by Lori Riddle | Apr 15, 2021 | Business & Coaching
Running your own business is no easy feat. It doesn’t matter if you have a physical business, or if your company is based online, or both. When you work for yourself, every single task that must be executed on a daily basis for every aspect of the operation you’re running falls on you.
Many business owners who are just starting out or have only been in operation for a few years feel the frustration of trying to manage everything as a one-man or one-woman show, or as a micro biz with just a handful of employees.
It’s especially difficult when you don’t have a lot of startup capital to invest in all of the people, systems and processes needed to keep the daily functions running in a seamless way. So you’re doing it alone, hoping to eventually catch up with all of the little things that fall to the wayside while you spend your days and nights putting out emergency work-related fires.
But the catching up part never happens, and this drains your energy. Being chronically strapped for time in your business can cause a once-enthusiastic entrepreneur to become jaded and want to give up.
But you shouldn’t give up!
Nothing replaces the satisfaction of running your own operation and making money doing it on your own terms. Nothing beats being of service to other people while having the freedom and flexibility to make your own decisions and put all of your ideas into motion as a small business owner.
What does all of this mean? Basically, it points to the need for shortcuts in your business.
For anyone who owns a small business or freelance enterprise, and is attempting to go it alone or with a very small staff, shortcuts and practical solutions are key. And one of the biggest time sucks for the small business owner, where shortcuts can be a lifesaver and total game changer, is creating content and programs.
That is why the Wellness Cooking Academy certification course goes far beyond any popular done-for-you programs. It is more like a business-in-a-box that will give you the tools and the backing that you need to jump-start your wellness-related business.
Instead of spending valuable time creating programs and classes from scratch, why not be out there teaching cooking classes or coaching your groups where you can actually be making some money.
Believe me when I say I feel your pain when it comes to creating the business that you have always dreamed of. I love learning but, I believe that right now you need more strategies and support than recipes, although you get those too!
You already have the knowledge and passion that you need. What is missing is a system with tools and an incredible team of “insiders” to get you making money.
You can find out all the details over on the certification page. If you’re not ready to go all in yet, you can also purchase single classes on the additional resources page.
by Lori Riddle | Apr 6, 2021 | Business & Coaching
Coaching, in its modern format, has been around since the late 1990’s. People still think of it as something new, but in reality, Coaching has been around for millennia. There has never been a period in mankind’s history where Coaches did not exist.
Sure, it might have looked a little different, but Coaching is as old as the hills. Modern day Coaching may be more refined and a lot more commercially viable, but the principles remain the same.
What Does a Coach Do?
Coaches have the skills and knowledge to advise, support, and encourage their client.
They help them to:
- Make sound decisions
- Take effective actions
- Resolve their challenges in the most efficient way possible
- Learn from the process, so they can repeat it whenever they want
A coach also has the ability to remain detached from the issues at hand.
Consider the wise words of Albert Einstein:
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”
Time Is Money
In the modern era, in life and business, time is money. There’s an ever-increasing amount of cooperation and collaboration going on both in businesses and in peoples’ private lives. We need to figure things out almost on the fly these days while dealing with different time zones and cultures.
Everyone has their own unique issues to handle alongside everything else that needs to be accommodated, and then there’s the technology we all use to connect with everybody and everything.
Life is definitely more complex today and it certainly seems to be speeding up every time you turn around. It doesn’t take long before we begin to have thoughts of overwhelm and burnout on our minds.
The question we need to ask ourselves is this: “How long can I justify spending time and money on this issue trying to figure it out for myself, knowing what Albert Einstein said about problem solving?”
If having a Coach could save you time and money, it would be ridiculous NOT to hire one, wouldn’t it?
Throughout history, every King has had an Advisor (Coach) in every culture. Every military leader has had a Strategist (Coach), every World Class Athlete has had a trainer (Coach), and every Entertainer has had a Manager (Coach).
Who Hires a Coach?
