Do You Really Want to Ditch Your Clients? - CLS047

The Corbin Links Show

https://corbinlinks.com/cls047

51:57

On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

9 years ago 28:58

MP3•Episode home

It seems like every podcast, post, article, social media message these days pitches the siren song of "leave your clients." Take your business online, and never have to do client work again.

Or how about this: "I decided to get out of the client business altogether and do products only."

Sound familiar?

Is that really why we get into coaching and consulting? I don't know about you, but client work and helping other IS why for me. We built up a business this way and products and other goodies came much much later.

That said, I want to address a few points in today's show. Mainly:

1. Why client work, vs. product development, or something else entirely?

2. Are you really tired of client work, or is it something else?

3. The 5 key factors ALL high-achievers at some point in the journey, and how specifically to deal with each one.

4. Do you have obligations to your clients beyond mere contracts?

5. Is there really any such thing as a “customer-free” or “client-free” business?

6. What some of the biggest product creators in the world still do…

And much more.

Another fully-packed show, so let's get to it!

Full show notes for today’s episode available at:

94 episodes

#Business #Clients #Growth #Nutrition #Productivity #Sales #Training #Links Business Group LLC #Careers #Coaching #Podcasting Education #Consulting #Health and Well-Being

The Corbin Links Show

Do You Really Want to Ditch Your Clients? - CLS047

The Corbin Links Show

published 9 years ago

MP3•Episode home

It seems like every podcast, post, article, social media message these days pitches the siren song of "leave your clients." Take your business online, and never have to do client work again.

Or how about this: "I decided to get out of the client business altogether and do products only."

Sound familiar?

That said, I want to address a few points in today's show. Mainly:

1. Why client work, vs. product development, or something else entirely?

2. Are you really tired of client work, or is it something else?

3. The 5 key factors ALL high-achievers at some point in the journey, and how specifically to deal with each one.

4. Do you have obligations to your clients beyond mere contracts?

5. Is there really any such thing as a “customer-free” or “client-free” business?

6. What some of the biggest product creators in the world still do…

And much more.

Another fully-packed show, so let's get to it!

Full show notes for today’s episode available at:

https://corbinlinks.com/cls047

94 episodes

#Business #Clients #Growth #Nutrition #Productivity #Sales #Training #Links Business Group LLC #Careers #Coaching #Podcasting Education #Consulting #Health and Well-Being

All episodes

The Corbin Links Show

1
Knowing Where You Are + Doing What Works + BIG Announcement - CLS055 28:51

9 years ago28:51

28:51

Something completely different today... I'm going to talk a bit personal, a bit business, and share a big announcement later in the show---so stay tuned for it. Recently, I've been doing a LOT of personal-dev training and development. (Way more than usual, in fact.) And as part of that effort, it hit me that one of the things I preach---*know where you are at any given time* wasn't being followed. Things had been so frantic with client business growth, that other areas of the business weren't getting the right levels of attention. And I was completely out of step with 'knowing where I was'. (Not a good place to be in life or business.) I'll share a bit of that discovery today's episode and along with it, and a very practicable 5-Point Framework To Always Know WHERE You Are---And What To Do About It Show notes and resources for this episode available at https://corbinlinks.com/cls055 Let's hit it!…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Do You Make This Time and Income Sucking Mistake in Your Business? - CLS054 18:14

9 years ago18:14

18:14

Short but intense episode today. I'll be talking about a topic I see come up way WAY too much with first-time business builders: That's the subject of "tools". Software. Toys. "Infrastructure" AKA -- *Distractions* Software, apps, productivity tools, web services and all manner stuff is great. There's a time and place. But when you're getting started and building the first legs of business? This stuff can KILL your time and income. So I'll share a little story from this weekend, along with *specific* suggestions to reduce your 'research' time, tool cost, and just build build build! P.S. If you're already a VIP member, you saw part of this covered in your copy of the "Mondays Rock Letter". This is the bonus audio for that. Show notes and resources for this episode available at https://corbinlinks.com/cls054…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Fixing Coaching Sessions Gone Wrong - CLS053 35:25

