Leadership Lessons in a Time of Crisis
This year's theme has been leadership, which is where the biggest lessons and growth opportunities have happened. Many times my growth opportunities have really pushed me out of my comfort zone.
If you're in business, you'll end up in situations where you are taking a leadership role. There will be situations of crisis, hopefully not to the extent we've had in 2020 again. I make a joke that if we can get through this year, we can go through anything! Future challenges are going to be a cakewalk in comparison to 2020.
Pay Attention to Variables You Can Control
If we paid attention and took care of variables we could control, we can have a very bright future. Throughout all of 2020, this is the approach my team took, and I'm very proud of how my team handled this chaotic year!
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/chaotic-year-in-review-part-2
Gratitude for My Team and Tribe
This year, 2020, has been a hell of a unique year that's been embedded with lessons. Lessons that have pushed me to grow in ways that wouldn't have happened otherwise.
I am super proud of this community because we have grown like crazy this year. I'm also proud of my core team and Steve's production team, who edits this podcast. I also want to thank my sales team, whom I hired in April and was barely around to train them because I was so busy. They really stepped up to the plate and have come up with some very cool ideas for this community that has helped us grow so much.
I also want to express gratitude for my mentors this year, mentors as Michael Burt, Rachel Rogers, David Nagel. I mean, y'all really came through for me this year. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart! You deserve a round of applause!
One of the exciting things that I've learned is always to pay attention to your intuition. I started getting a sense about four years ago that I needed to make considerable changes to my business.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/chaotic-year-in-review-part-1
People have a damn hard time sticking to goals. Most New Year's goals fade away for 80% of people after two to three weeks! Creating and sticking to your goals isn't an easy thing to do.
Of course, I will be a little tough on you and use words like 'discipline,' which isn't a word on your most-used vocabulary list. However, our focus is on achieving goals, which means you'll need the discipline to get what you want! However, you don't have to see discipline as a straight-laced authoritarian definition. I'll show you how to think about this concept differently and more invitingly.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/developing-challenging-and-fun-sales-goals
This year has been on the top of my crazy list, with the most recent event being the presidential race. Several times throughout 2020, I have stood up and shared my beliefs and views, and if you didn't know, I voted for Joe Biden. I've publicly expressed my views on that, and I've also stood up to blatant and very unfortunate Injustices that we've seen in 2020.
Whether on the news, out in daily life, and in certain industries, some deplorable things have happened in the coaching and financial space this year.
People Haven't Stepped Up to the Plate for Social Injustice
People who have not stepped up to the plate? Audiences are not okay with that anymore. I bring this up because last week, while the election was going on, I was sharing election memes. I had expressed where I stood on the issues we were voting for when I had some DMs come into my message box. Many people were super supportive; however, I did have messages that asked me if I should really choose a political side. People asked me if I wasn't afraid that I would lose money, over-expressing my opinion.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-use-your-platform-to-fight-against-injustice
To scale my business, my team and I are still building out systems. We've added new modules to Persuade To Profit, hired an enrollment team, and to work in our community for our community. Why? Because I'm playing the long game.
I'm thinking more about the bigger picture, bigger vision. What is the strategy? Where's my business going to be in three years? Based on these questions, I can develop a game plan to build bigger and better scaling.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-play-the-long-game-in-business
One big mindset shift that has helped me in 2020 is getting over my fear of expansion. We are in a time of expansion because most people will get scared, and they're going to contract. They're not going to move because they are letting their emotions take over. As a result, they're probably going to make some bad decisions.
I'm going to decide to expand because it's in these moments of huge contraction that the top business owners decide to expand. How can they expand in these crazy times?
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/growing-your-business-when-the-world-is-on-fire
Despite everything going on, I believe we're sitting on the opportunity of a lifetime. We can't do all the stuff we like to do, such as traveling, getting my nails done, getting a massage, checking out a restaurant, or moving about freely without worry.
We are all stuck at home for the time being because of a pandemic. We are most likely never going to have an opportunity like this again in our lifetime.
