Ivan Frangi - BBC07
To get excited for Business Bootcamp 2009, please have a listen to a segment of Business Bootcamp 2007!
27 November 2008
10 November 2008
anxiety
Ah anxiety; that nauseous, gut-wrenching feeling that starts in your stomach and plays with your mind. The result is quite often procrastination or a paralysis similar to a deer caught in the headlights of an approaching car on a dark night. Anxiety over time stops movement.
We are the only known species to have developed a frontal lobe as an extension to a normal part of our brain. In fact for 70 million years our brains developed similar to most species before growing what science has called the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe gives us an amazing ability to think forward and develop a business plan, to start a savings plan or to eat well now so that we will be healthier later in life.
If our current situation is great our future is even better thanks to our frontal lobe. However when we hit a rough patch we see future problems. This ability causes the emotions of fear and anxiousness. Because we don’t have control of the future and it looks ugly, our fight or flight mechanism kicks in and stops us from moving forward. What a cool process for survival!! Not so when your in a state of reflux caused by rising stomach acid as a result of anxiety. This is a sign to stop and review.
If you find you get a bit caught up in the future, as opposed to living in the present then there is every chance that you will be the anxious kind. Know that all you can do is your best possible effort today and then prepare for tomorrow. You cannot control future outcomes and if you get too caught up in the future, what will you enjoy about today? I read somewhere that life’s gold nuggets are our great past memories, you can look forward to a diamond like future but the platinum moment is the present.
In times when the financial future is painted as bleak, learn to enjoy the current moment, it’s all you have right now and it is not so bad.
We are the only known species to have developed a frontal lobe as an extension to a normal part of our brain. In fact for 70 million years our brains developed similar to most species before growing what science has called the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe gives us an amazing ability to think forward and develop a business plan, to start a savings plan or to eat well now so that we will be healthier later in life.
If our current situation is great our future is even better thanks to our frontal lobe. However when we hit a rough patch we see future problems. This ability causes the emotions of fear and anxiousness. Because we don’t have control of the future and it looks ugly, our fight or flight mechanism kicks in and stops us from moving forward. What a cool process for survival!! Not so when your in a state of reflux caused by rising stomach acid as a result of anxiety. This is a sign to stop and review.
If you find you get a bit caught up in the future, as opposed to living in the present then there is every chance that you will be the anxious kind. Know that all you can do is your best possible effort today and then prepare for tomorrow. You cannot control future outcomes and if you get too caught up in the future, what will you enjoy about today? I read somewhere that life’s gold nuggets are our great past memories, you can look forward to a diamond like future but the platinum moment is the present.
In times when the financial future is painted as bleak, learn to enjoy the current moment, it’s all you have right now and it is not so bad.
03 November 2008
i might wait until i am fit!
Have you ever had this response 'I might wait until I am fit'. A potential client who was thinking about using your services to get fit and healthy comes in and goes through the whole induction process only to decide 'I might wait until I am fit before I join your program'. As health professionals we know their results can be fast tracked by a personalised plan and professional input. So why go and get fit incorrectly and risk slipping back into old habits as opposed to working with someone who has a vested interest in your success and will provide the best advice? I have never been able to understand that thought process.
In our world as health and fitness professionals we may know it as the 'I might wait until I am fit' syndrome but be aware it is not only our clients who are prone to this kind of mindset, it is very standard for most humans to go through this phase in other areas of their life. As business owners we will wait for the next course before we increase our rate or next year until we see that corporate client or later to action that big idea. Well the sun, stars and moon very rarely align and you will need to take action. Action cures waiting.
It is a bit like that game you played as a child where you would spin around 10 times and then try to walk straight. Sometimes our lives are spinning so fast that we fail to walk directly and grab the opportunities available.
What are you waiting to get fit for? Is it more money, setting up your own facility, starting a speaking career, increasing your rates or how about your best year of revenue ever? Avoid waiting until you get fit and in borrowing a Bransonism (Sir Richard Bransons) 'Screw it, just do it!'
