Milana on Tap: The Muses and Chronicles From the Desk of Milana Leshinsky

And so...I am wearing "chocoloate"...

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 02:25:00 +0000

If you told me that "chocolate" brown would look good on a web page, i'd highly doubt that...

But looking at my newly redesigned coaching club page, I am enjoying the combination of chocolate, gold, and red....

Milana's Inner Circle - Six Figure Coaching Entrepreneur's Club

The best color scheme picker I've ever seen is here.

Strangely enough, gold is not on the color scheme with brown....maybe I am color blind.

By the way, a great way to do viral marketing - this tool is free, but they have plenty of paid tools, upgrades and a mailing list feature.

Coaching Reality Shows Waiting to Happen...

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 22:53:00 +0000

How many people would tune in to watch a Weight Watchers reality show?

Yes, there is "The Biggest Loser" but what if a true coach, movitational speaker creates it?

Or, how about a show called "You're Hired!", where real life job interviews would be broadcast, with a coach doing the before and after. I'd absolutely tune in to see who gets hired!

Donald takes too long to hire/fire someone, I want to see it all happen the same day!

Any takers for this "killer" idea?

Fifth time's the charm

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 01:25:00 +0000

I moved!

Ok, it's only across the street, but believe me, it might've been across country - there is very little difference. If you have to move stuff from a four-bedroom house into any other location, you don't care where it's going.

Lesson learned - don't make any verbal agreements between buyers and sellers. Everything should be documented, signed, notarized, sealed, with blood and DNA!

All kidding aside, I learned more about people from this one real estate transaction than from taking my three college psychology classes! Unless it's on paper, and you don't have a relationship with a person, be ready for some surprises.

At the end, all is well. I am writing this from my new office, and although the window view is blocked by a tall desk hutch (which I may eventually remove), I find it much easier to focus on my work.

I wish I had a picture of my office, but I can't find my camera. Back to unpacking!

New Coaching Products: My most recent discoveries

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 03:01:00 +0000

Every once in a while I come across fresh interesting writings, and would like to share with you my most recent finds.

The Successful Coach: Insider Secrets to Becoming a Top Coach
Written by Terri Levine, Larina Kase, Joe Vitale

Do you ever wish you were a fly on the wall inside a Successful Coach’s business? Now, you can with this soon-to-be released book!

An easy-to-follow blueprint for developing a successful coaching practice (due out August 2006)
The authors—two highly successful coaches and one bestselling marketing guru—draw on their own experiences to help you uncover and exploit the unique blend of skills and knowledge that you possess to be a top coach.

This book will help you:

Shatter self-limiting beliefs
Conquer obstacles
Grasp valuable concepts and techniques
Think like ‘The Successful Coach’
Learn powerful self-motivation techniques
Get self-motivation muscle
Learn excuse-busting strategies
Develop targeted coaching marketing strategies
Build a niche attracting clients you want

Find the book fast here:
The Successful Coach: Insider Secrets to Becoming a Top Coach

Money, Meaning and Beyond--27 Unexpected Ways to Create What Really Matters for Business Owners
Written by Andrea J. Lee & Tina Forsyth

Money, Meaning and Beyond is proof that unexpected everyday things can be the key to your success a business owner…What do frogs, salad bowls, golf and even your sex life have to do with your business bottom line? What is the fastest, easiest path to money that you can implement, today? How can a pink spoon mentality bring you thousands of clients? And when is the best time to strategically order chicken salad instead of tuna fish... to the benefit of your business? Find out more here: http://www.moneymeaningandbeyond.com/

Get Known Fast! 21 Leading Coaches Reveal Their Strategies to Become Well-Known Fast. You know Tessa Stowe as the expert of Sales Conversations. Now, you can check out her new program, Get Known Fast, packed with top strategies used by industry-leading coaches.

Tessa interviewed Steve Mitten, along with 20 other coaches (Rhonda Britton, Chris Barrow, Dave Buck, etc.) as part of a new program she has developed to help coaches get known in their market quickly. Best of all, when you order the printed copy of Get Known Fast, you will also receive 9 Bonuses. Results are guaranteed, so there’s nothing to lose! You can learn more about Tessa's program at Get Known Fast!

What a Coaching Business Assistant Should Be Doing for You

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 01:34:00 +0000

Every once in a while I re-evaluate what I do with my time.

Am I being as efficient and productive as I could be?

Am I spending my time doing things I enjoy and that produce income?

Last night's analysis led me to realize that I need a part-time assistant right in my office - a mix between a business and personal assistant, and an office manager.

