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2019 Success Series… Accountability

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Accountability is the first in a series of articles about reaching the success you want.

As we prepare to launch the 2019 Mastermind groups, I’ve been thinking about what success means.

We have ideas. We wouldn’t be entrepreneurs if we weren’t (mostly) chalk full of ideas.

Now…getting it done can be another matter altogether.  Even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we just don’t feel like it!

Your personality strengths may help you out… say if your D*  is high, you may be very focused on getting the job done – no matter what. (*Look back at your Understanding Personalities class notes).

What if you just don’t feel like it?

What if as many entrepreneurs we often feel like we’re going it alone…

  • Maybe our partners in life have never attempted an undertaking like starting or growing a business. They can’t imagine it – because well, they really can’t imagine it.
  • Maybe our business partner doesn’t always pull their weight
  • Maybe we’re working alone a lot …in our office…in the basement
  • Or maybe we’re responsible for a team we may love – but they drive us a little crazy (…or maybe we don’t know quite yet how to let go).
  • Going it on your own (even when you are surrounded by others is tough).

Between family, distractions and other stuff that has to get done… it can be tough.

So What Then? 

Here are a few strategies to help you get things done:

How good is your self talk?

Many of us have heard of (or subscribed to) Mel Robbins…5..4..3..2..1.. and that may work for some of you. But even the best self-talkers can run into an accountability brick wall !

It may have less to do with your self talk than it does with your commitment to get it done and your motivation.

Accountability partners or groups…

We’re stronger together has always been my guiding principal. It’s one reason why Grow Vantage groups are so important.

Peer mentoring is the other side of coaching.

Why does this help?

  • Someone else to hold your feet to the fire,
  • Or help you figure out where you’re stuck,
  • Or work on a path through.

Accountability groups or partners are a huge factor in your ultimate success… but also in just getting it done week by week, especially when putting our brilliant ideas in place might mean taking 1,000 or 100 steps to get there.  (At least it seems like 1,000).

Find an accountability partner – or an accountability group (one reason that Masterminds work so very well if you are willing to receive help to achieve). Of course receiving is a whole other topic.

If you would like my outline for accountability groups… email me at patricia@growvantage.com… And read on about the Grow Vantage masterminds.

The 5 steps you must take after you make your goals …to make them stick 

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(And get you to stick to your goals)

Now that you’ve had a look back at 2018 – it’s time to look forward.

During an inspiration session, when I ask where you want to be in 5 years – it’s relatively easy. No pressure. We have lots of time to achieve even the most elaborate plans.

But when it’s the beginning of January and we’re trying to decide what we’re going to achieve by the end of the year … it can be a little more daunting.

12 months.

Okay – say we have a goal. But before we can get started on that goal – there are things to plan, things to learn, things to prepare, fears to squash… Do you know the cycle? Thinking too much, changing your mind, doubting yourself, getting distracted, becoming afraid, getting distracted, letting it drift to the bottom of the pile…

Time can disappear so quickly while we negotiate with ourselves.

After all – it’s only January…or February….and 12 months can become 9, or 10, or never.

What can we do instead?

  1. Make a commitment to the change you want to make: Write it down. Tell people.
  2. Choose a goal that inspires you: How on earth are you going to see it through when it doesn’t really motivate you? (Remember that inspiration every time you want to put it off or change your mind. NB I don’t mean pivoting as you adjust to the discoveries you’ll make as you roll out your plans).
    • Feel it. How will you feel when you’ve reached your goal?
    • Remind yourself often. Every morning and in between. (My goals are the wallpaper on my phone). Where will you see your goals often?
  3. Remove distractions (at least most of them). I talked about it in last week’s blog…suggestions about putting structure in place. What happens when, despite the elegance of your structure and your plans… you just stop focusing on it? We all know that we can lose focus – even with the best of intentions… so here is the 4th ingredient:
  4. Accountability: This is one reason Masterminds are so important. Why? Because they can be the difference between hoping and getting it done. When you have to report what you’ve accomplished to your coach and peer mentors, you’re more inclined to stick with it… (even if you are getting it done the night before you meet).It’s the safety net that helps us keep on going – even if we have competing priorities.
  5. Finally – the simplest most complicated idea in the world. Just do it.

Take one step, then another one. And keep going.

What are your goals this year? What you would add to this list? Leave us a comment.

So…. What Have We Done This Year???

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As business begins to wind down (later than usual this year, don’t you think?) I find myself thinking about 2018 and what it meant for me and Grow Vantage.

There are a lot of things to think about when you are looking back…just below there is an end of year exercise to help you take inventory of your 2018 accomplishments.

