Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Getting unstuck article from CNN.com
This is an article that I found from CNN.com. The direct link is http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/worklife/08/01/wlb.life.coaches/
Enjoy,
Spencer Combs
www.spencercombs.com
By A. Pawlowski CNN
(CNN) -- "Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?"
Seeking serenity or direction in your life? The growing number of life coaches want to help.
It's one of those questions many job-seekers dread during an interview, but it can be daunting to answer on a personal level as well. Amid all your responsibilities, activities and projects, it's sometimes hard to see the big picture and easy to become overwhelmed or feel like you're lacking direction.
That's where a life coach can come in.
"If you are frustrated with an aspect of your life, not sure how to stop making the same choices you keep making or just want to have more happiness, peace of mind and passion -- life coaching can do that for you," says Rhonda Britten, founder of the Fearless Living Institute.
Life coaches can specialize in areas like relationships, careers or personal growth. They promise to motivate, offer support when clients need a boost in confidence and help them decide which direction to take. Quiz: Are you off balance? »
"In a perfect world, everyone could figure this out for him or herself, but we live in such a complicated time ... that most of us need all the help we can get," says life coach Libby Gill.
A big part of the process is figuring out where you are in life and where you want to be, but for many people, being asked to set personal goals is akin to being told to eat your broccoli.
Don't Miss
Having It All: Work-Life Balance
A day in the life of a life coach
Elizabeth Scott, life coach and a stress management expert for About.com, says she can help them get unstuck.
"Often, people need someone to help them take the dreams they have in their heads -- the visions of what they want to do next with their lives -- and do the work to make them a reality," she explains.
Growing ranks
Life coaches are part of a growing profession. The International Coach Federation (ICF) says it has more than 12,000 members worldwide, or double the amount just five years ago. In a survey commissioned by the ICF last year, 16 percent said their coaching specialty is "life vision and enhancement," the third most popular area behind executive and leadership coaching.
The survey also found that women make up more than half the clientele of professional coaches.
Britten, who's been a life coach for 12 years and was featured on the reality TV series "Starting Over," says a typical client is age 35 to 55, is "at a crossroads, must make a decision and is sick of choosing out of safety and fear."
Don't expect a therapy session when you meet with a life coach. While some have a background in counseling, the process is different.
"In simplistic terms, a therapist is [there] to heal the wounds of the past, and a life coach supports you in moving your life forward," Britten says. "My rule of thumb: If a client tries to convince me of someone else's wrongdoing more than three times, I know they are not ready to move forward, and I suggest therapy might be a more appropriate option."
Scott says another big difference is that therapists try to help people with problems, while coaches help already healthy people improve their lives.
It's also important to remember that life coaches are not regulated. There are numerous coach training programs across the country, but no one national standard for certification. Associations like the International Coach Federation have their own credentialing programs, but there is no requirement for anyone who wants to practice life coaching to take part.
Mental health experts say life coaches can help improve someone's life, provided they're qualified.
"Learning skills to handle stress, adversities and other life challenges -- regardless of the source -- is a positive step for any person," says psychologist Dr. David Shern, president and CEO of the nonprofit group Mental Health America.
He urges anyone interested in going to a life coach to research the profession thoroughly, and he says that life coaches are probably not the best solution for people with serious mental health problems like depression.
"In addition, only a fraction of people can afford this type of personalized care," Shern says.
Finding a coach
Just like hiring any professional, you should do some homework and shop around before choosing a life coach. Since it's someone you'll be working with closely, and probably revealing a lot of personal information to, it's key to look for someone with whom you feel at ease.
"As with any relationship, it's important for coach and client to 'click' interpersonally. You need to be comfortable with your coach's personality and communication style," Scott says.
The International Coach Federation recommends talking to three prospective candidates and requesting two or more references from each. It advises asking the coaches lots of questions, including how much experience they have, how many people they've worked with and what specific successes they've had in helping their clients.
"The best way to find out which coach is best for you is to ask for a sample session and then use that time to get coached on a real problem, not to ask questions about coaching," Britten says. "Trust yourself. If the coach isn't supporting you right off the bat, say 'thank you' and move on," she adds.
Working with a coach
Once you've found a life coach, be prepared to open your mind and your wallet. Britten says an hour-long session with one can cost from $40 to more than $500. (She charges $400 for a 50-minute session.)
Many coaches require a three-month commitment to start, and you're likely to talk with them once a week, in person or by phone.
"Remember that you get out of the coaching experience what you put into it, so hire a coach when you're ready to make changes, and devote your attention to doing the work," Scott advises.
"A coach can be a powerful asset, but they will work in a partnership with you, and you determine where you want that partnership to go."
Enjoy,
Spencer Combs
www.spencercombs.com
By A. Pawlowski CNN
(CNN) -- "Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?"
Seeking serenity or direction in your life? The growing number of life coaches want to help.
It's one of those questions many job-seekers dread during an interview, but it can be daunting to answer on a personal level as well. Amid all your responsibilities, activities and projects, it's sometimes hard to see the big picture and easy to become overwhelmed or feel like you're lacking direction.
