Category Archives: Business Coaching

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60 Life Lessons in 60 Years: A Guide to Winning in Business and Thriving in Life

Winding asphalt road through low country countryside at sunrise, symbolizing the journey of life and business with 60 years of wisdom lighting the way

As someone who recently celebrated their 60th birthday, with over 40 years of business experience, 30 years as a life mentor, and a decade as an ICF certified and accredited business and life coach, I’ve learned that success in business and fulfillment in life are deeply intertwined.

Today, I’m sharing 60 invaluable lessons I’ve gathered over the years to help you win in business and thrive in life. These insights cover everything from faith and family to finances and fun, providing a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

60 Life Lessons for Business Success and Personal Fulfillment

Faith and Spirituality in Business and Life

  1. The best decisions I’ve made in life and business have occurred after spending time on my knees in prayer.
  2. Trusting God is a lot easier when you are out of options. Spiritual maturity is learning to trust God in all things.
  3. Starting the morning in prayer with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving sets the stage for a great day.

Building Strong Relationships

  1. You were not created to do life on your own; building and nurturing relationships is a wise investment that pays huge dividends.
  2. Never stop dating your spouse and doing the things that won their heart.
  3. Presents are nice, but time with family and friends are the best gifts.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

  1. It’s ok to not yet know what your purpose in life is. It’s never ok to not be pursuing what it is.
  2. We never drift toward positive or healthy things in life.
  3. Your twenties is a time for exploration and discovery. Don’t be in a hurry to know what you’re supposed to do in life.

Leadership and Professional Development

  1. The best mentors are those who have been mentored themselves.
  2. Being five minutes early communicates you respect someone else’s time more than your own.
  3. Ego and pride provide confidence and bravado in some circumstances but they can also be barriers that prevent people from getting to know you who you truly are.

Cultivating Gratitude and Kindness

  1. A handwritten thank you note communicates far more than just your appreciation.
  2. Kindness is contagious, be known for spreading it wherever you go.
  3. A random text or call to just let someone know you’re thinking about them and have prayed for them makes them feel special and reveals you are a good friend.

Embracing Life’s Simple Pleasures

  1. Don’t be so busy that you miss God’s handiwork on display… sunrises and sunsets occur daily, not just things to take in while on vacation.
  2. A casual dinner with friends at someone’s home is far better evening out at some busy restaurant.
  3. Impromptu slow dances in the kitchen and kisses say I love you in a language of its own.

Nurturing Relationships

  1. Never let a week go by without checking in with your spouse. A great question to ask is: “Have I done or said something which left you feeling unappreciated or didn’t convey to you how much I love you?”
  2. We were not meant to do life on our own… Hebrews 10:24-25 declares this, and I profess it’s true. Find your community… and then help each other thrive.
  3. There will be a time when you just don’t have the words to share with a friend who is experiencing heartache. But in the silence your presence will speak volumes about how much you care.

Personal Development and Self-Care

  1. It’s really true, on those days when you don’t feel like exercising, if you give it five minutes, 90% of the time you will accomplish your objective for the day.
  2. Not liking what you see in the mirror just means there is some work to do. Embrace it, create a plan to change what you see, and be willing to set aside your pride if you need some assistance.
  3. When you’re trying to determine if something should be part of your life ask, “is this ‘thing‘ hindering me or helping me become the person I want to be?” Once you have the answer… act accordingly.

Financial Wisdom and Material Possessions

  1. Many of the material things you think ‘you have to have’ will one day end up being sold at a garage sale or donated to a charity.
  2. Pursuing shortcuts and attempting to fast-track results rarely work in your favor. Put forth the effort, trust the process, and embrace the journey.

Time Management and Prioritization

  1. God’s Word teaches us to number our days. Focus on the people and things that matter most in your life and don’t dwell on naysayers or sweat the small stuff.
  2. Always have something on your calendar that you are looking forward to. And it doesn’t have to be a vacation, it can be time with a good friend.
  3. Make it a priority to spend your time doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy, and figuring out how to do very little of what you don’t like.

Pursuing Passions and Purpose

  1. The best hobbies are ones that can be shared with others. This can be giving away what you create or doing things with people you enjoy spending time with.
  2. Cody Johnson’s lyric is spot on… if you have a dream chase it, because a dream won’t chase you back. 
  3. There will come a time when making a difference in life matters more than achieving success… the sooner this occurs the happier you will be.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

  1. Setbacks are inevitable, so when one occurs apply the five ‘R’s’ – Rest, Regroup, Recalibrate, Refocus, and then Relaunch.
  2. Losing or failing at something you try is inevitable… no one succeeds 100% of the time. But failure occurs when you don’t try or don’t apply the lessons learned.
  3. Don’t say, “One day you’ll do something’ for too long, because there will come a day when you won’t physically be able to do it.”

