My farewell video to you…
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In a few hours, I’m getting on a plane to head to Malaysia for a week, then Thailand for a week, then Bali for two. This trip was a goal of mine since the beginning of the year, and I’m thrilled (and slightly terrified) to be taking it.
Now you might be thinking to yourself (especially if you’re a practiced traveler) “Why are you terrified about going away Max?”
And the answer is simple: because it’s a NEW experience…and ALL new experiences fall into the “un-known” category…and that’s a scary place to live.
But just like in business, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it. In fact, feeling awkward and scared is an absolute perfect sign that you’re moving in the right direction.
So in the same way that I could tell you not to be scared about taking big steps forward in your business (because I’ve done that so many times), I’m sure you could tell me not to be nervous about taking big steps forward in my travel adventures.
Right?
All that said, I made a farewell video for you with some very important questions in it that require your response….IN-JOY!
…And remember our agreement, I’ll keep giving YOU great content if you simply respond to my questions.
So wish my luck and send me love as I head off to un-known lands. I’ll check in regularly to read your answers and then I’ll create a whole bunch of GREAT new stuff for you while I’m away.
Asia…here I come.
Much love,
Max
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I am so excited for you to go on this trip and to see what comes through the other side. It has been such a joy for me to be on this journey with you every step of the way. May your trip be absolutely blessed. I love you immensely.
You rock Max…see you in January. Things will be rocking by then.
Bon Voyage Max, thanks for all the help and encouragement!
Talor Stewart
http://www.homedesigner.org
Heart Centered Homes
Putting the right people in place would be most beneficial to me.
I want to learn to trust I am able to put the perfect people in place for real partnership…. and celebrate them for their gifts…
and I am so grateful to be part of this tribe and find the alignment with what I love and am passionate about. Thanks for making this possible to see and then be able to model for myself. Love you!!!! Feb is going to rock and really take it all to the next level… EEE all the way!!!
Hi Max, love your videos! I am learning blogging and social media right now (that in itself is overwhelming). I think i have the challenge of not knowing how “professional” i should be in posts, videos etc. and get caught up in what everyone else is doing in social media (which works!) and what I could be doing. I know it’s good to model other’s success but then I get confused on how much of that goes into my own business. thx and have a safe journey!
I am having a hard time letting go of necessary, but not income producing tasks. I have tried to hire an assistant, but I find that I am either not communicating clearly, or I have too high of expectations. If I can’t even hire an office worker, how am I going to manage client facing team-members. It’s frustrating, because I have a great gift in coaching and clarifying needs and goals for small businesses, but I can only do so much solo. I want a team and I want to be a good team leader.
Max, wishing you love, warmth, comfort in the new and unknown, and an enriched and open learning experience. May you soak up and cherish your adventures and newfound wisdom from the lands of Malaysia, Thailand and Bali. Your new countries and friends have been waiting for your arrival. Relax and savor.
Question for you: What is the best way to come up with a pricing structure for a business? When do you know it is time to charge more?
Thank you Max.
XO
Germaine
Good Luck Max in Asia, and congrats in accomplishing one of your goals.
Of your three issues, I would be most interested in your 3rd. Actual running of the business. Without the time wasters, the extra stress outs etc.
I enjoy working with people, and have a passion for my job, but find I get lost or bogged down in the working ‘smarter’ aspect. I want to do the best job I can for my clients but need to know I am not sacrificing my own.
I enjoy your videos, and messages, and look forward to continuing in 2010.
Everything you spoke about in this video are things I need to improve on. Running my business is where I need the most work, trying to better focus on the day to day operations and keeping good records so that I’m not running around like a chicken with my head cut off.
From the money side of things, I’m pretty close to needing an investor or angel but have difficulty letting go or trusting this person. To do this I need to develop a business plan and currently working 2 jobs, 6 and 7 days and 80+ hours a week there is very little time for much else.
Travel safe and keep up the good work!
