Shera R. Sever: Awakening Leaders™

Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given”- Deepak Chopra

Earlier this spring, I accepted an invitation to attend PJ Van Hulle’s Prosperity Summit. It was just what I needed- an investment in myself and learning alongside 300+ motivated and committed entrepreneurs.

One of the many treasures from the summit that I left with was a deeper understanding of the concept and practice of offering VALUE. Another was focusing on asking “How can I help YOU?” in conversations with other business owners and leaders.

It’s true that most people and companies prefer to do business with people they know and have a trusted relationship with. But relationship-driven business is NOT enough. Your business needs to be “value driven”. Having clients clearly perceive the value they’re getting from working with you is imperative.

So how DO YOU communicate VALUE to your clients?

1. Make your clients’ needs more important than yours. How often have you encountered someone who is SELLING you the features or services of their business without taking a moment to ask:

Who are you? What do you need? How can I help? If you weave these three beginning “value-driven” questions, into your conversations, you will surely create a connection and evoke curiosity with an invitation to  “tell me more.”

2. Put your attention on your client’s satisfaction and fulfillment. Go beyond what you promised by exceeding expectations. Business Coach, Venture Capitalist, Bill Walsh says “Provide your client with 10 times the value of the product or service that she/he has paid for.” This IS value, and the result will most assuredly be repeat business and referrals.

3. Creating value, creates capital. What will your time, experience and resources bring to your client? This is the beginning of developing your VALUE statement. What is the value you put on your time, experience and resources?

4. Remember: Selling is Service- Take the time to find out what your clients’ needs are rather than forcing your agenda upon them. Selling comes from honesty, integrity, compassion, confidence, and the sincere desire to serve. Make the experience of doing business with you a privilege and pleasurable experience. And make it easy for your clients to refer you to others.

5. Be an expert and coach to your clients. In my many years as a presenter, trainer, and facilitator, I learned that one of best ways to provide value is through “consultative sales”- educating, coaching and consulting clients. Becoming your clients’ trusted expert and possibly even mentor, will ensure a sustainable relationship built on trust, service and value!

Where do your gifts, passions, and purpose intersect?

Dave Pollard calls this the “Sweet Spot” of Entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship need not be stressful, risky, expensive, lonely, exhausting or require great skills, ideas or self-confidence.  Right now, when the economy is falling apart, is the best possible time to start your own enterprise, and doing so could propel you into work that’s more responsible, sustainable and joyful than what you’re doing now.  Dave Pollard calls those who recognize this “Natural Entrepreneurs”.  I call them “Awakened Entrepreneurs.” It’s the same.

Read what these entrepreneurs do differently to thrive regardless of  economic swings.

What’s your big dream?  Now is the time to put it into action. Contact me.  I’d love to help you build your own inner economy.

Earlier this year, I declared that I was not participating in this recession, particularly since I had experienced my own 5- year “karmic cleanse” starting in  2003 ( post 9-11). It’s a much longer story to be shared, so let’s BE HERE NOW.

There’s a lot I love about this recession.

In many ways, I see it bringing us all closer as we begin to recognize our interconnectedness (and how similar) we all are when it comes to  needs, purpose, wanting to make a difference and be happy!  There’s a collective global consciousness that continues to emerge as a result of the recession. We are learning to use our own “human technologies” and adapt to the changes.

1. FEAR only has as much power as we allow it.  In other words, it’s simply an illusion.  One of my beloved buddhist teachers from Spirit Rock Meditation Center, during a 10-day Vipassana Retreat, told us a story about  how he helped  his 3- year old “embrace” his fear of the dark.  He simply instructed his son to say “Hello” to the Fear, every evening when it arose. Within a week of applying this seemingly very simple advice, his son was able to recognize (name), befriend, and then move beyond the fear. This 3-year old began greeting the fear of darkness peacefully.

2. Living with uncertainty- births creativity, improvisation, flexibility, innovation- all essential qualities of a great leader and awakened entrepreneur.

