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Month: December 2021

Networking

Networking

I attended an event at the local chamber of commerce today.  It was about networking and it made me think of the importance of good old face to face meetings… remember them?

I know that we’re supposed to use all this technology we have at hand, and I have to admit that it’s great. Social media, blogging, websites, webinars… all good stuff.  But, there’s a lot to be said for getting to know someone’s handshake.  It’s kinda cool to see their facial expressions.  To laugh together at something funny, as opposed to typing “lol”, or my favorite “Hahaha”.

So, there is a ton of information out there about networking.  The presentation I went to today was very informative and enjoyable.  I was, of course, networking at the networking presentation.  lol

Years ago, I was reading about networking, and I loved this piece of advice.  Don’t network by talking about yourself.  Network by listening and asking questions.  The premise is… If you’re interested in other people, they will find you interesting.  That is, ask them about their business.  Follow up with a question about what they just told you, or a general business question.

I’ve found this to be true, for the most part.  Of course, you want to answer questions, but focus on listening.  Yes, your elevator speech is important.  But not as important as using your active listening skills when they are giving you their elevator speech.  After all, you already know about yourself.

Something I picked up today that I thought was great.  When you’re at a networking event, you might be feeling weird about talking to people you don’t know. Notice the person that’s off to the side, feeling awkward like you, and talk to them.  You’ll both feel relieved, and you won’t have to worry about interrupting a conversation.

Think of ways to be a matchmaker with people who you meet. Introduce them to each other.  Consider strategic pairings… power partners.  Once you’ve met people who can complement each other’s businesses, put them in touch.

How do you feel about networking in person?  Is it a thing of the past, or does it still have value in today’s business environment?

-Cat

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Coaching Mindset vs. Business Mindset

Coaching Mindset vs. Business Mindset

Cage Match or Pillow Fight?

(No Holds Barred)

What is a “Coaching Mindset?”

If you’re a coach, I will take it for granted that you’ve got a coaching mindset. Not sure what I mean? Let’s take a look at it. Most leaders are said to have a “coaching mindset.”  We view them to be helpful and empathetic in nature.

Coaches value learning and developing people to be their best selves. They may even choose development over deadlines. They are excellent communicators and like to talk with others. In fact, they take deep satisfaction in bringing out the best in others, no matter which type of coaching they are involved in. Using this coaching mindset in a corporate setting to develop and empower teams can be quite effective.

It doesn’t matter what type of coaching you are interested in doing. You must have the correct coaching leadership mindset. Here are the classifications of coaching we’re discussing here.

  • Performance Coaching
  • Skills Coaching
  • Life Coaching
  • Career Coaching
  • Business Coaching
  • Executive Coaching
  • Team Coaching
  • Transitional Coaching
  • Spiritual Coaching
  • Financial Coaching
  • Group Coaching
  • Relationship Coaching
  • Health and Wellness Coaching
  • Behavioral Coaching
  • Transformational Coaching

All of these distinctions in the coaching industry require subtle differences in treatment. Still, most need the same coaching mindset we talked about earlier.

What is a “Business Mindset?”

A “business mindset” focuses on holding your vision and working effectively towards results. It’s a hybrid skillset that includes many subsets. A successful business mindset stays concentrated in Metrics, Income/Expense Ratios, and Operating Procedures.

Some common thought processes characterize this way of thinking. You must:

  • Think for yourself, and don’t allow anyone else to dissuade you from your business passion. Some people will take any chance they get to shoot down business ideas and strategies. Don’t give others that much power.
  • You must be very strategic about the actions you take in your business. Don’t waste time or money on activities that don’t support your goals.
  • Some people don’t understand the basic premise – business exists so people can make money. If you ignore this fact, you won’t be in business long.
  • Knowing your figures is an excellent expression of the business mindset and shows you understand the importance of profitability.
  • A business mindset is open to new business ideas and new streams of income. The sky’s the limit with a proper business mindset.

Where Do You Stand in the Mindset Arena?

I’m going to come right out and say it. If you are a coach and own a coaching business, you have to use both of these mindsets.

Without the empathetic, helpful nature of a coaching mindset, people won’t want to engage with you. You must take the time and put the energy into building relationships with your coaching clients.

Experience has taught us that the stronger your coaching mindset, the less likely you are to embrace a business mindset at the same time. In fact, you may find it unattractive, “salesy,” pushy, etc. The two ways of thinking must co-exist if you are to be a prosperous coach.

A Match Made in Heaven

Much like a Yin/Yang scenario, these two parts of yourself which will add up to success are not mortal enemies. They are just two separate pieces that make up a whole when it comes to your business. You need both!

So, in case you were looking forward to the cage match… I have to tell you it’s a pillow fight at its worst. You won’t grow or even start much of a coaching business unless you reconcile the two mindsets and nurture them both.

Your ability to do this will affect every area of your business. Without the proper emphasis on the business aspect of your coaching business, you won’t be able to pay for the things you need to build and grow your coaching practice.

Time to Put on Your Thinking Cap

Think about these two types of mindset and assign yourself a score for each… that add up to 100%. To put it another way, it doesn’t need to be 50%/50%, but it should be at least 60%/40%. If you honestly can’t stomach the business mindset, invest the time and resources to get this squared away before your work anymore in your business. Don’t let this hold you back! Please pause and consider.

If you’ve found this information useful, but you’d like to explore this in-depth with me, I’m available to help!

Let’s chat some more about ways to help your business grow and prosper! I can help with your messaging and marketing needs!

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