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.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
How to Succeed as a Conscious Entrepreneur (Part 2)
Business planning. Team building. These things typically sound too corporate and boring for a conscious entrepreneur. Right? You’d rather create, collaborate, develop, teach, train, coach, write and help people! I understand; I’m the same way. I admit it; when I first heard about business planning and team building, I honestly wondered what place they had in my small entrepreneurial endeavor… weren’t those things only for big business? Did they have anything to do with my small (and struggling) five-figure business? Heck yeah, they did!
It took somewhat of an awakening for me to fully embrace these two principles in my business… thanks to two of the incredible mentors I interviewed over the past three years. Here’s the insight and wisdom that helped me develop business plan, and grow a stellar team that makes my success possible.
Insight #1: “Business Planning Can Be Fun… and Easy!”
Wisdom From: Jim Horan, Author of One Page Business Plan
Before I interviewed Jim Horan, Author of One Page Business Plan, I had attempted, many times, to write a plan for my business… thinking it had to be a 50 page document I would present to a bank to get financing. But, I wasn’t looking for a loan, so I figured I didn’t need a plan. After all, business planning didn’t appear to be any fun; every attempt I made was painful, laborious and boring. Until, I spoke with Jim.
Jim Horan helped me understand that business planning could not only be FUN, but EASY, too. How, you might ask? By writing your business plan on ONE PAGE! (I have mine hanging on the bulletin board in my office and I read/revise it on a regular basis… it’s a working document for my business.) The simple process that Jim taught me during our interview was so motivating that I immediately purchased his book and gathered a group of like-minded colleagues to work on our plans together. It’s always a treat to look at my plan and see my goals being accomplished.
Something To Think About: How would you and your business benefit from having a written plan in place?
Insight #2: “If You Don’t Grow Your Team, You Can’t Grow Your Business”
Wisdom From: Andrea J. Lee, Author of Multiple Streams of Coaching Income
Team building (much like business planning) was something I didn’t think I needed. I seemed to be muddling along OK in my business with one assistant who helped me with administrative details. I just didn’t see how building my team could help me make more mo^ney. My team always felt like an expense to me… a liability rather than an asset. So, I was not very excited about growing my team. But, I kept hearing about it over and over again; so, I did my homework and found an expert on the topic (who I knew and liked) to help me “get” the importance of a team in my own business.
It was in my interview with Andrea J. Lee, that the light bulb went off around team building. She flipped the switch in my mind that got me away from thinking that a team was an expense/liability, into realizing the value of a team as ESSENTIAL to helping me multiply my business. Having a team gives you leverage. It allows you to focus on your areas of brilliance, rather than trudging your way through those things that you dislike (hmmm… perhaps bookkeeping, web maintenance, customer service, answering phones, general admin, etc.) When you take the leap to get help in those areas that are frustrating (and drain your energy) you allow yourself the freedom to focus on what you enjoy which leads to more creativity, energy, joy, focus, enthusiasm, etc. And, THAT is exactly what it takes to grow your business.
Something To Think About: What tasks do you dread doing in your business? Write them down and place your intention on manifesting someone who loves doing them for you!
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series next week where I’ll share two more nuggets of wisdom with you.
© 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.
It took somewhat of an awakening for me to fully embrace these two principles in my business… thanks to two of the incredible mentors I interviewed over the past three years. Here’s the insight and wisdom that helped me develop business plan, and grow a stellar team that makes my success possible.
Insight #1: “Business Planning Can Be Fun… and Easy!”
Wisdom From: Jim Horan, Author of One Page Business Plan
Before I interviewed Jim Horan, Author of One Page Business Plan, I had attempted, many times, to write a plan for my business… thinking it had to be a 50 page document I would present to a bank to get financing. But, I wasn’t looking for a loan, so I figured I didn’t need a plan. After all, business planning didn’t appear to be any fun; every attempt I made was painful, laborious and boring. Until, I spoke with Jim.
Jim Horan helped me understand that business planning could not only be FUN, but EASY, too. How, you might ask? By writing your business plan on ONE PAGE! (I have mine hanging on the bulletin board in my office and I read/revise it on a regular basis… it’s a working document for my business.) The simple process that Jim taught me during our interview was so motivating that I immediately purchased his book and gathered a group of like-minded colleagues to work on our plans together. It’s always a treat to look at my plan and see my goals being accomplished.
Something To Think About: How would you and your business benefit from having a written plan in place?
