Sane Spaces FAQ
My journey to becoming an entrepreneur began a long time ago.
I remember very clearly the unmistakable “wake up moment” when I knew that my identity and corporate life was not in alignment with who I was being and becoming. I was scheduled to fly out of Newark airport for an early meeting in Dallas, TX. As a newish mom, I tried to plan my travel days as tightly as I could, and not spend too many nights out of town. On this particular morning, I had awakened at 4:30 am to get ready for my flight. There was a limo waiting outside my front door with my luggage loaded in the trunk to take me to the airport. I had given the 1-minute sign to the driver – and (with a heavy and guilty heart) I climbed back upstairs to my 18-month-old sons’ room to kiss him goodbye for the “quick” two days that I would be away…
When I leaned down to kiss his forehead, he was very warm.
And – any parent knows a child’s fever. It’s unmistakable. And a child can’t “fake” a fever… a fever is a fever.
As I kissed him, he stirred – and rolled toward me, and before I knew it, I said: “Oh honey, are you okay?” – and all I wanted him to say – “Yes, I’m fine…” – denying that he needed me, so I could relive my guilt over leaving him for my business trip.
But, as is the case with most undeniable truths – they catch you at the most important moments… and he said instead:“Oh mommy, do you HAVE to leave me?” – and within about a second, I found myself cringing at the thought of my sick son-lying on my babysitter’s couch, but only really wanting to be home in his own bed with me by his side…
Before I even knew it, I said – “No. I don’t HAVE to leave you, honey. I’m going to stay right here with you…”
At that, I went down the stairs, out the front door, paid the driver his round trip fee, unloaded my suitcase from the trunk, and called my boss to tell him that I couldn’t fly to Dallas for the meeting – and that they’d have to carry on without me there.
My child was sick, and he needed ME more than my staff did.
This was that well-known “stripped-bare” moment when I knew that I could no longer allow my corporate career, salary, success, and the resulting identity to drive my decisions about my life’s work. My CORE values had been tested, and my priorities were already determined. I was a mom – and I was the most important person to one child (and now 2 beautiful children).
I knew then that I no longer wanted to be pulled and driven by someone else’s expectations. Although it took many additional life incidents, job restructures, health issues – and even marital difficulties to completely get clear about my life’s purpose, this story adequately depicts what was the beginning of my journey into launching a business.
This is a truth that is not often discussed by driven, high-functioning, educated women who’ve chosen to put their careers on hold to focus on being MOM. It is a hidden secret that many of us labor over: HOW can I do this? How can I be an awesome mom – and make a real contribution while using my skills, talent, and background….? I KNOW I can’t go back to what I did before… So, now what? Who am I NOW? How can I serve? How can I make a difference?
It was this experience and many others that have led me to dedicate the rest of my professional career to moms who have had similar 4:30 am wake-up calls – where their careers (or businesses) have pulled them in a different direction than their mothering instincts and core values. I want to support you that two things can be true at one time, as long as you are crystal clear on your priorities and you’ve created the systems, spaces, and support that will make you successful. Because I TRULY believe that people how are aligned in purpose and path will change this world… most importantly by first being awesome at who they are, having clarity around what they want, and then working tirelessly to make a difference and serve others passionately and powerfully.
And, looking back, this moment was the seed that grew into Sane Spaces, LLC.
Now, many years later, my adult sons are thriving in their lives. They've grown along with my business and I'm proud to say that they've been part of my growth, struggles and triumphs all along the way.
I believe that happy, healthy, whole people make the world a better place. As such, I’ve focused my programs and workshops around professionals, entrepreneurs, and high performers' specific needs. While I serve both neurotypical and neurodiverse client base, many of my clients have ADHD.
My private clients struggle with managing all the parts and pieces in their busy, busy lives. Often, they struggle in the areas of time and space. Some have never been taught how to organize or manage their time. While others struggle with prioritizing what is most important and what they need to do first. But many coaching clients have either become overwhelmed by all the pieces and are reaching exhaustion trying to juggle it all. They're doing it, but not as well as they know they could be.
