The Inexpensive - But Priceless - Gift

As Christmas draws closer, the words of Charles Dickens have really sunk in:

 

"Remembrance, like a candle, burns brightest at Christmas time."

My thoughts have turned constantly to the past year and all the amazing things that have happened. I am so blessed to have had association with so many fabulous people and be a part of the success of so many thriving businesses!

An enormous THANK-YOU goes out to all my clients, family, and friends for another amazing year! The journey we shared over the past 12 months has been the best part of my life so far.

I can close the book on 2012 and say with satisfaction that it was time well-spent, money well-invested, and relationships well-cultivated. It was a year of positive growth, change and development. It was an amazing year of facing challenges, overcoming them, and finding more to come. It was a great year for realizing again what is best and most important in life. It was a year of celebration, of success, and of BFOs.

May each of you find the joy that can be yours by harnessing the resources at your disposal and making the most of them. Your dreams and goals are achievable, your visions can be realized, and you can be the most amazing person you know. Put it all down on paper, map your road, and take action. May 2013 be even more amazing than 2012!

Merry Christmas!

Coach David Green

Planning for Success

Planning saves time and money. Planning points us in the right direction, gives us a roadmap, and puts goals and dreams into a tangible framework of steps. Planning gives us an overall perspective of where we are, where we've been, and where we're going.

December is a great season for planning. Not only is it a time of celebration and reflection, but it is also the season for planning and preparing for the future. In January we turn over the calendar to a new year that stretches in front of us full of promise and potential. In all the busy parties and receptions, fundraisers and family dinners, gift-buying and gift-receiving, and the travails of winter storms, make time to sit down and re-evaluate. This year is drawing to a close - what will next year bring for you?

I extend a personal invitation to all of you to join me for our GrowthCLUB session on December 11. It's a unique session geared towards taking some time to evaluate the state of the union in your business. What is the current financial state of affairs? What will your goals be for next year? By this time next year, what would you like your business to look like? What changes would you like to make to your marketing campaigns and systems? How would you like to build your team toward better collaboration and communication? How would you like to improve your sales and bottom line? Join us for an opportunity to sit down with other business owners and discuss ideas, opportunities, and proven tactics that can change your business for the better.

"If I have an idea and give the idea away it is not gone, but I still have it! This experience does not conform to the arithmetic of things.
Let us examine this experience from the point of view of exchange. If I have an apple and you have an apple and we exchange apples -- then you have an apple and I have an apple. But if I have the idea that the apple is red and you have the idea that the apple is small and we exchange ideas, then you have two ideas and I have two ideas. It is quite obvious, therefore, that the laws governing thoughts or ideas are different from the laws governing things. If I have an idea and give it away, I still have it to give again, and if I give the idea away again and again, I still have the idea left."

--Nicolas T., 19 May 2011

Fear

Fear can be one of the most paralyzing influences in our lives. This powerful emotion can override rational thought, habitual behavior, and even virtually subconscious mind processes. Fear can halt us in our tracks, impede further progress, or even prevent us from taking the first step in a new direction.

Can you afford to allow fear to influence your business decisions? Think about the last three major decisions you made; then, honestly examine what inspired you to make those decisions. Were there any emotions involved? Was fear one of them? Think about the past few days or weeks. What decisions have you avoided, procrastinated, or perhaps found a way to escape altogether? Were there any emotions involved? Was fear one of them?

Business owners experience fear. Successful business owners make conscious choices about how much they will allow emotions to influence their decision-making process. They handle their fear (and other emotions) in such a way that will channel the power of these emotions into positive, productive action instead of allowing the emotion to override their mental systems and become an obstacle to their success.

Don't let fear be the reason that you don't take action.

Down Time

As we all know, maintaining balance is key to feeling good and operating at a level of productivity necessary to achieve desired outcomes in all areas of life. While it may not be easy, it is imperative that we recognize, accept and act on some principles that may seem counterintuitive or simply difficult to embrace.

First of all, we must recognize that we cannot maintain optimum productivity in one area 100% of the time. For example, we cannot consistently offer the same level of mental investment into an operating budget for 24 hours straight. Our minds and bodies are simply not given to that kind of intensity for an extended time period. We must take breaks, change our activities, and give different areas of our being the opportunity to exercise. For some people, 20 minutes at a keyboard and 20 min away from the keyboard is a good rule of thumb for avoiding eye strain or carpel tunnel syndrome. Taking a brisk walk before engaging in learning or creative problem-solving can improve our mental capacity and chemically improve our chances of achieving satisfactory ends quickly. The key is to find what works to bridge the gap from where we are to where we are going, and having the courage to embrace it. And know that the answer does not lie in duct-taping ourselves to our desk for 3 days.

