Episode 30: Transcript

Chareen Goodman [00:00:04]:
Welcome to the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ odcast, where every other Thursday coaches and consultants from all over the world can tune in to get a dose of good info to help them crack the code in their coaching or consulting business. On this podcast, you will get what you need to make your coaching or consulting business a true dream business, whether that's a short learn to earn knowledge session or a full length interview conversation with some of the most interesting, influential, and impactful people in the industry. This podcast will give you the inspiration, motivation, but above all, the encouragement you need to get you and keep you building and growing your own coaching or consulting practice. Hey there, amazing coaches and consultants, welcome to another exciting episode of the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ podcast. For those of you who are new to the show, I just want to extend a warm welcome and let you know that you're in for a real treat. On this podcast, we dive deep into all things coaching and consulting, sharing valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you level up your game. Hey.

Chareen Goodman [00:01:23]:
I'm Chareen Goodman, Business Coach and your host of the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ podcast. As the founder of Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ and Crack the Consulting C.O.D.E.™ my mission is to illuminate the path for trailblazers like you. Today, we're setting sail towards uncharted territories with one clear objective, propelling you forward into a quarter, brimming with productivity and breakthroughs for unprecedented growth. But first, let's set the scene with a simple tale that may resonate with many of you. I want you to meet Sarah, a passionate and dedicated coach. She launched her coaching business with a dream of transforming lives, but soon found herself entangled in the complexities of the business world. With administrative tasks consuming her time, her coaching sessions were often rushed and lacked the level of engagement she desired to give her clients. Totally overwhelmed, frustrated, and headed for burnout, Sarah had to change or she would have become shipwrecked.

Chareen Goodman [00:02:35]:
How many of you have been in Sarah's shoes? Now you probably already sense that Sarah's story is not uncommon. Many of the coaches and consultants I work with find themselves in similar situations facing productivity, challenges, and struggles that prevent them from reaching their full potential and the results they want in their business. But this doesn't have to be the end of the story. You can turn the tide with the 5 productivity pillars I'll be sharing with you in today's podcast. Keep in mind that success isn't an accident. Success is, meticulously crafted through intentionality and strategic action, and that's precisely what we're unpacking today. The key strategies that will serve as pillars to maximize your momentum and to support the bridge between where you are now and where you aspire to be in the next 90 days. Whether you're struggling to find rhythm in your daily tasks or seeking ways to amplify your productivity game, this conversation is tailor made for you.

Chareen Goodman [00:03:48]:
So grab your favorite cup of coffee, get cozy, and let's dive in. Welcome to our first segment. In this segment, we're going to explore the first pillar for maximizing your momentum, and that is crafting your visionary roadmap for the next 90 days. As you can imagine, every successful journey begins with a map, even in the entrepreneurial world of coaching and consulting. This is your visionary road map, and it's not just any old map. It's a map that represents the ultimate destination of the big picture goals you've set to achieve this quarter in your business. Your map holds the details of the steps you'll take to get there. In other words, when it comes to achieving any goal or arriving at your destination, you must first know where you are heading.

Chareen Goodman [00:04:50]:
To craft this visionary road map, start by defining your destination. What does success look like for you at the end of this quarter? Be as specific as possible. Maybe it's increasing your client acquisition by 20% or or launching a new suite of digital products. So where are you heading? What is your destination? Once you've defined your destination, it's time to chart your course. Start by breaking down your major objective into smaller, more achievable steps. For instance, if your goal is to acquire 20 new clients in the next 90 days, then break the work down into a weekly or daily target. This will make your journey manageable and tangible. Next, mark your milestones.

Chareen Goodman [00:05:39]:
In my program, Milestone Magic™, the objective is for my clients to to never miss their milestone. Milestones are the magical markers along your path that signal that you are on target for hitting your goal. And when you hit them, don't forget to celebrate them. These small victories are encouraging signs that you're moving in the right direction. Your vision roadmap is more than a route planner. It is a compass guiding you towards your goal. Devise it with intention. Follow it with determination, and watch your business gain momentum.