My VIP coaching clients fall into three distinct client types:
- I work with both neurotypical professionals and entrepreneurs and those with ADHD. Most clients begin coaching to make changes in their lives and business results. ADHD Coaching first centers around building a much keener sense of awareness and insight about how ADHD manifests in your life, relationships, and business. ADHD Coaching first centers on building awareness, learning about the neuroscience and nuances, and reframing the subtle paradoxical realities posed by being a high performer with ADHD.
- I work with successful entrepreneurs who struggle to manage their growing businesses while juggling their life responsibilities. These moms are really bordering on burnout, trying to manage everything themselves! They need to get in control of their time, set up systems, get organized, and make the time necessary for self-care. The program that is most suited to this mom is the Entrepreneur Sanity System.
- I work with people who’ve put their careers on pause to raise children or care for a family member. This is a transition from what was before considering what is next for you. They need to explore what they want and follow a path to create work that satisfies their personal and professional needs. The program that is most suited to this mom is the Relaunch Mom 2.0 Blueprint.
- I work with entrepreneurs who are stuck in the LATE start-up phase with their business venture. They have launched a businesss, but are not making the money they had expected. They need to get focused, earn more and leverage their resources so they can focus on their most profitable, rewarding work.
I offer one on one VIP support, group coaching, and workshops focused on time, space, efficiency, and productivity. The thing I enjoy most is supporting people to dream, launch, and live passionately and with full engagement in whatever way that best fits their needs.
Additionally, I offer training, workshops, events, and presentations to corporations and associations looking for quality workshops or presentations in my areas of expertise. You can read more here.
Because of my background and career as a curriculum designer, trainer, performance management director and organization development specialist, I’ve woven this expertise into my programs. I also work with businesses and organizations who need training or facilitation/intervention for their management teams or staff members. My training workshops focus on office organizing for productivity, confidence, time management, meetings, communication and process improvement. For more about my speaking topics and workshops go here.
The background that informs my coaching comes from more than 30 years of experience as a corporate HR/Training professional: I’ve successfully managed employee teams and contractors and I’ve been a performance management director and a management coach. I have worked with chronically disorganized clients, entrepreneurs, business leaders and children. I have successfully led volunteer organizations. I have a master’s degree and several certifications in proprietary training systems such as: the esteemed accreditation of Master Facilitator from ODI (Organization Dynamics, Inc), Leadership Dimensions from DDI (Development Dimensions Inc.), Behavioral Interviewing(Behavioral Technology, LLC), Inside-Out Coaching, Supervisor Skills: Charting Your Course, Coach Approach for Organizers (Denslow Brown), and Tracom’s Producing Results Through Others – Social Styles. I also studied at the Center for Creative Leadership.
When I launched my organizing business, I joined the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), and served two terms as the President of the Northern NJ Chapter. I have been a member of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, and have obtained a Level 4 Certification to work with chronically disorganized populations. I have training in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Meyer’s-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and DiSC Profiler. I have also been certified in Inside-Out Coaching, and successfully completed two certification levels through The Institute for Applied Coaching: Certified Organizer Coach (COC 2017) and Certified Productivity Coach (CPC 2020). To credential for these certifications, I've attended more than 150 hours of training courses and logged more than 500 hours coaching individuals and groups.
But truthfully, regardless of the accreditations in my past, I think the most important part about my background is that I have successfully made the transition from corporate to owning a successful lifestyle business as a solopreneur. (Much of my business growth happened while juggling the needs of my children who have now successfully launched!) I used to specialize in clearing and organizing people’s spaces at home and work. But after working with hundreds of organizing clients, I realized that being a coach and mentor combines my strengths, backgrounds and skills best, and matches them most powerfully with the women who are at the ‘before’ stages of where I am now. I’ve worked through the inquiry to find my sweet spot; where my skills, background, expertise and training come together – and I love lighting the path for other like-minded mompreneurs who are in this process.
Generally speaking, I ask questions, listen to you, reflect your thoughts, add my experience or expertise when it makes sense, and generally help you reach your own goals. We meet regularly (typically weekly for a series of months) to create systematic improvements. Regular meetings also help build accountability for the actions you need to take to move forward. Regular meetings work best. After we’ve established our base-line of work together, clients may wish to meet every other week, and sometimes monthly. However, in my experience, too much time in between meetings often feels like it's not 'enough' support, while bi-monthly meetings provide a regular downbeat you can work with.
