As I recommend to our clients, at the conclusion of each quarter, I always do a written summary of everything that we have to give thanks for and our giving thanks list for the first quarter of 2013 is below.
This quarter has been unique in that we have experienced a 5% reduction in sales in comparison to the same quarter last year and missed 3 of 4 speaking presentations due to inclement weather / travel problems. Many thanks to Bob Gignac, author of Rich Is A State Of Mind for filling in for me as a speaker to honor our commitment to the audience.
At first glance, a 5% reduction in sales may seem troubling but on the other hand we have increased profits and reduced debt. We have also reduced overhead as most of the developmental costs of our business systems are bought and paid for.
We have also been blessed with more time off and more time to create new material for clients that includes e-marketing campaigns, leadership, sussession planning, sustainable change and virtual sales management as well as the time to develop the presentation for Ted X Power River that I am delivering on April 7.
Thanks for letting me share our good fortune which would not have been fully realized if we had not stopped to do a written summary of everything that we have to give thanks for in the first quarter of 2013.
Planning
- 16 days off from December 22 at home on Christmas break
- 9 days off from February 22 in Ucluelet
- acknowledged values and vision followed from 1995 – 2013
- celebrating the miracle that we are doing what we are doing while living on Vancouver Island
- eliminated 7 AM client appointments
- emptied mind using Evernote
- established three buffer days per week on second and fourth weeks of the month
- implemented biweekly meetings with Laura
- implemented Infusionsoft reports
- implemented Monday only blogging
- implemented Planner Pad
- improved listening for ways to be of service
- improved sales activity calculator
- increasing vision
- managed energy in advance of birthday to have a strong start in our birth year
- understanding that our business is allowing us to create content in first quarter and then speak and prospect in the second quarter
- understanding to trust that there always has been enough and that there will be enough
Administration
- emptied storage
- started nexus application, and live appointments booked
Computers
- improved understanding of Infusionsoft
- learned Smart Draw
- purchased printer with scanner
- repaired DVD drive
- researched change to Internet connection over from Shaw
Financial
- created debt reduction plan
- decreased sales 5% lower than same time 2012, while sales for 2012 in total were 18% higher than 2011
- increased existing client work enabling us to create improved products and services
- intention to attract an extra $40,000
- maintained and update budget cash flow
- paid HST
- reduced credit card debt
- reduced overhead
- reduced spending
- updated coaching terms and eliminated unqualified refunds for clients who do not show up for appointments that they have scheduled and for not completing assignments as per agreement
Marketing
- completed best articles list draft
- completed center of influence speaking Infusionsoft and Send Out Cards marketing campaign
- completed financial advisor survey
- completed one page business plan and values discovery process PowerPoint
- created a sketch note versus powerpoint
- created new speaking opening
- developed TedX Powell River components; bio, audio, overview, qualifying article, sketch note, transcript, video
- invited to write NAIFA Iowa magazine article
- missed 3 out of 4 speaking presentations due to inclement weather and subsequent cancelled flights
- produced videos
- received Redfern written testimonial
- researched creating sustainable change and draft article created
- researched leadership
- researched succession planning and blog and presentation completed
- started writing center of influence coaching Infusionsoft and Send Out Cards marketing
- summarized best articles
- updated LinkedIn speaking bio
Speaking
- booked NAIFA Georgia, Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina
- booked NAIFA San Antonio exhibiting and speaking
- booked NAIFA Washington State
- booked Pro-seminars Las Vegas
- booked Pro-seminars in London, Saint Catherine’s, Saskatoon and Toronto
- booked TedX Powell River
- booked The Co-operators in Waskesiu, SK
- booked WFG appointment in Chicago
- completed Pro-seminars Toronto
- received and in conversation with 13 speaking inquiries to date
- turned down Kuwait speaking opportunity
Product
- associated unmet needs to assessment values
- developed new applications for Values Discovery Process
- improved Clear Your Roadblocks and Leading Advisor Coaching Steps to include; creating e-marketing campaigns, hiring associates for clients, virtual sales management and team coaching
- improved speaking opening
- improved understanding of The Inspirational Tipping Point
Team
- received and appreciated help from; Chris, Deanne, Debra, Diane, Jama, Laura, Liz and Pat
Training
- participated in the virtual Deepak Chopra meditation
- attended Oprah Live in Vancouver ( Laura )
- attended Simon Sinek Live in Nanaimo
- attended storytelling webinar
- learned about ambiverts
- researched values and behaviors analyst certification
- started reading Quiet
- started reading Start With Why
- watched Susan Cain video and debriefed
Personal
- added vitamin B12
- attended Chilliwack Senior Secondary Reunion
- attended Valdy concert
- celebrated Laura’s birthday
- committed to Compassion to travel to Ecuador
- completed cardio three – five times per week with 45 – 90 minute sessions
- declared I am in shape
- eliminated headaches
- improved home environment with; cleaned patios, installed fountain, purchased glass art frame, purchased lantern, installed window film
- learned fire breath
- practice yoga three time per week with 75 minute sessions
- purchased new Nike runners
- reduced blood pressure
- reduced weight from 265 to 237 pounds
- joined The Island Soul Choir
- stopped use of caffeine
- stopped eating popcorn
International Values and Behavioral Analyst, Business Coach, Speaker and Author
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