3. Doing more with less- we are all adopting”green”  practices- or more accurately put-learning to live sustainably (living in a way that meets the needs of future generations)

4. Social entrepreneurship has become mainstream. See March, 2009 Ode Magazine.

5. Transparent Communication- Social Media has changed the way we do marketing. Now more than ever- authenticity , not hype , is what people are needing and seeking  The underlying message is to Be  Yourself- Everyone Else is Taken.

6. Real Dialogs- Van Jones calls this the need for human technologies- There’s an unprecedented grass roots global movement taking place- a caravan of world citizens.  Paul Hawkin, founder of Wiser Earth, first cited this movement in a keynote he gave at  Bioneers several years ago.  People are returning to their need to connect, gathering together to dialog:  in circles, in community gatherings, in living rooms, around fires, and town hall meetings-to share concerns, solutions, compassion, and their human connection- actually an anthisesis to all the wonderful social media marketing tools that keep us tied to a mobile gadget or computer.

7. Letting Go-We are learning to let go of STUFF , consumption (become citizens, rather than consumers), an illusory future, and simply be with the miracle of each moment.

I think Alan Watts says it best: “No use clinging to the rocks that are falling.”

What opportunities are you creating and what are you learning

as a result of the recession?

An article this past weekend in the NY Times referred to a new phenomena in todays’ economy, what Mark V. Cannice, Executive Director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of San Francisco calls “Forced Entrepreneurship.”

According to the article, the motivation for these new “forced” entrepreneurs (mostly laid off GenY job seekers)  is to produce quick revenue streams, rather than millions of dollars over the long term.  Jerome S. Engel, Director for the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Berkeley Haas School of Business, most of these “forced entrepreneurs” are focusing on serving immediate needs for individuals and businesses.

“Forced Entrepreneurship” . . . maybe, or . . ?

What if this whole economic shift is yet another opportunity for us (personally and collectively) to awaken to our purpose?  What would that look that?  How would it FEEL to be living in purpose with our work while making the contributions and leaving the legacy that we so desire to offer to our communities and the world.

Is the “job” obsolete?

Imagine starting a business, not with “forced” entrepreneurship, but with deliberate intention- a choice that is in alignment with our values, priorities, gifts, and passions. What if we declared “the job is obsolete?” Plenty of other laid-off workers across the country are doing just that- burned out by a merciless job market- they are building business plans instead of sending out résumés. For these people, recession has become the mother of innovation and reinvention.

Reinvent Yourself!

Whether you are looking for a  personal career branding plan (including social media marketing tools)   or ready to lay the foundation for that long-held dream  enterprise (even part-time),

NOW IS THE TIME!

Contact me for a complimentary consultation (through April 10).

Stay tuned for my NEW!

” INNOVATION & REINVENTION“

6-week coaching program starting in April.

THE FUTURE IS NOW!

I think this recession is a phenomena much more exciting than an economic downturn-

It feels more like a planetary upswing, and right now we are on quite a ride!

It’s a collective transformation and a huge opportunity for all of us to not only live more authentically and in purpose, but to live more simply with less consumerism, less waste, and much more attention to the health and wellness of each other and the planet.

Compassion in Action. Intentional Acts of Kindness.

There is an increasing shared consciousness  that we really are all in this together.

By letting go of the cultural influences of “entitlement” and the illusions of what “security” is,

we ‘re growing up!

Would love to hear your comments- include your website.

In the past few weeks, probably like you,  I have received hundreds of messages inviting  me to participate in workshops, teleseminars, meetings and groups for setting intentions this new year.

THE AWAKENED ENTREPRENEUR™

These invitations inspired me to create an overarching  theme for the year by declaring this to be “The Year of the Awakened Entrepreneur™.  An Awakened Entrepreneur understands that it’s not just about YOU OR ME any longer. We have entered a whole new game of interdependence and collaboration.  Vision is the Soul of our Business, and Committed Action, the fuel.