Insight #2: “If You Don’t Grow Your Team, You Can’t Grow Your Business”
Wisdom From: Andrea J. Lee, Author of Multiple Streams of Coaching Income
Team building (much like business planning) was something I didn’t think I needed. I seemed to be muddling along OK in my business with one assistant who helped me with administrative details. I just didn’t see how building my team could help me make more mo^ney. My team always felt like an expense to me… a liability rather than an asset. So, I was not very excited about growing my team. But, I kept hearing about it over and over again; so, I did my homework and found an expert on the topic (who I knew and liked) to help me “get” the importance of a team in my own business.
It was in my interview with Andrea J. Lee, that the light bulb went off around team building. She flipped the switch in my mind that got me away from thinking that a team was an expense/liability, into realizing the value of a team as ESSENTIAL to helping me multiply my business. Having a team gives you leverage. It allows you to focus on your areas of brilliance, rather than trudging your way through those things that you dislike (hmmm… perhaps bookkeeping, web maintenance, customer service, answering phones, general admin, etc.) When you take the leap to get help in those areas that are frustrating (and drain your energy) you allow yourself the freedom to focus on what you enjoy which leads to more creativity, energy, joy, focus, enthusiasm, etc. And, THAT is exactly what it takes to grow your business.
Something To Think About: What tasks do you dread doing in your business? Write them down and place your intention on manifesting someone who loves doing them for you!
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series next week where I’ll share two more nuggets of wisdom with you.
© 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, March 4, 2009
How to Succeed as a Conscious Entrepreneur
If there’s one thing you and I should know about success, it’s that it doesn’t happen alone. I once heard Loral Langemeier say “There’s no such thing as a self-made millionaire.” She’s absolutely right. There isn’t. There couldn’t be. Ask any person who has hit six or seven figures in their business and they’ll all tell you they didn’t do it alone. I know this is true for me.
When I got really serious about being a successful and conscious business owner (about 3 years ago), I set out on a mission to learn from those who had already achieved what I wanted to achieve… success with a purpose. I became extremely curious about how other people did this because I wanted to learn from them, model them and implement what they taught me in my own life and business.
This journey led me to interviewing dozens of highly successful conscious entrepreneurs, each of whom gave me nuggets of wisdom that deeply affected my life. My mission for this article series is to share these nuggets of wisdom with you in hopes they will help you reach your goals and dreams.
Insight #1: “Business Is Your Highest Spiritual Understanding Demonstrated”
Wisdom From: Neale Donald Walsch, Author of Conversations with God
I remember the moment vividly. I was conducting an interview with Neale Donald Walsch during my 2nd annual Conscious Entrepreneurs Tele-summit with a hundred listeners on the line… and I began to cry. I had basically gone through all of my interview questions for Neale and still had 15 minutes left in the interview. So, I asked him, “Is there anything else you’d like to share on this topic?” (Praying he’d say something to fill the next 15 minutes of time.) It was then that he told me, and everyone listening, “business is your highest spiritual understanding demonstrated.”
This was the moment everything changed for me. It was the first moment I “got” that business and spirituality are not mutually exclusive. Up until that moment, I had hoped, imagined, dreamed and envisioned that I could be a deeply spiritual person in my life and have a profitable, purposeful business based on spiritual principles. When Neale shared this statement with me, my hopes and dreams turned into KNOWING. That is what made me cry. I finally knew it was possible, and I wasn’t crazy for thinking Spirit and business belonged together.
Something To Think About: What would be possible for you if you allowed your highest spiritual understandings to be demonstrated through your business?
Insight #2: “Just Believe”
Wisdom From: David Neagle, Creator of Experience the Reality of Success
Before learning from David Neagle, I honestly felt that a six-figure business was the biggest business I could imagine for myself. Even though I considered myself a “big thinker”… I was still thinking small. (And, I believed I had to do all the hard work required of a big business owner.) David helped me realize that nothing could be further from the truth; that if I simply believed that a bigger dream was possible for me, the details would be revealed. And, that’s exactly what happened.
It was David who first truly helped me understand the power of my mind to create my reality. I had always known this was true but doubt kept creeping in… or if I’m being 100% honest here, doubt used to whack me on the head on a regular basis. When you believe (not only in yourself, but in the power of the Universe) things begin to unfold. I know this sounds simple; it is. But, it’s not necessarily easy (especially when what appears to be “reality” is telling you to run and hide). But, the journey of believing is worth it, and it can change everything.
Something To Think About: What old belief do you want to let go of (one that no longer serves you)? What positive new belief would you like to replace it with?