Second, we need to recognize that focus is essential. And by that, I do not mean living at the office 365 days a year staring at the same numbers over and over. We need down time. And we must have down time that is as intense and focussed as our work time. It is interesting to note that workers who have little focus at work often tend to have little focus outside of work, as well. They are constantly thinking of work as much as they are constantly thinking about leisure time activities. They are often completely unrested, imbalanced, and tend toward higher stress levels and burnout. When it's time to relax, put your mind, energy and power into something completely and wholly unrelated to anything at work. Focus hard on play and you will find a greater power to focus at work. In whatever activity you are engaged in, focus. Get focus, keep your focus, and don't release your focus until it's time to change that focus. Focus.

Third, recognize that you are the boss. In every situation in which you find yourself, you have choices. You are responsible to ensure that your life is balanced. It is not a decision made by your spouse, your business partner, or your mentor. Choose how you will balance the demands in your life. Choose how you will invest your time. Choose your thoughts as carefully as you choose your activities. Ensure that when it's time to rest from one labour, the other areas of your being are awakened and given their opportunity to exercise. Choose to discipline yourself, balance your energies, and focus. Make good choices day after day, and feel good about those choices as you begin to embrace a successful lifestyle. You are your own boss - no matter what.

FinancialMastery - The Foundation of Business Communication

This morning I sat down with business owners to talk numbers. It's what we do at the FinancialMastery seminar - we explore the framework within which all business activity is reflected, communicated, and manipulated. It is so true - the numbers never lie. And today was a great day. Why? Because every day is a great day to know where you're at and where you're going. That's what the numbers tell you and that's why you need to know them.

We could all effectively stumble our way to profitability in a business. A combination of some hard work, luck, circumstance, and borrowing from someone's deep pockets would keep us going on the path of viable operation for a time. But we could also effectively stumble our way to bankruptcy and ruin. How do we know which path we're on? The numbers tell us.

Business owners are always concerned with the bottom line. After all, we're in this to make money, are we not? So increasing the amount of money in a business owner's pocket is the name of the game. We're not thinking like accountants (who should do a very fine job of ensuring we pay minimal taxes on our pocket cash) or like bankers (who love to see a long list of variable expenses and a short one of fixed costs) or like lawyers (who are masters of variable cost application). We are business owners and we think differently. We are the decision-makers that will bring our company to the realm of success. Reading what your business is trying to communicate to you in the financial statements  is just the beginning - but once you've entered that gate, you will shortly find yourself on the path to abundance. 

Do you have the courage to face exactly where your business stands, make the tough decisions that your numbers insist upon, and distance yourself emotionally from the possible fallout? Are you confident about your company's position, even in the volatile economy in which we find ourselves daily? Have you been listening and responding to what your numbers are telling you? If you hesitated, even for a moment, on any of these questions then it's time to make changes in how you run your business. 

A great group at FinancialMastery today took the initiative to control the outcome of their business activity. What will you do today?

Think in Colour

Science has shown that the left and right sides of our brain deal with different aspects of cognitive function. Our left side is our analytical side - we use this part of our brain in reasoning, rationalizing, and thinking objectively. Our right side is emotional, creative, and impulsive in nature.

As we problem-solve challenges in our lives, both sides of our brain work together to evaluate the situation and think through an appropriate solution. Both sides are also active as we learn - if we stimulate both sides of the brain we are better able to internalize concepts, remember them, and actively pursue appropriate practical implementation.

At my seminars, we dispose of traditional pens containing blue or black ink. Instead, participants are required to use coloured markers to take notes and complete worksheets. This simple modification to the learning process encourages the attentive left side and the visual right side of our minds to engage together and focus as much cognitive energy as possible on the concept being presented. The outcome is sometimes startling; participants have experienced an increased ability to comprehend, retain, and capitalize on the material being mastered. Creative thought combines with factual knowledge of business processes, and lively discussions on a variety of issues in the business world surface. Amazing value is added to these seminars as we apply key principles to real-life situations, and it never fails that every participant leaves with new ideas, new ways of considering challenges, and an increased desire to overcome the obstacles that keep them from achieving their goals in business and in life.

