Breaking News - OPEN TODAY!

I'm interested to see how many people opened this particular message - I decided to put the Call to Action to the test by giving you the next step - OPEN TODAY! 

There is a difference between giving a presentation  and fire hosing your potential new client  with all the quality products or services you provide and actually asking them to take the next step.

For the longest time, I couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting the clients I wanted, especially during a one on one or at presentation.  When I finally aligned myself with a top expert in the industry, I was soon taught the purpose and absolute necessity of the dreaded Call to Action.  Without providing your potential customer (or even current customer) with a specific next step and how to complete that next step they will walk away and won't even think about doing business with you.

1.  Treat your call to action just like it is part of presentation or conversation.  The close at the end is no different than the introduction or three main points in the middle of your presentation.   It should be well planned, thought out and memorized for the most effective impact.

2.  Give ONE next step.  Of course you have multiple products and/or services that you offer, but more than likely, the first time someone hears you speak, they won't invest in your most expensive offer.  Make sure you have a mid range offer.  Your presentation should smoothly lead into your offer.  People don't like to make decisions and they don't like to make choices.  Keep it simple.

3.  Your call to action doesn't have to involve money.  In order to take a little bit of the pressure off of you and the audience member(s), you can create a call to action that does not require the exchange of money.  For example, you might want to ask everyone for a referral or testimonial.  Perhaps you simply want to collect everyone's business card to send them a free report.

No matter what your call to action is, make sure you are collecting something from the listeners whether it is money for a workshop, an e-mail address for an opt-in or a referral for a future presentation or potential customer.

Knowing exactly what you want your next step to be will make the transition from the main points of your talk to the close.  PREPARE and PRACTICE exactly what you will say during the call to action so that flows seamlessly from your lips!

For a limited time, I am offering an Introductory Coaching Package of three 45 minute sessions where we get laser focused on exactly what is holding you back and how to plan your way to profits!  If you are interested let's find out if you are eligible!  This is a great program for entrepreneurs who aren't ready to financially commit to an extended coaching program, but have an urgent need to set some goals and develop a plan to reach those goals.  Contact Megan for more information at megan@structuredwellness.com. 

Top 10 Key Strategy Points

Top 10 Key Strategy Points

1.   You are in business for yourself
2.   Whatever happens in your business is up to you
3.  The more you accept it, the more others will line up to help you
4.   If it's meant to be, it's up to me
5.   The aim in strategic planning is to increase your return on energy
6.   Get the highest return on your energy - you put just as much energy out there to get nothing in return as you do to get everything in return
7.   Have a good personal strategic plan
8.   Some people work 40 years and end up poor, others work the same number of years making the same amount of money and end up wealthy - just look at Professional Athletes!!  They're all making millions of dollars a year, but so often we see in the media that so and so is millions of dollars in debt - they had no personal strategic plan.
9.   The people who are wealthy stick to their plan
10.   Plan your work and work your plan!

"The Hunger Games" and Your Business - Part II

I'm still blown away at the parallels I was able to make between the movie The Hunger Games and how business owners must think, feel and act in order to reach success and stay in business!

 

A few days ago, I posted a blog full of business tips based on the movie which included believing in yourself, becoming excellent at your skill and preparing for opportunities just to name a few.  I kept thinking about the movie and couldn't pass up the chance to give you some more insight on the business parallels that I found in the movie.

 

Business Tips Continued.....

 

1.  Dance With Fear:  In the movie, it was very obvious that Katniss, the main character was utterly frightened for her life and what to expect once the games began.  But, she didn't let it stop her, ultimately, she won.  In part because she moved through her fear with courage.

In our businesses, we are faced with daily fears like not being able to pay our household bills, appointments/clients canceling, picking up the phone to call someone on our "chicken list" and even promoting ourselves and what we have to offer.  If we allow the fear to STOP us, we'll never know what ind of life exists on the other side of that fear.  And you know the old saying, "Everything greater lies on the other side of fear so RUN into it full speed ahead!"

 

2.  Make A Good First Impression:  When the 24 children competing in the games arrived in the main city/hub area where the games would take place, they were introduced to the town in a parade of sorts.  They each rode in on a chariot in costume and waved to the onlookers.  Katniess and Peeta rode in last in attractive, black leather outfits that would spit out fire as a result of the breeze they created by the moving chariot.  It was a complete hit and the crowd loved them from the get go!  They made a lasting first impression!

 

 

In business, everyone we come into contact with is a potential client, customer, giver of referrals or a connection to great leads for speaking engagements, etc.  We must remember, that hundreds and thousands of other business owners are out sharing, selling and telling the same thing we are, so what makes us stand out?  Why should someone work with us?  Always make a good first impression in the first 5-11 seconds!!  People make 11 assumptions about you in 11 seconds.

 

 

3.  Who Is Your Target Market?:  In order for Katniss and Peeta, Katniss especially, to make a good first impression and build supporters in the city where the games were held, they needed to find out what to "give" the audience.  What did the audience want?  What would make them follow Katniss and support her along the way?  In the movie, the competitors could be given items that would help them during the games from their audience, also known as sponsors.  The more the audience liked the competitor the more included they were to sponsor the child.  Katniss discovered that the audience was drawn to a "love story", which is how she eventually won.

 

 

In business, know who you want to serve and how you want to serve them.  Know what problems they have and how you can solve them.  Know what goals they want to achieve and how you can help them achieve those goals.  Be extremely clear with your specific niche in that target market.  It will make your messaging must more clear for your audience to understand, therefore, they will be more included to BUY from you.

 

 

4.  Develop a Support Team:  In the movie, each competitor had a support team or a team of coaches.  It was important to have a great connection with your support team and surround yourself with people who would help you get to the top.  Katniss and Peeta were paired with a man from their own district who had competed and won the Hunger Games years prior. He was able to give them incredible insight (at times).  They were also paired with a designer for fashion and advice that really helped them along the way.

