I’ve decided to focus the next few episodes on momentum, specifically two topics: momentum accelerators and momentum decelerators. We are going to kick off the momentum series talking about a common emotion we all feel, FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. We’ll also explore how fear negatively impacts our momentum.  

When we think of momentum, we think of a series of wins, accomplishments, and successes, but momentum is more than that! If you can build long-term positive momentum, it will lead you to breakthrough. You know and feel when you have momentum because you are at the top of your game.  

Christy tells us that fear manifests itself in different ways for different people. Some people can operate in fear, and others become paralyzed by fear. She associates delay, lack of movement and momentum, not able to see the dream or goal. The tough part about fear is that fear is abstract. These feelings and emotions start to accumulate and manifest. We need to figure out how to harness fear, how to control fear, and how to address fear.

There’s a balance of not moving because you don’t know what to do and not moving because you’re afraid. Your fear can be externally driven or driven from your own subconscious negative beliefs, which are internal. External fears are easier to fix because we can rationalize the fear and internal fears are harder to process because we have to admit to the fear before we can eliminate it.

From this point, you need to recognize, acknowledge your fear then get momentum to move into perpetual motion toward eliminating your fear. Perpetual motion means doing an activity that matters, not being busy. This type of movement must be intentionally directed.

Listen in to find out what fears people deal with the most, fear of failure and fear of success, why internalizing your fear gives your fear more power, the significance of the power of the spoken word, and fear of change. Find out what you will receive when you flip to the other side of the fear coin!

If you’re ready for change and have made a personal goal to achieve what you want. Be willing to commit, be prepared for the challenge, and be prepared for growth! Consider the East Week Forum Mastermind for entrepreneurs and the Career Accelerator Mastermind for individuals who are ready to unleash their full potential. Find more information in the resources and links below!

In This Episode:

[01:49] What is momentum?

[04:39] How I’ve witnessed fear as a momentum decelerator in other’s lives.

[08:32] Christy's history and how she created her message.

[11:40] How Christy defines fear.

[13:36] The tough part about fear is that fear is abstract. Fear is a fear not a fact.

[15:28] Procrastination is a symptom of fear. 

[17:32] Fear can be externally driven or internally driven.

[20:22] Are you busy or are you productive?

[22:44] Types of fears people struggle with the most.

[33:52] Fear of being in reality.

[40:46] Ways Christy has seen fear manifest itself and show up.

[47:48] Why we don’t want to fully acknowledge how great we really are. 

[53:00] “You look like the weight of the world just fell off your shoulders.”

[98:10] We talk about fear and don’t move toward solutions.

[101:52] Fears based on what our family members have told us.

[106:38] Writing up accomplishments that I’ve done. 

[111:40] The other side of the fear coin is confidence, joy and momentum.

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Call

Work With Me

Read The Blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses

Entrepreneur Mastermind Link

Career Mastermind Link

You may have thought of joining a mastermind group, seen emails or invites to join one of these groups. If your approach is the same and you're getting stuck, a good mastermind group can get you out of your cycle and stop you from being too internally focused.

Know about those goals that you haven’t achieved yet? A good mastermind group can spur you on to higher success and eliminate the habit of procrastination and remove the off-ramp of complacency. They can be a catalyst for change in your growth and results, leverage the ideas of the group to solve everyday challenges and allow you to level up. 

Mastermind groups are groups of people with similar goals and challenges to come together to find solutions, hold each other accountable, and learn from each other. Groups can be based upon brainstorming ideas, coaching, or knowledge sharing. Whatever the process, a mastermind should bring excellent, balanced two-way communication to the members. All mastermind groups should have these three things in common:

1. Stretching goals
2. High level of achievement 
3. High level of accountability

Mastermind groups are typically led by a credible authority or facilitator. The mastermind group is only as effective as the people in the group. The most effective mastermind groups have members that are selected and vetted to ensure that members of the group share common values and goals. These members should be eager to collaborate and get out of their comfort zone. Without these standards, the group will be a waste of your time and money.  

