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The Practicing of Purpose

Jan 2nd, 2012
by mcmolitor.
1 comment

As we enter into a new year – it’s a great time to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. Looking at what’s served you and what needs to be released to make room for new opportunities and ideas.  This mental clearing is a good practice for remembering what’s important to you and how you want to utilize your gifts and talents in the coming year.

I’ve found that in going through life it’s easy to get caught in a rut – in a perpetual way of “being” that at first started out as a good thing but somewhere along the line it stopped being the best use of you and your talents. Or perhaps you got off track without even knowing it, working with the stuff that showed up but wasn’t necessarily truly aligned with your purpose and gifts.

So how do you get back on track? How can you make sure that what you’re doing is actually in alignment with who you are and what you have to offer the world?

The answer is simple but not always easy.

 

Here are 5 steps to help you get back on track for the New Year.

1. Pause. Take time out of your busy schedule and full life to get quiet. Find your own place and space to do this, away from distractions. Disconnect completely from your electronic world – cell phone, email, telephone, computer etc., just for a while.

2. Reflect. Look back over the last year and make a list of your accomplishments, what can you celebrate? Notice where you missed your mark as well. What could you have done differently? What lessons are here for you to take forward into the New Year with you? Write all of this down.

3. Remember. What is it that fills you with joy? Both personally and professionally? What activities light you up, use your gifts and talents fully and allow you to be of contribution to others in some way big or small? How can you bring more of these activities into your daily life and routine? Conversely, what activities drain your energy? What needs to be reconfigured or removed altogether?

4. Choose. What do you need to say ‘No’ to in order to make room for these activities? What do you need to say ‘Yes’ to in order to have more “On Purpose” moments in each day?

5. Practice. Practice getting quiet in each day to pause and reflect, ask for guidance and express your gratitude. Then go out into your world and contribute your talents, skills and wisdom to the best of your abilities.  Each day is a new day to practice being On Purpose – aligning your work with your core values, talents and wisdom in such a way that not only fills you with joy but also leaves positive imprint on those around you.

 

Wishing you much happiness, good health and prosperity in 2012!

Happy New Year!

To Your Success~

Michele

What makes you happy?

And how can you bring that joy to your work in each day?

 

What makes me happy is helping others bring out their personal brand of brilliance through their work. Encouraging and guiding others to get out of their own way and create what their version of success looks like.

Want to put your brilliance to work in bigger, bolder ways this year? Contact me for a complimentary consultation – Together, we’ll help you dive into 2012 with a clear vision for yourself and determine what the next steps are for you to create a happy and prosperous new year!

5 Trillion Reasons to Expect Good Times in 2011!

Jan 18th, 2011
by mcmolitor.
No comments yet

My colleague Steve Roth with Roth Consulting is our guest blog writer this week.

Those of you reading this article have something to tell your children and grandchildren about; you survived the worst economic meltdown since the Great Depression of 1929 – 1933. If the Great Recession was this bad one doesn’t want to think about what 1932 must have been like for the 135 million Americans.
During the past two and a half years, most companies experienced significant declines in sales, often for the first time in their operational history, and found themselves locked out of the credit markets just when they needed access to working capital the most. The result was a dedication to cost reduction (people, space, working capital, new products) unlike anything seen in many years. All but one of my clients adjusted to the new economic reality, survived the downturn, emerged with lower breakevens, tighter client focus and higher profits.
The profits, however, were generally not used to fund growth. Growth here is defined as investments in people, systems, infrastructure and new products. Profits were used to pay down debt, reduce accounts payable and build cash reserves. Anything but fund growth! Most folks exited 2010 looking in their rear view mirror and one can’t really blame them at all.
So, why should things change in 2011? Here are 3 big reasons:
1. $5 Trillion Reasons

The Fed has pumped over $4 trillion into the U.S. economy over the last 30 months and by this summer will have put another $1 trillion for a total of $5 trillion to help offset the liquidity crisis, build up bank equity and keep the housing market alive. This $5 trillion will eventually have a positive impact on the economy, consumer sentiment and most importantly, new jobs. We can see that this started, albeit slowly, in 2010 and will continue to gain momentum in 2011.