 

In business, it is important to surround yourself with people who lift you up, not pull you down.  Being in business for yourself goes against the grain of "feeling secure" in America.  90% of the population who WORK for someone else share 10% of the money that exists.  10% of the population shares 90% of the money that exists.  You've got to hang out with the 10%!!!  They know what it takes to be successful.  They've made all the mistakes for you.  What you are doing has already been done by countless experts so draw on that expertise.  Think about the 5 people you spend most of your time with and find the average of their total income.  You will make the average income of the people you hang out with.  

 

I hope I have not totally spoiled the movie for you!  Even so, go see it and think BUSINESS while you're watching it.  I actually want to go see it again with a pen and paper this time!!

 

Disclaimer:  I am not getting paid to promote the movie - haha!

 

Start Your Engines,

 

Megan

If you are ready to invest in your business with coaching, go to http://www.structuredwellness.com and click on Contact Megan to schedule a 15 minute Start Your Engine session with Megan.

Learn About Business Through "The Hunger Games"

My husband and I went on our first "date" sans our daughter in over a year, FINALLY!!!  One thing I've learned, if you're married with children, it is so vital to the well-being of the entire family to court one another.  

On our date, we went to the IMAX version of the movie Hunger Games.  Wow!!  I loved it!  I know there is much controversy surrounding the basis of the movie - children killing children, however, I was thinking BUSINESS the entire time I watched the movie - well, at least parts of the movie.  

If you are unfamiliar with the movie, let me fill you in.

The main character, Katniss Everdeen, along with 23 other competitors (all of which were 12-18 years of age), battled one another to stay alive in a forest.  They were given one chance to grab some sort of weapon or "bag of goodies" to use on this two week journey.  Once in the forest, they were on their own for food, shelter, water and safety.  

Here are the business tips I drew from the movie:

1.  Believe in yourself: Only one child would come out alive and if you didn't believe you could "win" you would more than likely die pretty quickly.

The same goes with business.  It's not necessarily life or death, but if we don't believe we can do it, if we don't believe in the value of the product or service we offer, if we don't believe we can deliver - our business will more than likely fail within a year or shortly thereafter.

 2.  Prepare for the Opportunity:  Not that dying in a game is an opportunity, but the opportunity to be thrown into this come and come out alive. It was quite obvious that certain children had prepared themselves for this day not knowing whether it would ever come or not, but they were prepared both mentally and physically to take on the challenge.

We don't know what our future holds, but we better be prepared and OPEN to any opportunity that opens it's door to us.  Keeping our eyes open at all times.

3.  Take Risks:  In the beginning of the movie, we found out how a child's name was put into the lottery more times - they were trying to earn more food for their families.  By placing their names in the lottery more, not only did they earn more food, but they also increased their chances of being selected for the Hunger Games.

In order to be successful in business, I mean REALLY successful, you have to take risks.  Now, just because you are taking a risk doesn't mean you don't have to think about it first, I encourage you to do so.  Know what you're getting yourself into, but you must be willing to take them!

4.  Become Excellent at Your Skill:  Katniss Everdeen, who eventually won the Hunger Games, was a phenomenal archery shooter.  She practiced hunting for squirrels in the woods of her "district" for her family to eat.  She was incredible and used this to her advantage multiple times throughout the Hunger Games.

What are you good at?  You must set yourself apart from the competition.  One of the three things to look at when going into business is "Can I do it better than my competition?"  If you can't, then your competition has a better chance of getting the clients and customers they want.

5.  Be a Giver:  During the movie, Katniss put herself on the line multiple times by helping other competitors LIVE during the Hunger Games.  She put herself in danger and expected nothing in return.  It paid off in the end.

We'll all heard it.  In business, you must be a giver.  Now, I don't mean go sacrifice the well-being of your family and give away your services for FREE.  You have to put food on the table, remember!  We are here to serve others, to live out God's purpose for us - it's really not up to us what we're meant to do, but it is up to us to figure it out.  Give back to others and expect nothing in return.  If you expect something in return, you aren't a true servant.

My point?

You can look at most situations and spin them into some sort of business-like connection.  Learn from everyone and everything around you.

Start Your Engines,

Megan

http://www.structuredwellness.com

Click Contact Megan for a free 15 minute Start Your Engine Coaching session - only for people serious about investing in themselves!

  

 

What Is Your Excuse? The Economy?

"I can't build my business because the economy is so terrible and no one has any money to spend on what I have to offer!"  Woe is me.... (yeah, I've heard myself say that a time or two!)

Um.....

Visit a restaurant on a Wednesday night - you'll have to wait to get a seat.

Go to a movie in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday - you'll park in the BACK of the parking lot built for 5,000 cars.

Go to a local minor or major league baseball game - SOLD OUT and 75% of the people there are buying $6.00 cokes and $8 hot dogs.

And, guess what - I've done all three in the past week which is why I know those statements are true.

This is one of the biggest excuses entrepreneurs use, so they don't have to take responsibility for their inability to build a business - and they end up applying for a job somewhere else because making money for someone else is "secure".

Well, if jobs are so secure, then why have I been on pins and needles for the past year wondering if I'll have my online teaching job once the Spring 2012 semester is over?  Don't we all think teaching in the Public School System is.....Stable? 

An entrepreneur's inability isn't because they aren't smart enough or have some earth shattering product or service - it's simply because they don't understand how to market themselves, set and achieve goals or get out of their comfort zones and overcome their fears.  And, they don't value themselves enough.

• Would you like to position yourself so that you never feel like you HAVE "to sell" your service or product?

• Did you know that when you are really clear about exactly how you can help someone, they are relieved that their problem will soon be solved or that you will help them reach their goal, and they can't wait to get started?

Are you ready to stop letting excuses STUNT your cash flow and YOUR SUCCESS! If you answered yes, say "I"!

YOU CAN MAKE MONEY - EVEN in THIS Economy!

