Eden Sunshine's BLOG

No, I Haven't Been in Tibet... I've Been Busy Transforming Businesses

The other day I ran into an old friend who commented that they thought I had falling off the face of the earth or went to Tibet or something.

 

Of course you know better than that if you've been receiving my Daily Message (you can subcribe by clicking here) or keeping up with these postings.

 

Fact is I have been business working on my soon (hopefully) to be released book on the The Level 7 System (The official title is yet to be determined. I am open for suggestions).

 

In addition, I have been working diligently to develop and prove what I consider the to be the World’s Most Effective Business Transformation and Development Process. OK, I know that sounds like a lot of hype and maybe an over exaggeration.

Actually, I've been working with a handful of business owners across North America as we have been implementing The Level 7 System in their businesses. The results for those businesses who have been serious about improvement have been nothing less than extraordinary. That is not hype by the way.

The Level 7 System is unlike anything you have seen in business before.

 

As one of my clients has said recently, "Eden, The Level 7 System is the best kept secret in town. (I know that sounds very clique) If people only knew the impact Level 7 could have on their business and life, they would be beating your doors down to work with you and implement Level 7.”

 

I love it when my clients talk that way.

 

As a result, I am rolling out a process I call The Level 7 Experience. I don’t want people to just hear about Level 7. I want them to experience it. It’s kind of like getting a free sample of ice cream from 31 flavors.

 

People who partcipate in The Level 7 Experience will get to experience the potential life and business changing impact of this simple, yet revolutionary business development process. I know those are some strong claims. Let our results speak for themselves >>.

 

I admit Level 7 is not for everyone. As simple, intuitive and straight forward as it is, it requires people with an extraordinary commitment to being the best of the best. It requires people who are willing to do what most people won't do.

 

Regardless, I feel obligated to let people know that there is an option available for people who want to build a World Class Business without pulling their hair out.

 

The Level 7 Experience is a two-day, one-hour per day conference call.

 

In that call people will experience our powerful “Breakdown to Breakthrough Process.” This process alone will change the way people approach problems while eliminating the things that hold their businesses back forever.

 

One client suggested that implementing this process into his business has been worth millions of dollars to his company. His business has grown from 3.0 million to 10 million in the last several years. Despite the tough economy, his business has had the best 6 months in company history.

 

Another client suggested that the Breakdown to Breakthrough Process netted him, in one sitting, a bottom line one year increase of $60,000. I promise, its that powerful.

 

In addition, participants will be introduced to a system that will enable them to get more leverage and performance from their people. Finding good people is tough. Imagine having a business full of powerhouses without paying powerhouse prices.

 

The Level 7 Experience will be held on Tuesday, November 18^th and Wednesday, November, 19^th at 11:00 Arizona time, 10:00 A.M. pst, 1:00 P.M. est.

 

Register Early. Seats are limited and this will fill up fast. Click Here to Register >>

 

Everyone who has been introduced to Level 7 says that it makes so much sense and yet realize very few businesses are doing the things that The Level 7 Systems represents. I totally agree.

 

In fact I am thinking about calling the book, "Doing What Most Won't Do to Build a Business That Really Works" or something like that.

 

What is all comes down to is I believe people really need to know about Level 7. 

 

I invite you to check it out. Click here to register now >>

 

What the Great Ones Do - Part 1

Great businesses and their people do what average people and businesses won't do.

 

Great businesses are clear about goals and expectations throughout the ENTIRE business. They don't just post a mission statement on the wall and leave it at that. They don't establish a revenue goal at the beginning of the year and forget about it.

 

Great businesses are specific and intentional about the direction and goals for the business as a whole, each department and every position and person in the organization. They are also very clear about the purpose and goal of EVERY system, process and procedures in the business.

 

They simply know that if they are going to apply energy toward an action they better know what they are working to accomplish.

 

What most business won't do is to take the time and effort to define results continually and purposefully.

You Better Get Your People Together or Your Business is Toast!

"United we stand; divided we fall.” 
    Aesop

Here is a modern day spin on an old saying, "United you grow, divided you fail". In business particularly, and perhaps more than ever, we need collaborative, focused and purposeful efforts from all our people to grow and thrive.

Did you know that it is the responsibility of the leader to set the stage for unity and cooperation in a business? Or course you did.

What happens if you don't get your people on the same page? Very simply, you're toast. A business that desires to be scalable, replicatable and capable of breaking through growth ceilings while serving the lives of people within it must have people working together for a common goal.

The leader must make it known that the standard for the business is working together. They must then be a walking and acting role model for the standard.

The leader then must intentionally foster a culture that will support the standard so it will sustain and replicate itself even if the leader is not present.

So what are you going to do about it? Begin by doing the Implementation Step of the Day.

Implementation Step of the Day -

1- Come up with a definition for unity as it relates to your business.

2- Cite at least three examples where you have seen people demonstrate unity in your company.

3- Develop a strategy to integrate and regularly communicate that definition into your business.

5 Minutes to the Perfect Business

"Live out of your imagination instead of out of your memory."  
    Les Brown

 

I have made it my life's works to understand what makes businesses and people tick. The people thing is a little more tricky. Business is not so difficult.