I feel so blessed that 3 years ago I began to learn directly from the dozens of mentors and experts I’ve interviewed. It’s their wisdom that continues to help me stay focused and calm when things get tough. So, stay tuned for Part 2 of this series next week where I’ll share two more nuggets of wisdom with you.
When I got really serious about being a successful and conscious business owner (about 3 years ago), I set out on a mission to learn from those who had already achieved what I wanted to achieve… success with a purpose. I became extremely curious about how other people did this because I wanted to learn from them, model them and implement what they taught me in my own life and business.
This journey led me to interviewing dozens of highly successful conscious entrepreneurs, each of whom gave me nuggets of wisdom that deeply affected my life. My mission for this article series is to share these nuggets of wisdom with you in hopes they will help you reach your goals and dreams.
Insight #1: “Business Is Your Highest Spiritual Understanding Demonstrated”
Wisdom From: Neale Donald Walsch, Author of Conversations with God
I remember the moment vividly. I was conducting an interview with Neale Donald Walsch during my 2nd annual Conscious Entrepreneurs Tele-summit with a hundred listeners on the line… and I began to cry. I had basically gone through all of my interview questions for Neale and still had 15 minutes left in the interview. So, I asked him, “Is there anything else you’d like to share on this topic?” (Praying he’d say something to fill the next 15 minutes of time.) It was then that he told me, and everyone listening, “business is your highest spiritual understanding demonstrated.”
This was the moment everything changed for me. It was the first moment I “got” that business and spirituality are not mutually exclusive. Up until that moment, I had hoped, imagined, dreamed and envisioned that I could be a deeply spiritual person in my life and have a profitable, purposeful business based on spiritual principles. When Neale shared this statement with me, my hopes and dreams turned into KNOWING. That is what made me cry. I finally knew it was possible, and I wasn’t crazy for thinking Spirit and business belonged together.
Something To Think About: What would be possible for you if you allowed your highest spiritual understandings to be demonstrated through your business?
Insight #2: “Just Believe”
Wisdom From: David Neagle, Creator of Experience the Reality of Success
Before learning from David Neagle, I honestly felt that a six-figure business was the biggest business I could imagine for myself. Even though I considered myself a “big thinker”… I was still thinking small. (And, I believed I had to do all the hard work required of a big business owner.) David helped me realize that nothing could be further from the truth; that if I simply believed that a bigger dream was possible for me, the details would be revealed. And, that’s exactly what happened.
It was David who first truly helped me understand the power of my mind to create my reality. I had always known this was true but doubt kept creeping in… or if I’m being 100% honest here, doubt used to whack me on the head on a regular basis. When you believe (not only in yourself, but in the power of the Universe) things begin to unfold. I know this sounds simple; it is. But, it’s not necessarily easy (especially when what appears to be “reality” is telling you to run and hide). But, the journey of believing is worth it, and it can change everything.
Something To Think About: What old belief do you want to let go of (one that no longer serves you)? What positive new belief would you like to replace it with?
I feel so blessed that 3 years ago I began to learn directly from the dozens of mentors and experts I’ve interviewed. It’s their wisdom that continues to help me stay focused and calm when things get tough. So, stay tuned for Part 2 of this series next week where I’ll share two more nuggets of wisdom with you.
Monday, February 9, 2009
How to Become an "Overnight" Success
Have you ever noticed entrepreneurs who appear to become successful “overnight”? It’s a bit of a mystery, isn’t it; one day nobody knows who they are and the next day everyone’s talking about them. This is an interesting phenomenon that happens with entrepreneurs, but I assure you... the success rarely happens “overnight.” Granted, there may be an extremely small percentage of true overnight successes; but for most entrepreneurs it’s taken years to reach that level of achievement. How do I know? Because it’s been my personal journey.
After my recent LIVE 4-day Freedom Formula Experience in Los Angeles (which exceeded all of my expectations), I was presented with the first ever David Neagle Million-Dollar Entrepreneur award. The whole gala celebration seemed a bit surreal because I was LIVING the dream I had been envisioning for nearly two decades. Yes, it took me nearly 20 years to become an “overnight” success.
So, what I want to share with you today, are the three key strategies that helped me get to this level of success in my business. For those of you who know me, or who have been following me for several years, these will sound familiar to you... but for those of you who are new to my teaching, my story and my business, get ready for an inside peek at what it really takes to become an “overnight” success.
