Last Monday I was in a total funk. As I mentioned in my greeting, it's easy for me to get overwhelmed with all that is unfolding within and around me and my business right now. So, I was really looking forward to my monthly mastermind call with an invaluable group of colleagues whom I love and trust.
When it came time for me to check-in, my overwhelm was apparent... as I jokingly asked if my colleagues knew how to create more than 24 hours in a day? After we all chuckled (because everyone could relate) one of my colleagues said, "Listen, Christine. You've hit the million dollar mark in your business already, so when is enough going to be ENOUGH? Why do you feel like you have to keep doing more?" He said it with a lot of energized love and care for me and I felt it. It was a really good question.
I answered him. First by saying, "Well, a million dollars really isn't a million dollars. It's not like I'm rolling in money and don't have to think about it anymore." Then, I continued to say, "You know, I'm not sitting on a million dollars in the bank or anything, I've still got to pay attention to cash flow and the continued growth of my business."
I proceeded to share with my colleagues how the numbers were calculated for me to receive the million-dollar entrepreneur award and what was left after determining how much it COST me to generate those kinds of numbers.
For the purpose of the award, the income calculation was based on all of my 2008 revenue plus total SALES in January 2009 (the month of my Freedom Formula Experience in Los Angeles.) Notice I didn't say revenue that came in January, I said sales... some of those sales were paid in full and counted as January revenue but many of them were for programs that had 12-month payment plans. So, rather than having all that money in hand, I had account receivables for 2009 totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Then, I explained what my expenses were to reach the million dollar level of revenue, and they quickly began to see that "a million really isn't a million." Yes, according to how the award was calculated I hit that mark. But, now that I'm a few months out from of all the celebration, intensity and attention; I've been much more grounded in what that million-dollar number really looks like for me and my business. And, the truth is, it's not enough money for me to have as much of an impact as I want to have in changing the face of business in the United States and around the world.
My colleagues now understand why I "do" a lot, and why I have multiple projects underway simultaneously... and also why sometimes I'd like more than 24 hours in a day. I still need, and more importantly WANT, to grow my business and explore new and improved ways to make a difference to entrepreneurs who believe in a conscious approach to business. And, I trust my sharing this with you is an example of what conscious business looks like.
It's important to me that you have a clear understanding of who I am and not an inflated view of me as a million-dollar entrepreneur. So, I felt that if my mastermind colleague would ask me a question about "the million", that some of you may have had the same question in your own mind.
I'm so grateful this question was asked; it brought light to something everyone in the mastermind related to. Now as a result, at our next meeting we've agreed to bring our profit and loss statements and review them together so we can all get a true barometer of the financial health of our business, and what it'll take to continue to expand our business and message. Is this a vulnerable thing to do? Absolutely! I can't think of anything more vulnerable in a business than revealing your profit and loss statements... it's like being naked. But, isn't that the path of a conscious entrepreneur? Yes, indeed it is.
Stay tuned next week as I share the second part of my answer to this question.
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Follow Your Intuition
There I was, in my hotel suite just two hours before I was to do my first big "sale from the platform." You may know what this is, but just in case let me explain. "Selling from the platform" is the term used when a speaker transitions into their "product pitch" at the end of their talk and tries to get the audience to buy what they're selling.
Well, I don't know about you, but I really don't like this experience. It always feels canned, forced and somewhat uncomfortable to me. And, here I was about to do this myself, and I was sick to my stomach. I was sitting in my room with about four other people getting a lot of coaching around what to say, how to say it, what order to say things in, when to pause, when to drive home a point, etc.
The clock was ticking, and I had to get back to my event to give the talk that would lead to this "pitch." As I walked out of the room, I told my husband I couldn't do it. I felt so upset inside, that I knew I couldn't do what everyone was saying I had to do to "hit my numbers."
I had to make a choice right then and there. Was I going to do what everyone told me to do? Which was what I had seen countless others do before and what was the only rational and proven way to go about "the sale"? Or, was I going to follow my intuition, forget all the coaching about how to make a pitch, go completely unscripted, surrender to the moment, speak from my heart and make a genuine, authentic invitation for people to work with me further?
