As a small business owner, there are countless people and projects clamoring for your attention, which can make it difficult to focus. Distractions often prevent you from getting your work done. Yet, executing strategies that bring you fast cash are essential to build your business quickly.

You may think there are not enough hours in the day. However, the true solution is becoming focused and sticking to your plan to complete projects. Let me share three empowering strategies that will help you improve focus and spike productivity.

1. What are your biggest time wasters?

When you think about what distracts you from work, it may be any of these activities:
• Email
• Personal phone calls
• Social media
• Errands
• Not delegating enough
• Non-money-making activities
• Other people’s priorities

Take out a piece of paper and write down what activities are the most distracting to your productivity. Getting clear on what takes you off course and competes for your attention is the first step to improving productivity. Think about what gets in your way on a daily basis.

2. Allow yourself to say no

I know you work hard, so have a little compassion for yourself. Making yourself feel bad will not help change the situation. As an entrepreneur, you never get to the bottom of your to-do list and it’s time to accept this as a fact. Take a moment to consider what you need to say “No” to in order to clear your desk for priority projects.

Here are three steps you can take situations to say “No” and guard your time:
• If what you are working on is not generating money or a big game changer, stop doing it.
• Set strong boundaries with family, friends, colleagues and even clients if needed.
• Hire childcare if you need it; even two hours a day can improve productivity.

3. Use Tools that Boost Productivity

Try any of these suggestions to become more focused and enhance your productivity.
• Get away from your desk to disrupt your routine. Try a café, the library or even work at home once a week to be super focused during this time.
• Close all non-essential windows on your computer like Facebook Twitter, email, etc.
• Let calls go to voicemail and return calls later.
• Use an egg time or countdown clock on your phone or computer for focused time periods. When the timer rings, you are done—no matter how much you’ve accomplished.

Please keep in mind you are human and tomorrow is another day. Whatever you don’t finish will be there tomorrow, but having an end time is just as important as setting time aside to focus on priority tasks.

Your Client Attraction Assignment
I encourage you to also make a list of what you need to stop doing or delegate to free up time for more important, money-generating activities. Since there are only so many hours in a day, the better you get at using your time productively and not allowing yourself to get distracted, the more you‘ll accomplish.

This is just one of the many best practices we dive deep into with the students of The Client Attraction Business School, the premier training school for growth-minded entrepreneurs looking to quickly attract more clients and make more money. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit www.ClientAttractionBusinessSchool.com for more details. To speak to an enrollment coach, click here.

I am bathing in LOVE here…

If you could only feel what it feels like to be in the company of the students of our Business School as I am all this week…

I have no words (but I do have an impromptu video of me being silly with them here on my Facebook page. Hee hee…) 😉

Our students loved one of the lessons I shared with them this week about increasing their business with authenticity, integrity and love.

I didn’t make it up… the concept comes straight out of my one of my favorite books of all time.

(Chapter 14, to be exact.)

I shot a new 5-minute content video this week to not only share this book with you, one of my favorite, most powerful books, but also this important concept.

You can apply it to your business and your life.

And, it will make you irresistible. 😉

Once you watch the video, I’d looooooove to hear from you in the comments about what you love about the book (if you’ve read it).

I’d also love to get to know you better by reading how you make a difference in other peoples’ lives, as it relates to the video topic.

I’m sending you a big squeeze-y virtual hug!

Fabienne

p.s. Oh, before I forget! Thank you sooooo much for forwarding my invitation to my 2015 Mindset Tour™ to your entrepreneurial friends! The RSVPs for these free tickets to come see me in person are coming in like crazy. Thank you, thank you! I feel your love and I’m so grateful to you for helping me spread the word. Do you know someone else who could use better results in their business and who would love to get out of their own way? They (and you) can get a free ticket here.

How do you know when it’s time to raise your rates? I found the best system was to raise my rates as my business started to fill. Once your company is growing and you are in high demand, it’s easier (and feels safer) to raise your rates.

1) Test your pricing on new clients
I began letting my rates creep up with new clients who signed on. At one point, I was increasing my fees every three to four months. I would wait to see if there was any resistance from the prospect I was speaking to, and when there wasn’t, I raised the fee again. This is a great way to test your pricing rather than taking your rates up in one big jump.

2) Grandfather current clients
Another thing I did was “grandfather” my existing clients to hold their rates steady. This was important to me for clients who had been with me for a while. This just feels like the right thing to do in most cases. Generally your clients commit to working with you over a series of months at a particular price—sticking with that is fair and appropriate.

