There is a major switch happening right now in the Digital Publishing industry. The reality is that people LOVE their books, but more and more are snuggling up to a favorite book or magazine on their Amazon Kindle Fire or iPad (via the handy dandy iBook). While physical books may not be "exiting stage right" anytime soon, the growth of digital book sales here in 2012 is simply staggering! People are consuming their favorite publications digitally at alarming rates. In fact in 2011, Amazon digital book sales surpassed both hardcover and paperback book sales by more than double!

Digital books are cheaper, faster to receive, and more accessible then the good old hard copy. Not to mention, authors are recognizing the HUGE profit potential of digital book sales over physical books.

So, to summarize the facts….

- Digital books are selling like crazy

- Authors are chomping at the bit to create a digital format of their book

AND, Virtual Professionals have the unbelievable opportunity right now to position themselves as a Digital Publishing Specialist. Remember, Authors love to write, but they don’t want to think about the technical set-up required to publish their book on Kindle or iBook. This is a prime opportunity to build a very hot, income-building niche into your business.

VAClassroom.com has just released the brand new and hotly requested "Digital Publishing Specialist Program". This course will give you the exact steps to set-up a physical book in a digital format through Amazon Kindle and other popular online publishing platforms. This course will fill a HUGE skill gap currently preventing authors from profiting in the digital realm.

The course begins April 30th and there are still a few seats left.

Check out all the details here:

http://www.vaclassroom.com/socialmarketing/cmd.asp?af=946287&u=http://www.vaclassroom.com/digital-publishing-specialist.aspx

Leesa is a well-known speaker and has been around for a number of years. She’s savvy and knows how to navigate the online world; however, this particular scam took her by surprise. You can read all about it here.

The key to remember with all of this: Trust your intuition! If something seems ‘off’ follow up on it. Don’t rush because you think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take the time needed to make sure everything is as it seems. Time spent on the front-end can save a lot of future headache and hassle.

Thankfully, Leesa’s story turned out well. As you will read on her blog, others were not so fortunate.

If you know of someone who would benefit from this story, please share! The more who know about this, the better.

The term "mastermind group" apparently originates with Napoleon Hill (in Think and Grow Rich) and refers to the coming together of a group of individuals for the express purpose of developing and exchanging ideas. Behind it is the notion that two heads, three heads, etc. are better than one when focusing on a common purpose/problem. The idea quickly caught on in business .

The term "group coaching" refers to a process of coaching multiple individuals simultaneously  in a common time frame. It is an extension of individual coaching while retaining most of the precepts. The most obvious, and perhaps only, commonality is the presence of more than two persons in the process.

In both, the group size is optimally around 10. Both may include a moderator although the mastermind does not need one to function, while group coaching certainly does. The group nature is significant in both processes for the same reasons: the ability of multiple intelligences to focus on a single idea and the mutual empathy and support of other members.

The differences are multiple and critical. In the mastermind group, the primary focus is on problem solving, idea generation, discussion of the ideas, analysis of the problems, discussion of the solutions, and so on. The interactions are non-hierarchical and free flowing.

In group coaching, the primary focus is on the individuals who comprise the group and that focus is more than problem solving and idea generation (although it surely may include those). The interactions are hierarchical (the coach is the moderator, leader, and input generator) and moderated and directed.

More often than not anymore, I see folks putting together what really is group coaching and calling it a mastermind group. Each of the two groupings serves a specific purpose and both are very valuable. Be very clear which you feel you need and why, and be very sure that the program you are looking at is what you think it is!

Recently, I’ve had several  conversations with clients and colleagues who’ve indicated that they have been looking for a J-O-B. Some are considering making some changes in their life and some are just plain frustrated with where their business is currently. What I have found interesting in these conversations is this: Looking for a J-O-B has been done on the sly and no-one but immediate family/friends has been aware that this is what they have been doing. It’s as if looking for a J-O-B is a dirty little secret!  Why is that?

Of course the global, national, and local economic conditions came immediately to mind, yet it struck me as odd that all would feel the need to change at the same time three years after the Wall Street "crash". Mentally looking around, it occurred to me that the strong sense of change and the notion that something big is happening was impacting many folks, even if they could not articulate that sense. I am no different. I’ve been feeling that a big change is coming, and I, too, have been feeling frustrated in my business. (Confession time folks!) Many of you will note that I’ve been laying low for the past several months. I’ve been taking a look around and trying to decide what’s next for me and does a business fit into that?

I, too, thought a J-O-B was the answer. And it was until the interview! LOL That interview made me stand back and take a good look at what I really wanted and why. As I looked at the two men sitting across the table from me, I thought to myself "What the hell am I doing here?" (Believe me, those guys where thinking the same thing! They were just too polite to ask. ) So, I left that interview, came home and sat with myself for a while and asked some really hard questions. I came to the conclusion that I was where I was supposed to be, doing what I’m supposed to be doing. So, I’m not going any where anytime soon!! Yay!

