How Do You Define Success? NEW Video

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure to participate in an amazing video series called Self-Made Successful Women, hosted by Saloua Ibaline.

SMSW is a platform on which inspirational women share their personal journeys and really open up about their life challenges. Most importantly, they give us a clear vision of the true meaning of success.

I had the chance to chat one-on-one with host Saloua, and share my story of how I define success [HINT: it's about alignment], and how I overcame a pivotal challenge in the re-branding of my coaching business.

I invite you to watch the video interview and let me know how YOU define success!

How to Disrupt HR, And What's Size Got to Do With It

It's time to Disrupt HR! Tune into this video of my recent presentation at DisruptHR New York (it's only 5 minutes long).

Don't Leave Culture To Chance | Colette Ellis | DisruptHR Talks from DisruptHR on Vimeo.

I shared my Don't Leave Culture to Chance presentation in May of this year at the Design a Happy + Healthy Company Conference. For this Ignite talk, I was challenged to share a disruptive idea related to company culture and talent management.

My disruptive idea is a bit cheeky (yes, a reference to size was made); yet I believe completely relevant to the discussion of how (and when) do leaders need to "worry about" defining company culture. Take a peek and let me know what you think.

Also, if for no other reason, you can watch me #fail at making the Vulcan salute!

My Coaching Manifesto 2.0

The seasons have changed since I last wrote. Summer feels like a blur to me. I've been doing lots of personal development work through my holistic coaching group, as it has been a period of transitions ... a series of new moons and full moons through which I've been reviewing what is important to me in my business, and in my life.

The good news is that I had the opportunity to revisit my Coaching / Business Manifesto that I shared earlier in the year. This 2.0 version comes via a second exercise led by my coach, Dawn Copeland, to tease out those factors that excite me and propel me to thrive in my business.

Once again, I'm excited to share this 2.0 version of my Manifesto with you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and reactions. Also, feel free to post a link to your Manifesto if you have one!

Coach Colette - Manifesto 2.0

I am a transformational coach and speaker.

I believe in possibility.

What I know for sure is we can change the world ... together.

I love working with passionate leaders who are doing good in the world.

I dream of the day when the world and our planet is healed.

I was born to speak, heal, and help that to happen.

I've never been happier than when I witness the A-HA moments and see the sparks of light in my clients' eyes.

I feel most alive when I'm speaking and sharing my message of possibility.

I shine when I am serving my tribe within a community of support.

If I had a super power it would be seeing into people's hearts and cutting through the B-S to get to the core issues at hand.

I work best when I have a supportive team and community.

What I want most in the world is to leave a legacy of healing and sustainability.

I can help you go within to reconnect to your purpose and lead your team with compassion and confidence.

Learn Why InStep Consulting is Best FOR New York City

Slowing Down to Start Up with InStep Consulting

This article features an interview with me about my reasons to participate in the Best for NYC Challenge sponsored by NYCEDC. Best for NYC is a citywide campaign to inspire and equip local businesses to measure and improve practices to strengthen their bottom-line and improve quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Vote by FRIDAY to Help a Woman Business Owner

You've got to be in it to win it! And, I am -- now I need YOUR vote!

Perhaps you've heard of the Chase Mission Main Street Grants for Small Business? The program will award up to 20 grants of $150,000 to help small business owners to grow their businesses.

Now, through FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, small business owners who have been in business for at least two years and have less than 100 employees can submit an application. InStep Consulting has applied, and I'd love to have your VOTE of support!

What Would a $150K Grant Mean to InStep? 

2014 is a milestone year -- I've been in business for 10 years! It's definitely been a roller-coaster ride that I couldn't imagine doing any other way. 

 

Now, it's time to think about the next 10 years. I do know they will be different -- because the business landscape has changed dramatically just in the past few years.

 

This grant would help me to do some of the strategic planning and sustainability consulting work that I offer to clients on my own business! That would mean hiring PR/marketing and business coaches; plus, I'd like to increase the bench-strength of the coaching and consulting team.