Chareen Goodman [00:06:18]:
Okay. That wraps up our first discussion on crafting your Visionary Roadmap. We're moving on to our 2nd pillar and delving in to the art of prioritization and planning. So let's head over there now. In the hustle and bustle of our work, it can sometimes be challenging to know where to focus our energies. In this segment, we'll cover how prioritization and planning can prevent overwhelm and help to ensure steady progress towards larger goals. So let's dive in. In our bustling lives as coaches and consultants, would you agree that it can be challenging to know where to focus your energies? Prioritization is the art of recognizing what needs your immediate attention versus what can wait.

Chareen Goodman [00:07:16]:
One of the best ways to prioritize your work is to start by identifying your big rocks. You know, those projects that will have a significant impact and lead you to achieving your quarterly goals. No successful prioritization strategy is complete without the use of planning tools, whether you're more comfortable with digital apps like Asana or Trello, or you are more like me and prefer the more traditional method of using a simple Moleskin planner or diary. Use these tools religiously to keep track of your priorities. This approach will help to ensure your actions align nutshell, the key to propelling yourself into the next quarter with momentum lies in mastering the skill of prioritization. So identify your big rocks, break down your tasks, and use your planning tools to their fullest. This is your path to maximizing your momentum and achieving a productive and successful quarter. Now let's gear up for our 3rd pillar, mastering time management techniques.

Chareen Goodman [00:08:36]:
In the next segment, we will discuss how to make each moment count, how to track time spent on activities, implementing time blocking for deep work and breaks, and how to arrange tasks according to energy level. So let's get ready to take control of our most valuable resource, which is time. Welcome back, listeners, to segment 3 of our episode on maximizing your for the next 90 days. We're talking about productivity hacks that you can use to increase results in this quarter. In this segment, we're going to talk about our most valuable resource, which is time. Quick question. How many of you grapple with this common paradox of finding yourself short of time? Mastering your time or as I like to express it, mastering your integrity to time isn't about cramming in more coaching sessions or consulting projects, nor is it about squeezing more busy work into your day. The real game changer lies in making each minute count by keeping your integrity to doing what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it, hence, time integrity.

Chareen Goodman [00:09:55]:
Consider this scenario. You're a coach juggling back to back coaching sessions, email communication, content creation, and marketing your business, yet your progress doesn't seem proportionate to the effort you're investing. The reason, it's likely due to inaccuracies in the perceived duration of your tasks versus the actual time it takes you to complete the tasks. It's high time you embrace the strategy of auditing your time to better estimate how long it takes you to do certain tasks. Check into tools like Toggl or Rescue Time or even a basic spreadsheet to track the time it takes for you to complete each task. You'll soon ferret out any misconceptions about where your time is going and can start adjusting your schedule accordingly. Next, let's delve into time blocking, another effective time integrity strategy. The essence of this strategy lies in setting aside a dedicated block of uninterrupted time for deep committed work where focus is paramount.

Chareen Goodman [00:11:09]:
Picture a consultant working on a critical client project, which requires concentration and focus. Dedicating a block of time, say, every morning from 9 to 11 for deep work on the project can bring about extraordinary productivity and momentum. During these blocks of time, which should be planned and blocked on your calendar, close out all possible distractions by switching off your phone, shutting down your relevant browser tabs, and making it clear to your team, family, and friends that you're not available except for absolute emergencies. Finally, the last strategy is task rearrangement according to energy levels. We all have our peak and valley times during the day. Tackling high energy required tasks during peak times can lead to improved effectiveness. For instance, if you're a morning person, plan your most challenging client calls or brainstorming sessions in the first half of the day rather than trying to force productivity when you're tired and your momentum is low in the late afternoon. By keeping your integrity to time, putting smart time management strategies in place and being consistent with them, not only will your efficiency levels soar, but there's also an inherent satisfaction you'll gain by knowing each minute is propelling you closer to achieving your goals.

