By Christine Kloser
There’s a silent epidemic happening for entrepreneurs world-wide. It’s not a pretty epidemic, nor is it fun… but it’s an epidemic that can be eradicated by each and every entrepreneur who has been affected by it.
I was personally impacted by this epidemic for many, many years in my business without having any conscious awareness that it was happening, that it had its hold on me. And, I’m hearing more and more about this epidemic as entrepreneurs are waking up and beginning to realize what’s really happening in their businesses.
And, the epidemic is this…. I call it the “Unconscious, Conscious Entrepreneur” syndrome. I can hear you already saying, “What?” “What does it mean to be an “unconscious, conscious entrepreneur?” Right? If you’re reading this ezine and believe in a conscious approach to business, how could you be unconsciousness?
The answer is this. There are ways of being, old habits, default patterns that you aren’t even aware of that are running your business, and your life. While you are likely working very hard (like I did) not to let these old beliefs and behaviors take over… they are so insidious, they can’t help but creep in.
Here are a two of the most common ways this epidemic shows up, and my personal experience with each:
I’m Not Good Enough
If somewhere in your psyche, you have a belief that you are not “good enough” (which is very common for us overachieving entrepreneurs), no matter how much you take action and do things in your business to feel good enough, there will always be an empty space inside of you that can never be filled no matter how much you achieve. Feeling like “enough” has to come from inside of you… it can never come from anything outside of yourself.
How this core belief showed up in me was in my ambitious drive to excel, achieve, and accomplish. While I was connected to really wanting to help people, there had been this underlying “frenetic” feeling that I always had to be doing more. At the time I wasn’t aware that my ambition and my drive to excel was being fueled by a feeling of not being “good enough.” Once I shifted away from being an “unconscious, conscious entrepreneur” and opened my eyes to what was really happening inside of myself, everything changed.
So, I invite you to simply notice if you have an underlying feeling of “not being good enough.” If you do, allow yourself to see how this belief (which is not really the truth of who you are) plays out in your life and your business. With this new awareness, now stay “awake” to it and you’ll see you can begin to make some new choices.
I’m Worried About What Others Think
This is another biggy! Be honest with yourself, and ask yourself if you’re ever done something (or not done something) because of what someone else might think? Did you launch a program you really didn’t want to do, just because your coach or a colleague told you to do it? Have you ever said “yes” to something you wanted to say “no” to because you didn’t want to let down the other person? Chances are you’ve done these things because you allow what others think about you to have an influence on you.
This was another big learning area for me. I used to worry about what others thought about me and what I did or didn’t do (in fact, to be honest, every now and then I still feel this old thought pattern creeping in). But, once I realized how much I had been sacrificing my own joy trying to fit into someone else’s idea of me – someone else’s “box” – I have been working hard within myself to not worry so much about what other people think about me. It’s a tough lesson to learn, especially when you care about others and don’t want to make waves or cause anyone to be upset. However, the most important person to not upset or make waves with is yourself!
So, beginning today, let yourself see if you have been worried about what other people think of you. And, begin to imagine what would be possible if you thought most about what you thought of you. As one of my friends likes to say, “What you think of me is none of my business.”
© 2010 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.
Showing posts with label business success. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business success. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Be Who You Are
By Christine Kloser
Do what you can.
Want what you have.
Be who you are.
These three simple lines were the message of the sermon I heard at church last weekend. As I heard these words, each one of them landed firmly in my heart and in my body as TRUTH.
Think for a moment about how much you try to “do, do, do.” Perhaps you often end your days feeling as if you didn’t get enough done. It’s a debilitating cycle to continually feel like you are not doing enough. And, of course this triggers a deeper rooted feeling of simply not believing YOU are enough.
It’s safe to say this is a cycle you are not interested in engaging in. So, let’s look at the first of these simple, yet profound, statements. “Do what you can.” Imagine living your life from the place of only doing what you can do. Not trying to do more than is humanly possible, not trying to overcompensate for your weakness by striving to do more and more, but instead believing you are valuable and enough for WHO YOU ARE. Right now, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to do what you can today and to feel GOOD about it. And, embrace this philosophy every day.