The awful feeling I had when I thought about trying to do it how I was "supposed to" was enough to make me take a huge leap of faith, follow my intuition, and make an invitation in the only way that felt right to me... genuinely and authentically, with love and care for myself and everyone in my audience.
The experience was absolutely incredible. To this day, I have no conscious understanding of how it happened, but as I took the stage and transitioned into making my invitation, I slipped into a meditative state that allowed my heart to speak... peacefully, powerfully, honestly and directly. I was so "in my zone" my husband joked that I must have smoked something before I took the stage. I seemed to be floating in a world of my own as I invited people to join my Freedom Circle Mastermind. I felt completely calm, peaceful, relaxed, authentic and fr^ee.
It was one of the most liberating experiences of my life... to forget what everyone told me to do, follow my intuition instead, feel total bliss, let go of expectation and trust that All is Well... no matter what happened.
However, the result of my intuition-based approach was overwhelming. I had planned for a maximum of 15 clients in my Freedom Circle Mastermind, but had 30 entrepreneurs who wanted to join (DOUBLE what I envisioned) and ended up creating two mastermind groups! I doubt these stellar results would have happened if I ignored my intuition and introduced the Freedom Circle Mastermind with the same calculated approach I'd seen a gazillion times before.
So, now that you've seen my example of how following your intuition can have a huge impact on your business, it's time to think about YOUR business. Is there something you're doing because you think you "should" be doing it (but it doesn't resonate with you at all)? Do you feel like you're trying to force a square peg into a round hole? Take note of this feeling and begin to listen to what you're experiencing inside. Allow yourself to release the "shoulds" and decide to do one thing differently today based on your INTUITION instead.
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Well, I don't know about you, but I really don't like this experience. It always feels canned, forced and somewhat uncomfortable to me. And, here I was about to do this myself, and I was sick to my stomach. I was sitting in my room with about four other people getting a lot of coaching around what to say, how to say it, what order to say things in, when to pause, when to drive home a point, etc.
The clock was ticking, and I had to get back to my event to give the talk that would lead to this "pitch." As I walked out of the room, I told my husband I couldn't do it. I felt so upset inside, that I knew I couldn't do what everyone was saying I had to do to "hit my numbers."
I had to make a choice right then and there. Was I going to do what everyone told me to do? Which was what I had seen countless others do before and what was the only rational and proven way to go about "the sale"? Or, was I going to follow my intuition, forget all the coaching about how to make a pitch, go completely unscripted, surrender to the moment, speak from my heart and make a genuine, authentic invitation for people to work with me further?
The awful feeling I had when I thought about trying to do it how I was "supposed to" was enough to make me take a huge leap of faith, follow my intuition, and make an invitation in the only way that felt right to me... genuinely and authentically, with love and care for myself and everyone in my audience.
The experience was absolutely incredible. To this day, I have no conscious understanding of how it happened, but as I took the stage and transitioned into making my invitation, I slipped into a meditative state that allowed my heart to speak... peacefully, powerfully, honestly and directly. I was so "in my zone" my husband joked that I must have smoked something before I took the stage. I seemed to be floating in a world of my own as I invited people to join my Freedom Circle Mastermind. I felt completely calm, peaceful, relaxed, authentic and fr^ee.
It was one of the most liberating experiences of my life... to forget what everyone told me to do, follow my intuition instead, feel total bliss, let go of expectation and trust that All is Well... no matter what happened.
However, the result of my intuition-based approach was overwhelming. I had planned for a maximum of 15 clients in my Freedom Circle Mastermind, but had 30 entrepreneurs who wanted to join (DOUBLE what I envisioned) and ended up creating two mastermind groups! I doubt these stellar results would have happened if I ignored my intuition and introduced the Freedom Circle Mastermind with the same calculated approach I'd seen a gazillion times before.