If you are unable to make time for my upcoming events, please take the time to change up your writing utensils. Put the plain pens aside and start thinking in colour. See for yourself how seemingly simple changes can bring about amazing results. 



Join a Team

Business owners are not unaccustomed to working and standing alone. But at some point we realize that without the support of a great community and the bridges built through working and networking with like-minded individuals, we will never accomplish feats that will change the course of the future for our families and communities. We work together to establish successful municipalities, stabilize economies, and build the foundation of a great future for our children.

When was the last time you attended a networking event and took it to the next level? Did you actually plug in to the community, or were you just there to socialize? How can you be more involved in a great community of forward-thinking business owners? How can you become someone who learns and grows with others in the community to improve your business, achieve your goals, and at the same time promote positive growth and change for the community as well?

At ActionCOACH, we believe we are stronger together than we would ever be alone. We promote connections between individuals, businesses, and teams that can strengthen each other and mutually benefit by association with one another. Participants at our events are encouraged to continue their relationship outside our arena, and help drive each other toward fulfilling the amazing potential they have as individuals and business owners. Join us for one of our events and take the opportunity to meet others who are driven to succeed. Cultivate relationships that will engage you in embracing a future bright with amazing possibilities for our community.

I believe in our community and the business owners that drive our economy. I am pleased to have positive association and participation in the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone, the Lethbridge Fish & Game Association, and the District Council for Lethbridge School District #51. I associate daily with business owners and teams that are interested in claiming a place at the forefront of their industry, taking a commanding lead over all their competitors, and being in a position to step back while well-placed systems and strategies take their business to a whole new level. As their profits and free time increase, they are able to make the move from business owner to investor. And live the lifestyle of freedom and peace of mind that inspired them to start their own business in the first place.

Bridges to Success - a collaborative effort for Lethbridge businesses

Contact me today to join our team, live your dream and leave a legacy to your community.

What Are Business Owners Saying?

A Business Coach will tell you what you didn't know you didn't know about business. There is always room for positive change and improvement; if you think you know it all about how to dominate your industry, you just made your first mistake.

If we haven't spoken yet, it isn't because you don't know how to contact me. Whatever your reason is, don't let it be the small obstacle that kept you from getting massive results. Does your competition have a coach? What will have to happen before you will take action? Will it be too late?

Don't settle for anything less than the best - the numbers don't lie. Real results are real results - ask me what my quantitative results are. If your tooth still hurts after visiting the dentist, something didn't go right. If your car still growls after a tune-up, something wasn't done properly. And if your business isn't running better with a Business Coach, it may be time to re-evaluate the situation.

SO WHAT ARE YOU STILL WAITING FOR?

Here's what some of the people I've worked with are saying:

"The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone has partnered with Action Coach on a number of business building workshops for our members. These workshops are very popular with our members. We always receive positive feedback from workshop attendees who greatly benefit from the professional coaching expertise provided by Action Coach. We would highly recommend Action Coach to anyone looking to positively impact the way they do business."

-‐ Ted Stilson, Executive Director, Downtown BRZ and Lethbridge Main Street Project

"Action Coach really know what they are doing. Allow me to explain; if you were an airline pilot and you were just a few degrees off course you might miss your destination by hundreds of miles. The trouble is that we don't always know what the "few degrees" are in our businesses. Action Coach have the expertise, experience and objectivity to help you take your business to the next level!"

-‐ Peter Etches, General Manager, A.E.Cross Studio

"As I implement the strategies and systems taught in the sessions I have more time, have a better income, and enjoy a better balanced life. I expect that by staying the course I will see my income double over the next year and my stress level continue to decrease."

-‐ Blair Foster, Aurora Capital

"We are now growth oriented and setting goals and actions on a weekly basis. We have been able to make some important changes in the last year and know that with the help of Action Coach we are moving in the right direction."

-‐ Stella Reger, Energy Smart

It's time. Contact me today.


I am truly responsible for my actions and outcomes and own everything
that takes place in my work and my life.
I am accountable for my results and I know that for things to change,
first I must change.



Get Their Attention

It's an anomaly.

It's an anomaly.

Sometimes it's that simple - the success of a marketing tool can stem directly from making people think (or read) twice. Find unique ways to grab attention and generate interest in your product. Irregularity is one of the common denominators for many Facebook status updates, Tweets, and YouTube videos that go viral. The same holds true for television commercials, radio ads, and print media - each have their own strengths and opportunities to powerfully communicate a message.

