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Hi <<First Name>>,
How’s your December going?
I’m enjoying the slight relaxation from lockdown to do a little shopping - but avoiding the huge crowds that seem to be springing up and jeopardising any benefits we might have gained from the lockdown.
I’ve managed a (quick!) socially distanced coffee in the garden with my brother.
And I’m loving the chance to go walking with a few friends.
Plus, of course, i’m continuing with my online coaching and networking.
In my newsletter this week:
- My weekly progress report on producing a book (with audio)
- In 20 years time...
- Do you have cobbler's shoes syndrome?
- The story I’m telling myself...
Please do read on...
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My Weekly Progress Report
Here’s my weekly update on the progress towards publishing my book.
On Friday I received the final layout of the interior of my book - SO exciting!
Last week I mentioned my headshot conundrum. This week I have a plan to resolve it. More about that next week!
Once I’ve approved the interior, and supplied the headshot, we’re good to go. So I thought it was time to start introducing you to the content.
Sharing a written extract here felt a bit cumbersome, so instead...
I’ve recorded a short audio extract. Have a listen and see what you think:
And please do let me have your feedback!
Watch out for the reveal of my Book Cover later this week!
And don't forget, if you know anyone who is just starting out on their own, and finding it all rather daunting, do send them to:
https://businessmadesimpler.co.uk/sign-up
where they can take my new Business Owner quiz and join you on my mailing list.
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In 20 years time...
The other day I heard someone say:
"In 20 years' time you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the things you did.”
It wasn’t the first time I’d heard this, but it still made me pause.
2020 has been a weird year for us all.
It has affected us in many different ways.
There have been many things we COULDN’T do in 2020.
Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that I’ve sensed an unwillingness to plan ahead.
It’s easy to accept defeat, to switch off planning, and just go with the flow.
That’s fine, up to a point, but it tends to come with a loss of momentum.
So here’s my challenge to you:
What CAN you plan for, in 2021, that you will be glad you did in 20 years’ time?
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Do you have ‘cobbler's shoes’ syndrome?
Are you familiar with the proverb of the cobbler’s shoes?
It explains that the family members of a cobbler are the least likely to have shoes, because the cobbler is always so busy making or repairing shoes for everyone else.
In other words, we often neglect ourselves (and our nearest and dearest) because we are so focused on others.
I realised that this can be applied to the work that we do.
For example, I always ask my clients why they do what they do.
It’s also the first question I ask in my book.
I believe it’s absolutely fundamental to running a successful business.
But when someone asked me the same question the other day, I went blank!
I couldn't articulate why I do what I do.
Since then, I’ve spent some time thinking about this question, and I would now be able to respond much more coherently.
What’s the equivalent in your business?
What’s the fundamental service you offer your clients?
It could be professional advice, a technical service, a therapy, an essential item or a luxury product.
Whatever it may be, have you taken care of your own needs in the same way you take care of your clients’?
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The story I’m telling myself....
As you may recall, our Book Club is currently reading Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead.
We’re due to meet tonight to discuss it, so I’ll let you know next week what we all thought.
Meanwhile, I’d like to share one insight from it.
When we experience a strong reaction to something someone does or says, it isn’t usually the exact action or statement that upsets us.
It’s the story we tell ourselves about what the words or actions mean.
For example, someone said to me only today:
“I get really cross when someone says to me ‘given you’re a ...[insert profession] you’ll obviously empathise with people who have struggling businesses'.”
I asked why that annoyed him.
He said: “They clearly assume that everyone in my profession is struggling.”
That was the story he was telling himself.
It’s one possibility, certainly, but I can think of several others.
- Maybe they think that anyone in his profession has natural empathy.
- Maybe they think that he comes across lots of struggling businesses in his line of business
- Maybe they think his profession is well suited to supporting others
Whatever the truth, the only way of uncovering it is to ask.
So next time you react to someone’s words or actions, just pause.
And ask yourself:
"What’s the story I’m telling myself here?”
Then check your facts!
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My workshop portfolio
Available on demand are:
Look Smart on LinkedIn - building a credible presence on LinkedIn
Business focus and goals - reconnect to your business purpose and get clear on your business goals
Know your worth – manage your finances, understanding what to charge and learning how to negotiate your price with customers
Developing your Business Strategy - plotting your route to business success
Networking skills - why, where and how to network effectively
Business Blogging with Intent - what blogging is, why and how to do it, and where to place it
Finding your Ideal Client - how to identify your 'ideal client', and then track them down
Managing your business risks - understand what can go wrong, and what to do about it
Managing your Clients - master the art of fabulous customer service and minimise payment issues
Be Desk Smart – gain a more robust business set up, cut your stress and have a healthier workspace
Be Time Smart – use your time better, achieve more and feel more in control
Details of all my regular workshops can always be found on the workshops page of my website.
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“Amanda’s support and coaching has provided me with so much confidence and enabled me to refocus on my business.
Having someone to sound out ideas and plans, and help flesh out pain points and, at the same time, give a rationale alternative explanation has been incredible.
I couldn’t recommend her services more highly! Thank you, Amanda!”
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