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A Message from Phyllis
Announcements
Feature Article: JUST SAY NO!!
 A
Message from Phyllis
Dear Readers,
This month I am celebrating the 10th anniversary of Powerful Solutions. Wow! What a journey this has been. I am so grateful for my clients who allowed me the privilege of partnership in their lives and careers. I had no idea how powerful the coaching relationship would be. Magic often happens. People become empowered and confident and their personal and professional lives improve dramatically. As a gift of gratitude, I am offering free coaching. On Monday, December 31st from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST call with a question, a challenge, or a goal, and we’ll talk for 15 minutes. It’s a great time to think about what worked in 2007 and to plan to make 2008 your best year ever! Call 215-968-2424 and let’s talk about your plans for 2008. Take some time before the end of the year to look at what has worked for you and where you had challenges. What do you want to accomplish next year? Whether you want more time for yourself, more income, more vacations, more clients, or less clutter, let’s create a plan to get it. Ask a friend or a coach to support you and to provide accountability to move you forward. We have so many choices in a day; make a conscious decision to make choices that will serve you well. Call me on the 31st and say what you really want “out loud”. It does make a difference.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Warm Regards,
Phyllis
Announcements
You asked for it! Due to several requests, I will be forming a new telephone coaching group in January. It is for lawyers and other professionals who want to start 2008 off to be the best year ever! It is for three months and we will meet twice a month by conference call for a one hour group call. There is a lot of wisdom shared in the group and great support to reach your goals. Send me an email if you want to reserve a spot.
Very affordable at only $150.00 per month.
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Print assessment still available. Send email to phyllis@powerfulcoaching.com if you want to learn more about your strengths and behaviors.
This
Month's article
JUST SAY NO!!!
Earlier this year, I was invited to join a colleague on a big project. She complimented me by saying I was the perfect partner for this venture. She also said she selected me because of my energy and enthusiasm. She is extremely successful and her comments flattered and enticed me. I said I would consider it.
I thought about the revenue potential, which was quite good and how much I would enjoy collaborating with her. We had a few telephone meetings, and then set a date to get together. We agreed on objectives that we would both accomplish before our meeting. I was doing research and moving forward with the project when I began to realize that I really didn’t want to do it.
I looked at my five-year plan for my business. Was this in line with my plan? Was I on track? I called my colleague and told her I had decided to say no. I suggested someone else who might be more interested at this time. The two of them connected and the project is developing without me.
It was difficult for me to say no. I don’t like to disappoint people. I did feel relieved after I bowed out of the project because it wasn’t totally on track with my long-range goals A few months later I started writing my book, Market you Must…for lawyers which was recently completed. Saying no to one project created space for another which was more in line with my goals. I have a sign in my office that reads, “Is it an absolute yes? If not, say NO!” This is a helpful reminder to keep me on track.
I often work with clients who struggle to stay focused on what is really important to them. An interesting project that takes away time and energy from what is really more important for their business plan sidetracks them. One client wants to sell his business in five years. He was diversifying too much and accepting any project that came his way. We worked on fine-tuning his business strategies and he decided to accept only projects that would increase the value of his business. Sometimes it is difficult to say no to a prospective client, but it can definitely get you off track when you say yes to everything that comes along.
Ask yourself before saying yes, “Will this enhance my business or my life?” “Will working on this project be joyful or stressful?” So often lawyers accept cases knowing they will be difficult and draining. Financial planners accept clients knowing that the size of their estate is not up to their minimum standards. Some projects are easy to say no to. Most of the time it’s difficult.
As we strengthen our “saying no” muscles we want to look at what we really value. Before accepting any offer, ask yourself if it is something that you really want. Do you want to improve relationships or improve your health? Do you start out with the best intentions but get sidetracked because of all the projects and obligations that get in the way? What do you want to say no to? What are the logical steps needed to get you where you want to be?
It wasn’t easy for me to turn down that project. I like a challenge and I could have made the necessary time available, but it wasn’t getting me closer to where I want to be. I created space for something more in line with my values at this time. It’s important to say no firmly and gracefully to what you don’t want. So, the next time you’re offered a project or a new opportunity, first pause, reflect and then respond. And if it’s not on track with what you really want to do, just say NO!
Have a great holiday!
Phyllis Sisenwine
Master Certified Coach
Published by
Phyllis Sisenwine, Master Certified Coach, Motivational Speaker and
writer. She works with clients to earn more money, improve time management and stay focused.
To schedule a powerful coaching conversation send an email. Her website is located
at www.powerfulcoaching.com
Copyright
2007, All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Phyllis
Sisenwine, Master Certified Coach
POWERFUL SOLUTIONS, INC. Inspiring Excellence...in You.
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