The hardest thing is always coming up with the job description. After looking around my office and thinking about time-consuming but non-profit-generating activities I have on my to-do list, here is what I came up with.

Feel free to use this for finding your own assistant, because this posting generated several interesting leads I am now interviewing.

Internet Business Office Assistant Wanted in East York, PA
==============================
An excellent opportunity for an experienced
computer user and office manager to learn how
to run an Internet-based business. Two week days,
6-10 hours a week day time, flexible, $10 an hour to start.

Responsibilities include:

Packaging and labeling shipments
Going to the post office to mail packages
Keeping track of all shipments and customers
Word processing and spreadsheets
60 wpm typing
Organizing, creating and maintaining office/business systems
Returning phone messages
Customer service
QuickBooks
Scheduling appointments
Communicating and co-ordinating with members of virtual team

Skills required:

Excellent Internet proficiency
Excellent communications skills
Excellent detail-oriented skills
Self-starter and ready to learn
Highly reliable and responsible

A coaching business can be very enjoyable and profitable, or it can be a dreaded job. Having an assistant come to your office a few days a week can help you organize your systems, keep your filing up to date, do your billing, mail, and odds and ends you don't want to do yourself.

Ahhhhhhh..........

Up Close and Personal With My Inspirations....

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 01:06:00 +0000

What an amazing experience to meet some of my favorite people I've admired over the years in person!

JVAlert in Philadelphia last month was one of the rare occasions when I actually got in the car and spent 3 days away from home.

Here are some photos taken by a long-time online friend, Wanda Loskot (thank you, my dear - next time I'll be sure to bring my camera!).

Wanda Loskot, Sterling Valentine and me

Master Coach Sue Guhier and me, after some serious bonding! :)

The Legendary Carl Galetti, whom I so shamelessly grabbed

in the hall in the break!

I also got to see Michael Port again, Willie Crawford (my inspiration for years!), Ken McArthur (the creator and organizer of the JVAlert event), Joel Christopher (finally!), Larina Kase (my wonderful JV partner) and many other incredible Internet and marketing personalities.

Nothing beats live events - well, maybe my coaching tele-summit does :)

"Shoot for the Stars to Get to the Moon"

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Wed, 31 May 2006 02:28:00 +0000

My 11-year old son said to me today: "Mom, I need $30 tomorrow"

He said it in a very authoritative, almost demanding tone, like he would normally ask for a new book his teacher told him to read.

"Why do you need it?" I asked. "We're having a "fun day" at a school, everything costs money there!"

Remembering his last year's "fun day," I knew he'd probably want to buy some lemonade, snacks, and tickets to participate in games. So, as a good negotiator, I say, "I can't give you that much, but I'll give you $20."

My son looks at my with huge eyes and a big smile, and says, "Really?????? Thank you!!!!"

Then I realized he "played me", wanting to see how much [money] he can get away with. In other words, he didn't even expect I'd say "yes" to any amount, so he decided to start high.

He was shooting for the stars (the thirty bucks) to get to the moon (the twenty dollars I reluctanctly agreed to).

A negotiator in the making....

Who Could Possibly Want "Milana.com?"

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Wed, 31 May 2006 02:21:00 +0000

About 3 years ago, I bought my domain name "milana.com" from a korean guy for $400. He held it "hostage" for a couple of years, starting with $2,000 and finally realizing that nobody but a business owner actually named Milana would be willing to pay this kind of money.

Well.... maybe he should've waited longer...

Last week, I received an e-mail from someone asking if I am willing to sell the domain. To my question, "Why do you want it?" (I had to ask before giving the "Are you kidding me?" response), he replied:

"Milana" is a hindi (Indian) word meaning "to meet", "to introduce". I'm thinking about creating an Indian Matrimonials website and thought that name would be perfect."

I never knew that "Milana" actually meant something in hindi...

All the korean guy had to do to cash in was wait a couple more years...Oh well.

Milana's Moving Sale - Phase 2 - Movies!!!!

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Tue, 30 May 2006 03:35:00 +0000

Ok, if I hadn't watched a movie in over 2 years, I probably won't ever watch it again.

So........ to lighten that load for my hubby to move, I am getting rid of nearly half of my movie collection, both on VHS and DVD.

I rarely post stuff on eBay.com, but it definitely beats setting up a yard sale!

33 Popular Movies Action Adventure Drama Comedy Kids (VHS)
Lot of 11 Popular Movies Horror, Adventure, Drama, Kids (DVD)
The Apprentice - The Complete First Season (2004, DVD)
Sci-Fi Classics (2003, DVD)

Where in the World is Milana Leshinsky?

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 02:21:00 +0000

One of my 2006 resolutions was to get out to more live events this year and do more public speaking.