The next of these statements is another profound teaching… “Want what you have.” Imagine living your life from the place of wanting what you have rather than feeling the scarcity and lack that comes from wanting those things you don’t have. If you could release your desire for the things you don’t yet have, and truly embrace the feeling of wanting what you DO have… your world would shift from scarcity to abundance in a split second. You’re BEING would shift from contracted to expanded in a heartbeat.
The wanting of what you don’t have is likely tied into the same thread that’s present in doing more than you can… and this is the feeling of “not enough.” The feeling of not enough (and always wanting more) will be ever present until you stop searching outside of yourself for anything. If you’ve been on any sort of spiritual journey you are likely nodding in agreement with what you’re reading here. But, for those of you who are new to the concept of not seeking anything outside of yourSELF, I invite you simply to begin contemplating what that would look like for you. Who would you be and how would you feel if YOU were the only one you wanted anything from?
And, this leads me to the third profound statement I received at church and that is “Be who you are.” It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But, when you bring in expectations, approval seeking, not feeling like enough, trying to “fit in,” wanting to be liked, society pressure, family pressure, peer pressure, and a critical inner voice making you think you “should” be something other than who you are… you’ll soon see that the simple act of “being who you are” is not so simple.
One of the most valuable and insightful questions you can ever ask yourself is, “Who am I?” Because in answering a question of this depth and importance, you’ll begin to see that who you are has nothing to do with your career, your business or what you do. It has nothing to do with being a mother, wife, sister, son, friend or colleague. It has nothing to do with the size of your home, the make of your car or your wardrobe. Who you are is much more than any of that.
So, I ask you now to contemplate this question…. “Who are you?” Allow yourself to go beyond any material identification to get to the depths of your heart and soul where the answer to that question is always there waiting for you to remember.
© 2010 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.
Do what you can.
Want what you have.
Be who you are.
These three simple lines were the message of the sermon I heard at church last weekend. As I heard these words, each one of them landed firmly in my heart and in my body as TRUTH.
Think for a moment about how much you try to “do, do, do.” Perhaps you often end your days feeling as if you didn’t get enough done. It’s a debilitating cycle to continually feel like you are not doing enough. And, of course this triggers a deeper rooted feeling of simply not believing YOU are enough.
It’s safe to say this is a cycle you are not interested in engaging in. So, let’s look at the first of these simple, yet profound, statements. “Do what you can.” Imagine living your life from the place of only doing what you can do. Not trying to do more than is humanly possible, not trying to overcompensate for your weakness by striving to do more and more, but instead believing you are valuable and enough for WHO YOU ARE. Right now, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to do what you can today and to feel GOOD about it. And, embrace this philosophy every day.
The next of these statements is another profound teaching… “Want what you have.” Imagine living your life from the place of wanting what you have rather than feeling the scarcity and lack that comes from wanting those things you don’t have. If you could release your desire for the things you don’t yet have, and truly embrace the feeling of wanting what you DO have… your world would shift from scarcity to abundance in a split second. You’re BEING would shift from contracted to expanded in a heartbeat.
The wanting of what you don’t have is likely tied into the same thread that’s present in doing more than you can… and this is the feeling of “not enough.” The feeling of not enough (and always wanting more) will be ever present until you stop searching outside of yourself for anything. If you’ve been on any sort of spiritual journey you are likely nodding in agreement with what you’re reading here. But, for those of you who are new to the concept of not seeking anything outside of yourSELF, I invite you simply to begin contemplating what that would look like for you. Who would you be and how would you feel if YOU were the only one you wanted anything from?
And, this leads me to the third profound statement I received at church and that is “Be who you are.” It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But, when you bring in expectations, approval seeking, not feeling like enough, trying to “fit in,” wanting to be liked, society pressure, family pressure, peer pressure, and a critical inner voice making you think you “should” be something other than who you are… you’ll soon see that the simple act of “being who you are” is not so simple.
One of the most valuable and insightful questions you can ever ask yourself is, “Who am I?” Because in answering a question of this depth and importance, you’ll begin to see that who you are has nothing to do with your career, your business or what you do. It has nothing to do with being a mother, wife, sister, son, friend or colleague. It has nothing to do with the size of your home, the make of your car or your wardrobe. Who you are is much more than any of that.