Read more. 

Last week, along with approximately 20 others,  I started my vision board for 2009- with images of actions I commit to this year. I’m sharing just a few of these commitments here:

FOSTER a CULTURE of TRUE COLLABORATION

In December, I attended the year end San Francisco Women in Consulting meeting. Of the 70 or 80 women business owners in attendance, I discovered that many were offering similar or complimentary services and targeting similar audiences.

Many attendees was asking for leads or referrals to clients, yet I wanted to hear more about what their clients wanted and needed. I was looking for introductions that answered these key questions:

What do I do best? Who am I serving?  

What do they need?  How can my business fulfill that need?

I thought, “Wouldn ‘t it be wonderful if we could combine our expertise and offerings with  authentic and transparent collaborative models?”  

Successful non-profits have been doing this for years, building coalitions and networks that share resources, expertise, and human capital. Peter Senge teaches very sophisticated decentralized, collaborative models with his systems approach in the private sector. And LOHAS just published their 2009 business trends. Coalitions and affiliations are in the Top 10.

How much more could our clients benefit if WE-small businesses and consultants- created more collaborative “One-Stop Shops”, that serve our clients’ needs in all areas: Strategic Planning, Marketing & Social Media, Human Capital & Leadership Development, Technology, Legal, and Financial?

GET THE RIGHT PEOPLE on THE BUS

We have a new leader. He can’t do it alone. With the right people on the bus, small steps lead to big change and transformative results. This year I am personally committed to staying very awake and alert with each step, and thereby expanding “OUR” fields of influence.

As collaborators, having the “right” people as “power partners ” is crucial. One of my mentors, Jim Collins, author of Good to Great,  makes some interesting distinctions between “Effective” and “Great” Leadership. Great leaders, he claims, first hold a vision and attract the right executive team , BEFORE executing a strategic plan. “Effective” Leaders  create their strategic plan and then search for the implementers, which, according to Collins, can result in a lot of silo structures and organizational fragmentation.  

Stephen Covey, in his newest publication,  The Leader In Me, has taken leadership even further, by introducing personal and collaborative leadership models and practices to youth and future generations.

INCREASE value-based SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

with Relationships, Learning, and Resource Sharing

In some of my free time in past 11 months, I’ve been immersed in studying WEB 2.0 business, marketing, and collaborative learning trends, teaching myself new skills, testing collaborative technology tools, and asking for help, which I still need a lot of!  It’s been a very motivating learning curve, and I am loving it!

I took my website down about five months ago, and replaced it with this WordPress site. The template still needs  more visual customization and a banner (any wordpress geeks reading this?);   I love the collaboration inherent in WordPress.  Now, my readers (You!) can respond transparently, with added information, insights, resources, and links.  I sincerely welcome your participation.  I invite and encourage you to subscribe to my blYou can leave a comment on any post, and share them with others.  

COMMIT to EXPANSION

with new publications, course offerings, and media

With conversations birthing and potential collaborations brewing, stayed tuned for an upcoming “Awakened Entrepreneur™” course series delivered in multi-formats, aiong with on-going group coaching. To join the development conversations, and participation, I invite you stay connected via this site, Facebook and Twitter. 

Let’s invest in our “inner economies”. Take a break from the news,  and come play with me.

It’s a new world, and We are creating it!

Commit and Do It!

Action is the anecdote to despair- Joan Baez

In the past few days, I’ve been reading hundreds of posts, messages with warm new year ‘s wishes along with workshop and seminar offerings focused on intentions, resolutions, manifesting miracles, etc. etc. for the New Year.

Yet, how many of us have spent our months or even years with good intentions– intentions to change this or that and find that year after year, like good green citizens, that we keep recycling these intentions?

I am all for intentions-they are the first step for change or transforming any behavior. However, it’s the intentions  that are held with desire, clearly communicated and acted upon, that actually BECOME change or achievements. One of my mentors, Tony Robbins is famous for his “Take Massive Action” mantra.

