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The Rabbit Hole

I am overwhelmed and appreciative when I see reviews coming from my life coaching clients. No, I am not questioning myself, but they make my life worthwhile.

“Janna Yeshanova is immediately safe, disarming, and inspiring. Janna saved my life. She is my family now.”- Marc, Grandview OH

I am not bragging about it, but I feel like sharing.

As a solopreneur running a coaching business, I look for and get a variety of opportunities to market Life-Spark, LLC. Many are worthless or worse, but some are like taking a trip down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

Down the Rabbit Hole Creative Commons attribution Valerie Hinojosa from Washingon DC USA

Whether you go down the rabbit hole yourself, looking for a marketing strategy, or a white rabbit with pink eyes comes out of the hole (or makes a phone call) with a pitch, marketing puts you in contact with strange characters and stranger circumstances.

This morning, I got a cold call from a voice assistant activation service. Their business connects small companies with Alexa, Siri, and other voice assistant search services. The white rabbit had a voice.  “Life-Spark has been in business for years and lots of people in the area searched for life coaches, but life-spark.com is not coming up in audio searches. Would you like to talk with a specialist?”

Of course! I want prospective clients to see my website and my reviews.

Visiting Wonderland

Welcome to the rabbit hole! On the other end of this call there might be real value. It could also be a legitimate service that wouldn’t work well, or, worse, a scam. How to find out? There were many questions. Where to find answers, and how? As always, the key to getting a better answer is asking a better question.

If you want a better answer, ask a better question.

Although the odds are against it, a rabbit hole may lead to underground gold. Was there any hope here? I asked for basic pricing information. I was told only the specialist could answer that. Okay, Mr. Rabbit, introduce me to the Mad Hatter.

Moments later, I was introduced to Ben. Ben had long smooth answers to questions that weren’t quite the ones I had asked. He didn’t have the answers to my questions, but he could get them from his computer if I gave him the necessary information. I did, and his computer reached out to converse with others about what they could collectively do for Life-Spark.

While the computers had their conference, Ben continued his pitch. There would be a one-time fee, he explained, to set me up with accounts at each of the service providers. There would also be a monthly fee to pay his company for ongoing search engine optimization that I could disconnect it any time.

A couple minutes later, his computer came back with approvals from all parties and the prices. I was offered a $199.00 setup fee and $19.95 per month for SEO. It was time for a sanity check. Which side of the rabbit hole was I on? I did what coaches do. I asked questions.

Asking Questions

What is the name of the company you represent? Ben gave me three unrecognizable initials that he himself said had no special meaning. The company had no website because it finds its own clients. Their customer service number was given to established customers only. Really?

What did the company do? They would assign me to a senior analyst and in a conference help me select a set of keyword phrases. The terms life coach, relationship coach, leadership coach, self-improvement coach and a few others were identified as candidates. I was assured that there were thousands of searches for these terms in the past month within a thirty-mile search radius. They would optimize these words to point to Life-Spark.

How many names would come up if we searched for Life Coaches? Ben tried and found seven. Using my iPhone, Siri found three. From there, the customer would pick one or more to follow up with. What was I expecting? What was I hoping for? I had no answer.

And my questions went on…

Sanity Checking

My first issue was that I could not authenticate the company.

  • I had no name to Google because the initials Ben gave led to dozens of organizations.
  • There was no website to review.
  • While I could ask for references, I couldn’t search for reviews from Internet sources like TrustPilot.
  • Without a written document, I couldn’t crosscheck written claims against an Internet search.
  • Likewise, I had nothing to search against SNOPES, my preferred source of Internet scam information.
  • Without a specific location, I couldn’t search for Better Business Bureau reports.

I then looked at risks versus potential benefits. The potential upside was a stream of prospective clients coming in through the phone without a significant charge from a lead generation service. The $199.00 setup was a one-time expense and the monthly fee was fixed. Could I end up with lots of crank calls? Perhaps, and Life-Spark is a life coaching business, not a call center. From a cost benefit perspective, this idea looked acceptable. One new client would pay this off.

Finally, did this make sense? Voice assistants are a new technology aimed at making life easier for a prospective client. I was researching a marketing tool. There are obviously people using voice assistants. How many were looking for coaches? How many would call? How many would close?

Second Opinion

I decided to use another new tool to get a second opinion and asked Meta AI. Artificial Intelligence tools tend to be optimistic to keep ideas moving forward. Like my entry into Wonderland, I needed to craft a careful question. Hoping to get a more thoughtful answer, here is what I asked, and Meta AI responded.

Is it feasible to get life coaching clients through voice activated search engines like Siri?

While it’s technically possible to get life coaching clients through voice-activated search engines like Siri, it’s a challenging and indirect approach. Here’s why:

1. Competition: Voice-activated search engines like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa have vast directories of skills, actions, and services. Standing out in this crowded space can be difficult.