If you feel that you want to get 'Business fit' go to our website at www.ptplus.com.au for a range of free tools to help you get started. If you want to fast track your success contact our office on info@ptplus.com.au to discuss the best way to get started.
In our world as health and fitness professionals we may know it as the 'I might wait until I am fit' syndrome but be aware it is not only our clients who are prone to this kind of mindset, it is very standard for most humans to go through this phase in other areas of their life. As business owners we will wait for the next course before we increase our rate or next year until we see that corporate client or later to action that big idea. Well the sun, stars and moon very rarely align and you will need to take action. Action cures waiting.
It is a bit like that game you played as a child where you would spin around 10 times and then try to walk straight. Sometimes our lives are spinning so fast that we fail to walk directly and grab the opportunities available.
What are you waiting to get fit for? Is it more money, setting up your own facility, starting a speaking career, increasing your rates or how about your best year of revenue ever? Avoid waiting until you get fit and in borrowing a Bransonism (Sir Richard Bransons) 'Screw it, just do it!'
If you feel that you want to get 'Business fit' go to our website at www.ptplus.com.au for a range of free tools to help you get started. If you want to fast track your success contact our office on info@ptplus.com.au to discuss the best way to get started.
20 October 2008
understanding net profit
So well done on being in business for yourself! Now it is time to judge your financial success. You may be working with purpose, in your area of passion or just had a change of lifestyle and decided to start your own business. Whilst these areas are fundamentally important and personally satisfying you need to measure the financial success of the business.
As business owners under the financial title comes a multitude of different areas including sales, cost of goods, income tax, balance sheets, assets, liabilities and the list goes on. The best indicator of your financial success is your net profit.
A successful net profit sits between 12% - 33%.
Understanding these terms...
So net profit is the amount of money remaining following sales (total amount of revenue) less expenses (the amount of dollars spent). Expenses include taxes, loans, rent, and all the other associated business costs that are included in running your business including your wage.
Therefore if you have turned over a $100,000.00 this year and your net profit is at $12,000 or more and you have paid your taxes, all your business expenses and most importantly yourself then you have a financially successful business.
Now the exciting component for business owners is what that $12,000 can represent. Firstly if you wanted to sell your business a fair asking price would be 2 to 3 times the net profit of your business. So $24,000 to $36,000 for the sale. Secondly if you want to start a wealth creation plan than there are many great tax minimising options available. Thirdly if you want to borrow money from the bank then net profit (and wages) are the figures banks consider in lending money. Generally a 10% deposit is required for borrowing so $12,000 becomes $120,000 upon approval from the bank. Finally if you aren’t at a 12% minimum of net profit then you would be better off financially getting a job and putting your money in the bank at 8% or 9% without the business owner challenges.
Your scorecard for measuring your net profit is your profit and loss statement. Most fitnesspreneurs switch off when these kinds of accounting documents are put in front of them. Profit and loss is the financial indicator of your business. You don’t need an accounting degree you just need to know your bottom line.
Start seriously looking at your net profit if you want to get ahead financially.
As business owners under the financial title comes a multitude of different areas including sales, cost of goods, income tax, balance sheets, assets, liabilities and the list goes on. The best indicator of your financial success is your net profit.
A successful net profit sits between 12% - 33%.
Understanding these terms...
So net profit is the amount of money remaining following sales (total amount of revenue) less expenses (the amount of dollars spent). Expenses include taxes, loans, rent, and all the other associated business costs that are included in running your business including your wage.
Therefore if you have turned over a $100,000.00 this year and your net profit is at $12,000 or more and you have paid your taxes, all your business expenses and most importantly yourself then you have a financially successful business.