Chareen Goodman [00:12:45]:
That's a wrap on our 3rd pillar. Hopefully, you now have a new perspective on how you can optimize your most valuable resource called time By conducting a self audit, utilizing time blocking and arranging tasks according to your energy levels, you can dramatically improve your efficiency and your effectiveness. Remember, the goal isn't to squeeze more into each day, rather, it's making each moment count towards your goals. As we move on to our 4th pillar, building resilience through self care. We'll discuss the importance of setting boundaries, incorporating physical activity into your routine, and recognizing when enough work has been done for the day. After all, maintaining momentum isn't just about hard work, it's about smart work, which includes taking care of oneself. So let's explore the value of self care in the next segment. Welcome back to the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ podcast.

Chareen Goodman [00:14:00]:
I'm your host, Chareen Goodman. And in this segment, we're going to talk a bit about building resilience through self care. Have you ever noticed in the whirlwind of managing your business how easy it is to put your self care on the back burner? I think we do this too often, and I know I have been very guilty of this. But I think it's worth remembering that self care is not selfish. Self care is vital for sustaining momentum in business. Think of self care as that secret sauce that keeps you going strong without compromising your well-being or joy along the roller coaster journey of entrepreneurship. Here's the deal. Maintaining momentum doesn't just magically intentionally craft.

Chareen Goodman [00:14:55]:
And guess what? The key ingredient in this recipe is resilience. So, dear listeners, get ready to dive into some practical tips and tricks on how to build resilience to keep the momentum going. And the first one out the gate is setting boundaries as a form of self care. Boundaries in both our professional and personal lives are one of the most potent tools for resilience. For instance, consider the story of Sarah. Remember her? Sarah was always available to her clients, answering emails late into the night, taking calls during her family time, and dealing with work related problems over the weekends. Over time, her productivity declined, her health suffered, and her personal relationships were virtually done in. It was only when she began to set clear boundaries, like designated work hours, offline periods, and dedicated personal time did she regain her health, happiness, and her professional momentum.

Chareen Goodman [00:16:06]:
Don't be fooled. Boundaries aren't barriers to success. They're the foundations of your success. So get started by determining your boundaries and sticking to it. If you make it clear to your clients or team that you won't respond to emails after 6 PM, for example, or that your last coaching session ends at 5 PM. Then you're on the right track to preserving your personal time and teaching others to respect your boundaries. Let's now talk about the role physical activity plays when it comes to building resilience through self care. Physical activity isn't just about maintaining a healthy weight.

Chareen Goodman [00:16:54]:
It's intrinsically linked to our cognitive function and emotional well-being. I share so often with my clients that entrepreneurship is not for the faint at heart. You have to be strong in your mind to manage and build your business and deal with everything that comes with being an entrepreneur. And that's why physical activity outside your daily work activity is so important. So whether it's a brisk 30 minute walk or a low intensity yoga class, try to find a physical activity you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. Regular exercise will not only enhance your overall well-being, but can also boost your professional performance and momentum. I recommend blocking out dedicated days and times to make this aspect of self care happen. The last point we'll cover in this segment is to say when enough is enough and knowing when to call it a day.

Chareen Goodman [00:18:03]:
A healthy balance between your work and your personal life is crucial. Overworking ourselves and trying to eat the entire elephant in one bite quickly leads to burnout, which ultimately drains the energy reserves you need to maintain momentum over the long haul. If this is your regular routine, it's time to a new one for the new quarter. One thing you can do is to set regular office hours. Set a specific start and end time for your workday, and when it's quitting time, it's quitting time, after which you won't engage in any, work related activities. The trick is to stick by your office hours once you set them. This can help you avoid burnout and preserve the energy you need for sustained performance. The key here is to keep your integrity and honor your word and your time.

Chareen Goodman [00:19:01]:
As we conclude this segment, let's remind ourselves that self care isn't selfish. It's a vital element to ensure that the engine of your business, which is you, is running at its best. Make self care an essential part of your strategy for maintaining momentum without compromising your health or happiness throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Start setting healthy boundaries, get moving, and know when to call it a day. These simple yet powerful steps can propel you into a successful, healthy, and balanced new quarter. In our final segment, we're going to dive into the 5th pillar, leveraging technology for efficiency. So follow me over to the final segment, so we can explore how technology can become your strategic ally this quarter. In this segment, we're going to talk about something that is close to my heart, Leveraging Technology for Efficiency.

