by Christine Kloser
When you stepped on this path of entrepreneurship, if you’re like me, you became a sponge for knowledge. If there was a new strategy you heard about, you found a resource to become skilled in learning that strategy. If there was an event you knew you needed to be at, you figured out how to get there. You were an “eager beaver” to learn, learn, learn and implement what you learned in your business.
But chances are, nobody ever suggested you stop with all the information gathering and ask yourself the deeper questions of, “Is this right for me? Is this aligned with who I am, what my business is and what’s important to me?” Many entrepreneurs I’ve spoken with are just now stepping back to ask themselves what they’ve been doing for the past several months (or years)… and if it’s really working for them.
What several of these entrepreneurs are discovering is that they’ve been going after what they “thought” they “should” be doing based on watching and modeling someone else. It’s an honest thing to do. You’re taught to model others. But, you’ve got to be mindful of knowing where the line is between modeling in a way that serves you and modeling in a way that pulls you further away from who you are.
On that note, I want to share with you the ABC’s of aligning with your business so no matter what stage you’re in; no matter how much knowledge you have; no matter your level of success (or frustration) these three tips will help you make sure you are on track to be in total alignment with your business as you head into 2010.
Assess
In order to get from “Point A” to “Point B” in terms of aligning with your business, you’ve first got to assess where you really are. Many entrepreneurs just keep going, keep plowing through their to-do list without taking time to step back and truly assess where they’re at and what direction they’re headed.
In this phase, you’ll allow yourself to see what’s working in your business and what isn’t working in your business, and more importantly what is and isn’t working for YOU! It may be that your greatest source of income is also coming from the service that causes you the most amount of stress. This is not in alignment. Your income ought to come from your greatest joy. So, these are the things to be looking for. Where does your business FEEL right and where doesn’t it?
Be Brave
The assessment phase may uncover some things that perhaps you’d prefer not to see. I know when I went through the assessment phase in my business, I saw I was doing things that I really shouldn’t have been doing. These were some of the things others had suggested I do, so they didn’t purely come from the intent in my heart, but by what someone else thought.
So, this next phase invites you to be brave in facing what you see. Yes, it might feel temporarily easier to pretend that what you see isn’t really there. It’s natural to want to avoid that kind of pain. However, if it’s there, it will always be there and it can’t really be avoided, it can only be postponed. So, allow yourself to face whatever you see straight-on and you will be one step closer to totally aligning your Self with your business.
Co-Create
Finally, the third phase is to embrace the concept of co-creation. Co-creation happens when you are fully awake, aware and conscious of the reality that everything created through you is created in partnership with Spirit. In order to truly be aligned with your Self and your business, it’s essential to not let your human will or your ego feel like it’s the creative force behind what you do.
Alignment happens when your ego is set aside, when your intent is pure, when comparison and competition (or what you think you “should” do) aren’t part of your process. This can be the greatest growth oppor^tunity of all… to allow yourself to “let go” enough to make room for grace. So, don’t feel like you have to do everything in your business (or your life) alone, be open to seeing that when you’re in alignment you’re opening to a world of infinite possibility.
© 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.
Showing posts with label entrepreneurship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entrepreneurship. Show all posts
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
3 Easy Ways to Build Your Platform
Did you know the most important asset you have in your business is your platform? It’s true. You may be asking what your “platform” is? Well, it’s like your personal portfolio for your business. It includes media you’ve received, awards you’ve won, your websites, your blog, your ezine subscribers, your books, your products... your speaking engagements, your client list, testimonials... basically everything that represents the solidity of you and your business.
I admit I was surprised when I first learned this, too. After all, so many entrepreneurs focus on delivering their product or service without focusing on building their platform. Whether or not you ever want to be on Oprah, get a six-figure advance, or be written up in the New York Times, your platform is still important... because it represents how well you are sharing your valuable work with the world. And, that, my friend is why you’re in business, isn’t it? This isn’t about being “famous”; it’s about being well known and respected in your field of expertise. I call this underground celebrity. You know, the kind where nobody “out there” knows who you are, but when you’re around “your people” you feel like a celebrity.
The good news is there are a few simple things you can do to build your platform. Here are my top three ways to get started today:
1. Publish an email newsletter.
Every business owner needs to be growing their list of potential clients and customers. And, the quickest and most inexpensive way to do this is publishing an email newsletter. It can be easy to get started by simply emailing your newsletter to a few friends and family members who give you permission to do so. (PLEASE get their permission, or it’s considered illegal SP^AM.)