So....

If you plan to visit these two events, you'll catch me there in person - and please, be sure to find me and say hello!

Superconference 2006: The Power of Collaboration
New York, May 11-12
http://www.powerofcollaboration.com

JV Alert Live
June 23, 24, 25
http://jvalertlive.com/PhillyInfo.aspx

Coaches Lacking Innovation Will Fail!

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 01:22:00 +0000

[note from Milana]

Innovation is usually NOT something most coaches think about at the start of their business development. Getting clients and filling the practice - yes.

Innovation would mean entrepreneurship, creating, finding the edge, thinking outside the box, and it usually takes some time to shift gears into that mentality.

That's why, I am glad to get permission from one of the top coaches in the industry to share this article with you - mind-opening and *innovative*!

[end note from Milana]

Coaches Lacking Innovation Will Fail!

By Terri Levine

After writing the list below and sharing it with some of the most successful coaches in our industry, they all asked or suggested to me not to publish it. Why would I publish something like this? So while I was thinking about these responses, I showed it to some coaches who, in comparison, are struggling. Their response was quite the opposite. They wanted to learn more. They wanted more knowledge and training and were quite specific about wanting more experience on such innovative processes as those I'd mentioned.

I suspected as much, and now I know I'm definitely on to something. I know it is the difference between highly successful coaches and coaches who can’t figure out how to make serious money in the coaching business.

After writing 6 books on coaching and thousands of articles and training thousands of coaches, I sat down and wrote the list showing the distinctions between coaches who are making a respectable living and coaches who can’t make enough money to seriously say what they do is a business.

Building a successful coaching practice is not only about knowing what to do right. It's also knowing what NOT to do. With the insights I've listed below, you could build a successful coaching practice from scratch. You could even improve an existing business that is just coasting along.

Back to the question of why would I want to publish this… I am determined to make coaches aware of the new technologies and to show them how to use such technologies to be light years ahead of the curve in the human development business.

For now, here's what coaches are doing wrong:

They think technology is computers, email, the Internet and e-coaching.
They think just “being” a coach gives them the right to have clients hire them.
They don’t have technology that is 21st century and beyond.
They don’t understand that people will pay huge sums of money to have their inner feelings changed and that is why people hire and stay with coaches
They follow the flock of unsuccessful coaches using those same techniques.
They have no distinct coaching process based on neuro-science.
They can’t create huge shifts fast, so people see few outcomes and leave.
They don’t have technology behind them to create lasting outcomes.
Their clients have no process to use each day that gets them results beyond the coaching phone call or meeting.
They lack self-confidence because they have no coaching process that they are sure will help their client meet their goals.
They don’t have a process to change people’s inner talk at a deep level.
They lack the tools to really get to what people believe so they really can’t be change agents to them.
They are afraid to ask people to be their clients; because they don’t believe what they do is very powerful and changes lives.
They don’t fully believe in their coaching.
They don’t have a process to permanently change habits.
They didn’t learn what technology could do for their clients.
They are afraid to do anything that is like advising or consulting
They don’t know where to turn to learn how to re-program people's brains so they shift their thinking and then their feelings and then their behaviors.

Author Info:
---------------
Terri Levine, MCC, is CEO of Comprehensive Coaching U as well as The Coaching Institute. Terri has recently released her entire "turnkey" coaching practice system with all the tools and systems you need to easily and quickly grow your coaching practice. To access Terri's online coaching "Success Library", visit Terri Levine's Ultimate Coaching Success Library.

I Can't Keep Quiet Any Longer....

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 13:06:00 +0000

The HOTTEST niches need coaches who are skilled specialists!

Are you one of them?

I know I am not supposed to reveal any details just yet, but I wanted to let you know that something big is coming.... In fact, if I were you, I'd keep these dates open:

------------------------------------------------------
May 22-26, 1-3:30 pm EST (New York Time)
------------------------------------------------------

I'll be revealing the details very soon, but before I do, let me ask you...

Are you a specialist?

Are you someone who gets client referrals BECAUSE you're a specialist?

Specialized coaches earn twice - or in many cases 3-5 times - as much as generalists, so why do so many coaches decide not to specialize, waiting and hoping their "calling" - their niche "will find them"?

Perhaps because coaching is a method - not a business - which can be used in any situation, with just about anybody who needs your help.

There are a lot of myths, lies and stories when it comes to building a business, but here is what I know -- specializing is NOT one of them!

If you're still struggling to determine what your specialty is or should be, mark the dates!

On May 22-26th, you'll get to hear about some of the hottest specialties in coaching today, and how you can become one of the "elite" coaches who work in these niche markets.