One thing you want to do is ask current clients not to discuss their rate when they make referrals, so you can freely charge new clients the higher rate. Even if someone comes to you expecting the lower rate, I still advise that you stick to your new rates to be consistent with all new clients.

3) How to increase fees with current clients
If you want to raise your rates with your current clients, I recommend giving them quite a bit of notice. With a few months’ notice, they’ll have time to adjust to the idea. Be sure to explain any new services they’ll be receiving at the new higher fee so they can easily see how they’ll benefit from the change.

4) Add value to your offering
If you do start encountering some resistance to your pricing, it can help to throw something into your new package that wasn’t available at the lower price. Try offering a bonus that doesn’t cost you more time or money. You might have home study courses or other materials you can add to create higher value without taking up a lot of your time.

Your Client Attraction Assignment

When I started my business, I decided to go with a lower rate to encourage people to sign up. That might not be the right thing for you and your business. I recommend doing a little research to see what your competitors are charging and go with the average rate offered in the market place. This is a solid pricing strategy. You can do this again when you are ready to increase your prices.

This is just one of the many best practices we dive deep into with the students of The Client Attraction Business School, the premier training school for growth-minded entrepreneurs looking to quickly attract more clients and make more money. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit www.ClientAttractionBusinessSchool.com for more details. To speak to an enrollment coach, click here.

I hope you’re having a truly wonderful day, productive in all ways.

Hey, I shot a new 4-minute content video this week that I think you’ll really be able to use in several ways, as it applies to both your business AND your life.

Many people I talk to think that being successful requires a lot of effort, blood, sweat and tears.

Yes, some effort is required, of course, but it’s not just what you do, it’s HOW you do it.

How you show up is almost more important than what you do.

I know, that sounds a little crazy at first, but you’ll understand more when you watch this video.

This is a simple mindset strategy, but I’ve come to realize that it’s often the simple changes we make that have the most profound impact on our results.

I would love to hear from you about which areas of your life you see yourself as a 3-bagger and what would happen to other areas of your life if you began adding more energy, focus, intention and discipline.

Share this with me in the comments below, OK?

Sending you so much love,
Fabienne

p.s. This is an important mindset shift you can begin making in your business that few people realize creates a difference. In fact, I now believe that mindset is 90% of the reason for someone’s success or lack thereof. And I’m going around the country teaching mindset this summer. Join me? You can register for my free events here. Can’t wait to give you a hug. xo

Hey, will you do me a quick favor? 🙂

I’m going on my (free) summer Tour called the Millionaire Entrepreneur Mindset Secrets and I’d looooove to see you in person and give you a big hug…

Would you check the dates below to see which is closest to you or which you’d be willing to fly to?

July 14 – Philadelphia, PA
July 16 – New York, NY
July 17 – Stamford, CT
July 21 – Atlanta, GA
July 22 – Tysons Corner, VA
July 23 – Charlotte, NC

Can you make any of these? If so, today’s the day registration opens for my Mindset Tour™. You can register right here (before we fill up to capacity).

As you may have heard, The Mindset Tour (as we affectionately call it) is where you get to spend a half-day with me learning about the power of your mindset, at no charge.

I will be teaching you what it really takes to dramatically shift your results and income.

And no, it has nothing to do with marketing. Marketing comes AFTER mindset… 😉

It’s all about what’s going on for you on the inside.

I’ve been teaching this process to thousands and thousands of entrepreneurs, and their results have been dramatic.

Curious? You can take a look here.

Did I mention these road shows are free this year?

For years, I charged $45 per ticket for these events and hundreds would show up.

But, now I’m willing to do whatever it takes to share this mindset message with as many people as possible (it’s that important).

I’m willing to show you the exact process you can use to shift your mindset, transform your income and upgrade your entire life.

(Come out to see me in person and get a taste of this process. It’s transformative in itself, and if you want more, we can talk about taking a deeper dive.)

There’s no need for you to stay at your current level. You can definitely achieve more.

It’s worth the trip… (especially at no cost)!

Can’t wait to give you a big hug in person. Until then, big virtual hugs…

Love,
Fabienne

p.s. Hey, while I’m at it, can you think of someone who could use better results in their business and make even more money? If so, would you show them this post and say, “Hey, let’s go to this together!” or “I think this would be great for you, you should definitely go, it’s free!”

All they have to do to register is follow this link.

Thanks so much. I so appreciate you. Sending love… xo

I have been riding on such a high this week…

First off, anytime I’m on a stage, sharing my wisdom and my love, I’m so, so happy.

And over the past 3 days, I’ve lovingly shown a ballroom full of entrepreneurs who deeply want to change the world (by shining their light brighter) how to do just that.