To start, decide how often you’re going to publish your newsletter and stick to that schedule, whether you send it to one person or thousands of people. Most Internet marketers suggest a frequency of at least twice per month. Then, decide what content you’ll put in your newsletter. You could include a personal greeting, article, tip, calendar of your events, recommended resources, or anything else that will serve your audience and be of VALUE. Do not make your newsletter entirely self-promotional. Your list will grow because of the valuable information you share with your target audience. But, do be sure to showcase your expertise. After all, this is about building your platform and become an “underground celebrity.”
2. Begin public speaking.
I know there are statistics showing most people would rather die than speak in front of an audience. Sorry, but if you want to build your platform fast, you’re going to have to get used to speaking in front of an audience. It’s easier to get more business, when you get out there and showcase your expertise... in public.
The best place to start speaking is at local networking meetings. Check out the calendar of events in your town newspaper and see what “happenings” are going on. Make note of any organizations or groups that list a speaker as part of their meeting agenda. Then, let your fingers do the walking via telephone or keyboard and pitch yourself as a speaker. (Or better yet, delegate this to your assistant.) Just make sure you have your talk title, description, bio and professional picture ready to be emailed prior to calling. Chances are the person you speak to will want to see this information. Another option is to put this information on your website and send them to that page. Then, once you’re in front of an audience, invite them to “opt-in” to get your FR^EE email newsletter so you can continue building a relationship with them... and eventually let them know about your products and services!
3. Get talked about in the media.
You may be thinking “Oprah” right off the bat. But, hold your horses. You’ve got a much better chance of being featured in your local newspaper than on “Oprah.” So, let’s focus on that. The first thing to keep in mind is local reporters are LOOKING for newsworthy stories. Your job is to make your message “news.”
The best way to do this is write a press release that pertains to something current in the news and tie it in to your area of expertise. For example, you’re a career expert and you read an article about a layoff in your town. Your press release would address the “news” of the local layoff and you would feature yourself as an expert by offering tips to discover a new career after losing your job. Get the idea? A little creativity will go a long way in tying your expertise to local news stories.
Remember this. When you submit your press release, do your homework. Make sure you are familiar with the publication/show you are pitching and find out WHO you should send your press release to, and in what format (email, fax, mail). The media will be happy to know you’re actually familiar with their publication/show. Lastly, keep a list of all the media exposure you receive as this is part of your platform. Prospect clients often choose to work with people who have a track record of being seen as an expert by the media.
Implementing simple platform building strategies like these will help build your foothold in your market. If you’re just getting started on your business, incorporate these strategies NOW so you’ve got an established platform as a foundation for your success. And, if you’re already somewhat established in business, but haven’t built your platform as much as you’d like... it’s never too late to start.
© 2007 Christine Kloser
Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary 'Conscious Business Connection' ezine. If you're ready to transform "what is" to "what's possible" for your business, get your FR^EE tips now at http://www.consciousbizreport.com
I admit I was surprised when I first learned this, too. After all, so many entrepreneurs focus on delivering their product or service without focusing on building their platform. Whether or not you ever want to be on Oprah, get a six-figure advance, or be written up in the New York Times, your platform is still important... because it represents how well you are sharing your valuable work with the world. And, that, my friend is why you’re in business, isn’t it? This isn’t about being “famous”; it’s about being well known and respected in your field of expertise. I call this underground celebrity. You know, the kind where nobody “out there” knows who you are, but when you’re around “your people” you feel like a celebrity.
The good news is there are a few simple things you can do to build your platform. Here are my top three ways to get started today:
1. Publish an email newsletter.
Every business owner needs to be growing their list of potential clients and customers. And, the quickest and most inexpensive way to do this is publishing an email newsletter. It can be easy to get started by simply emailing your newsletter to a few friends and family members who give you permission to do so. (PLEASE get their permission, or it’s considered illegal SP^AM.)
To start, decide how often you’re going to publish your newsletter and stick to that schedule, whether you send it to one person or thousands of people. Most Internet marketers suggest a frequency of at least twice per month. Then, decide what content you’ll put in your newsletter. You could include a personal greeting, article, tip, calendar of your events, recommended resources, or anything else that will serve your audience and be of VALUE. Do not make your newsletter entirely self-promotional. Your list will grow because of the valuable information you share with your target audience. But, do be sure to showcase your expertise. After all, this is about building your platform and become an “underground celebrity.”
2. Begin public speaking.
I know there are statistics showing most people would rather die than speak in front of an audience. Sorry, but if you want to build your platform fast, you’re going to have to get used to speaking in front of an audience. It’s easier to get more business, when you get out there and showcase your expertise... in public.