So, I ask you now to contemplate this question…. “Who are you?” Allow yourself to go beyond any material identification to get to the depths of your heart and soul where the answer to that question is always there waiting for you to remember.
© 2010 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.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Energetic Consistency
A few weeks ago I taught a private teleclass for my Freedom Circle Mastermind members. Usually, I know what I’m going to talk about a few months in advance, but for some reason last month I didn’t feel like any topic I came up with was the “right” topic for my clients with where they were on their entrepreneurial journey.
Contrary to my ego’s desire for me to have everything well thought out and planned far in advance, I allowed myself to let go and listen… to allow the perfect topic to reveal itself to me. Within hours of the time I was to give this talk, the topic revealed itself… it was supposed to be about energetic consistency. Energetic Consistency is about staying centered, steady, focused, faithful and aligned with your Highest self as you chart your course through life and business.
Why is energetic consistency so important? To begin with, energetic consistency will make the difference between success and struggle in each and every moment. If you are energetically consistent (as opposed to being up and down with your emotions and ego running all over the place) you experience much more ease, grace, and flow in your life all the time. Energetic consistency is about upleveling yourself on a spiritual level and shifting your mode of operation to be even more aligned with your Highest self.
It’s likely with all that’s going on in the world today you may be facing some challenges in being able to stay centered, grounded, peaceful and aligned. The challenges can come about because of the duality that we live in, the speed at which our current world is changing, and the radical realignment that is happening, especially for people (like you) who are already walking a path of consciousness in their business.
I want to share with you two of my favorite tools for helping my Self “stay the course” and remain energetically consistent. I’ll likely share more tools over the coming weeks, but here are two to get you started right now:
Expand, Expand, Expand
Whenever you feel yourself slipping into a contracted physical, emotional or spiritual state of being, remind yourself to E-X-P-A-N-D. When you feel these “symptoms” in your body… shortened breath, knots in your stomach, etc., they are signs your body is moving into a contracted state; and your mind, heart and soul are soon to follow.
When you feel contracted, allow yourself to take some deep breaths, remember that you are a child of God and the Universe is conspiring for your highest good in every moment. Let go of the feeling that you have to control, force or will things to happen in your life and ask to be shown the doors where things are easy, fluid and touched by grace.
A contracted state will keep the door of grace closed, whereas when you’re in a more expanded energetic space the door of grace easily opens, and you will see it in everything. So, right now, if you feel any contraction about anything in your life… breathe, remember who you truly are, let go, allow grace and ask for help. (Which brings me to the next tool.)
Reach Out Rather Than Isolate
One of the ways our ego tries to “take us out” and stay contracted is to isolate. Well, isolation is not the key to freedom. Connection is! Especially in times when you may feel like crawling under a rock and not facing what lies in front of you, reaching out and connecting with others will help you remember your Highest thoughts and help set you fr^ee.
In order to remain energetically consistent, no matter what’s happening around you, you simply cannot do it alone. Connection and community are your lifeline to continually moving forward… as long as you see any bumps along the way as opportunities to grow stronger in WHO you are. Reaching out rather than isolating helps you exercise your ability to stay energetically consistent which leads to you feeling more ease, more joy, more alignment, more grace, more on purpose, etc.
So, the next time you feel yourself being pulled off center by “something” that happens in the world around you (or to you directly), remember to expand rather than contract and reach out rather than isolate. These two tools alone can be the very difference between struggle and success… one moment at a 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.
Contrary to my ego’s desire for me to have everything well thought out and planned far in advance, I allowed myself to let go and listen… to allow the perfect topic to reveal itself to me. Within hours of the time I was to give this talk, the topic revealed itself… it was supposed to be about energetic consistency. Energetic Consistency is about staying centered, steady, focused, faithful and aligned with your Highest self as you chart your course through life and business.
Why is energetic consistency so important? To begin with, energetic consistency will make the difference between success and struggle in each and every moment. If you are energetically consistent (as opposed to being up and down with your emotions and ego running all over the place) you experience much more ease, grace, and flow in your life all the time. Energetic consistency is about upleveling yourself on a spiritual level and shifting your mode of operation to be even more aligned with your Highest self.