Lives were changed as they were inspired to achieve what they previously believed was impossible.

Which prompted me to share this with you too, in this week’s new content video…

Perhaps you’ve thought of shooting for something big in your business or your life, but you didn’t know if you could actually do it.

Perhaps it seemed too big, too daunting, too much of a stretch…

Maybe you didn’t even try because you were afraid you could fail, or maybe even succeed!

And here’s what I have learned over the years:

Achieving big, and I mean REALLY BIG, things in your business and life, and actually believing they can happen, is all a matter of…

PERSPECTIVE.

Yup, in fact, you can watch my 5 minute video here where I describe what I personally do (including my funny face exercise) that has me attempting what most would never attempt.

And achieving it.

It’s so easy that it’s like learning how to ride a bike or how to tie your shoes (you’ll get the reference when you watch the video).

And once you understand this one simple concept, you’ll see that all that was once impossible for you can now be easy.

I’m curious, what is it that you’ve accomplished in your life or business that once seemed impossible? Please tell me in the comments here, OK?

Can’t wait to “read” you and respond. xo

p.s. Speaking of attempting the impossible, not sure if you know, but I’m going on Tour to several U.S. cities this summer! Yes, I’m going on the road for my Millionaire Entrepreneurs Mindset Secrets road show, and for the first time ever, it’s free. Interested? Curious about where I’m going and what I’m going to talk about on Tour? I’ll be sharing more information, like how to sign up, soon… keep an eye out! 🙂

Many students tell me they have a book inside them waiting to come out, but they’re confused as to how to begin writing a book. I have written three books myself, and along the way I have learned a lot about what not to do. I’m happy to share what I learned from my book writing blunders to help you be smarter about writing yours.

For me, the biggest time waster in pulling a book together is when I try to strategize at the same time I am writing and being creative. These two tasks conflict, cannot be done simultaneously and will get in the way of your progress.

The next time I’m ready to begin writing a book, my approach will be to follow these five steps:

1. Create a tight table of contents
I found it much more productive to spend a month or two – or even six – getting very clear on exactly what I wanted to write about. Invest your time in coming up with a very structured Table of Contents, which becomes your outline. Think about all the topics you want to cover and organize them into chapters.

2. Choose 5 – 10 sub-points for each chapter
Under each chapter topic, define the 5 – 10 sub-points you’ll be making. These points need to be super clear, chronological steps that lead the reader through your material one step at a time.

3. Review your outline for consistency
Before you write a single word, look through your entire Table of Contents to be sure it all makes sense and is in the best possible order. You might see steps that need switching because the order is better another way.

4. Flush out each chapter
To make the writing as easy as possible, you want to get your thinking done before you even start. Knowing what you are going to write about makes the process flow so much more smoothly. Sharpen up your vision with plenty of details. To help, ask yourself the following questions for each chapter:

• What is the concept?
• Why is that important?
• How do you do it?
• What story, analogy, personal experience or client example can you share about that to help people relate?

5. Write the book
After completing the first four steps, you are now ready to sit down and write. You have all the strategizing out of the way. What’s remaining is the creative process of putting words on paper and expressing your ideas. Now, you won’t be bogged down by wondering what you want to say – it has all been clarified in your Table of Contents ahead of time. Follow this advice so writing your book will be a much easier and faster journey.

Your Client Attraction Assignment

Do you have a book inside you waiting to emerge? Set aside time in your calendar on a regular basis to come up with your core concept. What is your message? What do you have to share with the world? Invest this time up front and your book is far more likely to become a reality.

This is just one of the many best practices we dive deep into with the students of The Client Attraction Business School, the premier training school for growth-minded entrepreneurs looking to quickly attract more clients and make more money. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit www.ClientAttractionBusinessSchool.com for more details. To speak to an enrollment coach, click here.

OK, I have to admit… I’m a terrible singer.

I’m good at other things, but not that.

And so I want to apologize for spontaneously going into song in this week’s new content video I made for you (it wasn’t planned).

Despite the singing though, I included some pretty useful strategies I use when things don’t go according to plan:

Listen, if life and business were all filled with unicorns and rainbows, we’d all be bored after a while (I think).

Course correction is what keeps things interesting in business and in life.

Like you, every once in a while, I experience things that don’t pan out like I thought they would, even with the best-laid plans and years of expertise.

I’d love to say I’m always in my “spiritual place” about it at first, but truth be told, I get disappointed and frustrated like the next guy.

At first.