The best place to start speaking is at local networking meetings. Check out the calendar of events in your town newspaper and see what “happenings” are going on. Make note of any organizations or groups that list a speaker as part of their meeting agenda. Then, let your fingers do the walking via telephone or keyboard and pitch yourself as a speaker. (Or better yet, delegate this to your assistant.) Just make sure you have your talk title, description, bio and professional picture ready to be emailed prior to calling. Chances are the person you speak to will want to see this information. Another option is to put this information on your website and send them to that page. Then, once you’re in front of an audience, invite them to “opt-in” to get your FR^EE email newsletter so you can continue building a relationship with them... and eventually let them know about your products and services!
3. Get talked about in the media.
You may be thinking “Oprah” right off the bat. But, hold your horses. You’ve got a much better chance of being featured in your local newspaper than on “Oprah.” So, let’s focus on that. The first thing to keep in mind is local reporters are LOOKING for newsworthy stories. Your job is to make your message “news.”
The best way to do this is write a press release that pertains to something current in the news and tie it in to your area of expertise. For example, you’re a career expert and you read an article about a layoff in your town. Your press release would address the “news” of the local layoff and you would feature yourself as an expert by offering tips to discover a new career after losing your job. Get the idea? A little creativity will go a long way in tying your expertise to local news stories.
Remember this. When you submit your press release, do your homework. Make sure you are familiar with the publication/show you are pitching and find out WHO you should send your press release to, and in what format (email, fax, mail). The media will be happy to know you’re actually familiar with their publication/show. Lastly, keep a list of all the media exposure you receive as this is part of your platform. Prospect clients often choose to work with people who have a track record of being seen as an expert by the media.
Implementing simple platform building strategies like these will help build your foothold in your market. If you’re just getting started on your business, incorporate these strategies NOW so you’ve got an established platform as a foundation for your success. And, if you’re already somewhat established in business, but haven’t built your platform as much as you’d like... it’s never too late to start.
© 2007 Christine Kloser
Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary 'Conscious Business Connection' ezine. If you're ready to transform "what is" to "what's possible" for your business, get your FR^EE tips now at http://www.consciousbizreport.com
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
What To Do When "The Going Gets Tough"
What To Do When “The Going Gets Tough”
by Christine Kloser, “The Conscious Business Coach”
Have you heard the expression, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”? Me, too. In fact, I LIVED by this motto for most of my entrepreneurial life. This may sound familiar. When “the going got tough”, you got into action. You did more networking, more cold calling, more outreach, more marketing, more product development… more of everything. And, it felt like you were trying to push a huge boulder up hill! At least this is what it felt like to me.
Then, I discovered “the tough get going” mentality doesn’t work! That’s right folks. It just doesn’t work. Why? Because sometimes when “the going gets tough” you’re meant to step back and learn from the difficulties you’re facing and maybe make difference choices.
Before I share my 3 favorite strategies for handling those tough times, I’d like to share a story that demonstrates the power of NOT trying to push that boulder up hill. You see, last year I was planning a 1-day “multi-speaker” seminar in Los Angeles. I had done these events in the past and they had been VERY successful, earning me a generous 5-figure income for a FUN and SIMPLE event.
This time things were different. A few weeks before the event, my attendance numbers were quite discouraging. Here I was, planning to fly from my home on the east coast to Los Angeles to produce an event that would likely COST me money, not MAKE me money. Plus, I had 4 speakers lined up to come to Los Angeles to present to my audience. But, I wasn’t attracting the 100+ attendees I usually had at these events.
I was faced with a choice. I could work my tush off doing all sorts of promotion to keep the event afloat. Or, I could pay closer attention to the message I was getting to possibly cancel the event. The loud voices in my head were saying, “What will everyone think of me? I’m going to look like a big failure? What are the speakers going to say? Can I get out of my contract with the hotel?” Thankfully, I didn’t listen to them.
So, I decided to write the most vulnerable email I’ve ever sent. I told my readers I was feeling like I was being guided to cancel the event rather than work my tush off to make is successful. I asked for their honest opinion and feedback on why they weren’t registering to attend my seminar. And, promised them I’d make my final decision in a few days.
What happened next blew me away. I received email after email from people telling me they admired my vulnerability, found it refreshing to experience such authenticity in business, and gave me invaluable feedback on why they weren’t attending. These types of responses made it VERY easy to follow my initial gut response to cancel the event. The speakers understood and APPRECIATED I wasn’t going to make them be at an event with poor attendance (that’s happened to them a LOT). The hotel let me out of my contract without ANY fees, I developed a closer relationship with my readers AND I got to spend my time re-evaluating my business and developing new services instead of trying to “push that bolder up hill.” This was monumental to me.
Since reflecting on this experience, I’ve developed a 3-step process I use whenever the “going gets tough”. Below I share this process with the intention that it helps you, too.