The next time you intend to place an ad, don't stop at your company name, logo, contact information, and a nice picture. Use the space you've reserved in the most creative, eye-catching way possible. It won't cost any more to have a unique approach than it will to have a completely blank space. But you will see a difference in your return on investment.

Want some feedback on your advertising? Call (403.929.1380) or email me today - before you commit to another round of generic messages. Take action today and see a better bottom line tomorrow.

With Just a 10% Increase ...

Did you know that for every $1 invested in working with an ActionCOACH in Alberta you will receive an average of $6 back in profit for your business? That's our current average, and that's our measurable success with business owners just like you.

Let's take a quick look at how manipulating your business processes can achieve measurable results:

With just a 10% increase ...

Number of Leads	4,000	4,400
x	x	x
Conversion Rate	25%	25%
=	=	=
Customers	1,000	1,210
x	x	x
Number of Transactions	2	2.2
x	x	x
Average $$$ Sale	$100	$110
=	=	=
Revenue	$200,000	$292,820
x	x	x
Profit Margins	25%	25%
=	=	=
PROFIT	$50,000	$80,525.50

Contact David Green with ActionCOACH Lethbridge and find out how you can start improving your bottom line today! For a limited time, Coach David is offering free 90-min strategy sessions - call 403.929.1380 and book your appointment now!

100 Businesses

2012 ...

It's already been an amazing year of change and revitalization!

That wave continues as I announce my goal to coach 100 businesses by the end of 2012. To achieve that end, I'm offering FREE 90-min strategy sessions to businesses in Lethbridge and the surrounding area.

NOW is the time to sit back, take a long look at your business, and figure out what your most pressing issues and concerns are. Think about the challenges you're currently facing, the recurring issues that never seem to be resolved, or the difficulties you will encounter with greater growth and diversification. Write them down, give me a call, and we'll take a good look at where you're at together. I promise you will come away from our session with at least 5 solid strategies to improve and/or grow your business.

Coaching - it's not just for sports! Call me today 403-929-1380 and book your FREE 90-min strategy session. And let's make it the best 90 min you ever spent on your business!

Stop Looking for the Magic Bullet

Stop looking for the magic bullet. While they exist, the odds of you obtaining one are about as good as you winning the lottery. Many people are looking for the same get-rich-quick rocket, and someone will get it just like someone will buy the winning ticket. But there is an easier way to become a millionaire - and it has a much higher success rate. It's the path of daily discipline and consistent effort - just like your grandfather said.

Business owners occasionally come to me with the expectation that I will present to them something resembling a magic bullet - a mysterious strategy that will miraculously turn their business from a downhill-sliding money hole to a mammoth, profit-generating giant. Desperation sometimes causes us to put faith in strange places; but hoping for an instant solution to deep business problems can be as fruitless as seeking your fortune for a $10 sitting fee with a would-be psychic. It may offer some hope in the short-term, but will the long-term effects reflect value in your investment? Even if it was only $10? Was that lottery ticket worth its price?

I sincerely believe that you get what you pay for. In business, that means you will see the fruits of your daily discipline and consistent effort when you ensure that this energy is strategically placed, concisely focussed, and continually reinforced. It's my job as a Business Coach to offer professional advice on how your company can better manipulate the chassis of business to increase profits, improve marketability, strengthen teams, and make the most of your time. I'm here to help you adjust the strategies and practices of your organization, to broaden the mindset of you and your team, and engage in a partnership that will bring success and satisfaction to us both. Your success is my success - and I guarantee results. You will get what you pay for.

Lessons in Leadership from the Military

Are you a risk taker?


Are you a leader?

Can you be one without the other?

Today I read a great article on this topic - I highly recommend you read it too. Generally, society recognizes that when the chips are down, soldiers in the military shoulder an amazing responsibility to stand on the front lines of our country and our freedom. They have, are, and will take risks that most of us will never fully appreciate. But what we can grasp is some insight from their example on how to realize success by facing inherent risk.

Col. Eric G. Kail suggests that there are some lessons from military life that can be carried over to any profession; he outlines them as follows:

First, not everyone is prepared to lead in risky environments. Second, as leaders who are assessing risks, we need to have skin in the game; otherwise we are only pretending to lead. Third, character matters just as much as any knowledge or skills acquired from training and education. 



Flickr photo by abdallah



I couldn't agree more. In my line of work I engage with business owners and teams that are striving to set the standard of excellence in their industry. These are amazing people who are prepared to take risks, who have their hearts set on success, and who have characters that are not only beyond reproach, but set a standard for others to aspire to. They are truly great leaders.