1) Faith
Faith has been the single most important factor in my success. Now, you may be asking what I’m talking about when I refer to faith. First, let me say that, to me, faith has nothing to do with religion. My personal experience of faith is having the unwavering belief there is something much larger than myself that is helping me expand, grow, evolve and transform through every step of my journey... through the challenging times and the joyous times. Faith is your convincing belief of the greatness that lies within you. It’s knowing that (as Marianne Williamson says) you were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
2) Commitment
The second factor in my success is being willing to commit 110% to the realization of my highest and fullest potential. Commitment is what kept me going when I experienced multiple failures with previous businesses. Now, keep it mind that commitment is not about persisting and forcing the thing you want to be successful in, rather commitment is about being willing to let go of what isn’t working because of your higher commitment to your Self. For me, this showed up as being committed to experiencing success and freedom, no matter the size or number of obstacles placed in my way. The deep desire I have to make a difference by helping and serving others was the commitment that made me continue exploring new avenues, new opportunities and new openings that helped me get to where I am today.
3) Surrender
Ahhhh... sweet surrender. You may be wondering how surrender can help you become a six or seven-figure entrepreneur. Good question! It took me a long time to “get” this one. Because, for many years I used my will, tenacity, determination and action-oriented mindset to “make” things happen. And, yes, things happened (to a degree). However, when I fully understood what it meant to surrender to where I was being guided...versus where I thought I should be going... everything changed for the better. It was through surrender that I developed my signature Get Your Book Done® program, which lead to the writing of my award-win^ning book, The Freedom Formula, which lead to the creation of The Freedom Formula Experience, which is now leading to so much more (some known already and much more that is unknown). None of this success could have happened if I didn’t surrender to what was being shown to me... and say YES to it.
So, I invite you to reflect on these three strategies of faith, commitment and surrender. And, ask yourself how you can further bring these into your business, and your life.
© 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.
After my recent LIVE 4-day Freedom Formula Experience in Los Angeles (which exceeded all of my expectations), I was presented with the first ever David Neagle Million-Dollar Entrepreneur award. The whole gala celebration seemed a bit surreal because I was LIVING the dream I had been envisioning for nearly two decades. Yes, it took me nearly 20 years to become an “overnight” success.
So, what I want to share with you today, are the three key strategies that helped me get to this level of success in my business. For those of you who know me, or who have been following me for several years, these will sound familiar to you... but for those of you who are new to my teaching, my story and my business, get ready for an inside peek at what it really takes to become an “overnight” success.
1) Faith
Faith has been the single most important factor in my success. Now, you may be asking what I’m talking about when I refer to faith. First, let me say that, to me, faith has nothing to do with religion. My personal experience of faith is having the unwavering belief there is something much larger than myself that is helping me expand, grow, evolve and transform through every step of my journey... through the challenging times and the joyous times. Faith is your convincing belief of the greatness that lies within you. It’s knowing that (as Marianne Williamson says) you were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
2) Commitment
The second factor in my success is being willing to commit 110% to the realization of my highest and fullest potential. Commitment is what kept me going when I experienced multiple failures with previous businesses. Now, keep it mind that commitment is not about persisting and forcing the thing you want to be successful in, rather commitment is about being willing to let go of what isn’t working because of your higher commitment to your Self. For me, this showed up as being committed to experiencing success and freedom, no matter the size or number of obstacles placed in my way. The deep desire I have to make a difference by helping and serving others was the commitment that made me continue exploring new avenues, new opportunities and new openings that helped me get to where I am today.
3) Surrender
Ahhhh... sweet surrender. You may be wondering how surrender can help you become a six or seven-figure entrepreneur. Good question! It took me a long time to “get” this one. Because, for many years I used my will, tenacity, determination and action-oriented mindset to “make” things happen. And, yes, things happened (to a degree). However, when I fully understood what it meant to surrender to where I was being guided...versus where I thought I should be going... everything changed for the better. It was through surrender that I developed my signature Get Your Book Done® program, which lead to the writing of my award-win^ning book, The Freedom Formula, which lead to the creation of The Freedom Formula Experience, which is now leading to so much more (some known already and much more that is unknown). None of this success could have happened if I didn’t surrender to what was being shown to me... and say YES to it.
So, I invite you to reflect on these three strategies of faith, commitment and surrender. And, ask yourself how you can further bring these into your business, and your life.
© 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, January 28, 2009
Marketing for Conscious Entrepreneurs
There’s a mistake I see happening everywhere. In fact, it’s one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past. The mistake is this: Many business owners never get clear about WHO their market is, IF there’s a demand for their product or service, or HOW they will market and sell their products or services. They only know that the business idea they were given was a gift from God and therefore it MUST be destined to work in the marketplace!