For me, a re-imagining of my business was the necessary next step. Is that your next step? Are you still doing business the way you did two, four, five years ago? If so, it’s time for a business face-lift! It’s time to take a look at what you do, who you do it to, and why you do it. What needs to change? (I promise you something does!) Perhaps it’s a small tweak you need to make. Perhaps it’s a complete about-face. Either way, take some time now to envision what 2012 is going to look like for you and your business. You’ll be glad you did (and you won’t have to sit in an interview wondering why you are there)!

I would love to hear either where you are stuck or what you are doing to make changes. Let’s have some conversation around this topic!

Of course like all markets where there is a plethora of competing claims, the skill YOU need to have is the ability to discriminately choose the correct one for you.  And that can sometimes be more difficult than it would first appear.

It seems to me that THE most critical question you should ask yourself first is this: Are you looking for a Coach or a Consultant? There is a difference and depending on what exactly you are looking for one will be better than the other.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion around these terms and many folks use them interchangeably. This only adds to the confusion. Let’s take a look at the functions and characteristics of each so that when you need to make a decision you have something to latch onto.

The Coach

    1. The Coach is the individual whose primary function is to allow you to explore and identify what works for you.
    2. With a Coach, the agenda is always your agenda. The Coach should be trained and can be certified (as both are available to prospective coaches).
    3. With a Coach, you work on the methods and ideas that best fit you in your pursuit and endeavors.
    4. The Coach is neutral…nothing is preferred.
    5. The Coach will hold you accountable for doing, as inaction is an unacceptable way of moving forward.
    6. Coaches have and support a wide variety of techniques and methods because it is critical that you find what is compatible with you.

The Consultant

    1. The Consultant is the individual whose primary function is to tell you how to accomplish something.
    2. With a Consultant, the agenda is the Consultant’s agenda. There is no certification or training to be a Consultant.
    3. The Consultant usually has a lot of experience in an narrow field, and that experience has exhibited a high degree of successful results.
    4. With a Consultant, you are looking to put something in place (decrease operating expenses, increase productivity, improved vendor terms, etc.) and they analyze your business around the topic and put a plan in place. You are expected to carry it out.

Use the lists above when you are ready to hire someone to help you move forward or  to make a change in your business. 

Do you want someone who tells you exactly what needs to be done and exactly how to do it (consultant) or do you want someone who can help you explore and create a process that works for you (coach)?

They both have their place so make certain YOU know which one you need so that you don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

My first reaction was, "Are you serious?" If people have a money problem is it really a good idea to sell items you don’t need or borrow money from someone you know to invest in a program that may or may not work for you? After all, these programs not only come with no guarantees, but are usually promoted as blueprints, done for you systems, etc.

If money is that big of an object, perhaps you should take another look at your business and determine if you need to get a part-time job to bring in some money, take another look at how you are spending your money, or look at how you can bring in some new clients based on what you know right now.

If you are going to sell items or borrow money with the promise of making 6-figures within XXX period time, I want you to ask yourself this question: Is this someone you really want and should do business with if they are asking you to sell or borrow money? Whose best interest do they have at heart? Is it really you or are they concerned with preserving their lifestyle at your expense?

Please don’t become like a person I know who spent untold thousands of dollars for all these programs that in the end didn’t get her anything but a J-O-B. She was told repeatedly to follow the process again and again in the hopes that it would finally work for her. There was no deviating from the program because don’t you know it works for everybody!?!?

One of the questions she asked the attendees was this: How much is enough?

Isn’t that a great question?! I was jumping up and down with excitement because I, for one, am tired of hearing about 6-Figure Income. Just do blah, blah, blah, and you too can have a 6-Figure Income just by working 5 hours a week (or month or year. Insert whatever other claim you’ve heard in this space.). It’s not that I don’t think peeps should make 6-figure incomes. It’s just that I’m tired of hearing that this is the magic number needed to either be successful or to no longer have a business that functions as a hobby.

I’ve personally always believed, and tell my clients, that success is THEIR version of success. No matter what that looks like to others.

All of this to say, don’t have any regrets when it comes to your business and your life. Michael sent me this article about the Top 5 Regrets People Have On Their Deathbed.

What if we look at these regrets from a business perspective?

    1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
   
What if you went ahead and tried that really crazy idea you had? What if it was wildly successful? What if it was mildly successful? Would you feel better for having had the courage and opportunity for trying? You bet!

    2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
   
Does your business feel like work? Has it lost the fun factor? If so, what can you do to put some more fun into the gift you bring to the world? Go ahead. Take some time to really think about it, and then implement it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you it’s ok. Have the courage to believe in your ideas.

    3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
   
Does this sound like you? Do you think because you are an entrepreneur that you must always be stoic and business-like? I have some news for you…your clients need, and want, to see/hear you express your feelings. This does not mean you share everything! Please. Be cognizant of your audience and the fact that TMI (too much information) can have the opposite effect.

