During an executive coaching session with a small business client, this gentleman uttered what I believe to be a most profound statement: Success is not about what I know, but who I am. This gentleman has been on a now 5-year journey to truly take control of his life and his success has multiplied both personally and professionally. Now with this realization and a new belief, he will see his 2006 goals achieved with even greater speed while traveling his road to success.

How many times do small business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and those who just believe that they are average individuals seek help from outside, externals sources such as acquiring more knowledge, certifications or degrees to achieve success. Many of these same individuals fail to look inside, for those internal discoveries that actually provide them with a sustainable belief in catapulting them to success.

Unfortunately, looking within takes an enormous amount of honest and courageous reflection. Possibly, these 5 questions may help you if are up to the challenge.

1. Do I really like me? -- What this means is do I have a grounded positive self-image? Or, am I always looking to be like someone else or thinking if I only had his or her looks, money, (fill in the blank) etc.? NOTE: Many of my coaching clients dont really like themselves. This is the hardest part of truly transforming into Who I am.

2. Do I know my purpose? -- Why am I here on this earth right now? What gifts such as creativity, insightfulness or determination do I bring to the table of life? Purpose is not a constant as it does change as we grow and our experiences grow with us.

3. Do I know my values? -- By what behaviors will I deem acceptable or not acceptable in my ongoing attempts to live my purpose. In many instances, individuals values are also their gifts.

4. Do I know or have a vision? -- Where can I take or apply my purpose?

5. Do I know my mission? What measurable goals will take me closer to uniting my vision to my purpose?

Over 75 years ago, Napoleon Hill recognized what my client only just realized when he shared this thought: You might well remember that nothing can bring you success but yourself. And for that success to happen, you must know who you are.

Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Good Day. Thanks for visiting. I hope that you have enjoyed my articles. In 1999, I founded ADVANCED SYSTEMS because I saw that performance could and should be doubled in warp time. Individuals, small and large businesses could not afford expensive solutions that may or may not deliver improved results in 12 months.

From my corporate, small business and education experiences, I recognized the individuals must have opportunities for connecting their passion to their purpose to secure the desired performance results, but many lacked the necessary skills, strategies and tools.

With over 20 years in sales management and 10 years in education, I understand how to unite productivity with profitability by developing a proactive working culture. My previous experiences resulted in cost savings through one of the first implementations of a computer software in a wholesaler distributor to the creation of a vendor performance assessment.

Since facilitating over 500 sessions, developing and editing over 25 training programs and writing numerous articles focusing on performance improvement, I bring a results focused approach to my clients. Also, I am proud to be one of the first five nationally certified facilitators of America’s Rising Stars (a Student Leadership developmental curriculum).

My passion is to help others connect their passion to their purpose to double performance. As The small business coach in Chicago, my clients have easily doubled their performance. Since our greatest resource is our young people, I am now working with large urban schools to generate the same results.

Education Background

• Graduated with honors from Purdue University with a B.A. in Education
• Earned M.S. from Purdue University in Instructional Design and Curriculum
• Published in the national trade journal, The Supply House Times, and numerous national newsletters
• Developed seminars and training on diversity, communication, leadership, sales, effective trade show behavior, networking, knowledge management, goal setting and improved educational outcomes
• Co-authored M.A.G.I.C.A.L. Potential: 7 Capicities for Living an Amazing Life Beyond Purpose to Achievement, to be available in 2006
• Working a another book focusing on performance in public education
• Speaker in a national bureau - Resource Associates Corporation