Typical distractions are gone. We are currently experiencing a "new normal" phase, which is giving us the opportunity of a lifetime. Time is now being granted to us as we speak.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/make-2020-the-year-of-self-transformation
I've received two questions multiple times this year.
Question number one is "Amanda, how do I make sales right now when the world is on fire?"
Number two is, "How have I kept my company growing?" We've had more visibility than ever and never stopped enrolling clients.
Although our economic climate is a little crazy, our business keeps growing. We are onboarding our latest team members and taking in multiple five figures, not just in sales, but in cash revenue collected every month by launching cool projects.
When the whole shutdown over the pandemic happened, I went in to talk to my team that Monday morning. I said, "Suit up. This is war." General Amanda came out.
This past year has been one where you see who rises to the top and who crumbles. No one is safe. Who rises to the occasion, rises to the top, and comes out a winner?
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/the-year-to-have-a-winning-mentality
People Don't Sell Because They are Afraid of Rejection
So many of us fear rejection. Although this is natural to fear, we don't have to take it so damn personally. Once you go through so many calls, you don't really care because rejection doesn't bother you anymore. Most people don't give themselves enough of an opportunity or put themselves in enough of those situations to get to that point of not caring about rejection. When you no longer give a shit, that's when you have conviction. At this point, you close more people.
The issue with people who are attempting sales is that as business owners, they go into sales calls like they're interviewing for a job, and that's not the way you do it at all. Learn how to grow your business with killer sales when you sign up for Persuade to Profit and get rid of your fear of sales!
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-replace-fear-of-rejection-in-sales-with-integrity-and-conviction
I definitely fear success, way more than I fear failure, which also leads to the feeling of rejection. You can move past rejection dragging you down by experiencing rejection a million times. The same rules apply to failure. Today, I'll dive into the fear of failure as many people struggle with this barrier.
What is the Fear of Failure?
What is the fear of failure, and how do people obtain this fear in their lives? People are afraid of judgment and what other people think of them. This bleeds over into business when you create your content for marketing your brand. Will people like what I created? Fear of marketing, sales, success, and fear of failure. One common denominator they all have is I'm afraid of what other people are going to think of me and my business.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-imposter-syndrome-leads-to-failure
At least half of my clients encompass the fear of success. They are afraid of the expansion and growth of their company. I know this is something I struggle with, and I have a mentor who's helping me process my fear. I'd like to share some examples as to why people might fear success, along with tips and strategies that have helped me move past this fear.
Remember, challenges are also growth opportunities. They are an opportunity for you to be better and do better, to reach your potential because that is where the growth really is. Growth comes from challenge and being uncomfortable. Remember, if you have bigger problems, you are growing, and you are expanding.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-get-over-your-fear-of-success
You listen to this podcast because you want to make money. With your goal of making money, one action item you need to really move on is to let others know you exist. Show people how you can solve their problems and let them know your shit is real!
Why You Need to Put Yourself Out There
Put yourself out there and just go for it. Stop living up to other people's expectations and creating actions that only create happiness in others. When you play to other people, you're just putting your own dreams on the back burner.
Resonate with Others to Get Results
Resonate with people to get the results you want to see in your business growth. Have you put content out there, and it hasn't worked? There are a specific method and action steps you put out there to make people move to buy your product. This action step is a skill you can learn, and we teach you that skill set in our course, Persuade to Profits.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/promote-yourself-and-your-business-with-confidence
There's so much financial flux going on. I see many of you looking for opportunities in this changing economic world, which is why I'm focusing this show on how to make money quickly - the legitimate way.
Your Homework to Make Money
I'm going to start giving homework on these podcast episodes. I want you to think about the big problems being created right now? With everything we have going on, what kind of work experience and toolset do I have that can help others solve their problems? Create a set of solutions to three issues that you're seeing. Get creative, start brainstorming, and work through your list of ideas.
Once you've made a list of solutions, make sure to check out our class, How to Start a Coaching Business in 2020.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-make-money-quickly-the-legit-way
There is a time and a place to use debt. Besides buying a home and student loans, debt can constructively be used to make a calculated move in your business.
