Gone way overboard because…

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from Rebecca.

Neagle                                               Code Question


Through my work I am always looking for validation from others to make me feel like I'm doing a good job. It matters so much that I go overboard with giving to be liked. Being so nice doesn't seem to get me ahead at all.

Thank you David if you choose this question I will act upon your advice immediately.

 

Neagle                                               Code Answer


Great question.

The need for validation from other people is an issue that comes from low self-esteem. This need comes from the perception that you aren't worthy of appreciation and it actually started prior to age 7 or 8.

Congratulations on taking the first step to overcoming the need for validation by recognizing that you have the problem. It can be very difficult to overcome unless you really want to overcome it.

If we don't truly believe that we are worthy of appreciation on the inside, we're always going to be seeking validation from others that we are okay.

The problem is that no matter how much others tell us that we did a good job, deep down we don't believe it.

So say you completed a project and someone tells you that you did a good job. It feels great but the feeling dissipates quickly. That's because a person who needs to be appreciated will always be on the lookout for when they are not being appreciated. They are always concerned about what others think about them.

When a person doesn't get the appreciation they are looking for it can be extremely painful or even devastating. This causes them to feel resentful and that leads to anger.

A person who is really trying to overcome this in their life has to be aware of the cycle and all the places in their life where this shows up. They have to know how the cycle works.

It always leads to self-sabotage. People with the need to be appreciated will start sabotaging different areas of their life because they don't feel appreciated.

I'm going to share an integration exercise with you that will help you overcome the need for appreciation if you really want to overcome it.

    A) For every person who comes into your life, find one thing you can honestly appreciate about them in that moment.

    B) Start journaling what you're finding to appreciate in other people, and begin to see these qualities in yourself.

    C) Start to take a look at how wonderful you really are as a human being and an individual.

Don't underestimate how much the need to be appreciated actually holds you back in your life.

I wish you all the best!

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

Can I invoice my friends at full rate?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous
.

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,

I'm so use to over servicing clients or giving my ideas away for free that it's ingrained subconsciously. My friends have no problem charging me for their services, how do I reverse my subconscious mindset of low fees, freebies in myself and that of my friends to charge what I am actually worth?

Thanks!!

Neagle                                               Code Answer


Great question.

Charging what you’re worth is simply a decision.

And the truth is, if you don’t find enough value in what you have to offer to charge for it, others won’t see the value either.

So you need to make the decision that no matter what, you will not give your advice, services or insight away for free.

If someone asks you for help, even if they are a friend, say to them, “I’d love to help. Let’s set up a time to talk about your goals and aspirations so that I can clearly recommend next steps for you.”

On that call, clearly re-state the purpose of the call, make sure you take control by asking questions, and make recommendations of which program or service will get them to their goals the quickest.

From now on, you will set your prices based on your financial goals rather than your emotions. And you will never make an offer to someone that is not in line with your financial goals.

You have to hold yourself to these agreements even if you feel it threatens your relationship with friends or clients.

By doing this you will begin to see that people WILL pay you what you believe you are worth.

You’re not reversing a subconscious pattern; you’re creating a new one.

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

What do I do about persistent refunds?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous
.

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,

I need sales help. Actually I am doing well at making sales, but I’m not doing so well at KEEPING the sale. It seems like every time I make a sale, a couple days later I get an email telling me that they changed their mind, and they want a refund.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks!!

Neagle                                               Code Answer


Great question.

If you’re getting people who are changing their mind after an initial sale, it means that you may be missing a key component in your sales conversation.

One of the most overlooked parts of a sales conversation actually happens AFTER the sale has been made.

Let me explain.

Once the sale has been made and you have received a deposit, it is crucial for you to continue the conversation by telling them what to expect.

Example:

“You know, you’ve just made a big decision to invest in yourself and grow. And we know that anytime your ego feels threatened you will create circumstances in your life to get you to change your mind or to stop moving forward. So let me ask you something. What’s going to cause you to change your mind?”

This accomplishes two things. It lets them know what to expect so if they start to create chaos, they can quickly identify it for what it really is. And second, if they decide to change their mind, you can resell them using their own words.

Example:

“When we spoke a couple of days ago, you said that overwhelm can derail you. Now you’re telling me that you are overwhelmed and can’t move forward. Isn’t this interesting? Your ego is paying a mind trick on you, so let’s go back to the truth…. (and then you re-engage them in the resale conversation).

If you end your conversations using this technique, you’ll find that your new clients will feel well informed and will be more likely to stick with their initial commitment.

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

I’m exhausted…

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from Marcie Bjorn
.

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question!

I am a solopreneur. My business is finally really taking off, and I’m exhausted. I know I need to hire help, but I’m not sure where to start. Can you help me get clear on my next step in hiring a team?