If you are a business owner with incredible gifts and talents, but you’re unwilling to get serious about sales, marketing and money because you say, “God will provide for me,” listen up. Yes, God does provide. But, remember that money doesn’t drop from the heavens; it is given to you through human hands (your target market’s hands), in exchange for the products and services you provide and sell.
If your idea or dream feels like a spark of the Divine, that is a good start! But even the greatest ideas, the greatest dreams have to be relevant and delivered to your market to secure income and success. So, before you put your big idea into big action, take the following steps. (You’ll thank me later.)
Step One: Research
Research your idea to see if there is already an established market demand for your service or product. This step can be as simple as a Google search to see if other people have successful businesses in a similar area. I also recommend you go to the bookstore and look to see if there are books on the topic your business idea is based on. The more research you do, and the more similar enterprises you find, the better. (Competition means there’s a market for your product/service.)
Step Two: Identify
Identify your specific target market. You need to become crystal clear on who your target market is, because this will help you execute a marketing plan that simultaneously attracts those people you feel called to work with, and repels those people you don’t. Repel may be a strong word, but it’s true. Your Divine gift is not going to be expressed at its highest potential when you have clients who drain your energy, don’t pay you enough money, make mountains out of mole hills and don’t respect your time. And, that’s exactly what happens when you attract the wrong type of client.
Step Three: "Sell"
Finally, you’ve got to get comfortable with selling. I’m not talking about the “cheesy car salesman” type of selling. I’m talking about selling something you believe in because you know your product or service matches the needs of your prospect or client. Take comfort in the fact that conscious business marketing is totally ethical. It has nothing to do with “closing the deal” but everything to do with “opening a conversation” about the ways in which you solve problems for your clients. Sadly, I see many entrepreneurs completely miss the point when it comes to connecting with their market. Without the connection to your market, you have no business. Remember, all successful businesses are the solutions to someone’s problem.
The bottom line is, as a conscious entrepreneur, you have to go beyond the big idea. You must be clear about who your market is and how you can reach them with your message. And, you need to embrace the value of your product or service and ask for what you’re worth!
© 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, best-selling author of The Freedom Formula, helps small business owners put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to discover how to integrate more spirit into YOUR business, then you’ll want to get my F-R-E-E_ CD, “The Top 3 Ways to Tap Into the Biggest Trend in Business Ever.” You can request this special CD by visiting www.FreeedomFormulaExperience.com.
If you are a business owner with incredible gifts and talents, but you’re unwilling to get serious about sales, marketing and money because you say, “God will provide for me,” listen up. Yes, God does provide. But, remember that money doesn’t drop from the heavens; it is given to you through human hands (your target market’s hands), in exchange for the products and services you provide and sell.
If your idea or dream feels like a spark of the Divine, that is a good start! But even the greatest ideas, the greatest dreams have to be relevant and delivered to your market to secure income and success. So, before you put your big idea into big action, take the following steps. (You’ll thank me later.)
Step One: Research
Research your idea to see if there is already an established market demand for your service or product. This step can be as simple as a Google search to see if other people have successful businesses in a similar area. I also recommend you go to the bookstore and look to see if there are books on the topic your business idea is based on. The more research you do, and the more similar enterprises you find, the better. (Competition means there’s a market for your product/service.)
Step Two: Identify
Identify your specific target market. You need to become crystal clear on who your target market is, because this will help you execute a marketing plan that simultaneously attracts those people you feel called to work with, and repels those people you don’t. Repel may be a strong word, but it’s true. Your Divine gift is not going to be expressed at its highest potential when you have clients who drain your energy, don’t pay you enough money, make mountains out of mole hills and don’t respect your time. And, that’s exactly what happens when you attract the wrong type of client.
Step Three: "Sell"
Finally, you’ve got to get comfortable with selling. I’m not talking about the “cheesy car salesman” type of selling. I’m talking about selling something you believe in because you know your product or service matches the needs of your prospect or client. Take comfort in the fact that conscious business marketing is totally ethical. It has nothing to do with “closing the deal” but everything to do with “opening a conversation” about the ways in which you solve problems for your clients. Sadly, I see many entrepreneurs completely miss the point when it comes to connecting with their market. Without the connection to your market, you have no business. Remember, all successful businesses are the solutions to someone’s problem.