The only conclusion we can draw from the history of Coaching is that the people who hire a Coach fall into two camps:
- People who are at the top of their game and want to stay there, or
- People who aspire to be at the top of their game and want to get there as fast as they can
Many people will say that they want to change themselves, their life, their job, or their circumstances, but in real terms, they are fearful of change. They delay, procrastinate, and make excuses. They lack self-confidence and the drive to follow through. It’s human nature. It’s what ordinary people always do.
People who hire a Coach are not ordinary people.
They are inspired and have vision. They embrace change and are prepared to get fully engaged in making positive changes in their life. Plus, they don’t want it to take forever!
They have a sense of urgency, and they want someone they can lean on, confide in, use as a sounding board, and rely on to help them make the inevitable tough decisions that they can see on the horizon.
People hiring their first Coach are often racked with pessimism. They think, “What if I waste my money?”
Consider that, before you hire a coach, you’re already wasting time, which is the same as money, and you lack the resources to resolve the issues at hand. It would cost you less to hire a Coach and find out first-hand and NOW how unbelievably useful a Coach can be.
People who are hiring their second or subsequent Coach have no pessimism. What they are looking for is the perfect fit for them and the circumstances they find themselves in.
Within reason, money is not the issue and they never think about the possibility of wasting it. Their main concern is finding the RIGHT Coach and then hoping that the Coach they choose has a spot left open where they can be accommodated, and can they start today?
Is Hiring a Coach Right For You?
Maybe. Maybe not.
- Are you at a point where NOT taking action is costing you time and money?
- Do you feel stuck in your struggles?
- Could you use encouragement and sage advice in moving forward?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, perhaps a coach can get you moving in the right direction to help you create the life you desire – and sooner rather than later.
by Lori Riddle | Apr 1, 2021 | Business & Coaching
Are you wondering how to create success as a small business owner and keep the momentum going? When you first start out in your business, you’ll relish the freedom and feel pumped for so many possibilities.
After a while though, you may realize that working for yourself as a downside. No one is there telling you what to do. On the plus side, not having a boss feels really great. On the minus side, on days when you don’t feel like producing, the absence of an authority figure setting you up with a task list can actually really hurt your bottom line. This can be a major issue in your success as a business owner… but it doesn’t have to be.
Here are some tips on how to keep your motivation levels high and your focus primed. This is really important, so sit up straight and listen up.
Every day, you MUST take action on behalf of your business if you want to keep the money coming in. Every day! So there is no room for a pity party, slack-off session, or lack of direction. Nobody else is running this show and no one else cares as much as you. No one!
Nix the time wasters. Get good at identifying and eliminating people and activities that waste your time. Just get rid of them. As a business owner, your time is money, so don’t forget it. It doesn’t matter too much what’s going on outside of your business; that’s a minimal concern. You only need to know just enough to help you decide what the important next action is to take. Beyond that, your time is being wasted so move along to the next positive thing and set yourself up for results.
Keep a to-do list. You don’t necessarily have to use a pen and paper if you prefer to have an electronic version of your list. However, there something really grounding about writing in a plain old fashioned notebook to put your goals right there in front of you. Checking off each task as you or a helper completes it feels extremely satisfying. If’ you’re an especially creative person, you can even get fancy with your to-do list. You can get an artsy planner, make a vision board or otherwise express yourself in a way that motivates you personally.
Minimize screen time if possible. If you run an online business and doing it right, you’re spending a large amount of your daily hours staring at a computer. This has the effect of running your eyesight, weakening your muscles and creating poor posture which likely has a bad result on how your body functions on the inside. So if you’re feeling sluggish, cranky, moody or obsessive, that’s a signal that you’ve been looking at the screen for way too long. Get away, take in some sunshine, talk to people and do something you love.
Exercise every day. You MUST exercise to keep yourself in balance. This goes along with the prior point. It’s very important to make movement and tension release a daily priority. You’ll turn into a miserable troll if you don’t, and from there it’s a slippery slope. Becoming out of shape and feeling grumpy means you won’t want to be seen in videos, your attitude may need an adjustment and your productivity may take a nose dive. So get the blood flowing, move those muscles, keep spirits up and take the time to take care of YOU. Then, get back to business and get ready to kick some butt!
