Blogging again?

I was trying to blog every day, but I guess I just don't have enough to say? Or maybe I use up all my words at work and have none left by the end of the day.

Actually, I just want to write something interesting, or relevant, and some days (like today) I have nothing interesting or relevant to say. At least, nothing that I want to share with the cyberspace world.

So there it is, blogging again (sort of)...

Next time, I'll have more to say.

Where did the day go?

Today was one of those days where I was running around all day, helping others and never had a moment to myself. Generally, I don't mind helping others, since that is one of my strengths. But sometimes it is important to stop and smell the roses. To take time for myself. To relax. To chill. Maybe just a few minutes to listen to my iPod, read a book, or surf the internet. Well, it is 11:59pm and I am just now winding down. I have a stack of things to do (read the newspaper, pay bills, do work) but that can wait for tomorrow. I think I'll take a few minutes to read before bed instead. Better late than never - it is now 12:02. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

The Value of Blogging?

I haven't blogged for quite a while. Almost 2 years. I never really blogged much anyway. I don't feel like writing every day. But I always make time to read my favorite blogs every day. Today I decided to try to write daily in addition to reading the blogs. I want to write so I can stay accountable to learning, growing, and marketing my business. I'll try to impart something of value in my posts - a business or counseling tip I learned, a challenge to myself, or just a funny or interesting story or fact. This is my commitment to myself for 2010. Join me in the journey.

Money Breakthroughs in Counseling

I just finished listening to a call on Money Breakthroughs by Carey at Coach Tools To Go. I often listen to conference calls on business, coaching, or counseling to get ideas for growing my counseling business. As a business owner, I recognize the importance of profit, income, and value for services provided, but as a counselor, it can be hard to charge clients who are struggling with financial difficulty.

A few things I learned from tonight's call:
1. If I make more money, I can give more money away.
2. People value things they pay for. For example - I would take better care of a car that I bought with my hard earned money than a car that I was given to use for free.
3. Don't give away too much for free - limit availability, don't go over time. The service will be more valuable to the client and I will be a better counselor if I am not burned out.
4. Offer disappearing benefits (time sensitive), limited benefits (number of people), and payment plans to increase value and encourage clients to make a commitment to services they need. We often wait until the last minute before we make a decision.
5. Outsource - find college students who will intern for free or low cost in exchange for mentoring.

I want to help my clients by offering them a valuable service. They will be more committed to the process if I value it also - by charging what it is worth, giving my best hours to the business, ending sessions on time, offering payment options, and mentoring. These are my money breakthroughs for 2010.