That's where a life coach can come in.
"If you are frustrated with an aspect of your life, not sure how to stop making the same choices you keep making or just want to have more happiness, peace of mind and passion -- life coaching can do that for you," says Rhonda Britten, founder of the Fearless Living Institute.
Life coaches can specialize in areas like relationships, careers or personal growth. They promise to motivate, offer support when clients need a boost in confidence and help them decide which direction to take. Quiz: Are you off balance? »
"In a perfect world, everyone could figure this out for him or herself, but we live in such a complicated time ... that most of us need all the help we can get," says life coach Libby Gill.
A big part of the process is figuring out where you are in life and where you want to be, but for many people, being asked to set personal goals is akin to being told to eat your broccoli.
Don't Miss
Having It All: Work-Life Balance
A day in the life of a life coach
Elizabeth Scott, life coach and a stress management expert for About.com, says she can help them get unstuck.
"Often, people need someone to help them take the dreams they have in their heads -- the visions of what they want to do next with their lives -- and do the work to make them a reality," she explains.
Growing ranks
Life coaches are part of a growing profession. The International Coach Federation (ICF) says it has more than 12,000 members worldwide, or double the amount just five years ago. In a survey commissioned by the ICF last year, 16 percent said their coaching specialty is "life vision and enhancement," the third most popular area behind executive and leadership coaching.
The survey also found that women make up more than half the clientele of professional coaches.
Britten, who's been a life coach for 12 years and was featured on the reality TV series "Starting Over," says a typical client is age 35 to 55, is "at a crossroads, must make a decision and is sick of choosing out of safety and fear."
Don't expect a therapy session when you meet with a life coach. While some have a background in counseling, the process is different.
"In simplistic terms, a therapist is [there] to heal the wounds of the past, and a life coach supports you in moving your life forward," Britten says. "My rule of thumb: If a client tries to convince me of someone else's wrongdoing more than three times, I know they are not ready to move forward, and I suggest therapy might be a more appropriate option."
Scott says another big difference is that therapists try to help people with problems, while coaches help already healthy people improve their lives.
It's also important to remember that life coaches are not regulated. There are numerous coach training programs across the country, but no one national standard for certification. Associations like the International Coach Federation have their own credentialing programs, but there is no requirement for anyone who wants to practice life coaching to take part.
Mental health experts say life coaches can help improve someone's life, provided they're qualified.
"Learning skills to handle stress, adversities and other life challenges -- regardless of the source -- is a positive step for any person," says psychologist Dr. David Shern, president and CEO of the nonprofit group Mental Health America.
He urges anyone interested in going to a life coach to research the profession thoroughly, and he says that life coaches are probably not the best solution for people with serious mental health problems like depression.
"In addition, only a fraction of people can afford this type of personalized care," Shern says.
Finding a coach
Just like hiring any professional, you should do some homework and shop around before choosing a life coach. Since it's someone you'll be working with closely, and probably revealing a lot of personal information to, it's key to look for someone with whom you feel at ease.
"As with any relationship, it's important for coach and client to 'click' interpersonally. You need to be comfortable with your coach's personality and communication style," Scott says.
The International Coach Federation recommends talking to three prospective candidates and requesting two or more references from each. It advises asking the coaches lots of questions, including how much experience they have, how many people they've worked with and what specific successes they've had in helping their clients.
"The best way to find out which coach is best for you is to ask for a sample session and then use that time to get coached on a real problem, not to ask questions about coaching," Britten says. "Trust yourself. If the coach isn't supporting you right off the bat, say 'thank you' and move on," she adds.
Working with a coach
Once you've found a life coach, be prepared to open your mind and your wallet. Britten says an hour-long session with one can cost from $40 to more than $500. (She charges $400 for a 50-minute session.)
Many coaches require a three-month commitment to start, and you're likely to talk with them once a week, in person or by phone.
"Remember that you get out of the coaching experience what you put into it, so hire a coach when you're ready to make changes, and devote your attention to doing the work," Scott advises.
"A coach can be a powerful asset, but they will work in a partnership with you, and you determine where you want that partnership to go."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Creating a Compelling Future
Creating a compelling future
by Spencer Combs
The purpose of doing so is profound. Allow me first to propose a question. How much of your time do you spend looking into the past? How much time is focused on your future? With that ratio in mind, are you emotionally connecting yourself to where you are going, or where have been? If you spend more time looking back, do you know where you are going? Conversely, if you look forward all the time, have you learned from your past? There must be a good balance to have a life by design. That's what a compelling future is all about.
Have you ever paid attention to the amount of incessant conditioning going on around you? People and companies are constantly bombarding you with their painted desire for your life. Through this marketing, you now "feel" that to be a successful person you must be driving a certain car, have certain memberships, drink a certain drink, live a specific way, etc... The amazing thing is how much of that do you actually believe? Most of us would immediately retort with, "not ME!" Ok, maybe not you. You won't fool anyone though that if you watch several hours of love stories on TV that you would not feel much more warm and fuzzy. Or if you watched a few action movies that most of you would not have a much more aggressive or adventurous tendency. Are you "feeling" me yet? To be balanced, there is a fair amount of conditioning that takes place benefiting you out there too; reading spiritual books, going to worship services, listening and watching material that is in tune with your values, and much more. The question is however, are you consciously living YOUR compelling future, or merely living out someone else's for you?