Now the exciting component for business owners is what that $12,000 can represent. Firstly if you wanted to sell your business a fair asking price would be 2 to 3 times the net profit of your business. So $24,000 to $36,000 for the sale. Secondly if you want to start a wealth creation plan than there are many great tax minimising options available. Thirdly if you want to borrow money from the bank then net profit (and wages) are the figures banks consider in lending money. Generally a 10% deposit is required for borrowing so $12,000 becomes $120,000 upon approval from the bank. Finally if you aren’t at a 12% minimum of net profit then you would be better off financially getting a job and putting your money in the bank at 8% or 9% without the business owner challenges.
Your scorecard for measuring your net profit is your profit and loss statement. Most fitnesspreneurs switch off when these kinds of accounting documents are put in front of them. Profit and loss is the financial indicator of your business. You don’t need an accounting degree you just need to know your bottom line.
Start seriously looking at your net profit if you want to get ahead financially.
13 October 2008
hot spots and wi-fi… are you regularly in a hotspot?
In my business if I am in the hot spot things get done.
You know those places that are popping up in airports, cafes and shopping centres? A place where you get access to the wireless internet, for me a place of productivity. The business is so internet based that I rely heavily on these places to get things done.
I was working with a guy the other day who has a great business model, products, website and knew his technical stuff. However he just wasn’t getting the result. It was bothering me.
It came to me in between meetings looking for another wi-fi hotspot. See I had the flash laptop, the wireless connection, even the new iphone but without being in the hotspot it was useless.
Back to my guy. He wasn’t in the hot spot often enough. Not the wireless internet place, but the hotspot where the deals are done. The place where you are in front of the key decision makers, people who want to use your products and services. Hotspots are the place that gives your business long jeopardy. Where people hand over cheques.
Understand it is great to have all the tools, the right business model, the brand, business cards and attend all the workshops. Unless your regularly putting your business in the hotspot, in front of the right people, chances are your not connecting.
You know those places that are popping up in airports, cafes and shopping centres? A place where you get access to the wireless internet, for me a place of productivity. The business is so internet based that I rely heavily on these places to get things done.
I was working with a guy the other day who has a great business model, products, website and knew his technical stuff. However he just wasn’t getting the result. It was bothering me.
It came to me in between meetings looking for another wi-fi hotspot. See I had the flash laptop, the wireless connection, even the new iphone but without being in the hotspot it was useless.
Back to my guy. He wasn’t in the hot spot often enough. Not the wireless internet place, but the hotspot where the deals are done. The place where you are in front of the key decision makers, people who want to use your products and services. Hotspots are the place that gives your business long jeopardy. Where people hand over cheques.
Understand it is great to have all the tools, the right business model, the brand, business cards and attend all the workshops. Unless your regularly putting your business in the hotspot, in front of the right people, chances are your not connecting.
24 September 2008
inspired by a bigger cause
You know those documentaries that change your thinking well I just watched one.
Put together by the ABC’s Australian Story on a guy by the name of Peter Andrews. My first tip would be to get your hands on this documentary, it serves as a inspirational teaching point about following your passion. In short it tells a story of a guy with an obsession for the environment, particularly the Australian bush. Over the last 30-40 years he has worked to turn salty, arid lands into fertile lavish environments. The scientific world originally deemed his farming methods as unsafe, unconventional and claimed him to be crazy. In a nutshell Peter observed the land then created natural style dams to increase the water table above the ground. Peter tried selling his method to businesses and governments, initially without any success. Without income he was unable to make the payments on his pride and joy, his farm. The bank later took possession of now beautiful property, which was once a salt pit. He also split from his wife and son and suffered the loss of his daughter through suicide. During the process, he fought government agencies, has been investigated by environmentalists, all whilst juggling legal, financial and family challenges. He admits to giving up for a day or two on several occasions, however he stuck to his cause.
In watching Peter in action, following the loss of his daughter, he had a bigger purpose as he was determined to do it for her. He had more dedication and commitment to go about his work. Peter was deeply moved by the loss of his daughter and in his words "he become more motivated and committed to the environment and his cause, through her loss”. This purpose played a significant role in him becoming a world recognised expert in the area of land repair and degradation. During the documentary an acclaimed professor declared. “Peter is the single greatest cause for the environment that we will ever see”. The outcome of his work is mind-boggling.