9 years ago35:25

35:25

I love coaching and being coached—don’t you? But let’s face it: not all coaching sessions are blissful trips to happy land, if you know what I mean. Like anything else in business, coaching sessions can get off track, or go terribly wrong. And whether you’re on the client or coach side of the table, a bad session can wreck things for both sides. A bad coaching session can be anything from tempers flaring, to boredom and lack of interest, to frustration and feeling results were missed, and all points in between. Best case, you both escape with your professional relationship intact and try again another day. But worse, and far more likely, a bad---and certainly a super bad ---session may never be recovered. These can and do happen even to the most experienced coaches. After all, this is a people business. As coaches, it’s 100% OUR responsibility to keep coaching sessions from flying off the tracks. And that’s exactly the topic of today. I’ll share with you some of the top and most frequent things that can and will go wrong, and what to do about it. OR…prevent things from happening in the first place. Lots to cover today, so let’s dive right in! Show notes and resources for this episode available at: https://corbinlinks.com/cls053…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Is it a Pleasure Doing Business With You? - CLS052 25:45

9 years ago25:45

25:45

Are you a pleasure to do business with? I’ll admit to a few times in my past that the “pleasure to do business with” statement didn’t maybe...completely apply to me. In fact, it took a few lost sales and failed client renewals to pull it all together. Fast forward to today—there are precious few companies, or consultants, who bother to ask themselves this question. Let's face it: Many companies and consultants—especially in the corporate and government space—are a drag. Endless procedures, huge documents, endless calls, dour people, ridiculous numbers of sales reps showing up from the same company, endless email threads, crazy #'s of meetings, and the list goes on. Not fun. And ask yourself: when is the last time you or your firm heard the phrase “it’s / it was a pleasure doing business with you!” If you DO hear it constantly, then congrats! This mail may be just a refresher, and add a few new tools to your arsenal. But if not… My premise is business shouldn’t be dry. Boring. Exhaustively corporate. Unpleasant on a person-to-person level. And one way you (and all of us, me included) can combat this is by being a true ”pleasure to do business with." How? Let’s start with a list of: 5 No-Hassle Ways to Become a “Pleasure to Do Business With”— right here and now (guaranteed!) Hang on to your ear buds, this could get bumpy... Complete show notes and resources available at: https://corbinlinks.com/cls052…

The Corbin Links Show

1
What to Do When Clients Want to Leave You - CLS051 33:09

9 years ago33:09

33:09

I've been getting a few questions lately from consultants asking about client renewals. Why don't their clients renew with them? How come contracts don't get extended or renewed? Why no call backs from previous clients? If you've been in this business for more than 5 minutes, you've come across this issue. Things are going really well. You may also be delivering great results to your clients... But when the agreement comes up for renewal, they decide not to. Another way to look at this is keeping a high "client retention" rate or percentage. And it's right to question client attrition numbers, because something is clearly wrong. High client retention rates and long relationships better yet--- ever-expanding ones ---are key to a thriving business. So today I'm tackling the topic of client retention head on. I’m sharing the TOP 5 Reasons Clients REALLY Leave (regardless of what they say to our faces), and how to deal with them in your business. Another practical and action-packed show, so let's do this! (Show notes and resources over at https://corbinlinks.com/cls051 )…

The Corbin Links Show

1
5 Client Screening Filters to Help You Find a Perfect Match - CLS050 28:24

9 years ago28:24

28:24

It's Milestone Time! The Corbin Links Show has just hit its 50th episode for this season. Season 1 ran 39 episodes, for a whopping 89 so far! I'm barreling toward a full 100 episodes! And to celebrate the 50th episode of this season, I'm going to do something a bit special, which I'll share in just a few minutes. But for now, the topic at hand is how to filter and prescreen your clients. So often, we worry about whether or not a client will choose us. And just as often, we think these decisions are related to price, economics, politics, the weather---whatever is handy. I want to flip your thinking. Instead, I want you to be thinking about qualifying those select people who CAN and SHOULD work with you. (Hint: the answer isn't "everyone". But the RIGHT ones.) Today is another 5-point framework for filtering and screening clients to preserve your time, and boost your income. Sound like a plan? Full show notes and resources available at https://corbinlinks.com/cls050…