I offer one on one coaching in both structured and open programs. The structured programs are designed the guide you step by step through a transformative process, and answer your ‘cognitive’ questions about how coaching works, but when you work with me individually, we take the path that best supports you along the way…
Programs are a path to follow that allows you to: clear your head, set goals, overcome the chaos and fear that keeps you stuck, and move you into action in powerful ways. I like to compare the results of coaching to a big, industrial fan – that turns on and clears away the fog and chaos.
I loved basketball in high school BUT – I was not a very good ‘shot’. The VALUE I added to the team was finding the holes and getting the ball to the person who could take the best shot. My coach used to say: “Just get the ball to Cena, and she’ll get it to the one who can get it in the basket!” – I think this story works well to demonstrate how I work as a coach. I freely share my tools, templates, techniques, skills, resources and models that I’ve learned along the way to help move you forward and shorten your ‘Success-gestation”. When you hire me – you get everything you need when you need it. I work hard to help you reduce your barriers so you can move rapidly forward.
I have the most success with clients that have already made some mistakes and tried doing things their own way. Typically this person knows the value of their time, and is comfortable investing in expertise and guidance to get the results faster. (Probably, because this is a lot like me!) I had to try it my way first before I was ready to invest in expert help.
And, although I market to moms and mompreneurs, I work with a lot of people who are not moms, and even some pretty cool men too!
Of course, your actions and results are TOTALLY in your hands. My favorite clients are ready to do the work, open to ideas, tenacious with their action, and very willing to try different things to accomplish their goals.
I have the most success with people who are self-starters, enthusiastic, quick decision-makers, implementers, open-minded, and willing to try new things (the term I use is coachable). A successful relationship between coach and client isn’t always about personality, it is more about trust, honesty and a willingness to think and act differently. If you are willing and ready to make changes, try new things, listen to yourself and take action, you’ll have the most success with a coach, no matter whom you choose to work with.
This is accomplished in several ways –
Clients find out all about me and how I work via one of the many professional websites where I list: CHADD, ADDA, ACOA, NAPO and ICF, or by exposure to me via talks, workshops or programs, or social media blogs and posts, or from other clients and colleagues.
I ask clients to review this page first before working with me. This helps explain a lot about my background to fill in the gaps, so we don’t have to spend time on me while working together.
A prospect fills out a short questionnaire and schedules a “Discovery Session” and determine if we should move forward.
- If the person is interested, we determine and schedule our recurring coaching appointments (depending on the coaching package you invest in, will depend on our meeting times). Then he purchases an appropriate coaching package and selects a payment plan.
A successful purchase leads the client to a Coaching Welcome Packet – that has very important questions that start the journey and set goals.
- We meet for our initial session which is 90 minutes long. Subsequent sessions are 45 minutes, booked in batches to allow for scheduling variations.
Although there is a life-cycle to a coaching package, each client’s needs differ. To allow you to be most successful when you invest in a coaching package, you have total email access to me when you hire me – and therefore we will often exchange emails about your progress, ideas, and breakdowns. This helps clients feel that the support is there when they need it – even if its simply to ‘check out’ your newest idea, sales page, marketing program, web page, or project.
Calls are timed to be sure we stay on track. I find that this keeps our discussions focused on your goals. At the close of each coaching call, I will ask what you’d like me to check in with you about next time we connect. You will set your own accountability goals and homework. I will then ask you about the progress you’ve made.
Also, sometimes, there will be follow-up emails, resources, or guides I may share along the way. Often Clients just want me to review some of their results in between coaching sessions. Since partnership is my goal and helping you remove barriers is how I define my job as your coach – I want to provide the support you most need for success. However, you define support is how I want to be for you. Your presence, attentiveness, and open communication are crucial components in our success.
I will not ‘make you’ do anything. In fact, if you are considering this question, I’d ask you to check yourself here. If you are in the conversation of others ‘making’ you do things, you may be better off investing in releasing your victimhood at this time vs. working with a coach. If you feel victimized and controlled by others, that conversation is likely too strong for you right now to make real coaching effective. Do yourself (and your potential coach) a favor, and seek out some mindset work first.