It’s likely with all that’s going on in the world today you may be facing some challenges in being able to stay centered, grounded, peaceful and aligned. The challenges can come about because of the duality that we live in, the speed at which our current world is changing, and the radical realignment that is happening, especially for people (like you) who are already walking a path of consciousness in their business.
I want to share with you two of my favorite tools for helping my Self “stay the course” and remain energetically consistent. I’ll likely share more tools over the coming weeks, but here are two to get you started right now:
Expand, Expand, Expand
Whenever you feel yourself slipping into a contracted physical, emotional or spiritual state of being, remind yourself to E-X-P-A-N-D. When you feel these “symptoms” in your body… shortened breath, knots in your stomach, etc., they are signs your body is moving into a contracted state; and your mind, heart and soul are soon to follow.
When you feel contracted, allow yourself to take some deep breaths, remember that you are a child of God and the Universe is conspiring for your highest good in every moment. Let go of the feeling that you have to control, force or will things to happen in your life and ask to be shown the doors where things are easy, fluid and touched by grace.
A contracted state will keep the door of grace closed, whereas when you’re in a more expanded energetic space the door of grace easily opens, and you will see it in everything. So, right now, if you feel any contraction about anything in your life… breathe, remember who you truly are, let go, allow grace and ask for help. (Which brings me to the next tool.)
Reach Out Rather Than Isolate
One of the ways our ego tries to “take us out” and stay contracted is to isolate. Well, isolation is not the key to freedom. Connection is! Especially in times when you may feel like crawling under a rock and not facing what lies in front of you, reaching out and connecting with others will help you remember your Highest thoughts and help set you fr^ee.
In order to remain energetically consistent, no matter what’s happening around you, you simply cannot do it alone. Connection and community are your lifeline to continually moving forward… as long as you see any bumps along the way as opportunities to grow stronger in WHO you are. Reaching out rather than isolating helps you exercise your ability to stay energetically consistent which leads to you feeling more ease, more joy, more alignment, more grace, more on purpose, etc.
So, the next time you feel yourself being pulled off center by “something” that happens in the world around you (or to you directly), remember to expand rather than contract and reach out rather than isolate. These two tools alone can be the very difference between struggle and success… one moment at a 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.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Hidden Benefits of Writing Your Book
It’s been just over a year that my book, The Freedom Formula, became an Amazon #1 best-seller. As I reflect on that great journey (and the success that’s come since then) I’m reminded of how drastically writing a book can change your business, and your life. The journey of the past year has been more transformational and expansive than I dreamed possible. This experience is making me even more excited as I prepare for my Fall Get Your Book Done program.
I know so many entrepreneurs whose businesses (and lives) have already been changed by writing their book, yet there are MANY more that haven’t yet fulfilled this dream.
Eight out of ten people have a book inside them, but most of them never get their book done. Perhaps you can relate… you KNOW you need a book to grow your business especially when you consider these benefits of becoming a published author:
Position yourself as an expert
Reach a larger audience
Get more speaking engagements and more publicity
Increase value by "bundling" books with other products/services
Give as bonus/promotional item for your business
Gain instant credibility
Increase revenue through book sales
Build relationships with “centers of influence”
Make a difference in your readers’ lives
A book is, by far, the BEST business card you can have; nobody throws away a book!
What you may not realize is this… there are a ton of HIDDEN benefits of writing your book. So, if you’ve been thinking of writing you book, I want to share the top three hidden benefits that myself and my clients have received through the experience of writing and publishing a “signature” book:
Clarity
Many new authors approach their book with unbridled enthusiasm and a TON of ideas. The truth is you could fill several books with your insight and information. But, tons of information in a huge book doesn’t make for a best-seller. That’s why the #1 hidden benefit of writing your book is clarity. Through the book preparation, research and writing process, you’ll quickly discover the core essence of your message and the simplest, most logical way to present your information.
You’ll also gain clarity on where the book fits into your “product funnel/service offerings” and what systems you ought to implement to maximize your exposure through the book. You’ll become clear on new products, new services and new ways to build your list (so you can stay connected to them over and over again). After all, you’re writing your book to reach more people and gain more customers, right? It’s amazing how easily you can put together a clear plan to turn readers into ideal customers. Most published authors will tell you this kind of clarity rarely comes from anything other than writing you own book.