Neagle                                               Code Answer


Hi Marcie and thanks for your question!

Generally a first hire for a solopreneur is an assistant.

I’m guessing that you are doing things that YOU don’t need to be doing, and eventually it’s going to affect your ability to grow and expand.

Here’s a little bit of homework for you:

Over the next 7 days keep a notebook by your desk, and as you go through your day, write down all the things that you do, that someone else can be doing for you.

This for both your personal life and your business life.

If you make a dentist appointment, write it down, because YOU don’t have to be the one making that appointment.

If you are researching something, write it down because YOU don’t have to be the person doing the research.

I think you’ll be shocked how much time you spend doing the menial things in your business.

And if you’re spending time on those things, you’re NOT spending as much time as you can on income generating tasks, which means you’re probably leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Once you have your list created, you’ll be able to create a job description, and hire and train the appropriate person who is qualified to assist you.

Not only will you feel more relaxed in your business, you’ll also experience an increase in your income!

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

What if my speaker agreement doesn’t allow for an offer from the stage?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from Michael Brown
.

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,

I have a speaking opportunity coming up in the next month, and the host is not allowing me to make an offer from the stage. Do you have any strategies that I could use to let people know about my programs without making an offer? I’d really like to make the most of my time on stage.

Neagle                                               Code Answer


Hi Michael and thanks for your question!

I’m not sure how long you have on stage so I’m just going to make an assumption that you’ve got 45 minutes of speaking time.

The best way to “sell” your programs and services to your audience without the ability to make an actual offer is to do something called “seeding”.

Seeding simply means that you’re planting seeds in the mind of your audience about the results they could experience if they were working with you.

Here’s what it looks like.

As you’re delivering content, you insert stories and case studies about the results your clients have received while working with you.

EXAMPLE:

Let’s say you were doing a presentation on how to have a confident sale conversation. You may start by talking about all the negative beliefs we have about selling and how it keeps us hidden. Stop the teaching and insert your first seed.

“In my 3 month program, one of my clients actually pushed through heir fear of rejection and was able to triple their income in 30 days and help 10 more people to change their lives.”

The seeding not only supports your content and gives examples, but it also let’s the audience know that you have a 3 month program and that your clients achieve success.

I recommend planning to seed after every section of content you provide.

Tell stories and give case studies about your client’s successes to help them identify with what you offer and how you can help them.

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

DOs and DON’Ts of enrolling new clients!

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous
.

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,


My sales conversations are killing me. They can sometimes run 90 minutes and then I don’t even end up enrolling them. Can you give me some suggestions on how to shorter these conversations please?


Thank You!

Neagle                                               Code Answer

I would love to answer this question.

One of the main reasons you may be experiencing exasperating sales conversations is because you may not be in control of the conversation. Here are a few quick tips to set the call up from the beginning.

Don’t: Begin the conversation without the small talk or pleasantries. There’s no need for it.

Do: Begin by stating the purpose of the call and the length of time you have allotted for it.

Example: Hi John! It’s great to connect with you. The purpose of the call today is to help you get clear on what your current problem really is so that you can make a decision based on facts about what you can do to solve that problem. We’ve got about 20 minutes, so I’m just going to jump in. Is that ok with you?

Don’t: Be afraid of redirecting or interrupting.

Do: Ask them permission from the start to interrupt them if necessary.

Example: John, we have such a limited time that I’m going to ask your permission to interrupt you or redirect you if I feel we’re getting off track. Are you ok with that?

Don’t: Allow someone to ignore a question you asked.

Do: Point out that they’ve deflected a question and you’d like them return to it.

Example: That’s great John, and I can see that this is a point of growth for you because you just deflected my original question. Can we go back to the question I asked for a moment? Why do you want that goal for yourself?

Give these 3 strategies a try on your next call and see how much more effective you will be.

The difference will be a benefit to you both.

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

Can I charge more than my competition?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,

How do you charge your clients more money? I feel like if I increase my prices, I will lose clients due to competition.

 

Neagle                                               Code Answer
Hi and thanks for your question.

The key to increasing your prices is to make the decision, and then ensure that you give more in value than what you charge.

It’s that simple.

I’m not sure what line of business you are in, but I’m going to use a service-based business as an example here.

Let’s take a look at restaurants. There millions of restaurants out there, and if you look at the really successful ones, you can learn a lot.

Successful businesses all have one thing in common.

They all have a unique selling proposition.

Your unique selling proposition sets you apart from the crowd.

It’s what makes you unique, and if you are unique, you won’t have to be concerned with competition.

Let’s go back to the successful restaurant.

A unique selling proposition for a restaurant may be that they specialize in one particular type of food, maybe they only use farm to table ingredients, maybe they have live piano music playing during dinner or maybe you can throw peanut shells on the floor.