The bottom line is, as a conscious entrepreneur, you have to go beyond the big idea. You must be clear about who your market is and how you can reach them with your message. And, you need to embrace the value of your product or service and ask for what you’re worth!
© 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, best-selling author of The Freedom Formula, helps small business owners put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to discover how to integrate more spirit into YOUR business, then you’ll want to get my F-R-E-E_ CD, “The Top 3 Ways to Tap Into the Biggest Trend in Business Ever.” You can request this special CD by visiting www.FreeedomFormulaExperience.com.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
4 Simple Steps to Set Your 2009 Intentions
At the beginning of the year, you may find yourself stuck between celebrating the success of last year, planning for the New Year and perhaps overwhelmed by everything you have on your full plate. You’re not alone. Most conscious entrepreneurs go through this type of celebration, anticipation and yes, sometimes even overwhelm. That being said, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take some time to get laser-focused on what you want to experience and manifest this year.
For the past 6 years, my husband and I have always spent New Year’s Day clarifying and writing our intentions for the New Year. This ritual is a highlight of the year and one that continues to catapult growth on all levels, and help me fully prepare for the year... mentally, emotionally, practically and spiritually.
You’ve probably heard that the most powerful thing you can do to manifest your goals is to write them down! There is something about putting your goals in writing that begins to align the Universe to help you realize them (or something better).
The following four step process is one of my personal New Year strategies. I hope you’ll print this out and get started with your intentions today!
Step 1: Complete
The first step to setting clear intentions for the New Year is to feel complete with the events and experiences of the last year. To do this, simply reflect on the past year... beginning back in January. In your mind, run through the year noting the accomplishments, challenges, successes, growth, opportunities and gifts that you experienced. Once you’ve taken time to reflect on the past year, allow yourself to release anything that you may be hanging on to. Take several deep relaxing breaths as you envision completing the year and become fully present to this moment and all the potential that lies ahead for this year.
Step 2: Celebrate
Next, take out a pen and paper and write a list of everything you have to celebrate from the past year. Focus on all areas of your life, including spiritual (connection to God, meditation, spiritual practice, spiritual community, trust in Divine plan, etc.), personal (health, relationships, fulfillment, family, friends, community, love, etc.), financial (overall financial health, income, debt reduction, investments, money management, etc.), business (new strategies, marketing programs, joint ventures, products and services, client successes, gross income, profitability, support, etc.). Take time to complete your list thoroughly and review it to fully embrace your success and evolution this past year.
Step 3: Focus
Once you finish completing and celebrating, now become focused on all that you want to manifest this year. Simply create the picture of this coming year in your mind’s eye, getting a clear vision of what you intend to manifest and experience (don’t write anything down, yet... just envision it in your mind and feel it in your heart). Again, as you did in Step 2 “Celebrate”, be sure to include the areas of spiritual, personal, financial and business.
Step 4: Commit
The last step is to commit your intentions for the year by putting them in writing. This is the most powerful step of the journey; it’s the beginning of taking the vision in your mind and bringing it into reality. There are two different methods I recommend for writing down your intentions for the year, choose the one that feels like the right fit for you: 1) write a description of your year from the standpoint of January 1, 2010 including all the details of what has transpired during this year... be grateful in advance! 2) Write a bullet point-list of your intentions for the year in each of these 4 areas (spiritual, personal, financial and business). You can write your list on index cards putting one area of your life on a different card.
Once you complete this four step process, there is one last BONUS step to include with all of your writings. And, that is to write “this or something better” at the bottom of the paper. Because, as expansive as your intentions and vision for this year are, God/The Universe sees so much more for you. There are gifts waiting for you that you cannot begin to imagine. So, enjoy being clear and energized about this incredible year knowing that you also leave space for miracles to occur.
Put yourself in the right environment for those miracles to occur by getting your New Year in gear at The Freedom Formula Experience January 22-25. You'll walk out with a plan to make this your best and most fulfilling year ever... guar*anteed! www.TheFreedomFormula..com/experience
© 2008 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, best-selling author of The Freedom Formula, helps small business owners put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to discover how to integrate more spirit into YOUR business, then you’ll want to get my F-R-E-E_ CD, “The Top 3 Ways to Tap Into the Biggest Trend in Business Ever.” You can request this special CD by visiting www.FreeedomFormulaExperience.com.
For the past 6 years, my husband and I have always spent New Year’s Day clarifying and writing our intentions for the New Year. This ritual is a highlight of the year and one that continues to catapult growth on all levels, and help me fully prepare for the year... mentally, emotionally, practically and spiritually.