I am grateful every day for the men and women who selflessly built the nation in which I live, and for the those who continue to lead. I will proudly celebrate the national holiday that pays tribute to the greatness of our country - built by the greatness of our people.

Start at the End

Always know the end of a business venture before you begin. Plan for it and don't lose sight of it. While it may seem paradoxical, the end will one day come and you need to know your exit strategy before you step through the door.

Are you planning to build a business that will give you a good living until retirement? Are you planning to build an international enterprise that will not only support your lifestyle, but effectively financially position your children's children? Are you intending to build the business to a certain point, sell it, and move on? How does your venture contribute to your vision of life in ten years, and when will the time come for you to part ways? What will be the key indicators that will signal that the end is near? Knowing how the story ends is key to determining how it will begin and how decisions will be made as the business grows.

If you're thinking about starting a new venture, or diversifying your corporation in new directions, or buying a new enterprise to complement the holdings you already have, take a long look at how you picture the end of the road. I recommend reading Start With Why by Simon Sinek, or Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur by Richard Branson. Make sure you know where you're going, why you're going there, and how you will know when you have arrived. And when the time comes, execute the exit strategy you have always planned.

Something Worth Reading

I think the most important thing I can post this week is a link to something well worth your time to read. This link will take you to another blog that discusses issues surrounding some of my favorite topics, including post-secondary education and employee qualification:

http://blogmaverick.com/2012/05/13/the-coming-meltdown-in-college-education-why-the-economy-wont-get-better-any-time-soon/

If we are looking strategically into the future of our workforce, our children, and our success as businesses and a society, there are some important changes coming that we should be ready to respond to. How will you take action to navigate this wave of fundamental change?

Thank-you.

Thank-you to my clients, past and present, who have taught me so much and changed my life in so many positive ways. A coach is nothing without a team - I am so grateful for all you have shared with me.

Thank-you to my family and friends who have gone through so much with me. And are still there.

Thank-you to the many teachers, educators, trainers, mentors, and other leaders that have helped me become the person I am today.

Thank-you to my fellow community workers and volunteers that keep my home a great place to live.

Thank-you to the leaders of my country who fight each day to keep our rights and freedom intact.

Thank-you to everyone that stands up for what they believe in, that lives what they preach, and that tries every day to grow, change, and embrace the wonderful gift of life that they have been given.

Be the Powerhouse

Monday was a day of anticipation; countless people had spent weeks fretting over whether the 41-year hold of the Progressive Conservative Party over the government of the province of Alberta, Canada would finally be broken. The Wildrose Party had put up an immense battle, and everyone wondered if it would be enough. The pollsters said it was. But in the end, it wasn't - Premier Alison Redford kept her place.

In an interesting editorial in The Montreal Gazette, the following statement appears:

Redford’s victory signals a potential new era in provincial-federal relations. Alberta is the country’s economic powerhouse. Its petro wealth is the motor driving a westward shift in Canada’s population and economic centre of gravity. What happens in Alberta today matters to the rest of the country in a way that wasn’t the case a couple of decades ago.

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/Editorial+Alberta+election+result+good+news+Canada/6511335/story.html#ixzz1szeWnis5

Is your company a powerhouse within your industry? Do you have the mindset to lead your business as it becomes an "economic centre of gravity?" Have you ever been described as a "moving force?"

Alberta is moving toward a bright future. Hundreds of business owners comprise the economic force that is driving our province and our nation towards sustainable success. Join the many that have taken every advantage to step above the rest - talk to an ActionCOACH Business Coach today.

The Right Tools



Flickr CC image by skistz

No job is going to be easy without the right tools to complete it. In this way, running a business is no different than building a deck. Having all the right pieces is just the first step - being able to strategically place them, have them fit together, and get the most out of them is where a system of business tools comes into play.

The Measuring Tape - Initial Assessments

Some business tools provide initial evaluations and generalizations. For example, are you even ready to become an entrepreneur? A simple test will help you find out. We encourage other assessment mechanisms, such as using our Business Calculators. Initial assessments are key to moving a business forward - if you don't know where you're at, how will you ever know where you're headed?

The Instructions - Educational Resources

Every great business owner has a collection of educational tools that help keep them at the top of their game. It may be a collection of videos, a series of e-books (or a tangible library), membership in a seminar group, or a routine including mental positive reinforcement or consistent reading of newsletters. Whatever the means or the source, every business owner should seek a constant stream of inspiration. Continual growth on the part of the owner means consistent growth on the part of the business. A collection of educational tools is essential.

