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Articles by Pat Mussieux

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152 articles by Pat Mussieux · showing 50

Browse every published article connected to Pat Mussieux, or search within this exact expert archive.

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

6 Habits Of Unsuccessful Entrepreneurs!

There are so many articles, books, videos and ezines telling you how to be successful. That’s cool – but where and how do you learn where your current habits are holding you back? Well, the wait is over. I’m going to share with you some of the unsuccessful habits I have had and which many of my clients have overcome as a result of coaching. You’re not going to be able to get new clients and make money if you continue to do certain things over and over and over – and expect different results. So, here’s the litmus test – keep reading – am I speaking to you?

Primary topic: Happiness

1,589 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

NETWORKING IS A SKILL!

I just love to head into a room full of people I have never met before! I know that not everybody feels the same way about that kind of situation. It is a skill and one that every entrepreneur must master – the skill of networking! It really is all about mindset – the way you think about the situation – that makes a huge difference. The good news is that it can be learned because it is a skill and it takes a plan.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,184 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

The 5 W’s to Getting Out of Your Own Way!

I often refer to marketing and sales as ‘the dating game’ for entrepreneurs. For those of you who are actively in the dating scene, you’ll understand what I mean by that. The rest of you – well, I’m sure you can remember what dating was all about as you keep reading. One of the challenges I often hear entrepreneurs speak about is where and how to find ideal clients. I recognize that this is a major problem for many – I also see that most entrepreneurs make this much more complicated than it needs to be.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,034 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Leading in Tough Times!

You really had to be there. In Atlanta – where I was the day it felt like the world was coming to an end. Severe winter weather hit and the city came to a total standstill. From a Canadian’s perspective, it was no big deal. To the people of Atlanta, it was a living hell for at least 48 hours. I have many stories I can tell – but I am choosing to speak of my experience with 2 amazing and inspiring leaders.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,297 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Three Olympian Lessons from Tessa Virtue!

“Are you spending any time watching the Winter Olympics?” I am committed to watching the Games on TV because it is like a ‘Master’s’ program in Excellence!! ‘These athletes give it all they’ve got – for an opportunity to reach for the Gold!” Watching and listening to these Olympians gives me inspiration and encouragement to continue to excel and grow my business.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,150 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

When You Give, You Receive

I not only HEARD that expression a lot in the past week, but I LIVED it. When is the last time you GAVE first or are you stuck in the scarcity mentality? It’s the old ‘I can’t because……….” The experiences I had last week stretched me in many ways. Like many entrepreneurs, I strive to achieve and succeed. I am singularly focused much of the time. That’s ok. I do what it takes to get where I want to go.

Primary topic: Happiness

873 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Handling the Unexpected in Business!

This is a time sensitive article in that, around the world, eyes and ears are following the story of the missing Malaysia flight – it’s been 2 weeks now since it has disappeared from the sky. This incident has caused me to stop and reflect on my own life, my business and my travel patterns. I travel 2-3 times a month on business, on average.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,103 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Grow Your List!

I am often surprised when I get the question: ‘what is a list’?! It’s interesting how much we assume as entrepreneurs when we are talking to each other. Back ‘in the day’, we used the term database – and that’s all it is. It’s your rolodex – it’s your contact – it’s your network. In this day of technology, we call it ‘the list’. And yes, you need to have one in order to grow a profitable business.

Primary topic: Happiness

864 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Your Actions Reflect Your Beliefs!

At my workshop last week, many of the women entrepreneurs spoke about their frustrations when it comes to attracting ideal clients. They said they wanted to learn whatever it takes to make more money. And yet, on follow-up phone calls with most of them, I learned the real truth. They say one thing and then take different action. Growing a business takes time, energy, money (expenses and investments), action, and support. Most entrepreneurs don’t know what they don’t know. I get that. That’s why I have 2 coaches!

Primary topic: Happiness

1,055 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

I’ve Hired a Business Coach – Now What

Congratulations! You’ve joined the ranks of successful entrepreneurs who work with a business coach. For many of you, for whom this is a new experience, you’re now asking yourself: “Now what?” That’s pretty normal, just so you know. What people don’t often tell you is HOW to work effectively with a business coach – so let me give you a few tips that have worked well for me. 1) BENCHMARK YOUR BEGINNING. Be sure to complete some form of assessment at the beginning so you have an idea as to where you are starting, what you accomplish and how far you’ve come.