Whatever it is, it is designed to SET THEM APART FROM THE CROWD.

To find your unique selling proposition, think about what makes YOU unique.

What services do you offer that make what you do extraordinary?

Once you can identify your unique selling proposition, you won’t have to be concerned with competition, and you can no longer use it as an excuse to charge less than what you are truly worth.

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

How can I monetize my email list?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from MaryAnne.

Neagle                        Code Question
Hi David,

 

How do I convert more people on my list into paying clients? I have a nice sized list, but I'm struggling to pay my bills!

 

Thank you so much!

Neagle                                               Code Answer
Hi MaryAnne and thanks for your question!

 

Depending on how many subscribers you have, a fantastic strategy to monetize your list is to create a teleseminar.

Let me explain.

Part of the challenge of monetizing your list is not having phone numbers.

If you don't have phone numbers, you can't personally reach out to someone to see if they need your help.

The following teleseminar strategy is designed to get people on your list to raise their hand so you can see who wants help.

Create a 3-part teaching teleseminar and make sure you're providing really rich content that is in complete service to your subscribers.

You may want to choose a specific problem that you're noticing is plaguing your market.

Go deep in your teaching about the “what” and the “why” of this problem.

And then as you are wrapping the call, let the listeners know that you are opening some spots in your calendar to talk to them about how this topic directly relates to them in their individual situations.

Let them know that you are only opening up a “few” spots (we recommend 5-10) for the first people to send you an email indicating they would like to have a session with you.

When you receive their email, send them a brief questionnaire so you can be prepared for their session.

If during the session it becomes clear that they need your help, and you can help them, offer them the service that fits their goals.

Rinse and repeat!

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Lifeis a weekly no-cost program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

How you can JV with lists much bigger than yours!

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,

I really want to start joint venturing with other successful entrepreneurs. But, my list is pretty small, so I don't know how to approach a business owner with a much bigger list. What do you recommend?

Thanks!

Neagle                                               Code Answer
Hi and thanks for your question.

This is a much larger discussion than I can answer here, but I'm happy to share with you just a couple dos and don'ts.

First, you want to make sure that you've done your research. Before contacting a potential partner, learn everything you can about what they are working on and what message they are interested in expanding in the world right now.

Approach your desired potential partner with the intention of learning how you can best help them to expand their message, and then formulate a plan to do so. (One example would be to host them on an interview teleconference that you'll promote to your list & on social media.)

Once you're in contact with the partner, offer to do all the heavy lifting, including:

  • Setting up the conference line
  • Writing all applicable copy
  • Sending reminders of dial-in details
  • Writing the interview questions (to be submitted in advance for their approval)

DO NOT ask for an affiliate commission on this first interview. You're doing this to help the larger list expand their message, and you'll benefit from new opt-ins to your own list.

Once you have a minimum of 150 registered attendees for your upcoming interview (and preferably closer to 500), and once you are about 10 days out from the call date, your next step is to ask your interviewee to let their OWN list know that you are interviewing them LIVE.

Don't be disappointed if they decline to make the announcement.

Always remember that one good deed creates another, and in helping your JV partner maximize their message, the Universe will find a way to help you maximize yours.

Just Believe,®
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PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Lifeis a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

How hard is your business?

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life”
comes from Michael.

 

Neagle                                               Code Question

Hi David,

I've heard you teach that building a business doesn't need to be hard, but with all the chaos around me, the sales objections, and difficulties in hiring a team, it sure DOES feel hard. David, please help me find peace in this craziness!

Thank you!


Neagle                                               Code Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. 

Here is the truth:

Peace is a choice.

I think it's very safe to say that every entrepreneur on the edge of an up-level or big growth opportunity has experienced what you described above.

The interesting thing here is that YOU are actually creating the chaos.

Let me be more specific. Your EGO is creating all the chaos, and it's serving a particular purpose.

All of these events are designed to place fear, worry and doubt in your mind, so that you go back.

But here's the great thing about the chaos. If you're creating it, you can stop it.

The great thing about being human is that you have the gift of choice. You can choose how you respond to these situations, and it's in that choice that you have the power to escalate or de-escalate them.

You can choose not be emotionally attached to the chaos around you and even in the midst of stress, you can remain peaceful.

If you're choosing to make things hard, take a look at your value system. Chances are that value system dictates success must be hard.

Remember, everything just “is”.  It's your reaction and judgment that makes things hard.

Make a decision that it's easy to grow your business, and then when a negative result shows up, see it for what it really is and don't get emotionally tied to it.

Instead ask: “What do I need to see about this situation so that I can make a different choice and experience a different result?”

If you can do that, you'll be well on your way to building a more peaceful business.

Just Believe,®
Interesting Image
.
PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond
to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I
feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.