2. Banks are Lending Again

Banks have had their first profitable year in 2010 since 2007 and have in the majority repaid the funds borrowed from the Federal Government in 2008/09. Banks are now awash in cash and that cash must eventually get lent out to customers or their return on investment will drop and, along with it, the banks stock price. In 2010, commercial lending bottomed out and started back up again and the trend will accelerate in 2011.

3.  Cash in the S&P 1000 is over $2 Trillion

The largest 1000 public companies in the U.S. have accumulated an almost unfathomable $2 trillion in cash and cash equivalents. That is a lot of cash and unless these companies intend to become banks themselves, this money must be put to work building sales and profits in 2011.
The goal for businesses of all sizes is to get ready for growth, pick their targets carefully and follow the number one rule in business;

Raise the Money First.

All growth uses cash (new accounts receivable, more inventory, new hires, etc.) so get your company’s financial foundation in order before you grow. If not then you’ll find the company showing increased profits but you without the cash flow to cover payroll.

Remember: Money first – top line growth second.

Steven J. Roth owns Roth Consulting, a Napa-based firm specializing in turnaround management, mergers and acquisition, and capital raising. Mr. Roth holds an MBA (with distinction) from Harvard Business School. A former venture capitalist, founder of a high-end e-commerce retailer, and interim director for the now, Alameda County Small Business Development Center, Mr. Roth provides his expertise to startup and mature businesses alike. For complete details about Roth Consulting, visit www.consultroth.com .

Review, Refine and Recommit to a New Year of Success

Jan 6th, 2011
by mcmolitor.
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Today I had a great time talking with Ana Lucia Novak on her Savvy Business Leader Blog Talk Radio Show! Ana is a super savvy Social Media Maven who has helped me streamline my social media marketing efforts and made me look really good while helping me grow my social media connections. (Thanks!)

On her show, we talked about the process of “Review, Refine, Recommit”, a thought-provoking series of exercises and questions to help business leaders take a step back from the fray of running their business or division everyday to review, refine and recommit – to their core values as they apply to the vision and mission of their organization, re-evaluate and refine their company goals from a fresh perspective, and recommit to those goals by putting clear time lines and accountability plans into place to achieve those goals. These exercises and activities give leaders the space necessary to refine their vision and mission from today’s perspective and identify new goals and strategies for success to achieve that vision.

The conversation was just a taste of the longer, in-person class I’m teaching on January 12th from 10am to noon at The Educators’ Institute in downtown Oakland, CA. It’s a hands-on program that gives you time to clarify how you want to move forward powerfully into this new year for greater success.

Listen in to the Savvy Business Leader Blog Talk Radio Show to get a boat load of though-provoking questions to help you create your vision for the new year or join me for class next week (it’s easy to register online)!

Here’s to your prosperous New Year!

Cheers~

Michele

Power Marketing Secrets for Today’s Economy

May 13th, 2010
by mcmolitor.
2 comments

I wanted to let you know about a great opportunity to help you expand your thinking to grow your business – coming up on May 20th.
The Livermore Chamber of Commerce is hosting the  “Power Marketing Secrets for Today’s Economy”

In 2010, the economy has a different kind of playing field and the old advertising rules no longer work. Learn and practice 4 powerful systems to push your company to the top in this engaging marketing workshop for businesses. Four Bay Area business experts come together to teach you the secrets for thriving in today’s economy.

This one-day workshop will help you clarify your marketing message, strategies and tactics to help your business soar this year.
We’ve got four great speakers lined up to fill your brain with useful knowledge you can immediately put to good use:

STU CARTY  – Constant Contact
Easily get permission to market directly to your customers.

LEE RICHTER — Richter Communications & Design Group
Is Social Media Right for Your Business?

THOMAS PETTY — Bay Area Search Engine Academy
Laser target your Internet presence quickly.

MICHELE MOLITOR — Nectar Consulting
Master your marketing message for greater impact.

