demanding clients).

The recurring theme behind the Money Mirror of Deservability is “never enough” and the emotional undercurrent is a driving need to please. No matter how much you give away your time, services, or expertise, somehow it’s never enough. And because what you really want is acknowledgement and acceptance, you’ll bend over backwards to get it. Problem is, it’s never enough – creating a vicious cycle of burnout, exhaustion and resentment.

(One of the big ironies of this Money Mirror is that deservability attracts more deservability – in other words, you’ll tend to attract clients who take a “not good enough” stance when it comes to your services. Aie yi yi!)

The best way to know if you’re over-giving is to simply check in. Are you working really hard? Is the true energy behind giving more a genuine desire to create value (which you can do without working yourself into a frenzy, by the way) or a fear that what you do give “isn’t enough” or a need to please?

Most importantly, check your level of satisfaction. Are you at peace? If not, it’s time to stop giving away the farm at such a great cost to you.

Try this breakthrough action to stop over-giving: The next time you’re designing a program or service, cut the deliverables in half. For each component of your program, ask, “Do they really need this to get the outcome?”

This might seem like a drastic measure, but actually, your clients will feel relieved. Remember, you can always add things back in, but even just cutting them out “on paper” will shift your thinking.

When you look to other people, such as your own clients, to know that you’re “good enough,” you’ll never be satisfied. It is up to YOU to give yourself the gifts of acceptance, acknowledgment and love. You are perfect, right now, as you are.

The 10 Essential Keys To A Divine Feminine Lifestyle Business

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve often been asked what was the inspiration behind my interview series, 6-Figure Secrets Of Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs.

The answer can be summed up in that now-famous quote by the Dalai Lama: “The world will be saved by the Western woman.” I believe it to be true… and what’s more, I believe that spiritual women entrepreneurs are the ones poised to have the greatest impact and make the biggest difference. But… we don’t want to give up our relationships, our self-care, our lives to do it.

So I coined the term “Divine Feminine Lifestyle Business” to describe a business that…

• Creates a generous in-come (think 6-figures or more)
• Creates a big contribution. Women business owners giving back.
• Truly supports you and your feminine spirit.
• Truly supports the life you wish to live.

When I asked myself, what does it really take to create a business that hits the “sweet spot” of all four elements above, certain key pieces immediately came to mind. Here’s a quick checklist of the 10 essential components you’ll need:

1. Solve a pressing problem for a specific person. Yes, I’m talking about – say it with me now! – your niche. It’s important to have a compelling niche because people invest in problems they want solved. If you’ve been hearing, “Sounds great, but…” from your potential clients chances are, you’re not solving a problem that’s pressing enough for your peeps.

2. High-end offers. Offering 1-on-1 work at low fees (or giving away too much of your time) is a recipe for burnout, frustration and resentment. It’s also a guaranteed way to keep yourself stuck at a low income level.

One of the biggest mistakes spiritual entrepreneurs make is thinking they’re “not ready” to create a high-end program. Truth is, your high-end offer is what you want to launch first, in order to generate cash flow and guarantee that you work with ONLY highly motivated, committed clients.

3. A business model with multiple streams of income. Even 10 Platinum clients can tap you out quickly, especially if you only want to work 20-30 hours per week. Offering your service in different formats such as teleseminars, group programs and information products allows you to serve more people, without a cap on your time and income.

4. At least one leveraged offer, such as a group program, information product or membership site. In addition to more income in less time, leveraged offers allow you to help people at different points on their path.

5. High-service team. Hear me now, ladies – you can’t do it all yourself. Nobody creates a 6-figure business alone… and quite frankly, why would you want to? Build your team early and if it feels hard, stop and receive support.

6. Systems. Truth is, certain tasks need to happen in your business consistently in order for you to generate in’come, such as marketing, follow-up and client care. You need systems to make sure that they don’t fall through the cracks. The beauty of systems? They can be handed off to someone else, freeing you up for your brilliant work.

7. Your email list. While you don’t need a big list to create multi-six-figures (I’m living proof), at some point you’ll want the leverage that a list of ideal, qualified potential clients gives you. While you don’t want to put your email list before creating in’come, you do want to give it serious attention if you wish to create a business that generates a lot of in’come without you having to work all the time.

8. Strategic alliances. A single partnership with the right strategic alliance can fill your business with clients, add thousands to your email list, and much more. No matter where you are in your business, start creating these relationships now. And if you know some movers and shakers already, now is the time to ask, “How can I create a win-win-win partnership?”

9. Extreme self-care. You can’t give when your cup is empty… or when you’re constantly responding and reacting to every quote-unquote “emergency.” Instead, practice extreme self-care and put yourself first. (I first learned this valuable lesson from a multi-six-figure mentor who freely admitted to putting herself before her kids and her husband.)

10. A “goddess state of mind.” Many spiritual women solopreneurs carry a deep-seated lack of deserving. This completely undermines your ability to receive and serve. Instead, flex your receiving muscle and expand your wealth consciousness by practicing a goddess state of mind using this simple question throughout the day: “Is this fit for a goddess?”