A compelling future can be defined as "a representation of a future state or experience which is so well realized and powerful that it has a compelling effect on you in the present". It is what creates inspiration in your life. Motivation moves someone from the rear, inspiration pulls you to it. Motivation can be temporary, inspiration can be life-long. Many high achievers in sports and business have a strong grasp on using this tool. They have already seen themselves making that winning goal, or receiving that reward, or finalizing that certain deal. Having already experienced it in their mind, they have created a compelling feeling that exists now. This is what shapes their behavior and makes them attached to the outcome. The more clear and vivid the picture, the more irresistible that future is. I believe now you have a good understanding of what a compelling future is. But how do we create it?
Many of my coaching clients have been over the 10 minute conditioning exercise I will now go over with all of you. If you know about this, then you can attest to the power of it. If not, this is the single most powerful thing you can do to create focus for yourself or your organization. Because we are dealing with the "future" part of the exercise, then we are only talking about the last 5 minutes of it. The first 5 minutes involves anchoring yourself into a state of gratitude based on your end values. For the second 5 minutes we move into a visualization process. Here lies the core of our compelling future. Where do you see yourself years down the road? That may be difficult for some of you to imagine because you don't generally do that. Maybe you think of past failures or everything that must happen between now and then. There will be time for that later. You MUST first decide where you choose to be. Be the little boy or girl in Santa's lap. Have fun with it. If you are skeptical, the bottom line is you are scared. Past failures, past let downs, previous circumstances have stunted your ability to have full faith in your abilities. May I remind you that Jesus said that with the faith of a mustard seed we can move a mountain. Not to take it out of context, because I am aware that faith in Him can do that, but never underestimate the talents, abilities, and resources that He gave to YOU to make that happen. Back to the process, get very clear on what you want and desire. Napoleon Hill referred to it as the ability to use "auto-suggestion". Whatever you call it, do it. Draw the picture out for yourself way down the road. Then move it in closer and closer all the way down to today. What do you see? Who is there with you? What do you hear around you? How does it make you feel? The more you feel it, the more irresistible it will be to you.
You see, goals are not about what you get at the end. It's about who you become along the way. If your future compels you enough, you will adjust your behavior. What you value will align itself with that future. This conditioning will do two major things for you.
Creates the Why so that you can implement the How.
Talking about it, visioning it, and wanting it will not do anything for us without DOING something toward it. We will go more into detail about this next week when we discuss chunking.
Creates Focus for our reticular activation system
Ok, Ok, enough of the big terms I know. Our minds are constantly filtering out stuff. When you create a compelling future, your brain now has something to hone in on and knows what to filter out. Ever notice how things "just happen" when you started to think about it? That's no mistake, that's the RAS at work.
One of the most beautiful things about life is that you can allow today to effect every tomorrow thereafter. The question is, how will you decide to let it effect your tomorrow? "Your past does not have to equal your future" as Anthony Robbins so often states. Maybe you are tired of living other people's compelling future. If that is so, take back your future and make it your own. Don't just make it your own though, make it compelling.
That's all for this week. I would love to hear your comments down below. Until next time, Keep Moving Forward!
Your Coach,
Spencer Combs
by Spencer Combs
The purpose of doing so is profound. Allow me first to propose a question. How much of your time do you spend looking into the past? How much time is focused on your future? With that ratio in mind, are you emotionally connecting yourself to where you are going, or where have been? If you spend more time looking back, do you know where you are going? Conversely, if you look forward all the time, have you learned from your past? There must be a good balance to have a life by design. That's what a compelling future is all about.
Have you ever paid attention to the amount of incessant conditioning going on around you? People and companies are constantly bombarding you with their painted desire for your life. Through this marketing, you now "feel" that to be a successful person you must be driving a certain car, have certain memberships, drink a certain drink, live a specific way, etc... The amazing thing is how much of that do you actually believe? Most of us would immediately retort with, "not ME!" Ok, maybe not you. You won't fool anyone though that if you watch several hours of love stories on TV that you would not feel much more warm and fuzzy. Or if you watched a few action movies that most of you would not have a much more aggressive or adventurous tendency. Are you "feeling" me yet? To be balanced, there is a fair amount of conditioning that takes place benefiting you out there too; reading spiritual books, going to worship services, listening and watching material that is in tune with your values, and much more. The question is however, are you consciously living YOUR compelling future, or merely living out someone else's for you?
A compelling future can be defined as "a representation of a future state or experience which is so well realized and powerful that it has a compelling effect on you in the present". It is what creates inspiration in your life. Motivation moves someone from the rear, inspiration pulls you to it. Motivation can be temporary, inspiration can be life-long. Many high achievers in sports and business have a strong grasp on using this tool. They have already seen themselves making that winning goal, or receiving that reward, or finalizing that certain deal. Having already experienced it in their mind, they have created a compelling feeling that exists now. This is what shapes their behavior and makes them attached to the outcome. The more clear and vivid the picture, the more irresistible that future is. I believe now you have a good understanding of what a compelling future is. But how do we create it?