Voting is really easy! Visit the Chase Mission Main Street website:

• Click the VOTE NOW button
• Input your Facebook login
• Click VOTE!

I need at least 250 votes to be considered for a grant. Thank you for your support! Feel free to "Share Your Vote" with your social network afterwards.

In Which Direction is Your Mindset Taking You and Your Business?

It's been said that your mindset is like the steering wheel of your life. In which direction is your mindset taking you? Could you use a Mindset Reset?



What would you do if your business became unrecognizable to you in the second half of 2014?

I'm looking for a few business leaders who are ready to work on their most important business goals like they knew they couldn't fail. Sign up for a Mindset Reset for Business Coaching Session using the button below:

Vote to Help InStep Reach More People Dealing with Stress

Have you heard about the Chase/Living Social Mission Small Business contest? Individual grants of $250,000 each will be awarded to help up to 12 lucky small business owners to grow their businesses!

InStep Consulting has applied and we'd love to have YOUR VOTE of support!


Now through June 30, small business owners who have been in business for at least 2 years and have less than 100 employees can submit an application.


What Would a $250K Grant Mean to InStep?
Currently, we offer wellness and stress management coaching and training. I'd like to develop a web/mobile application that would provide up-to-the-minute info to help people monitor their stress "triggers" and better manage how they respond to stress (like a stress "heat map").

I have a particular interest in helping those who are living with or are at risk for high blood pressure / hypertension, as it is a personal and family concern.

This grant would help us to recruit our initial technical team to successfully complete the technology planning phase for the application including: defining initial features and functionality, creating wireframes, and building an initial MVP.

Voting is really easy! Visit the Mission Small Business website: 

• Click the Login + Support button

• Input your Facebook login

• Put "InStep Consulting" in the business name search

• Click VOTE!

Thank you for your support! 

PS -- let me know if you submit an application for your business, and I'll be happy to vote for you as well (there are no vote limits!)

Coach Colette Schools 'Preneurs on How to Communicate for Impact

In this video interview with Melissa Wildstein, I share more tips to Communicate for Impact in advance of my upcoming class for women entrepreneurs on March 27 at Wix Lounge. Get "schooled" here!



By the way, 'PRENEUR is a rockstar membership community created for business owners by business owners who do what we do everyday: hustle! Katie, Melissa and Sabina have designed a fun, interactive community to skyrocket your business growth in four key ways: Get Press, Get Exposure, Get Support & Get Schooled!

Since joining 'PRENEUR, I've been so glad to have these 3 PR and SEO dynamos as part of my team! Because another key component to communicate for impact is having connected, raving supporters who proactively create a buzz about you and what you have to offer.

Communicate for Impact: Our Differences Do Matter

Did you know that 75% of the people who are critical to your happiness and success are DIFFERENT from you in SEVEN key ways?

Communicate for Impact: Video Intro

More PowerPoint presentations from Colette

To find out why it matters and how you can still be successful in business, join me as I share tips with  savvy women entrepreneurs and founders on Tuesday, March 27th at Wix Lounge.
 
BTW, a People Style assessment is included in your registration for my Communicate for Impact interactive workshop.

Communicate for Impact: Video Tips

Here's a video I recorded with one of my favorite quotes from Marianne Williamson about how to release your fears and confidently communicate your ideas and opinions -- through your throat chakra.



This video is a quick preview of my communication philosophy -- more of which I'll be sharing with women entrepreneurs on Tuesday, March 27th at the Communicate for Impact class at Wix Lounge. Learn more and sign up HERE!

Does Your Facebook Business Page Have a Theme Song?

Ours does! Sorry if that sounds a little like a taunt from the school-playground, LOL! I'm just really excited about the new landing page on our InStep Consulting Facebook page. Here's a sneak peek:

When you click on the pink horn icon in the upper right hand corner, a funky tune will play as you navigate on our page. How did we do it? By using the FREE publishing platform provided by Wix.com!