So, now that you've seen my example of how following your intuition can have a huge impact on your business, it's time to think about YOUR business. Is there something you're doing because you think you "should" be doing it (but it doesn't resonate with you at all)? Do you feel like you're trying to force a square peg into a round hole? Take note of this feeling and begin to listen to what you're experiencing inside. Allow yourself to release the "shoulds" and decide to do one thing differently today based on your INTUITION instead.
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Going the Extra Mile for Your Clients
On your journey of conscious entrepreneurship, I wonder if you've noticed the duality that I've seen when it comes to "going the extra mile" for your customers and clients... or not "going" at all.
Last month, I had the great pleasure of meeting Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com. Under Tony's leadership Zappos grew their gross merchandise sales from $1.6M in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2008 by focusing relentlessly on customer service. Literally, Zappos.com has been built on an incredible company culture and on customer service that beats all customer service. This is a company that goes far beyond the extra mile to keep their customers coming back over and over again. And, it's making a huge impact on their bottom line.
The other end of the spectrum seems to be companies who believe their successful status allows them to be less customer service driven, and more about the distance they create between themselves and their customers/clients... the philosophy being that the more unreachable the company is, the better it is for elite positioning in the marketplace.
And, here's my two cents on this topic, based on my own experience...
Go The Extra Mile
I'm a firm believer in going the extra mile. Perhaps it was my childhood experience as an arts 'n crafts facilitator at the local park (constantly trying to do the best thing to keep parents and kids coming back for more), or my later experience as a fitness trainer who kept my clients for years rather than months (like most trainers). But, somewhere along the line I learned that going the extra mile works wonders... and resonates more with my philosophy than the "keep your distance" approach to business.
Here are a few examples from my recent experience that may help drive this home for you:
Example #1:
At the inaugural Freedom Formula Experience this past January, I told my event manager I wanted to be in the seminar room on Thursday morning when the doors opened to allow attendees in. She was a bit surprised because she hadn't had that request before from other clients. Most of her clients stayed back stage until they were formally introduced at the front of the room.
But, for me, it was important to greet my seminar attendees and connect with them prior to taking the stage. They travelled from across the US, Canada, Australia and the UK to be there, so it only felt right for me to say "hello" as they entered the room. The surprise benefit was hearing from everyone how much they loved seeing me there giving out hugs; and it gave me a HUGE boost of energy and enthusiasm as I took the stage that morning. Going the extra mile served them... and me. Everybody was happy!
Example #2:
I have the great pleasure of working with 24 of the most incredible entrepreneurs in my Freedom Circle Mastermind; one of whom happens to be a Twitter expert. Well, if you read about my experience as a "Twitter snob" you know Twittering is a whole new world that I'm learning bit by bit. It just so happens that most of my Freedom Circle clients are also Twitter challenged... so I decided to "go the extra mile" and do something about it.
It was so simple (and obvious) how I could serve everyone on their Twitter journey. I simply asked my client, Julie Isaac (the Twitter genius), if she'd allow me to interview her about Twitter and we'd invite everyone in my Freedom Circle mastermind to attend the interview. She was ecstatic about the oppor^tunity to begin teaching what she knows about Twitter; I was thrilled because I was going to learn more about how not to be a Twitter snob; and all of my coaching clients were so happy they got to learn about Twitter especially because it was an unexpected bonus that was above and beyond what I'd promised them in the Freedom Circle Mastermind. Again, going the extra mile served everyone involved... it was a win/win/win all the way around.
I share these examples only to get your mind thinking about what you want your approach to be, and what you can do to solidify that approach. So, if you're aligned with "going the extra mile" I encourage you to take a look at your current customers and clients, and identify at least one thing you can do to "go the extra mile" to help them succeed today.
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Last month, I had the great pleasure of meeting Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com. Under Tony's leadership Zappos grew their gross merchandise sales from $1.6M in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2008 by focusing relentlessly on customer service. Literally, Zappos.com has been built on an incredible company culture and on customer service that beats all customer service. This is a company that goes far beyond the extra mile to keep their customers coming back over and over again. And, it's making a huge impact on their bottom line.
The other end of the spectrum seems to be companies who believe their successful status allows them to be less customer service driven, and more about the distance they create between themselves and their customers/clients... the philosophy being that the more unreachable the company is, the better it is for elite positioning in the marketplace.