What should you expect from a mastermind group? You should see five critical items in a good mastermind group:

1. The group should have a clearly defined purpose. Members should have common goals and shared outcomes. Every person should be clear about what they bring to the group and would like to receive from the group.
2. A confident, skilled facilitator should lead the group and lead by example. The facilitator should be able to share their experiences with the group, including wins and failures.
3. Balanced discussions between structured and freeflow dialogue. Topics should be communicated ahead of time. The schedule of the meetings should be posted in advance so members can understand the time investment required. Publishing expectations in advance for the time, attendance expectations. 
4. There should be operating principles that set clear expectations. People may be sharing ideas from their businesses. This should be a safe space where transparency is required. Set standards and clear operations for your group ahead of time. 
5. The group should be a catalyst for change and growth. Hold your feet, and others, to the fire, tackle significant issues and make substantial progress on your goals. Share challenges, goals, and get time in the spotlight.

What are the signs or signals that you are ready to join a mastermind group? Generally, you should have a bit of experience under your belt so you can contribute to the group for a productive two-way conversation. Here are ten signs to tell you that you are ready to join a mastermind group:

1. You have stagnated professionally or personally
2. You need a significant action or behavior shift
3. You’re running the same playbook with diminishing returns
4. You’re open to new perspectives and points of view
5. You want exposure to ambitious thought leaders
6. You want the peer-to-peer feedback
7. You’re willing to invest in taking your business to the next level
8. You’re 100% ready to commit to the time investment and be fully engaged
9. You’re ready to become a success story
10. You’re ready to make this an extraordinary year and exceed your goals

What are the benefits? Accountability, achieving your goals, feedback and support, motivation and encouragement, widening your perspective, expanding your resources, and increasing your personal and professional growth.

You’re ready for change and have made a personal goal to achieve what you want. Be willing to commit, be prepared for the challenge, and be prepared for growth! 

Consider the East Week Forum Mastermind for entrepreneurs and the Career Accelerator Mastermind for individuals who are ready to unleash their full potential. Find more information in the resources and links below!

In This Episode:

• [01:12] Benefits of joining a mastermind group. 
• [01:42] What are mastermind groups?
• [02:38] Everyone comes to the group with challenges and provides input.
• [03:07] Mastermind groups come together to provide benefits for the members. 
• [04:41] What you should expect from a mastermind group.
• [04:54] Five key items of a good mastermind group.
• [08:30] Expectations for attendance and time should be clear.
• [09:10] Examples of requirements that may be included in the operating order of the group.
• [09:50] The group should be a catalyst for change and growth. 
• [11:57] How do you know you are ready to join a mastermind group?
• [17:57] Benefits of joining a mastermind group. 
• [21:33] Two different mastermind groups you can join.

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses

One of the most common questions I receive from businesses is: How can I plan my business to receive consistent revenue growth each and every year and eliminate those drastic swings in my income? My answer is simple: innovate.

Innovation is the gift that keeps on giving. Innovation can make a difference in your business between 10% and 20% growth each year. A consistent pipeline of innovation can create vitality and growth. This differentiates you from your competition, enabling you to create a competitive advantage. Innovation is putting a stake in the ground - you are choosing to be relevant, at the forefront of creativity and newness.

Reducing an item’s complexity, making a product more productive, and making a product operate faster are all components of innovation. Do the benefits of innovation outweigh the costs? If so, people will be willing to pay for it.

Innovations come in many types and forms. You can take multiple options and create something genuinely differentiated for your business. Collaborating with others can be a part of creating an innovative product or service. Have you considered innovating your customer service process? This can pay off in significant gains for your business with a cycle of success.

Have you considered making your offerings available through new channels or creating new products? Maybe your innovation saves time or meets a crucial need. Your innovation can eliminate multiple products. Regardless of the innovation, you’ve created value, and this value strengthens your client relationship with your brand.