Treating yourself like the goddess that you are will uplevel your experiences, raise your standards and expand your sense of authentic possibility!

Want to hear the full call where I go deeper into each of these keys? Be sure to register for 6-Figure Secrets Of Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs to grab the recording, plus receive invites to every single call – all f’r’ee.

Are You Putting Too Much In Your Platinum Programs?

Once upon a time, one of my Platinum clients came to her coaching session feeling very frustrated. “I’ve transitioned everyone from 1-on-1 to Platinum and have new clients, but I’m still working too hard,” she said. “Help!”

When I had a gander at her current offering, the problem was clear: there was still waaay too much in the program. So even just a few clients were taking up all of her time, leaving her exhausted at the end of the day and derailing her marketing plans.

My client is definitely not alone. When women with big hearts and big missions step into higher-end offerings, the temptation is to add more. Big concerns include “is it enough?” and “are they going to get their money’s worth?” I need to make sure it’s worth it, they think.

Problem is, when you overstuff your programs, it doesn’t matter how much clients are paying you… too much “stuff” and all of a sudden you’re working like a dog. Again.

Adding more to your programs because you’re charging more is really a sneaky form of discounting. Here are 3 tips to help you curb the urge to give too much:

1. Have another look at your program “doo dads” – after you’ve cut deliverables in half. “Doo dads” is my term for program components – number of sessions, VIP days, just-in-time calls, etc. When it comes to programs of considerable investment, doo-dads have a habit of creeping up, up, up.

Like any first draft, you should always let your program design “rest” for a day or two. Then look at it again. Ask of every component, “Do they really need this to get results, or is this piece really about me?”

2. Be clear on your boundaries. What do you need to do, and how do you need to show up? What do they need to do, and how do they need to show up?

One of my core beliefs as a coach is that my clients will get exactly what they need out of my programs. Coming from that space, what do you think happens? Clients get exactly what they need… and more. Hold the space of I need to be the one to make sure they get enough and what happens? Clients can sense when you’re getting attached and drained.

3. Get connected with the results. Have you ever thought about what clients are really investing with you for? Most coaches, consultants and healers focus on the information they give their clients, and often despair because information isn’t the hot commodity it once was. “Why would someone pay me if they can get it for free (or really cheap) on the Internet?”

Answer: because if they could have done it on their own, they would have done it by now. That’s why 60% of what clients are paying you for is to hold them accountable to what they really want.

And one bonus tip to inspire you…

Get connected to the TRUE COST of giving away your time.

Time is our one non-renewable resource. You can always make more mo’ney, but when your time is gone, it’s gone. Which means: when you give away your time, you give away your dream. (In big chunks and small.)

So what happened with my client? She immediately stopped taking on new clients in the old way, and as she enrolls new clients, they get exactly what they need… with a lot less of her time.

6-Figure Secrets Of Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs

Ever wish you knew the secret to making 6-figures (or even 7-figures) in income AND impact in your business… WITHOUT having to work 80 hours per week, neglecting your own self care, and never taking a vacation?

Do you long for a better way of doing business, one that honors your “inner goddess” – your Divine Feminine Spirit?

Wouldn’t it be great to learn from the women who have done EXACTLY that?

If your heart is saying YES to these questions, I’m thrilled… because the all-new, NO-COST interview series I’ve created is just for you…

“6-Figure Secrets Of Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs:
Create Money, Meaning And Freedom
With Your Feminine Power”

I’ve gathered 12 successful women entrepreneurs – including my personal Divine Feminine mentors! – to reveal their secrets to creating a 6-figure business that serves the world while creating a great lifestyle…  all from a place of Divine Feminine inner strength, wisdom and power.

Best part?  It’s completely F’R'EE – including downloadable recordings of every interview.

(In a hurry?  Get your “virtual seat” here…
http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com )

Let me share how it all started… (it’s a great story, actually – I think you’ll appreciate this!)

It’s no secret that many women in business are overworked, overwhelmed, and burnt out.  Creating a business takes a lot of focus, drive and inner resources that are more masculine in nature.  (That’s neither good nor bad – it’s just energetic.)

Problem is, hanging out in this masculine energetic space all the time leaves women disconnected from their Feminine, tired, drained and deeply unsatisfied.

I know because that’s exactly what happened to me.  I had completely immersed myself in the hardcore internet marketing world, trying to learn what I needed to learn to get my business going.  And while I enjoyed it (and still do!)… something was “off.”  But I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it was.

My wake-up call came at a workshop.  (Ever been to one like that?)

At that time, I had been going in circles in my business for far too long… I was starting to get clients and make some mo’ney, but… it felt like I was pushing a boulder uphill, you know?

So I went to this workshop, not knowing what to expect.  The workshop title said something about a “spa day” and I’m thinking, okay, cool, I could use a little pampering.

Let me tell you – I had NO idea what I was in for!

When the leader came out, I was floored… she was completely radiant… comfortable in her own skin… firmly in her power.

I literally thought, “Holy crap… I want that.” (Yes, I’m being really transparent here!)

Now here’s the thing….

What she said when she first spoke are words I still remember over 2 and a half years later… and they’re words I’ll never forget.