How do I know, because I do. My clients do.  And loads of other coaches and entrepreneurs do, too!  One of my clients started a baby-sitting service business in October of 2011, she has over 100 babysitters and over 150 families!  She also had a FULL TIME JOB while building her business.  She just worked her last day for someone else last Friday!  She is making MONEY!

The Question that remains...How can you make money in this economy?

The answer is to change your story and your state, set and achieve goals, organize your thoughts and our time, get out of your comfort zone and GET INTO ACTION! 

People buy what they want and they figure out ways to pay for what they want, regardless of the economy, especially if they want it bad enough, and if they believe their lives will be significantly enhanced by getting it.

• They will splurge on dessert if the thought of home-made key lime pie tonight is more compelling than cab fare tomorrow.  (They'll burn the extra calories walking it off ;-)

• They will spend hundreds to thousands of dollars for once-in-a-lifetime concerts or opening day for their favorite sports team.  (What if I never get to see them again?)

• They will even sell their car to get coaching when they know it will get them the lifetime results they are looking for.  (Once I learn how to make money coaching, I can buy an even better car!)

When you position yourself to be what they are looking for, you never have to sell your services.

They know what they want, and when they get that you are it, they are ready, willing and able to invest in your products services, so they can get it.

Are you committed to:

Change Your State

Write a New Story

Set and Achieve Goals

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Organize your Thoughts and your Time

Get Into Action

If this is all I need to learn and do to live the life I want to live, then I'm in, full throttle!

Are You?

 Contact Megan for a free 15 minute session if you are serious about investing in yourself and in your business!

http://www.structuredwellness.com - Click Contact Megan

Get Into Action & Increase Your Sales (Class Offering)

Fear. Lack of Confidence. Ineffective Communication.
Objections. Money Woes.

Sound familiar?

They did to me, too! Until -- I repeatedly experienced feeling uncomfortable. I began to realize that true growth lies outside the boundaries that we draw around ourselves. Boundaries, also known as fears, are simply lies that our ego wants us to believe. My personal bubble was not going to attract the clients or the money that I wanted inside the boundaries that I had drawn. Are you willing to stay comfortable and miss the chance for growth or are you willing to live the life that you were designed to live? Are you ready to tap into your full potential?

One day, I made a conscious decision to start taking massive action and move forward in my business. I wanted to make myself feel uncomfortable because I had a strong desire to experience growth both professionally and personally. I wanted to be proactive in all of my decisions, not reactive.

What will it mean to your business when...

• Influencing and persuading people becomes easy
• You make a good first impression every time
• Confidence has been mastered
• People understand and believe your product or service
• You effortlessly ask powerful questions and command the conversation
• Asking for the sale becomes natural
• Getting out of your comfort zone is effortless

What will your business and life be filled with?

Action. Abundance. Confidence. Empowerment. Strength. Love.

85% of your success comes from your communication and relationships building skills.

Make the decision today to steer your business UP and to the RIGHT!

With "Get Into Action and Increase Your Sales" you get:

• Two webinars which provide you with audio and video - easy to take notes!
• "Follow Along" notes to use during both webinars
• Free 15 minute one-on-one coaching session following second webinar*
• 10% off your first month of coaching (2 or 4 sessions, client choice)**

*Redeem free 15 minute session by May 31
**First month of coaching must occur between May and August

Class #1: Wednesday, April 18
Class #2: Tuesday, April 24
8:00 pm
$37 (2-part course)
Register at
http://www.structuredwellness.com/register_workshop.html

Once registered, participants will receive a PayPal invoice and class login information.
Refer a Friend and your admission is only $30!!
Be sure to let Megan know when you Register who you referred!

Creating Your Purpose

What purpose are you meant to serve?  How often do you evaluate whether or not you are truly living out your purpose?  I think we oftentimes wonder, am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing, but all too often, we brush off discovering and moving towards our true passion in life.

Fear sets in.  We hear negative self talk.  Others cause us to doubt it.

I always knew that my purpose was to help others.  I just didn't know in what capacity.  As I've mentioned before, my career began working for the public education system, helping children - or rather baby sitting, disciplining, teaching to a test, listening to gossip, managing a classroom, lesson planning, ignoring my family, working ball games for free, grading papers, working long hours, skipping lunch, missing workouts, taking on extra projects and duties for free.......okay I'll stop!

I hit a pretty low point before I set out on a journey to discover who I am meant to serve and through what vehicle.  This was a process filled with journaling, reflection, reading, thinking, dreaming, visioning and talking it out.

Who do I want to help?
What value will I add to the lives of others?
How will I help?
What is my why?

When I could answer these questions, nothing was going to stop me.

Once I clearly defined my purpose, I began living my life with intention.  Living a life with intention is quite different from how most people live their lives.  Most people don't know why they are making the decision they are making, they're just doing what they've been told or taught to do - or what they've been persuaded or influenced to do by what they see, hear and read.  Most people don't think they have capability of being in control of their own thoughts, beliefs and actions.  They blame others and say, "It has control over me, I don't know why I can't stop."

I encourage you to identify your true purpose.  If it's to quit your job and join the Peace Corp, then so be it.  If it's to have 5 more kids, get started!  If it's to start your own business, what are you waiting for?  If it's to go back to school and get another degree, start filling out your application.  What's stopping you?

You.

Lesson Learned #10:  We are never truly living until we live out our purpose. 

Megan

Want to receive valuable information from my library of knowledge and experiences?  Just log onto http://www.structuredwellness.com  and sign up to receive periodic information from me that will help your business grow!

Motherhood to Mompreneur Series

I remember my first networking meeting at the Chapel Hill Coffee and Contacts like it was yesterday.  I had no idea what a One-On-One meant, but I quickly realized that it meant I had to speak up and verbally INVITE a fellow small business owner in the group to coffee or lunch to share our stories and message.  I was quite intimidated.  All of the other women seemed so well versed, they all knew one another and scheduling a one-on-one was second nature to them.