But then, I remember the lessons I’ve gathered over these many years of experiencing frustrating outcomes and I use these 4 strategies to turn any “failure” into something positive that ultimately makes me very happy.

And successful.

I hope that it’s somehow timely for you and that you can use some of these best practices.

Enjoy! If you liked this video, share it with your network by clicking the links to the left.

And in the comments below this video, I’d love to hear from you regarding your insights on this week’s topic. Please post your comment below, OK?

So, I was doodling in my office the other day, kind of in a trance state, and I realized something.

The difference between people who achieve what they want and those who don’t just comes down to whether they get in their own way or not.

I know, duh. But for many years, I was a fraud in my business and my life.

I was the poster child for self-sabotage. And I blamed everyone and everything else for my lack of results.

Here’s my deep dark little secret:

Even though I put on a nice façade for everyone for many years in my business, here’s what was really going on:

I used to believe that I wasn’t good enough to be successful I didn’t have faith in myself (or much of anything, to be truthful) I used to be gripped by fear(s), often daily I approached life from a lack perspective I didn’t finish what I started I lacked boundaries I was distracted by bright shiny objects (squirrel!) I made important life decisions from a Victim perspective I was resentful and jealous of other people I didn’t feel like I deserved more in my life Basically, on the inside, I had a huge lack of self-confidence.

I just felt totally inadequate for a lot of my life.

Sooooo, when a really good opportunity came along, personally or professionally, I would talk myself out of it and wouldn’t take it, even though I knew it would take me to where I ultimately wanted to be.

Pretty shocking actually. I mean, I knew I was smart. I knew I was a good person, but this was self-sabotage at its fullest and couldn’t seem to stop it.

Until one day.

I decided to make a commitment to upgrade my mindset.

It didn’t just land in my lap. I mean, you can’t do your own mindset work. If you could have, you would have, right??

No, I had to make a decision and say yes to an opportunity to transform my mindset and stop getting in my own way.

And so I did. I signed up to do mindset work and within 9 months, I tripled my income in one year. And then multiplied that.

And now…

I have new beliefs and convictions that I am here for really big things I think waaaaayyy bigger (and my students pay me for that) I understand the universal, spiritual principles that govern all of life I play this game of life, not haphazardly, but according to the instructions I have simple processes that are very powerful for getting past fear I continually overcome blocks that get in the way I’ve increased my wealth consciousness (and my results, because of it) I have a Victor’s mentality now I am not afraid of the unknown I stand up for what I want in my life I am intentional, I am focused, I am disciplined I believe in myself and my capabilities I am no longer self-sabotaging my way through life I say yes to the opportunities that will give me what I ultimately want I have given myself permission to play a much, much bigger game in life

And, as I mentioned, I have the results to show for it.

It really is THAT simple. (Hand slapping forehead.)

Now, I do realize that this was all about me, and I’m sorry about that. Really though, this is about you.

If you could meet the thousands of entrepreneurs I’ve guided through my Mindset Retreat process over the last 7 years, you would be absolutely inspired. It is a miraculous process, and it works in just 3 days.

And the results are… staggering, beautiful, astonishing. Worthy of allowing you to feel so inspired by your own possibility that your eyes could get welled up in tears.

Breathe this in.

It is an incredibly humbling moment to realize that you were meant for so much more and that there’s actually nothing that can stop you.

There is no secret, though. The only way I’ve found to get new results that astonish you and all others is to say yes to a process that gets you out of your own way and make a decision to upgrade your mindset today.

That’s it.

And I can help you. I really want to help you.

Which is why I’m writing you today.

You probably know that today is the very last day to save hundreds of dollars on my three-day Mindset Retreat™ (more than half off the regular tuition).

These 3 days in October, right ON the beach, in Florida, are all about shifting your “inner game” (i.e. psychology of success) so you completely transform your “outer game” (i.e. results, income, etc.)

Truly, it’s a miraculous process. You can see results and get that half off tuition here.

I’m lovingly asking you to consider making this commitment to yourself today because after today, the tuition goes up for good.

It’s your time.

No more self-sabotage, OK?

This will likely be just the miracle you’ve been asking for…

Thank you for allowing me to believe in you. Thank you for allowing me to take a stand for you.

Love you, Fabienne

P.S. Um, this could be awkward, but I just thought about something… Maybe you know someone you want to take a stand for too, someone who you lovingly want to point in the direction of the Mindset Retreat™, because (ahem) they could use some new results too. If so, here’s my idea: email them this blog post with a note at the top that says, “Let’s do this together, OK? I believe in you.” They can take a look at all the details and you can both register here. That makes you a really good friend 😉