And why is that be a genius question for a small business owner to ask

It can be really difficult to crack open this conversation, but I am willing to try, if you are willing to join me.

Have you heard this quote? Something like:

“Reading the Bible to affirm to yourself the existence of God is like trying to eat the menu when you are hungry.”

A menu is only a representative of food. The Bible an ambassador of God.

Money is a doorway for certain kinds of possibilities.

If what you’re working hard to make money for…

- Freedom

- Time

- A few things

- Pride in your accomplishments

- Better relationships

- Comfort and security

- Fun, etc.

…could in some way be had without money?

Perhaps it’s time to think about why you’re reading that menu so hard when you could be eating the food already.

As someone used to being measured for excellence by ‘A’s in school, cash flow, increasing bottom lines and the ability to buy things…

I have to actively work at freeing myself from that thought-prison – the better to actually enjoy life, feel joy, and call myself a successful person by other definitions.

Are you in that same boat, too?

Think about a person who has a lot of money and things. Have you noticed that sometimes it is hard for them to feel? Hard for them to know joy in the tiniest things?

If you’re someone who does not yet have a ton of extra money, do you think it’s within you to enjoy a sunset more than someone with lots more money? How about a meal? How present are you able to be with a slice of perfect fruit?

There is no judgment here, only exploration. But essential exploration about where we might be blinded by the way we might be working, working, working… in our businesses.

Here are some more ways you can start adding to your whole life’s bottom line:

- Watch or do something very, very funny and go with the laughter. Really let the belly laughs fly.

- Play the ‘What’s amazing is __________’ game with friends and children. Kids are great at this.

- Eat or drink something as slowly as you can. Slower than that. Share a bite with somebody.

- Notice someone else’s life, in detail. Try on their daily activities. Drop deep into their feelings and perceptions.

- Cook something new.

And here are some ways you can add value to your business in addition to making money:

- Entertain. Make a hairy-audacious connection between thoughts – aim to raise an eyebrow.

- See someone more deeply. Offer an observation about someone who is a cherished client. Reflect them back to themselves.

- Partner with a cause. Donate something before you earn money because money isn’t the most important thing to give.

- Tell your community about someone’s great work, without telling them you are.

- Buy something from someone who is in startup.

- Make it a goal to keep more of the money you already make.

- Poke fun at yourself or be vulnerable, and ask a difficult question.

Notice – really notice – that having lots of money is not a prerequisite of any of the items in the above 2 lists

In pursuit of success through your business, is likely pointed in the right direction, but it’s smart to check if you’re picking the best path.

Start today but questioning – just a little – why you’re doing what you’re doing. If you are pushing for bigger, why? If you want growth, what for? Etc.

Comments, questions, additions, welcome below.

…it’s the land that is right and the map that is wrong.

What the heck does as map and land have to do with you or your business, you’re asking, am I right?

Well, before I get to that, just a little bit of context…because this one can land deep if we let it.

It started with a snippet of conversation on Facebook, which really made me sit up and smile.

I kicked it off with this post, from a recent newsletter:

Andrea J. LeeIn times when we’re going where no one has gone… do not be fooled by people who tell you to follow the map.If the world is any indication… the map we’ve been using has holes in it, and we need to go exploring.

And that’s when Nick responded:

Nick Usborne Many years ago I was in Norway as a guest of their army. I was sent off on a day trip in the woods alone, with just a compass and map. The officer who saw me off that morning said, “If you ever find a time where the map and the land disagree, always remember…it’s the land that is right and the map that is wrong.” I have never forgotten that lesson.

This is the time of year when a business coach like me gets approached by potential clients who say:

“I followed that system, and tried those steps, and that person told me to do XYZ… but…it didn’t work and now I’m even MORE behind than ever! Help.”

Or something very similar to that.

This is an insidious pattern of what I call ‘following the map’ when the land has been trying to tell you something different.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of places that continue to sell old maps… like the ones in tourist brochures from 10 years ago.

Still, it’s better than no map at all, right? True, in some respects.

But what if there was a way to get to know what’s proven, off map, from folks who have bush-whacked the trail before you and have brought back fresh news from lands heretofore unknown?

This is what I’m so delighted to invite you to get in on, in the form of:

‘The Wealthy Thought Leader’s Greatest Hits Collection’ | 7 very special presentations of what’s real and what’s working, from the field.

Click here to find out more!

