Lead Through Strengths - Build a Training and Coaching Practice, Based on Strengths

In this episode, we dive into a hot topic that many speakers, trainers, and coaches grapple with: Should you put prices on your website? Of course, there are many pros and cons of displaying prices, so we unpack various strategies that can help you make the best decision for your business. Whether you’re leaning towards transparency or prefer to keep things under wraps, the key is to make a decision that aligns with your business model and audience expectations. So grab your favorite beverage, tune in, and let’s figure out together if listing prices is the right move for you! 💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you list your prices on your website? Why or why not? Join the conversation in the comments below! 🌟 Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo To work with Lisa, check out her resources for independent coaches, trainers, and speakers. Get business tools and strategy support with her Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways on Whether You Should Put Prices on Your Website ●      Quality Over Quantity: One of the most compelling arguments for listing prices is that it can significantly improve the quality of your leads. By providing clear pricing information, you allow potential clients to self-select based on their budget and needs. This means fewer inquiries from individuals who may not be able to afford your services, ultimately saving you time and energy. ●      Understanding Your Audience: The decision to list prices isn't just about your preferences; it's also about understanding your audience. Different demographics have varying expectations. Tailoring your pricing strategy to fit the needs and preferences of your target audience can enhance trust and engagement. ●      Flexibility is Key: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pricing. Offering different prices for corporate clients versus individuals or nonprofits can help you attract a wider range of clients. Also, depending on the nature of your offerings, you might choose to list prices for some services while keeping others more flexible. For example, if you offer a straightforward product, like a $10 guide, it makes sense to list that price. However, for more complex services that require a conversation, you might opt for a range or an "inquire for pricing" approach. This flexibility allows you to cater to different client needs while still providing essential information. ●      Use Forms and Automation: Instead of relying solely on discovery calls, consider using forms or chatbots to gather information from potential clients. This can help you provide tailored pricing information without the need for a direct conversation. ●      Transparency Builds Trust: Being upfront about your prices can foster trust with potential clients. If you provide context and value alongside your pricing, it can enhance their willingness to engage with you.   Take Action If You Decide To List Prices on Your Coaching Website ●      Evaluate Your Offerings: Determine if your services are clear and transactional enough to warrant listing prices on your website. If you have standard packages, consider displaying their prices. ●      Utilize Forms and Automation: Implement application forms or chatbots on your website to gather information from potential clients before scheduling a call. This can help qualify leads and provide them with a price range based on their responses. ●      Create Informative Content: Create videos or educational content that explains your services and pricing structure, especially if you decide to list prices. This can help build trust and prime potential clients for the sale. 🎧   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript on Podcast Episode About Listing Prices On Your Website Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: Today's conversation is about, should you list prices on your website as a speaker, trainer, or coach, Bria? What say you?   Brea: This is a question that people ask all the time, isn't it? And honestly, I see pros and cons for both. Normally, I'm pretty opinionated, but this is one where I feel like it could go either way. What about you?   Lisa: I say yes, which is a controversial take, but I can be convinced otherwise possibly, but certainly I understand why there are opinions on both sides and there are definitely strategies on both sides. So you want to break them down?   Brea: Yeah. I mean, honestly, I'm surprised that you think that it's controversial to post prices. Is that what I heard you say?   Lisa: Yes. Oh, especially in the professional speaker world. Really? It feels like religion that you do not post your prices, that you get people on a call because you reveal it on the call. Interesting. Yeah.   Brea: Yeah. Okay. I mean, I don't have prices on my website, but I have had prices on my website before and I will have prices on my website in the future. Like it's not a, it's just kind of, you know, my website right now is not great. Let's be honest. Um, the cobbler whose kids don't have shoes, you know, it's like the market, whose website hasn't been updated in years. Um, Let's talk about why.   Lisa: There are legitimate reasons why people do not list prices on their website. I do have prices listed on mine and I do like that idea, but let's go from the other side first. Why do people decide or opt to not list them for services?   Brea: Scarcity mindset comes to mind immediately. I think people are afraid that they'll lose the deal or they'll lose the opportunity, right, if they don't have the opportunity to sell or they can't, you know, communicate value or whatever. I think that might be one.   Lisa: Absolutely. I'll say that absolutely happened. I would get a lot of leads where people would be like, Oh, tell me about your workshops. Tell me about your speech. And then when I did, they would be like, Oh, I had $300 to budget. Oh, I had $700.   They were never going to be able to afford that service they were asking me about in the first place. So it created a lot of work. Yeah, a lot. So, and not like those people were great. They just didn't work at a company. Our market wasn't aligned. The day I started listing prices, now this was probably eight years ago, but when I started listing prices, I got way fewer lead forms. So many less than I received before. my lead quality went up a ton.   Yeah, you might get fewer leads. But we've all done this before. You can shop online for a blazer. And if I see a blazer and it says that the blazer jacket, I'm not talking about a Chevy, but the jacket says it costs $5,500, I might be like, I don't wear those very often. I'm not in that market. It doesn't mean that's not worth that to somebody. It's just not my market. We're not a great fit for each other. And you just kind of scroll on by and move on so that you're not spending hours considering each other.   Brea: Yeah, so that sounds like a pro for why you would list your prices on your website is to help your website visitor to decide, is this in my budget? Is this aligned with what I'm looking for before you have that conversation and invest that time?   Lisa: Well, it could be a con in that person who wasn't a good fit for that. They might be a good fit for something else. So if your website isn't clear enough to give them a different path, like, Hey, if this is too high for your budget, here are other options. You could lose that person entirely where maybe you could be of service to them.   So that would be a con. If you don't have the conversation laid out in a way that's consumable for them. Cause you could just say, boom, that leads gone forever. And maybe you could have had a relationship just in a different capacity.   Brea: Yeah, I think if you're someone who has very clear offerings, you've got two or three signature offers, those are the things that you just do over and over and over again, then it's easy. Put those on your website, put the prices, and let people say yes or no.   If you're someone who is like me and I like to customize things, I like to create things from scratch, really yummy experience. I want to talk to you. I want to figure out what are your challenges, what are your goals, and I have to have that conversation. And I love the conversation, so most of the time I'm willing to invest that time because if we're not a good fit, I probably know someone who is, and I would love to refer you to them…or maybe connect you with a different type of resource.   That is fun for me too. So if I have the time, I'd love to have that conversation just to hear more about what you're looking for and go from there. So do you have something that's out of the box that people can just pull off the shelf, look at the price tag and say, yes, no. Then if you do, then do that. And if you don't have that, then get on a call.   Lisa: Right. Right. I do think that is a valid conversation. If you have very different kinds of buyers, some more experienced than others, you could send them to an education piece. But yeah, there's some of that. And then also there are upsells that sometimes they do on the calls like Hey, if you want to buy a book for every participant, it could look like this or where the budget categories are.   Like if they're spending money on books versus speaker, they may need to move around what it looks like on the invoice and how it gets priced. So some of those things do warrant a live call together. So I do underst

If there’s one question I get from almost every coach I coach, it’s this: how do I know what to charge? That’s why we’ve dedicated this episode to a topic that resonates with so many of us in the coaching, training, and speaking industries: Pricing Your Services. In this episode, we explore various pricing strategies and how they can impact your business. Of course, we also discuss the importance of aligning your pricing with your personal values and strengths. We also talk about the value of adding more to your offers instead of slashing prices, and how to scope down services to meet client budgets. Plus, we sprinkle in some fun anecdotes and practical tips to help you navigate your pricing journey. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to adjust your rates, this episode is packed with valuable nuggets to help you price with confidence! 🌟 Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo To work with Lisa, check out her resources for independent coaches, trainers, and speakers. Get business tools and strategy support with her Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways on How to Price Your Services as A Coach or Trainer ●      Understand Your Pricing Strategy: There are things to consider basing your pricing strategy on, including cost, the market, client value, and more. Each has its pros and cons, so it's essential to find the one that aligns with your business goals and personal values. ●      Add Value Instead of Discounting: Instead of offering discounts, consider adding more value to your services. This could be in the form of additional sessions, resources, or exclusive content that enhances the client's experience and justifies your pricing. ●      Experiment and Adapt: Pricing isn't set in stone. It's okay to experiment with your rates and adjust them based on market feedback and your evolving business needs. Remember, you can always change the numbers on your website or pricing documents as you learn what works best. ●      Align Pricing with Your Strengths: Your unique talents and strengths should inform your pricing strategy. Whether you prioritize accessibility, customization, or maximizing impact, ensure your pricing reflects what you can sustainably deliver while keeping you fulfilled. ●      Offer Multiple Options: Presenting clients with different pricing tiers or packages can help them see the value in your services and choose what fits their budget. This approach not only anticipates budget constraints but also opens the door for future collaborations.   Take Action On Your Pricing Strategy ●      Market-Based Pricing: Conduct Market ResearchSpend time researching what competitors in your niche/industry are charging for similar services. Create a list of at least three competitors and note their pricing strategies to help you position your own services effectively. ●      Values-Based Pricing: Define Your Value PropositionWrite down the unique value you bring to your clients. Consider how your services can lead to specific results for them. Use this information to inform your values-based pricing strategy. ●      Create a Pricing Experiment: Set a timeline (ex. 3 months) to test a new pricing strategy. Track client responses and sales. Be prepared to adjust your prices based on the feedback and results you gather. ●      Develop Value-Added Offers: Identify at least two ways to add value to your services without discounting. For example, consider offering a free follow-up session for clients who book a package, or providing additional resources like e-books or webinars when the client pays for the package in full up front. ●      Draft Three Different Pricing Packages: Create three different versions of your Signature Service (essentially the same service, but scoped up or down to hit different price points). For instance, if your Signature Offer is a Half-Day Workshop, maybe your lowest price point could include a basic virtual package, your “mid” price point includes the standard in-person package, and your top-tier price includes the in-person workshop, plus a few extras. Present these options to potential clients to give them choices that fit their budget and needs.  Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today's topic, I'm going to introduce by asking you a question, Brea.   Brea: Okay, hang on. Oh, I'm stretching. Okay.   Lisa: Okay, I'm ready. Ready. Ready. Get ready. You're at the supermarket. Okay. You're in the meat section and you find some chicken and it has a big red tag on it and it says 70% off. Hell no. Okay, so today's topic is pricing. Pricing your services. Okay, what's the difference? Sorry. Run the other way. And I am bringing this up because some people's pricing strategy when they get into a coaching, training, speaking business is just, I don't know what else to do, so I'm going to come in low so that it's comfortable for everyone. But sometimes they come in and they feel like the 70% off chicken package. But they don't realize that's how they're coming off to clients, so I'm just bringing this up to frame the idea of pricing your services. There are a lot of ways to go about pricing your services. It is a number one question that comes up, especially at the beginning of a coaching, training, speaking business, but also along the way. Should I raise my prices? Where's the right price? getting enough business because I'm at the wrong place in my price for my market. So we're going to explore all kinds of things around pricing, some related to mindset, some related to strengths, and some just basic pricing strategy kind of thoughts to get you grounded in different ways you could go about pricing.   Brea: This is gold. Chef's kiss, like, I don't know if I've ever talked to another coach or another business owner who hasn't had this question. How do I price my services? What do I charge, right? I mean, everyone is asking this question. I see it in the Facebook groups, online, all the time. I mean, yes. Okay, let's go.   Lisa: So I remember when I was working on my MBA, we were talking about all kinds of businesses, not just service businesses and not just small businesses. What are some pricing strategies? And the ones I remember having really good discussions around, let me just kind of rattle off the things I can remember. One is, you could position yourself as a low-cost leader. Think about this, this is the coach who probably is like, I want my prices to be accessible for all, I want to never lose a deal because I'm charging too much, those kind of things.   Brea: Yep.   Lisa: We have market based price. This is the one that I've chosen. And that is you find the market based on what customers expect and are used to what your competitors charge. There's a finding of the market that can be a challenge, but I would say that market based pricing, just trying to kind of fit in somewhere in the middle of the market. Yep. There's premium pricing. hey, I'm going to be viewed as luxury, top tier, only the best can afford this, and only the best service is going to get delivered. There's a cost plus kind of version, and yeah. No. Like, OK, let's think about all the input costs it takes to run a business. If you had a physical product, this would be a lot more obvious because people would be like, oh, I see. If I'm going to build a house and I find a cost plus builder, they're going to take all the materials, all the labor, and then they're going to put their builder fee on top, right? That's really simple when it's a product, even though that's a service. But there are tangible parts to that product. So for coaches and trainers and speakers, that's really interesting because you're like, what are my input costs? Well, it's my labor when I'm solo, but what if I know I want to grow my business into the future with a robust team behind me? Now I have to project what are my costs. I have software costs. I have office costs. I have hardware costs. And then we typically have a higher margin business, so the plus part of cost plus is usually higher for a service business. But another element I would like to layer on to this cost plus is, are you pricing thinking for the future? Because if you price yourself today as an absolute solo practitioner, like freelance style, and then three years from now or two years from now, you decide you're going to bring on three team members and you're going to go move into an office, your costs are going to skyrocket and your margins are going to tank if you don't raise your prices. So can you think of your pricing from the future building out how you project your team to be? Because those are the kind of clients you're going to need to attract who can afford the service you offer as a bigger team.   Brea: Yep. Yeah, and I would add values based pricing. What value do you bring? Not what is the cost of goods or what is the cost of your time or whatever, but what what value does your customer see in that? This is something that I think a lot of people struggle to do if they see a big divide between, you know, like the value is a lot higher than what than what the service provider feels it actually costs them to deliver. So yeah, but I love Values Based Pricing.   Lisa: I was just talking to a sales speaker the other day. He's so good at all of this. And he was saying, he's like in the $50,000 range for a speech. And the customer was like, oh my gosh, for an ho

