There is no monthly networking meeting this month. Next month, on September 8, 2010, the topic is "How to Get Clients," featuring David Goldman from the Goldman Organization, Chris Posti from Posti & Associates and Bill Weil from Pittsburgh SEO. Want fresh ideas on how to step up the marketing of your coaching business (or any other professional practice)? Attend this event.

Master Your Mind and Muscle Up Your Marketing

Why do talented, marketing-savvy professionals sometimes struggle to attract all the clients they want?

Chances are that they lack something important: something other than the latest miracle marketing method. That something is what marketing breakthrough coach Sam Wieder helps coaches and consultants embrace-the right marketing mindset.

A Certified NLP Coach and Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming, Sam helps his clients dissolve the mental blocks that make marketing a struggle. Getting out of their own way, they free the confidence, ability and drive needed to accelerate the growth of their business.

What kinds of results have Sam's marketing breakthrough coaching clients achieved? Here is a sampling.

• After 5 years at one income level, a successful financial advisor unleashed his earning ability to boost his annual income to record levels for 7 years straight.
• A consultant dissolved her terror of speaking to groups and made public speaking a regular part of promoting her business.
• A graphic designer overcame her dread of discussing her fees and soon had a client offer her a $1000 upfront retainer. She then went on to earn more income in 6 months than she had ever earned in a year.

by Alyson Lyon

We are entering the Home Stretch for 2010! It's hard to believe that 2011 is just around the corner. Each year I start the New Year with clear goals: plans for a successful year; a new outcome; a different ending - and I start out strong. By the time March rolls around, I am usually off track, too busy to focus on the important stuff, and my goals are just a list that I use as a bookmarker - not this year. I want a different year-end!

This year, I want to shift my energy and build momentum to finish stronger. I want a fresh perspective, an adjusted game plan and replenished supply of mojo! What about you - are you making plans to Finish 2010 Stronger?

In the next few weeks, I will be attending a "Home Stretch Retreat-for-2" created by my amazing husband (who happens to be my business partner). We will be spending quiet time learning from our 2010 experiences so we can celebrate the victories, bounce back from setbacks and leverage the opportunities before us. Instead of waiting until December to look back and learn, we are looking at this month as the "timeout" to reset our game plan and adjust. Our Home Stretch Retreat includes the following four areas:

1. What are the tangible accomplishments and enjoyable moments of 2010 (articles written, clients served, projects completed, professional development accomplished, special times spent with family and friends, and so on)? It is essential to recognize what's going well and replay the special moments so I can celebrate the victories and create more of them!
2. What skills have I improved - these might just be subtle changes but I know I want to keep growing. It may be hard for me to notice improvements, so I will include feedback from others, including business associates and clients.
3. Who have I become in the first half of the year? What characteristics do I display? Who have I been connecting with? I know I need to step back and take a hard look into this area. I know this is closely linked to the new people I've attracted in my life. Who are my strategic partners; new clients; new friends?
4. What are the opportunities in front of me? Are they low hanging fruit or are they taking me out of my comfort zone? What do I need to stop doing so I can lighten my load and have more time and the necessary energy for these opportunities to develop?

We invite experienced coaches, as well as those new to the profession, to join the Pittsburgh Coaches Association (PCA).

Not a coach? Now you can join PCA as an Associate!