2. Discovery: Users typically interact with voice assistants for specific tasks, like setting reminders, playing music, or getting directions. Life coaching might not be a typical use case, making discovery a hurdle.

3. Intent: When users ask Siri or other voice assistants for help, they usually have a specific intent in mind. Life coaching is a nuanced service that might not be directly related to the user’s initial query.

4. Conversion: Even if a user discovers your life coaching service through a voice assistant, converting them into a client can be challenging. Voice assistants often provide brief, superficial responses, which might not be enough to establish trust or showcase your expertise.

That being said, if you still want to explore this channel, here are some potential strategies:

1. Optimize for voice search: Ensure your website and online presence are optimized for voice search queries related to life coaching.

2. Create a voice-activated skill or action: Develop a custom skill or action for Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa that provides value to users and showcases your expertise.

3. Leverage podcasting or audio content: Create a podcast or audio content that provides valuable insights and advice on life coaching topics. This can help establish your authority and attract potential clients.

4. Use targeted advertising: Utilize targeted advertising on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach users who are searching for life coaching services or related topics. While these strategies can help increase your visibility, it’s essential to remember that voice-activated search engines are just one potential channel for acquiring clients.

A more effective approach might be to focus on established marketing channels, such as social media, content marketing, or referrals.

My Conclusions

Apparently, asking about feasibility made Meta AI more thoughtful. As I hoped. it raised several notes of caution. While I assume Ben and company would be doing the items on the second list, the issues in the first list resonated with my instincts. With that, I smiled like the Cheshire Cat, disappearing until only my smile was left. Then, even that disappeared.

For now. if you want a life coach, a relationship coach, a leadership coach, or a personal development coach, any phone where you can dial 614-306-5522 will get you to Janna Yeshanova and Life-Spark, LLC.

The rabbit hole of the Internet has many “colorful” characters who don’t wait for you to come down the hole to them. When you need to make a decision, think about the questions you need answers to and how to get the answers. If you’d prefer, Life-Spark can help with that as well.

What are your favorite probing questions? How do you sanity check what you hear? What thoughts would you like to share? Please leave your answers, and your questions, in the comments below.

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Architecting Your Profession: A Blueprint for Career Success

You’re dedicated to your work, but do you feel something missing? You’re not alone. Many professionals struggle to find purpose and happiness in their careers. What if you could design a career that aligns with your passions, values, and strengths? Welcome to the concept of architecting your profession!

Did you know that:

  • 85% of professionals experience career stagnation at some point in their lives? (Source: LinkedIn)
  • 60% of professionals report feeling unfulfilled in their careers? (Source: Gallup)
  • Professionals who have a clear career vision are 4x more likely to achieve their goals? (Source: Harvard Business Review)

“You are the architect of your own destiny; build wisely.” – Unknown

Imagine your career as a building. You want it to be strong, sturdy, and designed to last. But without a blueprint, you’re just winging it – and that’s a recipe for disaster. By architecting your profession, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify your core values and beliefs
  • Develop a framework for success
  • Build a structure that supports your goals
  • Add the finishing touches that make your career truly exceptional

Define Your Foundation

Start by identifying your core values and beliefs. What matters most to you in your career? What drives you? When you know your why, you’ll know your way (Simon Sinek). Reflect on your strengths and passions, and set clear career goals. Break them down into smaller steps, and celebrate your progress along the way!

Your core values and beliefs are the foundation of your career. They’re what drive you, motivate you, and give you purpose. Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you in your career. Ask yourself:

  • What are my non-negotiables?
  • What makes me feel alive and engaged?
  • What kind of impact do I want to make?
  • Once you have a clear sense of your values and beliefs, you can start designing your framework.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Design Your Framework

Your framework is the structure that supports your goals and aspirations. It’s where you’ll identify your strengths, passions, and skills – and how they align with your values and beliefs. Ask yourself:

  • What are my greatest strengths?
  • What am I passionate about?
  • What skills do I need to develop to reach my goals?

Explore industries and roles that align with your values and strengths. Research companies and job descriptions to find the best fit. Networking with professionals in your desired field can provide valuable insights. Create a skills roadmap, and take courses or attend workshops to stay ahead of the curve. Build a professional network, and connect with peers and mentors who can support your growth.

With your framework in place, you can start building your structure.

Build Your Structure

Your structure is where the rubber meets the road. It’s where you’ll set goals, prioritize tasks, and take action. Ask yourself:

  • What are my short-term and long-term goals?
  • What tasks do I need to prioritize to achieve those goals?
  • How will I hold myself accountable?