It was imperative that I muster up the confidence to schedule one-on-ones with other women in the group because that is where the relationships are built.  I have found over the last 18 months that it is near impossible for participants at a networking event to fully understand your product or service during a 30 second elevator speech.  The meat and potatoes comes with building a relationship together, getting to know the other person and how you can help them in a one-on-one.

Rather than asking, "How can I help?", ask "What do you need help with?"  or "What do you want?"

This opens the door for you to listen to their problems and then show them how you will help them solve their problems whether it's through a product or a service that you offer.

Another great way to build a relationship is through sharing your personal story including your struggles and how you solved these problems.  Through sharing your story you will attract the clients that you want because your story will resonate with them on a more personal level.

My story is going from a full time job where I was extremely successful to becoming a stay at home - my life became unrecognizable.  I didn't know what to do on a daily basis, knew I needed to contribute to our household income, but felt useless.  I set out to discover and define my purpose and passion and that's to help other women identify their purpose and passion and develop a business that will thrive into the future.  I want to help both mothers who want to become successful entrepreneurs as well as women in general who are highly motivated to cultivate a successful business.

Lesson Learned #9:  Establish a clear purpose once you have identified your true passion in life.  Who do you want to help?  What is your message?  What mark do you want to make?  Once you know your purpose and begin to share your story, things will begin to fall into place with hard work and dedication!

Megan

Want to receive valuable information from my library of knowledge and experiences?  Just log onto http://www.structuredwellness.com  and sign up to receive periodic information from me that will help your business grow!

7 Key Points to Effective Selling

Do you ever find yourself thinking, "Well I knew that," but you weren't actually doing it?

I recently read a report about selling by the great Brian Tracy.  If there is one thing I have learned from following other experts in my field it's that they simply bring to light what all of us already know.  We're just not consciously paying attention to those points all the time.  I've been networking with other business owners for over a year now, and I look at each encounter as a learning experience.  I try different tactics, talk to different people, ask different questions and also take time to observe others at these events.

I've taken what I read from Brian Tracy and used his 7 points.  I've put my own reasons why these tactics work when selling.

Prospecting

a.       Not everyone is your prospect

b.   Know your niche - is it narrow enough?

c.      Know your purpose when you are prospecting, what do you want the outcome to be?

d.       Have a genuine interest in helping people

e.      Know which questions you will ask your prospect, general to more specific

f.      Determine whether or not you can help them, if they want to be helped, and if they can afford to work with you or purchase your product

2.       Establishing Rapport, Trust, and Credibility

a.       Smile, show appreciation

b.      Ask them questions about their business – get them talking

c.       Answer their questions accurately

d.      Be able to clearly communicate your message and point of view

3.       Identifying Needs Accurately

a.       Ask them what they need, not how you can help

b.   Know which questions you will be asking prospects and prepare

c.      Show them exactly how they will benefit from your product or service

d.       Paint a picture of how their life will be different with your product or service

4.       Presentation

a.       Prepare

b.      Practice

c.       Share your story

d.      Have a framework that you follow in each presentation

e.  Leave no gray area, people either want your product/service or they don't

5.       Answering Objections Effectively

a.       Know all of the objections you could possibly receive beforehand

b.      Know how to respond to each of those objections

c.       Remain calm and collected – do not get defensive and nervous

d.  Objections show interest

6.       Closing the Sale

a.       ASK for the SALE

b.      Remember, you will never attract a customer – you have to ask for their business

c.       Know exactly what are you asking them to do or buy

d.      Ask them when they get started

e.      Make sure they want it, value it and can afford it before you ask

7.       Re-Sales and Referrals

a.       Ask for referrals

b.      Have referral programs set up

c.       Incorporate other products and programs to up sell and down sell your clients/customers

It's All In the Preparation

His dream to play major league baseball began at the age of 6.  He knew his perfect destiny at a young age.  Growing up in a household where baseball was the topic of conversation and focus 90% of the time was, well, let's just say it was not the norm.

When I share stories about this laser like focus, most people just don't get it.  Some people share their opinions about raising a child to play just one sport...and breathe it, eat it, sleep it...not all of those opinions are positive, but everyone is entitled to share what they think I suppose.  I have learned to respect the view point of others and have used this skill to understand how humans process.  Very enlightening to realize just how much energy people expend on external factors that have nothing to do with their own lives.  Makes me wonder just how successful we, as a population, have the potential to be if we focused on ourselves rather than our surrounding environment and/or circumstances.

My brother had a pretty solid career as a catcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He played in two College World Series championships in Omaha, NE - an opportunity few young kids get to experience during their short lived baseball career.  He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 17th round of the 2007 MLB Draft after his Junior year of college and went on to play in their farm system.  He played Rookie all the way up to Triple A ball with the Braves.

In April of 2010, he was released.

Devastation.
Shock.
Lost.

Where do I go now?  He was quickly picked up by an Independent team in Texas where he went on to play for two seasons and did very well.

Present Day.  On March 2, 2012 he received a call late in the evening from a representative of the Anaheim Angels - now called the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim I believe.  They asked him to report to Spring Training in Pheonix, Arizona the next day - he'd be flying out at 2:35PM from RDU.  He hurriedly packed his bags, called all of his catching and hitting lesson clients and excitedly began his newest endeavor - a second chance at achieving a lifelong dream.

Here's the beautiful thing.  Since coming home in late July  of last year (that's 7 months ago for the mathematically challenged) from playing at the Independent level, my brother has been preparing his body, mind and soul just like any other major or minor leaguer getting ready to report to Spring Training Camp.  Who would think that, after being released two seasons ago from the MLB system, barely able to get on an Independent team, he would be called to report to an MLB Spring Training.  Especially after being told time and time again by their agent that it just wasn't going to happen.

