Lively Biz for Lifestyle Entrepreneurs with Alicia Forest

What do racehorses have to teach us about getting to our end goal? Listen in for 3 ways we may be stumbling and learn how to stay in our own lanes.

In this episode, Alicia shares 3 frustrating experiences she's had recently as a potential client/customer with tips on how NOT to do the same to your potential buyer.

What's a Niffler, you ask? Well, if you've read Happy Potter and the Goblet of Fire, you might remember that a Niffler is a critter that hunts treasure. Once it finds one treasure, it moves on quickly in search of the next prize.

Would you like to increase your sales BEFORE you launch your product, program or service? The following are some of the most effective ways to do just that: 1. Use Social Proof What is "social proof"? Simply put, we are all conditioned to watch what others are doing and follow along (think teenagers). Using social proof in your marketing helps you to influence your customers to purchase your products/services, get new prospects to sign-up for your list, and get people talking about you and your offering - and that's just the start.

While the message and the market of your business may be different, there are some stumbling blocks that seem to pop up for even the seasoned entrepreneur. Here are four of the ones that I frequently coached on with my private clients:

Did you know there's a super-simple way to leverage your gifts, talent and know-how into lucrative, highly leveraged income streams? It's your Signature System, and it's your step-by-step formula for multiple streams of revenue success.

While I had many shifts, fresh ideas, and validations that I'm on the right track while attending Andrea Lee's Wealthy Thought Leader event, I wanted to share with you three of the a-ha's I had during the event's three days.

While I had many shifts, ideas, pauses for thought, and lightbulb moments while attending Andrea Lee's Wealthy Thought Leader event, I wanted to share with you three of the a-ha's I had during the event's three days.

If you want to create more money in your business, you have to know your value and be able to articulate that really well in order to be heard above the din in our loud and overcrowded world today.

Here’s a question I get asked all the time: “I don’t know you how do it, Alicia…with two little ones to care for and so few hours in the day to actually focus on your work. Somehow you manage to write your weekly ezine, hold a bunch of teleseminars each month, run your group and private coaching programs, AND be creating and promoting new offers and new products all the time. I’m so impressed and inspired by you, but more than that, I want to know how you do it all!?”

I've been hearing from many business owners lately that they're feeling stuck, like they're spinning their wheels and staying in one place instead of moving forward. Several things are currently really standing out for me in terms of what may be contributing to the sense of frustration and overwhelm that seems to be prevalent at the moment for some, and especially newer, business owners. Here are the top 4 ways that I see business owners staying stuck. See if you recognize yourself in any (or all) of these and if so, take the action step I give you to start to get unstuck and moving forward again.

People ask me all the time how I've managed to create a 6-figure+ business while only working about 15 hours a week. First, I had to build a solid foundation and set up systems that would support the business as it grew, systems that were either automated or delegated or easily repeatable. Once I had the foundation and the beginning systems in place, I was constantly looking for ways to leverage my time and talent, and I still do. I could write a book on the many ways we do this in my business (and maybe I will someday) but in this 4-part series, I'm going to share with you some of the most effective ones that you can apply to your business today.

People ask me all the time how I've managed to create a 6-figure+ business while only working about 15 hours a week. First, I had to build a solid foundation and set up systems that would support the business as it grew, systems that were either automated or delegated or easily repeatable. Once I had the foundation and the beginning systems in place, I was constantly looking for ways to leverage my time and talent, and I still do. I could write a book on the many ways we do this in my business (and maybe I will someday) but in this 4-part series, I'm going to share with you some of the most effective ones that you can apply to your business today.

People ask me all the time how I've managed to create a 6-figure+ business while only working about 15 hours a week. First, I had to build a solid foundation and set up systems that would support the business as it grew, systems that were either automated or delegated or easily repeatable.

Ever have someone copy your idea, your sales page, your emails, or anything else you've created in your business? Yeah, it's not a good feeling. Yeah, yeah - I know that 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' and that we're all of 'one mind' and all that, but really? There is a line that no one should cross.

One of the things I enjoy about coaching is that I get to be creative with how I work with my clients. And I often ask them to create the program they'd most like, and usually we can make something up that works for both of us. But in the ten years that I've been around the coaching industry, I've seen a rapid change from traditional 1:1 coaching of three 45 minute sessions per month for a monthly fee to session bundles, coaching programs that last as long as a year, in-person retreats, and much more.

Falling into fear and doubt as you build your business is normal, but there are many things you can do to catch yourself before you fall into what I call the Well of Despair. The Well of Despair is that cold, dark, spinning place filled with fear and doubt like...

