The Launch Continues

Today was our Inner Circle meeting. It was great! First, I was prepared with an agenda, and I had discussed the agenda with my key players to make sure it was comprehensive. All my team members showed up, that alone was amazing. Then we had an amazing dialog about the program, the roles and expectations of the team. We were able to discuss any potential bombs that may blow up as well as all the wonderful possibilities. I think everyone walked away with a greater understanding of what the next steps are and their roles in the launch.

This Inner Circle concept has been probably the most pivotal piece to my puzzle, the one that had been missing. Here is what it does and why it is important to my launch. In the past when I tried to launch this program, it was like I was creating something out of thin air. I remember the few meetings I held in the previous launches. There were only two to four people. There was no energy, not excitement and no buy in. In fact, some of the people that were there were there free just have a warm body in the room. Now, when I set up the introductory sessions, and I have the actual Gym meetings, I will have a strong core group in the room. They will serve many roles:

• They are inviting future Business Marketing Gym members;
• They are going to break the awkward silences when they arise;
• They will ask the questions that others may feel too timid to ask until the group gets comfortable with each other; and
• They will edify me as the facilitator of the group because they are already bought in.

I am excited and already know that with the team of people we have assembled, we are going to create something magical.

I will keep you posted.

Anatomy of a Launch

The launch is underway. I have read about launches and witnessed launches but this is my first official launch. So far it has way exceeded my expectations. I wanted to share with you my strategy for the launch of my Business Marketing Gym and the results because not only might it help someone, but I think it has been an interesting experience.

After getting my concept together and putting my ideas on paper, my first step was to share the idea with a business partner. He gave me some great feedback, and we ended up in an amazing mastermind session. I totally reworked the project. He suggested to have a "soft launch" with some of my key clients and contacts. Basically run it up the flag pole and see how it goes. I made a list of 6 individuals that I trusted and felt would add value to the process. I sent out an cryptic email and invited each of them to meet with me to hear my idea. In the email I said I considered them part of my inner circle and wanted them to be part of a great project I was putting together. Within two days of the email, I had five appointments.

As of this date, I have had two appointments. The first inner circle member signed up on the spot. The second one needed time to process and was positive about what he saw.

Next I have planned a meeting of the people who chose to become part of my Inner Circle or Charter Members of the Business Marketing Gym. There we will go over strategies for the full launch as well as implementation.

I have also scheduled three introductory sessions. This is getting very exciting. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

Jim Rohn, “The Treasury of Quotes”

“Could creating your character be likened to an artist creating a sculpture? In my opinion, I believe that character is not something that just happens by itself, any more than a chisel can create a work of art without the hand of an artist guiding it. In both instances, a conscious decision for a specific outcome has been made. A conscious process is at work. Chara cter is the result of hundreds and hundreds of choices you make that gradually turn who you are, at any given moment, into who you want to be. If that decision-making process is not present, you will still be somebody. You will still be alive, but may have a personality rather than a character.”

Where in the world is . . . ?

No I did not disappear. I just took some time to take stock, focus and take care of my family. Here is the beauty of having a business that you can run from either home or the office. I had a sick house and lots of winter breaks. I may have been silent, but I certainly wasn't unproductive. In fact, this has been some of my most productive time. I have had time to squeeze in several MasterMind sessions over the past three months. During those sessions, I have crystallized my vision for my business and am proud to announce the first official meeting of my Business Marketing Gym is on February 16th. It is so exciting, I am not sleeping at night. I love when that happens. I will keep you posted on the success and challenges of launching and implementing my first coaching club.