We have been reviewing our product offerings a little this week at the CFBE Network.  One of the reasons we started this was some feedback that we received that indicated some confusion around a product stream that we have in place.  At first, we didn't understand why there was confusion.  The products worked towards similar goals and added benefit to each other.  However, when we took a step back and really examined it through the eyes of our prospective customers, it was confusing.

The next thoughts that ran through our minds was, "how did this happen and all of the lost opportunities" because the visitor to our product site didn't understand what we were trying to achieve.  After the initial shock had wore off, there is no sense in dwelling on the past.  We can't get back those lost opportunities.  What we had to focus on was fixing it for the future.  And, I thought, what a great opportunity to tell everyone about our experience so they could learn from our mistakes. 

What we had in place was our Succeeding On Purpose product, which focuses on developing a master plan on building your business success.  The Master Plan ensures alignment to ensure that the plans, customers,  products, and how you achieve things are all working towards your dream or goal.  It's about maximize the result of your efforts by not wasting time on those things that will not help you achieve your dreams.  We then included as a bonus, the first module of our Fast Start Coaching/Consulting program which is a 13 week program to help people start their own consulting and coaching business.  We expected that they would then continue with the rest of the 12 weeks in the program.  We thought these were connected because they both worked towards helping people start and be successful in a consulting or coaching business. 

But, there was a disconnect between them.  We didn't see it right away because we are too close to them and have a lot of emotion associated with the creation of these programs.  Yes, there is a connection between them but they go about achieving results in very different ways.  We also realized that although they both target those that want to grow successful businesses, they didn't focus on the same micro-niche markets.  The Succeeding On Purpose product really is focused on those that have their business up an running.  It helps them have a stronger and more successful business.  The Fast Start Coaching/Consulting program was directly targeted at those individuals that wanted to start a coaching or consulting business.

To correct the situation, we temporarily shutdown the marketing of the Fast Start Coaching/Consulting product.  During this shutdown we re-examined the product funnel and reorganized it.  We now have a much more focused product for those that are trying to start a coaching or consulting business.  It provides them with some free advice from coaches and consultants that have been running their businesses for some time and then provides the program to help them start their business.  It can be found at www.faststartconsultingbusiness.com.

In order to keep balance in your life with work and play, you should make it mandatory to get away even if the budget is tight. It will freshen your perspective, bring you to the things that really matter and give you a bit of time to reflect upon these things.

With the economy the way it is, scaling back on your get-away is likely for most of us, but don't rob yourself of the experience. Perhaps you wish to trade off a week away for a three day excursion. With all of the great travel deals, (or steals) now available, there is a lot to choose from. You may decide to keep it regional. Plan to go as far as you can on either one tank of gas or let time guide you. Go as far as you can in a day's drive. This is a great plan if you're like me and travel with a spouse who is very busy in the summer months, and can only manage a few days away at a time.

Treat you and your travel mates to some luxuries that you would not afford on a week stay away. Those extra spontaneous side trips can make great memories.

Budgeting for a smaller trip will allow you more time to relax at home, spend more time by the pool, or at local festivals too. You may even return to your work with a more rested and satisfied perspective.

Cheers!

Cyndy

As you can see, I have now proven that my testament to the fact that there is not enough time is correct. I have totally missed out on providing you with a tidbit of though for the preceding few days, and I'm really sorry about that - so here goes...

A few thoughts for the day:

1. We missed celebrating the birthday of the inventor of cellophane tape on Monday, creating an even more sticky situation...

2. I didn't #followfriday, because I lost it!

3. I should have stayed organized, then I could have had a better chance to stay on task.

Tisk, tisk.

Taking on too much responsibility can leave us flustered and frayed. I am guilty as charged. We all do this from time to time, but if we kept organized, we can deal with our workload better, and be more efficient with our tasks. Keep it together!

Cheers!

Cyndy

It's one of those days where I don't have enough time to complete a thing. I am all over the board.

It' is annoying not to be able to feel like you have completed a thing, but you can take confidence in knowing at the least, you have helped with the overall flow of things. All of your meetings today have facilitated some sort of process or another, and if your tasks are like mine, you have a string of projects that overlap and appear to never end. That's because they don't. If they did, maybe there wouldn't be enough work to go around and help finance jobs - well, like yours.

So take a moment, get your thing together and move on! You really are getting somewhere, just be patient for the rewards!

Cheers!

Cyndy

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you can't catch your breath? Today is that day, isn't it? It's kind of nice having an active day, especially when it's a "Bluesday-Tuesday". There's not even enough time to reflect upon the fact that this is the day of the week without and identity.

Next time you feel like you've hit the ground running as soon as your feet touched the floor, freshly out of bed, take heed and smell the roses. If it's sunny out, promise yourself to go for a noon walk, and deliver! You never know, these little promises fulfilled could lead to other larger dreams realized!