In this episode, we tackle the often-taboo topic of…money. Specifically, money blocks – those pesky limiting beliefs that can hold us back in business. We share our personal experiences with money narratives that shaped our views on wealth and success. From feeling guilty about charging for work we love, to the fear of being perceived as "slimy" when selling, we get real about how these beliefs can impact our businesses. You’ll hear us discuss the importance of recognizing these narratives and how they can affect your mindset and performance. If you've ever felt stuck in your relationship with money or unsure about how to confidently ask for what you deserve, this episode is for you! Join us as we unpack these themes and encourage you to check in on your own money mindset. Let’s break those blocks together!   🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo To work with Lisa, check out her resources for independent coaches, trainers, and speakers. Get business tools and strategy support with her Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways ●      Understanding Money Blocks: Money blocks are limiting beliefs and behaviors that can hinder your ability to earn and ask for money. Recognizing these blocks is the first step toward overcoming them. ●      Personal Narratives Matter: Money narratives shaped by our upbringing can influence adult perceptions of wealth and success. ●      Selling is Helping: Selling doesn’t have to be a slimy or uncomfortable act. Instead, when you focus on providing solutions and helping others, you can shift your mindset around sales. ●      The Importance of Mindset: Mindset plays a crucial role in your business success. Feeling confident and positive about what you offer can significantly impact how others perceive you and your services. ●      Undercharging: Many people assume they need to charge lower rates until they gain more experience. However, it’s essential to recognize your worth and not undervalue your skills, as there are always clients willing to pay for quality services.   Take Action ●      Identify Your Money Blocks: Reflect on your personal beliefs and narratives around money. Consider how these beliefs may be affecting your business decisions and overall mindset. Write down any limiting beliefs you recognize. ●      Challenge Undercharging: If you find yourself undercharging for your services, evaluate your qualifications and experience. Research market rates for your industry and consider adjusting your pricing to reflect your true value. ●      Reframe Selling: Shift your perspective on selling from being a slimy or uncomfortable experience to viewing it as an opportunity to help others. Practice articulating how your services provide solutions and benefits to potential clients. ●      Invest in Yourself: Assess your willingness to invest in your personal and professional development. Identify areas where you can seek coaching or training to enhance your skills and confidence in selling. ●      Join a Supportive Community: Engage with others who are also working through their money narratives. Consider joining Lisa’s “Tools for Coaches” or Brea’s podcast listener meetups to share experiences and strategies for overcoming money blocks. 🎧   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today, oh, we're talking about money, money, money, money. null: Money.   Brea: I was like, oh, this is so high.   Lisa: I got my silly voice on. I can hit the high notes with my silly voice. Money.   Brea: I love it.   Lisa: Money blocks.   Brea: Oh, money blocks. Okay, I am here for this. Yes. This is real, folks.   Lisa: This is real. It's getting real. What are money blocks? I mean, let's say I would define this as limiting beliefs around money. I would define it as behaviors you make in your business that are driven from a money narrative that may not be serving you or your business? Yeah, that's good. How would you define these?   Brea: I mean, maybe what blocks me from making money? Hey, yeah. Yeah. What blocks me from making money, from asking for money, from selling? Yeah. What are those blocks?   Lisa: Well, you said it's about to get real. So if we're going to talk business owner money blocks, why don't we just get open and share the ones we've dealt with personally so that people can see we're humans who deal with stuff too. And then we can happily share, since we've both worked with many coaches, some of the trends in the narratives that we hear from our clients.   Brea: Yeah. I mean, gosh, already I'm feeling it, you know? Like money touches everything. Money makes the world go round, right? I mean, love makes the world go round, but really money makes the world go round, you know? And if you have it, it affects your mindset. And if you don't have it, it affects your mindset. And if you need it, it affects your mindset, which mindset affects performance. Like there's just, so much where the money block, it's not the money. Money is not the thing. The selling, not the thing. It's something underneath that that blocks us from asking for it or from believing that we deserve it. That's what comes to my mind first, is that it's not about the money. There's something else underneath that is the block.   Lisa: Yeah. Oh, yeah. As you said that, I was thinking of acceptance, and I know that has been a thing in my career with the family that I grew up in. Now, my parents were luckily not wealth haters or anything like that, so I didn't get those money block narratives where I would think I'm an evil person if I made money. But I did grow up in a pretty poor area and it was not going to be celebrated if somebody was successful. And I do, I live a charmed life right now. I have a couple of houses. I live in Texas part-time. I live in Colorado part-time. I live in the RV when the weather isn't great in either of those. I mean, I live an amazing life. And I really, as I was coming into that and coming into success, I did a lot of things to minimize it and I would always be the one, like if I went back to visit my family in the Midwest, they would be like, did you fly or drive? And I knew the correct answer was drive because flying was something people did when they had money. And so if I flew, I would say, oh, I have points because work paid for so many trips. So, I would minimize to be accepted. I didn't really realize, of course, at the time I was trying to be accepted, but I was trying to give the acceptable answer. And what I realize now on the other side of it is that the narrative that was the money block for me is probably some version of toil is respectful, but eating bonbons by the pool is not. So, any version of like, oh, must be nice, you can just go hang out over there without the hard work. So, this thing of toil and hard work, it's been really difficult to shake because it's always felt good to work hard, work long. And there's been a resistance over the years to figure out like, what would the easy button be? What would it look like to not have to work so hard for money? I didn't really even want to explore that for a long time. And I think that's why, that acceptance. So that's been my money block, probably the biggest one over my lifetime.   Brea: Oh, there's so much there. There's so much there. I relate with that so much. Also from the Midwest. Hey, Kansas City. Hey. Also from a hardworking family. I'm the oldest of eight kids. Everybody that listens to the podcast knows that I have an enormous Catholic family. My dad worked and my mom stayed home. So one income for all of those mouths and five boys, four of them were teenagers at the same time. So, I mean, I'm painting the picture, right? Okay. I mean, I don't remember a time when we felt that we didn't have enough, right? But I knew that we didn't have a lot, you know, and I knew that we had to be careful. And my mom is amazing. at what she was able to do with so little. I've learned so many hacks from her as far as how to save and how to ration and how to just like get the most out of everything. And also that kind of messes with your psyche a little bit, you know, when now as an adult, I really want to have this abundance mindset. And I can tell sometimes that that scarcity mindset that I grew up with and just because money was scarce, you know, still like creeps in as an adult. So it's interesting. Yeah.   Lisa: How do you see it creep into things you say in your business, ways you act in your business? How do you see it really showing up? Things you say?   Brea: Well, you know, the thing that's coming to mind is actually before I started my business, when I was a missionary for four years, I fundraised my entire income. And that was so crazy, going to people and asking them to give me their paycheck, basically, right? A part of their paycheck to pay me to do my work. Such a, such a strange, thing. And I remember it bothered me so much, hello communication, where words really matter, when people would say, oh, we just can't, or we don't have it, we don't have the money. And I just remember thinking, yes, you do. Everyone does. You just are choosing to spend it somewhere else, you know, and not in a not in a judgment way. Like, sorry if it came out that way, because that's not the intention of like, you should give it to me. Just didn't like. Yeah. Like we all have money. So. I think hearing other people tell me that ev

As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves in tShohe dual role of both boss and employee, and it can be challenging to navigate that dynamic. In our last episode, Lisa & I talked about being a bad boss to ourselves, so this time we’re flipping the script. We start by remembering how, as our own boss, we have the unique opportunity to create our ideal work environment and set our own priorities. So, how do we use that to our advantage? How can we be a good boss to ourselves? Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you set yourself up for success by becoming the best boss you can be! 🌟 Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo To work with Lisa, check out her resources for independent coaches, trainers, and speakers. Get business tools and strategy support with her Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways Prioritize Your Life Values: One of the most empowering aspects of being your own boss is the ability to set your own priorities and values. Unlike traditional employment, where your contributions and responsibilities are often dictated by someone else, as an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to define what success looks like for you. Make the time to reflect on your life priorities. Then, align your business goals accordingly. This clarity will not only guide your decisions, but also help you stay motivated and fulfilled. Honor Your Natural Rhythms: Recognize when you're at your best, and structure your work around those times. Whether that means scheduling meetings at times that suit your energy levels or allowing yourself breaks when needed (afternoon siesta, anyone?), being attuned to your own needs can lead to greater productivity and satisfaction. Remember, you have the flexibility to create a work environment that truly supports you! Celebrate Your Wins: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to acknowledge your achievements, big or small. But a good boss always recognizes effort, praises progress, and celebrates achievement. This boosts your morale and reinforces a positive mindset, making the entrepreneurial journey more enjoyable. So, give yourself a high five or a proverbial pat on the back. You deserve it! Set Clear Expectations: This is crucial. A good boss is kind, and clarity is kindness. Knowing what success looks like on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis helps you stay focused and motivated so you get the results you’re after. Practice Kind Self-Talk: The way you communicate with yourself matters. Approach your self-talk with curiosity and kindness, just as you would with a team member, to foster a supportive and encouraging environment for your growth. Would you talk to a friend or teammate the way you talk to yourself? If not, it’s time to make a change.   Take Action ●      Define Your Life Priorities: Set aside some time to identify and prioritize what matters most to you in your life and business. Reflect on how these priorities can shape your entrepreneurial journey. ●      Set Clear Expectations: Establish a ritual to clarify expectations for yourself on a daily basis. What does success look like for you? How will you get there? What do you need to be successful? ●      Honor Your Natural Rhythms: Pay attention to your body’s rhythms, including sleep cycles and energy levels. Track your rhythms to identify when you’re most energized and productive. Schedule your work and meetings accordingly. ●      Practice Positive Self-Talk: Be mindful of the conversations you have with yourself. Replace self-criticism with curiosity and kindness, treating yourself as you would a valued team member. Write affirmations for yourself. Speak them out, proud, loud, and often. ●      Celebrate Your Wins: How will you make it a habit to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small? Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly. Recognize the effort you put in and take time to appreciate your progress. 🎧 Listen to the full episode, then let us know your thoughts! How do you practice being a good boss to yourself? Share your experiences in the comments below! #LeadThroughStrengths #Entrepreneurship #SelfLeadership #Podcast #CelebrateWins   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa. Brea: I'm Brea. Lisa: And today we're talking about a thing that Brea was so born ready to do. Tell them, Brea. Brea: I am born to be a good boss to myself. Lisa: I think you are. You're way better. Brea: I wish I was. It was just a big fat lie and it didn't feel good coming out. Lisa: The lie detectors in the room can be like, nope, I could tell she was forcing that excitement. Brea: Oh, I want to be a good boss to myself. I'm trying to be a good boss to myself. It's hard. It's hard, which is why we're talking about this today. It's hard. Lisa: Yes. So in past episodes, we've covered being a bad boss to yourself. So today we'll cover being a good boss to yourself and what some things are we've experimented with in terms of strategy and just the successes. Like you look back over the time in business and you see, oh, well, here are some things that worked. So I'm happy to share a few things that have worked for me. There are a few ways I've been a good boss to myself. There are many ways I've been a bad boss to myself. But today's focus will be all about the good. Brea: Yeah. You know, after our last episode on being a bad boss to yourself, I was just like, I can't leave this here. We have this amazing opportunity as entrepreneurs to do it the way that we want to do it. you know, let's dream a little bit about if we had the best boss ever, who would we love to work for? What would that life look like for us? And can we be that for ourselves? Lisa: Yes. And you know, being the good boss to yourself, you just built one of the items in right in that statement. And this is an area where I think it's distinct from being an employee is you get to decide who are you going to be to yourself? What are you going to create for a company? What's your life going to be like? What are the roles going to be like? everything about it, you get to make it up. And it is a distinct difference in what life can be like as an entrepreneur. And you just have to grant yourself that permission. And I love how you said that, because you basically, you just gave item number one, how to be well, there you go. Brea: You know, if I was born to do something, it's to get things rolling. Lisa: Let's go. And to dream, you know, you're always the dreamer. So there you go. Dream up what you want your life to be like. Brea: Yes, you know, I love helping people find clarity. And so that's something that I really try to do for myself is I need clear expectations. So to me, those are two separate things, like having a vision, knowing where we're going and having clear expectations. They both obviously can go together and clear expectations are like every day, every hour, every minute, you know, however minute you want to get. making sure that there's clarity so you know what does success look like and have you got there. Lisa: Yeah, totally. I think that is one of the key items for me. If I were to say, what am I doing when I'm being a good boss to myself, it would be when I'm putting my life priorities first. And that is an area that's really different from when I was an employee, because there's really a value exchange going on when you're an employee, where they're paying you to add some value to the organization. And they're specifying what that value is much of the time. Whereas when you are being a good boss to yourself, you can say, what are my life priorities? Now, sometimes like early in the business, absolutely. My life priorities were getting this thing off the ground, building revenue. And it was like a real revenue priority. But some years it's creativity. Some years it's some dream I have. Some years it's a lifestyle thing, which is more like current state. And I think that's a really cool thing we can do. It's a way we can be a good boss to ourselves that is just really unlike any other opportunity. It's such a cool thing about owning your own business. Brea: It really is. Yes. Prioritizing, having that choice, and not just priorities, but really setting your own values. Like you said, your life values. How does that affect your business values? How do you bring your life values, personal values to your business in a really intentional way. I think that's such a fun experiment, especially as you're just beginning to kind of create, what does this business look like? That's pretty fun. Yeah. Lisa: Yeah. So as you were talking about honoring values, I was thinking of another one that's kind of like honoring your own body rhythms, honoring your sleep cycles, honoring some of these things that you can do. Now I feel like I'm just selling being an entrepreneur. This is you being a good boss to yourself. And it's also you being able to do things you might not be able to do when you're in the constraints of a company's working hours or teams and the time zones they might have around the world. But wow, to be able to say, hey, I'm a person who starts meetings at 11 o'clock in the afternoon. That would be something you can't usually walk into an employment situation and say, I begin meeting availability at 11, whereas we can totally do that. Brea: We can totally do that. Yes. I have a couple o

In today's episode, we dive into the juicy topic of being a "bad boss" to ourselves as entrepreneurs. Isn’t it funny how some of the very behaviors that made us decide to stop working for a bad boss, are often some of the same behaviors we do to ourselves. Things like overworking, neglecting self-care, not setting boundaries, working unreasonable hours, and more. Together, we explore how these bad boss behaviors can lead to burnout and resentment, So, if you’re ready to stop being a bad boss to yourself and start thriving in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement just for you! 🌟 Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo To work with Lisa, check out her resources for independent coaches, trainers, and speakers. Get business tools and strategy support with her Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: The Importance of BoundariesOne of the biggest traps we fall into as entrepreneurs is the lack of boundaries. Whether it's working unreasonable hours or failing to take time off, we often push ourselves to the limit. In the episode, we discuss how setting clear boundaries (like blocking off time for personal commitments or vacations) can actually enhance our productivity and well-being. Remember, it's not just about working hard, it's about working smart and honoring your own needs. Understanding Your ValueMany of us struggle with pricing our services appropriately, often undercharging out of fear that clients won't pay for what we offer. We emphasize the importance of recognizing your worth and understanding the market value of your skills. By doing your research and setting fair prices, you not only protect your profits but also prevent burnout and resentment. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth! The Power of CommunityNavigating the entrepreneurial landscape can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. We highlight the significance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Whether it’s through mentorship, networking, or joining groups like Tools for Coaches, having a network can provide you with insights, accountability, and encouragement. Sharing experiences and learning from others can help you avoid common pitfalls and thrive in your business. Take Action Set Boundaries for Work Hours: Establish clear boundaries around your work hours to prevent burnout. Consider blocking off specific times for work, personal activities, and rest to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Implement a PTO Policy: Schedule regular time off by blocking out vacation weeks in advance. Aim for at least one week per quarter to ensure you take breaks and recharge, even if you don’t have immediate plans. Time Block for Tasks: Create a structured schedule by time blocking for different types of work (e.g., emails, client calls, instructional design). This will help you manage your time effectively and ensure you allocate enough time for all necessary tasks. Evaluate Pricing Strategies: Reflect on your pricing model to ensure it reflects the value of your services. Research market rates and consider charging more for customized offerings to avoid burnout and resentment. Seek Community and Mentorship: Surround yourself with a supportive community or mentors who can provide guidance and share their experiences. Engage in discussions about challenges and solutions to avoid common pitfalls in entrepreneurship. 🎧If you're ready to stop being a bad boss to yourself and start building a business that aligns with your values and goals, tune in to this episode! Let’s embrace the journey together and create a fulfilling entrepreneurial experience. 💬We’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you ensure you’re being a good boss to yourself? Share your experiences in the comments below! #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Leadership #Boundaries #Community #ValueYourself   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: Hi, I'm Lisa.   Brea: I’m Brea   Lisa: And today, oh, this song is on my mind. Do you remember that song? Where it says buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh buh. Yeah.   Brea: Yes, of course I do. And you did that so well. Do it again.   Lisa: Well, that was me for a lot of years of my coaching, training, speaking business being a bad to the bone, a bad boss to yourself. I am so guilty or was so guilty.   Brea: A bad boss to yourself. Yes. Okay. This is juicy. You know, I love a juicy topic. This is a juicy one.   Lisa: Yeah. Well, let's talk about what brings us into wanting to be entrepreneurs and then how, well, for me, I know I have the stories to tell and the lessons to tell about the things that were turning it into bad boss. So if I start off and say, I didn't have bad bosses in corporate. I had great bosses, great leaders. I had a really good experience. So I didn't have the reference point of saying, I don't want to be this terrible person. And so that's why I'm leaving. I wasn't running from that. I was running toward this dream. Oh, now I've got a Tom Petty song in my head. Running down a dream. OK, no, let's stop. I've got too many songs.   Brea: Chili's, baby, baby, baby back ribs. That's what I have in my head. Now you've got to turn it into bad, bad, bad boss.   Lisa: That's so fun. Anyway, yeah, I was totally running down that dream. It was like freedom. I would see other people doing it and I would think, this is so cool. I could take the work that I'm paying vendors to do. I just saw this vision, like if I could be that vendor, I could have this amazing life doing exactly the work that I love. It will be so inspirational and soul-filling because the work is really cool. I'll have total freedom and flexibility with my time. I can work fewer hours. I think it's going to just be so amazing. So I really set up this dream life vision and then quickly out of fear, now that I have a rear view mirror, I worked myself into not that dream because I was so unreasonable as a boss to myself. So I was a total bad boss to myself. What about you? What attracted you to do your own thing?   Brea: Yeah. A huge part of my story was, I'm not going to say I had bad bosses, but I am going to say There are a lot of people who are elevated into leadership positions because they were really great at their job. at the lower level, you know, for example, maybe they were just a killer salesman. And now all of a sudden, they're a manager of people. And that's not even the same job. And I think we've actually talked about that on the podcast before, and how just bogus that is that we're expecting, you know, great leaders to emerge from people who were showing excellence in something else. And so I have worked for and with people who were not given any training or any support to be a leader and didn't know how to handle me. And I'm a lot. And I think maybe those who are listening with a lot of strong, influencing themes like me, I'm not the cookie cutter, let's do it like it's always been done. Just close your mouth and do the work. I can't work like that. I bring new ideas and question everything. And leaders didn't know what to do with that. And so I really did get into this business, especially strengths to help be a solution, to help leaders learn how to lead the people they have. instead of just trying to put everybody into the same little mold. So a different starting place, but yeah, great conversation. I'm excited to dive in. Okay, nice.   Lisa: And you made me think that our thread is so tied together in that it's like when people get promoted into their incompetence. When I left and went out on my own and didn't know how to be an entrepreneur, I had business acumen. I was promoted into incompetence as far as being able to manage myself and my time and create, run, grow a business. I didn't really get all of it so I had some areas of high incompetence and that's why I was a bad boss to myself.   Brea: Yeah, and maybe this is where we start is, you know, there are very, very few people out there who can do all the things with excellence. We've talked about that a little bit in our BP10 episode, you know, how there are certain talents and certain skills that every business owner needs, and no one person has them all.   Lisa: Yeah, well, let me give a real-life tale of being a bad boss to myself under one category, which would be just unreasonable work hours. And one version of that is I had this business strategy. I worked to work with Fortune 500 talent development teams, leadership development teams. That was all great. Got that. So then, I have clients who have people all over the world, and they want to do sessions and workshops, usually virtual, because that was my specialty, and they would want to break up a session, and we would do them basically on the same day, and here's how it would work. I would have a 9 a.m. session, and that would be with Americas and EMEA, so if you're not from corporate or a place where they do these abbreviations, EMEA is Europe, Middle East, Africa, And then I would do a 9 p.m. session with India, APJ, APJ is Asia Pacific, Japan. So I would be up, prepared, showered, ready to go, sound check, so pretty early days, starting with the 9 a.m. Then I would deliver at 9 p.m., depending on time changes, sometimes it was 10 or 11, or depending on the client. could be a 10 or 11 p.m. start. So I would be finishing up as late as

