Masterminds are part of my business strategy.  I understand the value that it brings me. Thats probably why I started my own Girl Boss Mastermind.  You may not know but I am a huge advocate about entrepreneurs living a lifestyle business.   Being part of a mastermind can help you stay focused and create your own lifestyle biz.

A mastermind group is a mentoring concept in which individuals form groups to learn from each other and grow together.  A mastermind group can have a huge impact on your business. The value you receive by participating in a mastermind is the motivation, energy, and commitment of holding yourself accountable to making an impact, learning and growing.
 
I have been part of many different mastermind groups over the years.   I love the accountability, guidance and support from others.  I also find that I get fresh new ideas and intense motivation.

Now mastermind groups have been around for a very long time actually is was first introduced by Napoleon Hill.   In his book Think and Grow Rich (1937) he described Mastermind as a group of at least two people who come together with the aim of solving problems.

The core principals of a mastermind group are:
·       Commitment
·       Confidentiality
·       Engagement
Reasons to join a mastermind group are to:
·       To get ideas
·       Learn from others
·       To be accountable
·       To be motivated
·       To make a change

For me mastermind groups is part of my planning strategy.  I recognize the value because of the impact it has on me being so productive!  If you are interested in joining a mastermind, I encourage you to please check out Girl Boss Mastermind!

I love creative planning.  Creative planning allows me to plan my day, month and year out doing it creatively.

I love using my vision book, happy planner, memory keeper happy planner and my monthly downloads (photo above)

Creative planning is fun.  It get's me back into planning my business with a passion because I am being creative.  I get to pull out my glue sticks, stickers, tape and rip magazines out to help support my vision.  And it works!

I love being able to share with my tribe the different ways that you can support your business.  It's not just about planning out your business.  It's there to help you stay focused, organized and on track.  

My happy planner contains my goals, monthly reviews, highlights from the month, monthly numbers.  It allows me to have everything I need in one central area.

If you haven't tried creative planning and you love that type of stuff I suggest you try it.  If anything it will keep you excited about going to one place to work on your business.

Let me know what the best part of creative planning is for you?

Being consistent has so many benefits and to keep this blog post short and sweet, let me ask you a few questions:
 
How do you know if your business marketing plan works if you are not consistent? 
How can you tell if a product is going to be a successful without being consistent? 
How do you know if your customers will like your brand if you’re not consistent?
 
I’m sure you already get it.  So many businesses these days are in such a rush to call it quits when something doesn’t work.
 
The last Wednesday of each month I hold a networking group called Women Empowering Women networking.  It’s always the last Wednesday (unless there is a holiday that week).  Each month I get around 30 women who come to my networking group.  My goal is to educate, support and empower.  I think I do a pretty good job delivering that. 
 
Now this group is going on to year four and if you were part of the group in my early years it never looked like what it is today.  If I had just given up and wasn’t consistent, I would of never grew this amazing community to what it is.
 
Before you call it quits be consistent, see where you can improve and give it all you can.  If you need help shoot me an email.

As a business coach, my signature program I teach on is called FUNdamentals.  Why?  Because it is the foundation of any business.  I have found that when my clients go through their FUNdamentals, they become clear on what they really want to do and easily let go of everything else that burdens them. 
 
They also get clear on what their purpose is and how they want to be of service.  Then it’s like a light bulb goes off and they now have an easier time implementing the things they need to do.
 
I have found that when your FUNdamentals are clearly stated and completed it is easier to attract clients and scale your business.
 
Here are some of a few FUNdamentals I’m talking about:
 
Boundaries.  Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m sick and tired of this?” Or “Why does this keep happening?” then you need boundaries.  Boundaries will help you keep on track with your business.  Boundaries will help you say no.  Boundaries will help support your core values.
 
Core Values.  Core values are what we live our lives by.  It’s our belief’s, it’s our standards, it’s our love.  It’s what makes us each unique.
 
Target Market.  If you had to explain what a rotary phone is, would you explain to a teenager the same way you would to a 60-year-old?  That is my explanation of a target market.  You wouldn’t be using the same language to a teenager as you would to a 60-year-old.  Knowing your target market is half the battle.
 
Your Why.  Why are you doing what you do?  Why is it so important?  How does your story complete your why?  Knowing what your why is will help you when you feel frustrated and overwhelmed.
 
These examples are just a few of the FUNdamentals I am talking about.  Through my program I have 6 workbooks that cover many different points.  It’s amazing how clear your vision can be when you implement your FUNdamentals.
 
If you need help getting clear on yours why not set up a strategy call with me today?  It’s free and I will give you three strategies that you can implement right now.