3 Steps to Take When “The Going Gets Tough”
Gain Perspective. Take a break and get away from the details of your situation. When you’re too close to it, it’s impossible to see your options. Literally, step away from your desk, go for a walk, play with your dog, do something that gets you out of the “energy” of the issue at hand.
Ask. Next, ask the Universe what you’re meant to discover from the situation. This experience is part of the larger Divine plan for your life and there is an insight or lesson here for you to embrace.
Do What’s Right. Lastly, do what feels right to YOU without letting the fear-based voices in your head dictate your action. This may be the perfect opportunity for you to break a pattern, take a risk or make a choice that’s going to bring more JOY into your life.
The next time you hear someone say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” make the choice to not just “unconsciously get going”. Instead, decide to “CONSCIOUSLY get going” in the direction of your Divine plan.
© 2006 Christine Kloser
Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary ‘Conscious Business Connection’ ezine. If you're ready to integrate business strategies with intangible/Universal principles to help you achieve results faster… and easier, visit www.ConsciousBusinessCircle.com.
by Christine Kloser, “The Conscious Business Coach”
Have you heard the expression, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”? Me, too. In fact, I LIVED by this motto for most of my entrepreneurial life. This may sound familiar. When “the going got tough”, you got into action. You did more networking, more cold calling, more outreach, more marketing, more product development… more of everything. And, it felt like you were trying to push a huge boulder up hill! At least this is what it felt like to me.
Then, I discovered “the tough get going” mentality doesn’t work! That’s right folks. It just doesn’t work. Why? Because sometimes when “the going gets tough” you’re meant to step back and learn from the difficulties you’re facing and maybe make difference choices.
Before I share my 3 favorite strategies for handling those tough times, I’d like to share a story that demonstrates the power of NOT trying to push that boulder up hill. You see, last year I was planning a 1-day “multi-speaker” seminar in Los Angeles. I had done these events in the past and they had been VERY successful, earning me a generous 5-figure income for a FUN and SIMPLE event.
This time things were different. A few weeks before the event, my attendance numbers were quite discouraging. Here I was, planning to fly from my home on the east coast to Los Angeles to produce an event that would likely COST me money, not MAKE me money. Plus, I had 4 speakers lined up to come to Los Angeles to present to my audience. But, I wasn’t attracting the 100+ attendees I usually had at these events.
I was faced with a choice. I could work my tush off doing all sorts of promotion to keep the event afloat. Or, I could pay closer attention to the message I was getting to possibly cancel the event. The loud voices in my head were saying, “What will everyone think of me? I’m going to look like a big failure? What are the speakers going to say? Can I get out of my contract with the hotel?” Thankfully, I didn’t listen to them.
So, I decided to write the most vulnerable email I’ve ever sent. I told my readers I was feeling like I was being guided to cancel the event rather than work my tush off to make is successful. I asked for their honest opinion and feedback on why they weren’t registering to attend my seminar. And, promised them I’d make my final decision in a few days.
What happened next blew me away. I received email after email from people telling me they admired my vulnerability, found it refreshing to experience such authenticity in business, and gave me invaluable feedback on why they weren’t attending. These types of responses made it VERY easy to follow my initial gut response to cancel the event. The speakers understood and APPRECIATED I wasn’t going to make them be at an event with poor attendance (that’s happened to them a LOT). The hotel let me out of my contract without ANY fees, I developed a closer relationship with my readers AND I got to spend my time re-evaluating my business and developing new services instead of trying to “push that bolder up hill.” This was monumental to me.
Since reflecting on this experience, I’ve developed a 3-step process I use whenever the “going gets tough”. Below I share this process with the intention that it helps you, too.
3 Steps to Take When “The Going Gets Tough”
Gain Perspective. Take a break and get away from the details of your situation. When you’re too close to it, it’s impossible to see your options. Literally, step away from your desk, go for a walk, play with your dog, do something that gets you out of the “energy” of the issue at hand.
Ask. Next, ask the Universe what you’re meant to discover from the situation. This experience is part of the larger Divine plan for your life and there is an insight or lesson here for you to embrace.
Do What’s Right. Lastly, do what feels right to YOU without letting the fear-based voices in your head dictate your action. This may be the perfect opportunity for you to break a pattern, take a risk or make a choice that’s going to bring more JOY into your life.
The next time you hear someone say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” make the choice to not just “unconsciously get going”. Instead, decide to “CONSCIOUSLY get going” in the direction of your Divine plan.
© 2006 Christine Kloser
Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Christine Kloser "The Conscious Business Coach," publishes the revolutionary ‘Conscious Business Connection’ ezine. If you're ready to integrate business strategies with intangible/Universal principles to help you achieve results faster… and easier, visit www.ConsciousBusinessCircle.com.
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