Hi, Max. Hi tribe. I love your valuable content. It gets me pondering, deeper, and it takes me a while to formulate a response that would be worth reading….so I have often delayed/procrastinated/spaced responding. I would love to give you valuable insightful provocative feedback, and I can, and I am…….
My question, considering that I attracted paying clients with ease, then felt the rug pulled out from under me when my mom’s health and other emotionally trying events happened. All of a sudden, my business results dried up!!!! Scarey with no safety net but faith….which I have…..which I doubt…..which I pray for….which I know will see me through……. I would attend ALL of your events, and will do more soon. That I know. My question is: How do I tune into exactly what to offer someone — based on how they pace their race, how I deliver so much value up front that they pay for that they GLADLY proceed beyond an initial “test the waters” phase, which may be one session or 3 months…….. I desire to enroll people in their own wellness at a price point that separates the “men from the boys” so to speak, but also is absolutely doable to this person………. I may just need to exercise my already developed knowing skills and apply that new question to each connection with a human being who could absolutely benefit from working with me — way beyond the cost, the results would be beyond the investment……… “Things” seemed to have shifted in the past two months — where previously powerful successful spiritualpreneurs were moving forward to a whole new set of “things” to look at and adapt to. With your wisdom, experience, community and insight, I would like for us to brainstorm a whole NEW and even BETTER way of taking our mission to the world and being paid than what was possible 3 months ago. That’s how fast things change. Am I the only one who realizes a upgrade is eminent and needed. How does it get better than what you offer? How does it get better than what I receive? How do I get better at attracting people who hurt and who are ready to have a major breakthrough? Right now, I’m just not sure………..need new tools. Love. Janet Orion 828.230.4178
Hi Max!
Safe travels! Malaysia is beautiful and I look forward to going back one day
I’m in the very beginning stages of starting my business and although I can physcially feel that I am ready mentally it’s a totally different story. I spend too much time perfecting my ideas in my head and have yet to take real action towards making them concrete. Ultimately this goes back to my own personal issue of not being good enough. It’s a battle that I am facing head on and learning a whole lot in the process but it is not any easy one to deal with. I feel I could be so much farther along now than if I didn’t have this limiting belief holding me back
IN-JOY your trip! Wishing a happy holiday and wonderous new year!
Max,
You appear to be a true journeyman of universal truth. May blessings be abundant and keep you energized as you embark on your Asian quest.
I do not necessarily have a comment about the three principles you highlighted in your video, but I do have an inquiry. You state that you teach people to build a business around what they love, but your principles appeared to speak more about money than passion for purpose. Please explain (?).
I would like to build a business around what I love: Music, People/Living Things, Achieving Hopes/Dreams, Creativity and Nature. Hard to sum up, but I have creative talent, passion and capacity in most things and music appears to be the most profound language to learn how to speak. You hinted at “time” and time is just the dilemma. Twenty-four hours is not enough time in a day for me to work the professional job I do (as a social worker) and become the musical master I know I can be. Thoughts?
Sincerely,
Tony C.
St. Paul, MN
Hi, Max,
Have a wonderful trip. I am learning so much from your father at Chopra events, and at the same time I want to manage my business in ways that allow me to “semi-retire” even as I generate more income. I have so many projects from which to choose, and focusing and following through are needed disciplines.
I kept saying “hello” to you at La Costa, and I’m looking forward to working with you some time in the future. Thanks for all the good work you do. Namaste, Linda
Jeannette – what you REALLY need is a tribe of people who can show you what it looks and feels like to step up and lead.
So TRIBE, please offer Jeannette some extra words of wisdom in addition to sharing the areas of your business where you could offer some support.
Hi Max, I’m finding that I need help getting more people to attend my teleseminars. I also need help in trying to set up small intimate events, not something as big as Step Up And Lead. But something much smaller like 20 people or sowhere I can have a conversation with them, find out what they need and get clear before I start the sales conversation.
Have a safe trip Max, you will love Thailand (make sure you visit Chang Mai if have the opportunity) Thailand is awesome! Much love buddy.