In today's episode, we dive deep into a topic that many coaches struggle with: finding clients. If prospecting makes you want to run and hide…don’t worry. We’ve got you! Listen in as we share some strategies that have worked for us, so you can make them work for you. Plus, we sprinkle in some creative ideas on how to make yourself visible and approachable in everyday situations. You know, just because we’re fun like that. If you’re ready to transform your prospecting game, and maybe even have a little fun along the way, this episode is just for you! 🌟 Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo To work with Lisa, check out her resources for independent coaches, trainers, and speakers. Get business tools and strategy support with her Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways ●      Throw Away the Rule Book 📚 Contrary to what all the marketing gurus out there will tell you, there is no one-size-fits-all approach! Instead, focus on leveraging your unique strengths. Whether it's through storytelling, networking, or email marketing, find what resonates with you and use it to connect with potential clients. Remember, authenticity is key! ●      Know how to answer the question, “What do you do?” When someone asks, they’re standing at the front door of your business. If you don’t have a compelling answer, they will turn around and leave. Tailor your response to spark their interest, and they’ll likely ask to come inside. ●      Referrals are the lifeblood of your business. Move beyond the awkward, “It was nice working with you. If you ever know anyone else who might be interested, please send them my way.” Instead, request referrals with confidence, intention, and gratitude. Build intentional relationships to create a network of mutual referrals that benefits everyone involved. ●      Visibility is Vital 👀 If going out to find clients feels intimidating, get them to come to you instead! Find creative ways to make yourself visible and approachable in everyday situations, like bringing a relevant book to a coffee shop or wearing a name tag while working at a co-working space. These small actions can invite conversations and opportunities. ●      Follow Up with Existing Clients: Don’t overlook your current and past clients. Regularly check in with them and ask for referrals or feedback, as they are often the best source for new business opportunities.   Take Action ●      Identify and utilize your unique strengths in your prospecting efforts. Focus on what feels authentic to you rather than blindly following conventional methods. Authenticity wins every time! ●      Craft Your One-Liner: Develop a compelling answer to the question, "What do you do?" that resonates with your target audience. Ask Brea to share her simple 3-sentence framework that works every time. ●      Leverage Referral Partners 🤝Make a list of other professionals who serve your target audience in different ways. Invite them to be an intentional referral partner for you (and you for them!). By collaborating with these partners, you can create a network that mutually benefits everyone involved. ●      Utilize Email Marketing: Start or enhance your email marketing strategy to gather and nurture leads. Create valuable content that keeps your audience engaged and positions you as a go-to resource in your field. ●      Engage Current Clients for Referrals and Continuing Business: Regularly ask your existing clients for referrals by directly inquiring, "Who do you know that might benefit from my services?" Use feedback forms to gauge interest in additional services or coaching opportunities. Here are 20 Things to Try, as a Numbered List 1.     Be ready with a clear answer when someone asks, “What do you do?” 2.     Create a network of referral partners in adjacent businesses. 3.     Co-host an event to share audiences with another service provider. 4.     Participate in adjacent groups, like trade associations (your audience), and be of service. 5.     Be a toll booth in a customer’s existing flow. This is a way to get inbound leads because you are contributing in spaces where they are hanging out. 6.     Create a nurture sequence in your email system. Keep in touch over the long term, and they will likely hit reply to offer gigs. 7.     Use your strengths to decide which prospecting channel will feel most natural to you. 8.     Bring “the book” to your coffee shop or hangout space (one you wrote, or one that is easy for them to comment on). Leave it on the table and use it as a conversation generator. 9.     Wear a fun name tag to be extra approachable. 10.  Host a podcast and sponsor yourself. 11.  Write about a single topic all over the place – blog, guest author, a book, social – get known for a specific thing so people come to you. 12.  Use email marketing. Unlike social media, where a small % of your followers see your content, with email marketing, you reach 100% of your list with no gatekeepers. 13.  Run ads. Nail your messaging first so that you’re not bleeding out cash. 14.  Expand business with an existing customer by building in a Yes/No checkbox on the feedback form to ask if they’re interested in following up with coaching. 15.  Expand business with an existing customer by booking a “Keep Momentum” call after your event. Give them DIY ideas, and also offer ongoing services. 16.  Be findable when someone searches for answers to the problem you solve, which means having at least a few pieces of clear content. This could be working on Search Engine Optimization to be found in online searches. It could also be on podcasts or YouTube, which also get used like a search engine. 17.  Pick one primary marketing channel and go all in. 18.  Directly ask for referrals. Using questions like “who else might need work like this on their team?” is a great way to get intros right after a client engagement. 19.  Plug into a community of your target market. Contribute genuinely, and the relationships will naturally create business and referrals. 20.  Use video. Trust is more important than ever. Being visible on video can help people know more quickly that they want your service. 🎧 If you're a coach looking to grow your client base, this episode is packed with actionable insights and creative ideas. Tune in now and let us know your thoughts! #Coaching #ClientAcquisition #Podcast #Networking #ReferralPartners #Visibility #StrengthsBasedApproach Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today we are talking about, y'all, Brea is in love. Did you ever think we would have a show about Brea being in love? What are you in love with, Brea?   Brea: I love prospecting.   Lisa: They didn't see it coming.   Brea: I know. I was trying to think of something funny that was unexpected, but I wasn't expecting to do that. And then I just was like, I just love it. I love it so much. Helping people find clients, finding my own clients, reaching out and helping people, giving them a solution. Finding people, I just, I love it. I love it so much.   Lisa: You hear her excitement. She's in love with prospecting. How fun is that? So yeah, today we're going to talk about 10 ways to find clients as a coach. Hey, awesome. Let's go. Well, you're enamored. You're in love. So we're going to start with you. Give us a way to find clients as a coach.   Brea: Well, I think the first thing to do is to throw away the rule book. whatever the people have told you that you should be doing, or you have to do this if you're gonna find clients as a coach. No, there is no right way. We know from our strengths work that the only right way is to use your strengths. So do that. If you want to use social media and funnels and aggressive marketing campaigns and all the things that they say, whoever they are, say that you should do that, that's fine. And also use your strengths. So for me, communication, number one, telling the story, right? Sharing testimonials, telling the transformation, not in a salesy way, but just in a like, I love my job kind of way. You know, when you meet someone on the street, when you're sitting in the salon chair, when someone says, Hey, what do you do? Don't give them the wah, wah, wah. This is what I do. Tell them the story, right, if you lead with communication. So, woo, you know, look for opportunities to approach new people or sign up for networking events or figure out ways to use your strengths. to interact and engage with people.   Lisa: Yes. One of mine was pretty similar, so I'll just jump on to kind of piggyback that. And the way that I thought of it was, have an answer that you love to the question, what do you do? Because that question comes up in life so often. So I always think about the person I'm talking to. So if I'm in a room full of software engineers and my answer is, I help burned out software engineers love their work again, like I'm being really specific to that person where they're like, oh, I'm burned out. So whether in the story, I just love your perspective because you're pulling people in like, oh my gosh, I know someone who needs you.   Brea: So that's right. That's right. Yeah, and you're reminding me we have another episode, I don't remember what it's called off the top of my head, but where we talk about that one-liner. And so if that's something that you listeners want to do, go back and listen to that to maybe spark some creativit

In this episode, Lisa and Brea explore the phenomenon of low ticket offers and how they can be a game-changer for your business. While high ticket items often steal the spotlight, we believe that low ticket offers have their own unique magic that can help you build relationships and grow your business. Plus, we have a special invitation for you! Make sure to listen to the end for an exciting new opportunity to connect with other listeners, ask questions, and get support as you implement what you learn. Let’s unlock the potential of low ticket offers together! Work With Us to Decide on Your Low Ticket Offer BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo To work with Lisa, check out her resources for independent coaches, trainers, and speakers. Get business tools and strategy support with her Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways on Using Low Ticket Offers In an Independent Coaching Practice   The power of the no-brainer factor. Low ticket is a strategy for creating offers that your audience can’t resist, making it easy for them to say "yes!" ●      Transform Browsers into Buyers: By offering low ticket items, you can convert freebie seekers into paying customers. This shift not only establishes a business relationship but also increases the likelihood of repeat purchases in the future. ●      Creative low ticket ideas: Steal some of Lisa & Brea’s favorite low ticket offerings that you can implement in your coaching practice. ●      Leverage Existing Content: Coaches can create low ticket offers from existing materials, such as recorded webinars, activity guides, or coaching templates. This allows you to monetize content you’ve already developed, making it easier to generate income. ●      Build Trust and Value: Low ticket offers can help establish trust with your audience. When clients see the value in your lower-priced products, they are more likely to invest in higher-ticket items down the line, creating a sustainable business model.   Take Action to Build a Low Ticket Offer Strategy ●      Define Your Low Ticket Offer: Determine what your low ticket offer will be. Remember to make it a “no-brainer” for potential customers. ●      Repackage an Existing Asset: Look through your existing materials (like recorded webinars, handouts, or coaching questions) and package them into a low ticket offer. Aim to create something that provides value and can be easily sold, such as a workbook or an activity guide. ●      Ask For the Sale: After you create a clear offer, it’s time to communicate it to your audience. Remember, people who have bought from you before are more likely to buy again. ●      Automate Your Sales: Consider exploring ways to automate the sales of your low ticket offers, such as through email marketing or online sales platforms, to generate income while you focus on other aspects of your business. 🎧 Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your existing offerings, this episode is packed with actionable insights that you can implement right away. Let’s unlock the potential of low ticket offers together!   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today we're talking about a wallet phenomenon. It is all about low ticket offers and how they can help your coaching practice.   Brea: Ooh, I love a low ticket offer. Come on.   Lisa: Yes. Come on.   Brea: I'm here for this. Yeah. All this talk. I hear so many people like, oh, here's how you have the highest ticket.   Lisa: Most high end product. That's all cool. If you can sell $100,000 product. Cool. I love you for it. It is amazing. I have sold six figure product. things as well, or services rather, but low ticket is its own phenomenon. It has its own magic. I personally love having low ticket in the portfolio of a coaching business.   Brea: Amen. Yes. I mean, that's how I launched my business was a hundred people, a hundred dollars, a hundred people in 60 days that I was able to coach. And that was the foundation for an eight plus year business, you know, so.   Lisa: Yeah. OK, so let's just do dollar definitions and then we can do a little bit of a greater definition. But if you say low ticket, what is a dollar amount of a we're talking U.S. dollars if you want to do a conversion from another currency. But what is approximately a low ticket offer in your world?   Brea: In my mind, I think $100 or less is a no-brainer. When I think of low ticket, I think, what is something that you could put out there and almost every single person, nine out of 10 people, could say yes without having to think about it, without having to ask for permission from someone, without having to get special funds. Just $100, sure, I'll try it.   Lisa: I would say something very similar but in my mind it's all about the no-brainer factor like I like to get in a $25 or under zone because I want it to be true no-brainer like literally they just go oh I will, yeah, sign me up. I'm not even going to think about it.   Brea: I would be an idiot if I didn't say yes.   Lisa: Yes, yes. So personally, I like the person, not the value of the offer, because I do think it is cool in a low ticket offer. If you could say, here's a Lamborghini product, but you're going to pay a Camaro price. If they can get that vibe on the value difference, then of course, they're going to be like, oh yeah, I'll put my $100 in. But that idea of offering something that has way higher value is super cool. But I like that. Yeah, that very low ticket is for me and the strategy that I have behind low ticket. I like it to be very low.   Brea: Yeah. And you know, this, gosh, this conversation could go so many different ways. Like, you know, a $9.99 offer, a $10 offer could be an upsell, right? If they're buying something online and then it's like, oh, here's another $10 thing. Do you want to just add that on to the course you bought or, you know, the coaching package or whatever? That's one kind of low-ticket offer where it's coming at the end of the purchase. I think when I think of low-ticket offers, most often I think of something that's coming at the very beginning of that customer journey to bring them into your sphere and start working with them in a small way. Kind of like you dip your toe in the pool before you jump in just to get acquainted. That's not so much of a shock. That's, I think, a great use of low ticket offers as well.   Lisa: I am absolutely with you. I think the biggest magic you can get out of it is on the front end. So I have two favorite things. One, I have, as an example that is concrete, I have $10 activity guides someone can download and they don't have to be a trainer type. They don't have to have any special training. and it allows them to run a mini team building kind of conversation with their team. So those conversation guides slash activity guides, 10 bucks. I mean, it's one of those things like I love that for those who can't afford the bigger service right now. But you know, they'll stay in touch with you. And later, they might become your deeper clients in that way. But one of my favorite ways is totally a different strategy. It is when someone signs up for your list. It's like, Hey, you just downloaded this thing, this, this freebie on conflict. If you click here, you can also grab for $10 this more robust version where I can walk you through being able to lead a conversation like this with your team. I think that is such a cool way and I have so many reasons for it because it's easy to spend the money. You're converting a prospective customer into a legitimate customer. Now they're not just lurking around. Now they're not just looking at freebies. They are now a customer and people who have already purchased from you are so much more likely to stay in touch with you and purchase again. And I think probably the more important thing, you're establishing a business relationship with this person. And I hear people all the time say, well, I have all these people and they're just around for the free content. I have the tire kickers, I have the freebie seekers, but I don't have people who transact. Well, I think that if you put out so much free content everywhere all the time, it's great. And that is a good thing for being able to have brand awareness and establish relationships. But think of it, it's kind of like they view you like a charity. And you have a business and you have to make offers to not go out of business.   Brea: That's right.   Lisa: So this changes the relationship. So some things are free content, some things are for sale, and it normalizes a relationship that you have offers and you have a business, not that you are only a charity where they come to get only free. And I think that dynamic in the relationship, and listen, we're talking about the shift happening over $10, but it totally changes the mentality in the relationship, and I think in such a good way.   Brea: A huge way. You know, this is so key. As you're sharing, I was just thinking about all of the conversations that I've had. with other coaches or other business owners who say the exact same thing. I'm putting out all this content, I'm showing up on socials and no one is buying. And so I just ask, well, have you asked them? You know, have you asked them to buy? And they're like, wait, what do you mean? And I'm like, have you put out an offer? Have you actually said like, here's something and this is what it cos