Fostering Trust and Integrity

  1. People will come to know who you truly are not by what you say, but by what they see you do.
  2. Honor all your commitments big and small, they build a foundation of trust and confidence that is appealing to friends and business colleagues alike.
  3. Always be kind and remember to say thank you to those serving you, they deserve it and it just might make their day.

Embracing Growth and Change

  1. Fight the urge to rush becoming who you think you are supposed to be… it takes time to discover the real you and the passion that lives within.
  2. Don’t be afraid to try new things, different experiences, and explore hobbies that interest you. Life gets pretty monotonous doing the same things year after year.
  3. Spiritual growth is a journey that never ends this side of Heaven.

Cultivating Empathy and Understanding

  1. I’ve rarely regretted giving someone the benefit of doubt, but I usually regret jumping to conclusions.
  2. A high percentage of people you meet in life have a burden they’re carrying. It may be something they’re carrying themselves or something they are helping a loved one carry. Be kind and empathetic.
  3. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt before they have earned it says a lot about you and your approach to life.

Balancing Independence and Interdependence

  1. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it signifies self-awareness.
  2. When you are in the midst of challenges, fight the urge to go it alone. God has placed people in your life to guide and encourage you, seek their counsel.
  3. A mentor won’t find you; you must find your mentors. Don’t know where to look… start with someone who has already accomplished what you want to do. And see if they will share their story of how they did.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

  1. You will rarely have a bad day when you make it a priority to make other people smile and feel good about themselves.
  2. For many people it is harder to forgive yourself than it is to forgive someone else. But freedom is found when we cultivate a forgiving heart.
  3. Make sure the people you love also know how much you believe in them.

Maintaining Perspective

  1. Life is short. The days go slow and years go fast, prioritize building relationships over building wealth.
  2. Every marriage is comprised of two imperfect people. And the sooner those imperfect people learn the value of grace and forgiveness the happier they’ll be.
  3. A house will never feel like a home without people to share it with.

Embracing Authenticity and Transparency

  1. If left to ourselves we can rationalize everything and justify almost anything. This is why we need people in our life who will tell us what we need to hear and not just what we want to hear.
  2. Transparency leads to transparency, but someone has to go first… be bold, share your story and watch what happens next.
  3. Collect pictures and create photo albums, especially the ones handed down to you. They are filled with stories that should be preserved and shared.

Living with Intention

  1. The more clearly defined your core values are, the easier it is to make decisions you won’t regret.
  2. Fight the urge to keep a scorecard in your marriage with regard to household tasks. Things will rarely be equal. So, do what you can do when you have the margin and then work together to tackle the rest.
  3. No one is guaranteed tomorrow; so, never leave an ‘I love you’ left unsaid!
  4. “Divine Appointments” and “God Winks” await us each day, we must make sure we are not so busy or self-absorbed that we miss them.

Applying These Lessons to Your Life and Business

These 60 life lessons offer a wealth of wisdom for both personal growth and professional success. As a business owner or corporate executive, integrating these insights into your daily life can lead to more meaningful relationships, better decision-making, improved work-life balance, and a deeper sense of purpose.

At Tom Martin Coaching and Consulting, I can help you apply these life lessons to achieve your goals and find fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, enhance your leadership skills, or find more balance in your life, I’m here to guide you on your journey.

Remember, success is not just about achieving goals, but about becoming the best version of yourself in the process. By embracing these lessons, you’re taking a significant step towards winning in business and thriving in life.

Ready to transform your business and life?

Contact Tom Martin today for a personalized consultation: . And learn more how these timeless lessons can help you achieve the success and fulfillment you deserve.

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Phishing Scam Targeting EIDL Loan Repayment

Attention Small Business Owners: Beware of Phishing Scam Targeting EIDL Loan Repayment

Small Business Scam Alert: Tips to Avoid EIDL Loan Repayment Scams, Tom Martin Coaching: Empowering Business Owners to prosper in business and thrive in life

Small businesses are currently under threat from a phishing scam aimed at collecting banking information and payments in exchange for a fake “SBDC Economic Injury Disaster Grant.”

This fraudulent email originates from: “apply@smallbusinessdevelopmentcenter.online” falsely claiming approval for a grant, but demanding a “tax clearance fee.” 🚨

It’s crucial to note that neither your local SBDC nor the US SBDC provides SBA grants or loans. The SBDC will never solicit your banking details or ask for payment for a grant or loan… ever!!