Travel safe my friend. I wish you profound discovery, an open heart and a safe harbor. Hope 2010 offers us a chance to reconnect. Salude, Bon Voyage, and Blessing of Peace on another fantastic part of your incredible journey.
Hi Max, I would like to learn how to let go of my fear that my current family owned business will fall apart if I’m not there everyday. I would then like to learn how to focus my attention on my new business without the guilt.
Hope you have lots of amazing experiences on your vacation.
With Love, Lisa
How about a ‘virtual energy exchange’ Max? I’ve spent much of my life traveling the world alone, no fear there, so you take some of my travel comfort (as much as you want) in exchange for some of your ‘ business confidence’ comfort. That’s what I need. The confidence. You certainly came through with the tools, now the challenge is to keep up the new confidence level you gifted me. One more time, Thank You and Bon Voyage.
Mad Max, Be sure to drink many, many coconuts in Thailand
My business is exploding to the next level in 2010! The amped up level of my brand, image and presence is going to double the number of students that book my teacher training’s and my retreats. I would like help/guidance to assure these intentions.
Shanti Out,
Gannon
Sawadeeka! (Thai talk for greetings). Koh Chang and Bangkok…lots of fun. Check out the craftsmanship in Bali..
Pricing is something I definately want help with! Thanks for all Max, and especially for mentioning the dates, as already there were conflicts. See you next year!
Honored to be part of this tribe…Love, Susan
Hi Jeanette,
Max calls me a recovering perfectionist…I have a picture of good and plentys on my wall as a reminder I am enough. Also, every year I am sure to be a beginner at something and see it all as a journey…We’re getting better all the time..when you love yourself right where you are, you can love others all the more….love to you, Susan
Jeanette! Max is right…I was just at Step Up and Lead and it seriously transformed my life. We’ve all had some sort of jaded BS (belief system) from our past that we have to get over, but there are plenty of ways to release those…just show up at the next event in February and you’ll meet so many brilliant, amazing people who can work with you on the healing process. One of the great things I’ve learned from Max is that if you don’t take any action, nothing is going to change. So my best advice to you would be to take the first step and come to Max’s next Enlightened Entrepreneur event in February where you’ll connect with a tribe of people who will love and support you unconditionally. You need a support team to move forward! Meeting the tribe and being connected to them is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have never been more focused, happy, and in love with life than I am right now- and it’s because I’ve connected with the tribe of people at Step Up and Lead! I hope to see you at the next one, because I believe in you!!
Love,
Christy
Bon Voyage Max!
Areas where I need help
for Q.1 Believing that what I have to offer is truly unique and tailored to clients to bring them real success and therefore able to charge large fees and expect clients to be willing to pay.
Q2. Are teleseminars a good way to promote my coaching business and how do I know when I’ve found the perfect marketing strategy for me?
Q3. How to release my resistance to ‘Selling’ me as a product and selling my products as….. products???? lol
Yve
Have a fabulous time away Max. I can imagine all the vibrant, lush colors you will be surrounded by on your travels. In Joy, In Joy, In Joy…….
As for the questions:
1. Right now, the way I’m defined in my business is as a licensed marriage and family therapist and charging by the hour is the practice and part of what is expected legally and ethically. My challenge is to create a back end business that is able to develop beyond the hourly fee to client’s or their insurance companies. I also believe I may be in the midst of re defining what my passion is.
2. Previously, my marketing has been simply on a referral basis and working closely with a psychiatrist. I have been so resistant to creating a website that “puts me out there”. However, that is my present goal. To create a website by the end of January. I loved the marketing and sales part of what we did and I realized that I’m good at conceptualizing others businesses; however, I was weak in creating mine with the same enthusiasm. I’m finding my fire within to create and give birth to my website.
3. I do have someone who helps me with the billings and statements. However, I’m aware of my lack of assertiveness or comfort in delegating to her. She’s trustworthy and very capable. It’s time to discover more of what I can be doing with her assistance.
I was super quiet in the group, and I need to find my voice in a group setting. I’m much more comfortable in a one to one setting.