Let's stop listening to society about debt. Clearly, society doesn't know what it's doing, and that's why so many people have problems. Another false belief is that we think our entire lives revolve around our credit score. Although this is an integral part of your financial life, it's not your whole economic life.
What I Learned From Paying Off All My Debt
I was the person who would try and pay off all my debt in full every month. However, I didn't leave with myself with enough cash. And let me tell you when shit hits the fan, money is what's king, and cash is what matters. My lesson that I learned is that cash flow is more critical than your debt.
We're taught to pay off debt and to rid yourself of the shame of being in debt. So we use self-inflicted torture, such as eating rice and beans, to save as much money as we can to pay off our debt.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/your-debt-repayment-plan-is-ass-backward
Certain aspects of building a business seem like they're very far away. However, you want to start thinking about these business elements to avoid problems and mistakes down the road. The earlier you start being proactive about specific business areas, the better off you will be in the long term.
Moving from self-employed to business owner and CEO is a transition of epic momentum, process, and energy. When done correctly, with the right mindset, it will set you up for ultimate business success.
Getting Into a CEO Mindset
I was getting into that CEO mindset, learning to leverage systems, my knowledge, and people.
When I created content for myself full-time instead of creating content for others, I ended up benefiting by making more money for myself than I did making content for other businesses. That was a switch - to build a business model that gave me more time.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/self-employed-to-ceo
You may know someone who has become a coach because they've given others advice and are good at it. They may have fallen into coaching or consulting, and now they are trying to figure out how to make this a sustainable business. They may be trying to figure out how to build their online presence.
Many people join my Persuade to Profit program when they reach this spot. When they join, I hear many stories from what they've encountered with previous programs online. I listened to a story from a new member this morning, where she was a part of another business training program, and the sales tactics that they were teaching her were all about manipulation.
Why You Should Take Money Seriously
From the beginning, people are in business to make money, period! Some people get mad when I tell them they have to make money. I run a business, and I plan on helping a ton of people, which requires many resources. It would be best if you thought about this big picture from the beginning of your enterprise.
Many people do their business because they like it, but that's not a business. That's more of a hobby. So do you have an expensive hobby, or do you have a company? If you have a business, there is a focus on money and revenue.
I want you to start thinking about what types of resources you are going to need for the future because I want you to avoid problems in the future. I want you to start thinking about pricing yourself for profitability from the beginning.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/entrepreneur-baby-steps-to-scaling-your-business
If you've built a "successful business," and you are working 24 seven, have no time to yourself, and can't even pay yourself a salary, something is off. I have multiple six-figure businesses that are scaling to seven. Even though we're making the same amount of money, I'm working fewer hours. I pay myself a salary.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/your-business-isnt-successful-if-you-cant-pay-yourself
We have clients who come from differing religious backgrounds, many of whom are Christian-based. Many of these clients have struggled with the idea of making money. I grew up Catholic, and I don't remember hearing that Jesus doesn't like money.
We're living in a world that emphasizes being socially conscious, which is excellent. However, many people equate being socially aware of having a low-income lifestyle. Who said you had to be anti-capitalism to be socially conscious?
You may have a big heart, want to change the world, fight for social justice, and I am 100% with you on this subject. However, some of you are too busy fighting instead of thinking strategically.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, go to https://www.amandaabella.com/jesus-the-market-capitalist-with-integrity
You can make money easily and have integrity. You don't have to compromise your values or belief system to make seven figures. Know that you aren't a bad person if it's easy for you to make money, even if it's not so easy for other people to make more income.
My New Money Mantra
My new mantra is: I want to work easy and smart because I've worked too hard for long enough. I've been leaning into this philosophy, even when it makes me uncomfortable. I seek out smarter ways of working; I gain confidence and get more strategic about money. At this point, the money starts flowing more fluidly.
Listen in to find out:
https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-work-smart-instead-of-hard
Money is All Around Us
There's always money all around us that changes direction every day. Even now, in the worst of circumstances, money is available. You may be struggling in business from allowing the craziness of the world to get to you. Or maybe your business model isn't working as a result of the pandemic. Perhaps you lost your job, and you don't have another job lined up.