You may be too busy during the holiday season to notice if your business is slowing down a bit, but in case you're not, there are several things you can do to use this time to your advantage as you head into the new year.

I've been spending a lot of time lately getting ready for 2012 - planning, organizing, strategizing, visioning, and more. There are many transitions and transformations on the horizon for me and my business, and much to do to prepare for them, so I'm making space and opening the flow.

I've been spending a lot of time lately getting ready for 2012 - planning, organizing, strategizing, visioning, and more. There are many transitions and transformations on the horizon for me and my business, and much to do to prepare for them, so I'm making space and opening the flow.

It seems that, at least in the US, the holiday season starts earlier and earlier, with Christmas cards taking over most of the card section of any store right after Halloween (if not before!). And while it bugs me to hear holiday music over the store speakers while I'm shopping for my kids' Halloween costume (because by the time Santa does visit, I'm quite tired of dreaming of a "White Christmas"), as far as planning on how to market for and during the holiday season for my business, it's almost never too early.

As we head into the season of giving, now is a great time to show appreciation to your clients and customers. Taking the time to give thanks to your clients will set you apart, increase loyalty, improve retention, inspire more sales, and deepen relationships that last long after the initial sale.

As I'm wrapping up a slew of private retreats with clients this month, it's become clear that it's time for me to get focused on practicing what I've been preaching - or more specifically, to put myself through the same intense process and plan that I take my clients through.

I had many lightbulb moments during my three days in Dallas at SHINE this year, and I wanted to share with you 10 of my top take-aways: 1. Opportunities come through people, not your computer Think about that for a minute. Yes, you can build good relationships with people over email and social media. But when it comes to the really juicy opportunities, those are going to come through meeting people and spending time with them IRL (in real life). That's one reason why it's so important to get out there at least a couple of times a year.

I'm a believer in creating your own luck (thus why I don't buy lottery tickets). Actually I don't usually use the word luck because I think it's too easy for people to use it as an excuse, and not in a positive way. I'll share something personal here - I bristle whenever someone says to me how 'lucky' I am to have such well-behaved kids. Don't get me wrong - I know how blessed I am (and those of you who know me or have been reading my ezine for awhile know this too) to have two happy, healthy, whole kids. No one is more grateful for that than I am. And yet, that comment (and similar ones) always comes across to me as if James and I had nothing to do with it, that it's the luck of the draw that we have well-behaved (most of the time) children. Are you kidding me?

Chloe has a children's book titled Milton's Secret: An Adventure of Discovery through Then, When, and the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman, which really simplifies the concept of living in the present moment, and how the practice of that will, for the boy in the story, eliminate fear and worry. I wanted to explore that as it pertains to your business, with a slightly different slant. I wonder if you, like so many of my clients, and myself as well from time to time, are so hooked into the future that we're missing the NOW and not fully enjoying the journey?

When I was studying for my MBA, my most challenging class was statistics. And even though I managed an A- in the class, it took every one of the few analytical brain cells I had to do so. So imagine my pleasant surprise when I sat down to analyze the statistics of my business over the last 12 months and found myself engrossed, fascinated, excited and practically dancing for joy. Armed with this critical data, now I know exactly where to spend my time and efforts going forward to receive the highest and best rate of return!

One the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs make is creating what they think their market needs instead of what it wants. Then they're left disappointed, discouraged and with little to no sales - and maybe even unwilling to try again. So if you're creating products/programs/services that you think your market needs - offerings that seem the most logical to you that will help your prospects do, be or have better - but you're not selling many - or any, then keep reading.

Here’s a question I get asked all the time: "I don’t know you how do it, Alicia…with two little ones to care for and so few hours in the day to actually focus on your work. Somehow you manage to write your weekly ezine, hold a bunch of teleseminars each month, run your group and private coaching programs, AND be creating and promoting new offers and new products all the time. I’m so impressed and inspired by you, but more than that, I want to know how you do it all!?"

While the message and the market of your business may be different, there are some stumbling blocks that seem to pop up for even the seasoned entrepreneur.

As part of your launch strategy to boost your online sales, create partnerships with colleagues, and increase the overall value of your product or service, add a bonus (or several) to your offering.

Want to increase your sales BEFORE you launch your product or service? The following are some of the most effective ways to do just that.

Do you get discouraged or stuck in building your business because you think there's too many others to compete against in your niche? A lot of solo business owners feel this way, especially when they're first starting out. I don't want you to give up before you really get started, so I'd like you to consider thinking about your competition in a different way.

Do you know that one of the best ways to build a successful online business quickly is through joint ventures?