Those words set me on a journey… to figure out how to “do business” in a new way that was authentic to me… that got my purpose into the world in a BIG way (which of course includes a big income – 6-figures-plus)… and that wouldn’t cost me my Feminine essence.

Ultimately, those words led me to where I am today… and the big vision I’m committed to.

Would you like to know what she said?

You’re in luck, because she, along with the rest of my personal Divine Feminine mentors (plus amazing women I’ve met along the way!) will be sharing her wisdom with you in this high-content, all-F’R'EE interview series.

So grab your seat now, OK?  The series is starting soon and you don’t want to miss a minute:

http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com

I can’t wait to bring these Divine Feminine leaders to you!

bright blessings, massive success and LOVE

PS: These 12 women are all “talking the walk” – creating 6 (and even 7) figures in in.come and impact, while enjoying a great lifestyle. I know they have a lot to teach you!  And here’s what’s really cool…

Our initial lineup is JUST the beginning. I have soooo many more women that I’d like to interview, I have plans to keep the series going throughout 2011.  One registration gets you in on all the calls PLUS recordings – from here on out!

http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com

PPS: Yes, please DO share this training series with your friends and colleagues! Use the Tweets below, or just forward this email to them.  But be sure to secure your own seat first, OK?

Divine Feminine Mentors reveal how to create 6-figures+ in income,
impact AND have a life http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com

The world will be saved by Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs!  Here’s
how http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com – will you be one of them?

What to say when they say “Yes, but…”

So you’re sharing your fabulous program with a potential client. You both know it’s perfect and you can feel her getting excited about the transformation within her reach! You say your new higher fee (without choking – yeeha!) and…

… the next words you hear are “I’d love to, BUT…”

“… I can’t afford it…”

“… It’s not the right time right now…”

“… I need to check with my spouse…”

“… I need to check with my gut – can I get back to you?”

First things first: don’t freak out! The “yes, but” is a concern, or objection… and you’ll hear them around 80% of the time. (Remember, where there’s massive transformation afoot, there is also fear.)

Many spiritual solopreneurs get wiggy about objections, but they’re actually a great thing. They mean that your client is really interested. They know you’re offering them an opportunity to change their lives and they want to step into it. Problem is, they’re just a little afraid. And they need you to support them through it.

Now here’s the secret behind objections and what you MUST do when your client says “I’d love to, but…” (This is the key to smoothly sailing through concerns so that they can embrace the transformation they truly want…)

Their “Yes, BUT” is the real reason why they’re on the phone with you today, right now. That’s what they really and truly need support on, in this moment. Because no matter what “yes, but” may be… it has stopped them before, and it is showing up somewhere else in their life to stop them over and over again.

That’s why coaching your potential clients on their “Yes, BUT”s is actually a tremendous gift. Here’s how to sail smoothly through the top 3 (make that only 3) “I’d love to… but”s so they can say yes to the transformation they truly want…

1. “I’d love to, but… I don’t have the money.”

Most solopreneurs take the money objection at face value, without realizing that “I can’t afford it” is rarely, if ever, really about the money. Your job in that moment is to find out if it’s really about the money, or it’s about something else. (Again, 90% of the time, it’s the latter.)

Here’s the question that will instantly give you your answer:

“Assuming money wasn’t an issue, is this something that you’d like to do?”

If they say “yes” hesitantly… then it really isn’t the money. You can just say, “You sound hesitant, is there something else?” This will open the door to discovering the real issue… and coaching them through it.

2. “I’d love to, but… I don’t have the time.”

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, so the time objection is really about priorities. You can find out if they’re truly swamped (or just a little scared) with this question:

“If I waved a magic wand and created all kinds of time in your schedule, is this something you’d want to move forward with?”

If they say “Yes, absolutely,” then they only think they don’t have time. You’ll help them by exploring what’s eating all their time and get clear on what’s really important to them.

3. “I’d love to, but… I need to think about it.”

You need to be careful with this one, because without your love and support, because the fear your client is undoubtedly feeling can quickly take over during “thinking time.” And that would be tragic.

If your program is a fit for them, “I have to think about it” usually means “I’m afraid” or “I don’t know if I can do this.” To open the dialogue, simply say, “What is it that you need to think about?”

That might sound a little blunt, but when delivered with sincerity and grace, your client will actually breathe a sigh of relief. They will know that you care and that they need not be alone with their fear as they take this powerful next step.

Bonus tip: don’t be afraid to say what you really think and feel. Remember, your client’s “yeah, buts” are what they need healing on, in this moment, to move forward with their dream. Being fully present and pointing out what you see is blocking their success is a gift of caring, generosity and love.

Want more word-for-word scripts on what to say during sticky enrollment situations, and a proven template for providing massive value during the conversation?  The Get Clients In 30 Days! Homestudy Course is available NOW (woot!), complete with all the training, tools, scripts, templates and examples you’ll need to authentically enroll clients fast. HURRY: when you reserve your copy by Tuesday, FEBRUARY 22 at 11:59pm PT, you’ll get a 90-day bonus coaching program, my treat! http://www.GetClientsIn30Days.com

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