Put systems in place to automate your daily workload. This takes an investment of your time and money up front but it’s worth it if you want your company to become a well oiled, self running machine. Look into computer software, websites, online tools, and people to set things up for you. Develop communication templates and handouts that you can offer your customers if your business is conducted in the physical world. Create routines and schedules. Hire helpers and give them processes and procedures to follow. If something isn’t working, go back to the drawing board and try something else.
Create multiple income streams. If the economy changes and your profits dip, that’s a scary feeling for sure. But it won’t be nearly as bad if you know that you have a backup form of income that’s still coming in. A true entrepreneur will devise multiple ways of bringing in money and also set up each one to run somewhat independently so they can focus on one aspect of their business while the other one is making them money on the side. Business experts do things like invest in real estate, put their money in the stock market, run a Laundromat, buy and manage a vending machine, offer seasonal services and things of this nature. Keeping a variety of income sources is fun and exciting, a change of pace every so often. Get a side hustle, it’s the thing to do!
If you have an online business, you can offer services to your customers and sell physical products. You can write ebooks and courses, create niche sites and sell the ebooks and courses via those sites. Build a following online and share information and tools with the learners on your list. Become an affiliate of other experts and promote their products for more passive income.
There’s really no limit to what you can turn into income. Just pick something and try it out. If it doesn’t work out for you, at least you learned something. But you can’t do any of this if you’re not motivated. So what motivates you? Taking a walk in nature? Playing loud music? Moving around, singing and dancing? Brainstorming with creative friends? Do all of that and more. Motivation and positive thinking are the keys to your success as a small business owner. Don’t drop the ball, find your passion and get excited!
by Lori Riddle | Jan 3, 2019 | Business & Coaching
Why you need an accountability partner to grow your business
One of the biggest reasons our business goals and aspirations don’t stick is because we don’t hold ourselves accountable. The realization of the work involved in creating the business of our dreams can get overwhelming and instead of taking a step towards that goal, we take a step back and let the negative thoughts take over forcing ourselves into the same holding pattern. This is why you need an accountability partner to grow your business.
Whether you’re looking to grow your online business or lose a few pounds, in the age of social media it’s easier than ever to put yourself out there and let everyone in your circle know what your plans are. Having one person or a group of people with similar goals helps you and them when the going gets tough.
What can an accountability partner do for me?
1. When choosing an accountability partner, inform them of exactly why you’re making this change and how you want them to help you. You want someone you respect that will challenge you to hold yourself to a higher standard. Let them know you want them to check in on your progress, but that you’re also holding yourself responsible for your actions. Being personally responsible is just as important as having someone invest in you.
2. Once you’ve found someone or a group, discussing your plans helps work out possible obstacles in the future and having a different perspective can even identify kinks you may not have thought about. You want a partner in this that will push you out of your comfort zone and won’t let you get off course. And if you do get off course, they’ll be right there to push you forward.
3. An accountability partner is also great motivation. They should be your biggest cheerleader, but having someone working towards the same goals can result in friendly competitions and sometimes it’s just the incentive you need to push that much harder, or faster. It also keeps you engaged.
4. Being a part of a group of like-minded individuals can boost your self-esteem and help keep you on track. This is where the Wellness Cooking Academy Student Support Group and Mastermind comes into play. Our monthly mastermind and active Facebook group makes it easier for you to stick to your goals. Think of us as your accountability partner. If you’re not already a student, check out all how you can enroll and get started.