I have a lot to be moving forward on from the retreat……I was challenged within to re examine my BS and I appreciate all that unfurled. I am still riding the wave of love, support, energy, enthusiasm, wisdom and fun from you and the tribe.
Peace, Love and Light,
Christy B.
Glad to be a member of the tribe and thankful for the opportunity.
Area I need help in:
1. Just starting out with the new paradigm of being worthy of wealth. Don’t know how to transform this into reality. Gave up everything 15 years ago (at the age of 41) to follow my dream of becoming a “professor”: finally believed in myself as a ‘teacher’ and scientist…only to find myself 14 years later opting out of the traditional world of the ivory tower and truly wanting to make a difference in the lives of the students. Now I am an unemployed scientist and sessional instructor grabbing small contracts to teach university courses where I can. Deeply want to make the transition into turning my expertise, passion and unique perspective into a sincere, heartfelt business that will allow me to reach far more people than those only in my classroom. Have many books to write and am thrilled with public speaking opportunities (recently gave a keynote address called “from the streets to the podium: one professors journey from being a street kid to a obtaining a PhD”). I love science and all it can offer (including its deep connection to spirituality). Would love to be doing research in this area. Neuroscience and neurobiology with a focus on how and why we learn and our sacred connection to all that is…and how to transform the classroom to better reflect this…with a side passion for quantum physics and the “divine matrix” (Gregg Braden’s term). My focus in life is to empower others through education.
How can you and the rest of the tribe help?
Thank you Max and I appreciate all that you do and I hope to continue getting your passionate teachings.
Good luck in Asia…Safe travels
I would like to know more about marketing an untraditional concept to the general public.
How can I reduce the amount of focused hours a day, while increasing my effectiveness?
Hey Max,
Have a wonderful journey in Asia, my former playground!
Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge with us and welcoming me into the tribe. I have come away from the workshop last week a new person in so many ways. I am a very different person than the one first arrived in Corona, CA on Dec 2. I have never had an issue around $$$ and I feel so much wiser about sales and marketing after listening to the teleconference and attending the workshop but I could do with more about the nuts a bolts of running a business.
Once again thank you so much for sharing your gift with the world.
Love and blessings,
Carolynne
Thanks Max and we will miss you when you are gone. Yes these are the three areas I struggle with in my new business. My biggest challanges are around marketing – what are some of the best and most effective ways to advertise? I know connection for me is key but I cannot be in a million places at once. I know U-tube, facebook, twitter YIKES that is scary as I am such a private person in my personal life. Anyway have a wonderfully enlightening trip and be safe!
Hi Max, safe jouney. I have to learn how to ask for business partners, in my direct sales business, or tell them what the co has to offer. I probably is just practice saying it out loud and get comfortable with asking.
Godspeed, Max! I need help in all of the areas mentioned, but am most interested in your “conscious operation” idea. Please tell me more about that and the steps necessary to begin to think on that level. I am very interested to hear more about the February 2010 conference, but I have to tell you that I would love it if you came to the East Coast! Dont’t get me wrong-I’m sure a California getaway would be fantastic that time of year, but a trip like that is just not in the budget right now! How about considering a conference in Atlanta or Charlotte for us Southern fans??
Thanks again for the encouragement and enjoy your trip!
My problem is explaining what I do to the general non-enlightened mainstream public and advertising my business in a way as to not scare people away. As a Reiki Master, a spiritual advisor, and a certified alternative medical practitioner, it’s not a main stream accepted concept. People understand, yoga, meditation, and massage but when it get’s unto alternative healing practices it’s is not always accepted.
Have a great trip – enjoy your time and thanks for all you do.
Hello Max -
I would like to know specifically how to shift from dollars for hours to a more leverage model. I’d like to know how to expand marketing beyond a physical location, so that I reach and serve more people. I’d like to know much more about how to run my business and maximize my time – how to be efficient and to put people and structure in the best places for fantastic flow, and knock your socks outcomes!
Happy Trails!