And, here's my two cents on this topic, based on my own experience...
Go The Extra Mile
I'm a firm believer in going the extra mile. Perhaps it was my childhood experience as an arts 'n crafts facilitator at the local park (constantly trying to do the best thing to keep parents and kids coming back for more), or my later experience as a fitness trainer who kept my clients for years rather than months (like most trainers). But, somewhere along the line I learned that going the extra mile works wonders... and resonates more with my philosophy than the "keep your distance" approach to business.
Here are a few examples from my recent experience that may help drive this home for you:
Example #1:
At the inaugural Freedom Formula Experience this past January, I told my event manager I wanted to be in the seminar room on Thursday morning when the doors opened to allow attendees in. She was a bit surprised because she hadn't had that request before from other clients. Most of her clients stayed back stage until they were formally introduced at the front of the room.
But, for me, it was important to greet my seminar attendees and connect with them prior to taking the stage. They travelled from across the US, Canada, Australia and the UK to be there, so it only felt right for me to say "hello" as they entered the room. The surprise benefit was hearing from everyone how much they loved seeing me there giving out hugs; and it gave me a HUGE boost of energy and enthusiasm as I took the stage that morning. Going the extra mile served them... and me. Everybody was happy!
Example #2:
I have the great pleasure of working with 24 of the most incredible entrepreneurs in my Freedom Circle Mastermind; one of whom happens to be a Twitter expert. Well, if you read about my experience as a "Twitter snob" you know Twittering is a whole new world that I'm learning bit by bit. It just so happens that most of my Freedom Circle clients are also Twitter challenged... so I decided to "go the extra mile" and do something about it.
It was so simple (and obvious) how I could serve everyone on their Twitter journey. I simply asked my client, Julie Isaac (the Twitter genius), if she'd allow me to interview her about Twitter and we'd invite everyone in my Freedom Circle mastermind to attend the interview. She was ecstatic about the oppor^tunity to begin teaching what she knows about Twitter; I was thrilled because I was going to learn more about how not to be a Twitter snob; and all of my coaching clients were so happy they got to learn about Twitter especially because it was an unexpected bonus that was above and beyond what I'd promised them in the Freedom Circle Mastermind. Again, going the extra mile served everyone involved... it was a win/win/win all the way around.
I share these examples only to get your mind thinking about what you want your approach to be, and what you can do to solidify that approach. So, if you're aligned with "going the extra mile" I encourage you to take a look at your current customers and clients, and identify at least one thing you can do to "go the extra mile" to help them succeed today.
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
How to Be Your Authentic Self in Business, Part 2
Authenticity in business is going to be the only way to thrive as our business climate continues to evolve and transform along with the rest of our world. I'm sure you can feel this shift happening on multiple levels as news of the "real" world clearly indicates (as Rev. Michael Beckwith says) a BIRTHQUAKE is happening.
And, in the birthing of a new way of life on planet Earth, for those who choose to be part of this evolution and part of the change that causes a positive transformation... it's going to be essential that you stay grounded in your authentic self, and remain true to who you Divinely are.
So, who are you? And, how is your authentic self expressed? For me, I believe this boils down to one thing that lives inside all of us, and that is LOVE!
Think about this for a moment. What would our financial/business world look like today if everyone in business operated from a place of love? It's easy to imagine, as it would likely be the exact opposite of the large scale demise we're seeing in the traditional "old paradigm" of business. Yes, what would be possible for our world if business were truly based on love?
I can tell you from my own experience the more I bring love into my business, (and the way I express myself through my business), the more success I enjoy, the more fulfilled my clients feel, the more growth and understanding I embrace, the more resources manifest, the more energy I experience, the more grace I feel, the more I love myself... as the cycle of love spirals upward again.
Now, I understand you may be wondering exactly how love shows up in my business, so let me share an example with you that I think will drive home this important point.