Amazing opportunities are presented to those who PREPARE themselves to receive and take advantage of those opportunities.  We attract what we think and what we believe.  My brother continued to verbalize and believe that an opportunity would present itself for him to play Major League Baseball - little did he know when or how.

Why did a major league team even have him on their radar?  They didn't.  He broke through his comfort zone and fear, picked up the phone and called every single player development representative for each MLB team.  All it took was one interested team.  When I heard the news, I wondered how many thousands of baseball players were sitting at home wishing the phone would ring.  How many thought to put themselves out there?

Divine Intervention at it's best.  Preparation at it's best.  This is Finding Favor if I've ever heard it.

Never.
Say.
Never.

Your Turn...Leave a comment about a time when you've prepared for an opportunity not knowing when or if the window would ever open.

Redefining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 2, Chapter 8

WOW!!  It's been quite a few days since I last posted!  I guess I've gotten carried away with some of the other products and programs I've been developing that I have neglected keeping you updated about my motherhood and reinvention story!

Chapter 7 ended with me introducing you to how I first started "working" my direct sales business.  When I realized that I wasn't converting potential customers into actual customers I decided that it was time for me to learn more about this business and about how to do business with others.

First, I set out to join a networking group, something that was a totally new concept for me.  Remember, I previously networked with 14-18 year old students in a classroom for 5 years!  A far cry from the real world to say the least!  Even though I was skilled at communicating with people, the thought of networking was very intimidating.  I jumped on the Internet and stumbled upon a fabulous site called Meetup.com.  Eureka!  I had discovered the pot of gold on the other side of the rainbow!  Thousands of meetup groups populated the Triangle area where I live.  I knew that I wanted to start out networking with a group of people that I would feel most comfortable around.  Luckily, I found a Women's Power Networking chapter just 15 minutes up the road in Chapel Hill.  I joined by the click of a button and went to my first meeting a week later.

I had to bring our daughter, Brighton with me, but that was okay because the room was filled with other understanding mothers.  Now, the room wasn't filled with babies, but at least I was welcome to bring my sleeping baby that didn't say a peep!

Networking was a way for me to regain the skill of communicating effectively.  It allowed me to spend time with other working adults who were running successful small businesses.  Each week, an expert presenter gave a 10 minute speech about their area of expertise.  What a great way to get in some professional and personal growth.

My #1 goal was to GROW as a business woman and this was a great place to start!  I was soaking up all of the information I possibly could that would help me become a serious business owner.  If I expected others to take me seriously then I knew I had to treat this like a business, not a hobby.  I began to schedule one on ones with other women in the group and even used the services of Jennifer Conaway of Your Next Level, Inc. for some business consulting.  She is fabulous by the way!  Also an excellent Speaker Coach.  I found that many of the services being offered by the other women would serve me well as a new business owner.  I probably did spend too much money in the beginning, but it really did propel me forward.

To go from being terrified to join a networking group to now ORGANIZING my own networking group and being a part of three others, I'd say I've come a long way baby!

Lesson Learned #8:  Get out there and learn!  Being in business is all about building relationships and figuring out how to solve the problems of your potential customers and clients.  Go scour the Internet for some networking groups in your area and figure out what works best for you and your business.  Not all networking groups will be beneficial to your specific business so go visit a few.  I don't know of one networking group that doesn't allow you to visit 1-3 times before joining.  Perhaps there are some freebies out there, too!

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!  I don't know where this series is going to take me, but I do have a mission.

Megan

Want to receive valuable information from my library of knowledge and experiences?  Just log onto http://www.structuredwellness.com  and sign up to receive periodic information from me that will definitely help your business grow!

 

Redefining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 2, Chapter 7

By the time I started my Shaklee business, I felt more confident leaving my house with baby in tow.  She was now around 3 months old.  I still hadn't lost the baby weight I had gained, couldn't fit into pre-baby clothes and had little motivation to hit the gym too terribly hard.  A few of my friends had already lost ALL of their weight!  This worried me.  Would I ever feel sexy again?  What would I do with all of those clothes in my closet? 

Since so many of my friends had not met Brighton, the fact that I had started a network marketing business was a great opportunity for me to reconnect with friends over coffee or lunch during the day.  I could also let them know about my new business venture.  I started noticing that making one small change was beginning to make a big difference.  The change I made was getting out of the house and interacting with adults again.  At this point, I still had no idea what it meant to be in the "sales" industry, but I was happy to be doing something other than taking care of a baby all day - I was doing something for myself and it was having a positive impact.

Lunch after lunch I was not getting a huge response to my new business.  My husband started to think that I did nothing all day except go out to lunch with friends.  At least I was getting human interaction tough!  And this started rebuilding my confidence.  I felt more energized, more connected with people and I was beginning to see glimpses of my old self again.  I really dove in head first with my Shaklee business - I watched videos, had coaching calls, read about every product, wrote scripts and attended meetings.  What I realized about myself, however, was that I felt like I had to be an expert on all things health related before I could share the Shaklee products with anyone.  This made me nervous and I became fearful of sharing Shaklee with others.  What I NOW know is that having all the answers BEFORE getting started is not necessary.  I began to realize, slowly, that I would learn as I go. I could say all the wrong things, but if it was to the right person, it didn't matter.  I was making small discoveries and changes in myself as a person and as a business owner.  Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that I was preparing myself for major future opportunities, I just didn't know what at this point.

Lesson Learned #7:  Become a DREAMER again.  My dream, at first, was to earn my own money as a business owner so that I could raise Brighton in our home.  Knowing HOW you'll reach your dreams is obsolete, it doesn't matter.  Know your WHY and create the first few baby steps to get started.  You'll meet people along the way, learn along the way, read along the way and figure it out.  Set out to discover you true purpose in life.  If you are struggling with being a full time stay at home Mom then maybe that isn't your purpose. Doesn't mean you're a bad Mom, it just means that you were called to serve in another way, in ADDITION to being a Mom.