Wix.com offers cutting-edge web technology that allows you to customize your Facebook or mobile website regardless of your technical skills or knowledge. It's an online tool that guides you through building your site without having to code. I was literally able to drag and drop different image and text elements to update our Facebook page by starting with one of their many free templates.

My tips for using the Wix platform would be to:

1. Plan ahead and decide what aspects of your business want to feature (will help with choosing template layout and tabs)
2. Think about what message and image you want to convey to your audience (will help with choosing template themes)
3. SAVE YOUR WORK as you go (yes, I did have to rebuild it from scratch once when Internet Explorer had a hiccup and stopped responding)
4. Have FUN -- you can customize and update your site whenever you want

The Wix support team is friendly and helpful (true story -- I actually called them and got advice on how to optimize the page). Stop by and "like" our Facebook page when you have the chance, and tell us what you think on our Wall!

You'll also see info on my upcoming Communicate for Impact seminar for women entrepreneurs on Tuesday, March 27 -- which is being held in NYC at Wix Lounge!

Have a Major Breakthrough in Results on September 13

Have you been working hard to achieve results this year, yet things aren't happening as fast as you'd like? Are you ready for a major BREAKTHROUGH?

Join me on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 7 pm ET for a special, NO-COST Preview Session for my Reconnect to Your Purpose & Get RE-Focused Group Coaching Program. On this call, you will create a crystal-clear vision of your ultimate success and perfect lifestyle. You'll get re-energized and inspired to create a powerful, results-driven plan that helps you get things done and still have a flourishing personal life.

This call is especially for women entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers who want to overcome fear, regret, setbacks, or struggle in your business and other career-related endeavors -- to give yourself the space, time and permission to reconnect with your passion and enthusiasm for life!

Know that I'm rooting for you and look forward to hearing you on the special Preview Session on Tuesday, September 13!

HOT Off the Presses! CRAVE New York Guide

You've heard the rumors, and yes it's true. There is a NEW guide to the HOTTEST women entrepreneurs in New York City -- the CRAVE New York Guide is here!

Check out these pics from the June 16 Launch Party of the CRAVE New York Guide held at the beautiful home of  Joan Hornig, founder of Philanthropy is Beautiful. Merging women's passions for jewelry and giving back, her company's unique model leverages the "power of the purse." With 100% of the profit on every sale donated to the charity of the purchaser's choice, women are empowered to use beauty and fashion for the benefit of others.

And, Joan is just ONE example of the savvy businesswomen in this guide!

None of this would have been possible without the vision and tenacity of Melody Biringer, founder of The CRAVE Company. A self-professed startup junkie with more than 20 businesses to her credit, Melody understands that when encouraged to thrive, local businesses enhance communities and provide rich experiences not usually found in more mass-market enterprises.

She believes that being an entrepreneur can be the most rewarding and thrilling choice a woman can make in her career. If you'd like a peek into this sister's entrepreneur mind, check out her NEW book: CRAVING SUCCESS for the up and down lessons of being an adventurous, independent businesswoman!

Back to the celebration! Believe it or not, this is NOT a stack of CRAVE New York Guides! If you had tried to turn these pages at the party, you would have received a very sweet surprise! This is the fantastic celebration cake for our launch party created by Miriam Milord of BCakeNY, a custom cake-design studio dedicated to creating specialty cakes for any occasion. By bringing special attention to your celebration and causing everyone to say WOW!, Miriam believes anything can BCake!

And, by participating in this launch, I've realized that anything can be possible -- by leveraging the expertise, resources, and talents of like-minded people.

In the guide, when asked: What business mistake have you made that you will not repeat? My answer was: "Thinking I could do it all by myself." In 2011, I've really learned that asking for help (and also sharing what I'm up to ... or would like to be up to) does show strength and it allows others to contribute their talents to create even BIGGER, better possibilities!

So, get ready to explore the hidden gems, new hot spots, and familiar favorites in this exciting new book. CRAVE New York City the Urban Girl's Manifesto 1st Ed is now available on Amazon.com!

Plus, stay tuned for my upcoming book signings and events on my BookTour.com page!