Loving My Audience
As I sat a few weeks ago at the speaker's table in the back of David Neagle's seminar room, I felt a nudge inside of me. The nudge said to completely dismiss the talk I had prepared to give that night. "What? Are you crazy?," I said to myself. But, but, but... but my PowerPoint was done for the talk already; but I was supposed to craft a speech that would lead to a sale at the end of my talk; but I didn't have time to put together a new talk; but what if I blew it changing course at the last minute? But, still... the nudge remained.
So, during lunch I mentioned to the friends I was with that I had this feeling I should throw out the talk I was going to give and speak directly to something I felt very strong about on an energetic level while I was sitting in the room. I told them what my nudge said, and they confirmed 110% that I DID need to scrap my old talk and talk about what I felt needed to be talked about.
So, when I thought about what was at stake both for me and the hundreds of people in the audience, here's what I discovered. What was at stake for me in changing my talk last minute was not looking good, not having time to create a new PowerPoint, not having the space to truly reflect on what I wanted to communicate, etc. (These are things that in the past likely could have stopped me from listening to the nudge.)
Then, as I thought about my audience and what was at stake for them (if I kept myself safe and didn't listen to my inner guidance), what became clear to me is they would leave the event not getting what they needed to take what they learned and truly integrate it into their business and their life.
As soon as this reality struck me, my love for the people in the audience quickly made my decision for me and I followed my heart and gave the talk I was inspired to give, rather than the one I had well prepared.
The result of choosing LOVE instead of fear was phenomenal. Every word of my talk felt touched by grace as I felt guided to share exactly what needed to be shared, when it needed to be shared, without having my rational mind get in the way. And, the response and gratitude I heard from so many of the attendees was overwhelming. So many people thanked me for following my intuition, for being authentic and willing to risk "not looking good" in order to deliver what I felt they needed.
So, this is how LOVE shows up as authentic expression in business. It's about making the decision that is best for the people you are meant to serve, rather than making the decision that will best serve you. True authentic expression in business comes most naturally when you embrace that you and your business are here to love, and to serve. Let that guide you and I assure you grace will bless every step of your journey.
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
And, in the birthing of a new way of life on planet Earth, for those who choose to be part of this evolution and part of the change that causes a positive transformation... it's going to be essential that you stay grounded in your authentic self, and remain true to who you Divinely are.
So, who are you? And, how is your authentic self expressed? For me, I believe this boils down to one thing that lives inside all of us, and that is LOVE!
Think about this for a moment. What would our financial/business world look like today if everyone in business operated from a place of love? It's easy to imagine, as it would likely be the exact opposite of the large scale demise we're seeing in the traditional "old paradigm" of business. Yes, what would be possible for our world if business were truly based on love?
I can tell you from my own experience the more I bring love into my business, (and the way I express myself through my business), the more success I enjoy, the more fulfilled my clients feel, the more growth and understanding I embrace, the more resources manifest, the more energy I experience, the more grace I feel, the more I love myself... as the cycle of love spirals upward again.
Now, I understand you may be wondering exactly how love shows up in my business, so let me share an example with you that I think will drive home this important point.
Loving My Audience
As I sat a few weeks ago at the speaker's table in the back of David Neagle's seminar room, I felt a nudge inside of me. The nudge said to completely dismiss the talk I had prepared to give that night. "What? Are you crazy?," I said to myself. But, but, but... but my PowerPoint was done for the talk already; but I was supposed to craft a speech that would lead to a sale at the end of my talk; but I didn't have time to put together a new talk; but what if I blew it changing course at the last minute? But, still... the nudge remained.
So, during lunch I mentioned to the friends I was with that I had this feeling I should throw out the talk I was going to give and speak directly to something I felt very strong about on an energetic level while I was sitting in the room. I told them what my nudge said, and they confirmed 110% that I DID need to scrap my old talk and talk about what I felt needed to be talked about.
So, when I thought about what was at stake both for me and the hundreds of people in the audience, here's what I discovered. What was at stake for me in changing my talk last minute was not looking good, not having time to create a new PowerPoint, not having the space to truly reflect on what I wanted to communicate, etc. (These are things that in the past likely could have stopped me from listening to the nudge.)