Many of my coaching clients have been over the 10 minute conditioning exercise I will now go over with all of you. If you know about this, then you can attest to the power of it. If not, this is the single most powerful thing you can do to create focus for yourself or your organization. Because we are dealing with the "future" part of the exercise, then we are only talking about the last 5 minutes of it. The first 5 minutes involves anchoring yourself into a state of gratitude based on your end values. For the second 5 minutes we move into a visualization process. Here lies the core of our compelling future. Where do you see yourself years down the road? That may be difficult for some of you to imagine because you don't generally do that. Maybe you think of past failures or everything that must happen between now and then. There will be time for that later. You MUST first decide where you choose to be. Be the little boy or girl in Santa's lap. Have fun with it. If you are skeptical, the bottom line is you are scared. Past failures, past let downs, previous circumstances have stunted your ability to have full faith in your abilities. May I remind you that Jesus said that with the faith of a mustard seed we can move a mountain. Not to take it out of context, because I am aware that faith in Him can do that, but never underestimate the talents, abilities, and resources that He gave to YOU to make that happen. Back to the process, get very clear on what you want and desire. Napoleon Hill referred to it as the ability to use "auto-suggestion". Whatever you call it, do it. Draw the picture out for yourself way down the road. Then move it in closer and closer all the way down to today. What do you see? Who is there with you? What do you hear around you? How does it make you feel? The more you feel it, the more irresistible it will be to you.
You see, goals are not about what you get at the end. It's about who you become along the way. If your future compels you enough, you will adjust your behavior. What you value will align itself with that future. This conditioning will do two major things for you.
Creates the Why so that you can implement the How.
Talking about it, visioning it, and wanting it will not do anything for us without DOING something toward it. We will go more into detail about this next week when we discuss chunking.
Creates Focus for our reticular activation system
Ok, Ok, enough of the big terms I know. Our minds are constantly filtering out stuff. When you create a compelling future, your brain now has something to hone in on and knows what to filter out. Ever notice how things "just happen" when you started to think about it? That's no mistake, that's the RAS at work.
One of the most beautiful things about life is that you can allow today to effect every tomorrow thereafter. The question is, how will you decide to let it effect your tomorrow? "Your past does not have to equal your future" as Anthony Robbins so often states. Maybe you are tired of living other people's compelling future. If that is so, take back your future and make it your own. Don't just make it your own though, make it compelling.
That's all for this week. I would love to hear your comments down below. Until next time, Keep Moving Forward!
Your Coach,
Spencer Combs
Friday, October 17, 2008
I made it to San Diego!
by Spencer Combs
This morning started early for me at 4am in Charlotte, NC. After catching the flight from there to Houston, I eventually ended up in San Diego, CA. No hassles, no complaints. I am now settled in to my hotel in the beautiful area of Salano Beach. The views coming over here were awesome. I am truly blessed to have the upcoming classes here in this setting.
I plan to come and write a short update on what we are doing and the progress along the way. Right now, I'm getting some long needed rest and I will be at my class in the morning. By the end of this 16 day training, I will have earned my NLP Master Practitioner's license along with my Business Coach and Life Coach designations. This is very exciting for me and I am looking forward to bringing it back to all my current clients and so many more to come.
Until tomorrow... Keep Moving Forward!
Your Coach,
Spencer
www.spencercombs.com
This morning started early for me at 4am in Charlotte, NC. After catching the flight from there to Houston, I eventually ended up in San Diego, CA. No hassles, no complaints. I am now settled in to my hotel in the beautiful area of Salano Beach. The views coming over here were awesome. I am truly blessed to have the upcoming classes here in this setting.
I plan to come and write a short update on what we are doing and the progress along the way. Right now, I'm getting some long needed rest and I will be at my class in the morning. By the end of this 16 day training, I will have earned my NLP Master Practitioner's license along with my Business Coach and Life Coach designations. This is very exciting for me and I am looking forward to bringing it back to all my current clients and so many more to come.
Until tomorrow... Keep Moving Forward!
Your Coach,
Spencer
www.spencercombs.com
Friday, October 10, 2008
What can an 11 year old girl teach us all?
What can an 11 year old girl teach us all?
By Spencer D. Combs Jr.
Just this past week we held our M-Powering Event in Columbia, SC. During the course of the event we teach a great deal of strategies in creating powerful changes in our mindset, develop personal patterns to success, and study the science of making a breakthrough. We use a board breaking exercise as awesome metaphor for what we have learned. We then create a plan of action before leaving so that lives are changed forever.
As usual, I brought along 2 of our daughters to the event to participate as staff with the rest of the crew. Our oldest (11 years) has been a part of this program before. With that said, she has done the board breaking with flying colors. In that event, she was actually a strong focal point because she was the first to do it. Her poise, her focus, her energy was obvious. This time around however turned out to be a totally different experience for her.
