Howdy ya'll!

Hope Fall is beautiful wherever you are. I have an exciting group coming up in January I wanted to tell you about.

The Frozen to Focused is a 4 month teleclass/coaching/consulting group for folks who are looking to move their program to the next level (or to just get unstuck!).

In the course of the four months, we meet on the phone one a week for an hour each time, discussing various aspects that every program needs to be successful and sustainable. Topics include:

• Start-up Needs (Insurance, formation, etc)
• Strategic Planning
• Finding your Ideal Client
• Message Development
• Marketing Plans, PR, Advertising
• Websites, Brochures, Newsletters
• Selecting your Ideal Herd
• Grantwriting & Funding

We have special guests each month who are experts in their fields, including Mike Sowinski CPA & CFO, Brenda Dammann (who co-wrote the book with me), who specializes in Marketing, Strategic Planning & Message Development, and Elizabeth Barbour, who knows it all about networking and finding your ideal client.

And of course you'll get MORE THAN YOUR FILL of ME!!! Cool!

In a nutshell, this program combines professional consulting, personal mentoring, inspirational experience, & educational information through powerful (but simple) technology to save you time and money & get you on the road to success.

Click here to visit the information page on the HorseSenseBusiness.com website. It's got all the info you need to join! If that doesn't work, go to Equine Assisted Business Consulting section of HorseSenseBusiness.com website, and click on From Frozen to Focused Masters Group.

There is an application process, and we are accepting applications now for January's group. Download your application by visiting this page!

Look forward to having you there!

Shannon

Shannon@HorseSenseOtc.com

The story behind the August Free Monthly Telecall with Dr. Anne Perkins

Well, yesterday was another example of how we may have a plan but must always be willing to adapt in Equine Assisted Practices.

This past month I was asked to be a Graduate Advisor for Prescott College's EAMH & EAL program. (I'm really, really excited about getting back into academia, in some small way, as I miss the environment and the students.) In order to "get oriented" to this school and my role, though, I had to get myself out here to Arizona for the Orientation & Colloquium August 20-23. That entailed me flying out on Wed the 19, the day set aside months ago for our Free Monthly Telecall with Dr. Anne Perkins.

While I made sure I wouldn't be in the air during the call, I could not get from the airport in Phoenix to my hotel in Prescott fast enough to be in my hotel room for the call, which was my goal. At about 20 minutes to the call time (at which point I KNEW I wasn't going to make it to the hotel,) I began looking around for a quiet parking lot for me to host the call on my cell phone. Although I found one, I must say I wasn't looking forward to an hour long call in a car in a parking lot in 100+ degree heat. I began to drive around the small town of Black Canyon City, Arizona.

Suddenly, I spied the joint Visitors Center and Chamber of Commerce for the town in a little shopping area. Thinking it couldn't hurt to ask, I walked in, introduced myself as a business owner in need of a room (a broom closet would do!) to host a telecall for one hour. They graciously gave me a desk and a chair, and I was all set!

So, you never know how your local (or someone else's local) Chamber of Commerce will be of benefit to you. Join your Chamber and get involved!

Happy Trails,

Shanon

I know that many of you are planning to come to Asheville for the EAGALA conference next week. Whether it’s your first time attending a conference or you’re a veteran, here are a few quick tips to help you navigate the event.

1. Set an intention. What do you want this conference to be about for you? What do you want to learn? Who do you want to meet? Set a few clear intentions to help pave the way for a successful experience.
2. Plan ahead. Take time to review the conference agenda. Which speakers do you want to see? What fun things do you want to participate in? 
3. Build in down time. One of the biggest challenges we face when attending a conference is “there’s so much to do? How can I possibly fit it all in?” the answer is you can’t, at least not without running yourself into the ground! Prioritize and know that if you pace yourself, you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience
4. Create a tracking system. You’re going to meet some amazing people during the conference. Set yourself up with a folder to collect information. After you meet someone and get their business card or brochure, take a minute to jot a note or two about that person – what they were wearing, a resource you promised to send to them, a person in common who you know. If you do this, it will help you to follow up when you return home and you’ll be able to continue the relationship. 
5. Enjoy Asheville! Definitely take some time to walk around down town, go for a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway and of course, visit Shannon and the Horse Sense Farm. It’s a beautiful area and you can’t learn, learn, learn all day, can you? Get outside and have some fun!
   