But first… a few thoughts that arose as I’ve looked back:

I’ve had a lot of discussions with Grow Vantagers (GVers for short) about how to banish distraction, stay on top of time, and go further (as quickly as possible). So I thought it would be a good subject to get into. Here are a few guidelines to think about:

  • Get a hold of your time. Grow Vantagers do an exercise that’s all about deciding what’s important (and whose “to do” it really is). We also want to get out ahead of what’s really important – so prioritize.
  • Create a structure and stick with it (for your day and your week): Day to day can slip through your fingers – so it’s also about structuring your time. I personally use a version of the Pomodoro technique for focusing my activities in mini work periods. I use lists to frame my day, time blocks to get work done, and I assign specific tasks to specific days.
  • Even so… my head can be turned by bright, shiny objects… so get a hold on discipline. GVers know that the way we process information is wired into our brains (courtesy of our Communications and Understanding Personalities classes)…but we also know we can be trained. Self training and discipline are really, really, really important. (I’m borrowing a phrase from my granddaughter… who is absolutely correct. Some things just are).
  • Horse blinders for humans? (Photo courtesy of Daniel at Pexels!) Anyone who has been around horse racing knows that some horses need blinders to focus their eyes on the track ahead and avoid being distracted by their peripheral vision. They can be affected by bright, shiny objects too! So someone has some up with headgear for people who want to stay undistracted…. (Check out a story that was published in October by the Boston Globe – link below). I don’t know if we need to go that far… but if someone has an idea for blinders on the inside of my head… please let me know.
  • Divide social from work: Being an entrepreneur can be lonely. And the truth is we need other people to hang out with, laugh with, get honest feedback from, and spark our imaginations. I have just made a decision to move my office home – for 3 reasons: to cut back on distractions, to qualify for growth funding for the future and to channel funds into digital marketing. Classes will still be held at Suite Success, and I’ll miss the day-to-day hallway chats, but I’m still committed to meet with you all… and this is getting serious about how I spend my time.

As you look back this year,  try an exercise our GV Mastermind did recently: “How did you do?” Leave a comment and let me know your ahas!

  • I rocked these things….
  • I stopped being afraid… (aka: I let go of….)
  • I learned these things (accompanied by… joy? pain? surprise? duh?)
  • I started these things…
  • I finished these things…
  • Now, what is still unfinished that you really want to get done? (This is the start of your story for 2019, apart from the new ideas that are out there waiting for you to embrace).

As you wind down, I also want to send you wishes for a wonderful holiday season (however you may celebrate it) from our our family to yours…

P

https://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2018/10/19/innovation-week-horse-blinders-for-humans/wCbx2Fdaz3BVxCRPKdfcuO/story.html

Psst – there is a deal on Camtasia (if you are looking for it)

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Camtasia is software to edit audio and video… in this video world – there are a few software packages to use. This is one of them – made by TechSmith.

Now is the time to upgrade! Save 20% on Camtasia 2018 with Maintenance ($149.25$119.40 USD) when you upgrade today.

Plus, with Camtasia 2018 Maintenance, you get one full year of…

  • Free Upgrades – One year of new versions of the product
  • Priority Support – Dedicated phone queue & expedited handling
  • Camtasia Certification – Exclusive training to expand your skills

http://links.email.techsmithmail.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NTczNDUyMTcS1&r=MTgzNjA2Mjg3MDc3S0&j=MTQ4MTQ1MDIxNAS2&mt=1&rt=0

Patricia

Grow Vantage feature: Congrats Brent Foster (GV45!)

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Brent Foster (GV45), ex military, family guy and Pop-A-Lock business owner was recently featured in the Franchise Canada magazine. Great article for a great company!

Not only do they unlock houses or offices when keys are left inside, misplaced or broken; they also unlock vehicles. They have a PAL program that unlocks kids and pets from locked cars – and they drop everything to do it. Across North America Pop-A-Lock has rescued hundreds of thousands of children and pets through this free community service.

Here is the article: https://franchisecanada.cfa.ca/the-first-year-pop-a-lock-security-professionals/

Drop me a message or email if you or one of your Grow Vantage colleagues are being recognized… we would like to recognize you too!

Patricia

A special Grow Vantage session on August 21st

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Jean Leggett (Grow Vantage 30) and her husband Blair have raised over $300, 000 in funding to fuel the development of their company, One More Story Games. She has a special bird’s eye view on funding a start-up business from the beginning. Hear about their personal experience and the lessons they learned to help you navigate a sometimes mystifying quest:

She will talk about:

  • What they started with – what they were willing to leverage, and their personal investment
  • When friends and family came onboard – the beginning of crafting that pitch letter, how they handle that with lawyers, communication with investors
  • The challenges of building a biz with other people’s money
  • Accessing government funds – the challenges and the successes
  • Going through and using Research Innovation Centres like ventureLAB, Henry Bernick, Communitech – what the highlights were and where they drop the ball
  • How mentors can effectively help your business
  • Building an effective brand for yourself and your business
  • “What I wish I knew sooner” – the “fastest path to cash” strategies

Register now for this unique look into the world of funding. A snack will be provided.

https://www.growvantage.com/events/funding-your-business/

Please note: if you have had difficulties with credit card payments – our apologies. When we know we have overcome some PayPal Bureaucracy, we’ll add in that option again.  In the meantime, when you register you can select:

  • the PayPal option, but instead of logging in – select “Pay with debit or credit card” below the log in box
  • or the invoice option and send an electronic transfer to patricia@growvantage.com

Any questions, please contact me at patricia@growvantage.com.

