One thing I have learned in 14 years in business is that in order to stay viable, to increase revenue and to be on top in my industry, we must continue to evolve our products and services. Too many companies fail because they keep doing what they have always done. Too many small businesses never thrive because they don’t evolve their products and services. This week I had the chance to sit down with one of my mentors and friends, Audrey Hagen. Great friends and mentors have this ability to listen to you and bring out the best:
Many things have been “sitting” in my business for me to grow one more level and this week they are now in motion. I have been slowly moving, and thanks to Audrey, they are on fire!
Do you have this friend in your life? This mentor?
What are you doing to develop the NEXT level on your business? How are you developing and growing?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Ann – your plans are so exciting and motivating for me personally, as you probably know by now. SNCC has woven itself into my life in so many ways, not just professionally. Your Marketing Strategy Intensive program sounds amazing and I look forward to participating. Monetize, monetize, monetize – those words have been in my brain since Spark & Hustle and have moved me to re-evaluate my businesses and where true growth will be for me. I am re-developing and re-designing my HTB bus pkgs, website, etc. The whole thing. I am developing and growing daily by listening to my “little voice” and following my intuition to focus my time and efforts on what I love to do and what will earn me the most money. Finally, I have surrounded myself with positive, uplifting people who believe in me and my dreams. You and Louise are part of that elite group and I am proud to say you are not only my coach but my friend and mentor. I applaud your success and hope to become involved w/your plans on a deeper level.
Motivating post!! I am doing some re-organizing shall we say of some of the people that I am using to help me and putting stronger plans in place. Time to move forward! Rachel
Wonderful, Ann! (As a side note, love the red walls and you look fabulous in this video – I thought you were sick? Hope you are feeling better!) Good friends to encourage, nudge, support and brainstorm with are priceless!
Brandy Mychals
Speaker, Author, Communications Coach
Creator of Split Second Perceptions
Great video and post! You cover a lot of great points: the importance of a mentor, how to grow a business strategically and how systems can save us time and help us make more money. Plus you do it in an inspiring way.
I am working on a series of products and group programs in order to do the very thing that you mentioned in your blog post! I’m also revamping a few things and am really geared for big growth in 2011! It’s all very exciting.
Hi Ann, Thanks for this thoughtful advice, and congratulations on creating your new directions. More swords in your arsenal — sounds exciting!
These days, with innovations blazing into every phase of our lives every day, any business contemplating growth faces a huge challenge. Especially if the business has been operating for a while — the longer we look at the “trees”, the harder it is to see the “forest”. But we need to grow if we’d like to capitalize on these innovations. Of course, not all changes are beneficial, and as you say, we need to rely on the advice of trusted friends and mentors to help us forge ahead wisely.
Very exciting for you! Having someone who pushes you as well as encourages you is very important. I have several people within my business that “nag” at me and I have to admit it is very helpful. I’m currently working on events, starting with one in the summer that I believe is the start of something big.
Pat Zahn, Photo Solutions Superhero
http://www.PatZahn.com
Congratulations Ann!! How exciting and rewarding to see SNCC soar, and the wine country seems like a natural for you. Grab your sword and go!
Well I think everyone knows who my mentor is – haha. I do have a couple of other people who I talk to just to talk and am developing those relationships until I find the right people. I am so EXCITED to be getting my own site (after initial shock) but I ain’t stopping there! I know I’m my own person and want to do other things that are just mine as I grow and develop. You have made this all possible for me Ann and I shall be very interested in your second two projects too!
What am I doing? Well I am obviously working on the plan for my own SNCC site but I’m not stopping there! I am formulating other plans – nothing stopping me now!
Louise Edington
Finding YOUR Freedom
http://louiseedington.com
Great post. btw, you look fabulous:) Good colors….clothing and walls! I am learning from you, sncc, my fellow snccers, and using my voice to take it to the next level. Its only been a short time but I have loved every minute of the “growing” process. Thanks! AND, congratulations on your new endeavors – they are SO exciting! You are amazing….and inspirational.
Rita Brennan Freay
Rita4kids
ritabrennanfreay.com
It’s very inspiring to read about the ways you keep growing and how you help others grow. That is part of what I really admire–you help cultivate others. Although I’m still not sure where I fit in all this, I find it motivating to read about those way of ahead of me. I feel we are all encouraged to find what is right for us–another gift of your work.
Jud Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
First, Ann, you look gorgeous and I love the blue jacket and necklace!! And I love your energy and passion for being everything you dream of being and your desire to help others do the same. You are an inspiration and have motivated me to think about both our business and also myself in ways I might not have! Am trying to learn and absorb and process all that I am learning so that I will be able to truly make a difference in my future, and hopefully make you proud!
So Cool! It’s great to have people in our lives that can inspire and mentor us. I have a few of those. 🙂
Congratulations on your moving to the next level, fun challenges are ahead. Growing our business, and ourselves, is always a challenge, but well worth it. And it’s especially fun when you’ve had someone you care about help you get to that point.
Lisa Vitale
http://lisawifemom.wordpress.com
The colours in this video jump out at me. The red walls make your blue jacket really pop! All these new developments are fantastic. I like what you say about gettiing us to think of developing the next level of our business. It’s true that 1-to-1 work has its limitations. Your post has got me thinking now about how I could develop things in my working life. Thanks for the great info and inspiration.
Fiona Stolze
Inspired Art and Living
http://fionastolze.com
Always inspiring and entertaining Ann! You and Louise are the two people that helped launch me into the blogosphere! I continue to learn and gleen from you. Thank you for your generosity and commitment.
Carrie Hansen
Studio C Interior Design
http://www.studio-c-design.blogspot.com
Well, Ann, I’m working with you! I’m putting into practice what you teach and what you do. YOU are my mentor and coach and my friend. I trust you to tell me the truth and let me know when I am off base and also to celebrate with me when I am on the right track. Thank you for that!
Good stuff as always. One-to-one is a terrible ROI. Well, maybe not terrible, but it doesn’t produce the freedom that most want. Looking forward to your programs.
You are very inspirational Ann and a wonderful role model. I was at zero knowledge when I started your social media boot camp, I have learned so much and although I sometimes feel like I am moving at a snails pace I am putting what I learned into practice and am seeing results. You upcoming plans sound awesome.
I am moving as slow as an iguana on a cold afternoon when it comes to making the necessary changes in my business. Why? I’m a scared baby! Confidence can only come from me…but a little inspiration and a push would be nice when I get scared, yes, I said it scared! You are a lovely inspiration and the strong relationships you form are a great example of what makes you so good at what you do.
It is very inspiring watching what you are creating and how you are growing your business. I’ve been focused on growing my business and am excited about the possibilities. 2011 rocks!
Darcie Newton
Discipline for profit, none for jammy zins or creating memorable necklaces
http://www.mywealthspa.com
Congrats ANN! I’m a raving fan and happy to see you happy in your growth! and also happy to be along for the ride and all that unfold in this process. Blessing to you!!!
I have many a friend that ignites ideas in me — none who hold me accountable for following through on those ideas. But I’m also finding a new “group” of my people and peers so I’m sure this is just around the corner for me!
Cheers lady!
Yvonne Hall
http://www.facebook.com/wilforwildtree