But, if your question is ‘how much will it cost?’, as your coach, I will offer the perspective that you are ‘investing’ in your business and yourself because I truly believe that coaching dollars are the best you can spend! I do believe that coaching is an investment in yourself. It is YOUR decision to spend any money you feel you need to spend to reach your goals. Feeling good about the money you spend is important. The value of what you get when you spend your money is a matter of what you find important. I know that every time I’ve spent money on my own coaching – I’ve gotten what I’ve paid for. I dedicate a large percentage of my income to my own coaching, training and enlightenment and this of course makes me more valuable to you. I will not make you do anything. I will work with you as an accountability partner and check in on what you set as your goals.
The best way to see the types of results my clients have had is to review the client testimonials here. Each person who enters into a coaching relationship is on a different path, with different goals. And, many people who enter into coaching relationships struggle with owning their own decisions. When you have an accountability partner, you will quickly begin to see that the responsibility lies with you to create the results you wish to see.
Some people move with lightening speed and others take their time. I have seen people launch business plans, start relationships, leave relationships, shift jobs and careers and get new ones. My clients have released excess weight, started a diet and fitness routine, and cleaned up their debt. I’ve had clients purchase homes and launch their first business. I have also had clients move their relationships forward in dramatic ways. BUT whatever your goals are, your results are totally and wholly up to you. As a coach, it is my job to support you through the process and champion your results. I also know that when working with a coach, your clarity leads to action, and your results speed up dramatically. It always works for me, it works for my clients, and it will work for you too.
The nature of every coaching relationship is that it is unique to the individual. In that way, it is customized to you and your needs and the results that you want to see. With one on one coaching, it is very personal and customized.
In a group coaching setting, we follow a process and a proven strategy to get you results. Because of the group format, you will not get the same individualized time, but you have the potential of moving as quickly or slowly as you wish. My goal is to constantly add value and support you to move forward toward realizing your goals and dreams… AND – I KNOW it works!
I’ve provided coaching packages to support clients in the ways I’ve found most successful over time. Different people have different goals and work at different paces. The packages provide focused support to reach longer term goals.
I work best with high-energy, action-oriented, smart, savvy, educated clients who are used to knowing what to do but may be stuck. This person is typically in his or her 30s-50s and is very self-aware. My ideal client is well-educated and has experienced many past successes in different areas and has wide interests and may struggle with over achievement and perfectionism. My ideal client is willing to deal with straight talk and is not intimidated by questions that uncover areas of vulnerability or weakness. This person is my “ideal client” and has received the greatest benefits from working with me.
I am of the belief that nearly everyone would benefit from working with a coach. But if you are running a business and overwhelmed with trying to juggle and manage your time, spaces, systems, and the pieces, you and I will likely work VERY well in a coaching relationship. If you are a professional woman who feels as though your career has taken over your life, and you struggle with keeping your work at work – you will benefit.
The fact that you are reading this indicates that you are in the realm of being greatly assisted by a coach. You might also try clicking on the Coach Readiness quiz here. If you have been putting off bold business moves and decisions, not getting the results you’d like, or have the feeling that you could be doing SO MUCH MORE if you only had your questions answered, it’s probably time to stop patching together your business and start planning it from the bottom up.
My experience with coaching (and being coached myself) is that working with a coach offers a fresh perspective and a third-eye view of what is happening for you. When I begin working with a client, we begin with a very thorough understanding of what they wish to accomplish from the coaching relationship. Problem solving comes from you, as you get clear about where you are and where you want to go.
Do expect me to have conversations with you about what you are struggling with, and where you see possible opportunities for improvement. So many people avoid what is difficult or hard, and coaching is designed to shed light in these areas.
As you get “clearer” on your business and/or personal intentions and goals, and begin to see clearly what is in the way, and what is going wrong for you, your energy will automatically flow where you focus your intentions. For instance, if you are an entrepreneur who is struggling with your website design and development, coaching will bring you clarity – and with clarity, you MAY decide to seek help with your website. Clarity honors what is so and gives you the freedom and power to decide what is next.
In the field, we say that a coaching relationship is co-created. In other words – it only works when the people involved both set the rules and boundaries of the relationship. Coaching ONLY works effectively with those who are willing and ready… Coaching will not work for people being forced either by others or themselves into the relationship.