5. Another plus side of an accountability partner is realizing you’re not alone. You have someone to vent your frustrations to, someone to celebrate your successes with and someone who is looking for the same in you. Being an accountability buddy is a big responsibility, just like you don’t want to be let down, you don’t want to let your partner down either. If you make a plan to grow your health coach practice or start teaching healthy cooking classes, put it out there so that your group can support and cheer you on. Feeling stuck? Ask a the question, someone else might be in the same boat as you. Can’t wait to see you there!
by Wellnesscookingacademy | Nov 20, 2018 | Business & Coaching
Sometimes, we take things for granted. I do remember a simpler time and I am sure my grandparents (God rest their souls), would remember it even simpler.
Do we really need to be such a nation of consumption? The food thrown away in our country could feed a nation! Not to mention all the clothes, shoes and unnecessary stuff we purchase. Then we are exhausted by trying to manage it all.
I’ve personally been on a mission to practice minimalism. Well, at least a version of it.
This year, think before you consume, both with food and stuff in general.
Before you buy ask yourself…
Do you really need it?
Everyone is selling something and we are all buying. The problem is all the excess. We really do buy more than we need. Why not try only buying what will make your life better!
This upcoming year try to keep it simple.
One of my greatest achievements has been creating a program with a roadmap for coaches to stay on track and grow their businesses.
The program includes EVERYTHING you need, done-for-you cooking classes, questionnaires and check lists to keep you FOCUSED, growing your list and making more money.
The cooking class kits are complete with everything you need to be organized and look like an expert from day one, you just plug in your information and get to work. This gives you the ability to get in front of a lot of people and make more income.
Make this the year that you KEEP IT SIMPLE and only have what you need to grow your business and create a sense of calm in your life.
Make it simple, but significant.
-Don Draper
Stop consuming excess and buying products and services that only sit in your computer. This course will change your life. Even if you are not a health coach, everything you need to become a certified wellness cooking instructor is included.
The course is now available throughout the year! Only at 1/3 of the price! And it includes a FREE MONTHLY MASTERMIND.
Extra income, FOCUS, and more joy.
That is my wish for you for the coming year.
by Lori Riddle | Nov 15, 2018 | Business & Coaching
Too often I see wellness coaches struggling and making the same mistakes when building your health coach practice. Maybe you can see yourself in some of the common downfalls solopreneurs make.
Most importantly, coaches don’t realize that they are in essence now entrepreneurs. They are trained on how to help people live healthier lives, but they are not given enough tools to help them go out and build their business.
There are 3 mistakes you want to avoid…
1) Pushing a large program too early
2) Not having a short term or entry program that you are inviting them to (your call to action)
3) Not realizing that potential clients need to get to know, like and trust you before they sign up for a long-term coaching program.
If you were trained to offer a six-month program, you will need to rethink that, it’s not that it can’t be done, but you need to invite people strategically.
Let’s face it – to them, you’re a stranger, unless they are not, that’s another story.
It’s important that you build a bond of trust, but how do you begin to do this?
A great option is to have a short-term, low-cost program in place that draws people in so they can get to know you.
The Academy’s strategy is to hold a cooking class that introduces her short-term program. When you tie your program into the cooking class theme you are establishing the relationship and then directing them on how they can take their next step with you.
Each week the Academy introduces a different strategy to build your business, each one builds upon the other.
Maybe you never realized, once you become a health coach you are an entrepreneur, unless of course you work in a doctor’s office or under the direction of someone else.
This course gives you EVERYTHING you need to promote, launch and facilitate a SUCCESSFUL business campaign to get yourself in front of people, expand your reach and gain new clients.
The Academy and their BUSINESS IN A BOX system includes everything you need when building your health coach practice, so all that’s left to do is what you do best: teach and COACH. It doesn’t get much easier than this.
And because the program includes a live monthly mastermind, you get an opportunity to get connected with an amazing community of health coaches while you are adding more clients – a total win-win.
To help you get started right away, we suggests that you start to map out your system; have a cooking class, demo or talk scheduled and the short-term program you are inviting them to. We goes into this in great detail in the program and even provides you with the material! Sounds like a win-win to me!
Any questions? Ask them in the comments below. Sherri and I would love to hear from you!