Set yourself up for success and have a great time!

--- Coach Elizabeth
www.elizabethbarbour.com

This week I’m traveling by car through the New Mexico and Arizona desert, and I’ve been amazed by the way flora and fauna survive in such harsh and unforgiving conditions. I’m learning a lot about the desert, and the surprising array of plant life it supports. The rugged terrain reminds me a lot of the current economic crisis we’re all facing.

I get asked nearly every week how clients are weathering the current financial crisis. As it turns out, all of them are doing better than the national averages in their industries and many have continued to grow in spite of the economic downturn. I thought it would be interesting to share the traits and wisdom these leaders shared with me:

Sales Focus
Well before the effects of the financial crisis began, these individuals already had a marketing plan in place and were executing their plans. They did not scrap these plans or downsize their effort.

Agility
If one part of their business started to turn downward, they re-adjusted their focus into new or more profitable areas.

Boldness
Business ownership means taking risks. These owners continued to take risks and did not shy away from the challenges they were facing.

Curiosity
These business owners are always examining their current situation, and looking for opportunities. They’re aware of every facet of their business operations at all times, and figuring out what dynamics are in play.

Planning
Each big decision is carefully planned with the use of strategic and financial information as a guide to help them make the right decisions. They also make sure each decision fits into their plans and budget for the future.

This time of year is ripe for opportunities to network! A lot of people say you don't actually "do" a lot of business during the hectic holiday season but I believe that networking isn't about "doing business" anyway. It's about "building relationships" and that's fun! Some suggestions to help you navigate this time of year...

1. Be discerning with which events you attend. You don't have to attend every single function you are invited to. Decide where you want to invest your time and energy and choose wisely.

2. Talk about something other than business. It's the best way to really get to know people. Find out about people's hobbies or families or where they like to vacation. Your conversations will be much more interesting that way!

3. Remember to listen more than you talk! You'll make friends faster that way when you ask open ended questions and you really hear what the other person is saying. You learn a lot about the person that way and can know if this is someone that you might want to have further contact with.
4. Use the week between Christmas and New Year’s wisely. It’s a great time to meet people for coffee or lunch because business is usually a little bit slower. Simply visit and get to know one another – that’s the spirit of the season anyway.
 
Remember, networking is NOT just about getting business. It's about making friends, finding resources, and learning about all of the interesting people that make up this world. Plus, you never know when you’ll get a referral from someone that you met at a party two years ago! ☺ So remember to give generously and be open to receiving when the timing is right. And mostly, have fun building your circle of friends. Your life will be much richer for it!

All the best to you and your family this holiday season.
--- Coach Elizabeth
www.elizabethbarbour.com

Hey everyone!

Just back in the office after a demonstration at University of North Carolina-Asheville as part of their "Life is Calling" week. Designed by the Career Center at the University to help people "discover their life intention," my husband, Lisa, Liza, Dreamer and Scout all packed up and went to college today!

We set up in the "mini-quad" of the Asheville college campus, and had over 150 students, teachers and the general public join us during the 3-hour event. Richard and I brought step in posts, and set up a 70' area with 2" tape at the top. It was a simple and easy enclosure that I recommend for your calm, well-behaved horses (and clients!).

We invited members of the audience to join us, and facilitated various activities such as "Select & Halter," "Magic Carpet," "4 Hoof Pick-Up," and "Extended Appendages," all simple activities requiring very few props, but uncovering a wealth of information for discussion and reflection. We had over 30 participants in the demos, and lots of students from the Psych Department and a Communications class. I got interviewed by a lot of students from that class!

Dreamer and Scout were excited that the grounds-keepers hadn't mowed, and they tasted (and gave the "high hoof" to) oranges from one onlooker. We all really enjoyed the event, and will definitely bring the horses to college again soon!