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!  I don't know where this series is going to take me, but I do have a mission.

Megan

Redefining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 1, Chapter 6

I went from Stay at Home Mom to Work From Home Mom in one afternoon conversation.  I didn't really have any expectations about my business, but I was very intrigued by the possibilities of traveling to exotic destinations for free and earning a monthly car payment simply for sharing an opportunity and the most fabulous nutritional products with others.  My business was in direct sales, one of the fastest growing careers for women right now.  Many women are deciding to forgo daycare and the 9 to 5 job to stay at home and raise their own children.  Donald Trump himself has said on national television in an interview that if he had to do it all over again he would choose Network Marketing to make his millions.

The direct sales business is a very supportive environment with tons of training, support, coaching, guidance, meetings, professional development, workshops and more.  I went full tilt into my business the minute I started.  Well, I went full tilt into studying, researching and feeling like I needed to become an expert on all things health and wellness before I actually shared the products or the opportunity with anyone.  What I've learned is that it isn't necessary to have all of the answers before you start any new venture.  Just go!  And, learn as you go.  If you're passionate about what you're doing and your passionate about the people you are serving then everything will fall into place.

Juggling a 3 month old and a new business was pretty easy, at first.  Brighton was taking two really long naps a day so I had about 5 hours to myself throughout the day to focus on my business five days a week.  I learned that putting systems in place for follow up, goal setting and mail outs was very helpful - it kept me focused, organized and on track for business growth.  But still, I was very green at the whole network marketing business and what it really meant to run a business.  Now I know why so many people fail - they treat their businesses like a hobby.  So began my second journey down an unfamiliar path - motherhood and entrepreneurship.  Combine those together and you've got some figuring out to do real quick!

Lesson Learned #6:  Find something to do during your "free" time if you are a stay at home Mom.  And I don't mean cook and clean.  Take some time to discover what you are truly passionate about and how you can incorporate that into your new life.  Becoming a stay at home Mom can cause you to feel as though you've lost your identity, that you're not ever going to be good enough at anything ever again except motherly and household duties.  Use motherhood as a time to discover what else is out there and start reaching for it! 

Please join me later this week as I dive into my emotional roller coaster as a new business owner.

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!  I don't know where this series is going to take me, but I do have a mission.

Megan

Redefining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 1, Chapter 5

I was a former classroom teacher turned Mommy - 3 months in, I'm a business owner.  I didn't really know what that meant.  I did have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, but I had never taken a class on entrepreneurship.  My career background was in teaching - yes, I ran a classroom but a school is so distant from the real world that when you get launched back into society you discover a world that you had no idea existed.  A world of adults!  Who would have thought!  A world where people are working for themselves, networking and building adult and business relationships, making the money they want to make, affecting thousands of lives.  There is so much energy outside of a school building - I didn't know how I was going to figure out this new role - all while taking care of a 3 month old 24/7.

For me, a public school atmosphere became very toxic.  It's one of the most physically, emotionally and mentally draining places to work.  We hear so many negative comments about the state of our education system here in the US and we're blaming our teachers.  They are only a small piece of the destruction.  Public education does not attract lazy, mean, negative people - education grows lazy, mean, negative people.  I remember walking through the empty hallway up to the office during my planning period and I would pass another teacher going in the opposite direction - they would look down at their feet as they passed by and not even make eye contact, no wave, no hello.  What kind of environment is that!!??!!  I could understand that coming from a native New Yorker walking down Wall Street, but in a school building?  Being a teacher can become very all consuming.  Stacks of papers to grade at home each night, extensive lesson plans to create and elaborate activities to facilitate each day. My husband wondered where he was going to fit into this picture.  If you're good at what you do in a classroom you end up becoming the "Yes Man".  You are asked to be in charge of new groups because the principal knows you can get it done and you want to get a good evaluation so you always say "Yes".  In fact, in order to get a good evaluation these days, you have to be in charge of at least two organizations/groups/clubs/teams within the school.

My life revolved around teaching.  Looking back - I was not happy. 

Having a child and becoming a stay at home Mom for me was a blessing in disguise.  So far you've read that Mommyhood for me was not a bed of roses and I'm not out of the woods yet - there's more.  I never ever would have entertained the idea of starting my own business if I did not have Brighton and make the decision to quit my full time J-O-B.

My goal for writing this series is to empower every woman out there to dig deep inside of herself, explore the millions of options the world has to offer and to make her mark.  Becoming a stay at home Mom opens it's doors to endless possibilities if you are willing to open yourself up to receiving those possibilities.  Without Brighton, I would still be in a classroom today and I would be in a classroom until retirement.  I would have lived on okay life.  I would still be going through the motions.  I would have shortchanged my marriage.  I would have stayed inside of my comfort zone.  I would not have found the many blessings outside of my comfort zone.  I would not have changed.  I would not have met the most amazing people that I have met.  I would have seen the world in a different, more closed minded light.  I would not have learned what I've learned about people and how to effectively communication with them.  I would still be judging others. 

Becoming a stay at home Mom changed the world for me.  Opening myself up to the possibility of receiving the gifts of owning my own business changed my world.  And now I am here to change your world.

Please join me later this week as I dive into what it was like to start my first business!

Lesson Learned #5:  Give yourself permission to dream.  There is so much more to this short life than what we've been taught to think and do.  Open yourself up to receiving your dreams and you will be blessed beyond belief.

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!  I don't know where this series is going to take me, but I do have a mission.

Megan

Redifining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 1, Chapter 4

If I sleep, then I won't have to deal with a lack of confidence, internal struggle, getting back into shape or redefining myself through motherhood. For quite a while, all I wanted to do was stay in my pj's and sleep or lay around - maybe clean a pot or a pan, sweep the floor or fold a few pieces of laundry.  I remember not even wanting to appear in the grocery store - for whatever reason, that trip seemed so difficult at times.  What would I buy?  What would we eat for dinner each week?  Would I have to cook since I'm home all day?  I reached a point while being a stay at home Mom where I felt incapable of making decisions, incapable or getting back into the gym, undeserving of the beautiful gifts the universe has to offer, and unworthy of sharing my own gifts with the world.  Why?