Then, as I thought about my audience and what was at stake for them (if I kept myself safe and didn't listen to my inner guidance), what became clear to me is they would leave the event not getting what they needed to take what they learned and truly integrate it into their business and their life.
As soon as this reality struck me, my love for the people in the audience quickly made my decision for me and I followed my heart and gave the talk I was inspired to give, rather than the one I had well prepared.
The result of choosing LOVE instead of fear was phenomenal. Every word of my talk felt touched by grace as I felt guided to share exactly what needed to be shared, when it needed to be shared, without having my rational mind get in the way. And, the response and gratitude I heard from so many of the attendees was overwhelming. So many people thanked me for following my intuition, for being authentic and willing to risk "not looking good" in order to deliver what I felt they needed.
So, this is how LOVE shows up as authentic expression in business. It's about making the decision that is best for the people you are meant to serve, rather than making the decision that will best serve you. True authentic expression in business comes most naturally when you embrace that you and your business are here to love, and to serve. Let that guide you and I assure you grace will bless every step of your journey.
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
How to Be Your Authentic Self in Business
I love being on the stage! As a child and young woman, I performed as a competitive figure skater, jazz dancer and competitive swing dancer. (I've got a collection of medals and awards to show for it.) However, since 1997 my time on stage has been in the form of sharing my message as a speaker and teacher. And, my "performance" has completely changed during that time.
You see, in order to authentically share my message in a way that would have an impact on my audience, I had to completely let go of my drive to "perform." But, let me tell you, the "performance" drive was so ingrained in me it took a lot of "undoing" for me to release the expectations I had on myself (and any expectation I thought my audience was putting on me).
Honestly, I used to worry about every detail of my performance, as if there were still a panel of discerning judges waiting to critique my every move.
Ahhhh, but there WAS a panel of extremely critical judges in my OWN mind; until I learned how to be completely 100% authentic, transparent, honest and open when I am "on stage" and off! This authenticity completely eliminated my drive to "perform" and also got rid of the judges in my head while making a HUGE difference in the impact and connection I have with my audience.
So, what does it look like to give up your performance and step into your authenticity... in business?! Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll share some examples from my own experiences in hopes these will give you a glimpse of how to be your authentic self in YOUR business.
Speak From Your Heart
In my desire to help more people and make a difference when I speak, I did a lot of research to discover the "style" in which to speak so I could make a lasting connection with my audience. I studied with a few mentors that were considered by many to be the "masters" in the field of speaking. These experts had their talks down to a science. Literally; every gesture, every joke, every inflection in their voice, every nod and smile were perfectly executed.
However, these types of presentations always felt sleazy and calculated to me; as if the speaker didn't really care about the audience. Needless to say, I quickly dismissed what I learned from them and decided to find my own voice! And that's the best way for you to share your authentic self, too.
Finding your own voice requires you to connect with yourself, connect with the love in your heart and the light you want to share with others. Yes, it's important to have a few key points in mind to talk about, but what truly gets your audience on board (whether it's 1 person or 1000 people) is how they FEEL when you're talking. Here are some questions to think about from the perspective of your audience/your listener:
Do they feel that you truly care about them?
Do you come across as authentic to them?
Do they feel like you have their best interest in mind?
Do you show up as the same person on stage as you do when you're off stage?
Are you aligned with your message?
Do you feel "real" to them (rather than polished and perfect)?
These things are what truly matter to every person you talk to in your business. Take some time to contemplate these questions to best assess where you stand now in being authentic with your clients, prospects and audience members.
And, remember, when you forget about what you think you "should" be doing and focus on speaking from your heart, your authentic self shows up... every time!
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Sit Down and Write!
Last week I spoke with an energetic, and excited aspiring author. She had tons of great ideas and had done much of the foundation work to build her book on solid ground... and use it to grow her business. However, she was stuck on the "writing part." I hear this often from aspiring authors. Many times the book is completely written WITHIN them, but they don't have word on paper. If this is you, I've only got 4 words to say: "Sit Down and Write!" Sometimes you've got to turn off the phones, go sit at Starbucks, take a train trip, or hop on a plane to get focused time to write. But, it's got to be done. Our Get Your Book Done® program makes it as easy as "paint-by-number" to write your book... but YOU still need to write it. So, look at your calendar right now and make at least three appointments with yourself to write your book.