Please know I’m very selective in who I work with and I cherry-pick my clients, choosing to (gently) turn away people who aren’t suited for my programs and won’t get the results for which they would have signed up for. (It wouldn’t be fair to them.)
My coaching programs are NOT for those who have no money coming in and are absolutely, financially desperate, at least not right away. It’s been my experience that people in financial crisis do not trust the recommendations I give them and do not do the work (probably because they spend so much time worrying about where they are going to get next month’s rent check or mortgage payment.)
If you fall within this category, it’s absolutely OK. We’ve all been in times of financial crisis at one point or another. Do yourself (3) favors:
- Get some money coming in with a full-time or part-time job at the very least, and then call me. This will take the edge off and provide a little more peace of mind. Once you start seeing the clients come in regularly as a result of our work, you can then start reducing the hours you work at that other job and focus on your own practice.
- Take advantage of my free telecalls and free or low-cost downloads available on my Free Stuff and SHOP pages. The free information will get you started towards your goals until you’re ready to work with me one-on-one.
- Make a point to read my “Slice of Sanity” ezine and Sane Spaces blog. I post and send regularly and this will give you many ideas to think about and implement.
Doing these three things will really help you get primed for our work. When you’re ready, call me and we’ll get you started. (I’m in no rush and will be here when you need me.)
Success within a Coaching framework requires accountability and personal responsibility. If you are more invested in being a victim of your circumstances at this time, you will really do well to find someone else to work with… I’m NOT your coach. Since I’ve overcome my own victim story, I can smell it a mile away… and I will call out the ‘victim story’ and ask you to explore it. If you are not ready to do so, it will not end well because as a victim you will blame me for where you are. Those who are interested in upholding their victimhood as the reason for their lack of success are not a good match for me as their coach. If you are victimized by your circumstances, or stuck in your victim story, now is not the time to work with me. Instead, I highly recommend Lynn Forrest as your coach at this time. She offers amazing information at very affordable prices, and can really help you overcome your victim story.
Another type of person I won’t work with (without exception) is the whiner or the chronic skeptic, as well as individuals who consistently make excuses for not getting their assignments done or those who challenge every aspect of the program. If you are one of these people, I gently and respectfully ask that you not call and I hope you understand why. We’ll probably just not work well together and I wouldn’t want you to waste your time or money.
A regular coaching session is scheduled for 45 minutes. This session length provides us the time to really focus in on what is happening for you – and since I’ve worked with clients in all capacities – it is the amount of time that I feel heightens your attention and focuses your results. When you are working within the coaching mindset, you are by nature dealing with internal dialog and often with mindsets that have been in place your whole life. Coaching is a co-creative relationship that works best with consistency. I ask clients to complete a prep form the day prior to each session to summarize insights and actions taken between sessions.
This work can be challenging, and sometimes exhausting. As such – it is critical for us to stay alert. Peak listening and performance is achieved within the first 30 minutes typically. Capping coaching appointments at 45 minutes creates time to summarize and review your thoughts and define the insights and actions you take into the week ahead. Typically sessions begin at 15 minutes past the hour, and end at the top of the next hour. By scheduling appointments in this way, we honor both of our time. We try to schedule recurring appointments at times that work for you.
NAPO is the National Association of Professional Organizers. NAPO is comprised of more than 4,000 productivity consultants and professional organizers working with individuals and businesses across the world. I have been a member since 2008 when I originally launched Sane Spaces as an organizing company. As a member, I have signed, and uphold the NAPO Code of Ethics. The core of which is integrity, confidentiality and communication. I am also the President of my local NAPO Chapter in Northern NJ. As president, I oversee an executive board that manages a membership of more than 65 local professionals in the organizing and productivity industry. This association is membership-based but volunteer. I am also a past member of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) which is focused on supporting chronically disorganized population and those who struggle with hoarding behaviors. Since I have moved away from organizing, I am no longer an active ICD member.
Coaching is an investment in you and your business results. Results are realized over time, so the cost of coaching depends on the package you purchase and the length of time you are working with me. If you feel you are ready for one on one coaching, you can expect to invest several hundred to a few thousand dollars in a package. Coaching sessions typically average between $175 and $375. You are free to review my packages here prior to connecting.
I do understand that budget can be a consideration. This is why I’ve developed content-driven group coaching packages that offer targeted support for different topics and needs. Generally, group coaching is less of an investment than one on one packages.