Click here to read about other events that are part of "Life is Calling," including a labyrinth and a Feldenkrais workshop. This was a great way to create more awareness about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning!

All the best,

Looking back on how I built my business from 0 clients to 32 last year, I wanted to share the most important resources I used to accomplish it.

The Chamber of Commerce – While you may not get any clients from it, this is the easiest way to get plugged into the community.  If you go to as many events as possible, you will build your contact list from 0 to 300 in a year.

Business Groups – I attend two groups weekly, one that discusses the latest businesses to enter the market, and one that is exclusively for business owners (my target market).  If you spend some time thinking about who to go after, you will find groups of people that fit your client profile.  Meanwhile you are continuing to “network” and insert yourself into the community.

Meet new friends, and your enemies – I went to lunch nearly every day with everyone I could think of that could even remotely help, including my competitors.  It’s amazing the doors that open through the use of food.

Teaching – Go to your local community college and see if they will let you teach a free class related to your field.  This is a HUGE way to recruit new clients, and establish yourself as an expert.

In summary, never discount that next person that you meet at an event such as the ones I described.  You may think that they can’t help you, but believe me when I tell you that business often comes from the person you never thought was even listening.

Mike Sowinski, CPA
www.cfoconsultants.net

Yep, folks, it’s that time of year again. ‘Tis the season for family gatherings, office parties and friendly festivities. The holidays are a great time to connect with friends and family, colleagues and clients in a fun and joyful way! Planning ahead can make the difference between having a jolly holiday season or feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge.

If you’re someone who really enjoys the holidays like I do, I invite you to consider how you can leverage this festive time of year to help your business. Here are some quick tips and ideas…

1. Send holiday greetings to your current clients, past clients and prospective clients. Tip: Send “A Note of Gratitude” in November and beat the December flurry of cards and notes that inevitably float around. You’ll stand out in the crowd.
2. Attend parties where your ideal clients and/or potential referral sources might be hanging out. Tip: ALWAYS carry your business card. Even though you may attend a holiday gathering for primarily social reasons, you never know when you might meet someone who could support your business.
3. Give meaningful and practical gifts. Tip: Make a list of who you’d like to send gifts to (Clients? Colleagues? Referral sources?) then set a budget. Find an item that suits you and order it or buy it now. Avoid the last minute scramble which creates stress and leads to unoriginal greetings.

Remember, the idea of the holidays is to express thanks and joy for the wonderful people in your life. It’s not about how much you spend or how outrageously cute and creative you can be… it’s more about letting people know you care about them and you appreciate their contributions to your business and life. Be genuine and real. Be yourself and let your passion for your work and what you do shine through!

 
--- Coach Elizabeth
www.elizabethbarbour.com

I’ve been Shannon’s business coach for over two years now. In that time, I have witnessed Shannon’s transformation from a “lone ranger” entrepreneur to a “we’re stronger as a herd” leader. She’s much happier, less stressed and more financially successful as a result!

Consider the following two ways that you can start to create community right now as you build or expand your EAP/EAL business:

1.  Your Virtual Team: Your advisors, contract employees, the experts

Don’t try to do everything yourself! Shannon learned that trying to either do things herself or ask her highly skilled therapists and equine specialists to do marketing activities just wasn’t cutting it. Different contractors Shannon has worked with over the years: a graphic designer, a website designer, a writer, a marketing consultant, a financial consultant, a leadership consultant and, oh yes, me as her life & business coach!

Inspired Action: Assess your daily activities. What would you like to delegate to another expert that would free up your time to focus on your unique strengths? Choose one thing today and make that call!

2. Your Community: Your competitors, your supports, your referral sources, your neighbors

The more you know who these people are – face to face, live and in person – the stronger relationships you’ll be able to build with them. This means getting out and networking (click here to read posts on my blog about networking) in your community. It takes time, but the rewards are great.

Inspired Action: Make a list of all the places you could go to network. Ask your friends and read the newspaper. Choose one event to attend and mark it on your calendar today!

--- Elizabeth Barbour, Shannon’s business coach and an ardent supporter in her fan club!

www.elizabethbarbour.com