To safeguard your business from online threats, consider these essential tips recommended by the FTC:

✅ What to DO:

  • Obtain information regarding SBA loans directly from the official SBA website: sba.gov.
  • Seek guidance from your local UGA SBDC office if you receive a suspicious email: georgiasbdc.org/locations.

❌ What NOT to Do:

  • Pay upfront for information; all SBA grant and loan program details are freely accessible at sba.gov.
  • Provide payment in advance for a government grant or loan; no upfront payment is necessary for an SBA loan.
  • Disclose your information to unsolicited callers, emails, or texts. The SBA does not initiate contact to request information about you or your business, nor does it ask you to apply for a loan via phone, email, or text. Delete any suspicious emails or texts immediately.
  • Apply for a loan without verifying the lender’s authenticity. Only SBA-authorized lenders can offer loans, and you can verify lenders using the SBA’s tool.
  • Click on links or respond to emails or texts from unknown sources. Clicking on such links may expose your device to malware or connect you with scammers.

Stay vigilant and protect your business from potential scams by adhering to these guidelines.

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Embrace the Power of One Word 365: A Transformative Approach to Goal Setting for 2024

Thirteen years ago, I was introduced to One Word 365 when I read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life. And to say that the book lived up to its title would be an understatement.

It wasn’t just the intriguing title that captured my curiosity, but the compelling promise within the introduction that convinced me to make the purchase:

“If we could give you one thing that would improve your life in incredible ways, would you receive it? And if this one thing was so intuitive and easy to use that you would be crazy not to try it… would you give it a shot?”

As December of 2010 rolled in, I found myself in a challenging period. The year had thrown various obstacles my way, both personally and professionally. While the dealership was thriving, my battle with Merkel Cell cancer, which had metastasized, required three surgeries and over sixty radiation treatments. The toll it took on me was undeniable.

My instinct was always to power through challenges, but cancer brought a different kind of exhaustion. That’s when “One Word” entered my life, and, reflecting on my state, I chose the theme for the upcoming year – “Pause.” Little did I know that 45 days later, I would learn of my cancer’s return for the third time, now with a stage 4 diagnosis.

For me, the word “Pause” under those circumstances became synonymous with transformation.

Since that pivotal year, I’ve introduced the concept of One Word to family, friends, and interested business and life coaching clients.

The consensus?

Adopting a One Word 365 mindset brought clarity, purpose, power, and passion. All of which served as driving forces that kept their vision alive for the next 365 days.

But how can something so seemingly simple be so effective?

The answer lies in the power of words.

Words, when used thoughtfully and intentionally, possess transformative power. They inspire, motivate, and energize. Words can heal, encourage, and turn the seemingly impossible into the possible.

The magic of the One Word 365 mindset extends its impact to the core components of life, what I like to call the Six F’s:

Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun!

And trust me… there is a word out there waiting for you.

Are you ready to embark on the transformative journey of One Word 365 for 2024? If so, download a FREE COPY of my One Word 365 Workbook which walks you through the process of selecting a word for 2024!

one-word-365-workbook-tom-martin-coaching

Want to learn more… check out this video and discover the potential that lies within a single, powerful word.

You see, when a compelling vision is combined with a single word that describes a desired outcome with laser-like focus… transformation occurs!

Here is a link to order your own copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life book! 

 

As you can see from the image above, I’m still contemplating what my One Word 365 for 2024 will be. That’s ok, sometimes it takes time! Check back next week, and I will post my word along with why it is important to me for 2024. 

And if you need some assistance getting started with One Word 365 for 2024… let’s chat!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024! 

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Information and Resources to Help Small Business Owners Navigate COVID-19

small-business-resources-covid-19

In an effort to support business owners, here is the latest news about COVID-19 as it pertains to small business and I’ve included an updated list of resources. So, how does the US Small Business Association (SBA) define a small business…

A Small Business Is Defined As:

Depending on your industry, a small business could be defined as a business with a maximum of 250 employees or a maximum of 1,500 employees. They’re privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships that have less revenue than larger businesses.

For those of you in Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp announced yesterday that Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This declaration will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to impacted small businesses in all 159 counties in Georgia.

This opens the door for small businesses and nonprofits in Georgia to now apply for economic injury disaster recovery loans.  The loan can be up to $2 million per business to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. 

The application is now live, and Georgia small business owners can go directly to the SBA for assistance and to access the application.

Not in Georgia… no worries, use this link for information and the application for every state that has received the disaster declaration from the SBA.