If you're interested in growing your business as a published author, please visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com where you'll get my FR^EE audio on "3 Insider Secrets That Will Help You Write Your Book the RIGHT Way."
You see, in order to authentically share my message in a way that would have an impact on my audience, I had to completely let go of my drive to "perform." But, let me tell you, the "performance" drive was so ingrained in me it took a lot of "undoing" for me to release the expectations I had on myself (and any expectation I thought my audience was putting on me).
Honestly, I used to worry about every detail of my performance, as if there were still a panel of discerning judges waiting to critique my every move.
Ahhhh, but there WAS a panel of extremely critical judges in my OWN mind; until I learned how to be completely 100% authentic, transparent, honest and open when I am "on stage" and off! This authenticity completely eliminated my drive to "perform" and also got rid of the judges in my head while making a HUGE difference in the impact and connection I have with my audience.
So, what does it look like to give up your performance and step into your authenticity... in business?! Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll share some examples from my own experiences in hopes these will give you a glimpse of how to be your authentic self in YOUR business.
Speak From Your Heart
In my desire to help more people and make a difference when I speak, I did a lot of research to discover the "style" in which to speak so I could make a lasting connection with my audience. I studied with a few mentors that were considered by many to be the "masters" in the field of speaking. These experts had their talks down to a science. Literally; every gesture, every joke, every inflection in their voice, every nod and smile were perfectly executed.
However, these types of presentations always felt sleazy and calculated to me; as if the speaker didn't really care about the audience. Needless to say, I quickly dismissed what I learned from them and decided to find my own voice! And that's the best way for you to share your authentic self, too.
Finding your own voice requires you to connect with yourself, connect with the love in your heart and the light you want to share with others. Yes, it's important to have a few key points in mind to talk about, but what truly gets your audience on board (whether it's 1 person or 1000 people) is how they FEEL when you're talking. Here are some questions to think about from the perspective of your audience/your listener:
Do they feel that you truly care about them?
Do you come across as authentic to them?
Do they feel like you have their best interest in mind?
Do you show up as the same person on stage as you do when you're off stage?
Are you aligned with your message?
Do you feel "real" to them (rather than polished and perfect)?
These things are what truly matter to every person you talk to in your business. Take some time to contemplate these questions to best assess where you stand now in being authentic with your clients, prospects and audience members.
And, remember, when you forget about what you think you "should" be doing and focus on speaking from your heart, your authentic self shows up... every time!
© 2009 Christine Kloser
Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Christine Kloser, author of The Freedom Formula, helps entrepreneurs put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to thrive in your purpose-driven, profitable business (while enjoying a soul-satisfying life), send for my special report, How to Avoid the 3 Massive Mistakes Made by Most Conscious Entrepreneurs and my audio, 7 Strategies Entrepreneurial Authors Need to Know... Before Writing a Word, both of which you get (at no charge) when you request my Conscious Business Success Kit at www.LoveYourLife.com.
Sit Down and Write!
Last week I spoke with an energetic, and excited aspiring author. She had tons of great ideas and had done much of the foundation work to build her book on solid ground... and use it to grow her business. However, she was stuck on the "writing part." I hear this often from aspiring authors. Many times the book is completely written WITHIN them, but they don't have word on paper. If this is you, I've only got 4 words to say: "Sit Down and Write!" Sometimes you've got to turn off the phones, go sit at Starbucks, take a train trip, or hop on a plane to get focused time to write. But, it's got to be done. Our Get Your Book Done® program makes it as easy as "paint-by-number" to write your book... but YOU still need to write it. So, look at your calendar right now and make at least three appointments with yourself to write your book.
If you're interested in growing your business as a published author, please visit www.LoveYourLifePublishing.com where you'll get my FR^EE audio on "3 Insider Secrets That Will Help You Write Your Book the RIGHT Way."
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