NEW Podcast: Get Paid What You're Worth Even in the New Normal

Has the New Normal impacted your ability to negotiate for money?

The message we're receiving about money in today's economy is that it's TIGHT! Consumers are scrutinizing every purchase; and, managers are still nervous about spending. To get ahead, you must be able to demonstrate the ROI and value-add of any additional resources.

The GOOD news, I've just recorded a new podcast to help you! It's my conversation with Kathleen Kingsbury, founder of KBK Wealth Connection. In this podcast, Kathleen and I discuss how you can master your money psychology, and increase your ability to negotiate for what you're worth.

Whether you're an employee preparing for your year-end performance review, a job seeker getting ready to land your next job, or an entrepreneur planning to close your next deal, this podcast has great tips for you!

Kathleen, a certified professional coach and author of Creating Wealth from the Inside Out Workbook, helps clients to bravely look at their relationship with money and to make lasting financial, behaviorial changes.

One money psychology strategy we discussed on the podcast is to figure out which aspect of your brain you typically use when you're negotiating or discussing money: your emotional mind or your rational mind. This will help you understand how you're responding to the other person. Listen to the podcast for the series of questions Kathleen recommends you ask yourself before these conversation.

As always, I want to hear your feedback about the podcast. Feel free to tweet me your money success stories (or challenges) on Twitter. And, if you'd like to share part of your Dear Money Letter here, please do so in the Comments section!

Here's to all of us gettin' paid in 2011! :-)

Shop 'Small' at InStep on Nov. 27 - Get $25 Back

Did you know: For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 returns to the community?

This year, Saturday November 27th is the first-ever Small Business Saturday -- a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods around the country.

If you're an American Express cardmember, you have an even better incentive to participate: a $25 statement credit when you spend $25 or more at a small business. To participate, you'll need to register your American Express card by November 27th at http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/.

Then, visit our Online Shop to purchase one of our career development or wellness tools -- either for yourself or as a great holiday gift for a friend or family member! By shopping "small," you'll achieve HUGE results from our practical, holistic resources.

Please help spread the word, and shop online on Saturday, November 27th!

Thanks for your support!
@Coach_Colette

NEW Podcast: Find a Business Partner Who Won't BLEEP You

So, you've probably figured out that in today's New Normal you can't do it all alone. Whether you're seeking to advance your professional career, expand your business, or launch your new "side hustle," building relationships is crucial to your future success and sustainability. Your ability to develop strategic alliances and identify new partners will determine how well you're able to enter new markets and industries, find new opportunities, and really stay afloat.

In business (as in life), relationship building can be a tricky process. We know when it works, you can't wait for the next project or opportunity to work together! And, when it doesn't work, you can't wait for the project to end - hoping never to work with that person again! We've all been there - it all sounded great in the beginning ... but somehow, things changed and what you THOUGHT was going to happen, didn't. And, now you're left wondering how you got there in the first [*!#] place.

The trick with business relationships: How can you find a partner who won't [BLEEP] you?! 

In this podcast, you'll hear my discussion with Nina Kaufman, owner of Ask the Business Lawyer, and author of The Entrepreneur's Prenup: How to Choose a Business Partner Who Won't [BLEEP] You. Nina is an award-winning business attorney, sought-after professional speaker and online columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine.

From our conversation, you'll learn how to select the right alliance partners, and when you should have written agreements. You'll also gain some tips on how to avoid the emotional and financial pitfalls of doing business with a friend or family member. In the end, ideally, you each want to be able to benefit from the other's skills, talents, resources and connections. In life, there are no guarantees; but we hope this podcast may help you save some time and aggravation.

Take a listen, and let me know what you think. Have YOU ever been [BLEEPED] by a business/alliance partner? Share your comments and BLEEP experiences here -- or tweet me on Twitter.

Be Fearless About Your Goals: TV Interview of Coach Colette

In case you missed watching it live, you can still see the interview of Coach Colette on Fearless Business TV by show host, Valerie Gurka. The segment is about setting SMART Goals for 2010.

