Fun with Flowcharts

Posted on 16 May 2012 by

Draw in Blocks!I love spreadsheets.

I admit that when it comes to spreadsheets – I have about two hundred of them via Google. They were my greatest internet based love..

Until I found the wonder that is the online flowchart.

Then it was like my entire world exploded. I know – I’m geeking out.. but hang with me for a second.

For someone like me who has their business based almost entirely in a virtual capacity, the flowchart has given me the ability to “build” a real structure into my business model and it can do the same for you.

Virtual flowcharts have a place in your business starting right now and here is why and how you should use them..

Why

So what’s a flowchart? A flowchart is essentially a diagram of your business so to make this easy, think about your current business plan and structure. If you are anything like the millions of entrepreneurs out there you’ve probably sketched out a 5 year plan and the organizational structure of your business. You know what your plans are, what the goals are, and the processes and people it takes to make it happen.

But this is all either in files on your computer or in random notepads isn’t it?

With flowcharts the entire process above becomes simplified.

Use flowcharts to draw out your business and visually brainstorm what it takes to make your company happen. You can use these to draw out boxes or circles (or anything you like) to take you step-by-step through the entire building process so instead of having just that text you have a clearly defined and charted out path that leads you straight to success.

How

  • Goal Structures – Use flowcharts to chart out milestones and goals as well as all the tasks or jobs associated with them.
  • Business Structures – Use flowcharts to run you step by step through the processes that need to be in place to build your business. This will help alleviate the confusion about where you need to be next in creating your dream career.
  • Brainstorming – Who doesn’t brainstorm about their business? With flowcharts you can draw out those ideas and separate them, then chart all of the ideas that come from THOSE ideas.. the inspiration is endless!

Where

There are various products on the market today. If you are using InfusionSoft you may find that the most recent function called “Campaign Builder” is exactly what you need. If you are on the net and looking for products, Gliffy is an excellent resource that is tailor made to create flowcharts that inspire you to work harder and more efficiently. DrawAnywhere is also a great program that you can use to make your flowchart and the great news – no downloading!

Trust me. Take the time out to look at how flowcharts can help you build a better business today.

JigsawBox Tip: Ready, Set, Start Your JigsawBox!

Posted on 20 April 2012 by

Let's Start Off Right!JigsawBox was made to be simple and easy to use, which is why we know so many of you out there turned to it in the first place! You wanted something that you could easily understand and impliment in your own coaching business so that your clients had your programs in a timely and conveinent way.

And we love being able to provide that for you! But what we want to do is know that you are taken care of, and for those of you that are new or might have purchased JigsawBox and just have not gotten to it, here is the starter guide that you need to get set up immediately.

Let’s get the basics going!

  • Decide what you are selling.

Before you do anything else, figure out what and how you are going to sell your coaching program. Don’t just stick everything in one box, package it up, and move it out – make it personal. You want your program to be packaged up right and to do this, it means putting in effort. To make your program really sing figure out what your clients really want in an online program. Are they wanting tips and strategies? Are they wanting you to help them with “To Do” Lists and guidelines that are comprehensive? Do they respond best to you when they have your content clear and available?

  • Create your program and package it up.

Once you’ve decided on what you are selling, then it’s time for you to get in there and SELL IT! Once you log into your JigsawBox account, you will be able to do many different things such as creating modules with your content, uploading audio and video, adding questions, creating packages, even adding forums so that you can communicate with your clients! I encourage you to get in there and make those test packages so that you start to fully experience the power of what JigsawBox can do for you.

Some of the important areas to remember:

My Account – This link will allow you to change your personal information so remember to update when needed, and fill out as much information as you can!

My Modules – This is a tab that leads to all of your modules! In this section you are able to upload and create your coaching content including adding those questions and even uploading documents.

My Packages – This tab leads to the place where you see your “finished” package! From here you are able to grab your client link, set your prices, set your terms and conditions, and much more!

Monday Mindset: What else can you do?

Posted on 16 April 2012 by

What do you do?I was reading a post on Bob Howard-Spink’s blog in which he compares to-do lists with Leonardo Da Vinci and suggests that as well as a ‘to-do’ list, we can all benefit from having a ‘things I’ve done’ list. (You can read the complete post at http://dld.bz/brfZr.)

So it got me thinking. Have you ever noticed that there’s something you find easy to do, but which other people admire and regard you as very skilled because you can do it when they find it hard?

Chances are, you acquired that skill in a completely different phase of your life or in a different context, but nonetheless it gave a capability that you can be proud of.
For example, in my 20s, when I did a lot of competitive debating, I never imagined that one day it would give me total confidence in front of a video camera! But when I trace back the origin of my ability to speak to camera without any notes, I’m pretty sure it’s a consequence of many hours spent at a particularly barbaric form of debating known as ‘2-person debating’. (Five minutes to prepare then the toss of a coin decides which side you’re on.)

Whatever the niche that you currently operate in, I’m sure there’s a lot more that you can do and many more activities that you enjoy.

What about making a list of your capabilities? Not the kind of list you make to impress a potential client or to put on a CV. Just a list for your own pleasure. A list of things you can do. To remind you how far you’ve come in your journey through life and to appreciate the opportunities you’ve had.

My list would include: Hanging wallpaper, baking a cake, reversing a canal boat into a berth (you don’t know how impressive that is unless you’ve ever tried it!), ballroom dancing and chairing a meeting with formal progress of a motion in line with Roberts’ Rules of Order. And I might add measuring a man for a bespoke suit but I wouldn’t want to brag…
So, come on, today celebrate the amazing skills that you’ve picked up over the years and revel in the variety of different things you can turn your hand to. There is more to life than niche marketing!

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Guest blog post – written by:
Dianne Lowther Master Trainer of NLP

Dianne Lowther is a Master Trainer of NLP and Principal of Brilliant Minds. She specialises in applications of NLP for leadership and business results.