After a total of 6 or 7 attempts, she did in fact make her breakthrough. The lessons that were taken away this time were even more profound for her this time and for everyone involved too. You see, she was physically shaken by her inability to make it happen. She went through the cycles of getting frustrated, upset, disappointed, and almost giving up. As the crowd recognized her internal struggle, support started flowing in her direction with a great deal of intensity. I then stepped in and coached her through the mechanics and put her back into the necessary state. I let her go and WHAM! She made her breakthrough! The room was in awe once again and she stole the show just as before.
I then had the conversation later that evening to help clarify for her what actually took place. I asked her what was different this time for her and what was the pivotal difference for her. Her response was rather candid (as it usually is)..."I thought it would be easy". As you can imagine, having done this before with no challenge before, her expectation was high and did not go through the basics of the strategy. It was only upon getting back to the basics that she made her breakthrough. I commended her on her tenacity and willingness not to give up. She simply followed the feedback model we teach and made it happen. Through the tears, the nervousness, the frustration...she made it happen! For that, I respect her and am proud.
What can we learn?
Well, we all too often approach areas of our life as a routine. "I've done this before", "It's not that hard". We get caught up with this kind of thinking. We must remember the basics. We forget the basics when we approach our business. We dismiss the basics when it comes to our relationships. We bypass the basics with our finances. If you are having difficulty with making the changes in an area, get back to the basics. Are you making the calls that got you started in the business? Are you saying I Love you and mean it? Are you playing the money game with a plan? These are just some of the things that an 11 year old girl taught me. What ahas have you had? Just let us know here on the blog. Until then...Keep Moving Forward!
Your Coach,
Spencer Combs
www.mpoweringevent.com
By Spencer D. Combs Jr.
Just this past week we held our M-Powering Event in Columbia, SC. During the course of the event we teach a great deal of strategies in creating powerful changes in our mindset, develop personal patterns to success, and study the science of making a breakthrough. We use a board breaking exercise as awesome metaphor for what we have learned. We then create a plan of action before leaving so that lives are changed forever.
As usual, I brought along 2 of our daughters to the event to participate as staff with the rest of the crew. Our oldest (11 years) has been a part of this program before. With that said, she has done the board breaking with flying colors. In that event, she was actually a strong focal point because she was the first to do it. Her poise, her focus, her energy was obvious. This time around however turned out to be a totally different experience for her.
After a total of 6 or 7 attempts, she did in fact make her breakthrough. The lessons that were taken away this time were even more profound for her this time and for everyone involved too. You see, she was physically shaken by her inability to make it happen. She went through the cycles of getting frustrated, upset, disappointed, and almost giving up. As the crowd recognized her internal struggle, support started flowing in her direction with a great deal of intensity. I then stepped in and coached her through the mechanics and put her back into the necessary state. I let her go and WHAM! She made her breakthrough! The room was in awe once again and she stole the show just as before.
I then had the conversation later that evening to help clarify for her what actually took place. I asked her what was different this time for her and what was the pivotal difference for her. Her response was rather candid (as it usually is)..."I thought it would be easy". As you can imagine, having done this before with no challenge before, her expectation was high and did not go through the basics of the strategy. It was only upon getting back to the basics that she made her breakthrough. I commended her on her tenacity and willingness not to give up. She simply followed the feedback model we teach and made it happen. Through the tears, the nervousness, the frustration...she made it happen! For that, I respect her and am proud.
What can we learn?
Well, we all too often approach areas of our life as a routine. "I've done this before", "It's not that hard". We get caught up with this kind of thinking. We must remember the basics. We forget the basics when we approach our business. We dismiss the basics when it comes to our relationships. We bypass the basics with our finances. If you are having difficulty with making the changes in an area, get back to the basics. Are you making the calls that got you started in the business? Are you saying I Love you and mean it? Are you playing the money game with a plan? These are just some of the things that an 11 year old girl taught me. What ahas have you had? Just let us know here on the blog. Until then...Keep Moving Forward!
Your Coach,
Spencer Combs
www.mpoweringevent.com
Monday, September 22, 2008
Veterans and Rookies have the same problem today…experience!
By Spencer Combs
How many times have we been told, reminded, and even shared with others the old adage, “it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it that matters”? Many times easier said than done I think, and very true however. Today’s economy is what it is. This article is directed to all of the constant questions I get regarding the struggles new individuals are having as well as the veterans.
After working with so many people and really giving this some thought, I noticed two different responses to the circumstances and yet ONE common denominator. I see the ones who are able to “roll with it” and adjust. I also see the ones who just don’t “get it”. I propose that the common denominator in both of these situations is experience.
You see, for newcomers on the scene that stay focused on the need for this coveted trait and how they don’t have it, will struggle. The newcomer will do well in focusing on creating new experiences. This way they will create the experience they feel they need. If you are new to the business, I believe you have an advantage right now because you do not have any “experience” to hold on to. This is the challenge with so many veterans in field. The Law of Familiarity sets in for them.