The Hammer - The Numbers

No matter what industry you're involved in, the numbers for your business provide the most valuable tool of all. Without a bottom line there is nothing to build, improve, adapt or manipulate. If you don't know your numbers and use them to your advantage, you don't know anything at all about your business.

Endless are the tools used by business owners worldwide. Luckily ActionCOACH also spans the globe. ActionCOACH offers the best line of business tools and strategies of any Business Coaching company in the world - the proof is in the results. The strategies that business owners take away from their relationship with ActionCOACH are invaluable. With hundreds of strategies focusing on every aspect of business, from marketing to pricing, from team building to profit margins, ActionCOACH Business Coaches are skilled and experienced in finding the best method for any company to build their bottom line.

Coach David with ActionCOACH Lethbridge brings an amazing background of franchise knowledge and experience to the home playing field of Southern Alberta. Isn't it time that you took advantage of a wealth of proven business systems and strategies?

I Am ...

At ActionCOACH, we believe in creating, verbalizing and reinforcing "I Am ..." statements that reflect who we are. Just check out the banner at ActionCOACH Lethbridge, or the 14 Points of Culture.

I believe that "I am a business coach who is focused on results." As I verbally affirm that fact, it becomes just a little more true.

Have you created "I Am ..." statements yet? The rest of your life can and will be determined by who you are today. Have you defined in specific terms who that person is?

One of the great things about who I am (an ActionCOACH Business Coach) is that I am part of a worldwide team collaborating to bring to fruition the vision of ActionCOACH - World Abundance through Business Re-education.

I am an ActionCOACH, and my success is your success.



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The First Quarter is Over ... What's the Score?

The first quarter is over ... what's the score? I'm not talking about the NCAA - I'm talking about the first fiscal quarter of the year. What are your revenues like? Are your budget predictions and forecasts on the mark? Is it shaping up to be a good year?


Zacks just released their "Top Three Best Performing ETFs Of the First Quarter." Corporations are lining up reporting schedules for releasing their first quarter numbers (check out Mercantile Bank Corporation , West Coast Bancorp, and PPG Industries). But if you really want to dive into facts and figures, check out this release that puts financials in context and offers correlations, indications and implications of those figures. Beyond reporting, Seeking Alpha took the data and made use of it to establish educated predictions and forecasting for the coming time period.

The Globe and Mail recently released a great article discussing the value of data to businesses (large and small). Knowing what your numbers are is a first step; being able to translate that data into business practice, advertising strategies, and hard, cold profit is another. Are your financials up-to-date? What do those numbers mean to you, and how will you extrapolate the data you have to ascertain whether or not you are on track for this year?

At ActionCOACH Lethbridge, we provide expertise and analysis to translate your numbers into strategic policies that will shift your business to a new level of productivity. Let us show you how to manipulate the figures on your reports to achieve better performance, greater efficiency, and overall improved business practice.

Know the score - and leverage your resources to win the game. Coaching is not just for sports.

Don't Accept Mediocrity

“I believe we’re born into greatness, but we’re conditioned into mediocrity.”

            --James Ray

Check out the pic on this page; does it make you think again about accepting something a little less than ideal? Especially of yourself?

If you knew you were born to be something great, why are you choosing to maintain a standard that won't allow you to realize that potential?

As a Business Coach, I inspire my clients to see a grander vision of what their life can be. We work together to ensure that their business is systemized to run without them; they are then free to accomplish all that they want to in life. Their business is no longer their focus; it is the means by which they are able to fulfill their goals and live their dreams.

At ActionCOACH Lethbridge, we believe excellence is the minimum standard. It's the starting point for pushing your business above the crowd and becoming leaders in your chosen industry or field. As we work with you to maximize your business potential, we also work to accomplish our own ActionCOACH vision: world abundance through business re-education. And we mean to achieve just that - not just a living for everyone, but abundance. The world over.

Join the wave of business owners across the world who are transitioning to the bigger picture and a broader vision. Take action by contacting Coach David Green now.

What Are You About?

Years ago, businesses began when someone brought a product to a viable market and essentially put an "Open" sign on their front door. While the basic premise is still the same, the world has gotten much larger. "Market day" is every day, all day; passersby are identified by hits and clicks, and your display window has evolved into a Facebook page, website, and Twitter profile. Your audience is as large as your searchability is optimized.