Basically, there are two things that must be in place before any of your offerings can be successful (read: profitable). One is that it must be designed for a niche. So, there must be a group of people who you are targeted to offer your product/program/service toward.

If you're reading this ezine, it's likely that you've participated in a teleseminar, whether it be mine or one of my colleagues. You've probably been on some that have been very good, where you got tons of really valuable information. And you may have found yourself on a few that were nothing but pitch-fests for the host's lastest product.

An annual trip we make each summer is a visit to the spectacular Castle in the Clouds. The Castle’s original name was “Lucknow”, which struck me when the staff posed us for a photo of us in the tea room, complete with period hats. It seems wherever we go with our daughter Chloe, she attracts these opportunities – she’s pulled out of line to get special attention, she’s picked to go on stage, or the line we’re in puts us in the front seat. It happens so often, we couldn’t help but notice it – sure, she’s super cute and friendly (she’ll strike up a conversation with anyone) – but there seems to be something about Chloe that brings her luck now. Now, if we could just bottle that… ;-)

A question I often ask my target market is, "what's your biggest challenge with building your business online?" And one answer I get frequently is this: How do I make my website earn money?

Over the years, I’ve developed very strong boundaries in my business, which have contributed to its quick growth, and I coach a lot on setting and standing strong in boundaries with many of my clients. I wanted to share some of the ways I’ve created and strengthened the boundaries within the way I run my business so you can do the same.

If you're anything like me, you start looking forward to summer as soon as the calendar flips to a new year. Take advantage of summer's slower pace and people's more casual attitudes and plan to not only take time off but to make some money while you do!

I have a successful business because I know what to do and I do it. I make a good income, I work with clients I enjoy, I get to be creative and I get to do all of that in a way that serves my family and my life.

After you've worked hard to put your product or program together, and spent the time and effort to write a compelling sales page for it, you don't want to lose your potential customer or client right at the moment they are sitting there with credit card in hand - at the order link or order form

Did you know there's a super-simple way to leverage your gifts, talent and know-how into lucrative, highly leveraged income streams? It's your Signature System, and it's your step-by-step formula for multiple streams success. So, what exactly is a Signature System? It's the work you're ALREADY doing with clients, packaged into a highly marketable, step-by-step system they'll want to buy.

I've personally invested over $100k in my own business education (not including my MBA) and I've leveraged that investment into well over a half-million dollars in the last few years. I've said before that I will make my million - in my time and on my terms. And because I'm sensing this strong undercurrent of desperation in many businessowners about making 6 or 7 figures, I wanted to invite you to take a different tact: Ask yourself, what's the least income you can make right now and still live a happy life?

Do you get stuck when trying to figure out what to offer to your market next? Do you wonder if they'll buy what you put together for them? Just follow these three steps to easily create your next successful offer.

Chloe has a children's book titled Milton's Secret: An Adventure of Discovery through Then, When, and the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman, which really simplifies the concept of living in the present moment, and how the practice of that will, for the boy in the story, eliminate fear and worry.

Creating supportive environments is imperative to your success as an entrepreneur. It goes without saying that if you have environments that will support you and your passion, it’s going to be much easier and more enjoyable for you to do your work. In Part 2 of this series, I’m going to touch upon a few more of the environments that I believe are most essential to your success and well being.

I’m writing this on my laptop in a Cosi café in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The reason I am here has nothing to do with me or my business, but the reason I can continue to be successful in my work is because I have set myself up to do so. How? By creating supportive environments. In this case, the laptop, the appropriate software, and the ability to connect to the Internet, as well as the support of my husband, all contribute positively to my accomplishment of the task: writing and submitting this piece on deadline and without stress.

I’m writing this on my laptop in a Cosi café in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The reason I am here has nothing to do with me or my business, but the reason I can continue to be successful in my work is because I have set myself up to do so. How? By creating supportive environments. In this case, the laptop, the appropriate software, and the ability to connect to the Internet, as well as the support of my husband, all contribute positively to my accomplishment of the task: writing and submitting this piece on deadline and without stress.

Do you do everything yourself when it comes to running your business? Or do you find it difficult to delegate to others, at least sometimes? Do you think you don't have the money to hire help? Well, I'm going to show you how hiring help can help increase your bottom line dramactically. Not delegating is one of the major hurdles my private clients seem to struggle with. They are doing everything themselves and are so busy with the little adminstrative things that they have little time to devote to their "genius" work - developing products and services for their niche and working directly with their clients.

Building a responsive, high-quality list of email subscribers is the key to leveraging your marketing time and increasing your income. Here's 6 specific ways to show you how.