Patricia

How are you starting off the new year?

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There are a lot of podcasts and video messages out this week about end of year planning and looking forward to 2018. As I have been processing my own plans for the new year, I’m also reviewing my current list of gurus (those people I follow because I respect their wisdom).
Here are a few of my current favourites to share with you as we start off the year… and I look forward to sharing yours on January 4th at our first Alumni Lunch of the year (see below)!
Chris Brogan reminds us that we can’t have empty shelves when people want to buy from us (he was comparing some retail stores to Amazon at the time). He talks about a mandate for 2018:
“The new year is upon us.And I don’t really mean just the calendar.The sun is coming up on an age where people will measure your ability to serve them based on three specific categories you’re definitely not tracking today: 
  • Velocity – how fast can you deliver what you sell?
  • Friction – how easy is it to do business with you?
  • Connectedness – can I communicate with you and/or other buyers?
How you answer all of this, how you build and align your efforts and interests to serve this will determine your success or failure in 2018.”
For several years, I have also followed Chris’ 3 words process at the beginning of January.He picks three words that will form a personal guidepost for what he will do in the coming year.They have to have meaning and there are some interesting rules around that (see the link to Chris’ blog below…).
Other advice?
John Reese advises us to create a “to do” list. John puts the tasks that will be achieved the fastest at the top of his list to avoid being slowed down by the involvement needed to complete one large task.That’s different from Brian Tracy’s advice: “Eat that Frog”(or even better:“If you have to eat two frogs eat the ugliest one first” (see link below).
Reese again:
  • Focused execution: Avoid being totally distracted by new ideas…. shiny objects to entrepreneurs. What about what you have in play already? John says that what already generates results should be your focus. Cut out the noise: that is distractions … Facebook, browsing, research, clutter…
  • And of course rewarding yourself… hmmm. What if you were to establish a reward system for working in a focused way, or taking the steps that will help you achieve your goal? I’m up for a bribe My favourite one, when I’ve finished something on my list is to grab a cup of coffee and read a chapter or two from my latest book for 15-30 minutes. That’s freedom to me. What about you?
  • Figure out how to be productive: I like the Pomodoro technique (modified a bit). What technique will you use?
Nandapani talks about the importance of focus and directing the energy you spend. Sad to say for a recovering multi-tasker, but multi-tasking doesn’t generate results.
Jeff Walker: One of my long term favourite authors and entrepreneurs (so much so that I’ve joined one of his masterminds to help me launch Grow Vantage online).In his latest message he suggests a planning framework that analyzes existing conditions, what your environment looks like, what’s coming down the pipe and what you want for your future… Are you analyzing your past year?
What do you believe about yourself? Success Magazine consistently features articles on being successful… including a Les Brown YouTube episode from October this year in which he encourages us to set goals in 3 major areas: personal goals; your financial freedom number; and your social contribution goals. He asks: What will be different because you showed up?
I believe in making aspirational goals. One of my past mentors – Natalie Sisson – encouraged us to develop BHAGs (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals). After all if you only dare a little, even if you achieve your entire goal, you’ll only achieve a little. If you aspire to something BIG, chances are even if you don’t get there – you’ll have achieved a lot more.
So please join us Thursday – or leave a comment to let me know your goals for 2018!
And in case you are interested in reading or viewing the original posts, here are some links:
Btw are you curious about my three words? Go create your own words first… then let’s share.
What are the Alumni lunch details?
Date: Thursday January 4th, 2018
Where? Market Grill, 140 Mapleview Rd. W in Barrie
Time? 12 noon – 1:30 pm

The 5 Habit Checklist to take your resolutions from idea to action

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You were motivated. You made resolutions at the beginning of January.

But weeks later, how are your resolutions? Alive and well? Or already a thing of the past?

There is no simple method to take your well-meaning goals from an idea that actually bears fruit, even something you are passionate about. It’s the action that makes it real.

No amount of enthusiasm or determination by itself will help you achieve your goals. You are going to have to approach goal setting realistically. You’re going to have to change your behaviour. And that’s the catch.
Try comparing this 5-point checklist against your goals to see if your goals are falling apart.Read More

Making resolutions…

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This time I’m really going to turn over a new leaf…

So many of the people I’m following are talking about starting off the new year …with a resolution, a plan, a new you. When you’re in the trenches it all sounds hopeful – but a little daunting.

Hopeful, because let’s face it; we would all like a magic wand (or a magic process) to wipe away all our mistakes, bad habits, and the shortcomings we experience as entrepreneurs. And sometimes making a new resolution or a new plan feels like magic. It isn’t really magic, but yet we approach New Year’s resolutions as if we have the silver bullet in our hands.Read More

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