The other guest expert on the show is Jake Matthews from 10e20 - who offers strategies to leverage Social Media to market your business or side hustle.

The last segment is the ULTRA LIGHT LAUNCH with Graham Lawlor from Ultra Light Startups - who provides practical tips on how to pitch to business investors. This segment also features Jennifer Takaki from The Pickle Club - who dellivers a 1-minute pitch for her online community.

Hope you enjoy the show! Let us know what is your favorite part.

Get Tips to Launch Your New Business: TOMORROW in NYC

Have you considered starting your own business, or making your 'side hustle' a legitimate venture? Then, join me TOMORROW from 5:30 PM at The Entrepreneurs' Circle: Interactive Discovery Workshop Series.

If you think that entrepreneurship might be your NEW path, sign up for The Entrepreneurs' Circle. You'll hear success stories from business owners who have made it, and gain tips to avoid the isolation many entrepreneurs often feel.

The Entrepeneurs' Circle Workshop will feature four groupings that are tailored to your' stage of business development:

1. Pre-Idea
2. Initial Development
3. Development
4. Established Business

Each group will be led by a trained and specialized executive, small business or life coach. I will be there to lead participants in the Pre-Idea phase through discussion and 'laser coaching' activities to help explore the transition, identify their unique 'competent advantage' in business, and create a buzz about their upcoming new venture.

Jump out of your comfort zone and SIGN UP TODAY! Space for this event is limited due to the individualized attention being provided by the coaches.

Bring your pad, pen, paper, or laptop -- This is a working session! See YOU TOMORROW!"

Coach Colette LIVE on Strictly Business Radio, 3 PM EST

Today at 3:00 PM EST, I'll be having an on-air conversation with Anna Banks, host of Strictly Business Radio, a program designed to create awareness about entrepreneurs of small to mid-sized businesses and to promote employment and business opportunities nationally.

In the month of November, the program has focused on Social Enterprise -- the New Heroes. Today, I'll be chatting with Anna about the challenges, opportunities, successes, missteps and motivations of this passionate group of leaders and the organizations that they create and grow.

Listen ONLINE today at 3:00 PM EST, and call in with your questions to: (718) 766-4021.

Talk to you later today!

Entrepreneurs: What Are You Curious About?

The question of today's post is the underlying theme of a NEW podcast on the Competent Advantage TM channel about professional development for business owners. The podcast is my conversation with Eva Lilijendahl, an executive coach and founder of Inspiration for Excellence.

In today's business economy, you may be wondering why Eva and I spent time talking about curiosity -- why not talk about developing new business strategies, or expanding into new markets? Well, indirectly, we were talking about that -- how to be proactive about deciding in which areas to develop your skills (that will presumably help grow your business), by first spending a little time tapping into your curiosity. In fact, Eva believes that curiosity has everything to do with business development; and, I'm inclined to agree.

As I've mentioned, 2008 has become my year of technology with my recent hardware purchases. These purchases have made me more curious about social networking and Web 2.0 -- now that I have the gadgets that enable me to take greater advantage! What has that meant for my business? Well, I've yet to see the full impact; but I can speak to new habits I've included into my routine: checking in and updating my Facebook page; monitoring and adding posts to my MOLI Life Balance Board. On the fun side, I've created a new Avatar for myself on Meez (see sidebar)-- a true example of how learning can be fun!

In my world of coaching and consulting, being curious about technology will likely serve me well. Yet, Eva and I also discussed indirect benefits from learning things that may have nothing do with your business or career (won't give too much away but example in the podcast involves stage performance). Have you ever been surprised by being able to use a skill for work that you gained during a purely fun activity?

While on the road with the librarians, I recall that Kevin (Carroll) always encouraged them to stir up their sense of "neoteny" as a way of keeping an open mind during the training sessions. Don't worry, I hadn't heard of the word before either! But, it's the ability to keep your childlike quailities -- one of which is curiosity.

So, I'll ask again: what are you curious about now?