In yesteryears, people bought and sold with you because you were part of their village, tribe, or area. They knew you, your friends, your parents, probably your grandparents, and your lifetime reputation. You were well-established. In today's world, people still buy on reputation. In fact, it is just as important to have a history of well-written blog posts than it is to have an "Open" sign on the front door of your shop. Positioning yourself so Google can find you keeps your place in the line-up of vendors in a global marketplace; ensuring your profile is complete and up-to-date aids people in taking steps to research you and your business. The more people can legitimize who you are and what you do, the better off you will be.

What have you done to make sure people know who you are and what you are about? Is anyone talking about you in their social media circles? Is your business easy to find on the internet? When was the last time you filled an order from halfway around the world?

A BFO!

Quick, powerful, and enlightening - a "blinding flash of the obvious" (BFO) makes us feel instantly more intelligent. And we always wonder why we didn't see it before.

These moments of sudden inspiration are priceless - when they happen, take another moment to write down what just came together in your mind. In most cases, your actions or behavior are directly influenced by the BFO and you can't afford to forget it.

As a business coach, I see business owners experience BFOs when they change the way they view their business. It's part of my job to assist business owners in repositioning their mindset. Changing their point of reference shifts their perception and reveals aspects of their business that were previously obscured. The old adage that numbers do not lie remains in force; in fact, the right numbers can provide amazing clarity on the reality and success of a business and business owner. Discussing possibilities, probabilities, problems and profits in light of goals, strategy and satisfaction can reveal connections and contingencies not perceived beforehand. They were there; they appeared when we worked together to cross-examine the chassis of business and apply it to a particular endeavour. At ActionCOACH, we work to illuminate these business blind spots.

What was your most recent BFO? What were you doing when the dots suddenly connected? And did you write it down?

Live Deliberately

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

-- Henry David Thoreau

Don't Stop Now!

February seems to come and go without anyone realizing it was here. Wasn't it January yesterday?

Most of us made resolutions when the new year began. Most of those resolutions revolved around personal development, money, business strategy, health and wellness, time management, or relationships. January probably went fairly well; but as February ticks away, most of those resolutions are slowly but surely falling by the wayside.

Don't stop now! The resolutions you made, translated into action, will affect you, your family, your business, and your community. With every positive change, you improve the entire sphere of your influence. Stick to your financial plans - keep getting up to exercise - don't let the TV distract you from the book that could change the way you think. You can do it - and you won't regret it.

The Real Reward

I get paid money to be a coach. That's probably a good thing since my family does need to eat. But that's not the real reward for what I do.

Every day I have the opportunity to be a part of positive change in businesses, in people's lives, and in the success of families and communities. Here are some of the things I get to see:

1. I see amazing people make changes in the way they do things and experience satisfying results. A business owner that approached me with deep creases of worry in his forehead a few months ago now comes to see me with deep creases from smiling in his cheeks. Life has changed for that man. Together, we found ways to leverage his time, money and resources. His business is running well, and because of that he has more time to enjoy life. I love hearing that my clients have rediscovered spare time. They had the courage to come to me, examine the inner workings of their daily grind, and rearrange priorities, schedules, and time investment. They had the courage to change how they do things, and now they have a greater measure of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. They took back control of their life and they are happy.

2. I see businesses flourish and expand. I had the awesome opportunity last week to attend the grand beginning of a new facility for a business that has grown near and dear to my heart. Watching this company take this big step was an amazing feeling. Strength and success feel good.

3. I see families celebrating their success and good friends taking time to relax and enjoy one another's company. When businesses run well, owners can take more time to do the things that matter most to them. Often this means families spending more time together and friends getting re-acquainted. It's so great to see people putting their time where they want it to be, instead of always rationalizing that their crazy busy business owner life is just the way it is. Businesses run by family members can get complicated with emotional and relationship issues; keeping your business on track will help keep your family life smooth. I've seen families turn around when the pressure of business difficulties is alleviated - it's a wonderful thing to replace bitterness and anger with satisfaction.

4. I see networks of good people drawn together into lasting relationships that make communities strong. When your business is running well, more people are drawn to your products and services. Your network expands as word gets around that you do your job well. More people are willing to give you referrals and more people will want your business cards. As your credibility and reputation grow, people are drawn to you and look to you as a leader. This is how great communities rise - good people working together to build good things. Nothing unifies communities like common goals and common projects. Beyond your business is a larger scope that has lasting influence on a broader scale. Keep your house clean and the whole neighbourhood is better for it (and soon they'll want to know who cuts the grass, and how they can work with you to get the park cleaned up, too).

