Sandra Martini's Success Strategies

Blog Tag: 10 Honest Traits About Me...

Hey Everyone,

I've been tagged in a "blog tag" by my friend and Mastermind buddy Nancy Marmolejo of Viva Visibility.  These are so much fun and will give you a little more info on bloggers you like to follow.

The name of the game is for me to share 10 honest things about myself and then invite more people to do the same.

Here goes...

1. I'm a first generation American -- my Dad was from Italy (RIP Dad, I miss you SOOO much!) and my Mom is from England.
2. My friends are constantly telling me I have a career in stand-up comedy if I ever want to go there.
3. My hobbies consist of swimming, gardening, reading, volunteering and learning what I can about Atlantis. 
4. The plane that crashed onto the White House South Lawn on Sept 12, 1994 came close to ruining a Presidential event I had spent months planning and that was to be held later that day -- we held it on the North Lawn instead (AmeriCorps).
5. I inherited my keen intuition, strategic mind and common sense from my Dad -- whenever in doubt, I ask myself "What would Dad do?".
6. Languages come easily to me and I've learned Chinese on a bet, Turkish for a guy, Russian to fight the Cold War (I'm dating myself here), French because no one had ever studied two languages at my high school before and Italian to survive family gatherings (in Italy).
7. I've never eaten a pickle (the smell turns me off) and get sick when in the vicinity of tuna fish.
8. A PETA poster of chickens in the D.C. Metro sytem is what turned me into a vegetarian.
9. One of my goals is to run, and finish, the Boston Marathon.
10. Over the course of 5 years, I had 7 jobs (and turned down 3 others), but only applied for 2 -- the rest were offered to me as a result of my ability to get things done, no matter what.

I now tag the following friends and ask for their 10 honest traits.  They'll then tag 7-10 other people:

Baeth Davis www.handanalyst.com/blog

Adam Urbanski www.themarketingmentors.com

Fabienne Fredrickson  www.clientattractionsystem.com/blog

Elizabeth Potts Weinstein www.thewealthspa.com

Shama Hyder http://clicktoclient.com/blog/

Mari Smith www.marismith.com/blog

Sandy Grason www.theroadtofabulous.com

Wendy Y. Bailey www.wendyy.com

And I'm looking forward to reading Karen Knowler's, Anese Cavanaugh's, Helen Grave's and Kendall SummerHawk's!  :-)

I hope you’re not disappointed

I don't know about you, but I tend to reserve the last two weeks of the year for family, internal team trainings, tweaking and planning for 2009 and generally reflecting over the past year.

As a result, I don't have any coaching client calls or emails and can see JUST how many promotional emails are coming in and, let me say, WOW!

So. . .and I apologize in advance to anyone who's disappointed:

• I'm not going to give you a "one day left" deadline promoting my latest product or service
• I'm not going to warn you of an imminent price increase if you don't sign up NOW
• I'm not going to bombard you with emails telling you there's just TWO LEFT and you better grab one now before they enter the Disney vault

I AM, however, going to sincerely wish you and your family a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!

See you on the other side or on Twitter if you're hangin out there!

Wise Words From David Neagle

I attended a one-day seminar with David Neagle last year and he said something which stuck with me.  To paraphrase…

When you get clear about what you want and you start taking action to change old habits and move toward your goal, the Universe, at times, will throw up roadblocks to ensure you REALLY want to be on your new path.  If you back down, you don’t want it enough.  If you plow through the roadblocks, you’ll get what you want.  As I mentioned in an update to everyone, things since Tucson were going fabulous for me. This week…not so much:

• I was rushed to the hospital because I couldn’t easily breathe on Wednesday.  It turns out I have pleurisy (an infection in the lining of my lung) which they think was caused by my ribs pushing down and enflaming some muscles which in turn put too much pressure on my lung. This put me out of commission for 2 ½ days between the hospital stay, convincing people that my hubby doesn’t abuse me (due to bruised ribs which I can’t explain how I have) and recovering from the painkillers.  I should be back to normal within a week and for the first time ever, I had to reschedule coaching calls.
• My lovely new wallet (which I ADORE) now has a permanent stain (want to guess where I’m going after this posting?) caused by a plastic bag leaking its contents onto it.
• I lost internet for about 12 hours – as I was prepping for a new product launch (which was delayed as a result).

There’s more, but you get the idea…enough upstream there. The downstream of it is that I am NOT giving up, I AM plowing through these little “tests of faith” as I think of them and I AM manifesting my dreams!

If the Universe decides to test you, please join with me and plow through, keeping the faith!  We WILL manifest our dreams!

Your Questions Answered

Hi There!

Ever since announcing that I was selling the pdf version of "How To Find, Hire and Maintain a Successful Virtual Team: A Beginner's Guide" for ONLY $29.00 INCLUDING redistribution rights yesterday, I've gotten the following questions.