Building an innovation pipeline into your strategy is power. When is the last time you innovated some aspect of your business? Create an innovation that is right for you and build a consistent pipeline. If you were to integrate innovation into your business planning, what would be the payout? What would you be able to accomplish? What could you invest in that would make your business run smoothly?

Now, determine two to three types of innovation that could accelerate your business growth. What opportunities can give you the highest income or growth? Make a list of these ideas and prioritize based on impact. Plan your innovation strategy for the next 12 months. Then, launch and leverage!

In This Episode:

• [01:24] Innovation is the act or process of producing something new.
• [01:57] Innovation can also be enhancing something that already exists.
• [02:15] My real-life innovation example.
• [04:05] Innovation can articulate an unexpected need that is on the horizon.
• [04:50] Innovation comes in many types and forms.
• [05:19] Examples of ways you can innovate your business.
• [07:30] Think about innovating your customer service and the clients you already have in your business. 
• [09:45] Make your offerings available through new vehicles and distribution channels.
• [10:33] Create new products.
• [11:25] Other ways to innovate such as saving time or meeting a crucial need.
• [12:20] Building an innovation pipeline into your strategy.
• [13:38] Create the innovation that is right for you and build a consistent pipeline.
• [14:09] Your innovation challenge.
• [15:20] What could you do with the income from your innovation?
• [17:02] Two factors you want to consider when deciding the type of innovation you want to pursue.
• [18:34] Launch and leverage. Keep your innovation in the forefront of what you do for the next 12 months.
• [21:18] Long term benefits of innovation.

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses

What is the most exciting time in a person's career? When they finally get access to the one goal they are working toward, the opportunity. Opportunity to step up, seize the moment, and compete! The opportunity to accelerate their start-up in their new career or job and to make an impact.

You may be the seasoned veteran employee or a new, ambitious college graduate making your mark. Regardless, the reality will be the same, you'll have a small window of time to add value and get that win.

Valerie shares her expertise on the timeline between your new opportunity to that first request of you in your new role. You're about to be asked to contribute value, and you haven't even figured out the ropes yet! Regardless of your new role, you'll be expected to fulfill the expectations of this new position in your organization and start as soon as you're there.

Do you want to hit the ground running? In this episode, Valerie will give you the steps and provide you with advice on how to not only meet your expectations but exceed them! Give yourself a level of comfort and confidence in your role as you begin to understand your new responsibilities and get clarity on your work.

1. Operate with a sense of urgency
2. Understanding the Culture
3. Proactively managing your time
4. Identifying your key stakeholders
5. Develop your strategic plan and priorities
6. Layout the strategy
7. Get your manager's buy-in and support
8. Schedule frequent and consistent meetings with your manager
9. Getting familiar with your organization's work processes

Overall, make sure to remember that your team will make or break your ability to deliver your goals.

In This Episode:

[01:22] The window of time to grab your ‘win’ is small, whether you are a seasoned employee or a college student embarking on a new career.

[02:15] First request made of you at your new job or role.

[03:22] Expectations in your new role and how you can fulfill them in a timely manner.

[04:01] How to accelerate your start-up and exceed everyone’s expectations.

[04:44] Understanding the culture - how do things get done in your organization?

[05:41] Proactively managing your time. 

[06:30] Identifying your key stakeholders 

[07:11] Develop your strategic plan and priorities - where should you focus your time and energy?

[08:01] Lay out your strategy and get your manager’s buy-in and support.

[09:33] Schedule frequent and consistent meetings with your manager.

[10:15] Getting familiar with your organization’s work processes and find out what you need to do to influence to deliver your strategic plan.

[12:24] Your team will make or break your ability to deliver your goals.

[13:26] Assessing personnel in an effective manner. 

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses

A lot of times businesses don’t focus on the client experience as much as they do the numbers, but let's face it without the clients you won’t have the numbers. Valerie shares some interesting information on how to make your clients feel wanted and needed and how to keep them in your sales cycle as long as possible.

Listen in as Valerie gives us the techniques that you can use to make your clients happy that they are doing business with you, ways to use testimonials and recognizing clients as they progress.  As always Valerie gives us amazing tools to use to make our clients experience the best it can be. 