You’ve probably heard that the most powerful thing you can do to manifest your goals is to write them down! There is something about putting your goals in writing that begins to align the Universe to help you realize them (or something better).
The following four step process is one of my personal New Year strategies. I hope you’ll print this out and get started with your intentions today!
Step 1: Complete
The first step to setting clear intentions for the New Year is to feel complete with the events and experiences of the last year. To do this, simply reflect on the past year... beginning back in January. In your mind, run through the year noting the accomplishments, challenges, successes, growth, opportunities and gifts that you experienced. Once you’ve taken time to reflect on the past year, allow yourself to release anything that you may be hanging on to. Take several deep relaxing breaths as you envision completing the year and become fully present to this moment and all the potential that lies ahead for this year.
Step 2: Celebrate
Next, take out a pen and paper and write a list of everything you have to celebrate from the past year. Focus on all areas of your life, including spiritual (connection to God, meditation, spiritual practice, spiritual community, trust in Divine plan, etc.), personal (health, relationships, fulfillment, family, friends, community, love, etc.), financial (overall financial health, income, debt reduction, investments, money management, etc.), business (new strategies, marketing programs, joint ventures, products and services, client successes, gross income, profitability, support, etc.). Take time to complete your list thoroughly and review it to fully embrace your success and evolution this past year.
Step 3: Focus
Once you finish completing and celebrating, now become focused on all that you want to manifest this year. Simply create the picture of this coming year in your mind’s eye, getting a clear vision of what you intend to manifest and experience (don’t write anything down, yet... just envision it in your mind and feel it in your heart). Again, as you did in Step 2 “Celebrate”, be sure to include the areas of spiritual, personal, financial and business.
Step 4: Commit
The last step is to commit your intentions for the year by putting them in writing. This is the most powerful step of the journey; it’s the beginning of taking the vision in your mind and bringing it into reality. There are two different methods I recommend for writing down your intentions for the year, choose the one that feels like the right fit for you: 1) write a description of your year from the standpoint of January 1, 2010 including all the details of what has transpired during this year... be grateful in advance! 2) Write a bullet point-list of your intentions for the year in each of these 4 areas (spiritual, personal, financial and business). You can write your list on index cards putting one area of your life on a different card.
Once you complete this four step process, there is one last BONUS step to include with all of your writings. And, that is to write “this or something better” at the bottom of the paper. Because, as expansive as your intentions and vision for this year are, God/The Universe sees so much more for you. There are gifts waiting for you that you cannot begin to imagine. So, enjoy being clear and energized about this incredible year knowing that you also leave space for miracles to occur.
Put yourself in the right environment for those miracles to occur by getting your New Year in gear at The Freedom Formula Experience January 22-25. You'll walk out with a plan to make this your best and most fulfilling year ever... guar*anteed! www.TheFreedomFormula..com/experience
© 2008 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, best-selling author of The Freedom Formula, helps small business owners put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to discover how to integrate more spirit into YOUR business, then you’ll want to get my F-R-E-E_ CD, “The Top 3 Ways to Tap Into the Biggest Trend in Business Ever.” You can request this special CD by visiting www.FreeedomFormulaExperience.com.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Conscious Business: How to Shed Energetic Weight So Your Conscious Business Can Fly
Does your business ever feel “weighed down” to you? Like there’s something invisible holding it back from reaching its’ (and your) highest potential? This kind of “energetic weight” puts you and your business in a danger zone. And, often times it’s not what’s happening in your business that’s causing the sluggishness; it’s what’s happening in every other part of your life that’s affecting your business’ bottom-line.
If you want to reach your destination (your goals and dreams), you’ve got to identify the “weight” in your life and know how it energetically affects your conscious business. Once you do that, you can begin making the shifts necessary to release these energy drains and let the abundance and joy flow into your life, and your business.
There are two strategies I recommend to help you identify and release those things that are energetically holding you back.
Strategy #1: Take Inventory
One sure-fire way to help your business lift-off is to give yourself the gift of taking an “inventory.” No, this is not the time to count how many products you have ready to ship to customers; rather, this is the time to ask yourself questions that give you clarity on how your feelings, beliefs, stresses, circumstances and attitudes (about every part of your life) are affecting your business. Because, the truth is your business is a reflection of EVERY area of your life.
So, I invite you to begin asking yourself some of these questions. (If you haven’t gotten to it yet, my book The Freedom Formula, goes into a lot more detail on this process.) But, for now, you can begin by reflecting on these areas of your life:
Personal (health, relationships, family, recreation, hobbies, etc.)