“The best way to predict your future is to create it,” – Abraham Lincoln

Set realistic milestones and deadlines, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Prioritize self-care and stress management, and remember that progress is happiness (Tony Robbins). Celebrate your achievements, and reflect on your journey!

Add The Finishing Touches

The finishing touches are what make your career truly exceptional. They’re the extra details that demonstrate your expertise, showcase your skills, and build your personal brand. Ask yourself:

  • What sets me apart from others in my field?
  • How can I showcase my skills and expertise?
  • What kind of impact do I want to make in my industry?

Stay adaptable, and be open to new opportunities. Continuously learn and develop new skills, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Celebrate your successes, and reflect on your growth!

The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf

You may remember the fable of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf. The first pig built a straw house, the second pig built a wooden house, and the third pig built a stone house. When the Big Bad Wolf came knocking, the first two pigs were no match for him. But the third pig, who had built a strong foundation and a sturdy structure, was able to withstand the wolf’s attacks.

Reflection Questions

  • What core values do you have for your career? Why are they important to you?
  • What are your strengths and passions, and how can you utilize them in your profession?
  • What skills do you need to develop to reach your career goals?
  • How can you prioritize self-care and stress management in your busy career?
  • What opportunities are you willing to take to pivot your career towards your dream profession?
  • What small steps can you take today to align your career with your values and strengths?

Conclusion

Architecting your profession is a powerful way to take control of your career and build a life that truly reflects your values, strengths, and passions. By following these steps, you’ll be able to design a career that’s strong, sturdy, and built to last.

What happens next is your choice. You can:

  • Go on with your life, taking comfort in your straw house.
  • Take do it yourself action on building your career / wooden house.
  • Find an architect (life coach) to help get your stone house ready.

When the wolf shows up (and it will show up), it’s too late to ask for help. You need to be prepared, and that preparation starts with a solid foundation and a well-designed framework. Working with an architect (life coach) can be a game changer.

Janna Yeshanova

At Life-Spark, LLC, we understand the importance of intentional career design. Our expert life coaching guides professionals of all ages in navigating their careers, helping them build a blueprint for success. Don’t wait until the wolf shows up – take the first step towards architecting your profession today. Visit https://www.life-spark.com to learn more about our coaching services and start constructing the career of your dreams. As a life coach and leadership trainer, Janna Yeshanova, MA, MEd, PCC is available to help you develop and accomplish your personal and professional goals

Resources

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Interview with Janna Yeshanova

03 04 14 WTTE TV28 10PM Local Connection to Crimea – Interview with Janna Yeshanova

Janna shares her thoughts and memories on Crimea and her exodus as described in Love Is Never Past Tense…

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Life coach uses her story to inspire others

When it comes to coaching others through their personal and professional lives, Upper Arlington resident and small-business owner Janna Yeshanova brings a world of experience to the table.
Yeshanova is the CEO of Life-Spark LLC, which provides life coaching sessions, corporate and organizational training, and seminars from offices in the Kingsdale Center. Yeshanova has been working to help others achieve their life goals, either through her business or through teaching at Antioch University, since she immigrated to America from the former Soviet Union 21 years ago.

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Life? Spark It!

Most people learn to ride a bike as a kid… Not me!
I’ve heard that 80 % of the time people have negative thoughts. Once in a while, I agree with them ! Wondering: what would’ve happened if they would’ve had positive thoughts 80% of the time? All the time… One moment, when my thoughts leaned to the positive side, I decided to learn…. I bought a wonderful bicycle, made a commitment, and began the self torture…

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My Unexpected Life Coaching Experience…

On a sunny day several years ago, I entered a little beauty product store. I was greeted by a beautiful young lady who was about to say goodbye to her teenage years. You hardly could claim her as a woman. You also would not testify that she was a kid. The name tag that was hanging on a ribbon from her neck was flipped backward so I couldn’t read it. She seemed to be so sad that I wanted to say something comforting and funny, but I could not see her name.

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Spring comes by itself… Peace is less reliable… Spring in Crimea, 2014

I am listening, on the phone and Skype, to friends who live in Crimea. Some of them are ethnic Russians, some Ukrainians, some western Ukrainians… Everybody has a different vision on current events in Crimea, everybody has a different agenda, but all of them want peace… spring and peace.
Spring comes by itself…Peace is less reliable…

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Love Is Never Past Tense

How could he possibly know that she, a complete stranger, would inexplicably affect his life and be with him forever, whether she was at his side or not?
Drawn together in Russia on a romantic Black Sea beach, Serge and Janna fall headlong in love and rush into marriage. Their divorce months later leads to years of “if only …” Changes in the world, their careers and their lives cause them to surrender to external influences. Pressured apart by family and fate, inevitably, they repeatedly cross paths, never quite reconnecting, never quite letting go.

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