In This Episode:

[01:38] Business owners need to focus as much attention on the client experience as they do on growing their lists on social media.

[02:02] Creating that breakthrough client experience is not hard to do it just requires focus and action.

[02:34] If you want to create this breakthrough experience for your clients here are some places you can focus on.

[02:40] Client introduction, share your company values how you work with clients and the solutions you can provide to address their challenges or pain points.

[03:48] Client onboarding, once they decide to work with you, send them an onboarding kit.

[05:08] Client meetings and calls, send out a questionnaire where you can collect valuable information on their goals, challenges and pain points.

[06:44] Client feedback, give them feedback on how they are progressing.

[07:46] Client recognition, recognize a client as they make progress.

[09:14] Client testimonials, they are for the client and for you, use a standard template.

[11:09] Testimonials must focused on results not activities.

[11:59] Client offboarding, the purpose is to close the loop on the process and their results.

[12:44] Client strategic relationship, immediately share options with the client that you have to keep working together.

[13:35] The key is to create a never ending loop to keep your clients in your sales cycle longer.

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses

The 80/20 rule based on Pareto’s principle, it is a useful concept that helps us prioritize our efforts. Since 20% of our clients generate 80% of our revenue, learn how to keep those 20% happy without alienating the other 80%. Valerie discusses how figure out who those individuals are that make up the 20% and how to track what they buy, when they buy and how often they buy in order to better understand the client.

Listen in as Valerie teaches us the techniques that you can use that will help identify who these customers or clients are and how to leverage your data to make them customers or clients for life. So sit back and plug in you won’t want to miss her insights and advice on making your best customers or clients feel special.

In This Episode:

[01:05] The 80/20 rule is based on Pareto's principle, it is a useful concept that helps us prioritize our time, our work and our efforts.

[01:49] 20% of your customers or clients generate 80% or more of your revenue and growth, game changing statement.

[03:06] Who are those individuals that make up the top 20% of my clients? Do you know who they are?

[03:35] Who is purchasing? What are they purchasing? When are they purchasing? How often are they buying?

[05:03] You need a robust tracking system in place to get this information.

[06:25] This doesn’t mean that you can neglect or ignore your other clients.

[07:06] You need to put a disproportionate amount of effort in your best clients, keep them happy.

[08:53] Strategies you can leverage to build long term relationships and loyalty; client sensing, revenue portfolio, launching a first to market campaign and make it a priority to highlight them in your testimonials, periodically send them an email note or ecard.

[15:10] Focus on these simple tasks, spend time on getting the insights on them and who they are, leverage your purchase insights in your campaigns and use those insights to close gaps in your portfolio and last reward them for their loyalty.

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses

Today's episode is a discussion on collecting data, tracking it and using it to help your business perform at optimum levels. She goes over ways and tips to make the data you are already collecting work for you and push your revenue and profitability.

Listen in as Valerie gives us the techniques that you can use to bring your business to the next level and be more successful, you won’t want to miss her insights and advice on how you can make data work for you.

In This Episode:

[01:10] ‘Mind the gap’ a famous phrase that is used at the London rail system to keep people from falling through the gap.

[01:50] Be mindful of the gap between your business performance and the decisions you make everyday.

[02:08] One way to increase the likelihood of success is leveraging your own data.

[02:55] Valerie says we have become a society that wants to capture data, store it and use it in many ways.

[03:25] What data are you currently collecting to manage your business? 

[03:33] What is the data telling you about your business performance?

[03:38] Are you using the insights from your data to improve your business results and to make better decisions?

[04:49] Your data can help you in many ways, the first being in your financials, you should be laser focused on your revenue, expenses and your profitability.

[08:49] If you are not tracking these 3 simple measures then you probably have a hobby not a business.

[09:40] The second thing to look at would be your client or customer data, they are the heart of your business.

[11:12] Typically the top 20% of your customers account for 80% of your revenue, these are the loyal.