This year’s theme for me is a COMMITMENT to ACTION!

I have found that actively practicing the following  helps me stay in integrity with myself, others, and my commitments:

• I take responsibility for everything in my life- I let go of being a victim
• I practice the Gratitude Scan ™    (see previous post)
• I engage in on-going Forgiveness- releasing old resentments opens the door to massive flow, new energy, and manifestation.   Forgiveness releases the prisoner- YOU- to Freedom in it’s ultimate form of unconditional love.
• I ask myself daily:  “What made me happy today?”- not Who, but What?  What action did I commit to today that brought me happiness? How do I feel as a result?
• I transform my “To-Do” lists into “To Be ” lists.  What will I become as a result of taking action and achieving my goals?

So who is on your team?

Intentions are only as good as the determination (commitment) to DO IT! Staying committed is an on-going process-and we can’t do it alone.  Fortify your partnerships and strengthen your participation with  like-minded communities, who will support your intentions and hold you accountable for  taking ACTION towards the changes we want this  year.

Let’s make 2009 the year we actually  BECOME our dreams and the changes we wish to see.

What we focus on expands. 

Are you going to let this recession determine your fate? 

CABAN by artist Ruby Lee

Now is not the time to retreat, recoil or recede. It’s time to move forward with more confidence and certainty than ever with 100% participation! – John Asaraf

Focus on the  possibilities, opportunties,  what’ s needed.  How can you  as an awakened entrepreneur build your product, brand and services to truly serve others in this time?

My former client of 3 years, McGraw-Hill Publishers, recently released a market study and found that companies that maintained (or increased) their marketing throughout the 1981-82 recession saw an average sales growth of 275 percent through 1987.  But those companies who cut their marketing saw meager sales growth of 19 percent over the next five years.

The truth is, this might be the best time in 70 years to build a really great business. According to other marketing gurus, this is what happens in recessionary times:

The people who maintain their focus and take the right actions, in the right order, come out way ahead. 

And this is where I come in.  Are you a small business owner frozen in fear? Are the phrases “economic crisis or “financial crisis” part of your daily mantra? Or are you the warrior ready to lead the way with a clear vision, strategic action plan, and the right power partners in place?

My gift to you

Contact me  before Dec. 22 for a complimentary consultation where we will look at your strategy for 2009. This is my gift to you along with  a daily e-mail reminder through Jan 1, 2009 of steps you need to take to make 2009 a vibrant year for you, your business and your clients.

In my work with solo-preneurs and consultants,  the mantra I most frequently hear from the , “I don’t know how to market myself”.

The most important element in any marketing message is authenticity. Commitment to your intention and authenticity in your message builds trust and retains clients.

About Us- The Bio:
Interestingly enough, I have often times discovered that the most difficult task for new business owners is to write about oneself .Depending on the context, a compelling bio can be anywhere between (150 -450 words , i.e. two paragraphs -one full page.)

The bio of a business leader/owner needs to answer the following questions:

• Who you are?-A speaker, a venture capitalist, internet marketing strategist, media buyer, a branding specialist, a seminar facilitator.
• What you do? Create businesses, teach courses, design branding and marketing solutions, write software, design PDA’s.
• How do you do it? This is where the senses come in. Create a picture for your audience so that they can see and feel you in action. Think texture, color, motion, sounds, even scents. Audio (mp3) and video files are a great asset here.

Accomplishments: Highlight two or three accomplishments that you are really proud of, and that made a significant difference to those you served.

Recent clients: Mention a few recent clients (or industries specialities).

Education: One or two lines is sufficient; mention prestigious awards.

Need more? Send your current bio to coachshera (at ) gmail (dot) com for a complimentary critique.

THE NEW ENTREPRENEUR!

© Sheryl R. Sever (Coach Shera)

There is a profound change coursing through our cosmos, our world, and our very beings in these times. Although not under the radar of the mainstream media, change and reinvention are occurring throughout governments, corporations, small businesses, communities, families, and even in our individual daily practices. Business as usual is out- Innovation, collaboration, and revolutionary impact are in!