Lumpy cash flow. Unpredictable income. Feast or famine.   If you own your own coaching business, you’ve probably ridden the revenue rollercoaster a time or two. Scary for some, and exciting for others. Either way, this episode is for you! Join us as we explore strategies to smooth out the lumps and create stability in your cash flow, OR learn how to lean into the dips and curves so you can, dare we say, enjoy the bumpy ride! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways ●      Embrace the Lumps: It's completely normal to experience fluctuations in your income. These ups and downs are part of the entrepreneurial journey, and don’t reflect your worth as a business owner. Instead of feeling like something is wrong, let's recognize this is a natural part of running a business. By accepting the lumps, we can better prepare for them, and even leverage them to our advantage. ●      Create Predictable Revenue Streams: Finding ways to smooth out the revenue can help alleviate the stress of unpredictable cash flow. Consider strategies like offering retainers, group coaching, or digital products to establish a more stable revenue base. This can help smooth out the highs and lows of your cash flow. ●      Nurture Relationships: Stay in touch with past clients, even if you're not actively selling to them. Simple gestures like sending a handwritten note or a small gift can keep you top of mind for future opportunities. ●      Align with Your Strengths: Build your business around what you enjoy and excel at. When your offerings align with your passions, it becomes easier to sell and maintain enthusiasm for your work.   Take Action ●      Identify Revenue Patterns: Look for seasonal trends in your business. Recognize the months or periods that tend to be busier or slower, and plan your strategies accordingly. ●      Create Consistent Income Streams: Explore options for establishing a steady base of income, such as offering retainer agreements, creating group coaching programs, or developing digital products that can be sold repeatedly. ●      Nurture Past Client Relationships: Implement a system to stay in touch with past clients, whether through email marketing, or more personal outreach. This can help keep you top of mind for future opportunities. ●      Leverage Your Strengths: Align your business strategies with your personal strengths and preferences. Focus on what energizes you to make selling easier and more enjoyable. ●      Prepare for Lumpy Revenue: If you're considering transitioning from a corporate job to full-time entrepreneurship, assess your appetite for lumpy revenue. Create a financial plan that includes a savings runway or a solid customer base to mitigate the stress of unpredictable income. 🎧 If you're navigating the challenges of lumpy revenue or just looking for some inspiration, I encourage you to listen to this episode! Let's embrace the journey together and find ways to smooth out those lumps. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #LumpyRevenue #Networking #Coaching #SmallBusiness   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today we're talking about my humps, my hump, my hump, my hump, my lovely income lumps. Check it out. Priya, do you know what I'm referencing there?   Brea: I do. Is it Black Eyed Peas or is it just a Fergie thing or am I totally off?   Lisa: It's one of the two. I mean, it is Fergie's voice, whether it was Black Eyed Peas or Fergie solo, I'm not sure. You nailed it. If it's music, you know I've got a little bit of it. If you talk movies, forget it. I've got songs floating in my head all day, every day. So there you go. Yes.   Brea: So our lovely revenue lumps.   Lisa: Revenue lumps. We're talking about lumpy revenue, lumpy income, lumpy cash flow, lumpy demand. Some people even call these lumpy businesses. We're talking about these solo practices that many of us have, or small practices that are coaching, training, workshops, and they don't have predictable, steady, stable income, and it is the bane of the existence of many coaches. It freaks people out. They talk feast or famine. They don't know if it's normal. And they also want strategies for it. So, yeah, let's talk. I know you're going to want to define what we're talking about, Brea. So take us down the definition trail and then let's jump in.   Brea: I mean, honestly, you did such a great job. You used feast or famine. I think that's a great, like, that clues us into what we're talking about. It's unpredictable. You know, this is unpredictable cash flow. Maybe another term would be seasonal. This is often seasonal business. And I think This is something that we can all relate to because a lot of the work that we do as entrepreneurs, as consultants, as you know, whatever it is that you're doing, a lot of it is project-based, right? So obviously that's not a consistent cash flow.   There's a beginning and an end to that. And because we're selling into other markets that have slower sales cycles. In a previous episode, we talked about selling to corporate. That's maybe a longer, slower sales cycle than some other cycles. But there are cycles, there are seasons, there are longer lead times and shorter lead times.   There's such a reliance on other people, on referrals, on things that are outside of our control that lead to this kind of lumpy, bumpy life. So today I would love to talk about what are the lumps and bumps that we're experiencing because, first of all, I don't think we talk about it enough. People just feel like there's something wrong with them, you know, if they're not perfectly consistent and that's not true. So let's just call it what it is and say it's actually normal to experience this rollercoaster of revenue.   Lisa: Oh, rollercoaster revenue, there's another good one.   Brea: Yeah, and maybe can we talk about how to create some predictable, consistent revenue streams that make the highs and the lows, the peaks and the valleys a little bit more tolerable, right? I'm just laughing.   Lisa: It used to be on the inside, but it came out. I was trying to think of the name of that shapewear that people wear under their pants to smooth out the lumps. What is that called? The Spanx. We are coming up with Spanx for revenue.   Brea: Hey, I love it. I love it.   Lisa: Yes. And then, okay, you also, I wanted to just call out that this topic came up because you and I were talking And you were like, I don't know what's going on, but are you seeing this trend? There's a mega activity right now. And you were talking about the good, you know, the lumps, the ups, the good part. And I was laughing because I had just been on a call where people were like, have you seen this trend? There's such a retraction.   Everyone is freaking out and, you know, killing their budgets. And that is such a truth. in the peer groups that I've been in over a decade of doing this work, you get one person who is on a high and they are on a roll.   Then the next person is thinking the world is ending and we tend to assign our personal truths like that's what's going on for everyone and in every time, every time this goes on, you can look around and you can find examples of someone who's on the upper hump and somebody's on the lower hump.   Brea: Yes, and we need each other so much. That's why these communities are so important. Hopefully this podcast is helping to fill that need to recognize that when I'm down, someone else can lift me up or I can be so excited that someone else is having a good day, even if I'm not.   Then I can offer that energy when I'm on a high to someone else who might be on a low. And if we're both on a high, then we're sharing in that. And if we're both at a low, then we're sharing in that. So true.   Lisa: Mm-hmm. OK. Well, should we get right into smoothing the lumps? Or is there more to talk about before ideas and business models and strategies for getting some predictability?   Brea: Yeah, I want to talk about smoothing the lumps. I think Spanx for revenue is a very cool topic. And also, I kind of want to normalize the lumps. As a business owner, I don't mind the lumps. And I think part of that might be looking back and seeing, are there some patterns? Do I see that there are some seasons that are really high, some seasons that are slower?   Can you find those patterns? And if you can, let's just, let's, let's just call it what it is, you know, and then lean into the highs and, and figure out some strategies to make sure you're, you're covered during the lows. It's okay to be lumpy and bumpy, is what I think I'm trying to say. And accepted. Yeah. I remember in 2023, I was expecting about three months of, I knew it was just going to be slower, where I'm not traveling as much, is what I mean by that.   The work that I was doing was pretty much all virtual at the time. And I was like, you know what, I'm gonna go home to Kansas City and I'm gonna be near my family. I've got five nieces who I just love to pieces and why not go be near them for little things like baking cookies, going to pumpkin patches and showing up for

What do math dreaming, crowdfunding, and Sunday night heart palpitations all have in common? You’ll have to tune in to find out! 😀   Join us for some real talk about the common fears and hesitations many aspiring coaches face when starting their business, like feeling unprepared or overwhelmed by the need for a perfect plan. But fear not! You’ll be encouraged to embrace the messiness of starting out, and reminded that it’s okay to pivot and change your business model as you grow.   So, whether you're in the dreaming phase or already knee-deep in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and a few laughs to help you navigate your own path. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of starting a coaching practice. Let’s celebrate the beauty of building a business that aligns with who you are! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways ●      Embrace the journey: Every entrepreneur has their own unique path to success. And it doesn’t happen overnight. Whether you stumble into it or plan meticulously, what matters is that you keep showing up. ●      Use your strengths: Instead of following what others say you should do, focus on what feels authentic and enjoyable for you. ●      Don’t fear imperfection: It’s okay to experiment, pivot, and change your business model as you learn what works best for you. ●      Community is key: Finding a supportive community can help you build belief in your abilities and access resources to navigate challenges. ●      Assess and Adapt: Regularly step out to evaluate your business. What’s working? What’s not? This reflection can help you make informed decisions about your business direction so you can grow with intention and maximize your impact. ●      Do it scared: Sometimes, the best opportunities arise when we least expect them. If you're feeling stuck or hesitant, remember that action often leads to clarity. 🎧 Tune in to the full episode to hear more about our personal stories, the challenges we faced, and the lessons we've learned along the way. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, there's something in this episode for everyone! I’d love to hear your thoughts on these takeaways and your own coaching origin stories. Share your experiences in the comments or connect with me on LinkedIn! Let’s keep the conversation going! #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #Strengths #Community #Podcast   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: Hi, I'm Lisa. And I'm Brea. And in today's episode, we're going to talk about Sunday night heart palpitations. Oh my gosh.   Brea: Wait, what happened on Sunday?   Lisa: I mean, actually, we're talking about starting a coaching business. That is part of my origin story. Instead of it being from starting a coaching business, it led me to start a business. But I just thought that was Yeah. Just a little teaser.   Brea: Yes. Like you were not looking forward to Monday. So you were getting stressed out.   Lisa: Well, you would think. But I would literally have this every single week in the job that I was in. And I loved my team and the CFO that I reported to. Like, it was just super cool on so many levels. And the role was a bad fit for me. And I literally had severe palpitations every Sunday night. And I would just I would sit on the couch and I would do breathing exercises. And you would think that I would, being such a health nut, that I would care about my cardiovascular health or otherwise. But it took a moment where my husband was actually in the room with me and he said, what was that? Because I had this hitch in my breath where I was like, and just trying to kind of breathe through the, the, the janky body systems. What was that? And I was like, sending out heart palpitations and he was like, uh, you need to quit. And he was like, you need to quit now. That is severe. And, and I was like, wait, are you serious? And he said, yeah. And I'm like, oh, um, that sounds really exciting, but I haven't planned anything. I don't know what I would do after this. And I am mega planner. I would totally have written it up differently, but I thought that would actually be a good part of this story because I didn't do it at all the way I would do it if I planned and I worked my regular system. But it was a time where a little intervention was called for and it took someone else noticing how bad it was for me to do the wake up.   Brea: Wow. Okay. I like this. I mean, it's just so good to hear what other people have gone through. And I know that there are other people that are listening that have had a similar palpitation or a similar hesitation of just, I've thought about going for it, but I just, I don't have all my ducks in the row. I, I'm not quite there yet, you know, and very different experience on my end, but also similar in the way of, If I knew then what I know now, I probably definitely would not have done it the way that I did it. No preparation, you know, I mean, really, it was bootstrapped from ground zero. So similarities and differences in our story. Yeah, this is exciting. Okay.   Lisa: I think this is a fun conversation for listeners because just like you said, some people are in the midst of the heart palpitations. Some people have been wanting to leave for 10 years, but they can't figure out like what it actually means. How do you know when your ducks are in a row? And some people are busy kind of filling their minds with this. But hey, like I've met people who had a pension and then they retired and they had money coming in forever. And they could use that to fund the business and not be scared. Or you must have had a buku bucks saved up, ready to go. And that made you confident. And I don't have the advantages that other people have. And the truth is, for a lot of us, it just takes courage, I would totally be the person who had preferred a plan. I would have done it absolutely differently. I would have spent a year or two figuring all those things out up front, because that would feel great to me. But it's not how it turned out that night, the heart palpitation night. We actually stayed up really late, which is odd for me. I'm like a be in bed by 10 o'clock kind of person. And it was one of those, like, stay up until 1 a.m. talking about all the things, like, what if I don't sell anything? Am I going to make us lose the house? What is the repercussion if I'm terrible at this? What if it all goes wrong? When it came down to it, after fast forward through like four hours of what's the worst that could happen, my answer was, if I lose it all, we'll go live in an RV. We're going to be camp hosts at some beautiful state park and life's going to be fine. And that never came true. But it did give me it gave me the confidence to to be like, all right, I'm not going to suffer and starve literally.   Brea: Yeah, that's so interesting, because that conversation would have sent me running for the hills. I would have been scared out of my mind and never would have jumped. But for me, I didn't have the luxury of even asking myself those questions. I accidentally fell into being a business owner. And that's the honest to God truth, I never set out to like open my own business. I had an unfortunate series of just a lot of instability in different jobs. And at one point a contract was ending and I was just like, what am I going to do next? And strengths had always been something that I was very passionate about. I've used strengths in different jobs, different companies, different capacities on my own, but never really explored being a coach or doing that as a career, let alone owning my own business and doing that full time. That was never a part of my thought process until There was no next step. And it just so happened that the very next week after my contract ended was the certification course to become a strengths coach in Omaha. I was living in Omaha at the time. I walked out of one job and into the certification course and I was like, I know this is my next step. How was I gonna use that? I have no idea, but I'm gonna do it. How am I gonna pay for that? I have no idea. I've been a missionary for four years. I'm not making a lot of money. I don't have a lot in savings. So do you know what I did? I crowdfunded $10,000 to pay for my certification. And I went into my certification course with 100 paying clients, people who paid in exchange for coaching. So think of it like a pre-sell. They were on the books. I came out of that certification and I coached a hundred people in less than 60 days. And they were all different kinds of people. Stay at home moms, students, couples, professionals, people who were in job transition, people who were in the C-suite, people who were business owners, people who were individual contributors. I mean, I got so much experience right out of the gate and built the business just because I could, you know, one step at a time.   Lisa: Yeah, and in the what went well column, I am hearing this brilliant thing that happened out of your creativity. And desperation, okay. Which does create a lot of