To save me some time in answering everyone individually, I'm sending this note out.

Question: What do you mean when you said you are giving "free giveaway rights with purchase"?

Answer: I meant that once you purchase the pdf version for $29.00, you have the ability to email it to clients, prospects, colleagues and friends; you may include it as a f.r.e.e. bonus with products you sell; you may print it and hand it out when giving presentations on working with virtual assistants; etc.

Essentially, you can distribute it in any way you wish EXCEPT that you may NOT charge for it.

Question: Will you be offering an updated version of this document?

Answer: Yes. . .and no. I will be creating an *Advanced Guide* to working with virtual teams -- this will include information for business owners who have worked with virtual assistants and want to build a virtual team.

The new product will not be for beginners.

Question: Is the $29.00 a recurring charge or one-time charge?

Answer: The $29.00 is a one-time charge. There are no other fees associated with this product.

For those of you who missed the limited time offer in yesterday's ezine. . .here it is:

Created especially for coaches, consultants, other service professionals and VAs who want to convert prospects into clients, this beginner's guide walks you through the steps to find, hire and maintain a virtual assistant (or team) in order to skyrocket your profits AND your free time.

• Are you looking to hire a virtual assistant, but don't      know what to do or where to go?
• Are you concerned that once you hire a VA, you won't      know how to give tasks or what to delegate?
• How do VAs get paid? Are they expensive?
• What needs to be in writing before you begin working      with a VA?

Get the answers to the above questions and much more in "How to Find, Hire & Maintain a Successful Virtual Team".

Because this is such an incredible deal at only $29.00, it's good only through Friday, January 11th (midnight Eastern time). Get yours here. . .

Best wishes,

Sandra Martini
The Automatic Business Coach (tm)
Author and Speaker

Happy New Year: Business Planning for a Small Business

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Several of you have emailed asking about my plans for 2008 and when I'll be launching more coaching programs. 

First, let me say “thank you”.  You’re very question shows the value you receive from me and this newsletter.   

I'm very clear on what I'm doing and why, and I'm sharing much of this with you from the start of the year so you know what's coming.  What I’m sharing will tie up some loose ends, update you on some new initiatives and hopefully excite you.  If it doesn't, please let me know what will and I'll see what I can do.  :-)

1. The Automatic Income! Membership Forum

The group membership site will be of use to EVERY small business on the planet no matter what you do and it’s going to be fantastic. This is now in process and will launch in March. This is my most far-reaching project of the year. Stay tuned!

2. Automatic Online Business Builder Mentoring Program

Last year I had so many business owners emailing me asking me if I could coach them how to bring their online business to life as I have done with my own. I really wanted to help you but I can only take on a limited number of private clients and still get everything done.

I decided to create some group coaching programs whereby I could work with up to 24 people over the next 6 to 12 months on a very intimate level to help you get your business vision fully up and running, because not having enough money to do what you love can be one of the greatest sources of pain imaginable when you know what it is that you want to do. If you’re interested in being the first to learn more about these programs, please click here.

3. Automatic Repurposing – Done For You

I’ve put together two very special programs for those of you who would like your article marketing and press release repurposing done for you.  YES…done FOR you!

More information will be sent out this week.

4. The Automatic Business Owner Hardcopy Book

I've been working on this off and on for the past few years and am adding lots of new material.  I'm excited to have this published this year.

5. Coaching and 1-on-1

I am changing the way my coaching works this year and am doing far less 1-on1s than previously.  Last year I coached many people weekly over a period of 3 and 6 months.  This year I’m offering more group programs so if you are interested in private coaching, please email my client relationship manager Gina at Gina@SandraMartini.com to set up a “Get to know you” call with me.

6. Live Workshops

My first live workshop will be held this fall in New England.  It'll be unlike any before it as it includes not only the "what", but all of the "how to" -- there will be a special add-on day for implementation of everything you've learned. 

7.  The Mystery Project

I have a surprise internet project in the works that will blow you away. . .more to come later this month.  :-) 

So that’s my year... or the bits I can share for now! There is a lot more, but my focus is here first. And remember, focus is what gets results! 

I would love to be a part of your vision in 2008, so whether that’s simply keeping you on track with my weekly Success Strategies ezine or connecting with you via one of my coaching programs, I look forward to any or all of them that you choose!

Here’s to a FABULOUS year ahead!

Leading small business expert Sandra Martini is the "Automatic Business Coach." Sandra delivers simple proven, yet innovative, ways entrepreneurs can implement processes and systems to create a waiting list of clients while giving them more money, time, and freedom in their businesses. For free articles, free resources and to sign up for her free audio mini-seminar "5 Quick & Easy Ways to Put Your Marketing on Autopilot" visit www.SandraMartini.com.