Robert G. Allen Says I am a "Hare"...

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 03:00:00 +0000

WHEN YOU'RE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE, WHO ARE YOU?

Any "dream team" should consist of 4 personality types:
Creatives, Advancers, Refiners and Executers

Robert Allen, the author "One Minute Millionaire" identified me as the "Hare", or the creative "Conceptual/Spontaneous:"

----
H.O.T.S. Survey: Results

Your Answers Indicate A Hare Role

APPROACH: Conceptual/Spontaneous

DESCRIPTION: The Hare generates the concepts and ideas. They like to reframe the problem and look for solutions that may be unusual, unique,and/or outside the boundaries of traditional thought. Hares are good at exploring alternatives and perceiving the "big picture".
Hares want freedom from constraint, and when a rule exists they may break it. They may act impulsively, letting their feelings guide them. They derive satisfaction from the process of creating,discussing concepts and ideas,and overcoming obstacles.

When everything is in its place,the Hare may become restless,get impatient,and have a tendency to move from one subject to another.

CONTRIBUTION: Fresh,original concepts that go beyond the obvious,and are not constrained by fear of failure.

WEAKNESESS: Because the Hare enjoys generating ideas, they may move from one idea to another without stopping to evaluate the consequences.

If left alone to refine concepts,they will solve the problem within the problem within the problem,and eventually lose sight of the objective.

INSTINCT: Reframing problems to achieve breakthrough solutions,moving in new directions,examining possibilities without regard to risk.

Want to find out what type you are?
Take the H.O.T.S test here

Who Says You Get What You Paid For?

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 16:31:00 +0000

In my search for the best, the ultimate, the highest in quality telephone headset, I finally found one!

After trying some of the most expensive systems, including Plantronics, RadioShack, OfficeMax and CircuitCity, I got one that really works well...at Wal-Mart for $14.95.

I almost lost hope, but the good ol' superstore within 7 minutes of walking distance from me had the answer!

Keep in mind, that all telephone systems are different, and what works for me may not be that magic solution for you...but I'll share with you what I bought anyway.

Cordless Phone Headset
GE Sanyo
800-832-4872
Over-the-head design
Works with 900MHz, 2.4/5.8GH cordless phones
(Its ear piece is purple, the rest is black)

Collaboration Sexy?

blogger@milana.com (Milana Leshinsky) — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 03:47:00 +0000

Ok, so collaboration may not be the most glamorous or sexy topic,
but facts speak for themselves.

The biggest most successful projects I've seen come to life are
the direct result of two or more people coming together,
combining their unique talents and creating something
extraordinary!

Collaboration happens every day, in every industry, in every
area of our lives.

Think about medical research, scientific discoveries, and
technological breakthrough's. How about parent-teacher
associations, student exchange programs, and business mergers?
Even the concept of voting is based on collaboration, where
hundreds or thousands of people come together to influence major
decisions!

Here are just a few examples of how collaboration works in
today's world:

==> composer + poet = "grammy" winning song
==> programmer + marketer = million-dollar software business
==> business reporter + author = syndicated radio show
==> life coach + non-profit organization = self-care seminar
==> wedding planner + florist = an amazing unforgettable ceremony
==> beauty salon owner + artist = increased sales for both
==> donald trump + mark burnett = "the apprentice"
==> milana + andrea + michael = "superconference 2006"

When I first started my business, I felt very much alone. I had
this feeling of pulling all the weight by myself, very limiting.
As soon as I started collaborating with other people, I began
feeling like nothing was impossible! I would come up with an
idea, pitch it to one of my partners, and we would almost
immediately turn it into a new revenue source.

It took me a while to understand how to approach new partners,
where to find them, and what to say to get a "yes."

In fact, I found my wonderful partners where I LEAST expected it!
One of my collaborators was right under my nose for an entire
year, until I finally realized what a great partner she would
make (we are working on my dream-project together as I write
this!).

Another partner was such an influential person in my business
community, I felt too intimidated to even approach him! A year
later, I found the "right key" to his door and now we
continuosly collaborate on various projects.

What I learned in working with my partners, is that nothing is
impossible! With the right idea, the right approach and the
right timing, you can find yourself being partners with some of
the biggest players in your industry!

So, if you think collaboration is not "sexy" - think again. Time
and time again, I find it extremely profitable, liberating and
fun!

Join Andrea J. Lee, Michael Port and myself in
"Superconference 2006: Power of Collaboration" in Manhattan,
New York on May 11-12, where we'll personally work with you to
create the ultimate collaboration blueprint for YOUR business:
http://www.powerofcollaboration.com