Take the Extras Out of Your Business and Thrive! Part 2 of 2

What are “extras”?

Extras are embellishments that can either support or detract from your core offer. (Program, product, service, etc.)

What extras look like:

Here’s an example: You’re putting together a new group coaching program that consists of taking clients through your step-by-step inspired w e i g h t loss program. As you’re putting your program together you think of ALL the things your clients might want from you so you start adding them. The core message of your program: allow yourself to be guided to your perfect w e i g h t loss plan. The extras you add: nutrition, exercise, calorie counting, etc.

Why we’re tempted to add them:

Sometimes we add the extras because we really see that our clients will have questions on various topics and we want to serve them.

However, and I think this is the case most of the time, we add the extras because we think we NEED to. Or that we SHOULD.

See where I’m going with this? Is it really true that you need to or should add those extras?

For a lot of us we have a hard time really believing our CORE offer is strong enough to stand on its own two feet. And this belief plays right into a deeper question: Are we really ENOUGH?

How to know if you’re carrying “extra w e i g h t” around:

Ask two great questions:

What can I do all day long with my clients and feel energized as result?

What work do I do with my clients that drain my energy?

The extras will always lead to you feeling drained because it’s not the work you really want to do, and more than likely it’s not the work you’re really meant to do.

Now, here’s the key: I know you want to serve your clients the best way you know possible so sometimes you’ll want to add some extras. Go for it! BUT, keep it in balance.

The impact extras have on your business:

The biggest impact extras will have on your business is muddying it down. Instead of clearly stating how you help your clients and offering simple solutions to their problems your offers will start feeling overly complicated.

The solutions you provide your clients should never be overly complicated. Simplicity is best for you, them, teaching your material and sharing your message.

What can you do to avoid adding too many extras?

As you’re putting together a new product or service, from time to time take a step back and see if there is anything you can whittle away from your core offer. The only way to identify the extras is to be conscious of the fact you might be adding them. Don’t be afraid of taking things out, especially when doing so could leave you with a very succinct, power-filled offer that is the exact thing your clients need and want from you!

(c) 2010 Cari Vollmer Life On Track, LLC

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