Each participant receives a bonus CD loaded with extra material not covered in the workshop as well!
If purchased separately, this expert advice, lessons and materials would cost you more than $2500!
Don’t miss out, register today to get the early bird price.

Check out the website for more detailed information about each of the presentations:
http://www.livermorechamber.org/news-and-events/2010-marketing-summit.aspx

LOCATION:
DoubleTree Hotel
720 Las Flores Road
Livermore, CA 94550

DATE:
Thursday, May 20, 2010

TIME:
9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

COST:
$99 through May 15, 2010
$119 after May 15, 2010

Lunch is included.

For More Details & Registration Information Call: (925) 447-1606
www.LivermoreChamber.org

I hope to see you all there~
Thanks and please pass this along to other business owners who are looking to get new ideas and support for growing their business.
With kind regards,
Michele

The Gift of Your Presence

Jul 7th, 2009
by mcmolitor.
1 comment

We seem to be in a period of transition – both personally and professionally – as individuals and as a nation. We mourn the loss of friends, family, icons and heros; as well as old ways of doing and ways of being that no longer serve us.

Yet, on the other side of transition is the new, the unknown, the yet to be discovered in what lies ahead.

This time has reminded me of how precious life is in each moment. But then I guess death has a way of doing that – it brings into clear focus what’s important and what isn’t so much.

This is a powerful reminder of not only what’s important to us, but also of the value of living our life fully in each moment – to use our gifts as best we can in service of others, in whatever form that may take. Through our work, our businesses, our community and our families.

Whatever your profession is, however you spend your time each day, ask yourself – “How can I give more of my full presence to each moment?” Whether you’re sitting quietly by yourself or you’re in a room full of people, how can you bring your full attention and an open heart to the situation? As you do this, you give the gift of yourself at a deeper level, leaving an indelible mark on others.

Now, you may be asking yourself, what does this have to do with how I run my business or how I do my job? Everything actually. Have you ever experienced working with someone who was distracted with too many things, reading their email while talking to you or lost in some other thought? What was the impact of that experience on you?

In other words, what’s the impact that you want to leave others with? What kind of impact can you leave that will make a difference for others? That will keep your customers coming back, your team inspired, your friends and family knowing how much you care by giving them your full attention.

Yes, I know it’s pretty common in today’s world. We all have full, busy lives – often times too busy to genuinely connect with the people around us. But it is these connections, these moments in time where we can see each other as human beings, instead of bosses and employees, competitors or colleagues, that we open ourselves to a richer experience of life – even if it is just for a moment.

Because in the end, this moment is all we have. So make the most out of each moment that you can. Give the gift of your presence, your talents, your brilliance – to your family, friends, colleagues and customers. Inspire them to step more fully into their own light and gifts in each moment and see what kind of positive ripple effect it has.

Thank you for your contributions big and small, wherever you may be as you read this.
With gratitude,
Michele

10 Keys to Business Growth in a Shifting Economic Landscape…

Jun 2nd, 2009
by mcmolitor.
No comments yet

Today’s economic landscape has been a bit unsteady to say the least. We’ve all heard about it and certainly have seen the effects of it on our bottom line. No matter if you’re a CEO, manager or a one-man-band business owner, today’s economy has sent tremors through us all in different ways.

Here are some time tested keys to growth to help you stay focused and moving forward in a positive direction.


Key #1: For The Sake Of What – What’s your vision? Where do you want your company or department to grow to and for the sake of what? What outcomes do you wish to achieve and what impact do you want to leave your customers and your community with? The clearer your vision is, the easier it is to create tangible goals to achieve.

Key #2: Identify Your Goals – What goals do you want to accomplish this week, this month and this year? Have your goals written out and refer to them daily or weekly to keep them front of mind. These written out goals also serve as the stake in the ground that can help you get back on track when you get pulled in too many different directions.

Key #3: Determine Your Mindset – What is your current marketing mindset? Is it working for you or against you? Identify the limiting beliefs that are getting in your way and then ask you coach to help you shift those beliefs to ones that empower you and move you forward.

