Friday, April 27, 2007

How To Know When It’s Time For A Day Off

by Christine Kloser, "The Conscious Business Coach"

When was the last time you took a day off... during the WEEK? If it’s been longer than a few months, now’s the time.

As a conscious entrepreneur, you have a lot to manage in your life and it’s essential to give yourself a break. You’ve got new business ideas every day, you juggle multiple projects at the same time, you could easily work 14 hours straight (and enjoy it), you thrive on the energy of having a lot going on, and you know the importance of keeping your Soul fueled.

But, if you always feel “on the go”, constantly forging forward with deadlines and project, eating meals in between keyboard strokes and working ‘til the wee hours of the morning... be careful! You’re on the edge of burnout and probably feeling disconnected from the Divine purpose of your business. Your cylinders can only fire so fast until they malfunction; and we certainly don’t want that to happen to you.

Thankfully, I’m at the point where I know when it’s time to take a day off BEFORE I crash. Here are my top 3 ways to know it’s time for a day off:

Your “To Do” List Never Gets Done
I know, this seems illogical. If you can’t get your tasks done, why would you take a day off? Because if your “to do” list is outrageously long, chances are some of the things on your list are not aligned with your Soul’s purpose for your business, and your life. They’re just busy work. Taking a day off when this occurs will allow you the space to reconnect with your soul, re-energize your body and gain perspective on your priorities. Chances are, you’ll discover some of those tasks can simply be released.

Your Body Shows Signs Of Stress
Is your neck tight? Do you feel tired? Is there a pit in the bottom of your stomach? Does your head hurt? These are just a few signs your body sends as it begs you to give it a rest. Your physical body is a good indicator of your overall well-being. And, if it’s giving you a nudge for attention, it’s better to listen to it NOW... rather than get sick later. In order for you to be at your best for your business, your physical health is a requirement. Listen to your body, and hear what it is saying. Then, give yourself a day off to refuel and re-energize your physical being.

You Have An “Uneasy” Feeling
It’s challenging to explain exactly what this is because it’s feels like a whisper from within. For me, when this happens, it feels like God is calling me to become still so I can more closely listen to what Source wants me to do. The uneasiness comes from a sense of disconnection from Source... and your God given gifts. Often times when this “uneasiness” occurs, it’s because you’re bogged down in details and lost perspective on the Divine unfolding of your life. A day off (especially with a journal in hand) will work wonders to eliminate that “uneasy” feeling and get you back on track with living your purpose.

So, if you can relate to any of these 3 signs... schedule your day off. (Or, better yet schedule June 22-24 to be at the Conscious Business Retreat!) Here’s your assignment: get our calendar out and schedule your escape... right now. Then, have fun planning your day!

© 2007 Christine Kloser
Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include the following blurb with it: Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary 'Conscious Business Connection' ezine. If you're ready to transform "what is" to "what's possible" for your business, get your FR^EE tips now at http://www.ConsciousBizReport.com

Monday, April 16, 2007

Top 5 Tips For Getting Publicity... for Yourself and Your Business

Publicity can be the “key to the kingdom” for you and your business. Just think of what happens when Oprah mentions a book on her show, or when the local newspaper writes a story about a local business. Sales skyrocket... much more than if you had bought advertising in the same media outlet.
Why the phenomenon with publicity? It’s a third-party endorsement that’s raving about you... rather than yourself. And, there’s instant credibility to have your name in the press, especially in our media-driven society. I know from personal experience that saying I was in Entrepreneur Magazine and appeared on Making IT TV (a few of my media appearances) separates me from the rest. Media exposure is becoming a necessity for entrepreneurs in today’s world.
Here are the top 5 tips I’ve learned about getting publicity:
1. Use Sound BitesThe average amount of time you have to catch the attention of the media is about 20 seconds if you’re talking. If you’re contacting them via email you have 2 lines... your subject line and the opening line of your email. That’s it. What does this mean to you? You’ve got to learn how to powerfully communicate who you are, your expertise and how the media can use you in a matter of seconds. This is what’s called a “sound bite” and you’ll see/hear them all over the media. Pay attention to newspapers and television and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Everything is succinct and to the point.
2. Know The Media You’re PitchingThe most common issue the media has with the pitches they receive is the person pitching them doesn’t know their publication or show. For instance, if your topic is about Dating, but you contact Family Circle magazine with a pitch, they’ll throw it out because Family Circle is about families... not the dating scene. On the other hand if you’re a therapist specializing in keeping harmony at home, Family Circle may be a great outlet for you. Always know your media. Writers, producers and hosts want nothing more than to feel like you understand what they put on/in their publications and shows.
3. Make It Easy For ThemDo as much as you can to make your pitch complete. So, once you get the media’s attention using a great sound bite (more on that in the next tip) and they’re asking you more questions, make it easy for them. Have other experts lined up who would complement your pitch, or would appear on a show with you as a case study of what you’re talking about. Tell them exactly what photos or video footage would go along with your idea. It’s YOUR job to make THEIR job easier. Providing them with the “whole enchilada” will help you stand out from the crowd... and get more media coverage.
4. Have A Good HookJust like a book gets judged by its cover, a media pitch gets judged by its hook. A “hook” is the succinct one-liner that communicates what you’re pitching. Steve Harrison has a great exercise for this; he calls it “...and, coming up next”. Pretend you are trying to get on TV, what would the host of the show say after ”... and, coming up next”? You’ve got about 10 words that follow this phrase. And, that’s your hook. Practice your hook over and over again, and have several of them ready to go depending on the media you’re pitching (see tip #2).
5.Be An ExpertKnow your stuff. The media can tell if you’re not really an expert. So, how can you showcase your expertise? Here are three ways to get started: 1) Answer their questions quickly. When you quickly respond without hesitation or “um’s and ah’s” it shows your confidence in what you’re talking about. 2) Show or send them your book along with your pitch. I couldn’t believe how interested the media were in my book. Not that they cared about the specific subject; they just wanted to know I was an AUTHOR. 3) Don’t fake it if you don’t know an answer. Simply say “I don’t’ know, but I’d be happy to do some research to get you an answer.” The media appreciate honesty, rather than being misled. Plus, this gives you a great reason to follow-up with them, once you’ve got the answers they were looking for.
Bonus Tip: PR LeadsIf you want to have media leads coming straight to YOUR inbox, rather than having to chase them down, check out
www.ChristineKloser.com/PRLeads. It’s the fastest, easiest and most economical way to get publicity.
Media exposure is a valuable asset to every business owner. To make sure you put your best foot forward (the first time) follow these tips exactly and you’ll be surprised at the results you get.
© 2007 Christine Kloser
Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary 'Conscious Business Connection' ezine. If you want to learn proven business strategies boosted with Spiritual success principles, you’re in the right place. Get your FR^EE tips now at
www.ConsciousBizReport.com.