I often share that when I started my business, one of the best things I could’ve done (and did) was hire a business coach. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go, and I knew I needed to consult someone who had “been there, done that”. I honestly believe that I shaved off years of learning, and several additional mistakes I could’ve made by simply having a business coach to hold my hand and hold me accountable.
What I’ve learned in these first three years of business is that accountability is key, and that accountability creates success. I’ve not only had a coach (actually a few) and mentors, but I’ve been a part of mastermind groups and accountability groups for the last three years. There are so many things I would’ve probably still had on my “to do” list if I didn’t have someone holding me accountable to getting it done. I realized that it’s not always a time factor that keeps us from completing certain tasks. Instead, it’s usually because there’s some type of fear involved or it forces us way outside of our comfort zones.
Well, I’m super duper excited that I will be speaking at Weekend Start Up, created by Paul C. Brunson and Ella Rucker. Ella and I will be teaching about the importance of accountability and the keys to forming a powerful team (which we talked briefly about during a recent Mentor Monday episode). This weekend is specifically for entrepreneurs that are ready to get started, and successfully launch or elevate their businesses.
But here are three key ways accountability creates success:
1. Creates order to chaos
You know that “to do” list that you keep adding on to? That list that has now become too overwhelming, too daunting to even tackle? Having a team or an accountability partner can help you prioritize, and break that list down into something that is manageable.
2. Inspires action
As entrepreneurs, we always have great ideas, and intentions. When you have other people counting on you to keep your word on what you say you’re going to do, it’s almost impossible to come to the table empty handed. Having accountability inspires you to take action on those things that have been laying dormant.
3. Follow through with committments
Accountability forces you to follow through even on those things that you’ve been avoiding like the plague. I’ll never forget when I held my very first live workshop. It was something I had wanted to do for a long time, but made every excuse in the book not to do it. My team encouraged me to book the location and set the date before doing anything else. And guess what? That got my butt in gear and it was a very successful event! I can’t tell you how many things I’ve done to create my own success, that have been a direct result of having some form of accountability.
My motto is: we can do it all, we just can do it all alone. And that’s exactly what Weekend Startup is about – forming community, strategizing, and networking. This powerful two day intensive will catapult your knowledge on everything you need to become a successful entrepreneur.
While Ella and I will be doing a full workshop on creating your 3, 6, and 12 month accountability plan, here are some ways you can cultivate your own powerful accountability team:
1. Choose a team
You want people on your team who will challenge you. Keep in mind: you shouldn’t be the smartest person on the team, or there won’t be much value for you. You want someone who will cheer you on, but keep it real when you’re not holding up your end of the bargain. You want people you can truly learn from and who you can provide expertise to.
2. Communication
Once you decide on a team, you can determine the best form of communication for you. I was on a team that met at 6am via conference call a few times a week. But there has to be some form of consistent communication whether by phone, Skype or in person. How committed are you to your own success (Lord knows 6 am is not my favorite hour of the day)?
3. Define results
During your first meeting you should set clear expectations early on. What results are you looking to get? How long do you want the group to meet for? Will this be a short term or long term commitment?
4. Take action
Being a part of an accountability group means that you’re committed to taking action. Regardless of what problems or challenges arise, you have to stay committed to correcting or resolving them. Every small action you take, leads you closer and closer to the success you desire.
5. Join us at Weekend StartUp
See what I did there? Seriously though…there’s only but so much I can put into one post to tell you how accountability creates success. But what I can say, is that you will literally walk away with the steps, tools and the team that you’re looking for to help you reach a new level in your business. In addition to this, you will learn how to get funding, how to create and tell your personal story, how to grow a social media following of 100K+ in a year, how to secure sponsorships and more!
Let me tell you: I spent way more than $497 on programs that offered only a fraction of what you’ll walk away with after attending this two day intensive. I’m excited and honored to be speaking because I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs reach the level of success that they never thought possible. These are some powerful speakers, coaches and trainers that you have the opportunity to learn from in an intimate setting.
So if you’ve been struggling to find the right team, get funding for your business or how to secure sponsorships, don’t ask yourself how you can afford this. Ask yourself how you can afford to miss it?
Click here to learn more about Weekend Startup and register today as there is very limited seating available. This event takes place in Washington, DC on June 13th and 14th.
How has being a part of a mastermind or accountability group elevated your success?
*This post contains affiliate links*
31 Comments
Kim
May 29, 2015 at 12:19 AMWow, thank you so much! I know I just haven’t found the right team yet but this is helpful.
Christine St.Vil
May 29, 2015 at 8:25 AMHi Kim! I find that being intentional when going to networking events is key. Find people who are better than you and connect with them.
Pam Richardson
May 29, 2015 at 8:22 AMI’ve had a lot of great success with accountability groups, and it’s definitely allowed me to reach some of my goals that I hadn’t been able to get off of my “to do” list. I’ll definitely be sharing this, thank you!
Christine St.Vil
May 29, 2015 at 8:26 AMThat’s awesome Pam! I know exactly what you mean 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!
Nadeen
June 1, 2015 at 3:25 AMcongratulations! I’m sure your seminar will go well. You laid this article out so well! I had no idea there were accountability groups. I’m sure those 6am conference calls kept you in check!