Selling to corporate clients can be exciting, and sometimes daunting. And everyone wants to know…what’s the secret sauce? From the thrill of landing big contracts to the unexpected surprises that come with corporate red tape, we cover it all. You’ll hear about the challenges of finding the right decision-makers, the complexities of procurement processes, and the importance of pricing your services appropriately to account for those hidden costs. We also discuss the potential rewards of working with corporate clients, like the opportunity for repeat business and the chance to make a significant impact on a large scale. Plus, we share tips on how to leverage your unique strengths and experiences to connect with corporate teams effectively. So, if you're considering selling to corporate clients or just want to learn more about what it takes, this episode is packed with valuable insights and a few laughs along the way! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways Here are three key takeaways that stood out during our conversation: ●      The 5 “P”s of Selling to Corporate: Selling to corporate clients can be a different ballgame compared to smaller businesses. We discussed five specific challenges, including prospecting, people, processes, paperwork, and pricing. From finding the right person to talk to, to the often lengthy procurement processes that can feel overwhelming…it's crucial to be prepared for the red tape and to understand the internal dynamics of the organizations you're targeting. Knowing who has the decision-making power and how to navigate the paperwork can make all the difference in your success. ●      Financial Surprises: One of the biggest surprises for many new to the corporate world is the financial aspect. From insurance requirements to payment terms that can stretch out for 90 days or more, it's essential to factor these into your pricing strategy. We emphasized the importance of pricing your services in a way that accounts for these unexpected costs and delays, ensuring that you remain profitable while building strong relationships with your clients. ●      The Ripple Effect of Corporate Work: Despite the challenges, working with corporate clients offers incredible potential for impact. The ability to reach a large number of employees and make a difference in their work lives is a powerful motivator. We shared personal experiences of how corporate engagements can lead to repeat business and even opportunities for global travel, enriching both your professional and personal life.   Take Action ●      Research Corporate Client Needs: Take the time to understand the specific needs and expectations of corporate clients in your industry. This includes familiarizing yourself with common processes, procurement requirements, and potential red tape. ●      Prepare for Financial Surprises: Account for unexpected costs such as insurance policies, software fees, and extended payment cycles when pricing your services. Ensure your pricing reflects these potential surprises to maintain profitability. ●      Identify Key Decision-Makers: Develop a strategy for finding and connecting with the right people within corporate organizations. Understand the hierarchy and decision-making processes to streamline your sales efforts. ●      Leverage Existing Networks: Utilize your current connections and past experiences to identify potential corporate clients. Attend networking events and engage with local businesses to expand your reach. ●      Stay Adaptable and Open-Minded: Be prepared for changes in corporate structures, such as turnover in key positions, which can affect ongoing contracts. Maintain flexibility in your approach and be ready to pivot as needed.   If you're looking to expand your business into the corporate sector or simply want to learn more about the nuances of this market, this episode is a must-listen!   🎧 Tune in now and let us know your thoughts! What benefits and challenges have you faced in selling to corporate clients? Share your experiences in the comments below!   #Podcast #CorporateClients #Coaching #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #LeadThroughStrengths Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today's episode is all about selling to corporate clients. Whether we're talking about coaching, speaking, training, workshops, facilitation, all of those kind of services in a corporate marketplace. Brea, this one I'm like, oh, I'm totally comfortable. This is my jam. Corporate is my bag.   Brea: And I'm just here with my paper and my pen ready to take notes and learn from the master, you know? This is so juicy. This is so good.   Lisa: is like, that isn't the market I'm focused on. Okay. But I think you bring really great stuff because I know you do have corporate clients and I know we've talked about them over the years and it will do a lot for our listeners just to be able to hear from two perspectives, somebody who's absolutely focused on corporate and somebody who isn’t.   And then what the experience is when we're in that process of talking to a prospective customer, what the surprises are, what the road bumps are. I think it's really important to have this conversation. For one point alone, if I could share some experiences where people can see the financial surprises.   Like you get the gig and then they're like, oh, we need to see your insurance policy with the $3 million limits. Oh, we need you to pay $13 a month for your software to get paid because that's what happens with our procurement software. Oh, it's going to take 14 hours to get through the procurement paperwork.   Those things aren't built into people's prices because they have no idea they're going to run into those on the other side. So that part of the surprise makes this whole conversation worth it.   Brea: Yeah. In case people don't know, my background is not in corporate. It never has been until I started my own coaching and consulting business and wanted to start selling to corporate clients. But I personally don't have any background there. And so at first I was like, oh my gosh, corporate, you know, big starry eyes emoji because you're looking for what I'm selling.    So it's just going to be so easy to sell. And then I was just like, I just don't love this process of trying to sell into corporate. And even I think delivering to corporate clients has been a very different experience versus delivering to a smaller business or a smaller nonprofit. So I'm excited to dive in.   Lisa: Not just selling, even the delivery. Oh my gosh. Can we start on the positive? What gives the starry eyed emoji? I can't say the word emoji today. That's funny. What's exciting about it? Like, why do we even try if there is going to be a lot of red tape? Why go through the red tape?   Brea: Yeah, well, for me, it seems like two things. Financial, right? They have budgets, their budgets are big, and they're looking for the services that we're offering. So it's not a heart of a cell, you know, theoretically, right.   There's a credibility to put a corporate logo on my website as a client that I've served looks really good to other potential buyers. So. I think those are the two things that first attracted me.   Lisa: Yeah, I'll agree with those. Those are amazing. And it's definitely proven true. You know, people go to leadthroughstrengths.com and they scroll to the bottom of the homepage and they're like, Ooh, look at all those logos. That is good for being able to sell people in the future.   The financial part of it could be really cool. There have been a lot of customers over the years where they have big corporate academies and they'll offer a program on repeat inside of a corporate training academy. And it is just business that comes back and comes back and comes back. So there may be a little more difficulty in getting in up front. And then once you're in, there can be some ease of repeat business that is really cool. There's an upside for me. I think this would be true for any of us.   If you learn that you're working with a customer who has 100,000 employees and you think, how powerful the work is that we do and that you could reach that many people through your work. It feels amazingly efficient and beautiful to be able to have that ripple effect in the world. So it just feels great, the upside in all the ways.   Brea: Yeah, so much potential, so much potential.   Lisa: Exactly. Personally, I've been able to travel to 15 different countries delivering our work. And that's very enriching personally as well. So getting to see the global experience, it makes you better at your craft because you're facilitating in all kinds of different environments and cultures.   And also, what a gift to be able to travel for work like that. So that's been a fun benefit as well.   Brea: Yes, I love all those things. I think also for those of us who are strengths coaches and use Gallup's CliftonStrengths assessment, I mean, it's designed for corporate teams. You know, like that's where it started. Obviously not the only place that it can be

Thinking about offering group coaching programs? This episode is for you!   We explore the many benefits it offers – for those being coached and also for coaches themselves. Things like opportunities for support and feedback, profitability and scalability, and developing deep, lasting friendships.   We also share a few different program structures we’ve tried, and the impact we’ve seen. If you're curious about how group coaching can benefit your organization, or if you're a coach looking to expand your offerings, tune in to this episode! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways ●      Affordability and Accessibility: For many individuals, one-on-one coaching can be a financial stretch.  Group coaching is often more budget-friendly than one-on-one sessions, making it an attractive option for those looking to access top-tier coaches without a hefty price tag. ●      Networking and Peer Learning: Participants in group coaching can build meaningful connections with peers who share similar challenges, fostering a supportive community that extends beyond the coaching sessions. Offering group coaching allows individuals to learn, not only from the coach, but also from observing and engaging with others in the group, enhancing the overall learning experience. ●      Scalability for Coaches: Instead of being limited to one-on-one sessions, coaches can reach and impact more people simultaneously. This not only increases profitability but also allows coaches to create a ripple effect of positive change. Plus, the energy and interaction in group settings can be incredibly motivating for both coaches and participants, making the experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. ●      Flexibility in Structure: Group coaching offers can take many forms, from small cohorts to larger sessions, and can be tailored in duration, allowing coaches to experiment with different formats to find what works best for their audience. Experiment to find what works best for you! 🎧Listen now and let us know your thoughts! We’d love to hear how delivering has impacted your journey. #GroupCoaching #Coaching #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #Podcast #Leadership #CoachingCommunity   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: I'm Lisa. Brea: I'm Brea. Lisa: And today's topic is all about group coaching. So do you want to deliver or offer group coaching? Brea: Yes. You should. You know, not that I'm going to should on everybody, but really you should. There are so many benefits of delivering group coaching. Brea: But if you've ever asked yourself that question, group coaching, should I do that? This is the episode for you. Lisa: Yes, it is. Yes, it is. I was thinking we could talk about the two angles. Of course, anytime you have a product or a service, so we're even talking to you internal coaches who are coaching for an organization as an employee. Lisa: Well, you might have a lot of reasons you want to incorporate group coaching into your internal practice. Certainly, if you're an independent coach, you might want to introduce this into your product offerings. And as always, we want to think about the person we're being of service to, right? Some people call them coachee. Lisa: I will often call them the person being coached because people look at me weird if I say coachee. It is such a weird word. It's such a weird word. It is. Lisa: It is. So anyway, we want to think of that person Let's, let's take that angle first. Cause of course it can benefit. You can benefit your organization, but let's talk about the person receiving the coaching first and why group coaching could be great to consider from that person's point of view. Lisa: What say you, Brea? Brea: Oh my gosh. Well, one of the main reasons that I hear people are attracted to group coaching when they're considering one-on-one versus group coaching, it's price, you know, group coaching is usually cheaper, so it makes it just a little bit more affordable. And it's a great way for them to get to know the coach and receive some coaching, you know, receive the value of it for not a big spend. It's just kind of a smaller step before they're ready to commit to one-on-one coaching. Lisa: I had not even thought of price. And could you imagine like some people want access to a specific coach and they just cannot get that in their budget at this time, but they could get access to that person with a more intimate kind of relationship if they did group coaching. Smart. Brea: I've got a whole list, but I'm sure you do too. Lisa, what else do you think of? All right, we'll ping pong back and forth. Lisa: I think my favorite benefit to the coachee is the network. Because let's say you're doing a group program and you're like, I'm going into this program on how to get rid of my imposter syndrome as a new senior leader. Well, you are now in a room with 10 or 15 other senior leaders who are also currently experiencing imposter syndrome. I mean, the ability to network and really grow your relationships with people who are like you, who understand you. Lisa: It's so cool. And because you're learning from peers who you respect, when they're learning, and the coach, let's say the coach is doing like a focus on that person, whether it's a hot seat or whatever you call it, depending on what kind of program you have. But If they're focusing in and doing a coaching spotlight with that one person, and that one person is not you, you still benefit so immensely because you're watching someone who has the same issue or challenge you have. You're watching the coach and you can't help it. Lisa: You're coaching them in your mind. You're like, Oh, this is what I would think of that. Oh, this is how I'd approach that. And you're learning about yourself while you're doing it. Lisa: It's an incredible way to learn and meet people. I just love that richness. I think that's amazing. That might've been like, two different things in one, both the networking and how you learn from peers. Lisa: But gosh, that is a really big deal. Brea: Yes, I agree. Peer feedback is, if not number one, it's, you know, it's tied with my number one, I think. So I'm glad that you brought that up. The other part of the networking piece is the network just really like commits to supporting each other, not just in the session, but also outside of. Brea: And what I mean is like on LinkedIn, whenever I post something, I'm going to tag the people that are in my group that were in that coaching session. We were just talking about, you know, being bold and putting something out on LinkedIn. So we tag those people and everybody likes and comments and boost the algorithm and just shows that support. So the network is, is more than just building friendships. Brea: It's actually committing to, to support each other in their business. Um, which I think is so cool. Oh yeah. Lisa: I mean, you made me think of two things there. One is, if you paid $1,000 to be in a group program, and that group program is six weeks long, but you made really tight relationships and friendships during that time, now that learning and peer network carries forward for years to come. So you pay for this quick thing, and then it lasts in a way that one-on-one coaching can't without continuing to pay. Brea: That is super cool. That's the power of of spending time with each other. You show up to a group coaching program and you're vulnerable, you're open, you're hungry, you're learning, and you're all in it together. So it really can form some great friendships. Lisa: I think that's why it's so cool that it goes beyond the person. Because you buy a group coaching program or you buy into a group coaching program or membership or course, however the structure, because it could be literal coaching, it could be a course, it could be a membership, lots of different structures to group coaching, but you buy it based on that person selling it and you're sold on that person. And what is so cool to me is how often you get into this group coaching and you're satisfied with the purchase based on that person and how they run their program. And then all those extra people are like bonuses. Lisa: It's incredible what relationships form from group coaching. Brea: It's amazing. Yeah. You know, another great thing about being in a group coaching cohort is the added availability. I don't know about you, but my brain is always coming up with questions and it's usually not in the moment. Brea: You know, it's like after I've stepped out of it that I'm like, oh shoot, we should have talked about this or I should have talked about that. And it's like, you know, you can do that with a group coaching program. You've got all these other people in the cohort that you can reach out to outside of the sessions. You're not just limited to the one hour you've paid for with the one person. Brea: You have more time to practice what you're learning and just ask questions without that added burden of being limited to time Yeah. Oh, what a good one. Lisa: This makes me just want to go sign up for more group programs right now. Brea: I know. I love it. I mean, you and I both, Lisa, we're social beings, you know, ver

Ever wish you knew what all the best business builders had in common? What talents contributed to their success? Well, that’s exactly what the BP10 is all about! If you want to build a successful coaching business, you need to tune in!   We kick things off by explaining what BP10 stands for (Builder Profile 10) and how it identifies the top talents that successful business builders possess. We also share about our own top talents and how they influence our approaches to business, especially when it comes to building relationships and profitability. Spoiler alert: we have different strengths, but that’s what makes our conversation so rich! We also discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people—your personal "board of directors"—to fill in the gaps where you might not excel.   Whether you're contemplating starting your own business or looking to enhance your existing one, this episode is packed with tips and encouragement to help you leverage your unique strengths for success. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get building! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways on BP10 ●      Actionable Insights from the BP10 Framework: The various worksheets and tools provided in the "Born to Build" book, which accompany the BP10 assessment. These resources encourage self-reflection and help you articulate your purpose, dreams, and plans for the future. Brea mentioned the purpose journal as a particularly impactful tool for self-awareness. If you're considering starting your own business or transitioning from a corporate job, I highly recommend diving into these resources. They can provide clarity and direction as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey. ●      There are talents specific to building a business: The BP10 assessment identifies the top talents necessary for building a successful business. It emphasizes that no one person possesses all ten talents, highlighting the importance of collaboration and filling gaps with the right people. ●      The assessment is just the beginning: The assessment unlocks additional resources, including worksheets and activities, that promote self-reflection and strategic planning. Taking action with these tools can lead to greater insights and business success. ●      The BP10 Talents and CliftonStrengths work well together: Both assessments can provide a deeper awareness of personal strengths and areas for growth in business. Take Action ●      Take the Assessment: If you purchase a physical copy of the book, Born To Build, it includes a code to take the assessment. If you prefer to go paperless, you can purchase an assessment code here. ●      Read "Born to Build": Purchase and read the book "Born to Build" by Gallup. ●      Complete the worksheets and activities included with the assessment to gain a deeper understanding of your business-building capabilities. ●      Compare your BP10 with your CliftonStrengths: Take the time to reflect on how your BP10 talents align with your CliftonStrengths. This can help you understand how to leverage your unique combination of strengths for greater success in building your coaching practice. ●      Join a Group Coaching program: If you don’t want to go through the BP10 resources alone, consider joining a cohort of other coaches. This can provide support and accountability as you explore your talents. ○      BP10 Coaching Cohort with Brea Roper ○      Jeff Liscum’s BP10 Training Course. 🎧If you're intrigued by the BP10 assessment and want to learn more about how it can help you build a successful coaching practice, be sure to check out the full episode! #Podcast #BusinessBuilding #BP10 #Gallup #Entrepreneurship #Coaching #Networking #SelfAwareness   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: Hi, I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today's topic is the BP10 for building a coaching business or building any business for that matter. What in the world is a BP10, Brea?   Brea: It's another assessment that Gallup puts out. I know everybody's like, what? Gallup does something other than CliftonStrengths? So it stands for Builder Profile and 10 is the number 10.   What Gallup has done is they looked at people who highly successful builders as far as entrepreneurial and building businesses. They've identified what talents have gotten them there and made a list of 10 that you need to build a successful business.   Lisa: Tell us about your top. I mean, you could even just be your first, your number one, but it could be anywhere up there in your top talents. What resonated with you the most when you read your top?   Brea: Yeah. So my number one is relationship, which is so true. For better or for worse, this is how I approach everything. If I'm cold calling or I'm reaching out to a company that I've never reached out to before, my first instinct always is to go to LinkedIn and see, do I know anyone that works there now or that has worked there or that might have a connection there?   That's always my first instinct, which may or may not be helpful, you know, but that relationship is always always leading me.   Lisa: Mm hmm. Mm hmm. I could totally see that. And that would be comfortable for you and fun for you. And it would feel like a way to build a business that doesn't feel like the slog.   Brea: Yeah, totally. I would much, much, much rather build my business with people. Independent is my number 10, yeah.   I just, I don't love doing it alone. I love doing it with people. I love doing it for people. From creating my offerings, it comes back to that relationship. What does the customer in front of me need? That's what I'll create an offer for. What are the relationships that I have? Who are the people in my network?   What do they need? Or where are they? Then I show up at those networking events. Relationship leads everything.   Lisa: Mm-hmm. This is fun because my independence is also, it's my ninth out of 10 and relationships high. It's in the top four for me as well.   And mine has a little different angle and I totally can map it to my strengths. So my number one is profitability. I know you're so surprised.   Brea: Okay, no surprise there. I love that. I love that. You know, I love that. That's low for me. So having relationships, people in my circle who bring that is such a gift. And that one is… Oh, go ahead.   Lisa: Well, I think that one was interesting to read. When you think of it like a talent, right? It's almost as if it doesn't get experienced much in the business. It does, but it happens so fast. And I think this would reflect my strategic talent from   CliftonStrengths. It's such a vetting tool for me. If we're talking in the context of business, not in my hobbies or my giving strategies or something like that, if it's literally in the context of my business, then if it's not profitable, then I just throw it out immediately.   Because if it's not profitable and doesn't seem to have the chance to be, I have 10 other things that I could do that I enjoy that would be profitable. So go for those. And it's just like you in, you out.   And then, and then I don't think about it a lot. So it's not one of those that I think lives in my head all day, every day is how I feel. It's just like an early filter and then out.   Brea: Yes. And for me, because even though we both share a relationship in our top, profitability is so low for me that even if it is profitable, if it's not relational, I immediately throw it out, right? Because the profitability is so low that it just doesn't motivate me.   So for instance, I understand from a business standpoint, I understand the value of having an evergreen something something. You know, something passive income, you know, something that generates income while you sleep.   You know, I, I get how cool that would be to just wake up and have mailbox money as they call it down in Nashville. Like, but there's no relationship. There's no, like, it really just doesn't, fuel me at all.   I would much rather create offerings that are profitable that allow me to connect with the client instead of just selling them a digital something and never talking to them.   Lisa: Right. And mine, I will think of things like, okay, does this idea, before I know whether it's profitable or not, does this idea seem like it will be good for profitability?   Okay, if yes, you're in, you get the shot at it. And then because relationship is high in my list, then for me, it's like, okay, now, because I do love people and I like being around people, then, okay, do I already know someone who I could ask questions of?   Or do I already have customers who I know and love and the feeling is mutual and I could put in a phone call and we could have a chat about it and they could help me? That the idea I also see in the BP10 report is a watch out. It says ensure your networking activities don't detract from accomplishing other tasks.   And that has totally been true in my lifetime. I can get so deep into like having the fun social part of business because it's so fun. Then is th