Chareen Goodman [00:20:14]:
We all know that technology can be a total game changer for us coaches and consultants. It not only helps us automate those mundane tasks, but also gives us the power to access information from anywhere, anytime. So in this segment, we'll be delving into a few actions that showcase just just how important it is to embrace technology in your business operations. From automating routine tasks to providing access to information anywhere, technology can dramatically enhance efficiency. Here are a few ways to incorporate technology into your business. 1, utilize automation tools. Start by automating repetitive administrative tasks. For example, consider investing in software like ChatGPT, noCRM, or Zoho, which can automate tasks, such as email marketing, data analysis, and customer relationship management.

Chareen Goodman [00:21:21]:
Tools like these not only reduce the burden on you and your team, but they also help to ensure accuracy and consistency in your business. 2, leverage the flexibility of cloud based solutions. Nowadays, accessibility from anywhere, anytime is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Cloud based solutions offer incredible flexibility and make accessibility from anywhere at any time easy, which ensures that work continues smoothly even when you're on the go. Cloud based tools like Dropbox or Google Workspace are great options to easily access files and collaborate with others regardless of your location. 3. Use technology to stay ahead of the competition. Using tech tools effectively allows you to stay ahead of the competition by delivering quality service at an efficient pace.

Chareen Goodman [00:22:24]:
For example, coaches can use video coaching platforms like Zoom to provide remote services, expanding their client base globally, regularly review your tech stack to ensure that you are capitalizing on its full potential. Lastly, technology isn't simply about acquiring the latest tools and gadgets. It's about wise utilization that can exponentially magnify your operational capacities and productive capabilities. As a coach or consultant, I encourage you to embrace technological solutions as vital allies toward achieving greater efficiency. Start by utilizing automation tools. Automating repetitive admin tasks frees up substantive amounts of time that could be better spent engaging clients directly or strategizing the next moves. Then leverage flexibility via cloud based solutions. Accessibility from anywhere at any time means business continues smoothly even when on the go.

Chareen Goodman [00:23:33]:
Finally, remember that the wise utilization, not simply acquisition of tech tools, magnifies operational capacities exponentially, allowing you to stay ahead of the competition effortlessly by maximizing both both results and momentum. As we wrap up this segment, remember that embracing technology is not about purchasing the latest gadgets. It's really about leveraging the right tools to maximize your momentum, to enhance efficiency, productivity, and client satisfaction in your coaching or consulting business. As always, my coaching to every one of you is to take action, implement what I've shared with you, and watch the positive impact that unfolds in your coaching or consulting business. As we complete our exploration of the 5 pillars for maximizing momentum, remember that the strategies to success are not mere productivity hacks. They are beacons guiding you toward realizing your full potential as a coach or consultant. Armed with these pillars, crafting your visionary roadmap, mastering the art of prioritization and planning, becoming adept at time management techniques, building resilience through self care and leveraging technology for efficiency. You're now set to transform your quarterly aspirations into remarkable outcomes.

Chareen Goodman [00:25:07]:
This is where inspiration meets action. With each step taken in alignment with these pillars, you will create ripples of impact that extend far beyond the immediate horizon. And that's a wrap, my friends. Thank you for joining me for today's episode of the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ podcast. As we part ways today, I warmly invite you to take one crucial step forward. Grab your copy of my coaching business mastery planning checklist. This invaluable resource is designed to help you plan your next 90 days with precision and passion in your coaching or consulting venture. Don't forget to join us for our next episode where we'll continue to help bring greater success to your coaching and consulting business.

Chareen Goodman [00:26:00]:
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, make sure you check out the show notes for this episode for more resources, and please visit our website. Be sure to subscribe to the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ odcast so that you don't miss out on any of our episodes. Until next time, my friend, this is Chareen Goodman signing off. Blessings! 💛