This confirmed a common belief I have learnt as a Personal Trainer. That is “we will do for others what we wont do for ourselves” I know myself when I have an early morning session booked with my PT, getting out of bed is a lot easier than trying to do it for myself. I don’t want to let my PT down. It is the same for our clients, why wont they do the extra session, train themselves or eat the right foods? They wont do it for themselves, when left to their own devices but they will do it for you, the PT.
Another interesting observation of Peter was the two-part documentary was shot over a number of years. The first part of the documentary was when he was going through the bankruptcy, family split and grief of his daughter, Peter looked liked a weary old man, minimal talk, seemed to be confused and had lost his earlier ambition. The highlight for me was to see a gracefully aged man gladly declare on the property of millionaire Gerry Harvey (who has supported him financially) that governments had removed a lot of previous legislation, different departments where working together, the science and holistic departments had aligned and he was oozing with excitement and zest as he talked about the amount of ground that had been won since the airing of the first show. His farming techniques had been recognised on a global scale and are being initiated on a National level.
Peter is not a scientist, he has no formal schooling he has learnt from getting his hands dirty on the land and engrossing himself to a life commitment of failing and learning. Yes he has failed. Through observation and reassessment and an ongoing focus on researching the areas to better improve what needed to be done, he has written a formula for an expert. However don’t be fooled, the guy is able to mix it with the best of the scholars, explain his concept to professors and average punters. What inspired me was how he has gone about his process of becoming a leader in his field. Through careful observation, deliberate work, overcoming roadblocks but being very clear on his vision. He has written his own course on leadership.
In summary I feel a need for bigger accountability, a need to back a charity, a person, a cause. Someone or some cause beyond coaches, mentors and advisers. A need to do for others what you won’t do for yourself. A reason to make significant differences. A need to start your own cause or back an existing foundation by committing time, effort and money.
It is time to define that bigger cause.
Put together by the ABC’s Australian Story on a guy by the name of Peter Andrews. My first tip would be to get your hands on this documentary, it serves as a inspirational teaching point about following your passion. In short it tells a story of a guy with an obsession for the environment, particularly the Australian bush. Over the last 30-40 years he has worked to turn salty, arid lands into fertile lavish environments. The scientific world originally deemed his farming methods as unsafe, unconventional and claimed him to be crazy. In a nutshell Peter observed the land then created natural style dams to increase the water table above the ground. Peter tried selling his method to businesses and governments, initially without any success. Without income he was unable to make the payments on his pride and joy, his farm. The bank later took possession of now beautiful property, which was once a salt pit. He also split from his wife and son and suffered the loss of his daughter through suicide. During the process, he fought government agencies, has been investigated by environmentalists, all whilst juggling legal, financial and family challenges. He admits to giving up for a day or two on several occasions, however he stuck to his cause.
In watching Peter in action, following the loss of his daughter, he had a bigger purpose as he was determined to do it for her. He had more dedication and commitment to go about his work. Peter was deeply moved by the loss of his daughter and in his words "he become more motivated and committed to the environment and his cause, through her loss”. This purpose played a significant role in him becoming a world recognised expert in the area of land repair and degradation. During the documentary an acclaimed professor declared. “Peter is the single greatest cause for the environment that we will ever see”. The outcome of his work is mind-boggling.
This confirmed a common belief I have learnt as a Personal Trainer. That is “we will do for others what we wont do for ourselves” I know myself when I have an early morning session booked with my PT, getting out of bed is a lot easier than trying to do it for myself. I don’t want to let my PT down. It is the same for our clients, why wont they do the extra session, train themselves or eat the right foods? They wont do it for themselves, when left to their own devices but they will do it for you, the PT.