The best way to determine if coaching is for you, is to apply for a “Discovery Session”. This session will focus on getting to know each other, clarifying your coaching goals, and determining whether my packages and coaching options are right for you at this time.
Yes I do, when it makes logistical sense to meet in person, I love to meet in person with my clients! It makes life so nice to work in person and one on one. For in person coaching, I’ve created a special coaching package that is a VIP 1/2 day. Meeting for a half-day makes the most of the time and during the 1/2 day session we can go seriously into planning, strategy and development.
When you apply for a Discovery Session, you'll answer a series of questions. If you determine after that session that you would like to start coaching with me, you'll select a package and payment option and then receive a Welcome Packet that you'll populate with information prior to your first session. The information in the Welcome packet is designed to determine your baseline coaching goals and the current barriers and gaps between where you are now and what you’d like to accomplish as a result of coaching together.
Each session is directed by you. I ask you to complete a coaching prep form prior to each session to help us focus on your needs. We spend time during the session building awareness and discussing your work in between. At the close of each session, you'll summarize your insights and set weekly goals you'd like to accomplish before our next session. The homework is set by you. I am happy to help guide you and make suggestions, but as a co-creator in the relationship, you are the one who needs to set your tolerance for what is possible between sessions. This Coaching Road Map helps you visualize how a typical session takes place.
Note: Although I am well aware of childcare needs, I do ask if you have children you arrange for appropriate childcare during our appointments. This is generally for your benefit. Having your undivided attention means that you will be totally present and see results faster.
As part of the welcome and intake process, I will review a Letter of Agreement with you. This is a contract that outlines the expectations of both parties and provides protection for both of us. A completed and submitted Welcome Packet is a prerequisite for our coaching relationship and process to commence, and assumes you agree to its terms.
Yes, when you enroll in a coaching program, you will be taken directly through my on line shopping cart that will allow you to pay with all major credit cards or you may also pay with PayPal. If you prefer to flexible pay options that feature lower priced installments, fees are added to administer the flexible payment plans. To provide flex pay options, our administrative fees add an additional 15% to 18% to the cost of the package purchased.
When you book a coaching appointment, my time is yours and reserved for you only. As such – I book appointments around you. So – Yes, I do have a cancellation fee of $150 if a client has not communicated an emergency, a last minute schedule change or is a no-show at the scheduled appointment time. In order to manage my own schedule and client base, I book coaching appointments on certain days each month. This allows me to fill my practice and manage my time more efficiently. So on coaching days – I will often have back to back clients for much of the day. If you know you must reschedule due to a conflict, please contact me as soon as possible to reschedule. If you must cancel with less than 48 hours notice of your scheduled appointment we will work toward an equitable solution.
A simple way to sample what I have to offer at no cost is to read blog posts, listen to my podcasts here on the site, or check out some of my freebies on my home page. Additionally, I have some video pieces of training like the Get It Done Challenge, and the free Video Quick Start Training Series here. These downloads will help you learn a little more about me and how I show up.
You can take the Time & Space Style Inventory and learn more about your own habits and style preferences for managing time and staying organized.
Another way is to book a complimentary Discovery Call at your convenience. Or you could purchase and download one or more of my products: Time to Toss It, Dimensions, and The Unstoppable Woman’s Guide To Emotional Well-Being are all books that I’ve written that will give you a good example of what it is like to work with me one on one. I also recommend you read the testimonials from previous clients located here.
It's hard to know if coaching is right for you, especially if you've never worked with a coach before. And, some coaches work with clients in a one-off way. I do not. I've found that a short 'trial' is NOT in your best interest, nor mine.
Typically, clients pursue coaching in 2 categories:
- those looking for a quick fix to solve their perceived problem
- and those who realize that lasting change takes focused awareness, trial-and-error, and consistency over time.
The second profile is a much better fit for coaching. Although I used to offer shorter opportunities, I no longer do.
I have worked with coaches over extended periods and seen the results in my life and business. And now, as a coach, I see transformative results daily for my clients. But coaching with me is not a quick fix. I know true change takes time and commitment.