This collection of video presentations – f’ree for the watching to anyone who joins in – features:

- the most-frequently requested talks from 2 years of Wealthy Thought Leader events

- thought-provoking questions and ideas from Michael Bungay Stanier, Pamela Slim, Mark Silver, Jennifer Lee, David Goldsmith and yours truly, in the very talks presented to live audiences and standing ovations

- income-generating concepts such as videosummits, licensing, sacred selling, and other unconventional subject matter not found elsewhere about what’s new, that works

- nitty-gritty practicalities – ie. the numbers from behind the scenes showing what worked, warts and all, no hypey agenda

FRESH, FUN, EFFECTIVE & TESTED – the Wealthy Thought Leader Greatest Hits Collection comes with a generous dose of real live data and no hype.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, and from my heart to yours, I’d like to cordially invite you to take part in this gathering of like-minded small business leaders …to walk the territory of small business opportunity that until now, has had NO MAP.

It’s the ‘best’ of our work to date, from the Wealthy Thought Leader events, packaged up in a little festive collection.

More info and signup information is here:

http://www.wealthythoughtleader.com/holidays

I can’t wait to see you there…and hear your aha’s, comments and ‘oh my gosh, there IS another way’ exclamations.

This is, after all, the big reason ‘why’ the family here at the Wealthy Thought Leader does what it does, and why I personally get up in the morning.

I hope you enjoy, and here’s to your income through innovation!

P.S. Solid 5 and even 6 figures have been generated based on the principles taught and exemplified by these special 7 presentations of things that work.

In fact, income records are being broken even just this week… and it’s not because these folk have been following a map…I can tell you that much. The rest…is up to you

• Get personal.
  While everyone else is trying to get the attention of ‘many’ in hopes they can convert a precious few customers…YOU can opt to build deep relationships with the perfect few.  And save money and time while you’re at it.
• Get light.
  While other people get more urgent, try harder, and get more serious in the hopes that they can force their way through challenges… YOU can choose to entertain, provide calm, offer relief. In tumultuous times, markets thirst for this! And it’s more fun for you.
•   Get smart.
  So many people are worried about making money next year.  Yet there are pockets – deep ones – of wealth being transferred, lots of dollars being freed. These pockets of the market can be prepared for. If money is NOT somewhere, it has to have flowed elsewhere. Where is that elsewhere, for you?
• Get slow.
  Technology makes many people’s sales and marketing efforts zingy. They try to do more, in less time, spinning that crazy gerbil wheel. Stop. Instead, go high touch with your sales. Take your strategic time. The contrast alone will make you memorable when it’s time for the prospect to buy.
• Get fresh.
  Trying to do the same thing when it hasn’t worked before – isn’t that the de facto definition of insanity?  It’s time for you to do something different. Get your hands on the best intelligence about market trends. Emerging markets. Inexpensive technology. Look to your most trust-worthy relationships – colleagues, teachers and customers. Look at them with new eyes, and measure.
  Then make a decision to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing and failing.

 I call this strategy of ‘doing the opposite’ the Costanza Effect.

Named after George Costanza from the television show Seinfeld, he famously did the opposite and finally started getting out of his ‘no job, balding, live at home, no girlfriend’ life.

If you’re leading a community (as I know you are) you need to be ahead if you’re to be of any use.

To be of greatest use to the community of your clients…I invite you to dedicate yourself to getting and staying ahead. Take the long view. Look to the horizon. Ignore ‘prevailing’ wisdom.

But how exactly do we do this, here at the Wealthy Thought Leader, you ask? By focusing on how to:

• navigate within uncertainty
• redefine wealth, including asking ‘how much is enough?’
• harness the power of new ideas to create action and change
• lead in a way that EVERYONE benefits
• honor the individual
• continuously explore, experiment & share data on what works
• have real fun while making money.

If these items resonate with you, I invite you to reconsider, at an even deeper level, the 5 practical ways you can plan for income in 2012 above, and…

Just a few logistical notes about the Event ticket:

1. End of day on Thursday, December 15 is the last time we’ll have the current launch price available. Tickets will go up to $997 after that.
2. December 15 is the last day tickets will be available this year. Worth noting in case you’d like to write off the cost of the WTL ticket,  on your taxes.
3. Right now, we have the final word on a 6-payment option. Time is on our side at the moment, making it easier to afford the investment if it seems hard, but you really want to be part of this future-proofing event.

Click here for all the details.

The final word…

Even if you’d prefer not to travel – protecting your energy, time or quality family life – we honor that!

And, once again going against the crowd in ways we hope you will too, we invite you to consider our Simulcast option — ALMOST like being there, and some say BETTER than being there, in some ways!

Info on the Simulcast is here.

Enjoy.

“The future is already here – it is just unevenly distributed.” – William Gibson

Ed. Note: We can find the future if we look. And we can shape it if we choose.

‘Why try that when we can do what we’ve always done?’

‘But…what about the potential downside?

Have you come across this quote?

“All new truths pass through three stages. First, they are ridiculed. Second, they are violently opposed. Third, they are accepted as being self-evident.”

Arthur Schopenhauer

Sometimes it feels like I live my life travelling those 3 sentences, buffeted around in a storm of what’s considered normal and therefore good, but determined to find paths for what’s ‘abnormal’ and a new definition of good…

The quote I try to live (and lead!) by is this one:

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality.