 

In fact, I have come to discover that if your do the right things, business is rather simply. It's not necessarily easy. Why? Because doing business well requires that we do things that most people won't do.

 

Statistic suggests that less than 4% of businesses actually really succeed. I am not talking about surviving or hanging on by a thread. I am talking about businesses that really stand out and work.

 

I am going to challenge you to do a little assignment. Because you are the best of the best, or at least endeavor to be the best, I trust you WILL take this challenge on. Most ordinary people won't do this. They will make an excuse or something... That's what ordinary people do. But you are not ordinary. Right?

 

I challenge you to do this task for 5 minutes. Only 5 minutes. That's it. 5 minutes only represents 3.4% if your entire day.

 

Get out a piece of paper and a pen. Imagine for a moment that you were going to recreate your business today. You have an opportunity for a clean slate. Forget about the past. Forget about limitations. Forget about what you think is possible based on your past experience. Rely solely on your imagination.

 

Then write out the answer to this question. "If you could create your business all over again, how would your business be different than it is today?"

 

Why is this question important? Simply this. You have a choice if you want your business to stay the way it is, or really become something great. Most people, at least the people I work with, want great businesses. In order to create something great, you have to know what great is.

Are You A Master Avoider? Part 2

Continuing from the previous post...

 

Our actions are driven by our thoughts. Our thoughts are a reflection of our beliefs. We are not always conscious of our beliefs. As a result, our thoughts are being influenced by those beliefs. As a result we take the wrong actions. When we take the wrong actions we get the results we desire.

 

Example: Mary's goal is to accumulate wealth and retire early. Her unconscious belief is, "I have to work hard all my life to survive". As a result, despite all her conscious efforts to accumulate wealth, her belief system won't allow her to do it. She ultimately will sabotage her efforts.

 

Do you know that many of our beliefs are a result of events that transpired in our past? We locked them in and accepted them as truth.

 

So how do you break the cycle?

 

1- Apply The Level 7 Principle of Knowing What's True by asking yourself the question, "What limiting beliefs do I have that are getting in the way of my progress?"

 

2- Determine if the basis for your belief is true. Using the example above, is it absolute truth that Mary has to work all her life just to survive? Is it possible that people can make the right choices and accumulate enough wealth and retire early? Yes. It is possible and is done all the time. Of course Mary would need to accept the truth that it is possible. If she looks for evidence, she will easily find others have accomplished what she desires. Now if Mary says something like, "Well, those other people had opportunities, are smarter than me or have more talent" she has revealed her own limiting beliefs.

 

3- Realize that your eyes and ears are the gateway to your beliefs. What you put in your eyes and ears will influence your beliefs. Here is an extreme example. If you were to call someone a loser everyday for a period of time, at some point they might start believing it, unless they knew how to protect their ears from the onslaught of attacks. The point is you must protect what you allow in.

 

4- You need to start reprogramming your mind with positive, more affirming beliefs. For example, some people are hesitant to hold others accountable for their agreements. They believe that if they do hold people accountable they won't be liked or accepted. In a case like this they would need to reprogram their mind by saying things like, "People appreciate when I hold them to a higher standard."

 

5- Establish a specific routine to feed yourself with your new way of thinking. Personally, I recommend writing down your affirming beliefs and review them at least three times per day with intention. What do I mean by with intention? Don't just scan what you've written. Say it out loud, think about it for a moment, consider what your are saying to yourself. When you hear that little voice in the background saying, "Oh you won't do that, or this doesn't apply to you," simply respond to it and say, "I wasn't talking to you."

 

5-  Here is the key to put it all together. There is no magic formula for applying discipline and follow-through. You just have to do it. If you don't, nothing is going to change.

 

Special Offer for those with the guts and desire to really make improvements in your life and business. Sometimes it is more difficult to see our own limiting beliefs that are holding us back. If you would like some objective feedback and help establishing new more productive beliefs and an action plan to make the change, then lets talk.

 

I am prepared to give you whatever time is needed to help you make your break through. E-mail or call me today if you are interested.

Are You A Master Avoider?

"Is it possible", I asked my friend, "That by not doing those things that you know you ought to do, that you will be in the same place six months from now as you are today?"

 

"Not only possible," he said. "Probable."

 

"So you must like where you are?" I asked.

 

"No. I am not happy. In fact, if have this nagging, guilty, 'I shoulda thing' going on in my head everyday."

 

"So why do you keep avoiding?" I asked. "I suspect its fear."

 

He thought for a moment. "Yes, I suppose what it all boils down to is fear. Fear of change. Fear of what will happen. Even fear of success."

 

"That's interesting. Fear of success. Do you not believe you should succeed?" 

 

He hesitated. So I continued. "Since you don't see yourself inside as a success, you will avoid doing things that represent moving to the next level. You are unconsciously self sabotaging your own success so you won't create any in congruency on how you see yourself."