So many women that I've spoken to over the past 17 months can relate to this feeling that I call an identity crisis.  I went from working 70 hours a week, in charge of so many things at my school and was viewed as a countywide leader in my field of expertise to being a stay at home Mom whose job was to feed a baby, clean a house, cook meals, change diapers, run a few errands here and there and watch a baby sleep the day away.  I didn't know who I was anymore because I was no longer stimulating myself, I was no longer interacting with intelligent adults, I was no longer making a positive impact on the lives of others.  I literally felt like I was getting stupid - I guess that's what we call the post pregnancy brain.

I started seeing my friends going back to work once their babies hit 3 and 4 months and in a way I was jealous.  I knew I didn't want to go back to the classroom, but I was jealous that these women were giving themselves a chance to live their lives as individuals in addition to serving as a mother to their child(ren).  And these women once again became contributing members of society.  Isn't that what we all want?  To give back?  Of course we all like receiving, but isn't it more gratifying to give?

So, I started a business.  Yes, this incapable, no confidence, going through an identity crisis new Mom was starting a business.

Come back in a few days for my next chapter to learn more about my journey back into the world of work!

Lesson Learned #4:  Create a set schedule and stick to it.  Give yourself some "me" time.  I always waited until Brighton woke me up before I would get out of bed.  And sometimes, I would put her back to bed so that I could continue my slumber.  Wake up an hour before baby usually rises and take a hot shower, put your make up on and put on something that makes you feel good.  Choose an errand to run each day so that you get out of the house.  This gives you the opportunity to interact with adults in the real world and make decisions while on your trip.  If you are now in charge of cleaning house and that seems overwhelming, clean one room a day or tackle one cleaning project a day.  Schedule it out for the week!

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!  I don't know where this series is going to take me, but I do have a mission.

Megan

Redifining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 1, Chapter 3

About a month into my SAHM journey I realized that I was spending an awful lot of time inside my home with a baby that slept, pooped, ate, slept, pooped, slept, slept, ate, ate, ate and slept some more.  I was alone.  What better way to get out of the house than by starting my own Mom Group!  I'm a natural born leader so this was right up my alley. I knew a handful of women who had either just had a baby or had a young child and we were all within a 10 minute radius of one another.  I picked a park, I picked the people, I picked the day and the time.  And.....we're off!
What a fabulous chance to interact with other Moms facing the same hardships, milestones and celebrations - we were all in this together and blind as bats.  I remember feeling part of something and I did it like it was everything.  I looked forward to seeing these women, getting out of the house and exerting some energy outdoors each week.  The sad part came when everyone but me went back to work in December.  Once again, I was alone.  This wonderful group had just taken flight and was increasing speed and altitude as we could see the runway in the distance.  Then the engines blew.  I was the pilot and didn't land so gracefully in the Hudson.  There was nothing that I could do to salvage the group.  Some of the kids had in home nannies and others went to daycare while Mom ventured back into the world of work - surrounded by people, intellect, energy, conversation and adults.  The saddest part is that once we all scattered in different directions I kind of lost touch with them all.

Back at home.  Poop.  Eat.  Sleep.  Poop.  Eat.  Sleep.  Alone.  Maybe this stay at home Mom thing wasn't all it was cracked up to be?

Lesson Learned #3:  Become the pilot!!  Start a Mom group if you feel alone and disconnected from the world of adult normalcy.  There are so many Moms out there salivating for companionship during this precious, yet tough time in their lives.  You can easily start a group and advertise it on Meetup.com or call up a few friends in the area with babies.  Don't know your neighbors but you saw a stork sitting in their front lawn a month ago? Go knock on their door - I bet that Mom would be more than happy to whip out her stroller and head down the street for a stroll.

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!  I don't know where this series is going to take me, but I do have a mission.

Megan

Redifining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 1, Chapter 2

I felt like a personal Milk Machine - breastfeeding had completely taken over my life.  You know what I'm talkin' about - breast pumps, freezer bags, nursing bras, utter covers, bottles, breast pads, the BreastFriend, the boppy and burp cloths.  Again, just like my pregnancy, breast feeding came very naturally for both Brighton and me.  I experienced very little pain, latching was great and we were on a set schedule.  I even had "the breastfeeding guru" visit us in the hospital and in our home a few times.  My husband and I are very good friends with the Director of the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute - she travels to lands far and near advocating for breast feeding.  I had it made!  Many of my friends went through really tough breastfeeding times and persevered for many months.  Eventually, my body stropped supplying what Brighton was demanding so we supplemented and finally went 100% formula around 6 months.  And, you know what....that's okay.  Do what makes you stay somewhat sane.

I felt so constricted, bound, like a prisoner to my child, my boobs and my home.  Brighton gained very little weight the first 6 weeks of her life so all I did was feed her.  I even had to track her poops and  pees, when she slept and when I fed her.  Prisoner.  I felt like I couldn't go anywhere for more than 2 hours because it was time to pump or feed and I wasn't a fan of feeding too often in public.  My personal preference was to be in the comfort of my home like prison.  I guess my Excel Spreadsheet and data collection skills came in handy.

I remember watching lots of television during the day, didn't cook, didn't clean, and pretty much stayed attached to my comfy couch.  When friends would call they assumed I was incredibly busy - not really - just pumping, feeding, changing diapers, watching a baby sleep and hanging out in my house.  A different tune than working 70 hours a week in a public school.