This episode explores why having a clear and distinct signature offer is crucial for your coaching practice.   Whether you're an internal coach or running your own independent gig, clarity is key! Having a clear and distinct offering can make all the difference in attracting the right clients and maximizing your impact.   That’s why we discuss the importance of aligning your signature offer with both your strengths and your clients' needs. We also share tips on how to choose the right modality and service, and even how to frame your offering around the problems you solve. Plus, we sprinkle in some fun anecdotes and examples from our own experiences, to make it clear – while you can have multiple offerings, a standout signature offer makes you memorable and repeatable.   So, grab a notepad and pen, settle in, and let’s get you on the path to creating a signature offer that truly reflects your unique coaching style! 🌟   Work With Us on Your Signature Offer! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways About Signature Offers ●      Clarity is Kindness: When potential clients encounter a confusing array of services, they may feel overwhelmed and move on. A signature offer makes it easier for clients to understand what you do, which ultimately leads to increased interest and profit. Remember, if you confuse, you lose! ●      Lead with the Problem You Solve: While it’s tempting to focus solely on the positive aspects of your services, we emphasized the importance of addressing the problems your clients face. By framing your signature offer around a specific problem, you can create urgency and relevance. This doesn’t mean you can’t highlight the positive outcomes; it’s about meeting your clients where they are and guiding them toward a solution. ●      Aligning Passion with Profitability: Choosing your signature offer is about finding that sweet spot where your passion meets profitability. Don’t be afraid to pivot if your current offering isn’t fulfilling you or your clients! ●      Embrace Your Unique Delivery: Recognize that your signature offer should reflect your unique strengths and style. Make it memorable and distinct so that it stands out in the market. ●      Flexibility in Offerings: Just because you have a signature offer doesn’t mean you can’t have other services. It’s about creating a clear starting point while still allowing for additional offerings that can evolve over time based on client needs and your interests. Take Action as You Create Your Signature Offer ●      Identify the Problem You Solve: When defining your signature offer, articulate the specific problem it addresses. This helps potential clients see the value in your service and why they should choose you. ●      Analyze Profitability: Review your past offerings to determine which services generated the most revenue. Use this data to inform your decision on what should be your signature offer moving forward. ●      Define Your Signature Offer: Just do it! Additional Resources ●      Further Reading: Check out the book Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Join us as we explore these concepts and more in our latest episode! Whether you're refining your current offerings or just starting out, this discussion is packed with insights to help you create a signature offer that stands out. 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts! What’s your signature offer? How did you choose it? We’d love to hear from you in the comments! #Coaching #SignatureOffer #Clarity #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram AI-Generated Transcript on Signature Offers for Coaches Lisa: I'm Lisa. Brea: And I'm Brea. Lisa: And today we're talking about Mambo No. 5. Brea: Little bit of Monica. Oh my gosh, we are so funny. If people only knew how cool we were. Lisa: I know. Okay, it's Signature Offers. A little bit about why have a signature offer in your coaching practice? And a little bit of how. And you can see why this came up. A little bit of a hmm. Yeah. Let's talk why, though. What do you think, Brea? Why is it important to have a signature offer? Whether you're an internal coach or an independent coach, doesn't matter. Why do you need one of these? Brea: Right. Signature offer. So this is your standard offering, the thing that you do. Why? Because it's clear and clarity is kindness. And if you confuse, you lose. So if it's clear, it's easy for you to communicate, then that equals profit, that equals interest from people, and it attracts the people that you want to work with. Hopefully, if it's your signature offer, you love delivering it. So it's good to have a firm place to start and to stand. Not to say that we can't have other offerings as well, but we've talked about personal branding and the importance of that. This is what you are known for delivering. Lisa: Yes, I so agree with that as the number one. It's clear. And that's so important because when people are curious about what we do, if they come and they get a giant menu, it is confusing or overwhelming. You know, we have the urgent, important thing going on in our lives, like, oh, this is probably important people development, but it's just not urgent for this moment. So I'll come back and look at the menu later. That is what you do to the customer or potential customer, whether that's an internal customer or a prospect for your independent business. And even if it sounds desirable, they can just be like, I'm moving on. And that to me is why you need a signature offer so that when they're looking for that thing, it grabs them. Brea: Can we talk more about how clarity is kindness? Lisa: Yeah, I love that phrase. Brea: I'm sure it's not mine. I'm sure I've picked it up from someone way smarter than me, like Brene Brown or something is what's coming to mind. It's true, and so I'm sharing it with all of you. I don't know. Everyone listening might not know this. Your brain, when it's working, when it's doing all its stuff, it's consuming calories. That's why when you're at a conference or you're in a class or you're reading a lot, you're learning a lot, you can stand up and physically you weren't doing anything. You were sitting on your behind, but you stand up and you're like, man, I'm exhausted. Because our brain actually consumes calories. And so because of our primal instinct and all that stuff, it's our nature to want to make things simple, to conserve the energy for when a threat comes and we need to go out there and fight the dragons or whatever, you know. So the more simple, the more clear, the more easy to understand that we can make our offerings, the better. Because if the brain has to work too hard about something that it doesn't think is very important, like what you just said, Lisa, like there are other things that my brain is working on right now, it will dismiss it. And you don't want to be that thing that gets dismissed. Lisa: Oh, yes, exactly. And I say never fear everyone listening. You might be like, yeah, but I really love one-on-one coaching and I really love speeches and I really love workshops. The thing is, after you've done your favorite one or the big one or the one, let's, we'll talk in a minute about how to pick which one is the signature offer. They'll ask you, what's next? Where do we go from here? How else can I work with you? And then all of those other things can unfold. So it's not as if failing to mention all of the other ones up front means you'll never do them again. It just makes it clear and easy to digest the first go round. Brea: Yeah, that's right. That's right. Lisa: Let's talk about how you pick. So, hey, I know you have a menu. I have a menu. They're both fairly big. How do you decide what your signature would look like? Brea: I mean, for me, it comes down to profitability. That's not a strength of mine, focusing on what makes the most money or what keeps me in business. And so it's really easy for me to just look back at the data and be like, OK, last year, where did most of my money come from? What are people buying? You know, that's a real easy way for me to say, OK, well, let's lean into that. Right. We find what works and we do more of that. Lisa: And it really works for both of you. You like the service and they want to buy it. So it overlaps. That means it's a great one for both of you. Brea: Sometimes, though, what is making me the most money is not actually what I like the most. So that's a good exercise to look at that and then decide, do I want to create a signature offering that is something that I like that maybe people haven't bought in the past or haven't bought as much? Kind of like I'm thinking of you, Lisa, like when you switch to fully virtual, you know, like it's a little scary to lean into that, but that's what you needed and what you wanted and so you went for it. But that would be my first approach to the signature offer: to figure out what is your signature offer now, either on purpose or by accident, and do you want it to still be your signature offer moving forward? Lisa: Yeah, I love it. OK, so when I think of a signature offe

In today's episode, we dive into building your personal brand as a coach. You’ll hear about "Connected Kelly," a coach who initially felt pressured to conform to an analytical persona in her big tech job, only to discover that her true strength—Connectedness—was what truly set her apart. You’ll learn how she transformed her approach, leading to a more fulfilling and energized coaching practice.   We also explore practical tips for building your personal brand, including how to identify the challenges you can help solve and how to communicate your unique value effectively. Whether you're an independent coach or working internally at a company, it’s important to be specific in your messaging to connect with your ideal clients.   So, if you’re ready to make sure your coaching brand aligns with your personal brand, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice to help you shine! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.     Takeaways ●      Your differences are your differentiators: Don’t shy away from what makes you different. Like Connected Kelly, who initially suppressed her connectedness, recognizing and embracing your unique strengths can lead to a more fulfilling coaching practice. ●      Be specific in your messaging: Vague statements like "I help you live your best life." are unclear and uninteresting. Instead, focus on clear, compelling messages that resonate with your audience, such as "I help get your emails get read." This specificity helps potential clients see the value you offer. ●      You are your brand: Your personal brand is a reflection of who you are. By aligning your strengths, values, and messaging, you’ll create a cohesive brand that resonates with your audience and showcases your unique contributions. ●      Narrowing your focus can attract more clients: When it comes to marketing, less is more! Don’t fear that specializing will limit your opportunities. Instead, it can help you attract clients who are specifically looking for the solutions you provide, ultimately leading to a more successful coaching practice. Take Action ●      Identify Your Strengths: Reflect on your unique strengths and how they contribute to your coaching practice. Let your differences be your differentiators – in your brand, your business model, and beyond. ●      Identify the Challenges You Solve:: Determine the specific challenges you want to address as a coach. Consider what problems your ideal clients face and how your strengths can help solve those issues. This will help you create targeted messaging that resonates with your audience. ●      Craft Your Messaging: Develop a clear, concise, and compelling answer to the question, "What do you do?". ●      Utilize Your Online Presence: Update your LinkedIn profile and other online platforms to reflect your personal brand. Incorporate your strengths and the specific problems you solve in your headlines and descriptions to attract the right clients. ●      Engage with Your Audience: Actively communicate your value and the unique contributions you bring to your coaching practice. Share insights, tips, and success stories that highlight your strengths and the impact you can have on your clients' lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in building their personal brand. Join us as we explore the power of aligning your personal brand with your coaching practice.! 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you! #PersonalBrand #Coaching #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast #Leadership #CoachingTips #StrengthsBasedCoaching Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: Hi, I'm Lisa.   Brea: I’m Brea.   Lisa: And today's episode is strengths and your personal brand as a coach.   Brea: Yes. Oh my gosh. I love this topic. Let's just dive in.   Lisa: I'm so excited. Okay, let's dive in. I want to dive in with an example of something that happened with a coach who was building a personal brand as a coach and she didn't know it and it wasn't at all what she would have done on purpose. Ooh, I'm intrigued. Tell us more.   Brea: Because I think that so many people fall into this trap.   Lisa: Yeah. Heck yes, we do. I imagine most of us have done this where we unintentionally built a reputation on something that we just became skilled at because we practiced it a lot. And this person, I'm going to call her Connected Kelly. I made up her name because I want to keep her anonymous. But she led through connectedness, hence Connected Kelly.   Brea: And alliteration. We love alliteration. OK. I mean, who doesn't?   Lisa: OK. She's a real client. She works in big tech. And she felt like I need to be analytical. That's what I need to be, to be believed, to be credible, to be desired in this company, to be found useful in this company.   I mean, we could go on and on, but analytical was the thing that she really grabbed onto as important for her to be. So she spent a lot of years really honing it, doing analytical actions, showing analytical skills, and showing up that way.   Brea: And probably because she's surrounded with people who are acting like this or who are showing up that way. She feels like she has to be that too. Yeah. Okay. I'm with you.   Lisa: Yeah. And I can, I mean, my individualization loves that in many ways because I'm thinking, well, she's being palatable to the people that she's around. So she's thinking, this is who I need to be for them. Otherwise they won't value me. And specifically when we talked about connectedness, she was like, oh, that's for my friends.   Brea: She's like, that part of me doesn't belong at work. You know, that's my at home or my with friends. Okay. Yeah. Interesting.   Lisa: Yeah. She really felt deeply like it didn't belong there. Like it would get shunned there. It would get made fun of there. She said it felt like people would perceive it as woo woo, that it would just not go over well. So she just shut it off, like put up the wall, anything. Yeah. Mm-hmm.   So what's the results of it now? She it's not like she was faking it. She legitimately built analytical skills and she legitimately used them with her clients, but the repercussion is She was completely wiped out. It was sucking the life out of her because it wasn't fun. It was just something she could do   And I think this is a really important lesson for building a personal brand as a coach, because if you do what you're competent at, you're going to get more of that. She's great. She's an amazing performer, an amazing person. So she kept getting more of the work she didn't want because she showed up and she was good at the work she didn't want.   Brea: That's the worst, the worst.   Lisa: It's a bad cycle.   Brea: Digging your own grave, you know.   Lisa: Yes, yes. Now we did some things with it so I can tell you what I did with her and then I want to switch over to things that you might do with her after she's to the point where she's ready. She feels good about her personal brand aligned with her strengths so that her personal brand as a coach is making her feel alive. It's bringing her clientele that she loves.   So I have this personal branding page. It's leadthroughstrengths.com slash personal dash branding. We started there. We started looking at her top five. We really honed in on connectedness because it was one she said she was squashing. And we just use it as a starting point because she's like, OK, genuine. Well, that's a good thing for me to be as a coach. Being present with people, that's a good one. Okay.   And then we start talking about things like, Oh, I see downstream effects. I understand how parts are connected. I have good rapport across departments. Okay, like all these things could be useful internally. I just shut it off. Because I thought it was the woo-woo strength.   So first pass through, it was really cool, because she realized What a fool! Why am I shutting all this off? There are actually things that I believe people in big tech would value.   And in fact, she's realizing people are like, oh, wow, you're an intrapersonal genius. And they're seeing these elements of her that she didn't show before. And they're things that the clients wanted from her and really valued because they don't know how to do that at all. So that was cool.   Brea: Yeah, it's the lie that we tell ourselves that when we are different, the talents that we might have that are different than what we see around us, we believe that it won't be valued or that it won't be wanted.   And sometimes that is true, but most of the time it is very valuable because other people don't have it. They don't have that capacity, they don't have that ability, and when they saw that in her, that uniqueness, it became her differentiator, right? That's the word that you like to use, Lisa.   Lisa: Yeah, that your differences are your differentiators. Exactly.   Brea: Yes, yes. I think Gallup's focus on naming, claiming, and aiming is what's coming to my head here.   When she was able to look at connectedness and really name it, really understand what that talent is. Maybe it had been called the woo-woo str