 

Here is an example. If you see yourself being overweight by 15 pounds. If you deep down believe that is who you are, no diet or exercise plan in the world is going to change your weight. Sure you might lose the weight for awhile, but I promise it will eventually come back. You know what I mean don't you?"

 

"Yes." He replied.

 

"The same is true about business. You are the leader of your business. But if you only see yourself leading your business that way it is now, you will never progress. No matter what advise or help I offer you."

 

"So what do I do?" He queried.

 

"It starts by beginning to reinvent who and how you see yourself..."

 

Check back tomorrow's post for the rest of the story

Who Are You? What Are You Gunna Do?

Building a powerful brand requires three critical elements.

 

1- You must have identified your competitive advantage. A well established competitive advantage requires that you really know something about what your customer or prospect wants or needs and few are able to replicate your response to that need.

 

Starbucks competitive advantage: Mass customization, a cool place to hang out.

Southwest Airlines: Low fares, fun to fly.

Nordstrom's: Over the top customer service worth talking about.

 

2- Once you have established your competitive advantage it must be translated into a statement of promise you intend to fulfill that your customers and prospects will understand. In other words, you must get the message out that you will fulfill their need or want.

 

3- You must deliver on the promise. A lot of companies make claims or imply to fulfill a promise but they fall short.

 

Implementation Step: Consider today what your customers or prospects REALLY need or want in regards to the products or services you offer. Write them down. Be specific.

 

By the way, if your answer is customer service, that's fine as long as it is truly something worth talking about.

Dad, I Lost My Chapstick Again.

It was 15 minutes before we were leaving for school and he still wasn't ready to go. He just seemed to be pacing back and forth throughout the house.

"Kyle, dude," I said, "You've got to get ready for school."

"But Dad I can't find my Chapstick" (actually we don't use the Chapstick brand but that's what we all call it anyways).

"Kyle you've been up for 45 minutes now. What have you been doing?"

"Looking for my chapstick." He said.

"Where did you leave it?" I asked.

"Dad if I knew that it wouldn't be lost."

Dang, I thought. When did he get that smart? It was true, however.

"Well, where do you usually leave it? Don't you have place for it? Kind of like I have a place for my keys." I replied.

"No. Not really." He answered.

"Ohhhh... I feel a Blog Post coming on", I thought to myself.

Did you know that businesses are not unlike my son Kyle. They place things somewhere only to spend inordinate amounts of time looking for them later.

The average employee spends 2 hours per week, for example, looking for documents they have saved on their own desktops or computers.

Do the math. Let's say you have 10 employees averaging $15.00 per hour. That's $300.00 per week in lost productivity. That adds up to over $15,000 dollars per year.

So here is a system that you can create in less than an hour that will be potentially worth $15,000 or more to you and your business.

Figure out how you would like your documents stored on your computers. Don't just say put them on the Z: drive. Create your foldering system. Perhaps by position in the company or by business function. Either way determining your document storage protocol can take little time and dramatically increase your employee productivity.

Kyle has yet to find his Chapstick. Guess we will have to work on a system for that too.

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

"Why can't we all just get along?" I remember watching a movie years ago titled "Posse" with Mario Van Peeples. During the final gun fight scene Nipsy Russell poked his head up from his hiding place and said, "Why can't we all just get along?"

 

It was one of the stupidest movies I ever saw. I think I turned it off at that point.

 

Yet I can't help being reminded that a condition exists in many businesses where service and sales people don't get along. Service people often complain that sales is selling products or services that the company doesn't offer or makes the service people jobs more difficult. Sales people complain that the service people are always upsetting the customers.

 

When I witness a condition like this it simply suggests that leadership hasn't painted and articulated a picture or vision of a unified goal and direction.

 

Each department, sales and fulfillment or service obviously have their own goals. The goals of the company should be the goals of these departments. By the way, throw administration and finance into the mix who are bent on accuracy, detail and organization and you have a real gun fight.

 

In most companies the goals that seem to impact every department are:

 

Maximize revenue

Maximize profit

Maximize customer satisfaction

 

When the departments stop focusing on their agendas and look to the goals of the company that is the first step in creating an environment where everyone can get along.

How Many People are Costing You Money?

I was talking with a client today in the manufacturing business who just has another record month. "Dang we are really busy," he told me. "Nobody told my people there is a recession going on."

 

"Ok, so maybe we are coming out of it," I thought. But the fact is his business has been doing remarkably well over the last 8 to 10 months.

 

So I asked him why he thinks his business is doing so much better than others.

 

He compared his business to another manufacture. The other manufacture has nearly 100 employees and is doing 4 million in revenue. He has 28 employees and is doing nearly 10 million in revenue. Now I am not sure how comparable the companies are in products, but I can tell you one thing for sure. The revenue per employee in my clients business is much higher than the other company.

 

Which led to the fact that one of the reasons why he feels his business is doing so well is because they put so much emphasis on improving employee productivity.

 

He naturally attributed that to the fact that they put a lot of emphasis on developing, innovating and training systems.

 

I have found that focusing on productivity measured either by profit per employee or revenue per employee can be a very effective way to monitor you progress in developing a highly efficient business.