Another interesting observation of Peter was the two-part documentary was shot over a number of years. The first part of the documentary was when he was going through the bankruptcy, family split and grief of his daughter, Peter looked liked a weary old man, minimal talk, seemed to be confused and had lost his earlier ambition. The highlight for me was to see a gracefully aged man gladly declare on the property of millionaire Gerry Harvey (who has supported him financially) that governments had removed a lot of previous legislation, different departments where working together, the science and holistic departments had aligned and he was oozing with excitement and zest as he talked about the amount of ground that had been won since the airing of the first show. His farming techniques had been recognised on a global scale and are being initiated on a National level.
Peter is not a scientist, he has no formal schooling he has learnt from getting his hands dirty on the land and engrossing himself to a life commitment of failing and learning. Yes he has failed. Through observation and reassessment and an ongoing focus on researching the areas to better improve what needed to be done, he has written a formula for an expert. However don’t be fooled, the guy is able to mix it with the best of the scholars, explain his concept to professors and average punters. What inspired me was how he has gone about his process of becoming a leader in his field. Through careful observation, deliberate work, overcoming roadblocks but being very clear on his vision. He has written his own course on leadership.
In summary I feel a need for bigger accountability, a need to back a charity, a person, a cause. Someone or some cause beyond coaches, mentors and advisers. A need to do for others what you won’t do for yourself. A reason to make significant differences. A need to start your own cause or back an existing foundation by committing time, effort and money.
It is time to define that bigger cause.
09 September 2008
energy vampires
As I jumped out of bed at 5am for a 6am client, I had a quick “ ah no” as I remembered I would be training Carly today. I slowed, hesitated and thought she is not on until 4pm. However it already has an impact on my energy levels, my thoughts process and if I am being honest, I was hoping to get the cancellation text, which is a more regular part of Carly’s training than her turning up.
It is a bit like this with Carly, she whinges and whines about her life for each and every session. We talk about how unhappy she is at work, how fat she has become, why she can't get a boyfriend, how her parents are wrong blah, blah, blah and on it goes.
In regards to her health, she needs to lose body fat as she is straight out of the syndrome x textbook and moving towards diabetes. She is unmotivated to train, so if she doesn’t train with me, exercise is a foreign word in her life. She eats all the wrong foods and binges. Finally she has no ambition or goals; she has no desire to achieve anything with her health and in her life.
Also Carly hangs out with other Carly’s and talks about Carly stuff. So from a business perspective Carly brings to the table:
- A zapping of my energy levels
- A negative thought process
- All her issues
- A lot of my resources and time
- Zero referrals
As Personal Trainers one of the things we regularly do is say yes to everyone. I enjoy a challenge and in saying yes to Carly, knew that I was taking on someone who would benefit from the factors of working with a PT. However Carly was not willing to help herself.
The lesson of the Carly story is sack your energy vampire clients. Life without Carly is so much more enjoyable.
It is a bit like this with Carly, she whinges and whines about her life for each and every session. We talk about how unhappy she is at work, how fat she has become, why she can't get a boyfriend, how her parents are wrong blah, blah, blah and on it goes.
In regards to her health, she needs to lose body fat as she is straight out of the syndrome x textbook and moving towards diabetes. She is unmotivated to train, so if she doesn’t train with me, exercise is a foreign word in her life. She eats all the wrong foods and binges. Finally she has no ambition or goals; she has no desire to achieve anything with her health and in her life.
Also Carly hangs out with other Carly’s and talks about Carly stuff. So from a business perspective Carly brings to the table:
- A zapping of my energy levels
- A negative thought process
- All her issues
- A lot of my resources and time
- Zero referrals
As Personal Trainers one of the things we regularly do is say yes to everyone. I enjoy a challenge and in saying yes to Carly, knew that I was taking on someone who would benefit from the factors of working with a PT. However Carly was not willing to help herself.
The lesson of the Carly story is sack your energy vampire clients. Life without Carly is so much more enjoyable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