Every coach grapples with today’s topic: Should you avoid bias while coaching? We kick things off by acknowledging that the answer isn't as straightforward as it seems. While many might instinctively say "yes," we explore the nuances of bias and how it can actually play a positive role in coaching. Whether you're an independent coach or working within a company or organization, this episode is packed with insights to help you embrace your unique coaching style while still being the best support for your clients. Let's get into it! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.   Takeaways ●      Bias Isn't Always Bad: We often think of bias as a negative trait, but in coaching, it can actually be a powerful tool. Our personal biases—rooted in our strengths and experiences—can enhance our coaching effectiveness. For instance, if you have a strong belief in your clients' potential, that bias can help them borrow your confidence as they work toward their goals. Embracing our biases can lead to more authentic connections with our clients. ●      Awareness of Preferences: As coaches, it's crucial to recognize our own preferences and how they shape our coaching style. Understanding our preferences helps us create a coaching environment that aligns with our strengths while also being transparent with our clients about how we operate. This clarity can help clients determine if we're the right fit for them. ●      The Balance Between Coaching and Expertise: Sometimes, coaches feel pressured to avoid giving direct advice, fearing it may introduce bias. However, there are moments when sharing our expertise is not only appropriate but necessary. It’s about finding the right balance—knowing when to ask powerful questions and when to provide guidance based on our knowledge and experience.   Take Action ●      Reflect on Your Biases: Take time to identify and acknowledge your own biases and preferences as a coach. Consider how these may influence your coaching style and interactions with clients. ●      Communicate Your Preferences: Clearly articulate your coaching preferences and styles to potential clients. This transparency can help clients determine if you are a good fit for their needs. ●      Balance Coaching and Expertise: Recognize when to lean into your expertise and provide direct advice versus when to facilitate a coaching conversation. ●      Leverage Positive Bias: Use your positive biases, such as belief in your clients' potential or your focus on strengths, to support and encourage them. Allow clients to borrow your belief in their capabilities to help them progress. ●      Embrace Differences as Strengths: Foster an environment where diverse perspectives and biases are seen as advantages. Encourage open discussions about biases within teams to enhance collaboration and understanding. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in personal development. Join us as we explore the nuances of bias in coaching and how to leverage it for better outcomes! 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts! What biases do you find helpful in your coaching practice? How do you navigate your preferences? We’d love to hear from you! #Coaching #Bias #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast #Leadership #CoachingTips #StrengthsBasedCoaching Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: Hi, I'm Lisa. Brea: And I'm Brea. Lisa: And today's topic is all for coaches. And it's this question: Should you avoid bias while coaching? What say you, Brea? Brea: Well, this sounds like it's going to be a juicy topic. That's what I say. I think it's not so clear black or white this time. I feel like there's a lot of gray here. Lisa: Right. And I think people will be listening. You tell us, listeners—did you say, "I don't even know if I want to listen to this one because, of course, the answer is yes, I should avoid it?" I don't even need to listen. Skip. Brea: Yeah. I mean, that was my first thought. Like, well, of course, you should. That's my, you know, what all of the gold-star coaching programs are going to tell you. Lisa: Yeah, I feel like you get the message both ways. You should avoid bias while coaching, and you should avoid bias in all areas of life altogether. And I think a good discussion is warranted. Why don't we start with where bias would be bad? Whether you have an independent coaching practice or you're an internal coach in a workplace, I have two things that feel like bias that you should be on watch for. One, I have an agenda for you. I want you to own your own business, not stay in corporate. I want you to have bigger goals for your revenue. I want you—those are my wants, not yours. That could bring a huge bias. So having an agenda for you could be a warning sign where you really should avoid that bias while coaching. The other is when my preferences blind me as a coach. Brea: I'd like to talk more about that. Sometimes, as an independent coach with my own business practice, where I'm the business owner and I've got a business model and a strategy to make a profit, my preferences play into that big picture. That’s very different from being an internal coach at a company where my only job is to show up for 30 minutes and coach. So maybe we could talk about preferences a little more. Lisa: That's an example. Say I'm your customer and I come to your coaching business, and you have some preference. Give us an example of what that actually sounds like. I think with this idea of avoiding bias, we’re going to get people caught up in semantics. Brea: Yeah. Everything from how many coaching calls I want to do in a day, a week, or a month, to how long I want them to be. Do I want video? If so, is there a certain platform that is easier for me? I strongly prefer Zoom over things like Teams or Google Meet. Just because I've been using Zoom for as long as I've had my business—almost eight years. So, I’m very familiar with Zoom. That’s a functional bias of ease of use. Lisa: Yeah, they create clarity for you. And something that’s simple and practical can be an area that allows the customer to decide if you’re a good fit for them. You could think of putting out biases to the world like an exercise in saying, "Here’s how I show up best." If these are a good match for you, we’re getting off to a great start. Brea: Yep, that’s right. And it's interesting because all of this comes from our strengths, right? There are coaches out there who appreciate having an agenda as a structure. Some coaches have a general outline of their sessions. Some coaches use slide decks. I prefer to just show up, meet them as they are in the moment, and go with a casual flow. I don’t do worksheets during sessions. That awareness of personal bias is so key. Lisa: You're actually getting me to think beyond preferences into advice-giving when your client really wants it. Say you’ve been delivering CliftonStrengths for ten years in a specific industry. Now a client asks, "Hey, coach, give me your recommendations on how we should implement this." And coaches get wrapped up in avoiding bias. Brea: Isn’t that ironic? Because that in and of itself is a bias, isn’t it? Lisa: Boom. Yes! And if a client comes to you because you have expertise but you refuse to share it, you’re just going to be frustrating. Sometimes, you are a person with an expert perspective. Not every part of every conversation is a coaching moment. Brea: Yeah. I love that. I think I run my business and life that way. Every interaction I have with others is just me, Brea Roper, human being. Lisa: Yes. And another reason why the answer to "Should you avoid bias while coaching?" might be no. What if you are a specialty coach? Like an accountability coach? Or take this: I once heard of a woman who was a deltoid coach. Literally, a shoulder deltoid coach. Brea: What do you mean? Lisa: Like, she helps people with deltoid strength, mobility, and appearance. That’s her specialty. She’s going to have a system, a structure, a bias. And that’s good. Brea: Yeah, similar to strengths coaching. I intentionally lean into the bias of focusing on strengths. If that’s what the client wants, that’s a good thing. Lisa: Right. And that is a cognitive bias, right? We’re wired to figure out what’s wrong as humans. But what if we leaned into a positive cognitive bias? Brea: Yes! And I think most people immediately associate bias with negativity. Recognizing that we can use bias for good is crucial. Lisa: Yes! One last example: Sometimes clients don’t believe in themselves. I let them borrow my belief in them. I’m biased toward their success. Brea: You are so good at believing in people. That’s what we’re talking about—being aware of our own strengths and using them when needed. Lisa: Yeah. Sometimes clients say, "I want to start my coaching business, but I don’t know if I can cut it." They don’t believe in themselves yet, but they expect their clients to believe in them. I help bridge that gap with my belief in them. Brea: Yeah. And bias plays into communication, too. My communication strength hears something differently than your strategic strength. That impacts our responses. Lisa: Yes! And in workshops, that always comes up. The way we ask que

In today's episode, we dive into the essential, yet often overlooked, concept of "working on your business" versus "working in your business." We share our personal experiences and insights on how taking intentional time to strategize can transform your entrepreneurial journey. If you've ever felt like you're just spinning your wheels, constantly reacting to the demands of your business, this episode is for you! We discuss the importance of stepping back, assessing your goals, and making those scary but necessary decisions that can lead to greater profitability and joy in your work. You’ll hear us chat about the value of business planning retreats and how they can help you align your offerings with your strengths. Whether you’ve been in the game, are building a side hustle, or are still dreaming of the entrepreneurial life, it’s imperative to pause, reflect, and create a roadmap for success. So pull up a chair, settle in, and get ready to be inspired to take that much-needed time for yourself and your business! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.     Takeaways ●      The Importance of Working on Your Business: Taking time to strategize and plan is crucial for long-term success. It helps you shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one, allowing you to set clear goals and work with intention. ●      Align Your Business With Your Strengths: When you’re the business owner, you get to choose how you run your business. YOU’re the boss now! Make sure you practice what you preach and choose a business model that fits your strengths. ●      Business Planning Retreats: Dedicating a day or more to work on your business, instead of in your business, can lead to significant breakthroughs. These retreats provide the space to assess your offerings, refine your messaging, and make strategic decisions that align with your desired lifestyle. ●      Customization vs. Standardization: While creating custom solutions for clients can be appealing, it’s essential to find a balance. Standardizing certain offerings can save time and energy, and bring clarity to your customer. ●      Understanding Profitability: Knowing where your revenue comes from is vital. By identifying your most profitable offerings, you can make informed decisions about where to invest your time and resources, ensuring that your business remains sustainable and enjoyable. ●      Embracing Scary Decisions: Making bold choices can feel limiting, but they are often necessary for growth. By stepping back and evaluating your business strategy, you can confidently embrace changes that lead to greater fulfillment and success. Take Action ●      Schedule a Business Planning Retreat: Set aside a full day to work on your business strategically. Use this time to assess your current offerings, define your target audience, and outline your business goals. ●      Identify Your Core Focus: Determine the one big thing you want to focus on for the upcoming quarter or year. This will help filter your decisions and keep you from getting distracted by new opportunities that may not align with your primary goals. ●      Evaluate Your Offerings: Analyze where your revenue is coming from and identify your most profitable offerings. Decide if you want to double down on these or pivot to new opportunities that align better with your strengths and interests. ●      Create a Customization Strategy: If you offer customized solutions, establish a clear pricing structure for these services. Consider implementing tailoring fees or premium pricing for highly customized work to ensure it is profitable. ●      Reflect on Your Business Alignment: Take time to assess whether your current business model aligns with your strengths and desired lifestyle. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure that your business empowers you to live the life you want.   If you're ready to stop being heads down all the time and start working on your business with intention, I invite you to listen to this episode! 🎧 👉 Listen now and let us know your thoughts! What strategies do you use to work on your business? Share in the comments below! #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPlanning #Coaching #Podcast #Leadership #IntentionalLiving     Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Brea: Lisa Cummings   Lisa: Brea Roper. Hi, I'm Lisa.   Brea: And I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today we're talking about working on your business.   Brea: Working on your business. Yes, because let me tell you, working in your business is so fun. working on your business, not always, but gosh, when we do it, it makes working in the business so much easier and smoother and more profitable and all the things, right?   Lisa: Right. I remember first learning about this concept from the book E-Myth and E-Myth revisited way back. I mean, it must have been the nineties. I wasn't an entrepreneur at the time, but I served them. They were our customers and I think the example in the book was something about a frame shop. And it was like, imagine the person who is framing stuff all day long. Frame, frame, frame, frame, frame.   You’re so busy. But then what about bringing in customers? What about taking a vacation? What about having a break? And we have these dreams of starting a business and what our life might be like as an entrepreneur. It definitely kind of looks sexy to people who aren't doing it. often. And then you get in and you're like, Oh my gosh, I'm just working like a dog. What am I doing? I don't have a single break to even think or eat lunch. So I'm curious for you, have you gotten in that place in your business before where you were just working yourself to the bone? You seem like you would be a person who never let yourself do it because you're so good at intention.   Brea: Okay, well, thank you for saying that. But no, it happens all the time. It happens all the time because even with the best of intentions, it's so easy to get blown off course, especially for people like me who, you know, I love to plan and I'm very adaptable. I'm very like emotional, you know? So if I'm not feeling it, I'm like, Oh, I'm just going to go take care of myself, you know, go for a walk, go eat my feelings, you know, whatever.   And that's not the best way to, to set yourself up for success. Right. So we have to find that blend that works for you. And sometimes it is working yourself to the bone. Right now, I'm actually setting up for a big speaking tour. So there's just a ton of work that has to be done on the business so that when the tour starts, you know, that first domino falls and I'm not working on the business at all. For several months, I'm working in the business, right?   So However the rhythm works for you, it's just so important to make sure that you're doing both and that it's intentional and focused instead of just reacting to everything. That's the worst way to to run your business, you know? Yeah. And I have definitely, definitely fallen into that, that trap for sure.   Lisa: Yeah. Brea Roper is a mortal.   Brea: Yes.   Lisa: I could see that where you're like, I'm over self caring. I could, I could definitely see that. I also think in talking to coaches and trainers very specifically in this episode, a lot of times we're talking about, Hey, you're a CliftonStrengths practitioner, that sort of thing. And that could be internal in a company that could be a coach who does this full time. And there are a lot of listeners who are either independent coaches, or trainers, or they're doing it at a company internally, they're doing something else, and they want to start a business like the one we have.   And we know they exist and they're all over the place because we typically get one to five of these people hanging out after every workshop saying, how do I live this life? How do I do this thing that you do? This is so cool. So how valuable would it be to work on your business from the beginning? I'm thinking of that person who is starting up a side hustle. They're interested in this and they've never done a business planning retreat. They've never worked on their business in a way that they take a day off. and they really figure out what they want their lifestyle to be, what they have as a profitable business model, you know?   Have they even tested out their idea for their product and their messaging? Do they feel solid on it? And I love this episode for the corporates who are going to leave someday out on their own, or the coaches who are already on their own, independent, and they just have a tough time taking off a full day or a big chunk of a day to work on their business strategically. So what is it for you? Tell me about the why. Why do you do this on regular intervals?   Brea: Yeah, well, because I have to for my sanity, you know, because I've seen how beneficial it is. I've experienced being an entrepreneur without it. and running a business from that place of reacting, you know, as leads come in or as opportunities arise or don't arise, you know, then all of a sudden you're like, oh crap, I have nothing on the calendar. And then any sales conversation you're in is from a place of desperation.   So if

Goal setting. Does setting and getting goals light you up and get you groovin? Or maybe you’re not a big fan. Either way, this episode focuses on how to set yourself up for success – by using your Strengths, of course! We believe that when you approach goal setting through the lens of your individual talents, it not only makes the process more enjoyable but also opens up a whole new realm of possibilities that you might not have considered before. Tune in for personal anecdotes and insights about how leveraging your strengths can transform your goals from mundane tasks into inspiring challenges. We discuss the importance of having a solid action plan and the value of check-ins to keep you on track. Plus, we emphasize that even if a goal feels outside your natural strengths, you can still use your unique talents to achieve it. So, whether you're looking to set a Big Hairy Audacious Goal or just want to make your bed every day (no judgment here!), this episode is packed with tips and strategies to help you set it and get it! 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.     Takeaways ●      Strengths-based goals set you up for success: Setting goals through the lens of your unique strengths can lead to more meaningful and attainable objectives. By focusing on what energizes and excites you, you can create goals that feel natural and motivating. ●      Think beyond SMART Goals: While SMART goals are a great starting point, it's essential to think outside the box. Incorporating your strengths into the goal-setting process can help you identify opportunities and areas for growth that traditional methods might overlook. ●      Strength doesn’t happen by accident. Strength, or as Gallup defines it, “consistent, near-perfect performance” doesn’t happen by accident. To achieve the best outcome,use your talents to bring intention and clear direction to your goals.   Take Action ●      Explore Your Strengths: Take time to identify your unique strengths and consider how they can inform your goal-setting process. Reflect on what comes naturally to you and what you enjoy. ●      Create an Action Plan: Simply setting a goal isn't enough; you need a step-by-step action plan to achieve it. Without a clear strategy, it's easy to lose focus and get sidetracked. Consider using tools (like sticky notes or vision boards) that align with your strengths to keep you organized and motivated. ●      Set Goals for Talent Development: Consider setting goals that focus on developing your talents further. This can lead to new opportunities and enhance your overall performance. ●      Use Accountability: Find an accountability partner or coach to help you stay focused on your goals. Regular check-ins can help you assess your progress and make necessary adjustments.   If you're ready to use your Strengths to set and get your goals, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen in and let us know your thoughts! Got some hot tips of your own on strength-based goal setting? Share in the comments below! ✨ #Podcast #Productivity #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #Planning #TimeBlock #Goals #WorkLifeBalance #WorkLifeBlend #Talent #Strengths   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: Hey, I'm Lisa.   Brea: And I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today's episode is all about goal setting.   Brea: Oh my gosh, we came in with giggles because I was like stretching and groaning like an old person as I was getting ready for the record button to go. So funny.   Lisa: It would be great if one of those kind of noises, I guess, included, you know? Yes, I love letting them in. And my back cracking as I'm like crouching in my chair. We'll have to overdub some back cracks. Oh my gosh.   Lisa: Hi, everybody. Yeah. Hey, everyone. And a double hello to Ricardo. I want to give him a shout out. He has been a listener, oh my gosh, I don't know how long, for eight years, nine years. He's been a listener forever and has been giving feedback over the years and has just been a great, great listener and strengths peer. So shout out to Ricardo for suggesting the topic of goal setting.   Brea: Okay, love that. Thank you, Ricardo.   Lisa: Yes. And I think, Brea, you tell me what you think here. I'm going to say you have to give an obligatory nod to SMART goals because it's the standard everyone talks about. So if you're a listener and you've never heard of SMART goals, it stands for, it's an acronym, it stands for Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.   And yes, those are great standards to make sure your goals are concrete and ready to go and in a form that feels gettable. And with that, I would like to quickly move right off of SMART goals so that we can give you some insights and things to think about that are different from every other goal setting podcast or article you've ever read. What do you think, Brea?   Brea: Yeah, you know, we're talking about strengths. We're talking about goals through a lens of strengths. So already it's different because, as everyone on this podcast knows, your strengths are as unique to you as Well, there is nothing more unique. They are 100% unique to you, the blend of your talents. So already, just if you are leaning into your strengths when you are approaching goals, it's already going to be unique to you. So let's dive in.   Lisa: Yes. You know, as you said that what pinged for me was When I'm deciding on my goals, what comes to my mind first is traditional goal setting stuff like, okay, let's think of the workplace and what are some metrics I want to move for the year? What are my revenue goals? I start to think of things like that. And when I think of strengths and add that in, I add things that I never would have thought of otherwise. So for example, I lead through positivity, individualization, woo, I have these need for people kind of themes, and I've worked from home for over 15 years.   What I've realized is if I don't have goals that relate to social things, I start to lose myself a little bit and I just don't realize it's that important for me to be around other humans physically because you can just be heads down in your work and forget. So I think that's an example personally of where goal setting with a lens of strengths, it could even tell me which ones to set that I might overlook entirely that'll be really valuable to me as a human. How about for you?   Brea: Yeah, totally. Using our strengths to set goals automatically broadens the scope of where you can go and what you can achieve. And it's attainable because it's coming from a place of strength, right? So it feels like, oh, this is a surprise. I've never really thought about setting a goal like this. And at the same time, it feels so doable and so natural and exciting, hopefully, you know, to think about going for that.   Lisa: Yeah, yeah. And they also give you. different approaches. If I think of mine, strategic's my number one. I love to get a list going of possibilities, and it's quick. But here are things I could focus on for the year. Here are things that might be important. And then I know that if I'm realistic, I can't do 40 top goals. That doesn't make any sense.   So instead, I can use strategic to say, what's most important for me? What are my priorities? And boom, I'm picking these two and that's it. And if I need to pivot later, cool, I will. And it allows me to do that. I love that. And I think my maximizer number two, it really drives me to set a goal and a BHAG, you know, the Big Hairy Audacious Goal, so that I can challenge the standard and challenge my potential and get a little bit of fun out of having the goal and then having the Big Hairy Goal.   Brea: Yeah. I love that.   Lisa: What do you think?   Brea: Yeah. I, I just, I'm thinking about, well, I'm thinking about why, why is setting goals so important and also why do so many people not do it? And also for those of us that do do it, like, why is it so hard? to finish. And I wonder if part of that is just because we are setting the wrong goals. Like you said, if we think about this through the lens of our strengths, we're able to set goals that can help set us up for success versus, you know, younger Brea would set goals to make my bed every day.   And, I just am not an everyday bedmaker and I've wasted so much time going after that goal, but it's just not a goal that's worth my effort. So I think this idea of setting goals through the lens of your strengths is so important because it helps you choose the right goals. And then the big hairy audacious, um, what's the G in beehive? Oh, Oh my gosh, I crack myself up. Okay, as soon as I said it, it was like right there.   Lisa: It's like pin number, personal identification. What's the N? Oh my gosh. It's a pin number. It's a BHAG goal. I think it's the same situation. So you're off the hook.   Brea: Yeah, that's so funny. So the BHA goal is, I forgot what I was saying. I don't even remember.   Lisa: I've got to jump on the insight then while your brain can bring it back to you. I think what you said, it felt like a metaphor that happens in the workplace all the time. So at year end, especially