As a business coach, I am often hired for accountability and motivation.  I help my clients deal with their busy lives that are jam-packed with home life, kids, messy house, husband, no sleep, animals, stress, and then not to mention the never-ending business to do list!
 
I often hear, “I just didn’t have time” or “it’s been so crazy.” Sound familiar?  For my clients, it’s less about life distractions and more about what keeps them working on their business which comes down to one word”: motivation.  Why is it so hard to get motivated?  Let me share my thoughts.
 
Some of my clients get overwhelmed very quickly or don’t know where to start. Others feel frustrated because they feel they don’t see immediate results.  Without a detailed plan and/or schedule they can’t seem to get motivated to see a task through.  And then there’s the procrastination caused by fear or dislike.
 
I love helping my clients power up their productivity, creativity and profitability.  Generally, when we as business owners become overwhelmed or start feeling anxiety it’s because we are thinking too much.  We are projecting thoughts and how we are going to feel, and it hasn’t come yet!
 
So, to help you get motivated and out of the overwhelmed feeling here are 5 tips:
 

1. Get clear on what you want to do and how to get it done. What is the thing you are trying to accomplish and what are the action steps to get there?  You can’t do it all in one day you need to do baby steps to get it completed.

 

1. Schedule those baby steps into your every calendar.  Block out time on your calendar and add those action steps or activity.

 

1. Create a balance.  Even though you might want to continue to work on your project because you are on a roll don’t.  Complete the task that you scheduled and move on to the next task.  By breaking up your day and completing smaller tasks you will feel more productive and feel that life is more balanced.

 

1. Set your timer.  Working intensively for short periods of time (anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes) and then taking a break will get your motivation started.  I love doing this on the weekends when I need to do laundry or organize something.

 

1. Go with flow.  Are you a morning person or night owl?    Tap into your own personal best practices to maximize motivation.

 
I would love to hear how you get motivated?  Please share in the comments below.
 
Happy motivation!

I got a call recently from a woman who wanted my help planning out her 2019 year. At first, I was so happy that she came to me but then my next thought was why haven’t you planned out your 2019 year out already?
 
After speaking with her I quickly realized how overwhelmed she was.  She didn’t know how to start.  She was frozen in fear, frustrated at herself for not being able to figure it out and embarrassed to seek help. 
 
Of course, I congratulated her on taking the first step.  Then we scheduled her 1:1 coaching session with me and we worked on her plan.  By the time we were done she was excited.  She couldn’t wait to start implementing.  She said, “This is the first year in my business that I am truly excited.”
 
For me, I love planning. It comes second nature.  I can easily see how things go together and make sense.  I thought this would be a great blog post if I could give a few tips around business planning for your 2019 year.
 
Here are some tips:

1. Look at last year’s numbers.  Income, expenses, social media connections, email subscriber list.  The only way you are going to be able to improve and track your progress is to know where you are - right at this moment.
2. Set realistic lifestyle goals.  I am sure you have heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals which are very powerful so use that concept but create it around your lifestyle.
3. Create a plan that works for you.  Stop following what everyone else is doing.  Do ONLY what you love to do.  
4. Create action steps for those projects.  Break down your bigger projects like writing a book, creating a website, doing a webinar, even social media planning.  By breaking them down you won’t get that immediate feeling of being overwhelmed.
5. Implement my 10 Point Productivity System daily.  Each day complete 3 action items that you must get done today, 3 marketing items, 3 key things you will do for yourself (meditate, eat right, workout, etc.), 1 action item from your project list.
6. Each week plan your week out by reviewing your to do list, project list and get them into a 10 Point Productivity System.  Best way to do that is by using a planner (Happy Planner, Erin Condren, Panda Planner, etc.)
7. At the end of each month review your to do list, project list, planner and your numbers and see how you did.  The key is to figure out WHY you didn’t do something and tweak accordingly.

 
Please give me feedback and let me know if you have questions or if this is helpful to you. 
 
Have a productive week!

​I have a networking group called Women Empowering Women networking.  The last Wednesday of each month I have a meeting where I create a space for women to network, learn and be part of a community. 
 
It’s a group that I have been working on for the past 3 years now.  My tribe has grown, and it has taught me so much.
 
This past summer, it clicked for me.  I needed to step up my game with WEW and so I did.  I started by taking control of the meeting.  I gave examples for women to visualize and implement.  I provided education that they needed now to help them grow their business.  I created a space where they could network and learn more about each other.  I showed them how to lead with your heart.  And in turn they showed me right back.
 