Even though I was "being lazy" out of some postpartum depression, I absolutely cherished the mornings when Brighton would wake up, I'd feed her and she'd fall back to sleep for another hour or two on my chest in our cozy bed.  At times I felt like this was so wrong, to make her go back to sleep with me.  But we enjoyed it, and I'll never forget those precious moments (as I tear up!).  I guess society or some rule book out there makes us Mommies feel like we have to be super women - get up, get the baby ready in a Lily Pulitzer outfit, cook breakfast, do the laundry, clean the floors, go for a walk at the park, hang out with other stay at home Moms, dash to the grocery store and get dinner ready...StAy On ScHeDuLe.  But why do we have to conform to this world?

Lesson Learned #2:  Give yourself a chance to cherish the sweet moments with your babies.  Just slow down when you can.  I'll never get back the days when Brighton would fall asleep on my chest in bed and I'd watch her move up and down as I would breath in and out, our hearts beating in tandem.  Now she's too active to sit in my lap! And, why did I feel guilty making her go back to sleep?  Those were OUR HOURS together, our precious moments, sweet memories.

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!  I don't know where this series is going to take me, I don't have a plan - but I do have a mission.

Megan

Redifining Yourself Through Motherhood Series: Part 1

I LOVED being pregnant and women hated me for it.  Mothers who LOVE being a Mom and are naturally "good" at it - or appear to be - I ENVIED.  

My pregnancy wasn't even as good as textbook - it was better.  I might have experienced 1% of the topics discussed in "What To Expect When You're Expecting" book by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.  I reveled in the generosity and "out of their way" kindness expressed by the general public who would open doors and carry packages for me and let me skip ahead when I was waiting in any type of line - especially the bathroom.  While pregnant, I spent quite a bit of time daydreaming about what it would be like to become a stay at home Mom and not go back to work - I painted a beautiful picture!  And become a stay at home Mom is exactly what I did.  So begins my journey of redefining ME.

As soon as Brighton, our daughter, popped out the strangest feeling swept over me Do you remember that feeling? I cannot even describe to you in words what it felt like for a human that had been inside of me for 9 long months to be immediately placed on my chest while everyone in the room shouts "Congratulations" with tear filled eyes and mushy grins.  Was I supposed to cry, laugh, rejoice in song, start breastfeeding, feel overwhelmed by love or panic at the thought of taking her home?  Unlike what most women say, I wasn't graced by the presence of any kind warm, fuzzy feeling from the baby Gods up above.  I didn't know what I was supposed to do or how I was supposed to feel.  I admit that I wasn't madly in love in those first moments.

Luckily, Brighton arrived on a Friday and my husband was able to stay home through Monday.  Thankfully, my Mom was around for a few days cooking, cleaning and spending time with me. Less than a handful of friends came to visit and we were not overwhelmed with casseroles and kisses, actually, much to my dismay, it was my observation that people assumed as a new Mom that I would be recovering, want my space and would be too busy for visitors. Too busy? Are you kidding?  My delivery was easy, I was mildly tired, having space was depressing and my child slept all day, only waking for feedings which she practically slept through. 

Having a baby can actually turn into feelings of emptiness.  For 9 months we get used to caring for something that is on the inside and feeling those flicks and flutters becomes comforting.  I missed feeling Brighton's little hiccups.  Once the baby is here we immediately, in the blink of an eye, take on a brand new role while dealing with letting go of our previous, all consuming build-a-baby-role.  Building a baby and raising a baby - not similar.

Lesson Learned #1:  Embrace visitors, casseroles, phone calls, balloons and storks in the front yard.  As  a friend, don't alienate new mothers because you think they're too busy - the baby sleeps 18 hours a day!  Of course, this isn't the case with all women - there are exceptions.  Call first, but CALL!  It is important for women to be supported and lovingly surrounded during this transition.

Stay Tuned!  I invite you to stop by and become a reader of this series as it develops and morphs just like we as mothers develop and morph into thriving, successful women of abundance!

Megan

The Power of Positive Affirmations

I am calm and relaxed.
I easily speak to people at networking events.
I naturally give presentations because I am confident.

On Wednesday of last week, I was invited to speak to a Women's Power Networking Coffee & Contacts group at their weekly networking meeting.  I chose to speak about the Power of Positive Affirmations because it is so important to think and believe positively about ourselves in order to create habits that produce abundance in both our professional and personal lives.  With a background in teaching, I love any opportunity to create a follow a lesson plan, and I find it more fun for the audience and for myself if they are given the opportunity to engage in an activity during the presentation and leave with a tool that can be implemented into their day.

I started the presentation out by polling the group on their knowledge of positive affirmations.  They all raised their hands to signify that they had heard of them.  Most of them were not using affirmations consistently in their business or personal lives.  They also weren't all in the place where they wanted to be professionally or personally.  I took them through a relaxation exercise and read the following affirmation:

You are naturally fulfilling your desires now, expanding your business, speaking, providing excellent customer service and writing in your blog weekly, so you are helping people which means you are successful and you feel good about what you do as you realize your opportunities are increasing exponentially, and because you are making the money that you want, you experience living the lifestyle you chose comfortably, so you feel a sense of accomplishment because you feel financially secure.  Your desire to continuously learn and improve means you easily read one book every month and you are now writing your ideas on paper and developing a clearer understanding of where you want to go, which means you demonstrate your skills while working, so you naturally realize that people want your services because you share your knowledge in a way that works and you love to share information so you are connecting with people easily and naturally, developing your relationships, which means you are expanding your possibilities and creating unlimited abundance.

You are naturally providing quality service and/or products so you are creating success and you are experiencing unlimited possibilities. You are now aware you create balance in your relationships and you are feeling confident and easily make good decisions, which means things go well and you naturally create balance in your life with expanding possibilities and you realize you have abundance and you feel confident.

One woman was brought to tears as she listened and reflected on her own situation and I've actually been honored to work her, today actually.

The group of business owners left with affirmations that they wrote themselves that day and can now recite them each morning and put them in places around their house/desk/car to be reminded of their inner goddess.


Megan

For a free Introductory Session, contact me at http://www.structuredwellness.com/contact_megan.html