The Real Value of Coaching and Info Products
June 4th, 2008 | Published in Business Building | 9 Comments
I was just reading this awesome post by Lynn Terry. You’ll love the blooper reel at the beginning - it’s a great chuckle for the middle of your work day. Anyway, the post is based on this quote:
“Marketer sets the price, buyer determines the value.”
Think about that for a minute. What does it mean to you?
The gist of Lynn’s post is that, when you purchase something, whether it’s coaching or an information product (like an e-book… or a regular book for that matter), the real value of the product is up to you and what you actually DO with the information that is given.
I’m a big proponent of taking action… without action - we don’t move. I mean, duh, right? But, from a business stand-point, sometimes it’s not so obvious.
Sometimes in our businesses, we get in that mode of “Hey Universe - where are all my clients?!?” We wonder why on Earth there isn’t a line of clients at our door (and yes, I’ve been there myself… it ain’t pretty 
).
If you find yourself in that mode, ask yourself - what actions have I taken that work to bring clients to me?
And, if you’re thinking about purchasing a product or service to make your business better, really take some time to think about how you’ll implement that information BEFORE you make the purchase.
Check out Lynn’s post - she has some really great insight!
About Jenn Givler
June 4th, 2008 at 7:46 pm (#)
I, like I am sure many out there have lots of unread ebooks on my hard drive. Some were free, some less than ten dollars and others more than that. However much they cost, their value to me right now is zero yet their cost is definitely in the hundreds. I put a stop to buying any more ebooks until I was prepared to schedule time to read the ebook and then schedule time to take action. If I didn’t have the time in my schedule or the true inclination to make the time commitment, I didn’t buy the ebook. This has saved me serious bucks and the few books I did buy I read.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:37 pm (#)
I hear ya Katherine… I have what I call my $10,000 book shelf LOL! Full of products and books that I’ve purchased and not used - UGH! I think for a lot of us, that’s part of the learning curve.
I agree with you - and follow a similar formula, and advise my clients the same… If you can’t see how that material will fit into your business and truly make it better, and if you can’t schedule time to learn the material - chances are good, you won’t implement it.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:17 am (#)
I too am an info junky…but I read EVERYTHING. I have a deep handbasket by my bed filled with ebooks and such I have printed out(TG for draft mode on my printer-saves tons of ink lol)
I cant say that I have ever taken action in the form prescribed in each book….its more like an idea and concept snag me and I run with it.
I wonder if the refusing to follow some elses good advice, if Im short changing myself and missing the next level of success.But then again I see my ability to take nformation and sythansise(sp?) into my life as a gift….
I think we have all gotten to the point of ‘where are the customers ?”
In my businesss and also with my hubbies. I tend to spend a day or so in the WTF mode before I take a breath and shift my focus on the abundance in my life and BAMM a new client calls, hubby get a good crontract. When my family life is a mess, business SUCKS. hmmmmm makes ya think huh?
Right now in business I feel I feel like my ‘ideal’ success is around the corner…I can feel it, I can imagin it…I just havent lived it yet. Yet I feel success in this moment…but there is MORE
June 5th, 2008 at 3:07 pm (#)
Great thoughts Brandy! I have a “reading pile” next to my chair in the living room - I can’t say I get through everything, but I love to at least peruse everything… better than most of what’s on TV
June 5th, 2008 at 11:47 pm (#)
I am a reading “junkie” and learning advocate. I have purchased many books over the last 3 months but for me I know that I will read them. I love having these learning materials surrounding me. And even if I don’t read them all at once. I will pick a book up and start reading a chapter. Even if I only read for about 15 minutes, I usually pick up a interesting tidbit, resource, idea or suggestion for my business and/or life…and that is what I just LOVE about reading.
One thing that I do when I pick up a book, is I have a notebook next to me to write down notes. I also have an “idea” book that I have with me to add in there if I have an idea for a article, blog post or product that surfaces when I am reading. (So I don’t forget my thoughts).
Thanks Jenn for another great post!
I also have a magazine pile…love reading mags as well for the quick reading and sometimes these are more for relaxation.
Sincerely,
Teresa Morrow
Key Business Partners
Virtual Assistant & Online Promotion
for Coaches, Speakers & Writers
http://www.keybusinesspartners.com
June 6th, 2008 at 1:26 am (#)
WOW! Am I ever glad to see that I am not alone! I, too, have lots and lots of ebooks on my hard drive, that I downloaded with good intention, but somehow didn’t find the time to read them!
As for books, gee, my Dad built me bookshelves for my office - 6 feet high and 4 feet wide, two of them! Side by Side they sit in my office, full of all kinds of business books. Anothter bout of good intention!
I must admit, I do grab one of them, and like Teresa, even if it is only for a few minutes, read a chapter here and there. I love having the books available as research, you never know when you are going to be stuck in the middle of a project! I want to be ready!
The “Dummies” series books are great - those I never read cover to cover, but I have them - a lot of them - great research and quick search books!
The internet, I must admit, is very intriguing and you can really go “hogwild” on purchasing ebooks, books and special reports. I do agree with Lynn - the value is what you get out of it, not what the price is. That old adage that you hear alot is that if it is free, it is probably not useful, is absolutely not true - I have many free books, reports, etc., that have provided a ton of useful info!
So, having said all that - I’m so glad to see that I’m in good company, right along with all of you!
Make it an awesome week - keep reading (and writing)
Netweaving works!
Carol Deckert
Netweaving Coach - RUNLancaster
http://www.runlancaster.com
http://www.runlancaster.com/blog
http://www.linkedin.com/in/caroldeckert
June 6th, 2008 at 11:36 am (#)
Teresa - I’m like that too… I’ll create a folder in my hard drive for whatever I’m studying at the moment. Then I take notes and file them in folders corresponding to the chapters. I’ve learned over the years what types of resources are going to work for me and what won’t. So I stick to what I know will work, surround myself with that stuff. When I need to refer back to something I have my notes or the resources right here in the office.
Oooo Carol - 2 Big bookshelves! I know that feeling - I’ve got built in book shelves along one wall here. I’ve got my shelves categorized by type of book (business, spirituality, etc…). I have to go through about once a year and donate books to the local book sale.
June 17th, 2008 at 5:23 pm (#)
Can I share something that works for me?
I read with a notebook next to me ALWAYS or at the very least, a post-it pad until I can get to a notebook.
When I get a good idea, I write it down and then schedule it into my weekly goals to implement. I have an hour scheduled for “lots of small things” like web changes, change sidebar on blog, change a word here or there, etc.
Helps me a LOT!
June 17th, 2008 at 5:29 pm (#)
What a G-R-E-A-T idea Marcia!!! That’s why you’re the organizing diva