Yes, I know it has been awhile; it has been SUMMER, and so I have been not working whenever possible in preparation for the months and months of monotonous rain ahead now that we are moving into fall. I spent time outside, I camped, I ran, I read BOOKS (wow!), I sat on patios with Man and enjoyed the summertime EVERYTHING. Apologies, but I'm not all that sorry.
I LOVE the fall. It's my favourite season: the smells, the leaves, the crock pot dinners, the crispness in the air....it's all fabulous. I also love the fall because for me, it's about starting fresh. New notebooks, new backpacks, new agendas and plans. I always think of September and the start of school as my unofficial New Year. I'm nerdy that way.
So today I had the day off from my "Day Job" and spent a chunk of time gearing up for the fall and mapping out what it will look like over here at big life. It involved a big fat latte, some big fat lists, a big fat strategic plan, and some big fat spreadsheets. Best meeting ever. And I was the only one there, so I could hog the agenda all to myself. Weeee!
Here's what what you can expect soon:
- monthly networking dinners - this will bring together small groups of people from my life that have not yet met and will connect them in a most delightful way. Food will be provided (hopefully, although I am still searching for a partner in this) by an up-and-coming caterer, wine will be poured, and new alliances will be formed. It will be fun to play a bit of a business matchmaker. I am hand-picking attendees for each one, so keep your eyes open for an invitation, and by all means, let me know if you'd like to come to one - I am happy to meet new people whenever they come my way!
- monthly newsletter - this began in the spring, but was pushed aside in favor of, I don't know, sleeping. I have done some restructuring though, and am envisioning a lot more time for writing such as this. The latest and greatest will be sent out on October 1.
- a fun new seminar! I attended a meeting with my Mentor Group in the summer, and lovely Danielle Tatarin was leading the meeting: she ran us through a fabulous exercise around creativity and our businesses and I left so inspired that I have taken the idea and run with it. I will hold this seminar for groups of no more than 10 people at a time; we will explore visions and values for ourselves and create a funky piece of art that will serve to remind you of where you are going and what is REALLY important to you. I expect the first installment to be held in October and perhaps continue on a monthly basis from there. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted.
- a referral program! As a coach, about 90% of my clients come from referrals (that's you, sort of playing match-maker, too!) and knowing this, I was very inspired my Michelle Ward's idea (can you TELL I'm a big fat fan??) - she's the When I Grow Up Coach and sort of stole it (because it's so GOOD and I'm pretty sure she'll forgive me...but I am crediting her everywhere I can think of!) So here's the dirt: you tell someone how wonderful and coachy I am, and you get a $50 gift card to the place of your choosing when they sign up for a package of coaching with me. It's pretty simple: pass the goodness on, and I will send you shopping. Thanks Michelle! This brings me to my next update, and that is that
- my pricing structure is going to change a little to offer more options (read: more affordable options) as well as creative ways for you to get out of your rut while still being able to peruse shoe sales (both are equally important, I believe). This is still a work in progress, but you guessed it, I'll post updates for you to see.
See? I may not have been here at the blog, but I've been busy! I have also been hanging out with clients and watching some lives get bigger right before my eyes. It's been the greatest summer EVER.
On that note, I have to get back to it: I have some more things to take care of it before snuggling up with Man and the animals for some PVR-ed goodness.
Be well, be big, talk to you soon
xo
tara
