EDUCATION AT ITS BEST!

Over the last 10 weeks I have been attending evening classes that are helping me in the growth of my business. We started out confirming my target market, my vision and my mission. Since then I've been learning about ways to work with my group of business associates--my network, or my sales team. It's been a growing process. Sometimes it's been frustrating, and other times there have been some "Aha!" moments. All in all, it's been worth the investment. My husband tells me that he has seen how I've changed my approach to things and my wisdom and growth have been very beneficial. I can tell. I've been gaining more referrals in the last couple of weeks, than ever before. It's been exciting! Last week I attended an "extension" of my evening class. It was a half day training on how to recognize behavioral styles in people, and learn how to work with those styles. It was quite an interesting day. I learned first about myself, and then a few more things about my husband, but more so of how to approach those that I want to work with, or who I am already working with. There were four different behavioral styles that we took a good look at: The "How does this benefit me?" person, the "Will this be any fun?!" personality, the "What's the system?" individual, and the "How can I help you?" individual. The class had special labels for each behavior and we learned to recognize these types of people by the way they typically dress, and their hand shake. In learning these skills, I've learned the best way to approach someone who'd want to have fun in the process, or just wants to get down to business. Knowing how others behave can be a rewarding tool in approaching those you want to work with! If you'd be interested in participating in such an event, this same class, A ROOM FULL OF REFERRALS, is being offered in January of 2011. Call me for details, and I'll be sure to make it happen for you!

CREATING, CREATING, CREATING!

Happy Autumn! From the title of this post you should understand how the fall season has started for me. It's been a week of ups and downs --from tending to a sick dog in the wee hours of a couple of nights, or mornings, depending upon how you look at it-- to putting together publications that reflect the special events that are just weeks away. There's no other way to put it except that I've been very busy creating! I spoke of The House of Lydia last week...their event has expanded into something even bigger and better than what we originally came up with. In November, a breakfast and silent auction will be held at a near by Applebees. The silent auction will display all of our baskets and other items, such as gift certificates and tickets to special events, etc. Those in attendance will have plenty of things to choose from for personal use, or to get as an early Christmas gift--that is if their bid is the highest! I am in the process of calling for donations, creating flyers, and writing a newspaper article regarding The House of Lydia and the upcoming event. Kim's Peace Baskets will be holding an open house in another week and I've been busy creating her flyer and raffle materials. I will be joining her for set up next week and I plan on taking some pictures of her event. We are also preparing for some other events to come in the near future. Today my husband (my IT man) and I sat down and began the creation of my new website. I'm very excited about all that is to come! My goal is to have it up and running by the end of next week. I will keep you posted! I have yet one more flyer to create for an event that one of my clients is holding for a specific group of people, and I am creating a powerpoint presentation for a client that will be meeting with a business referral next week. All in all, it's been fun. At first it was a bit overwhelming looking at all of it at once, but after managing the tasks at hand, I am beginning to see my desk at the end of the pile! (figuratively--I can't stand working from piles!) Have a great weekend everyone!

FROM VISIBILITY TO PROFITABILITY

Learning to build your business not only takes time as you create your business plan and decipher what your vision and mission statements are, etc., but it also takes time investing in relationships. Part of that is just meeting with people one to one; not just for the sake of doing business, but more importantly to strengthen a relationship that will draw a bond of trust. I should also emphasize that it will take more than one visit with each other to solidify a relationship that will become profitable in the long run. Saturday, I spent an afternoon with my coach, who has also become a friend of mine. What was different about this meeting was that it was more than just a time when we discussed about where I was at in my business. I learned a lot about the passions and goals that she has in her own life. I saw a side of her that had been "hinted" to in the past, but never shared with me as in depth as expressed in our conversation that afternoon. I saw what excited her and I learned of her own accomplishments. It helped me to appreciate more of who she is and what she enjoys and desires out of life. I learned more of her personally than I did as a business associate. We have established a relationship that has been full of accountability and hard work from both sides. We trust each other with the work we do for each other. She has helped me with the growth of my business, and I have helped her in administrative tasks and in setting up speaking engagements. We also have established a relationship that goes beyond that as we enjoy each others company through giggles, shopping trips and hugs. What is great about all of this is that when I refer someone to my coach, I understand my coach so well that I can tell another person exactly what she does and how it is beneficial. Because I know her personality as well as I do, I can also sense whether a referral would be a good match for her to work with. It goes both ways. She understands enough about me that she too knows when to pass on a good referral to me. Our relationship is what is considered a profitable relationship. It is important to work on developing relationships that start with a visible greeting and handshake, and turn them into a profitable bond that can benefit both of you. You most likely will not develop a "best friend" relationship with all your business associates, (that's not even realistic) but having a profitable referral partner should be your ultimate goal. The investment will be well worth it!