Key #4: Make New Friends – Refine or reconfigure who your target audience is based on today’s market. How might you shift or narrow the focus of who you want to be working with? Once you’ve clarified who your target audience is, then it’s time to make some new friends. Find the places, events or businesses that meet your client profile and develop relationships with them. People do business with who they know and trust, so aim at developing the relationship first to create a win-win outcome.

Key #5: Think Outside the Box – Take a hard look at your current business and marketing activities. Which ones are still working well and which ones are not delivering the ROI you need? Today’s economy requires businesses to think differently and come up with new creative strategies to out smart the competition if you want to remain a player in the game.

Key #6: Listen Carefully – Talk with your current customers and listen carefully to what they have to say. What problems do they have that you can help solve? What issues might be an untapped market for you explore? The company that succeeds in today’s economy is the one that has their ear to ground and is constantly innovating to meet the current market needs.

Key #7: Create An Action Plan – Determine what your top 3-5 priorities are for the day to reach your weekly and monthly goals and do those first. This way you’re setting yourself up for small successes along the way, which builds confidence and morale of you and your team.

Key #8: Follow-Up And Follow-Through – As you build your connections, make sure that you follow-up in a timely fashion. This is where a lot of business professionals fall down. You can continually build your business relationships i.e. build trust, through phone calls, emails, one-to-one meetings, sharing relevant information via blogs, newsletters and a variety of other strategies that keep your business and “brand” front of mind.

Key #9: Select An Accountability Team – Often times having someone other than yourself to keep you accountable to your goals makes all the difference. Find one or two people you know who are interested in accelerating their business growth as well (either inside or outside of your organization). Share your weekly goals at a brief Monday morning conference call. This helps to set the tone for the week, clarify the direction you’re taking and the action steps you intend to follow-through with. Knowing that there is someone who is going to ask you what you’ve accomplished this week (other than your spouse) has an amazing effect of helping you get things done!

Key #10: Start With The End In Mind – Start your day by envisioning how you’d like it to go. What intentions do you have for the day? What would you like to accomplish? What impact do you want to leave others with? By focusing on your positive intentions, you’re paving the way for it to unfold at your feet with grace and ease.

I’d love to hear about some of your keys to growth too – what tips can you share that have helped you stay positive and on track with your business grow? I look forward to hearing from you!

To Your Success,
Michele

Changing Marketing Gears

May 12th, 2009
by mcmolitor.
1 comment

I recently read a great article in the Harvard Business Review titled, “How to Market In A Downturn” by John A. Quelch and Katherine E. Jocz

It points out that consumers typically react in one of 4 emotional ways to the current economic situation:

•    Slam-on-the-brakes – consumers feel hardest hit and reduce all spending.

•    Pained-but-patients –economize, but less aggressively.

•    Comfortably well-offs — keep buying, but more selectively.

•    Live-for-todays — carry on as usual, though delaying major purchases.

The article also identifies how members within each segment categorize purchases:

•    Essentials are necessary for survival.

•    Treats are justifiable indulgences.

•    Postponables are desired items that can be bought later.

•    Expendables are unjustifiable.

Which category do your clients fall into?  What new approaches might you take with your customers who fall into these different ‘mindset’ categories?

One of the most painful things that I commonly see are business owners who continually bang their head against a wall, i.e. they keep doing the same thing expecting different results.

They believe if they apply enough energy to their marketing efforts, the strategies that they’ve used in years past with great results, will continue to work this year as well as they have in the past.

Unfortunately for most, the game has changed and new rules, strategies and tactics must be applied to win over new clients.

So stop banging your head against a wall expecting different results! Take a step back, look to see what mindset your potential clients have about your product or service (And while you’re at it, check to see where your own mindset might be in the way as well!).

Start to notice what IS working and what ISN’T working with reaching those clients and let go of outdated strategies that are a waste of your time, money and energy.

Then, look to your competition to see what they’re doing well or gather new ideas from other industries that can be re-purposed for your particular brand. No need to reinvent the wheel, just build a better strategy that one-ups them (or leap frogs them altogether!).

By pumping new ideas and energy into your marketing plans and activities, you’ll be surprised at the fresh results you’ll get in return.

Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches!

To Your Success!
Michele