Required Documents for SBA for EIDL loans: 

  1. Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statements for 2019 and 2020 on annual basis and year to date basis.
  2. Tax returns from the past 3 years, both personal and business 

Loans are available for small business and non-profit organizations. While terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, many will have a thirty-year repayment term with first payments not due for up to twelve months. Businesses should expect to provide a tax transcript, financial statements, and a profit and loss statement. Interest rates will range from 2.75% to 3.75%.

In addition to the above, I suggest you reach out to your lending institution to see if relief programs are being offered during this time: delaying payments; interest only payments.  

To learn more about the EIDL program:

sba-small-business-roundtable-covid19

Join Small Business Roundtable with SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and CEOs of the leading small business organizations. They will discuss the needs of small business owners during the economic fallout resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Friday, March 20th, 2020 at 2:30 pm ET

Click Here to RSVP

****This Just In****

(1:15PM March 20th) At this time, due to some last minute scheduling issues, we are working to reschedule this webinar for another day and time. Our goal is to have something next week. Timing might be better as we expect to know more about the next round of legislation.

empty-office-space-working-from-home-small-business

This is something every business owner should ask their staff who are working from home, before moving into the meeting agenda of the call. Discover what it is here. 

Learn How to Manage a Manage a Work-From-Home

  • TODAY – March 20: Learn from nationally recognized experts on How to Manage a Work-From-Home Workforce Teleconference with a FREE webinar. This resource is open to any business in the region and is hosted by Council for Quality Growth in partnership with Forsyth County Chamber. Register here.
  • Next Week: Georgia Commute Options is hosting a Telework Webinar Series to share information about managing objectives and deliverables while teleworking, collaborating through technology, supporting good working habits and more.

IRS Tax Relief information

The IRS has established a special section of the agency’s website focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by this coronavirus. Their page will be updated as new information is available.  

Guidance for Businesses and Employers with Regard to COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For updates from CDC, please see the following:

Well that’s it for now… 

But please leave a comment with any information and resources that you’ve found useful as you’ve navigated the COVID-19. And don’t forget to support the local small businesses in your area any way you can.

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Is Everyone Working From Home?

man-at-desk-on-computer-working-from-home-tom-martin-coaching

Say goodbye to business as usual, most if not all your staff could be working from home as a result of Covid-19.

Do you think your company is ready?

With more people than ever working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak, business owners’ leadership skills will be put to the test.

Maybe the better question is… are you ready?

Be mindful of what it is because what you say will set the tone and they will follow your lead when they are talking with customers, clients, and colleagues. 

With that being the case and so much at stake, it’s time to get personal!

Simply ask, “how are you doing?”

Listen, ask questions, be aware of concerns, worries, or fears. And you will have multiple people on the call, give everyone the opportunity to answer that question.

Communicate You Care

The very fact you asked shows you care and it reinforces the relationship you have with them and the team.

Remember, for many of them this is new to them. They are worried about how all this will work which adds to all the other concerns they have about how the coronavirus outbreak will impact their family and life.

I guaranty that everyone will be far more receptive to everything you have to say after you’ve inquired about how they are doing.

Ok, now your turn…

  • What are your thoughts, recommendations, and suggestions.
  • What are some of the things you plan to do in your business?
  • What will you say to your employees as your company navigates the all the unknown surrounding Covid-19 and its impact in the marketplace?

Leave a comment below so we can learn together and lead well in our community…

Here are 5 Things Business Owners can be doing which will have a positive impact on their employees, with their customers, and in their community! Lead Well…

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Do You Know A Georgia Small Business Rock Star?

Nominations are open for the 2019 Georgia Small Business ROCK STARS! Nominate yourself or another great Georgia small business who you think is deserving of ROCK STAR status for this year.

nominate-small-business-rockstar-tom-martin-coaching

What’s New This Year?

There are new categories so please be sure to check the one that best describes your business. They also now peer-to-peer judging which includes the current 2018 ROCK STARS who will also be judging the finalists.

Criteria:

  • All types of Georgia small businesses can apply. Nominate your own company or another great Georgia small business.
  • You must employ under 100 (total Georgia employment).
  • You must be a Georgia-based, for-profit company.
  • If you have been assisted by your local or state economic development resources (see application for details), you will receive BONUS points.

Winners are expected to: 

  • Attend the awards luncheon.
  • Take part in producing a short video about your business on location at your company.
  • Provide a high-res product or service photo(s) to be included in promotional materials, size 1200px or higher.

Awards Luncheon: 

  • March 18, 2019, in Atlanta – Location TBD

About the Program:

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) team up every year to recognize the outstanding, unique and impactful small businesses in the state of Georgia.