For the veteran with the experience, they have a tendency to focus on their past. It grates me to no end to hear these individuals who feel they are above the fundamentals of their trade. “I shouldn’t have to make the calls…I don’t need to beg”. Do what? When I ask these veterans what changes in their strategy have they made to accommodate the shifts in the market, I get the usual responses…”I just need to work harder and stay more focused”. Well, to a degree I will agree. I would also be quick to point out to you that now is not the time to do things just the same old way either. Do you remember the days before the MLS was online? How about the days before buyer agency? There were some veterans then too who would not let go of their MLS books and still think that the reason to advertise a house is to get the buyer for it. You and I both know that we can find property searched and sorted in just about any way we want through the internet and that the primary purpose of advertising is to get potential buyers to contact you, thus getting into a buyer agency agreement. Experience can sometimes kill your career if you get too familiar with the terrain.
If you are the rookie, focus on getting results. The experience will come.
If you are the veteran, focus on getting results. New experiences will come.
Don’t let EX-perience make you an EX-agent.
Your Coach,
Spencer Combs
How many times have we been told, reminded, and even shared with others the old adage, “it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it that matters”? Many times easier said than done I think, and very true however. Today’s economy is what it is. This article is directed to all of the constant questions I get regarding the struggles new individuals are having as well as the veterans.
After working with so many people and really giving this some thought, I noticed two different responses to the circumstances and yet ONE common denominator. I see the ones who are able to “roll with it” and adjust. I also see the ones who just don’t “get it”. I propose that the common denominator in both of these situations is experience.
You see, for newcomers on the scene that stay focused on the need for this coveted trait and how they don’t have it, will struggle. The newcomer will do well in focusing on creating new experiences. This way they will create the experience they feel they need. If you are new to the business, I believe you have an advantage right now because you do not have any “experience” to hold on to. This is the challenge with so many veterans in field. The Law of Familiarity sets in for them.
For the veteran with the experience, they have a tendency to focus on their past. It grates me to no end to hear these individuals who feel they are above the fundamentals of their trade. “I shouldn’t have to make the calls…I don’t need to beg”. Do what? When I ask these veterans what changes in their strategy have they made to accommodate the shifts in the market, I get the usual responses…”I just need to work harder and stay more focused”. Well, to a degree I will agree. I would also be quick to point out to you that now is not the time to do things just the same old way either. Do you remember the days before the MLS was online? How about the days before buyer agency? There were some veterans then too who would not let go of their MLS books and still think that the reason to advertise a house is to get the buyer for it. You and I both know that we can find property searched and sorted in just about any way we want through the internet and that the primary purpose of advertising is to get potential buyers to contact you, thus getting into a buyer agency agreement. Experience can sometimes kill your career if you get too familiar with the terrain.
If you are the rookie, focus on getting results. The experience will come.
If you are the veteran, focus on getting results. New experiences will come.
Don’t let EX-perience make you an EX-agent.
Your Coach,
Spencer Combs
Saturday, September 13, 2008
100 Day Challenge for Real Estate Postings
Hello there!
Take a moment and post below your comments along the way on your 100 day challenge. If you are not in the 100 day challenge, and you are a real estate agent, take a moment and sign up for the challenge.
Take a moment and post below your comments along the way on your 100 day challenge. If you are not in the 100 day challenge, and you are a real estate agent, take a moment and sign up for the challenge.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
What are you doing on October 4th?
Spencer Combs
I just wanted to send a quick invitation to you guys and give you a heads up on a $147 value that is being sold for only $30! On Saturday October 4th, we will be having our next M-Powering Event at the Embassy Suites in Columbia, SC. We have released 100 tickets for $30 and the sale ends on Wed the 1st. To get that deal, you must logon to www.mpoweringevent.com and type in the coupon code below:
The M-powering Event is a full day event with well known results coach Spencer Combs, who has impacted hundreds of lives from all over the Southeast. Combs invites you to a full day of powerful immersion into a whole new way of thinking, powerful exercises, and useable strategies in getting you on the right track to a life you may have thought was impossible before.
I just wanted to send a quick invitation to you guys and give you a heads up on a $147 value that is being sold for only $30! On Saturday October 4th, we will be having our next M-Powering Event at the Embassy Suites in Columbia, SC. We have released 100 tickets for $30 and the sale ends on Wed the 1st. To get that deal, you must logon to www.mpoweringevent.com and type in the coupon code below:
HugeValue
If you know of anyone else that would benefit from taking time out for themselves, please forward this information along to them. Thank you.
Revolutionize your life!
The M-powering Event is a full day event with well known results coach Spencer Combs, who has impacted hundreds of lives from all over the Southeast. Combs invites you to a full day of powerful immersion into a whole new way of thinking, powerful exercises, and useable strategies in getting you on the right track to a life you may have thought was impossible before.
For more information and testimonials go to www.mpoweringevent.com
Your Coach,
Spencer Combs
Tell me something I don't know...
by Spencer Combs
A few weeks ago in Charlotte, NC I had the opportunity to conduct a workshop in a large Real Estate office in the University area there. After the 1 hour event was over I offered to give free 30 minute evaluations immediately after which did turn out to be fruitful for about 9 people. Out of the nine, there was one in particular that I would like to share with you because every time I approach potential clients for our services, I know they have similar questions. Few people however have the audacity to actually ask me. I welcome them.