Nadeen would like you to check out…California Dreaming: Laguna Beach Attractions!
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:10 AMThanks Nadeen! Whew! Yes, as much as I hated that time, I gained the biggest momentum in my business at that time.
Olivia
June 1, 2015 at 12:39 PMI love this! Accountability is so important I absolutely agree with you on this! I wish i was in the DC area because I would SO be going to that event. Congrats on the speaking engagement I know you will do great!
Olivia would like you to check out…5 Reasons You Should Love Yourself First
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:17 AMThanks so much Olivia!!! Who knows, maybe Paul and Ella will take this show on the road. I can’t wait to learn from all of the other speakers as well.
Amber
June 1, 2015 at 1:32 PMYou are so right, Christine! I have seen the impact having accountability partners have had on my personal life over the years. It has certainly made a difference in my business endeavors as well! I run a small accountability group on FB and it’s nice to have a place to share your goals and get the inspiration/motivation you need to get them done!
Amber would like you to check out…Communication Tips from a Beer Bottle? Seriously.
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:16 AMAmber!!! You are awesome, that’s great that you’re running the accountability group. It definitely gets me inspired and motivated when I’m around others who are about their business 🙂
Kiwi
June 1, 2015 at 2:35 PMYay you’re doing an event with Miko!!! Great info for starting your own startup biz!
Kiwi would like you to check out…{Food Recap} Diner Atlanta Atlantic Station Media Dinner
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:15 AMThanks so much Kiwi! I love Miko and can’t wait to see her do her thing 🙂
LaShawn
June 1, 2015 at 3:05 PMYou are so right about accountability! I do so much better when I have to answer to others! I wish i was in the DC area to attend! Good Luck! I am sure this will be awesome!
LaShawn would like you to check out…Gluten Free Dining In Atlanta: 10 Must Try Resturants
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:14 AMI agree LaShawn! Too bad you’re not in the area, but thanks so much for the well wishes!
Siobhan (BeFree Project)
June 1, 2015 at 3:33 PMYou’re so on point! I just joined a mastermind group where we meet weekly to hold one another accountable. I also have monthly meetings with one friend and weekly check-ins via text with a coaching friend. So I’m covered when it comes to accountability. Congrats on your seminar and wishing you much success. I think it’s so helpful to choose a team that will hep push you to your next level.
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:14 AMThat is so awesome Siobhan! I love the idea of monthly meetings and the weekly check-ins. Thanks so much!
Holly
June 1, 2015 at 6:48 PMyay for your event. I wish I could attend. This is great info that I think we all can take from, even if we have already started.
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:12 AMThank you Holly, glad you found the info useful! I wish you could attend as well 🙂
Julian @BoldFearless1j
June 1, 2015 at 10:28 PMCan’t wait to see you in action! Yes, I remember when I worked with a coach who I had weekly calls with. You better believe I always got whatever I had to do done right before our call 🙂 Especially since I was paying him a good chunk of change. There’s nothing like accountability to keep you focused and productive.
Julian @BoldFearless1j would like you to check out…If You Love Stunning African Inspired Accessories, Here Are 5 Companies You Must Check Out [Giveaway]
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:11 AMHa! Yes, to that “paying a good chunk of change”. That’s something else that will keep you accountable to doing what you’re supposed to 🙂
Adanna
June 1, 2015 at 11:16 PMYes, accountability really is key. While I don’t have a coach, I try to not disappoint myself by following through on goals that I set for myself. I may not always meet them but making them and working vigilantly towards meeting them.
Adanna would like you to check out…7 Things To Do With Kids In NYC – Summer Edition
Christine St.Vil
June 2, 2015 at 12:19 AMI’m a firm believer that little action is better than no action. So kudos to you Adanna for continuing to stick to your goals 🙂
Lashonda
June 2, 2015 at 12:17 AMGreat article on start ups!! Create order to Chaos – I’m working on this one. My life seems to be busy, but creating order will definitely help. When you create a accountability team you all succeed, not just the one.
Lashonda would like you to check out…42 Food & Fashion Events You Can’t Afford to Miss This Summer in Greater KC
MJ
June 2, 2015 at 6:47 AMCongratulations! I wish I lived closer so I could see you in action at weekend start up. I know this will be an excellent gathering of the minds. Have fun and send me some notes. LOL
MJ would like you to check out…Learning to Read is a Ball: Book Review
Lauren
June 2, 2015 at 8:43 AMI definitely agree about accountability really bringing out the best in people. It’s wonderful that you had mentors to help you out when you first got started. It’s always a good idea to allow someone more experienced show you the ropes. Even better because it looks like the right people led you to success!
Lauren would like you to check out…Triumphs and Travesties: Black Women on Dating Overseas
Nicole
June 2, 2015 at 10:06 AMExcellent post. So true, committing to a project and taking action are biggies to me. I’d love to check out one of your events some time.
Nicole would like you to check out…Tribes Dubai Restaurant Review
Carin Kilby Clark
June 2, 2015 at 10:24 PMCongrats! Great tips and how exciting. I also hired a business coach when I didn’t know what I wanted to do or what I wanted from my efforts. It was great to just have that advice and wisdom.
Carin Kilby Clark would like you to check out…A Better Way To Share Photos With Family & Friends {New dripthat App}
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