[11:28] Do you know who your top 20% of your customers are? What do they purchase and how often do they purchase?

[12:14] The third thing to look at is email marketing, this area has obviously exploded.

[13:05] The tool you choose isn’t important what is important is that you choose a platform that will foster a long term relationship with your clients and customers.

[14:34] That last area is on products, programs and services.

[14:48] You use your data to get clarity on which are driving your revenue and which ones are costing you revenue.

[15:20] Think about which products and services are your most significant contributors to your profit. which ones are driving your business.

[15:47] Do you have a portfolio?

[16:30] Based on your client data do you have the option to expand or reduce your client offerings?

[17:02] This is just a starting point and a sample of areas to assess, you don’t have to strive for perfection.

[17:50] Valerie's call to action is, determine the data you need, track it, leverage the insights to drive your decisions, review consistently, assess your performance and adjust.

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses

Today's episode is a discussion on the three traits that you must have to be successful, performance, equity and visibility. She gives us her insight on each of these factors, what they are and how they can give you the career of your dreams if you put in the work.

Listen in as Valerie gives us the techniques that you can use that will help you be successful, you won’t want to miss her insights and advice on how the rule of three can work for you.

In This Episode:

[01:13] Valerie asks us what we think of when we hear phrases she gives us.

[01:46] She tells us her version of the rule of 3.

[02:30] Valerie says there are 3 common success factors, performance, equity and visibility.

[03:15] She tells us that performance is the number one driver in getting access to opportunity.

[04:38] Performance is a game changer.

[05:28] Equity is the culmination of the skills, talents, capabilities and experiences you bring to the table.

[05:58] Equity, credibility and authority go hand in hand.

[07:05] Is perception reality? Does it impact your equity?

[08:06] Those that have a strong equity are a sure bet, have a strong reputation and have the highest earning potential.

[09:03] The third factor that drives success is visibility, it is the catalyst for finally getting the exposure to succeed.

[11:38] If performance drives opportunity and equity gives you leverage visibility gives you access.

[12:25] These three factors represent the perfect trifecta, this is the sweet spot the intersection of these factors.

[13:55] Her call to action is, are you delivering consistent results at a high level, what do you stand for and do you have access and exposure to the right stakeholders?

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses

“The universe works with a made up mind.” It implies when you’ve made up your mind and you put energy and effort behind something that has meaning to you, the universe will surprisingly put things in your path, bring people into your life and bring opportunities to help you achieve it.

Listen in as Valerie gives us the roadmap and techniques that you can use that will help your business be successful. If you are just starting a business, already have one or have one that isn’t really pulling it’s own weight, you won’t want to miss her insights and advice on putting the universe to work for you.

In This Episode:

[02:00] Valerie asks what is that one big goal, the one big thing that you need to make up your mind to do?

[02:40] Your first small step will be the catalyst to help you gain momentum, traction and ultimate success.

[03:10] Do you have the audacity to go after your goal?

[03:29] You must first verbalize your goal, write it down and repeat it.

[04:30] Share your written goals with someone you value.

[05:07] Valerie discusses using the SMART principles to get clarity on your goals.

[05:14] S - specific, M - measurable, A - achievable, R - realistic and T - time sensitive, she describes each of these principles.

[06:33] You must have a roadmap to show where you start and where you want to finish.

[11:45] Valerie gives us a real world example of a client she worked with recently.

[16:02] She says the purpose of thinking through all of these details is to enable you to anticipate the roadblocks and challenges.

[17:08] Valerie's challenge to you is, what is that audacious goal that you keep coming back to and never goes away and hold yourself accountable.

Links and Resources

Learn About The Company http://www.trifectamgmt.com/about

Contact Us Or Schedule A Strategy Callhttp://www.trifectamgmt.com/contact

Work With Me http://www.trifectamgmt.com/services

Read The Blog http://www.trifectamgmt.com/the-blog

Register For Our Game-Changing Courses http://www.trifectamgmt.com/courses