During our December meeting the women of WEW surprised me with flowers, a basket of goodies and a gift certificate to a spa.  I was totally surprised and taken back a bit.  They showed me that they appreciated all the hard work I was doing to provide them with the tools and tips they needed.  It continues to light me up each and every time I think about it. 
 
I am now creating a fun project with all the special messages that were written in dozens of cards I received so it can be a reminder of why I do what I do.
 
I love being a business coach and I love being surrounded by so many awesome women.
 
It’s amazing what happens when you lead with your heart!

I would love to hear how you lead with your heart.  What did you learn when you did?

As a business coach, I often see entrepreneurs make the biggest mistake at this time of the year where they decide to put their business on the back burner so they can get through the holidays.
 
I get it!  Trust me, I know the feeling.  You have so much going on, you’re not seeing the clients or products sell and you’ve had enough!
 
But putting your business on the back burner means you will lose your potential clients interest.  Then by the time you are ready to pick up again, it’s like starting over.
 
And because you are putting your business on the back burner you are allowing the gremlins to win.  For those that don’t know what I mean by gremlins, it’s the inner chatter we allow to continue.
 
Yes, business is hard.  Yes, it’s even harder during the holidays.  But it’s about planning, tweaking and being consistent.  So, if you are one of those who is planning on putting your business on the back burner what specifically haven’t you done in your business?  What specifically have you avoided in your business?  What inner chatter do you continue to allow?
 
I am having a Planning and Vision Book Workshop this Saturday at the Princeton Venture Co-Working Hub in Watertown.  This might be the very thing you need to help you get through the holidays.  You can check it out by going to www.doreendilger.com/planningworkshop.html
 
For those that do manage, what things do you do to help with the stress of the holidays?
 
Have a great week!
 
Doreen

STOP HAVING YOUR EMAIL MANAGE YOU & START MANAGING YOUR EMAIL!
 
No wonder many of us are overwhelmed with email.  100 Billion emails are sent and received in the United States.
 
You know your email is managing you when…
 

• You are constantly checking your email.
• Your goal is to get to Inbox Zero by moving them into folders.
• Dread opening your email.
• You have more then 200 emails in your inbox right now.
• You are missing valuable information.
• You have more email addresses then you can count!
• You need a detox from your email inbox.

 
Email management is not just about moving emails to a folder to read it later for the goal of achieving Inbox Zero!  It is about creating a system that allows you to communicate effectively with your clients.
 
Managing your email will also help you to be more organized and have less stress.  And if you are organized enough it will help with follow up and possibility getting the sale.
 
Let’s get into 12 simple tips on how to start managing your email.
 

1. You need to come up with a strategy that you can implement and will work with your lifestyle business. You can google and research all the tips you want but if you can’t incorporate them into a schedule that works for you then it’s not going to work period.
2. Find specific times during the day when you can check and work on your inbox.  Actually, let it be part of your schedule and hold yourself accountable.
3. Turn off email alerts.  If you are someone who looks at your computer or phone each time you have an alert, it’s time for you to take the control back.
4. Train your clients when you will answer emails.  Each one of my clients knows that if you have something pressing then you need to text me.  I even have that part of my voicemail.  So, if you are someone who only answers email after lunch at 1:30 let them know that.
5. Apply the 2-minute rule.  If you can read it and reply within 2 minutes, then do it.  If it will take you longer then add a time onto your schedule when you will take care of emails.
6. Create a filing system to add your emails into folders.  Read, To Do or Action, Follow Up, or have specific folders for emails you need to save, i.e., insurance, bills, marketing, etc. One of the things I do with potential clients (the ones that haven’t committed) I add them to my follow up folder.  I then schedule it as part of my monthly schedule to check the follow up and see who I need to follow up with.
7. Consider consolidating all your emails into one email inbox like Outlook.
8. Outlook has some cool features such as task list – that will set up reminders and rules that will drop common responses to emails.
9. If you have emails that are over 3 months old, then decide what to do with them.  Basically, will be a few choices, take action, file it or delete it.
10. Unsubscribe.  Take the time and unsubscribe to the emails that no longer fit or serve you purpose.  Use Unroll.me to help you do that with a click of a button.
11. If you email to people consistently as your choice of communication, then use the EOM – end of message in your email headline (reminder meeting tomorrow at 5 pm eom)  This eliminates opening another email to read a simple line.
12. Don’t waste your email signature.  Use links to market and promote upcoming events, specials, etc.

I hope these tips will help you to take control of your email!  Do you have a tip I missed?  I love to know what that is.  Please add your comments below.