Primary topic: Happiness

985 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

The 7 Habits of Happy Entrepreneurs!

‘How can you be so happy all the time?’ is a questio I often get asked. Well, it’s not that I’m happy ALL the time – but, I can say, ……..most of the time. I believe that being, and feeling, happy is a habit. We all know people who make ‘being miserable’ a daily habit, right? That’s not the way I choose to live my life nor is it the way I choose to run my business. Here are my 7 Habits which lead to me being a happy entrepreneur. They can work for you, too – once you decide that you want them to! 1) MAKE A DECISION TO BE HAPPY.

Primary topic: Happiness

923 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Three Ways to Use Social Media!

People often make fun of me when I tell them about my #DWTS (Dancing with the Stars) twitter activities. And they wonder what Twitter has to do with growing my business. I am the first to admit that I am a #DWTS ‘addict’, LOL – however, social media has played a large part in the growth of my business and with relationships. I first connected on Twitter and learned about chat rooms about 5 years ago. I didn’t really take advantage of it at first.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,336 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

7 Things Start-Up Entrepreneurs Need to Stop Doing!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed as a new entrepreneur? You know – those moments, when you are behind your computer wondering where the heck do I begin? It typically hits you on a Monday morning as the whole week looms ahead of you. For those of you NOT working with a Business Coach, this can feel devastating – and it should! After hosting the retreat with my new entry-level clients last week, I saw the look of horror in their faces just after the first day when we spent hours covering the fundamentals of running a business.

Primary topic: Happiness

914 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

The Easy Way Out!

I wanted to pull back the curtain this week and share some of the challenges that I’ve been experiencing this month in my business. I’m going to share them because I want you to understand that regardless of where you are in your business, whether it’s been a week, a month, a year, or ten, there’s going to be problems. But first let me start this conversation with a question: Have you ever wanted to take the easy way out?

Primary topic: Happiness

922 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

How To Handle The Tough Stuff!

Did you think it would be ‘easy’ having your own business? I was driving through a small business area of town last week and commenting to my friend that many people just have absolutely NO idea what it takes to have a business and to succeed in business. There are so many misconceptions about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Anyone who knows me knows that I like to keep things simple. So, taking this simple approach, I want to speak to a number of different situations in business that we all face and give you some of the simple steps I take to handle them.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,007 views3/5 (1)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Are You Stuck?

Feeling a little ‘blah’ these days? Stuck behind your computer, not sure what to do next? This seems to be the time of year when people are feeling a little down – or stuck – or have some ‘paralysis analysis’. Is that you? I believe that businesses have cycles, just like people do. And, as a result, things aren’t always UP and FABULOUS and AWESOME. They just aren’t. That’s ok – but what do we do about it and how do we get past it? Those are the real questions. It’s ok to feel stuck but it’s not ok to stay stuck. Here are some things I do to get moving again. WAYS TO GET UNSTUCK:

Primary topic: Happiness

558 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Know Your People!

It was so obvious – I didn’t fit in! I was in Baltimore to speak at a business conference. When I arrived at the Hilton, I had no idea what I had stepped in to. There were hundreds and hundreds of others at the front desk of the hotel – but it was clear they were not there for business. They were there for the annual Brony convention. Never heard of them? Me, neither! But, over the course of the 3 days, I learned a lot about this group – this tight-knit community of people. Here’s how this applies to business.

Primary topic: Happiness

890 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Respect Yourself

Yesterday I was in a meeting where we were talking about prospecting and sales. One of the men shared a story about how he called a prospect to let them know he wouldn’t be calling again as they appeared to be very busy and he’d surmised the timing was bad. They responded to this message and he was able to get a face to face meeting with them.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,085 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Staying Motivated!

“How do you stay so motivated?” I get that question a lot and I can easily understand why many entrepreneurs lose their motivation on a regular basis. First of all, I believe it’s human nature. Nobody is motivated ALL the time. And if they tell you that they are, then they are lying.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,005 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

To Succeed, You Must Be Committed!

Have heard the expression, when it comes to business: “when you are interested, you do what is convenient; when you are committed, you do whatever it takes!”?? (I’m not sure of the source for this quote because I’ve heard it from so many different people – but it really does ‘sum it up’ when it comes to your approach to business!) As I enjoyed breakfast this past weekend, I was reflecting on the above quote as I stared at my bacon and eggs. Seriously – ask yourself the question: are you the chicken (‘interested’) or the pig (‘totally committed”)?