To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

Buckminster Fuller

Will you take a moment to look at the image below?

Earlier this fall, one of my favorite authors and Buddhist Nun living in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Pema Chodron, was hosted by Shambhala for a 3-day online weekend retreat.

Appropriately, it was called: Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change

To host it…it utilized the very latest in streaming web video technology and attracted over 2100 people around the globe who, like me, continue to savor the sessions in an extended viewing window.

To sign up, or just get curious, click the laptop image above to reach the website.

Around the world, having proliferated in a very short space of time… we now see graduation ceremonies, state funerals, political events, even revolutions… being broadcast using the power of live streaming technology.

Corporations are catching up, and so are… if I have anything to do with it… small businesses just like you and I.

It seems evident that the idea of a ‘Simulcast’ event or workshop…has travelled through to the ‘accepted as evident’ part of my first quote, above.

Now, many, many people see where the ‘cheese’ (potential for huge income growth) is. And this all happened very quickly.

But, there are ever so many NEW ideas that are still in the ‘you’ve got to be kidding,’ ‘Andrea’s lost her mind again’ stage, for business owners…

Just this past month, I’ve studied several NEW income stream models which will gain ascendancy and mindshare next year.  I plan to walk the talk, and stand in my special knack for seeing these opportunities for income through innovation…

…and bring them to you.

If you’re interested in this kind of thing, you are not only reading the right newsletter, you’re living in the right – very special – time.

PRACTICAL TIP:  Declutter your brain… if you are already overwhelmed with the ‘normal, templated’ way of doing business…

How will you possibly be able to hold space for something NEW, FRESH, boundary-busting?

• Declutter your home and office
• Journal and brain dump
• Exercise and drink water
• Sleep extra long

For starters.

I’ll be back with more wisdom about how to be ready for a year of turbulence and opportunity, how to navigate change, and do so with joy… even if you find yourself ridiculed for something new YOU are birthing.

(And I know you are birthing something new. I do know that about you.)

Please stay tuned this week as the official grand opening of the next Wealthy Thought Leader event (April 19-21, 2012) is upon us.

Before I leave for a declutter-brain break, we will open our doors for registration to the event.  (The ONLY event that focuses on new ways to make money – new High-End Income streams – like the one that was ridiculed, above.)

Until then…a final thought:

In times when we’re going where no one has gone… do not be fooled by people who tell you to follow the map.

If the world is any indication… the map we’ve been using has holes in it, and we need to go exploring.

P.S. If you missed ‘At Home with Andrea‘ LIVE on Sunday, we had a thought-provoking time by the fireplace. Click to view the recording here.

That is, until the day I got mad.

I got mad enough at enough injustices and pent-up pain, that I blew. It was messy, and hard, and lots of other things.

Have you ever gotten that upset?

When it comes to thought leadership, I will always be indebted to the internet. It allowed me to find my shy way, and channel my upset.

In the comfort of the light from my laptop screen, I typed my way to my opinions, discovered a point of view, and began to express it.

The world didn’t end when I revealed I wasn’t so polite after all. In fact, people gathered, bringing their shy selves to the conversation and we grew, together.

Anger is often vilified, but I’ve come to cherish mine. I find that when I’m in touch enough with deep, roiling emotions like this, I become a lioness. I act. I am filled with energy. I will not be stopped.

Without the safety of blog posts and tweets, that shy young miss could hardly have stood up for as much, learned to speak out, write, or lead.

If you define yourself as shy in some way, or polite, how can you find your courage to express something more overt than you ever have before? Be braver today than yesterday? Repeat?

I’d love to hear from you. Comment below.

How not to feel ill

“I feel sick to my stomach when I think of having to do that…”

“Gag…do I have to be like her?”

“That makes me want to vomit!”

I’m not entirely sure what’s up this week, Chelsea, but I’m paying attention.

If you’ve ever felt ill at the thought of a ‘should,’ something your coach told you, or even just how things are done in your market…

… it’s time for a serious Ginger Ale moment.

Whether it’s sick, disappointed in yourself, angry at the system, or even just lonely in your situation – here are today’s words of wisdom:

The agony of our emotions – especially as thought leader business owners – is usually rooted in two things:

#1: Not feeling things fully.

And…

#2: Trying to force an outcome.

Of course, the salve to this pain is the opposite:

#1: Stop resisting your feelings…feel them. Fully.

And…

#2: Be committed, yet detached.

Easier said than done, I know, especially #2.  But here’s a solid tip to help you unpack that:

Examine the reason why you want a particular outcome so very much.

e.g. Why are you so passionate about having 20 people in your
course, exactly?
e.g. Why must you have 6 signups in that program?
e.g. What is it about breaking 7 figures that has you so enthralled?
e.g. <insert yours>

Ask yourself if your answers hold up to scrutiny when you bring them out in the open.