    4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
   
Do you get SO busy in, and with, your business that you forget to stay in touch with those around you? While it’s fun to own, and grow, a business let’s remember that all business and no play makes for an extremely dull and unhappy you. Just like you schedule business appointments, take the time to schedule personal appointments. These are the peeps who will be there for you through thick and thin. Make the time now (really, it’s all you have!) to reach out and schedule time with your friends.

    5. I wish I had let myself be happier.
   
Wow! Do you really want to get to the end of your business and say the above words? No, I didn’t think so! There is only one person you need to get permission from to be happy and that one person is YOU!! Go ahead, give yourself permission to be happier. Your business, your clients, and your family/friends will thank you.

Let’s try business with no regrets. Let’s make this the new model!!

Recognizing how hard it is to keep current in a changing environment, my hat is off to you if you said your business reflects who you are as of today! If you are like the majority, however, your business more than likely still reflects the you of the past.  How do you know if your business still reflects the old you?

Here are some signs:

1. You have skills that are not listed on your website and your current clients don’t know about these skills.
2. You are being asked by your client to do things that are beyond your skillset and you cringe thinking about doing them.
3. You no longer like/want your current clients (or a majority of them)!
4. You have a static website rather than a dynamic one.
5. Your Welcome Packet hasn’t been updated since you opened your doors for business.
6. Your work seems like work – the thrill is gone!
7. Your clients no longer refer you.
8. You’ve entertained the idea of getting a J-O-B!

If you found yourself nodding your head yes to any or all of the above questions, it’s time for you to spend some quality time working ON your business and giving it a new lift! Put some business bounce back into your business!

Here are some things you can do:

1. Take an honest look at your skillset. See what still works and what you still enjoy doing. Purge the rest.
2. Make a list of new skills you would like to acquire. (Hint: If you find yourself putting the word ‘should’ in front of a new skill, ask yourself this question: Is it because *I* want to learn more information about this particular skill OR is it because I think I *should* know how to do this because everyone is doing/needs this?)
3. Update your Ideal Client profile! (This is also a good exercise as it helps you to determine what skills to keep, what skills to acquire, and what skills to purge.)
4. If you can’t create a new website yourself, put on your CEO hat and find someone who can capture the new you in your new website.
5. Do you still need a Welcome Packet? If so, update it and keep is short, sweet, and simple! Only collect the information you need.
6. You may want to consider hiring a business coach to refresh, refocus, and re-energize both you and your business.
7. If your clients no longer refer you, see the above 6 items and begin to work on them now!
8. If you are considering looking for a J-O-B, you really need to hire a business coach to figure out if this is really where you need to be or if you are just feeling dead-ended in your current incarnation.

It is important to continually adjust and tweak your business as the environment changes. If you don’t, you risk becoming out-of-date and obsolete. You’ll be like the food item in the pantry that has an expiration date stamped on the bottom – Best if used by xx-xx date!

Are you new to owning your business? Have you been in business a while and are looking to add some new skills to your toolbox? Do you readily seek out programs that are free or that are paid?

I’ve seen many newer entrepreneurs lately trying to go the free route in obtaining essential skills to service their Ideal Clients. These entrepreneurs (and are they really entrepreneurs if they are not willing to invest in themselves to some degree?) don’t want to take the time or the money necessary to invest in learning their craft. They believe that they can use whatever is available for free and then teach themselves the rest. This might work for a few entrepreneurs; however, for the vast majority this is not the case.

If you don’t know more than your Ideal Client does about the service your offer, then why should they want to do business with you?

Most clients do not want to be your test client. Really! You might luck out and find someone who is willing to let you practice on them, but at some point you are still going to have to spend the time and money educating yourself so that you end up knowing more than your client. If you don’t, then you risk not only losing the client but never gaining a foothold in your business because you will never know more than your clients.

Is it just me or has there been a rash of these business faux pas going on?

    1. Adding my name to a mailing list without my permission.
    2. Adding me to Facebook Groups without my permission.
    3. Asking for Endorsements on LinkedIn and I don’t even know you.
   
Which of the above three are business killers? Right! ALL of them. Please do not add my name to your mailing list just because we met at an in-person event. If you did not ask, and I did not agree, don’t do it!

What’s up with adding me to Facebook Groups? Do you really think it’s necessary to come out of the gate with thousands of people in your group? Do I know you? Did I ask to be a part of your group? Don’t assume I want to be in your group unless you’ve asked me and I’ve accepted.

The third one is really my favorite. Do you REALLY think I’m going to provide an endorsement for you if I have no clue who you are? Honestly?! Just because we are connected this does not mean I am willing to write an endorsement for you. How are we connected? Have you reached out to me to try and connect? No. Have you tried to engage me in any conversation? No. Have you provided me with any information about you? I mean really about you? Not what I can read on your profile. No.

And there you have it! The no’s win. I know that wasn’t your intent when you started out; however, you’ve now killed any chance of me doing business with you. I can see it is all about you.

Sincerely,

A Lost Opportunity

Folks – Please do not attempt to try this in your business. It is a sure fire way to turn people off! I’d love to know how many of you have experienced, or are experiencing, the above.