What if I'm not ready?


Quick heads-up: Enrollment is OPEN for the next Foundations program cohort, so you'll hear a little more from me than usual this week as I share stories, client wins, and invitations to join us. If you already know Foundations isn't for you right now, you can click here to skip these emails. You won't see any more details about this cohort and we'll pick right back up with our usual conversations next week. No hard feelings. Promise πŸ’“


I've been having some deep (and a few hilarious) conversations with women about joining Foundations.

One clear observation:

Once we get past the initial vibe check, most of the questions aren't about the program.

They're about whether they feel ready.

Whether they'll have enough time. If they're far enough along in their business. Or if this is the right moment to invest in support.

So, I'm here to answer a few recurring questions.

"Do I need to have an offer or a website before I join?"

Not at all.

You should know clearly what kind of work you do and generally who you help.

You don't need a perfect offer, a polished website, or an elaborate marketing system. That's part of what we work on together.

"What if I've already been in business for years?"

If you're not clear on a repeatable marketing and sales system, this still might be what you need.

Some women come into Foundations needing to build their first real sales system. Others have been at this for years, have paying clients and a whole collection of things they've created.

What they have in common is needing a clearer, more intentional way to grow their audience and income on repeat.

"What if I can't make every coaching call?"

This is normal. Life happens, businesses happens and families happen.

We have twice weekly calls (training and Q&A), plus asynchronous support between meetings to cover all the bases.

My goal is to help you build a business that works with your life, not add another impossible obligation to your calendar.

"What if I'm uncomfortable about selling?"

You'll be in excellent company. πŸ˜‚

Selling can feel vulnerable to all of us, especially when the thing you're selling is deeply connected to who you are and the work you love.

That's why we work on both sides of sales: getting clear about your value, your message, and your offers, AND building a practical system for connecting with the right people.

And then we practice. Because selling is a skill that gets easier the more you do it.

We celebrate the wins along the way, too. Cue the sales gong! πŸ””

β€œWhat if I can't pay for the whole program upfront?”

I know that investing in your business is a big decision, and I want to make it as accessible as possible.

You can pay in full or choose a 6-month or 12-month payment plan.

We'll talk through the options together so you can choose what makes the most sense for your business and your budget.

"How do I know if Foundations is right for me?"

This is why I like to have a conversation before someone joins.

I want to understand what you're building, where you're getting stuck, and what you want to accomplish over the next six months.

And I want you to feel confident that you're making the right investment of your time and money.

Our next group begins Monday, October 19, and I have openings for a few more conversations this week.

If you've been reading these emails and wondering whether Foundations could be the right next step, I'd love to meet with you.

We'll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and whether this is the kind of support that could help you get there.

​Book a conversation with me here​

And as always, feel free to just hit reply and tell me what's on your mind.

Excited and grateful,

Deborah

PS. A few people have asked about the Sales Studio, my new weekly sales-focused accountability community. Yes, that's available too! Foundations members receive complimentary Premium access while they're enrolled. If you're curious about the Studio, just hit reply and I'll send you the details.

Deborah C. Smith, Business Coach, Marketing Strategist & Podcast Host

Hi, I'm Deborah, your go-to business coach for bespoke offer creation and simple technical solutions. I've been helping coaches, consultants and service providers monetize their expertise and and scale their online business operations for over a decade. In 2007, I built NYC's first ever mobile juice bar and grew that into a 7-figure citywide wellness and catering company. Our success was rooted in smart systems, strong relationships and understanding the power of sharing your story. I offer coaching as well as hands on technical support to move your business project from idea to income in a short amount of time. My work is for soloprenerus with a few years in business who are ready to invest in operations that align with their soul and easily scale. Please check out my podcast and join my list for weekly marketing tips and exclusive event invites!

Read more from Deborah C. Smith, Business Coach, Marketing Strategist & Podcast Host
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