Confidence
The second hidden benefit of writing your book is achieving a level of personal confidence most people only dream of. When you proudly introduce yourself as the Author of ___________, and show people your brand-new book, you’re confidence goes through the roof! There’s something that happens inside of you, when you finally put pen to paper and take a STAND for yourself by putting your valuable information in print. Not to mention WHO you have to “BE” to complete your book. You’ll discover an entirely new side to yourself when you step up the plate to write your book.
You’ll stretch and grow in surprising, challenging and fun ways as you go through the process of writing your book. You get to discover more and more of who YOU are and the value you offer to the world. With each page you write, you uncover more of your brilliance and at the end of the process, you’ll see (and value) yourself in an entirely new light.
Courage
Once you experience total clarity and confidence from writing your book, you’ll discover a newfound sense of courage. Many of my clients say it wasn’t until they became published that they had the courage to ask for more money, more speaking engagements, more referrals, more publicity… and know they DESERVED it 100%.
Just imagine there’s someone you want to meet (who can further your success) and you’ve never had the courage to contact them. Once you’re a published author it’s EASY to contact anyone, because you can introduce yourself as an Author and give them a signed copy of your book. The hidden benefit of courage can literally mean thousands of dollars in your pocket because you’re finally ready to ask for what you want.
If you’re thinking of writing a book, keep these “Three Cs” at the top of your mind (and heart) as you bring your brilliance out in the pages of your book. Yes, the expert status, credibility and new revenue from your book are valuable rewards, which will be maximized through the hidden benefits of Clarity, Confidence and Courage.
Note: Please join me and my partner, Lynne Klippel on Tuesday September 1 for a
F-R-E-E Teleclass on the “7 Strategies Every Entrepreneurial Author Needs to Know… Before Writing a Word.” We’ll be sharing tons of information and some incredible author success stories to help you get motivated to Get Your Book Done. Sign up now at www.gybdpreview.com.
© 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.
I know so many entrepreneurs whose businesses (and lives) have already been changed by writing their book, yet there are MANY more that haven’t yet fulfilled this dream.
Eight out of ten people have a book inside them, but most of them never get their book done. Perhaps you can relate… you KNOW you need a book to grow your business especially when you consider these benefits of becoming a published author:
Position yourself as an expert
Reach a larger audience
Get more speaking engagements and more publicity
Increase value by "bundling" books with other products/services
Give as bonus/promotional item for your business
Gain instant credibility
Increase revenue through book sales
Build relationships with “centers of influence”
Make a difference in your readers’ lives
A book is, by far, the BEST business card you can have; nobody throws away a book!
What you may not realize is this… there are a ton of HIDDEN benefits of writing your book. So, if you’ve been thinking of writing you book, I want to share the top three hidden benefits that myself and my clients have received through the experience of writing and publishing a “signature” book:
Clarity
Many new authors approach their book with unbridled enthusiasm and a TON of ideas. The truth is you could fill several books with your insight and information. But, tons of information in a huge book doesn’t make for a best-seller. That’s why the #1 hidden benefit of writing your book is clarity. Through the book preparation, research and writing process, you’ll quickly discover the core essence of your message and the simplest, most logical way to present your information.
You’ll also gain clarity on where the book fits into your “product funnel/service offerings” and what systems you ought to implement to maximize your exposure through the book. You’ll become clear on new products, new services and new ways to build your list (so you can stay connected to them over and over again). After all, you’re writing your book to reach more people and gain more customers, right? It’s amazing how easily you can put together a clear plan to turn readers into ideal customers. Most published authors will tell you this kind of clarity rarely comes from anything other than writing you own book.
Confidence
The second hidden benefit of writing your book is achieving a level of personal confidence most people only dream of. When you proudly introduce yourself as the Author of ___________, and show people your brand-new book, you’re confidence goes through the roof! There’s something that happens inside of you, when you finally put pen to paper and take a STAND for yourself by putting your valuable information in print. Not to mention WHO you have to “BE” to complete your book. You’ll discover an entirely new side to yourself when you step up the plate to write your book.