Primary topic: Happiness

1,272 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Get Clear On Your Point Of View!

When you tell people what it is you ‘do’ in your business, do they understand anything you’re saying? Do YOU even know how to clearly articulate the message? “All meaningful and lasting change starts with you and then works its’ way out’ is a great quote from my mentor, Lou Tice. It is no different when it comes to getting the word out about the work you do and the transformation you create.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,188 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Be Your Own Hero!

There are many kinds of heroes in life – war heroes, super heroes, emergency services professionals. Have you ever considered yourself in this category? If you are like most people, you have developed the habit of moving through your successes, and accomplishments, in life much too quickly! That’s strong conditioning for many of us who grew up in the day and age when it was not a good thing to speak well of yourself. “If you’re feeling good about you, what you’re wearing outside doesn’t mean a thing!”– Leontyne Price

Primary topic: Happiness

1,407 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

LESSONS FROM THE ROYAL WEDDING

I don’t know about you – but I am addicted to all things ‘happy’ and I make no apologies for it! This past week, I was up very early to settle in and watch the wedding of the ‘Dude and the Duchess’ (as Prince Harry called them). When I see an event that is so very successful and unique and up-lifting, I am always watching for lessons that I can apply to my business. The Royal Wedding did not disappoint. Here is what I took away, in random order.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,161 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Mistakes Women Business Owners Make!

Ladies, stop comparing the inside of you to the outside of someone else! Seriously! This was one of the best pieces of advice I ever received from my mentor and coach, Lou Tice, many years ago. Stop it! I am convinced that there would be many more millionaire women business owners if they would all stop and recognize some of the stupid mistakes they are making. And how do I know this? Because I’ve made them all myself!

Primary topic: Happiness

648 views5/5 (1)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Go for the Gold – Habits to Build Your Confidence and Courage!

I am so very proud to call myself a Canadian this week as we host the Olympic Games in Vancouver. I was spell-bound as I watched the Opening Ceremonies and jumped out of my chair with great joy when Alexandre Bilodeau won the first Gold medal for Canada! "If you only care enough for a result, you will almost certainly attain it." – William James We know that the Canadian athletes are feeling tremendous pressure to perform. They have already put in the time and effort, and have goal-set to 'get to' the Olympics – now it's all about the mindset to 'win at' the Olympic games.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,579 views3.6/5 (5)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Learning Can Be Fun!

“Why does it always feel so hard?” One of my clients said this to me last week when we were talking about what it takes to grow a business. Have you ever felt this way? Then I say to you – you’re doing it all wrong. Yes, growing a business can be hard work – in the words of my mentor, Larry Winget: “They call it W.O.R.K. for a reason”, LOL.

Primary topic: Happiness

923 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Celebrating Failure

Does the fear of failure ever hold you back? Have YOU ever talked YOU out of doing something YOU wanted to do – because you feared failure? You’re not alone. This is almost a phenomenon among women entrepreneurs. Last weekend, I took time to sit and read the October issue of Success magazine. After listening to the free CD during a road trip, I felt compelled to sit and read the many articles in that particular issue on the topic of Failure and Handling Obstacles. This hits very close to home with the common challenges faced by my own coaching clients.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,088 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

To Dream the Impossible Dream……

There are so many entrepreneurs who are living in the ‘ok’ zone. Many have accepted ‘status quo’ and are just existing, day after day, doing the same things and expecting different results. We are about to flip the calendar and begin a new year – isn’t it time you gave your thinking one big flip also? Nothing great ever happens on the ‘just ok’ level – no energy, no enthusiasm, no great results. “If you are not getting as much from life as you want to, then examine the state of your enthusiasm!.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Primary topic: Happiness

1,361 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

3 Revenue-generating Activities!

I am often asked what I do, specifically, to generate revenue each and every day. A few years ago, I heard it said that when you focus the first hour of your business day on a revenue-generating activity, you can double your monthly revenue. Well, I’m always up for that kind of challenge. Aren’t you? I started doing that right away and I can assure you that it makes a significant difference in the business.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,341 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Keep on Growing!

I have always been an advocate (and participant) in professional development. One of the questions I hear frequently from my clients and colleagues is ‘how do you manage to get things like that (professional development) into your busy calendar? Continuous learning, for me, is not optional – it’s mandatory. My intention is to keep learning and become the very best at my craft. As a professional, you’ve got to keep on growing. Things change quickly these days – you’ve got to stay on top of what’s happening in the world of business. Mediocrity sucks!