The Corbin Links Show

1
How to Create Wellth With Dr. Stephen Hobbs - CLS049 52:31

9 years ago52:31

52:31

I don't do many interviews on this show, but today is one exception... The Corbin Links Show is joined by Dr. Stephen Hobbs, a true change agent who brings a "wellth" of experience in the areas of: - Interpersonal Communication - Organizational Behavior and Dynamics - Change Management - How to create a truly creative and effective workplace - How to Be a More Effective Coach and Consultant - Models for Rapid and Total Company Transformation - and... Well, I'll let the interview speak for itself. So get ready to get inspired, pick up some new tools for your consulting and coaching toolkit, and take notes. Get show notes, resources and links from today's episode at https://corbinlinks.com/cls049…

The Corbin Links Show

1
How to Sink Project Torpedoes - CLS048 28:15

9 years ago28:15

28:15

Let's say a company hires you to support a big, really big project or program... You’re all excited, and at first, it looks promising. There's a "new vision" at your client site, approved budget for whatever you’re hired to do, and even support from the C-suite and the full board. All seems good. But as you start the project, you quickly find that there are a few dissenting voices who REALLY REALLY REALLY don’t want your project to succeed. Maybe even kill it themselves, if they can. Or they can't kill the project, at least sabotage it and make it look bad, so that their competing effort can look better. You get the idea. Today’s feature segment is aptly titled “How to Sink Project Torpedoes” and it’s spawned on by a question I received some time ago from listener Garrett---though it comes up a lot with our big-biz consulting clients. I’m going to give you a 6-Point-Framework for dealing with project torpedoes, stalls, and challenges and suggest exact steps for these situations. You can take these steps, add them to your bat belt or consulting solutions box for future use. PLUS a deep dive on the dreaded "change order"--and when to use it to your advantage. Lots to share so let’s dive right in… Show notes: https://corbinlinks.com/cls048…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Do You Really Want to Ditch Your Clients? - CLS047 28:58

9 years ago28:58

28:58

It seems like every podcast, post, article, social media message these days pitches the siren song of "leave your clients." Take your business online, and never have to do client work again. Or how about this: "I decided to get out of the client business altogether and do products only." Sound familiar? Is that really why we get into coaching and consulting? I don't know about you, but client work and helping other IS why for me. We built up a business this way and products and other goodies came much much later. That said, I want to address a few points in today's show. Mainly: 1. Why client work, vs. product development, or something else entirely? 2. Are you really tired of client work, or is it something else? 3. The 5 key factors ALL high-achievers at some point in the journey, and how specifically to deal with each one . 4. Do you have obligations to your clients beyond mere contracts? 5. Is there really any such thing as a “customer-free” or “client-free” business? 6. What some of the biggest product creators in the world still do… And much more. Another fully-packed show, so let's get to it! Full show notes for today’s episode available at: https://corbinlinks.com/cls047…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Do You Make These Productivity-Busting Mistakes? - CLS046 13:38

9 years ago13:38

13:38

Productivity-boosting strategies from a recent VIP Mondays Rock Letter. Full show notes and resources: https://corbinlinks.com/cls046 Got something totally different today! In this special “Mondays Rock” edition of The Corbin Links Show , I’m reading a full copy of a recent VIP-only "Mondays Rock Letter". But Corbin, what the hell is a “Mondays Rock” letter anyway? Stay tuned, and I’ll share how to get yours for free, week after week. Here’s the intro from the letter... ...(Note to self: No one liked the "Speed Kills" headline from last week. Maybe a bit too negative.... This is a slightly updated version of last Mondays Rock letter.) Last weekend, I was reminded of a powerful object lesson in speed, productivity, and results… … Tune in for the rest of the story! Show notes and resources: https://corbinlinks.com/cls046…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Top 10 Must-Read Books for Winning Business Consultants - CLS045 29:07