You’ll stretch and grow in surprising, challenging and fun ways as you go through the process of writing your book. You get to discover more and more of who YOU are and the value you offer to the world. With each page you write, you uncover more of your brilliance and at the end of the process, you’ll see (and value) yourself in an entirely new light.
Courage
Once you experience total clarity and confidence from writing your book, you’ll discover a newfound sense of courage. Many of my clients say it wasn’t until they became published that they had the courage to ask for more money, more speaking engagements, more referrals, more publicity… and know they DESERVED it 100%.
Just imagine there’s someone you want to meet (who can further your success) and you’ve never had the courage to contact them. Once you’re a published author it’s EASY to contact anyone, because you can introduce yourself as an Author and give them a signed copy of your book. The hidden benefit of courage can literally mean thousands of dollars in your pocket because you’re finally ready to ask for what you want.
If you’re thinking of writing a book, keep these “Three Cs” at the top of your mind (and heart) as you bring your brilliance out in the pages of your book. Yes, the expert status, credibility and new revenue from your book are valuable rewards, which will be maximized through the hidden benefits of Clarity, Confidence and Courage.
Note: Please join me and my partner, Lynne Klippel on Tuesday September 1 for a
F-R-E-E Teleclass on the “7 Strategies Every Entrepreneurial Author Needs to Know… Before Writing a Word.” We’ll be sharing tons of information and some incredible author success stories to help you get motivated to Get Your Book Done. Sign up now at www.gybdpreview.com.
© 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, June 24, 2009
Opening Up to Receive
Have you ever found yourself struggling in your business? You feel like you're doing everything right, but still something's not clicking into place? For many conscious entrepreneurs, the difference between experiencing the success they're looking for... or not... is the difference between being able to ask for and receive what they want, need and desire.
Right now, I'd like you to think about a time when you felt totally "in the flow" of receiving. Perhaps you received a surprised gift in the mail, maybe an unexpected client called to work with you, maybe the help you needed showed up at just the right time in just the right way. These acts of receiving can feel like pure magic and give you a glimpse of how graceful and ease-y success can be.
But, in order to be open to receiving, first you need to ask for the gifts you want to receive. For some entrepreneurs the simple act of asking makes all of the difference in the world. However, when it comes to asking, many people feel like it's not OK to ask for what they need or want. This fear can be rooted in your experience growing up, a recent experience in which asking for something lead to pain, or from a gazillion other things.
But, for each one of you who are ready to stretch and grow within yourself and in your business, asking is essential. Just think of all the places asking comes into play in your business; asking for the money, asking for help, asking for someone's endorsement/testimonial, asking for a referral, asking someone for an interview, etc. Some people run up against a rather loud "monkey mind" when it comes time to ask someone for something... almost like it's an imposition. When, the truth is most people are waiting to be asked to help out.
Where I recommend you begin asking, is in the privacy and silence of your heart and soul. Allow yourself to begin asking the Universe/God/Creator for that which you desire: perhaps you'll ask for clarity; or for a tangible sign to point you in a certain direction; or to be directed to the right person, information or resource you need; or for the next door to open for you; etc.
I find it best to do this in writing in my journal. I write a simple "Memo to God" and ask for what I need guidance on. Simply letting yourself exercise your asking muscle with God, allows you to strengthen that muscle so you can comfortably ask people for what you need. Little by little, asking will become a very natural and comfortable experience for you.
What you'll discover by asking is that people want to help you. Just the other day I was on the phone with a colleague when an opening occurred for me to ask for her support in a campaign I have coming up in August. She thought for a moment and reminded me that she rarely promotes other people's businesses, but because of the work I do, she'd be happy to support me. If I didn't ask her, I never would have known she'd be open to helping me. This is how the Universe works!
OK, getting back to your memo to God and asking for what you desire from the Universe... when you ask, ask from the place of believing that your request is already being answered. Then, once you are done journaling your request, take a few minutes to close your eyes and breathe as you create a space within you that is fully open and ready to receive the gifts. Release any attachment to how you want the gift to show up and trust the Universe/God/Creator knows what is best for you.
Once you've asked and opened to receive, begin to look for signs in your life that indicate your requests are being answered. This may come in a random email that crosses your inbox, someone you meet at an event, a moment of profound clarity, a deep connection with a friend or colleague, a book someone gives you, etc. Signs and gifts show up in numerous ways, but you will miss them completely if you are not open to receiving them, or have attachments to how you want them to show up.