Behavioral change results from deep learning and self-awareness. It is an unfolding (of sorts) that is progressive and contextual. It is available through a trusting partnership. So if you're looking for a quick fix, I am NOT your coach. Instead, I suggest you invest in a course or system that promises quick fixes. I do not.
In coaching, each session ends with designing actions for your way forward between sessions. That's time to implement changes, gather field data, and learn about yourself. In this way, each session offers a unique space to build curiosity and try new things.
Additionally in coaching, the start-up phase is the most intensive time. It takes time to build your own awareness. I have tools to help you, but the pay-off comes when you're in for the long game.
Therefore I work with a minimum of a 3-month commitment. The initial minimal commitment for lasting, transformational results is three months of weekly sessions. Most of my clients begin with either a 3, 4 or 6-month commitment. So if you're not ready to invest the time or money yet, wait until you are. Or find self-paced support through books or groups. Or, try a different coach.
Of course! I’d be delighted to answer your questions in a “Discovery Session” with you to see if we are a good fit to work together. Click here to Book a Discovery Call. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
Recently, I was working with a client on making the decision to work with me as her coach, and we came across this fork in the road:
“I know that I really want and NEED to work with you,
but I’m concerned about my spouse’s reaction..”
If I had a dollar for every time this question came up with potential coaching clients, I’d be a wealthy woman!
This is an excellent question and I want to address the concerns you have about your partner/spouse when confronting ANY business or personal decision as an entrepreneur. Many of us use our partner’s potential/future reaction as a reason for inaction.
This idea presents an interesting paradox often grounded in the mindset of some deep sense of unworthiness. I know – that may be hard to swallow, but, there may also be some truth to it. Let’s unpack it to see if it’s true for you.
When you want to do something for yourself, first ask – Am I TOTALLY SURE that I want to do this?
If the answer is YES, then ask – Am I TOTALLY 100% SURE that my spouse will absolutely, without question react in the way I’m hypothesizing?
If the answer to this is well, not really… then ask yourself –
Is this a projection of my own making disguising MY FEAR of what I’m doing, asking for and becoming??? Am I relinquishing my own decision-making, authority and power to stand in my own skin, make my own decisions and ask for what I need?
This is a very different question, but worth exploring for yourself.
Most often, in my experience, when you encounter resistance or hesitation from your partner/spouse, it really comes from a place of them wanting to understand and (believe it or not) support you. It shows up as resistance because chances are, your spouse has not done much of the research or relationship-building that you have done to get you to the decision-making point.
Many of my clients get caught up in the role of “martyr-preneur” and feel that they have to do it all with no support. This thinking tends to leave out the critical factor of enrolling your partner/spouse in your struggles and journey. It’s no wonder they resist… often, they are not aware of your struggles and day-to-day to-do’s you’re managing to try to run your business and meet your personal needs. AND – in my experience, my clients (typically mom-preneurs) are making most of their compromises on a highly personal level. Their personal vitality account has been drained for some time, and their often pretending on the outside – that everything is fine… Often clients forget all the steps they take to get to their decision points, and in keeping those to themselves, they forget the unknowing perspective of their spouse/partner.
Although the resistance you encounter from your partner feels at first like confrontation, it represents an opportunity for you to educate, inform and be totally honest with your partner about what you’re feeling, what you’re going through, where your barriers are, and how you came to the decision place of asking for help. Partner resistance can be seen as conflict & confrontation – as well as enlisting the critical support you need to succeed. It all depends upon your perspective.
So, first – consider your perspective (what I call your already-always listening for your partner) and then sit down with your partner and discuss how you got to where you are. Be honest. Tell them how you’re feeling. Share your vulnerabilities, questions and concerns. Then, ask for their opinion and ideas. See if you can generate a conversation of shared concern and support. Often, your partner just wants to know you are sure about your direction, and will support you if you ask and are honest, open and transparent about the struggles you encounter. (Thanks goes to my husband for teaching me this one!)
I look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
If you are ready, you can apply for a Discovery Session with me. Click here to apply now.
There are five ways I work with corporate and non-profit groups.
- Keynotes & Group Presentations
- Facilitated Training Workshops
- Client-hosted workshops of my signature topics
- Contracted Trainer
- Client-delivered Workshops (DIY Download & Deliver)
- Group Coaching Events & Programs
- Individual performer follow-on one-on-one tele-coaching
I offer signature speaking topics in my areas of expertise that can be tailored for your group’s needs. These topics are designed to be 45-90 minutes inclusive, and offer excellent content for staff meetings, off-site planning meetings or annual events.
