The excitement of new beginnings is just around the corner. And based on the conversations I've had lately, many of you are busy squeezing in the last days of summer and putting plans in place for your next year.

In the last two issues of The Smart Factor, we talked about Survivorship and Leadership. If you missed them, you might want to take a look at www.smartstrategiesinc.com/coaching/smart-factor-archives.. You'll find some tips that go well with planning what you want your next year to look like.

This month's issue of The Smart Factor takes a different twist that I trust will help you even more with your planning process.

Have a great rest-of-the-Summer and a profitable Fall.

Ann Griffiths
ann@smartstrategiesinc.com

_______________________________________

IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - A Different Twist
Part 2 - Showcase
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
_______________________________________

Part 1 - A Different Twist
While there are opportunities all around us, here are two that I'm excited to share with you.

1. Get Your Year in Gear
You know how some people start their year determined to “do things different?” But before they know it, they’ve settled right back into last year’s hamster wheel.

You know what I mean…

Trapped – overwhelmed with the never-ending “to do” list. There’s a constant line of people at your door asking, “Do you have a minute?” Your phone and email messages spit out a barrage of demands. And there’s no time for you to do what you do best.

You’re losing energy – fast – and falling back into old habits.

If you could change all this – what difference would it make in your life and business?

To find out more about how you can set yourself up for the best start to a year you’ve ever had, check out Get Your Year In Gear

2. When Women Dare
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been approached by an increasing number of women who have similar concerns. They are business owners, executives, and leaders from diverse arenas, who desire to take their business to the next level and live a life that honors a balanced lifestyle. They are also amazing women who dare to step beyond their comfort zone. You may even be one of those women (or know one).

In developing my business, I’ve thought about how I could create something unique to address the needs of these women while continuing to coach the men and women I love to work with. I’ve also talked with both men and women to get there thoughts.

And then it happened.

Two weeks ago, I was driving down the highway and three words dropped into my head – "When Women Dare." As soon as I got home, I plugged the three words into www.slamdunkdomains.com and, voila, I became the happy owner of www.whenwomendare.com

Now, the big question – what do I do with it?

I have a number of thoughts, including a coaching program but I’d like to know what you think. What would a “When Women Dare” coaching program look like? What else could it be?

What do you think?

What is “When Women Dare” – really? What could we do with this? What would you like to see?

Your thoughts are very important to the direction that When Women Dare will take. So please send them to me at ann@whenwomendare.com. I’m open to hearing whatever you have to say.

Part 2 - Showcase
One of the greatest things I get to do in my business is coach people who have courage, commitment, and a sense of humor. They know how to work hard and have fun.

As a physical therapist with these same traits, Dave is taking his business in ergonomics and injury management to the next level.

Hi Ann –
Here’s a quick note to let you know (in writing) how much you’ve helped me prioritize and focus my energy so I have time to work ON my business.

As I go through this very lean period in my business, having the right plan and executing it in a timely manner helps me make the most of every effort that I direct toward my business. Your wealth of experience helps me find clarity for decision making.

In the current state of my markets, I cannot afford to spin my wheels. Thank you for helping me find the traction to succeed.

Dave

Thanks, Dave. Here's where you can find out what Dave has to offer www.ergorisk.com

Part 3 - Personal Reflections
Twenty years ago on August 13th my grandma passed away. She was an extraordinary woman who played a major role in my life.

I spent most of my growing-up years with Grandma and, when I got married, she continued to influence my life. Because we lived right next door to each other, she also had an impact on our children who used to cuddle beside her the way I did as a child.

As I look around our home, I see many things that remind me of our relationship – the brass bed I shared with her when I was young, the photo on the bookshelf that was taken shortly after my wedding, the ornaments with their stories, and the file box with my half-written manuscript that I call “My Grandma Book.”

There isn’t a day that has gone by over these past 20 years without me thinking about her. My one hope is that I am as good a grandma to my grandchildren as she was to me.

When I am with them I recount stories of their great grandma and pass on what I learned from her. I believe they are richer for ”knowing” her.

Ann

When I was working on the current issue of my ezine (The SMART Factor) my 6-year old grandson said, "Grandma, why don't you write about chocolate?" I laughed with him and then got to thinking about the similarities between chocolate and business. Here are ten.

1. Chocolate often comes in a box. Business owners sometimes feel like they're in a box.
2. Chocolate comes in many shapes and sizes. Business comes in many shapes (corporate structures) and sizes (# of employees).
3. Chocolate comes in a variety of tastes. Business comes in a variety of tastes (cultures).
4. Chocolate requires specific ingredients to make it real chocolate. Business requires specific activities to make it a viable business.
5. Chocolate is usually sweet. Business can be sweet.
6. Chocolate requires a heating process to solidify it properly. Successful business owners grow strong through the heat.
7. Chocolate can be addictive. Business can be addictive
8. Chocolate, to a chocolate lover, is a must. Business, to a business owner, is part of life.
9. Chocolate sometimes includes nuts. Business owners are sometimes seen as being nuts for doing what they do.
10. Too much chocolate will make you sick. Too much business and no fun will make you a kill-joy.

What other similarities could you throw into the mix?

There's nothing like sitting at a set of drums - absorbed in the rhythm and sound and making music with a great group of talented musicians. That's just how I spent the past four hours. It was great.

More and more, I talk with business owners who struggle with maintaining balance. If that's where you're at, you might want to try joining a band or taking up another hobby. It will energize you.