I know many of you who are reading this blog might not be in a good position right now. However, there are still people making money, and you can create income as well. No matter what economic climate, there is an opportunity to bring in cash. I want to give you some tips to get into that mindset. Start finding solutions to your income issues.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/make-money-in-any-economy
I'm obsessed with sales because the sales process changed my life so much! When I started, I had no idea what I was doing, and I wasn't very good at closing. Once I understood how to have that conversation, ask for money, negotiate, and deal with objections, I could then successfully close the sale. I do believe this is an essential skill set that will move you forward in your business.
Selling Feels Awkward
Anytime you are working through a learning process, you don't quite know what you are doing or how to execute correctly. Similar to riding a bike, you're going to wobble, fall over, and sometimes scrape your knee. You may even be falling over the place! That's a good learning process that everyone, even experienced salespeople, has gone through at the beginning of their sales training. Initially, you won't be very good at sales until you've learned the tools you need to sell and practice, practice, practice!
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/overcoming-rejection-in-sales-part-2
Rejection is Part of Sales
Rejection is part of the game. Once you realize that rejection is a normal part of sales, you will feel liberated! One reason why people may be so scared of rejection is that they are people pleasers at heart. When you're a people pleaser, you want everybody to like you, and that makes rejection very hard to deal with in business.
Additionally, there are those of us who don't want to be risk-takers. These people want to be safe and stay average. They want to avoid risk, not screw up their money, and especially avoid risky situations. When you avoid risk, you will inevitably stay away from situations where you might get rejected, and therefore, miss opportunities. Putting yourself out there for a chance or opportunity is scary and pours fear into your heart. When you work past to the other side of your fear, you’ll free yourself and make your sale!
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/overcoming-rejection-in-sales-part-1
Why Your Call to Action is SO Important to Get Warm Leads
Many times, clients and new business owners I talk to are missing one essential key aspect of a marketing system. And what I've noticed is they were missing this one aspect of a marketing system that would make their lives and their sales a lot easier. The component they are missing is to have a call for action. Additionally, they need easily accessible information on how to purchase or sign-up for what they are offering from their business.
First, you need a call to action
You'll notice that I almost never post anything on social media without a call to action. When you join me on my live video there's an offer for you to join a free class that I'm doing at 2:00 PM EST the same day I have my live video for aspiring coaches and consultants. Now that you've indicated interest, you're a warm lead. I have basic information on what you like, along with your contact information, and that helps warm up sale leads.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-get-thousands-of-warm-leads-for-free-part-ii
There are three building blocks for a business to be profitable: The system, the influence, and sales.
Many of us start with influence by posting content on social media, except you have zero systems put in place. You don't know what you're selling or to whom you're selling. You most likely are not priced for profitability and don't understand the customer process.
Another issue that might occur is you may have systems, but no one knows who you are. Likewise, you may have a system and influence, but you don't know how to sell your product or service. You don't understand how to have that conversation and how to close. Also, you may lack a sales process and aren't sure how to talk about money. How are you going to deal with objections? On what platform should you prospect for new clients?
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-get-thousands-of-warm-leads-for-free-part-1
Hitting Massive Walls in Your Business
I was unemployed ten years ago. I understand what you're going through and my team. We know there's a lot going on right now and why businesswomen and men need valuable information now, more than ever. I decided we're going to give you free workshops. Look for the free classes tab on my website and sign up for all of them today! We have different subjects like how to start a coaching business, how to improve your sales.
How Perfectionism Blocks Money
There are many reasons why perfectionism blocks money. Let's start with you, in particular. To make money, you need to be OK with making money. It sounds so simple, but in reality, many people aren't OK with earning high-dollar income. If you enter into business transactions and your concern is about being liked rather than respected, you're not going to make any money.
Nourish Yourself
I'm nourishing myself because I've forgotten to take care of myself in this crazy time. Those of us who are perfectionists, we have forgotten to feed ourselves because we've been too busy nourishing everybody else. Pivot and ride this next week on a different energy vibration, a different tone. Be back in the saddle and focused on the task at hand.
Listen in to find out:
For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.amandaabella.com/how-to-overcome-perfectionism-part-2