Kim's Peace Baskets

Yesterday I met a woman who has such a heart of compassion! She's in the midst of getting her own business off the ground. She is literally starting from scratch. Her purpose in this business however is not only to make some money for herself, but more so to help others who are victims of this unforgiving world through rape and torture. I was contacted to assist Kim with setting up some events that would help raise money for those who are suffering. Kim Marie Collins is the founder of Kim's Peace Baskets. These baskets are bundles of joy, love, comfort, and peace. Each basket is put together to meet a need, whether it is a physical, emotional, or social need, Kim's basket will bring a smile to anyone's face. I was honored to be a recipient of such a gift, when my husband had purchased a basket. It was a tin basket full of chocolate and candles, which promised a nice cozy, intimate time with my husband. But what made it even more special is being able to help Kim in supporting her mission of giving to non-profit organizations. Presently the proceeds of Kim's Peace Baskets go to the House of Lydia, a non-profit organization that provides services for battered women and children. A future goal of Kim's is to create handbags that will support women and children in the Congo--many of them targets of the Congo war. Kim provides all sorts of baskets from the 911 basket (first aid kit) to children's baskets (art or school supplies) to spa baskets with lotions and soaps and candles, to food and drink baskets (like the Italian Dinner, or a romantic wine basket for two). She also provides custom made baskets upon request. If interested you can view some of her baskets on my ACO Virtual Services facebook ad page, or email her with your request, kcfit@yahoo.com. I love what I do in helping out with such events. I not only get to see and partake of all the creativity, but I know my efforts aide in a worthy cause!

TO BELIEVE OR NOT TO BELIEVE

I have often wondered why it can be so difficult to get people to change, to try something new, to understand that your services and/or products are just as good, if not better than what the guy next door has to offer. What level of understanding and trust do people need to get to in order to step forward and take what you have to offer? Skepticism my friends brings a lot of gutless, fear into our worlds and minds. We think things will be okay...we believe it all exists...but getting to the point of truly trusting and believing can be quite a stretch of faith. In order to get others to believe in what you have to offer you must first of all, believe it yourself! If you can't practice what you preach...what are you doing in your line of work? You don't belong there. No one is going to trust you if you struggle with it yourself. Eventually others will see your passion and drive for your services and products, and that will excite them enough to give you a try, but don't be two-faced about it. People will catch on sooner or later, see through your antics and they will close the door in your face. Second, you must believe yourself that what you are doing is going to work. It's hard to hang in there and wait for things to fall into place. It was three years before my husband's business tripled in the number of customers. If you hang around with a mindset of skepticism and fear that you'll never get there--never make enough money--never get enough clients--quite frankly, you won't! I came across this poem, by C. W. Longenecker. I think it truthfully sums up this post. The Victor If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't If you like to win but think you can't, It's almost a cinch you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost. For out in the world we find Success begins with a fellow's will It's all in the state of mind. If you think you are outclassed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win the prize. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can. Believe in yourself, and others will too!

THE HOUSE OF LYDIA

I met with a non-profit organization today called, the House Of Lydia. I've spoken of them before in my blog--last spring some time I believe. They have asked me to set up an event for them. It's going to be a Christmas Basket shopping theme where all sorts of vendors can participate--Party-Lite, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, etc. We're targeting those shoppers that want to do early Christmas gifts for those, "What do I get for...?" kind of gifts. So, those that are looking for a particular gift for a college student, their boss or co-worker, or possibly their child's teacher...they're sure to find something here! We're also going to have a cooking decorating table for children while their parent(s) shop, and a shopping table for kids who wish to pick out something special for mom or dad will also be provided. Fun! The thought process has begun and this month we are going to be looking for a restaurant or coffee shop to hold the event, then the organization of everything begins! I'm looking forward to it! It will be like one big home party in a restaurant with a slightly different angle. I'll keep you informed on how it goes. The House of Lydia is a non-profit organization whose focus is to assist and tend to battered women and children. They are presently bidding on homes to fix up and open up so that they can provide a safe haven for these women. They will continue the process of providing parenting classes, financial classes, support groups and Bible studies. The needs of these women and their children will be met as they are assisted in getting ready to move forward in their lives - on to their own homes, etc. To learn more please visit: www.houseoflydia.org. If you are a sales representative yourself, or know of someone who would be interested in participating, please have them contact me sb@acovs.com and put House of Lydia in the subject line. Thanks for your support!

ACO Events

I have spent the last several posts writing about things to consider when putting together your own business. I will continue to add things, but today I decided to share a personal story of where I am with ACO Virtual Services. Before I forget--ACO is pronounced as the letters themselves (A-C-O). I have recently heard some interesting pronunciations and thought I should clear that up. :) After coming to the conclusion that my niche is in event planning, I started to confirm what type of event planning I wanted to do and how I was going to begin to market this entity. So, I share with you the latest: ACO Events, a division of ACO Virtual Services, links individuals together through memorable moments tha can leave positive, lasting effects on the lives of others. Throughout the Milwaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties we work with individuals who wish to educate, inspire and encourage others, or come together for a common cause. ACO understands the importance of focusing on your message, thus providing an event that will portray your message, and alleviate the stress of planning your event so that you are able to concentrate on your story as well as enjoy your special occasion. On that basis of what the addition to ACO is all about I started my mission of sending out letters to my clients and those that I thought took a special interest in ACO. The letters explained about the entity being added and invited them to see a presentation that I was giving regarding these services. As a result, I gained two new jobs (one for a non-profit organization, and one for an educational trainer). I also have the prospect of two more (a health and wellness educator and another person who is starting her very own business). It's been a good start to my latest adventure. I have taken time to create all the business forms that will be used for my event planning and I am working on an article to soon be submitted for publication. I am also putting together welcome packets for all prospective clients. It's been a busy time, but already very rewarding. I am looking forward to the days to come! Thanks to all of you who have supported me through your prayers and words of encouragement! Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!