So, allow yourself to ask, open yourself to receive and then look for evidence that the Universe is conspiring for your highest good. Because, it always is!
© 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.
Right now, I'd like you to think about a time when you felt totally "in the flow" of receiving. Perhaps you received a surprised gift in the mail, maybe an unexpected client called to work with you, maybe the help you needed showed up at just the right time in just the right way. These acts of receiving can feel like pure magic and give you a glimpse of how graceful and ease-y success can be.
But, in order to be open to receiving, first you need to ask for the gifts you want to receive. For some entrepreneurs the simple act of asking makes all of the difference in the world. However, when it comes to asking, many people feel like it's not OK to ask for what they need or want. This fear can be rooted in your experience growing up, a recent experience in which asking for something lead to pain, or from a gazillion other things.
But, for each one of you who are ready to stretch and grow within yourself and in your business, asking is essential. Just think of all the places asking comes into play in your business; asking for the money, asking for help, asking for someone's endorsement/testimonial, asking for a referral, asking someone for an interview, etc. Some people run up against a rather loud "monkey mind" when it comes time to ask someone for something... almost like it's an imposition. When, the truth is most people are waiting to be asked to help out.
Where I recommend you begin asking, is in the privacy and silence of your heart and soul. Allow yourself to begin asking the Universe/God/Creator for that which you desire: perhaps you'll ask for clarity; or for a tangible sign to point you in a certain direction; or to be directed to the right person, information or resource you need; or for the next door to open for you; etc.
I find it best to do this in writing in my journal. I write a simple "Memo to God" and ask for what I need guidance on. Simply letting yourself exercise your asking muscle with God, allows you to strengthen that muscle so you can comfortably ask people for what you need. Little by little, asking will become a very natural and comfortable experience for you.
What you'll discover by asking is that people want to help you. Just the other day I was on the phone with a colleague when an opening occurred for me to ask for her support in a campaign I have coming up in August. She thought for a moment and reminded me that she rarely promotes other people's businesses, but because of the work I do, she'd be happy to support me. If I didn't ask her, I never would have known she'd be open to helping me. This is how the Universe works!
OK, getting back to your memo to God and asking for what you desire from the Universe... when you ask, ask from the place of believing that your request is already being answered. Then, once you are done journaling your request, take a few minutes to close your eyes and breathe as you create a space within you that is fully open and ready to receive the gifts. Release any attachment to how you want the gift to show up and trust the Universe/God/Creator knows what is best for you.
Once you've asked and opened to receive, begin to look for signs in your life that indicate your requests are being answered. This may come in a random email that crosses your inbox, someone you meet at an event, a moment of profound clarity, a deep connection with a friend or colleague, a book someone gives you, etc. Signs and gifts show up in numerous ways, but you will miss them completely if you are not open to receiving them, or have attachments to how you want them to show up.
So, allow yourself to ask, open yourself to receive and then look for evidence that the Universe is conspiring for your highest good. Because, it always is!
© 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.
Monday, March 23, 2009
How to Succeed as a Conscious Entrepreneur (Part 3)
Branding, marketing and sales… oh, my! Many entrepreneurs (including myself when I was learning about business) overlook the importance of these aspects of entrepreneurship. Often, conscious entrepreneurs start a business to help others, make a difference and transform the world; with most of the energy going into creating a website, getting a business card designed and putting together product/service offerings.
These are essential steps. But, there are two additional important aspects of your business you’ve got to consider from the beginning (or beginning TODAY if you’ve been in business for a while). These are two more nuggets I’ve learned from my mentors that have made a big difference in my business success.
Insight #1: “Branding occurs in the minds of your prospects and clients.”
Wisdom From: Patty Azzarello, CEO of The Azzarello Group
When I first heard about branding, I thought it was about creating a logo design and a “look” for my website. Yes, I knew it involved getting clear on my brand statement and mission, but nobody ever told me it penetrated every single aspect of my business. I thought branding was something I did to create a particular experience for my clients. It is… but that’s only HALF of the story.