Nothing is more amazing than watching positive change take place. From the smallest evidences (like a smile that becomes more natural) to the biggest expansions (like a brand new facility), this career is one that offers real rewards.

It's not foolish ... unless you do it twice.

A mistake is never a bad thing, unless you make the same mistake twice. Once you've done it, realize your error, and learn from it, the only foolish thing is to end up in the same place and do the same thing a second time.

Today I read a great article about someone who learned a lot from his first go-round in the business world. Joe Gillette learned from experience that sometimes when we think we have it all together ... we don't. But we can have it a little more together the next time around.

I've met more than one person who justifies their behavior, the workings of their business, their employees, their money-spending habits, and the expenses of their business in incredible ways. When we get down to brass tacks and look at things in dollar figures in black-and-white, there's always wide eyes and disbelief. There's surprise and some indignation as we conceptualize in clear terms the flaws in their business model. Then we work through the initial emotions and turn them into determination and dedication. We translate emotion into action, and we never look back.

Mistakes are opportunities to learn. In fact, they shouldn't be called mistakes at all ... unless you make them twice.

Not a Talker; Not a Listener ... A Processor

All the great sales tools and knowledge out there won't do you any good unless you speak the language of your audience.

You can be the slickest talker in the world and you won't get anywhere with someone that thinks salespeople are walking gimmicks. You can be the best listener in the world and you won't get anywhere with someone who has trouble expressing what they really want. What you need to be is a great processor. You need to know how to ask great questions, read body language, and hear the unspoken communication; then you need to internalize it, interpret it, and translate your message into something that will hum on their emotional and intellectual level. That's what makes a great salesperson; that's how to professionally help people buy. Not a talker; not a listener ... a processor.

Are They Listening to You?

Rumor has it that social media is gaining in the "white noise" label. Instead of providing followers, likers, clickers, and engagers with inspiring, upbeat, exhilarating content and satisfaction, it's starting to become the doleful, sad-eyed, here-we-go-again obligation. With so many people engaged so often and so much in social media websites, we all feel like we need to show up. Unfortunately, this party isn't fun for everyone anymore.

As a business, this means you've got to step up your game plan. It's time to explore strategies that won't land your messages in the totally-tuned-out stream. It all comes back to giving your listeners value. Here's some tips to get your marketing campaign back on the right track:

1. Know your audience. This is nothing new. Business 101 that you should have taken and mastered years ago. Know the likes, dislikes, habits, affections and longings of your target market. Do what it takes to find out what they want, when they want it, and how they want it.

2. Know your social media sites, and what people use them for. Do you really  need a presence on Twitter, Facebook, Stumbleupon, Evernote, Pinterest, Digg, Flickr, and every other "sharing" site out there? There's something to be said about getting your name and brand known. There's also something to be said about ineffective investment of time and money, as well as knowing how best to reach your target market. Do your homework and find out which road is the best road for the street signs you want to put up.

3. Give your audience value. Now that you've got their attention, give them something worthwhile. There are thousands of blogs, websites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and even good old email newsletters to be had out there. Why does someone want to tune in to you? Because it's worth their time to hear what you have to say. Keep it interesting and worthwhile, and they'll even come back for more.

4. Be real. Telling everyone that you have the greatest product in the world is no longer the way to have them believe that and buy from you. You have to prove yourself. Which means being honest, real, and trustworthy in all the interactions you have with clients and customers. They need to believe in you. This is the reason you don't hire someone to run your personal social media profiles. It has to be you. If you need a profile for your company, create one that is seperate and easily identifiable as being a company profile. But don't expect that to be nearly as successful as your personal profile. Nobody wants to talk to the gatekeeper - they want the real story from the horse's mouth. Give it to them. Take the time to let people know the person behind the product.

5. Use strategy. Again, this is nothing new. But lots of businesses seem to think that having a social media presence is enough. It's not. You're only part of the white noise if all you do is exist on Facebook and occasionally Tweet something that you think is interesting. Social media is, after all, a "social" thing. The idea is engagement - getting in on conversations, joining groups, and becoming a voice. Find your target market and engage them. Join relevant groups and lead relevant conversations. When someone is interested, know how to help them find out more about you and your product. Have a plan in place and a strategy in mind.