THE “JOB” is OBSOLETE

Nearly 10 years ago, one of my mentors, William Bridges, International Change Consultant, introduced the then, ground-breaking concept of You and Co., in his best-selling book by the same title.

Bridges declared that the “job” is obsolete, and that it’s essential re-position ourselves in order to function and thrive in an economy and workforce that continues to shift and depend more and more on outsourcing and consulting experts. Now in 2007, Bridge’s predictions have ripened, with an encouraging emphasis placed on non-linear leadership paradigms, community building, local economic development, and sustainability. The US Bureau of Statistics reveals that by 2010, approximately 40% of the US population will be self-employed or small business owners.

I rejoiced when I heard this. My career as an organizational consultant in over a dozen industries was finally affirmed and acknowledged. I wasn’t an oddity! According to Tom Peters, International Management Consultant, I was a PSF (Professional Services Firm), a talented non-conformist, and interesting. I was a company. WOW!

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Starting one’s own business may be an attractive career choice, particularly if you are ready and willing to transform a long-held passion into income, run an extra mile (or two) and creatively package your varied resources, abilities, talents, and knowledge. Not for the weak of heart, or for those simply longing for independence and freedom, owning a business is for those who are comfortable with the unknown and risk-taking, have done their research, and possess certain qualities that set them apart.

TEN QUALITIES of the NEW ENTREPRENEUR

Are you thinking about starting your own business or taking an existing business to the next level? Are you ready to excavate a buried dream? Take a look at my Qualities of the New Entrepreneur and ask yourself if you have what it takes.

1. Passionate and driven to transform dreams and ideas into reality – loves what she does and knows what she stands for. Think about the energy of passion. It is a natural attractor.The New Entrepreneur inspires her customers with a passionate declaration that offers creative solutions to her customers needs.

2. Goal Oriented – has a short- and long-term strategic plan. The New Entrepreneur is FOCUSED (period)

3. Self-Confident and Optimistic – practices the principles of the “Law of Attraction.” Science and consciousness are merging. In the release of ” (www.thesecret.tv) , we are reminded that every thought vibrates and radiates a signal, thereby attracting a matching signal back. Thoughts come from feelings. The New Entrepreneur puts her attention on “what feels good”, holding herself consistent with her intention in order to bring about the desired manifestation.

4. Creates a budget with well-researched operational costs from which she makes realistic financial projections.

5. Maintains work/life balance and asks for support from other “experts”. The time of the lone wolf is over.

6. Realizes the value of partnerships and the necessity of environmental sustainability; builds these elements into her business plan.

7. Life-long learner - thrives on change and keeps current with trends in her industry.

8. Approaches obstacles as opportunities.

9. Committed to and grows though helping others. Knows the value by “giving-back”.

10. Creates a business plan and develops marketing strategies with her coach.

YOU, INC.

So what’s next? Start thinking of yourself as a business, now! How will you position YOU, Inc.! (your product, service, skills, and knowledge? Whether you are looking for work or currently employed full-time, planning to start your own business, buy a franchise, or offer consulting services, your skills and talents are a product or service to be offered and received. Assess what you truly value. Translate these values into offerings. Ask yourself: How can I help? How can I make a difference?

NEED SOME IDEAS?
There are over 80 new start-ups born each day. 79 of them are unprepared. Entrepreneur Magazine Best Businesses to launch in 2007 include:
Specialty Food Businesses (Wine, Chocolate, Organic Foods, Dessert Restaurants,) Alternative Energy and Green Products, Specialty Apparel, Senior Transition Services, Virtual Economies, Nanotechnology, Media Storage, Baby-Boomer Career Counseling and Financial Planning, Teen Party Planning (by and for teens), Kid’s Businesses and Home Parties.

First published OPEN EXCHANGE , January,07