Editor’s note: MFA is pleased to share this article from guest blogger, Lisa Sasevich.
Part of my expertise lies in recognizing systems and patterns, breaking them down, figuring out how they operate, and then teaching others how to replicate those systems in their own businesses.
One of the patterns I noticed is that there are three ideal phases in the development of a successful business.
For me it went something like this:
When I began as an entrepreneur, I was a one-on-one coach, making about $100K a year.
After starting to work with mentors and adding group training programs to my repertoire, in just 10 months, my income leapt to $2.2 million.
The following year I doubled that figure by getting out there with my Signature Talk and Irresistible Offer™.
Soon, I started to notice a similar three-phase pattern in the paths of people I was mentoring in our Sales, Authenticity & Success (aka Sassy) Mastermind program. I optimized this natural pattern, calling it my Leveraged Progression Plan®, and now teach it as part of my curriculum.
Ready to get some help on YOUR business progression plan?
Build out the pieces you need to get past Level 1!
I also call the pattern “3 Years to 7 Figures.” But since everyone moves at different speeds, you can think of the years as levels as well. Some people reach seven figures quickly, like I did, while others marinate in the process a bit longer.
But, yes, it really is possible to break a million in three years. And if that’s what you want to do, this is the plan I teach my mastermind members:
Year 1: Build it.
The first level is focused upon building your business infrastructure, putting into place the most important tools you need. That likely includes a lead capture system and leveraged ways to sell and deliver your services. If you plan to speak, you want to create your Signature Talk and Irresistible Offer™. That way, when someone offers you a platform, if Oprah or Colbert calls you out of the blue, you can say “Yes!”, because you’re stage-ready.
In our model, you don’t live on savings and ramen noodles in year 1. You make money with your new products and programs while building your systems, thereby proving from the beginning that what you’re doing is profitable and truly in demand.
Year 2: Get out there.
Much of the energy that you put into building your core business elements is now freed up, so level two is focused on becoming known for your expertise. Speak on other people’s stages, teleseminars, and webinars; collaborate with joint venture partners; attract clients with social media; and attend live events where you’ll find great networking, all while continuing to develop your programs and make money.
For instance, during my level 2, I spoke everywhere, both live and virtually. I created teleseminars, launched some of my core products and programs, and created leveraged classes at the high-ticket level.
Sometimes people put the cart before the horse, and speak everywhere before they have a plan or systems in place. So they get a lot of leads but can’t convert them. They don’t have a way to collect the leads, they don’t have programs to funnel people into and serve them deeply. From a sales perspective, those speaking events become wasted opportunities.
Year 3: Cash in on your mojo.
If you follow this path, by your third year in business, your products, programs and systems are solidly in place. And because you’ve been getting out there, you’ve developed a reputation in your field, and you’ve got happy clients and testimonials. Therefore, level three is the time to really cash in on the mojo that you’ve been creating. Aim higher in your business and life. Host your own live event; start a certification program; or automate the successful systems that you’ve put into place and start taking more vacations.
Get Help
There’s no question that in order to break seven figures, you must have a solid foundation beneath you. You also need guidance from someone who’s built those level-one elements and can see the big picture, even if it’s only a foggy vision for you at first.
In time, and with help, your vision will clear, and you can be on your way to that seven-figure breakthrough.
Honored with the Distinguished Mentor Award from the Business Expert Forum at the Harvard Faculty Club, recipient of the coveted eWomen Network Foundation Champion award for her generous fundraising, and ranked on the prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies for two years in a row, Lisa Sasevich, “The Queen of Sales Conversion”, teaches experts who are making a difference how to get their message out and enjoy massive results, without being salesy.
To receive her monthly Sales Nuggets and FREE Sales Training sign up today at www.FreeSalesTrainingFromLisa.com.
