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 always resurface from these rare weekends a bit tired- but so happy to reconnect with people we love.   And, it’s so nice to take work breaks and return mentally refreshed!