Primary topic: Happiness

1,250 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Top 3 Challenges in Business – Globally!

Do you ever think that YOU are the only one challenged to find new clients? I know that many of you feel that way, and on a daily basis. And for many of you, that’s your one and only and biggest challenge when it comes to growing your business. On my recent trip to Zimbabwe, mentoring and teaching women entrepreneurs on ways to grow their business, I came to realize that we are more alike than different! In discussions with these women, we learned about their top 3 challenges – and you may be surprised to read what they are. 1. Get New Clients/Customers. 2. Marketing.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,183 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

It Takes Persistence!

Did you ever think it would be a ‘cake-walk’ to have your own business? I ask the question because many people think this way! “I’ll just start my own business, enjoy what I do, make money and…………retire rich and happy”. Well, back up the truck! While, on the surface, it may seem easy and fun to have your own business (and there ARE many times when it IS easy and fun), it is a lot of hard work – it takes certain qualities and characteristics to pull it off in the long run. “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” Oprah Winfrey

Primary topic: Happiness

1,447 views4/5 (1)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Planning an Event!

Want to reach more people in your business! Is it time to step out in a bigger way? Well, one of the best ways I know, to grow your business and grow your list, is to host a live event. This is not something that comes together over night. One of the reasons I am successful when it comes to hosting an event is because I have a plan, and I work the plan. Here are some of the simple steps that go into that plan.

Primary topic: Happiness

885 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

“Tips For Handling Your Money as a Start-up!”

I often get asked how I managed to invest in my business a few years ago when I had no clients and was starting over. I know this kind of situation often feels like a ‘catch-22’ for many new entrepreneurs. Let me put a disclaimer in here right away so that you know I am not a financial planner – but I have had great mentors. And that’s why I have been able to get it together, grow my business and live a really fabulous life-style right now. Here are a few things I did that I believe are really smart – and that helped me to grow my business and make money.

Primary topic: Happiness

831 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Books – One of Your Best Resources!

How many of you just love to read books? I know I do. They open up the world to me and I can get lost in the pages of a book for hours and hours. Business books and autobiographies are my favorite. “People who say they don’t have time to read simply don’t want to.” – Julie Rugg, A Book Addict‘s Treasury I was quite shocked when I read the statistics in this graphic below! I have always loved books and I have always loved to read.

Primary topic: Happiness

982 views2/5 (1)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Business Lessons from a Dog’s Perspective!

Have you ever heard of the ‘lone ranger’ syndrome? Many solo-preneurs experience this, particularly in the start-up phase. Building a business can be a lonely affair – if you let it. This past week, I had the opportunity to visit with friends and spend time with their 4 dogs. My first reaction is that this would be pure chaos but, in actuality, it was not. These dogs were not only very well behaved and had great personalities – but they also “collaborated” on a lot of things.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,368 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Barriers to Living a Happy Life - Part 2

In the last article, I referenced the 4 major barriers to living a happy life. The first major barrier is Habits (you can get a copy of that issue by visiting my website at www.steps2happiness.com). In this issue, we will examine the second major barrier – attitudes! Now, we all know that everyone else has an attitude. But what is your attitude like these days? We only discover our attitudes about certain things once we set a goal. Attitudes are simply 'the direction in which we lean', once we have set a goal.

Primary topic: Happiness

2,521 views2.5/5 (2)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Action And Accountability!

‘Without a vision, they will perish!” – So True. But without ACTION, the vision will stagnate (or, worse yet, frustrate the heck out of you!). While many of you are spending the time and energy creating great Vision Boards for 2013, without following through on the next 2 critical steps: Action and Accountability – the likelihood of achieving your goals is minimal. So, I want to keep this simple this week. Here’s what I recommend you do: 1. Complete your vision board. (I know many women start a vision board but never complete it because they don’t know what to do next…….)

Primary topic: Happiness

1,152 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

The Six Words That Set Me Up For Success!

As many of you know by now, I am a strong believe in the power of words. “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” – Frank Outlaw

Primary topic: Happiness

3,978 views5/5 (1)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

You Just Never Know!

My Gratitude journal, for the past week, is overflowing. I am so blessed, and grateful, to be doing the work that I truly love. As an entrepreneur, however, there are those moments and those times when I sit back and wonder......am I really making a difference?

Primary topic: Happiness

1,282 views3.4/5 (5)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Clear the Clutter!