Respectfully,
Emilia
Hi Max,
Thank you very much for your videoblog! I have much to learn in all of those three areas. I’m on my way from stay at home mum and charity coach to earning money with coaching. At the moment I cannot yet give you a detailed answer. I hope this is enough and I can stay tuned with you.
I wish you very lucky and interesting journey to Asia! I guess you are also going to meet Vishen Lakhiani in Malaysia. If so, very many warm greetings from Finland from the only finnish participant in EngageToday2009 in Calgary this fall.
All the best
Aini
Being that I’m in the very beginning stages of starting to market, I think I would like to be walked through the very basic technological things like how to set up an automated e-mail list that uses first names and how to set myself up so I can accept credit cards.
Sounds like an amazing trip. I can’t wait to catch up with you and talk about the past year.
Max,
I enjoy your videos –they always give me something to ponder. I’ve transitioned from service provider (occupational therapist) to entrepreneur (you can check out my product & story on our website-getwags.com) and it been quite a wonderful & terrifying ride. Your model & phylosophy seems geared to service oriented, verses product oriented businesses. But of the 3 areas mentioned my greatest needs are in Marketing and Sales and day to day operations at maxium efficiency, as well as recruiting marketing & sales reps that are in alignment with my mission.
Have a wonderful journey,
Paula
Max,
Good luck in Asia. Keep sharing.
Mike
Hi Max,
I’m writing a book about men and women, in the hopes of helping us all have more harmony in our relationships.
#1 Money: How do I continue in my journey of writing my book and selling it with limited funds.
#2 Marketing: I’m building my platform, and would love some tips on how I can build my readership of my blog, and build more awareness and market myself to prepare for the launch of my book.
#3 Operations: How do I gain experience speaking to groups of women, before my book is done?
Hey Max,
Hope you are having a fabulous trip and keeping plenty of pro-biotics coursing throught your inner-tube as it were!
With regard to my massage business I definitely need support/belief in being able to charge more. For starters I need to be really clear what differentiates my work from others. I’d also like support creating classes where I teach massage and healing touch principles and practice to people, perhaps primarily couples.
Massage is not however my highest calling, it’s not where my greatest passion lies. So, I have been floundering as far as trying to set up other sorts of businesses none of which have been producing much income. In large part because of lack of attention. So I also need support in simply generating consistent effort in whatever particular area I’m focusing. I have noticed I do much better when I have more structure and, being self-employed all my life has often led to my not being as focused and efficient with my time.
So, I hesistate to say “Yes, I need help with all of the above ($$, sales/marketing, and conscious operations)…and more…” but there it is. I have started leading breathing circles (using a Pranayamic breathing technique similar to Julia’s) with very great feedback, but again, not too much income to date. I am scheduling one for early January in the LA area. There is possibility of private clientele, but I’m not so clear as to what sort of opportunity for “back-end” income I can create. I am also writing a book regarding the effect of main stream media and belief systems on what we “know” and what we do and how we live in society which I would love to be teaching, educating and speaking about. My strengths seem to be in connecting with people, speaking comfortably in groups and individually, writing and beginning things…I haven’t been so adept at completing things to date.
Apologies for the length of this response. I was hesitating to put it all out on the table, but you asked where I needed help…so there it is!
I hope your trip is continuing to be fabulous.
all blessings,
David B
Hey Max,
I hope you’re having fun in Asia!
I’m interested in learning more about marketing my courses. I’ve been able to identify a few different tribes but all have their pros and cons. And my ideas for marketing are different for each one, depending on the tribe, their needs, and where they “hang out.” I’d like some insight on picking a tribe to start and building a structure that makes it easy and flexible to eventually expand to other tribes.
Safe travels and all my love,
Amy
What I’m really great at doing is to help business leaders optimize their ability to influence others and transform their business, or teams to create more value with less work and hassle, while boosting their performance, and income, using Lean Thinking, and NLP Leadership coaching.
Great blog. Do you know of any relevant forums or discussion groups?
I realized how well you can feel when you share some words with people who walk in the same direction.
God bless you