At the retreat, we created their “signature systems” to help them stand out from the crowd, their multiple streams of income, their list-building strategies and their 12 month launch calendar and marketing plan.

Whew! It was a lot to cover in three days but we did it, and, we managed to laugh a LOT as well. (Mark and I are firm believers that work is a lot more fulfilling when you have fun along the way).

Check out what some of them have to say here on the blog.

Some of my favorite comments were “If I’d known about your retreats earlier in my business, I would have been much better off!” and “You not only cover the “what” to do in your business, but the “how” and the “when”’ as well” and “I really appreciate all the personal attention”.

And, I absolutely loved the connections we created. I purposely select “highly capable” entrepreneurs, those with the desire to accelerate their business with straight-talk tactics and laser-focused coaching.

I only have 3 more spots in my upcoming SMALL high-level platinum group. If you’d like to talk with me about applying, please contact Kimm at info [at] BriaSimpson [dot] com to set up an interview with me.

And to my current group- thank you for really stepping up. I love participating in YOUR business transformation.

In a sea of potential experts, to find the mentor that is right for YOU, ask yourself these 3 essential questions:

1)    Who is REALLY where I want to be?
To answer this question, you need to uncover your true values first.  Figure out how many hours you want to work, what income you want, AND what type of balance you need to be happy.  Do you really want to follow someone who makes a ton of money but works all the time to do it?  Do you want to work with someone who focuses on family and lifestyle or someone who focuses solely on work?  Odds are your mentor will teach you how to strive for a business model similar to theirs.  So, be sure that you want your mentor’s business model and lifestyle before you invest.

2)    Who can teach me the business skills I need to POWERFULLY move forward?

Check out whether your potential mentor’s high-end business programs teach up-to-date BUSINESS and MARKETING skills.  Does s/he teach you how to redesign your business for maximum growth?  You need the right business design AND the right marketing to truly accelerate your business. Don’t settle for a program that doesn’t offer both.

3)    How much personal coaching do I REALLY receive?

Look for at least twice a month PERSONAL coaching with your mentor.  My high-end programs offer monthly one-on-one AND group coaching with ME, not with another coach I pay to work with you.   Look at the fine print and assess whether your investment allows enough personal coaching directly with your mentor.

Nothing will pull you forward more than a masterful business mentor and it’s worth your time and attention to choose carefully.  And once you choose, I recommend aligning your heart, soul, and energy, towards the blend of income, balance and lifestyle you truly want.

Blessings for an absolutely phenomenal new year!

My parents and my 2 sisters and their families will be there so 2 little nieces and 1 nephew running around (and one yet to be determined in my youngest sister’s belly).   Mark, the kids and I should get 5-6 good ski days on the mountain.   Skiing is something that we really enjoy as a family.

I am looking forward to getting a chance to unwind, relax and reflect on what a wonderful year it has been.  I hope you will make the time to do the same.

I wish you all the best this holiday and into the new year!

For solo entrepreneurs in particular, you are often your brand and that brand needs to have a face.  People make a connection when they see who they are working with.  Your face should be prominent on your website, on your business cards, blogs, and anytime you are reaching out to a new audience.

And not just your face- your voice too.  Videos are a powerful way to have people really see you in action.  Get a video up on your website or get your own YouTube site and record a video on something that you are promoting, launching or on a important topic that you want to discuss.  Not only do people enjoying watching what you have to say, but search engines love video material, so it is great for organic ranking.   Don’t obsess over the quality of the footage and the subtlety of the lighting.  Get the video shot, post it on your site and get it done.  Progress…not Perfection.

If you are not comfortable promoting yourself, than who will?  Tell people what you do, get your face associated with your business and unleash your inner superstar.

I just finished writing the material for the 3rd call in my teleseminar series, “The Fast Track to 6-Figures – How to Become Known and Be Paid as a Premier Expert in Your Field.” I covered a lot of topics in this call but one of the things that I wanted to share with you was about Building Your Credibility.

One of the ways I will discuss about how to build your credibility is by being an original, not a copy.  You need to find the uniqueness within yourself that makes you shine like a superstar.  What brilliance to you possess that will make clients want to work with YOU and not someone else in your niche?  You don’t have to reinvent the wheel and come up with revolutionary concepts.  If you can great!  If not, then find something that resonates with you and figure out ways that you can make it yours by applying your own unique spin.

As Abraham Lincoln said “Every man (and I will add woman) is born and original, but sadly most die copies.”

Express yourself as who you are and who you want to be perceived as and that will attract like-minded clients who will really want to work with you and who’ll pay for the privilege.

To learn more about how to hop on the fast track to 6-figures without working all the time, I encourage you to sign up for my 4 part Teleseminar Series (It just started but it is not too late and you’ll get any call that you may have missed on an MP3).

My husband Mark describes it very succinctly…”To be Perceived and Believed as an Expert…you need to be Conceived as an Expert”

Adopting an Expert Mindset is how you start your transformation to becoming known as an expert in your field.

The second call in my teleseminar series goes into depth on the 5 core strategies you need in order to attain and get paid for your expert status.

It’s not too late to sign up for my teleseminar series, “How to Become Known and Be Paid As the Premier Expert in Your Field”.  When you enroll, all past recording will be sent to you and you will be able to ask your burning questions on my LIVE Q and A on Thursday December 10th at noon ET.  I hope to “see” you there!

Some tips to consider:

1) Only check email twice a day.  

2) As your business grows, ask an assistant to screen your emails and answer what they can without you.

3) Save lower priority emails in “to do this week” file and respond to those on Fridays.

4) Do not, and I repeat, do not discuss or debate sensitive issues over email.  Either let the issue go or pick up the phone and call.

Any other suggestions you’d like to share?