So here I was calmly welcoming each agent one by one into a very nice conference room. I felt like I was on a roll. One after the other, we addressed their situations, identified obstacles and created "mini-strategies". All in 30 minutes each. That roll eventually caught up with "agent x".
This agent walked into the conference room with a high level of dignity about her and cordially sat in the seat at the head of the table where I had motioned. I briefly welcomed her too into this session when she very succinctly cut the chase and said "Tell me something I don't already know". Well to say the least she threw me off at first, and that is not easy to do usually. Let me share the start of the conversation here:
Agent: Tell me something I don't already know
Spencer: OK, well... tell me what you do know first and we'll see
Agent: Well, I've read all these books, I've been to plenty of classes and training, I've heard audios, basically I've heard it all.
Spencer: Sounds like you have alot of knowledge about what it takes to be successful in this business, yes?
Agent: I would like to think so
Spencer: So how's business for you?
Agent: oh, two listings last year, a sale, and one referral
Spencer: How about this year?
Agent: Nothing yet
Spencer: When did you get into the business?
Agent: About a year and half ago
Spencer: So, what do you think has kept you from doing what you already know?
Agent: I,m not really sure. I just kinda stay in a shell and want everything perfect before I do it
Spencer: So you're not playing full out?
Agent: Kind of. I know what to do, I'm just not doing it.
Spencer: That's actually how I got into the coaching business. I saw plenty of stuff out there with content. You know the programs available... One after the other claiming to have the silver bullet to double your business. The phenomenon that I witnessed was the amount of people that produced results and the multitudes that did not. I eventually starting asking what was difference between these two groups of people. It boiled down to mindset and action.
I went on at that point to explain that to create any change or growth at a rapid pace, you need 3 components.
1. Immersion 2. Repetition 3. Accountability
This agent had the first two. She had gotten all of the long and neccessary classes and seminars. She was consistent with her reading and audio. What she was missing was accountability. Until you have the appropriate accountability to inspire you, you will continue to have a head knowledge - not experiential knowledge. I will post another article about accountability at a later date. Until then, think about where you have accountability or where you should get some.
With that said, "it is not what you don't know that stops you, its what you do know that you don't do that stops you" --Spencer Combs
Until next time,
Your Coach - Spencer
A few weeks ago in Charlotte, NC I had the opportunity to conduct a workshop in a large Real Estate office in the University area there. After the 1 hour event was over I offered to give free 30 minute evaluations immediately after which did turn out to be fruitful for about 9 people. Out of the nine, there was one in particular that I would like to share with you because every time I approach potential clients for our services, I know they have similar questions. Few people however have the audacity to actually ask me. I welcome them.
So here I was calmly welcoming each agent one by one into a very nice conference room. I felt like I was on a roll. One after the other, we addressed their situations, identified obstacles and created "mini-strategies". All in 30 minutes each. That roll eventually caught up with "agent x".
This agent walked into the conference room with a high level of dignity about her and cordially sat in the seat at the head of the table where I had motioned. I briefly welcomed her too into this session when she very succinctly cut the chase and said "Tell me something I don't already know". Well to say the least she threw me off at first, and that is not easy to do usually. Let me share the start of the conversation here:
Agent: Tell me something I don't already know
Spencer: OK, well... tell me what you do know first and we'll see
Agent: Well, I've read all these books, I've been to plenty of classes and training, I've heard audios, basically I've heard it all.
Spencer: Sounds like you have alot of knowledge about what it takes to be successful in this business, yes?
Agent: I would like to think so
Spencer: So how's business for you?
Agent: oh, two listings last year, a sale, and one referral
Spencer: How about this year?
Agent: Nothing yet
Spencer: When did you get into the business?
Agent: About a year and half ago
Spencer: So, what do you think has kept you from doing what you already know?
Agent: I,m not really sure. I just kinda stay in a shell and want everything perfect before I do it
Spencer: So you're not playing full out?
Agent: Kind of. I know what to do, I'm just not doing it.
Spencer: That's actually how I got into the coaching business. I saw plenty of stuff out there with content. You know the programs available... One after the other claiming to have the silver bullet to double your business. The phenomenon that I witnessed was the amount of people that produced results and the multitudes that did not. I eventually starting asking what was difference between these two groups of people. It boiled down to mindset and action.
I went on at that point to explain that to create any change or growth at a rapid pace, you need 3 components.
1. Immersion 2. Repetition 3. Accountability
This agent had the first two. She had gotten all of the long and neccessary classes and seminars. She was consistent with her reading and audio. What she was missing was accountability. Until you have the appropriate accountability to inspire you, you will continue to have a head knowledge - not experiential knowledge. I will post another article about accountability at a later date. Until then, think about where you have accountability or where you should get some.