Have you ever seen the TV show “The Hoarders”? I’ve watched it a few times and, to be honest, felt like a hoarder in my own office when I am working on an intense project. There are files, papers, pens, post-it notes, note pads, etc. all over the place. Flip chart paper is on each and every wall surface. And I’ve also felt like a hoarder when the year is well underway and I take a look at my in-box on my computer. Have any of you ever felt that way?

Primary topic: Happiness

980 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Motivation vs Inspiration!

I recently gave a keynote presentation, and a workshop, to a large group of middle and senior managers. I asked them about their biggest challenge as a leader these days - and the answer was unanimously about motivating employees in the workforce. That was rather interesting to me because, as I coach my clients, I consistently hear that they are challenged staying motivated in the work they do. I am often asked about strategies for motivating people. Well, news flash: YOU cannot motivate people. Motivation is an internal job!

Primary topic: Happiness

1,412 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Lessons From Powerful Women!

How many of you are out there, on your own, re-inventing the wheel? When is the last time you read a good book – and learned from some of the ‘masters’? I am reading all the time. I heard an interview with Bill Gates this morning, actually, and he said that he reads each night for a full 2 hours. That’s impressive. That’s what the ‘masters’ do! There was an article recently in Forbes magazine – “Top 10 Career Lessons from Powerful Women”. I want to share some of the content with you – and my point of view on each. WAKE UP EARLY!

Primary topic: Happiness

705 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

A Key to Success – Mastery!

“Are you any good at what you do?” This is a questio I ask my clients regularly – particularly when they are discouraged or frustrated with the lack of results they are getting. “What are you doing to master your skills?” This is the next questio I ask – not only of my clients, but I ask myself this question on a regular basis, too.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,288 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Happiness and Continuous Learning

According to Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." At a recent event that I spoke at, sitting up front and center, was Florence - a lady who introduced herself to me, telling me that she has been married for 65 years and when she heard about my topic, she really wanted to be there to 'learn a little something that I might take home to share with my husband!' She was an absolute delight. She took notes, participated in all the activities and wanted to have a picture taken too.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,797 views2.3/5 (4)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

One Thing You Must Do to Survive!

Do you remember a time when life included elements of play? For many of us, that is a very faint memory – you’re going to have to travel back to a time when you were younger to look for clues about how to resume this life-saving past-time. My brother often asks his little 4-year old, at the end of the day, “so, what did you do today?” And her charming reply is always the same – ‘PLAY ALL DAY!” While her answer is certainly charming, there is also some meat to that statement. Sometimes, grown-ups need to be reminded not only how to play, but also of the sacredness of play.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,762 views5/5 (4)

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

What Are You Tolerating?

Many entrepreneurs go about their busy day, typically doing some of the exact same things that they were doing the day before- the week before – and even the year before. Most of us do not even operate on a conscious level. At one of my master mind meetings last year, we were given an exercise to do – create a ‘Tolerations’ List for your life and for your business. This exercise was a real eye-opener and so very powerful that I, in turn, shared it with my own local master mind group. The discussions we had about this list were astounding, to say the least.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,332 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Getting Past Fear!

Have you ever turned down an opportunity because you were afraid? This has happened often in my life because of my fear of water and, no doubt, this translates into many areas in the life of an entrepreneur. Well, this past week, I had a situation come up which included a ‘water experience’ – and, because it also involved my grandchildren, I did some fast thinking. One thing I know for sure is that many of our fears are unfounded and they stick with us a very long time unless and until we learn how to get past them.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,014 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

When Preparation Meets Opportunity!

How often have you attended an event and found that you were totally overwhelmed and under-prepared? I see it happen all the time and it makes my heart sink because, seriously, those are missed opportunities that you will never get back. There are many large, and valuable, events scheduled around North America (and the world, for that matter) that are a gold-mine of opportunity when it comes to learning and networking. Attending these events is one of the best ways to grow your business and develop valuable and meaningful contacts, too.

Primary topic: Happiness

695 views

By Pat MussieuxRecently published1 topic

Turning Lessons Into Action!

Have you ever paid big bucks and taken the time/money to travel and attend high end events? And then you get home, with a HUGE binder of notes and handouts – put it on a shelf somewhere – and get back to the jungle of life and your business? Of course you have – we all have! But what good does that do? In today’s article, I want to share some simple steps that I take to ensure that I get a return on my investment. Try them – you’ll like them.

Primary topic: Happiness

1,327 views

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