Chances are you’ll get an ‘aha’ or ‘ohhhhh’ moment there.

As for me… I see clearly that feeling sick about our businesses (and within our businesses) MUST stop.

It’s a betrayal of ourselves if we let that go on for ANY length of time. Not to mention, it’s the equivalent of one foot on the gas, and the other on the brake, going no where fast.

[I'm no car expert, but this doesn't bode well for a vehicle, does it!!?]

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Tell me what you think!

You've always wanted to be a rock star, right?

In my capacity as product-creating, funnel-building coach/consultant, I hear certain questions repeatedly.

One of them is:

“If I’m offering this material in XYZ format, why would anyone buy the same material in another format?”

In this context, think in terms of XYZ usually being a lower-priced item such as a book, or, say a 3-part teleclass versus a 2 day live training event or lengthier program.

The best answer I have to this comes like so:

‘It’s a good question…tell me, what is the name of one of your favorite musicians or music groups.’

The answers here are quite fun. I’ve had everything from Andrea Bocelli, Roberta Flack, Billy Joel, The Ramones.

This answer in hand, I then ask… ‘Well, if you have their CDs or MP3s, why would you ever go to a concert?’

This way of answering is an example of a shorthand coaching moment, within what is arguably a very consulting- oriented conversation. Most consultants would not take this tack, agree?

Value comes in many forms, indeed, and not just in obvious ways. Keep this in mind as you productize or strategize your next SKUs. What name would you give the value you are creating? Is it the equivalent of a concert? CD? Other?

A great little extension of this occurred this week, wherein the coachee answered the name of their favorite band, and said in addition that it was a very sad thing that he’d never had a chance to go to a concert and they regretted it greatly! So the extra learning became available – in what manner could the ‘concert’ they were to create – live training, keynote speech, etc. – be so valuable and so rich and intense an experience, that word would get around and people would regret missing it?

Crafting coaching moments like this is one of my favorite activities. The LIVE STREAMING Keynote Presentation I’m delivering very soon will include at least five more. It takes less than a minute to register – it’s free – and you receive an important money-making tool when you do. Go on, you know you’re curious, so go ahead and have a look.

Crafting coaching moments like this is one of my favorite activities. There are five more available in the Money and Meaning book excerpt available – no-charge – near the top of this page. Takes less than a minute to avail yourself and – it’s as easy a read as this post was. Why not go for it?

I do. According to some statistics, apparently I read about 1000% more than the average U.S. citizen.

It’s not rocket science, but I know books are a big part of what makes me who I am, how I serve, and any fresh perspectives I lend to clients.

In 2003, when the world as I knew it came crashing down on February 11 (the day Thomas Leonard died)…I knew only one thing for sure.

I needed to write a book – but – it was more than a book.

It was a milestone. A rite of passage. A rebirth of my new self…as an author. Everything that’s happened in business since then can be credited to that book, Multiple Streams of Coaching Income.

Probably, you wouldn’t be reading this email if I hadn’t written that book.

Today I’m a proud, proud wife because:

My honey of 16 years, Mike Flannery, has just come through his own rite of passage and completed his first book. It’s called ‘I Coulda Been Somebody: How to Stop Underachieving and Find Success On Your Terms’ and the first chapter (and order button for the print book!) are here: http://www.stopunderachievingnow.com for your interest.

If you or someone you know has felt the scourge of ‘feeling like a disappointment,’ ‘not living up to your potential’ or just been labeled that way…this here book…it has been lived, and written, and birthed…for you.

Please have a look at www.stopunderachievingnow.com – and also comment below. We’d love to hear what you think.

Much appreciation,

a

The ‘meat’ of coaching season is upon me. And in the midst of that, I’m celebrating the raw courage and sheer derring-do of entrepreneurs everywhere (including you.)

Like the seagull at right, some days it may seem like everything you do – one foot in front of the other – is going against the grain.

Especially when that’s feeling’s upon you, I’d like you to know: I honor you. I so respect and admire you. You are my every day, unsung, most cherished hero.

Your business is a force for good in a stormy world.

YOU. And your willingness to stand up and (damn it!) create something valuable for other people – that makes me feel go all gooey inside.

Please keep going. It’s working, especially when feels MOST like it isn’t. It is.

Keep initiating. When others are copying others, creating replicas of the same old thing – and you aren’t because you know you’ve got your hands on something original, worthwhile, and that only you can do – that’s you being the sun in a sky full of clouds.

Keep being gentle with yourself. You are essential; we need you. We need you in the best form ever.

I’m rooting for you.

Let’s all root for each other. We deserve it! Share what you appreciate most about your fellow entrepreneurs, in general, or specifically, in the comments below.