Did you know that frustration and burnout your talents can be ‘hangry’. In today's episode, we dive into the delightful concept of nurturing your nature! Life can be tough, and we all know that adulting isn't just a walk in the park. So, why not focus on what makes you shine? We discuss the importance of not just using your strengths, but actively nurturing and developing them to unlock their full potential. You’ll hear us chat about the nuances of nurturing your talents, the idea of nourishing them like a well-cooked meal, and how to create opportunities for your strengths to thrive. We even share some personal reflections on our own talents and how we are intentional about feeding them. So, if you’ve ever felt like your talents are a bit hangry or underutilized, this episode is for you! Join us as we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how you can start nurturing your nature today. 🌟   Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.     Takeaways Nurturing vs. Using Your Strengths: It's not enough to simply use your natural talents; actively nurturing and developing them is what leads to a life of strength! This means investing time and energy into growing your talent, rather than just filling gaps or addressing weaknesses. Embrace the Journey: Nurturing your nature is an ongoing process. Just as you would monitor your health or the needs of a plant, it’s important to stay engaged with your strengths and be open to adjusting your approach as needed to ensure they continue to flourish. Take Action ●      Schedule frequent talent ‘check ups’: Just like our bodies need specific nutrients to thrive, our talents require attention and care. Regularly reflect on your top talents and assess which ones may be undernourished. This self-audit can help you identify areas where you can focus your energy to foster growth and satisfaction. ●      Create opportunities for your Strengths to shine!: If you find that your strengths aren't being utilized in your current environment, take the initiative to create opportunities for them to shine. Whether at work or in personal projects, seek out or design situations where your talents can be fully expressed. ●      Consider a VIP Day: If you're looking for guidance as you work to nurture your nature, consider booking a VIP day with Lisa or Brea. ○      Book with Brea: https://brearoper.com/vip ○      Book with Lisa: https://leadthroughstrengths.com/vip If you're ready to unlock the hidden potential in your talents, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen in and let us know your thoughts! What does nurturing your nature look like in your life? Share in the comments below! ✨ #Podcast #Productivity #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #Planning #TimeBlock #SelfCare #TimeForYourself #WorkLifeBalance #WorkLifeBlend #Nurture #Nature #Talent #Strengths   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: Hey, I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today's episode is all about nurturing your nature.   Brea: How to nurture your nature or why to nurture your nature. I love it.   Lisa: I love how your brain does this. It does it on a lot of topics. We'll talk about the topic and then you'll be like, but why? You know? So when you ask me the question, why should you nature… Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Should you nature your nurture? Let's nurture our nature, but I need to think on that. Is there an application for nurturing your nurture? Because I really like to nurture. Why should you nurture your nature? Instantly, I think about how adulting is hard. And really, I mean, stuff is hard. Life isn't just joy, joy, joy, joy all the time. So why not do things that for you are efficient and fun and can make life feel better. And if you're really taking your nature, and then you're leveraging it for all that it can be, then you're going to feel more efficient in your life. You're going to have more fun. It's going to be more exciting. It's not going to feel so laborious and difficult. I mean, we already have enough difficulties that will come our way anyway. So when you direct your attention for where your development is going, why not do it in these areas where you can really, really shine? That's what comes to mind for me.   Brea: Life is hard enough. Yes, life is hard enough. We don't need to make it more hard. So yes, I totally agree 100%. And I feel like a lot of people listening right now are nodding their head in agreement, right? Like we all get that. I do think that there's a different nuance to the conversation because we love nuance here on the Lead Through Strengths podcast. There's a different nuance to the conversation where leveraging your talent or your nature is one thing, right? Leaning into it aligning with it. Those those are all Kind of versions of that using it, right? But the idea of nurturing it Developing it. I Feel like there's a lot of us out there who aren't really exploring the full potential of what that means to nurture Our nature, you know to grow it. How do we do that? How do we do that as coaches? How do we help our our coachees to nurture their talent, to grow the good, not just to use it as it is, you know what I mean? But to nurture it, to grow it, to invest in it, right? Like that's- That's a cool distinction. Yeah, yeah.   Lisa: So I am totally getting where you're coming from. And the word that popped into my mind while you were describing it, because it almost felt like it with your words and the way you said them, was the word nourish. It's kind of like, If you were nourishing them, what would you be doing for them? If you were paying attention to making them better and better or have more things they could be directed toward or apply them in new situations and try them on in new ways and experiment with it and play with it, like all of those things could be ways that are nurturing it.   Brea: Yes. We have to feed our talents because if we don't, then they get hangry. And we don't like talents when they're angry. That looks like bad behavior. That looks like not emotionally regulated. That just doesn't look good. It does not look like strength. It looks like weakness, right? So the idea of nourishing is so good.   Lisa: So I definitely am a person who thinks you grow through practice, but you could practice the same terrible form over and over throwing a ball and just become stronger at your poor form.   Brea: I love that because clarity comes from action. I a hundred percent believe that a hundred percent. You got to move in order to get some clarity. Here's the thing, though, when it comes to nurturing, Traditionally, outside of the strengths movement, we have learned to reflect on our practice, to take a look at how we did and invest in the places where we were falling short. This is the difference. I think we still kind of default to looking to where we fell short and, you know, how do we use our talents to like fill the gaps? But what about this idea of looking at what we did well, looking at where we're excelling even and nurturing that, growing that? Is it true that if we do that, that our great will get even greater and it will be strong enough that the weakness doesn't even matter? In some cases, right? Is it true? Is what we believe really true?   Lisa: Yeah, so in addition to what you're talking about where we get focused on filling gaps and fixing weaknesses and trying to figure out how to do what we can't do yet, I also think there's this piece of nurturing your nature where you have to remember what makes you come alive and you have to remember where your greatest contributions are because if you will, You'll remember how to bring that excitement to your life. You'll remember what it feels like when you're contributing in the world. And you're like, oh, I need to get in that environment more often.   Brea: So this is so good because it it brings us back to let's start at the very beginning. The idea of how do we nurture? How do we do that? Right. Well, I think it's looking for opportunities to use your talents and or creating those opportunities if they don't currently exist in your work from home environment, then you have to create those opportunities. If you're in an office setting, maybe it's being aware of the opportunities where your talents can shine and really thrive and raising your hand for those, you know? So whether it's taking advantage of them when the opportunities come or, you know, creating those opportunities for yourself, I think that is a very foundational way of making sure that your talents get nurtured.   Lisa: Yeah, 100%. I love the word nurture. I love the metaphor we've been using with nourishing because it really is like that. Yes, you can go consume the fast food version of doing these things where you kind of get a drive-by experience of using them. But you could also do a slow cooker soup that you really worked on and you thought about carefully. And when you eat it, you're like, whoa, there's depth here. Like if you ever ate an amazing soup where you can just tell. this thing has been cooking for 36 hours with 20 amazing ingredients. Like that is what that taste experience is akin to w

Maybe you're a planner like Lisa, whose calendar resembles a game of ‘time Tetris’, more spontaneous like Brea, who’s a little more free-flowing, or somewhere in between. No matter how you do it, taking time to prioritize your well-being is essential. In this episode, you’ll hear us discuss the importance of setting boundaries and making intentional choices about how you spend your time. We share our personal experiences and strategies, from booking vacations and massages to creating those precious moments of spontaneity that can truly rejuvenate your spirit. We even touch on our VIP day offerings, where you can take a deep dive into your goals and aspirations with us as your guides. So, if you’ve been feeling the weight of life’s demands, this episode is your reminder to take a step back, breathe, and invest in yourself. So, grab your planner (or just your favorite cozy blanket) and get ready to discover how to make time for YOU! 🌟  Work With Us! BREA Roper Communication | Woo | Activator | Futuristic | Connectedness If you need a Strengths Hype Girl, for yourself or your team, connect with Brea at brearoper.com. She’s ready to deliver an inspirational keynote, empowering training, or transformational workshop. If you’re looking for an expert guide to support your internal Strengths efforts, reach out today! LISA Cummings Strategic | Maximizer | Positivity | Individualization | Woo   To work with Lisa, check out team workshops and retreats at the Lead Through Strengths site. For 1:1 strengths or life coaching, check out the Get Coached link. For independent coaches, trainers, and speakers, get business tools support with our Tools for Coaches membership.    Takeaways Define What "Time for Yourself" Means to YouTaking time for yourself can look different for everyone. For some, it might mean a luxurious vacation with no responsibilities. For others, it could be as simple as blocking out a few moments in your day for reflection or relaxation. We discuss how it's essential to identify what self-care means to you personally, so you can prioritize it in your life. The Power of “Planning to Be Spontaneous”Brea emphasizes the importance of leaving open blocks of time to allow for unexpected moments of joy and creativity. This balance can help you recharge and stay present, making it easier to embrace life's surprises. Invest in YourselfWe can't pour from an empty cup. Taking time for yourself is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. We discuss practical strategies for blocking out time for self-care, whether it's scheduling PTO, planning massages, or setting aside time for reflection. Remember, investing in yourself is one of the best decisions you can make for your well-being and productivity. Take Action ●      Block Out Time for Yourself: Schedule your personal time in advance, whether it's for vacations, self-care activities like massages, or simply time to relax. Make sure to earmark these activities in your calendar to prevent overbooking. ●      Plan for Spontaneity: Create blocks of time in your schedule that are left open for spontaneous activities. This could be as simple as a few hours with no plans, allowing you to engage in whatever feels right in the moment. ●      Reflect and Review: Set aside time for a year-end reflection or quarterly reviews. Use this time to assess your goals, accomplishments, and areas for improvement, ensuring that you are intentional about how you want to spend your time moving forward. ●      Establish Boundaries: Learn to set and maintain boundaries around your time. This includes saying no to commitments that do not serve your well-being and protecting the time you have allocated for yourself. ●      Consider a VIP Day: If you're looking for guidance in taking time for yourself, consider booking a VIP day. This can provide you with structured time to reflect, strategize, and plan for your personal and professional goals. ○      Book with Brea: https://brearoper.com/vip ○      Book with Lisa: https://leadthroughstrengths.com/vip If you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a reminder to prioritize yourself, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen in and let us know your thoughts! What does taking time for yourself look like in your life? Share in the comments below! ✨ Additional Resources ●      The Planner Pad – Brea’s favorite planning system. ✅ If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to time block your day, so you can streamline your focus and maximize your free time, check this out! #Podcast #Productivity #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #Planning #TimeBlock #SelfCare #TimeForYourself #WorkLifeBalance #WorkLifeBlend   Let’s Connect! ●      LISA: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook ●      BREA: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram   AI-Generated Transcript Lisa: Hey, I'm Lisa.   Brea: I'm Brea.   Lisa: And today's episode is about taking time out for yourself.   Brea: So this is a timely topic because you have just taken time for yourself, a luxurious amount of time in a really yummy place. And I am feeling the need to take time for myself. So we're coming, you know, from opposite ends of the spectrum. And I think that hopefully that makes for a juicy conversation.   Lisa: I feel like we should define it Brea style. You know, you're always like, let's back up. What is it like? What does this mean? What's it about to take time off? What does it mean to you?   Brea: Yeah, taking time out for yourself can mean, an all-expenses-paid resort wherever your heart fancies for an extended amount of time with no responsibilities, turn off your cell phone, like to one extreme. I feel like it also, most of the time for most of us, looks like smaller moments, you know, throughout the day and throughout the week and throughout the month and throughout the year. And that's what I'd love to talk about as well as, you know, the big things, but just the little things. How can we, how can we take time for ourselves?   Lisa: Yes. I love it. And for me, it's the same along with I don't have a lot of talents that are in the moment and spontaneous. And if I don't plan these things, they do not happen. So I'm very much a planner. So for me, taking time out for yourself is about relaxing. It's about time to marinate, reflect. luxurious amounts of time. I don't feel that feeling very often. It's usually like I have booked myself from the moment I wake up until 8pm in time blocks and I am like boom boom and you know how I am. You do Brea and probably many listeners know now that if I have a five minute sliver of time I have something else I throw in there. It's very packed when I'm in a workday. Okay. You might be better at this than I am. Like if I scored myself on a scale of one to 10 on how I am at taking time out for myself, I would give myself a six. I feel like you're better at this. How do you score yourself?   Brea: Well, maybe we need to go back to the definitions. Yeah, I mean, 10, 12, 20, I feel like I am overly kind to myself in time. And that works for me, but I know that I could do more. I could accomplish more. I just choose not to because I don't like that feeling of being stressed. It's stressful for me to have a lot of time pressures. For other people, that's the thrill. That's the thriving. That's the best life. It's just not for me. I've learned that over the years and it's been a really hard lesson for me to learn or just something for me to accept about myself because I grew up, maybe like a lot of us, just feeling like we have to be productive all the time. And I just don't enjoy it. So I do take time for myself, but I call it planning to be spontaneous, you know, like putting time in my schedule to just kind of ebb and flow and, you know, live into the adaptability parts of me. So.   Lisa: Well, that phrase you just used, planning to be spontaneous, well, it resonates with me a lot. I would love to talk strategies, what you block out. I know I have four really clear things that I block out. Yeah, tell us. Okay, okay. Number one, block out PTO for the year. So if you're an employee, like when I was an employee, I blocked my PTO. I might be wrong and I might change vacation days, but I will earmark them essentially because I can always shift things in the calendar. Like if I need to move things by two weeks, it's fine because there's a chunk of time allocated to it. So, I block that for the year. Just do it. Yeah.   Brea: Buy the tickets. You gotta go.   Lisa: Yes. And even if I don't buy the tickets, just have the four days, seven days, however many days that's going to be, they're earmarked so that I don't book over it. Booking PTO for the year is big. Another one is I book massages or self-care things, like whatever that thing is for you. Massage is my favorite self-care thing to go do. I block those out even if I don't have them booked I block either Mondays and Fridays because I attempt to not work on Mondays and Fridays and I will Put those in and then if it doesn't happen for some reason fine but I'll I'll block those because otherwise I'll just book right on top of them and We'll never get them done And then third thing is I time block my workouts and even my walks. Like if I just have a leisurely stroll where you hear me audio chatting with you with my gravel crunching in the background, those and my workouts are inside of those time blocks. When I have my calendar rolling from usually about eight to eight, I have every minute pre-planned what is going to happen in that minute. Doesn't always work out. But yeah, that that works for me. And I would say for someone else, they might need an accountability partner to make it happen. But I think the time blocking time for yourself to honor your body, and the one that I'm working on right now is blocking out more time for the time that food requires, like the actual eating whole food and what it requires for cooking and cleanup is something that I haven't allocated very