With that said, "it is not what you don't know that stops you, its what you do know that you don't do that stops you" --Spencer Combs
Until next time,
Your Coach - Spencer
Monday, August 18, 2008
Oh yeah, I had forgotten about that...
Day in and day out we move through our routines. We have those favorite shoes, that particular shirt, and so on that we just grab and go. Our minds have a strong tendency to create patterns thus helping us to lessen the thought processes. It's kind of a way to keep efficiency going. I started thinking about how this happens in our thoughts and strategies the other day when my wife and I were cleaning out the closets.
So here we were cleaning out all of the old clothes from our closet and dressers. Not much a "fun-filled" activity. I guess that is why we wait so long before we do it. Maybe not you, but I have a hard time parting with certain things. I have a high value on conservation, thus making it hard to rid myself of the shoes that have not been worn for 2 years. The one cool thing however was noticing that I had far more clothing available to me than I originally thought. Even after riding myself of everything that no longer fit, was in style, or just flat out had not been worn, I still had a good bit left. I even came across several items that I forgotten all about. I was so excited too (of course it doesn't take much for me to get excited).
It made me reflect on how much of our lives are "routine". Now is a good time to go back to some of the basics and pull up some of the old files. Business is as usual. Relationships are on cruise control, spiritually going through the motions, etc... I think you get the picture. I believe that we need to consistently challenge the "status quo". If things are not working for us in the present, we have a tendency to go outward and find something new. Many times all we need to do is go back and remind ourselves of strategies we have used in the past (the ones that have worked).
Take a moment and write out a list of your accomplishments in your lifetime. Then pick 2 of them and write out HOW you made those things happen. More often than not, you will find a pattern. You may find that it is a pattern you had stowed away in the back of your mind. My encouragement to you is dust it off and get excited.
For more info on personal patterns join us at the M-Powering event with Spencer Combs:
So here we were cleaning out all of the old clothes from our closet and dressers. Not much a "fun-filled" activity. I guess that is why we wait so long before we do it. Maybe not you, but I have a hard time parting with certain things. I have a high value on conservation, thus making it hard to rid myself of the shoes that have not been worn for 2 years. The one cool thing however was noticing that I had far more clothing available to me than I originally thought. Even after riding myself of everything that no longer fit, was in style, or just flat out had not been worn, I still had a good bit left. I even came across several items that I forgotten all about. I was so excited too (of course it doesn't take much for me to get excited).
It made me reflect on how much of our lives are "routine". Now is a good time to go back to some of the basics and pull up some of the old files. Business is as usual. Relationships are on cruise control, spiritually going through the motions, etc... I think you get the picture. I believe that we need to consistently challenge the "status quo". If things are not working for us in the present, we have a tendency to go outward and find something new. Many times all we need to do is go back and remind ourselves of strategies we have used in the past (the ones that have worked).
Take a moment and write out a list of your accomplishments in your lifetime. Then pick 2 of them and write out HOW you made those things happen. More often than not, you will find a pattern. You may find that it is a pattern you had stowed away in the back of your mind. My encouragement to you is dust it off and get excited.
For more info on personal patterns join us at the M-Powering event with Spencer Combs:
By Spencer Combs
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Me, watching women's gymnastics?
So here I am late last night totally exhausted when I noticed Michael Phelps win once again another gold medal in the Olympics. As this moment in history concluded, I then became entranced with the women's gymnastics teams competing. Watching the intensity build among them was making me even more interested. Maybe you were watching too. The US team was working on closing the gap against the Chinese team. As you may already know, the US ended up winning the Silver. It was difficult to watch the frustration on the US team's face.
I realized that it was past midnight and way past my desired bedtime. Which brought the question, what was so interesting about women's gymnastics that actually pulled me in? Gymnastics is not an interest of mine, never has been. Though I have 3 little girls, I at this point in my life have no desire to learn more. However, I found myself so intrigued with the skills, the focus, the resilience of such young people. It was absolutely exciting for me. That's when it hit me, Olympic games are the celebration of human physical excellence.
Deep down inside all of us, we aspire to be excellent. We aspire to do more, be more, have more. If you have a need to be inspired, turn on the TV. Look at these world-class athletes and model their paradigms. Model their physiology. Pay special attention to how they focus. How they handle setbacks. It does us all good to watch and celebrate the expansion of the human potential... even if it is women's gymnastics.
I realized that it was past midnight and way past my desired bedtime. Which brought the question, what was so interesting about women's gymnastics that actually pulled me in? Gymnastics is not an interest of mine, never has been. Though I have 3 little girls, I at this point in my life have no desire to learn more. However, I found myself so intrigued with the skills, the focus, the resilience of such young people. It was absolutely exciting for me. That's when it hit me, Olympic games are the celebration of human physical excellence.
Deep down inside all of us, we aspire to be excellent. We aspire to do more, be more, have more. If you have a need to be inspired, turn on the TV. Look at these world-class athletes and model their paradigms. Model their physiology. Pay special attention to how they focus. How they handle setbacks. It does us all good to watch and celebrate the expansion of the human potential... even if it is women's gymnastics.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
_Crop.jpg)
Posts