This unique endeavor for Georgia is a huge success only because of the small businesses that impact Georgia every day…the risks, the innovation, the outreach, the reasons why…all of these qualities abound in Georgia and we want to recognize them.

APPLY NOW

Deadline: September 15, 2018

See the complete list of all the 2018 nominees and where their business is located in Georgia. And you can view all the previous Georgia Small Business Rock Stars here. 

Does Your Business Standout and Get Noticed Online?

Today 3 out of 4 shoppers search online when they want to find a business, and 7 out of 10 made a purchase from a business they found using a search engine.

Businesses with optimized Google Business listings have a much better chance of getting a customer’s attention when they are searching online.

Google research suggests that customers are 50% more likely to consider purchasing from businesses with a complete listing. 

 

Does this sound like you…

  • Claiming your Google Business Listing has been something you’ve been meaning to do, but just haven’t gotten around to it.
  • You’ve claimed your Google Busines Listing but it’s not fully optimized with photos, business services listed, or branding messages.
  • You’re so busy, you honestly don’t have the time to do it. And the thought of giving up family time to watch a set of YouTube tutorials on how to do it properly is unappealing.
Let the team at Tom Martin Coaching & Consulting set-up and fully optimize your Google Business Listing in a week for only $247. Sign-up today and receive 90 days of business listing monitoring for FREE!
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Happy New Year

Make 2018 Your Best Year Yet!

tom-martin-business-coaching-best-year-yet

9 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Begin the New Year

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself before starting the New Year is to set aside some for reflection. Reflecting on where you’ve been and where you are going can help you set the stage for your best year ever. 

Take 20-30 minutes to reflect on these 8 questions:

1.  What are my top three memories of 2017?

2.  What are three memories I want to create in 2018?

3.  What area in my life worked best in 2017?

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Why You Need to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing Today

When business owners start looking for ways to attract more customers, what is the first thing that comes to mind? The internet, right? But before they start having conversations about SEO, SMO, and social media ads, they need to make sure they have fully optimized the free online marketing platforms available, like Google My Business.

Your-Google-My-Business-Listing-Tom-Martin-Coaching

When digital platforms like Google My Business and Nextdoor are fully optimized phones start ringing, customers start showing up, and traffic increases on websites.

Sadly though, many small business owners fall under the misconception that a website, some search engine optimization and a few social media posts are all they need for business growth to occur.

Your website doesn’t need to be found by everyone; it just needs to be seen by the people who live in your community. You get this right, and the results can be significant.

4 out of 5 people use search engines to find information about your business.

Your potential customers are searching find local business information like business hours, location, phone number, online reviews, and more. Customer surveys reveal that businesses with detailed online profiles and complete business listings are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers.

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Why You Need To Do a Mid-Year Business Review

It’s halftime, how did you do? The end of June represents halftime for the personal goals and business objectives you set for the year. Much like in a football game, the scoreboard only tells part of the story at the end of the second quarter. So, before you kick-off the second half of the year, the wise thing to do is a mid-year business review.

Photo Small Business Owner Mid-Year Business Review

While the band is on the field at halftime, coaches and players are examining film and adjusting X’s and O’s to come up with a winning second-half game plan. Sadly though, many small business owners and sales professionals emerge from the July 4th holiday break with the same plan that has been in place since January. 

We Know We Should

The cars we drive, the planes we fly in, and the high-tech machines we use all need to be tuned and calibrated to ensure optimal performance. Intuitively we know our lives and our businesses have similar demands, yet we fail to schedule the time for this review. It is encouraging to see more and more of my small business owner clients incorporating a mid-year business review into their management philosophy.

Common Reasons Why We Don’t

And while more of my clients are open to this, there are two common scenarios where people resist doing a mid-year business review. 

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Are You Using Nextdoor?

By now you have probably received an invitation to join Nextdoor. And if recent press is any indication, you have been using Nextdoor in your community for quite some time.

Image Nextdoor Sign Up Page

Nextdoor currently has over 125,000 neighborhoods registered in its network, which, according to Nextdoor co-founder Nirav Tolia, represents over 75% of the neighborhoods in US.

For those unfamiliar with Nextdoor, Charlie Rose recently interviewed Tolia and they discussed the history of Nextdoor and the value it offers to consumers and local business owners.

One of the biggest use cases for Nexdoor members early on was neighbors asking other neighbors for the best service provider in their area. In a New York Times article about why Nextdoor has caught on, Tolia describes why it works so well for local business owners…

Of the five million messages are exchanged each day on Nextdoor, Mr. Tolia said, “the network’s users send more than one million recommending services to one another. And around 80% of those posts are discussions about local service providers and businesses.“

Nextdoor vs. Facebook