The Keynote Topics I currently offer are located on the Speaking Tab on my site. The Workshops I currently offer are located on the Workshops Tab on my site.
This is a statement I hear OFTEN from employers and business owners. Does it sound familiar? If so – the answer is – YES I CAN help you!
When your staff is not working effectively, everything seems more difficult! Staff management in any sized business takes far more time, effort and energy than most managers ever imagine. Breakdowns occur when there is a GAP between management expectations, and someone’s ability to deliver expected RESULTS. “GAPS” can be caused by many reasons… but when they occur, the typical unanimous cry for help is: “Train them!”
Training is most effective when it is applied to address a “GAP” in an employee’s
- knowledge – they don’t know what they need to know and they need information
- skills – they don’t have the actual skills necessary to create positive results repeatedly
- abilities – they are not consistently able to take necessary actions toward success
If you or your employees need to improve their knowledge or abilities, or if you’d like to improve the overall performance of your team, perhaps it’s time to host a training workshop.
As a productivity and business consultant over the past decade, I’ve worked with several private clients to develop and deliver half and full-day workshops designed around productivity topics such as time management, organizing, leading meetings, communication styles and workflow process improvement.
These workshops are designed, tested and proven to be effective with corporate work teams and employee groups. These workshops offer excellent content for staff development, productivity and team interventions, supervisor and employee skills improvement.
My current workshops are fully outlined and described on the Workshops Tab
- Beyond Organized: Embracing Your Natural Time & Space Style To Find Flow
- Can We Just Get Along? Communicating Effectively Using Social Styles
- Manage Your Time To Get Things Done: 20 Proven Productivity Strategies
- Power Office! Making Work, Work!
- Lead Effective Meetings
- Improving Work Processes: A Blueprint For Workflow Success
For more in depth discussions and details about these topics and the content – please go to the Workshops Menu.
Because of my extensive instructional design background, I’ve developed both participant and instructional materials for two different groups: Training and HR Professionals, and Organizing and Productivity professionals who can deliver content themselves, but just need topics, speaking points and professional-looking materials. If you have the bench strength and presentation skills, contact me to discuss how you can purchase, customize, and/or co-brand my existing materials.
Throughout my more than 25 years experience, I’ve been certified in MANY different ‘vendor’ training programs. I have worked with Development Dimensions Inc. (DDI), Organizational Development International (ODI), Total Quality Management (TQM), Behavioral Interviewing (BI), Producing Results With Others (PRO), Inside Out Coaching, Charting Your Course as a Supervisor, Leadership Training, Neuro-Linquistic Programming (NLP) to name a few, and I have studied at the prestigious Center for Effective Leadership. This background has awarded me with multiple certifications and with the “Master Facilitator” distinction in many of these systems, programs and products. If you would like to discuss how you can get assistance from me as a contract facilitator/trainer, please contact me and we’ll set up a Get Acquainted call to see how I can help.
The cost of hosting me as a keynote presenter or facilitator depends on your needs, location and the length of time you would like to work with me. You can review my training and workshop packages on my SHOP tab to get an estimate. I do understand that budget can be a hurdle for business and non-profit groups. If budget is a concern please contact me to schedule a “Discovery Call” and we can discuss your needs.
Please click here to send me a note and schedule a time to discuss your needs and let’s see if I can help.
On very few occasions, coaching is not a fit for whatever reason. In these circumstances, I am committed to your satisfaction and honor integrity as a core value. So when this happens, I offer different types of guarantees.
Product Downloads: While I do not believe in a “money from thin air” philosophy in business or personal development, I do guarantee your satisfaction with my materials for your investment. So, you have 10 days from purchase to evaluate any programs and request a refund in writing.
My No-risk Coaching Guarantee:
By Session: If you are not satisfied with your coaching time, I will offer you an additional session free of charge!
By Package: Additionally, if you've invested in a package, and after 2 coaching sessions, you are not satisfied or wish to end the commitment, I will refund your paid-in-full investment less any sessions used.
You can review my Terms and Conditions here.