When I interviewed Patty Azzarello, (who ran a $1 billion software business by the age of 35) it was the first time I actually “got” what branding is. Branding is not something I “do” rather it’s a process that occurs in the mind of my prospects and customers. It’s a DECISION they make about me and my business based on their experience of my business. Patty’s insight completely shifted how I thought about branding, and over the past three years has made a huge impact on my business and my position in the marketplace.
Something To Think About: What decisions are your prospects and customers making about you and your business (based on their experience with your company)?
Insight #2: “You have a responsibility to market your business and share your gifts.”
Wisdom From: Michael Port, Author of Book Yourself Solid
Similar to my experience with branding, I had a very limited understanding of marketing (and sales) when I first started in business. I was turned off to the concept of marketing/selling when the radio station I used to work for in 1989 sent me to a sales training at which I witnessed a “mock” sale that shocked the living daylights out of me. The sales trainer had basically coerced, convinced and strongly persuaded the mock customer to purchase something they honestly didn’t need. Everyone clapped at his sales ability, whereas I wanted to run out of the room. This had been my introduction to marketing/sales.
Thanks to my interview with Michael Port, I finally grasped a true (and aligned) understanding of marketing and sales as something I had a responsibility to offer as a SERVICE to my prospects and clients. Whew… what a relief that was?! I no longer needed to convince or coerce anyone to do anything. Michael helped me see that all I must do was joyfully, confidently and consistently share my offering as a gift of service to those people I believed I could help. That’s the bottom-line of marketing and sales… plain and simple. And, once you embrace this nugget of wisdom, you’ll find it much easier to fall in love with marketing your business… and you’ll have a lot more FUN in the process!
Something To Think About: What would be different for you and your business if you embraced marketing (and sales) as a GIFT to your prospects?
© 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.
These are essential steps. But, there are two additional important aspects of your business you’ve got to consider from the beginning (or beginning TODAY if you’ve been in business for a while). These are two more nuggets I’ve learned from my mentors that have made a big difference in my business success.
Insight #1: “Branding occurs in the minds of your prospects and clients.”
Wisdom From: Patty Azzarello, CEO of The Azzarello Group
When I first heard about branding, I thought it was about creating a logo design and a “look” for my website. Yes, I knew it involved getting clear on my brand statement and mission, but nobody ever told me it penetrated every single aspect of my business. I thought branding was something I did to create a particular experience for my clients. It is… but that’s only HALF of the story.
When I interviewed Patty Azzarello, (who ran a $1 billion software business by the age of 35) it was the first time I actually “got” what branding is. Branding is not something I “do” rather it’s a process that occurs in the mind of my prospects and customers. It’s a DECISION they make about me and my business based on their experience of my business. Patty’s insight completely shifted how I thought about branding, and over the past three years has made a huge impact on my business and my position in the marketplace.
Something To Think About: What decisions are your prospects and customers making about you and your business (based on their experience with your company)?
Insight #2: “You have a responsibility to market your business and share your gifts.”
Wisdom From: Michael Port, Author of Book Yourself Solid
Similar to my experience with branding, I had a very limited understanding of marketing (and sales) when I first started in business. I was turned off to the concept of marketing/selling when the radio station I used to work for in 1989 sent me to a sales training at which I witnessed a “mock” sale that shocked the living daylights out of me. The sales trainer had basically coerced, convinced and strongly persuaded the mock customer to purchase something they honestly didn’t need. Everyone clapped at his sales ability, whereas I wanted to run out of the room. This had been my introduction to marketing/sales.
Thanks to my interview with Michael Port, I finally grasped a true (and aligned) understanding of marketing and sales as something I had a responsibility to offer as a SERVICE to my prospects and clients. Whew… what a relief that was?! I no longer needed to convince or coerce anyone to do anything. Michael helped me see that all I must do was joyfully, confidently and consistently share my offering as a gift of service to those people I believed I could help. That’s the bottom-line of marketing and sales… plain and simple. And, once you embrace this nugget of wisdom, you’ll find it much easier to fall in love with marketing your business… and you’ll have a lot more FUN in the process!
Something To Think About: What would be different for you and your business if you embraced marketing (and sales) as a GIFT to your prospects?
© 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.
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