When I was starting out in business, I used to call my initial sessions “Two Heads Are Better Than One” sessions.
Because I believed in the power of collaboration.
Still do.
About a year into my adventures as a business owner, I listened to a free call about something I’d never heard of.
VIP Days.
First off, I hated the name. VIP. How goofy was that? It conjured up images of velvet ropes, bottle service, and choice parking spots.
Sounded rather elitist.
The concept was simple – spend several hours with a coach, working in depth on a project. Getting things done, rapid-fire. Dropping decisions like they’re hot.
Forget the goofy, elitist name… THAT had me intrigued. Because so much of what we do as business owners happens between our ears.
And it’s often alone.
Since then, I’ve done lots of VIP days with my coach to plan out my year. I’ve hired a personal stylist to take me shopping for my stage appearances. I’ve invested in a VIP day with one of my spiritual friends to channel my muse (no, really!) and a second one to help me envision bigger things for my business.
We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars.
And it was worth it.
Because every time I’ve reached out to hire someone for a VIP day, it was like me planting my flag in the dirt: I am going THIS way. I am committed to THIS project. And I’m not above asking for help to do it.
Now, the truth is that some of my friends who aren’t entrepreneurs think I’ve gone nuts… and that there are much more practical ways to spend all that money.
But I know that investing in myself is actually one of the smartest investments I can make. Because my business is my ticket to freedom – financially, soulfully, and personally.
When I walk out of a VIP day, I feel this incredible lightness. Like I shed my old skin… left it behind me… and am moving forward with a new energy and vision for my life.
The cool thing is, I now do this for my clients who want to get a lot done quickly. Whether it’s coming up with their business name and tagline… writing their homepage… crafting the title and marketing for their signature talk … revamping their newsletter or messaging strategy.
In that time, we’re our own two-person creative agency.
And my favorite part is when the session wraps up, they have this new wind in their sails… a clear direction on what they need to do next… and this strong confidence that what they are up to is valuable – and that they deserve to work with clients who happily pay them premium rates.
(I just got an email from a client who let me know that after talking with me, she hung up, let what I was saying sink in, and promptly “blessed and released” all the clients with money issues who were HARD to work with and haggled with her on her fees. This made my day!)
Two heads are better than one.
Mighty thanks to Guillaume Paumier flickr photostream for the velvet ropes.
P.S. If you want to do a VIP Day with Stella, inquire at concierge@stellaorange.com. There are 9 spots left this year, and we’re doing a summer special of $500 off in July and August.