9 years ago29:07

29:07

Complete show notes: https://corbinlinks.com/cls045 I’ve been discussing books a LOT with my inner circle and VIP members lately. One of my bucket goals this year was to read a minimum of 25 books. I've read 11 so far, and have a good shot at 25. But it got me to thinking: what are some of the most impactful books I’ve personally read? I mean, I’ve read a LOT of great books, mostly non-fiction with a few fiction here and there. Many of the hundreds of books I’ve read over the years were entertaining, and almost all have something to take away. But there are a select few that impact my life and / or business in some way, each and every day. So my top 10 must-read (or listen) business and self-development books is the topic today. Lots to talk about, so let’s hit it! Complete show notes: https://corbinlinks.com/cls045…

The Corbin Links Show

1
7 Strategies for Winning at Client Office Politics - CLS044 31:49

9 years ago31:49

31:49

It’s the height of political campaign seasons here in the states, and what better time to dive into the world of business and client office politics. I’m a firm believer in the old adage of keeping religion and politics out of business discussion. BUT—business and client office politics themselves are a different matter. Many of us would rather not deal or “play” politics at the office. And if you ask most organizations today, they’ll insist their companies “aren’t political.” But the fact is, wherever you have people and multiple interests in the same place, you have politics . More so in the business world. And as consultants, coaches, and service providers, we’re exposed to client office politics if we spend any real time with them. (which is most of us). We may even be awkwardly brought into the middle of political internal project or turf battles between competing projects and departments. In extreme cases, our work and services may even be used as leverage points between two or more competing factions. So today I’m sharing 6 Strategies to Win at Client Office Politics. This episode has been a long time in coming and I’m super pumped to share it with you. Let’s dive in! Show notes and resources: https://corbinlinks.com/cls044…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Top 10 Tech Skills Business Consultants Need-NOW! - CLS043 42:17

9 years ago42:17

42:17

https://corbinlinks.com/cls043 I was recently chatting with a coaching client who asked me about tech skills. She didn’t consider herself very computer literate or technically savvy, and wanted advice on what tech skills to focus on. It’s a great question, and something I’ve been meaning to talk about for a while. ?Today is that day! There are literally endless business and tech skills to learn when starting and running your own business. I’m cutting through the clutter and focusing ONLY on those tech-related areas you need right now. FYI, this is NOT by a complete list by any stretch of the imagination. But, it should get the ball rolling. What You Will Learn The Top 10 Tech Skills Consultants and Coaches Need NOW Walkthrough and explanation of each skill in detail Proven tool and training recommendations for skills, productivity, and business automation A bonus for action-takers who listen and take notes to this episode The true killer office and business app (still!) Huge list of resources Let’s do it! Show notes and complete resource list available at: https://corbinlinks.com/cls043…

The Corbin Links Show

1
Power Strategies for Business Cost Management - CLS042 41:26

9 years ago41:26

41:26

https://corbinlinks.com/cls042 The long-overdue, money segment is here! If you’ve been with the show for a while (thank you), or brand new (welcome!), you’ve heard a lot about clients this, business that, and productivity that. But what about cost containment? After all, 3 ways to improve the bottom line: 1. Spend less 2. Make more 3. Make more AND spend less (which is usually an inverse relationship, and topic for another time) We’ve talked all about the “make more” part. (No worries—I’ll be coming back to that again and again.) Today is about the “spend less” side of the equation. Really successful businesses have a LOT coming in, and make sure it’s ALWAYS more than what’s going out. I know, I know…we all think we know this---but the majority of new businesses, and especially startup business, operate on the “let’s stay in the red long enough to build a business, then shoot into the black.” Honestly, sometimes that DOES work. But mostly—not so much. And since we’re ALL about building a strong, well-founded business from day one, that includes strong cost management and cost containment. So get out your virtual ledgers, notebooks, and comfy earbuds and let’s hit it! Full show notes: https://corbinlinks.com/cls042…

The Corbin Links Show

1
How I’d Setup My Business If Starting From Scratch - CLS041 25:16

9 years ago25:16