The 3 R's: Relax, Reflect and Rejuvenate

Happy Holidays!

During this time of hustle and bustle and running everywhere, it's important to take some time out just for you.

As the New Year approaches, it's easy to be focused only on what's ahead -- to list your goals, make your resolutions and race headfirst into the New Year.

Before you start gearing up for all that's to come however, I encourage you to grab a cup of hot cocoa or tea (my favorites) and take some time to reflect on everything that happened over the past year:

• What were your successes: big AND small?
• What decisions did you make (or not make) and how did they change your life and your business?
• What did you NOT do and why was that?
• What did you try and fail and how did you learn from that experience?
• What *one* new thing did you learn this year that you will take and apply in 2008?

Taking some time to reflect on all that's happened over the past year will insure you enter 2008 prepared for all the joys and successes which are yours to claim.

Best wishes from my family to yours,

Sandra Martini
The Automatic Business Coach (tm)
Author and Speaker

4 Keys To Manifesting Your Reality

"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
-- Napoleon Hill

People generally fail at achieving their goals and completing their projects for one of three reasons: poor systems, not clearly defining their goal/project or self sabotage (conscious or unconscious). We're going to focus on how to get out of your own way in order to overcome obstacles.

Remember the Law of Attraction?

Your predominant thoughts determine your level of "vibration" and the level you vibrate at determines what you attract to yourself.

Since science has determined that, at the fundamental level, everything is vibrating, the question becomes: What level are you vibrating at?

Are your thoughts generally positive or negative? While we all rush to say "Positive!", it's actually easy to tell. . .just take a look at your results. You manifest what you think about (consciously AND unconsciously) and what your mind focuses on expands.

I know you're thinking, "But Sandy, I think good thoughts all the time so why am I still struggling?"

Your unconscious mind can't tell the difference between positive or negative; it just follows the lead from your conscious mind.

When our thoughts run on auto-pilot, our unconscious mind rehashes the thoughts we've programmed into it over the years and yet we are somehow surprised at what shows up in our lives. This is considered creating your life by default.

When we deliberately redirect our thoughts to what we want to create in our lifes however, we are controlling our conscious mind and it begins reprogramming our unconscious.

You can either manifest your reality consciously, by choice, or you can believe that life is random.  Which are you going to do?

Let's look at four ways to get what you consciously choose.

1. Your mindset.

To change your mindset, you must focus on what you DO WANT, not what you don't want. Eliminate phrases such as "I don't want" or "I have to" or "I need" as these phrases focus on the negative and the unconscious mind can't process a negative, so when you say "I don't want to have debt", your unconscious hears "have debt".

Instead, say what you want.  "I want 7 new clients this month" or "I want to make $10,600 this month".  Focus on the positive.

Additionally, it's important for you to reflect on what you have in life and be grateful for it -- every day.

2. Your skills.

Take a look at your goals and evaluate if you currently have the skills to accomplish them. If not, sign up for a course or a teleseminar that will give you those skills. By upgrading your skillset, you automatically tell the universe that you are ready to step up.

3. Your actions.

Your actions should reflect the new mindset you are working on -- your behavior/habits directly support your thoughts. If you want to be a millionaire business owner, start acting like one. Look around your office -- is there clutter everywhere? If so, get rid of it and start thinking of your business as a million dollar business (don't spend recklessly, but invest in yourself and your team).

4. Your environment.

Have you created a Vision Board/Dream Board with pictures of your ideal life? Have you written out your goals and affirmations and put them where you will see them daily?

General consensus says that you are the average of the five people you hang around most. Are you hanging out with people who are supportive of you and your goals and who make you "stretch" just a bit or with people who are always dragging you down (I call them "negative nellies")?

It's your life!  Create an environment that supports, rather than thwarts, you.

Sandra Martini, the Automatic Business Coach, and award-winning author teaches small business owners how to implement processes and systems designed to take them out of the day-to-day running of their business. For more information and to receive her FREE e-course/audio series, ">"5 Quick & Easy Ways To Put Your Marketing on Autopilot", visit http://www.SandraMartini.com

What's holding YOU back?

Hey All,

In looking over the pictures from Alexandria Brown's Private Platinum Mastermind Group (of which I'm a member), I realized something that's always been lurking at the back of my mind...my weight issues are holding me back.

Here's a picture of the entire group:

I'm on the back left (looking at the photo) -- I'm that little face peeking out between other members of the group. :-)

We spent a gorgeous two days in Le Merigot Hotel right on the beach in Santa Monica, California and, despite the camera snapping the whole time, this is the only photo of me.  Every time the camera appeared, I ducked. 

Take a few minutes today and think...what's holding you back from everything you want AND what are you ready to do about it? 

To Your Success,

Sandy