Spiritual (faith, love, fulfillment, contribution, etc.)
Financial (gross revenues, expenses, net revenues, investments, savings, debt, etc.)
Business (mission, vision, products/services, operations, team, marketing, fulfillment, etc.)
Simply begin by reflecting on these areas and asking yourself these questions: 1) what is your current experience in that area; 2) what is your level of satisfaction and joy in that area; 3) what are your challenges in that area; and 4) what is your highest vision for that area of your life?
As you do this, be sure to keep in mind that you’re not looking at these areas to identify points of separation. Instead, you’re taking this inventory so you can find threads, themes, consistencies, unity and ultimately a fully integrated picture of your life. Because, it’s your integrated life that’s going to have the greatest impact on your business... that’s when you live in the FLOW, and manifest your desires with ease and with grace.
Strategy #2: Delegate
Another strategy that will help you shed energetic weight is to delegate the things on your to do list that don’t bring you joy. Why? Because when your “to do” list is filled with tasks you don’t enjoy, your energy drops... your frustration increases and the FLOW of everything good basically comes to a halt. On the other hand, when you do those things that bring you joy, you experience MORE joy, more love, more fulfillment, and more light as you feel more connected, more peaceful and more on purpose. Get the idea? It’s a snowball effect. Now, you may be asking yourself, can delegating really help you experience all this? And the answer is yes!
It’s easy to get started. Simply write down a list of everything you do and categorize your “to do” list according to these four categories: 1) don’t like doing; 2) love to do; 3) can be done later; and, 4) not worth doing at all. Once you have your list organized, start with the “delegate” list and identify at least three items you can hand off to someone else. And, use your newly found time to focus on the second category... things you LOVE to do! Then, notice how this shift helps to eliminate some of that “weight” you’ve been feeling in your business.
Using these two strategies (taking an inventory and delegating what you don’t enjoy) are two critical factors that’ll help you step into the abundant flow in your business. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how implementing these simple strategies will help you feel lighter in your business, more joyful in your life and more easily able to attract more of what you want. Once the energetic weight is gone, the good just keeps on coming!
© 2008 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, best-selling author of The Freedom Formula, helps small business owners put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to discover how to integrate more spirit into YOUR business, then you’ll want to get my F-R-E-E_ CD, “The Top 3 Ways to Tap Into the Biggest Trend in Business Ever.” You can request this special CD by visiting www.FreeedomFormulaExperience.com.
If you want to reach your destination (your goals and dreams), you’ve got to identify the “weight” in your life and know how it energetically affects your conscious business. Once you do that, you can begin making the shifts necessary to release these energy drains and let the abundance and joy flow into your life, and your business.
There are two strategies I recommend to help you identify and release those things that are energetically holding you back.
Strategy #1: Take Inventory
One sure-fire way to help your business lift-off is to give yourself the gift of taking an “inventory.” No, this is not the time to count how many products you have ready to ship to customers; rather, this is the time to ask yourself questions that give you clarity on how your feelings, beliefs, stresses, circumstances and attitudes (about every part of your life) are affecting your business. Because, the truth is your business is a reflection of EVERY area of your life.
So, I invite you to begin asking yourself some of these questions. (If you haven’t gotten to it yet, my book The Freedom Formula, goes into a lot more detail on this process.) But, for now, you can begin by reflecting on these areas of your life:
Personal (health, relationships, family, recreation, hobbies, etc.)
Spiritual (faith, love, fulfillment, contribution, etc.)
Financial (gross revenues, expenses, net revenues, investments, savings, debt, etc.)
Business (mission, vision, products/services, operations, team, marketing, fulfillment, etc.)
Simply begin by reflecting on these areas and asking yourself these questions: 1) what is your current experience in that area; 2) what is your level of satisfaction and joy in that area; 3) what are your challenges in that area; and 4) what is your highest vision for that area of your life?
As you do this, be sure to keep in mind that you’re not looking at these areas to identify points of separation. Instead, you’re taking this inventory so you can find threads, themes, consistencies, unity and ultimately a fully integrated picture of your life. Because, it’s your integrated life that’s going to have the greatest impact on your business... that’s when you live in the FLOW, and manifest your desires with ease and with grace.
Strategy #2: Delegate
Another strategy that will help you shed energetic weight is to delegate the things on your to do list that don’t bring you joy. Why? Because when your “to do” list is filled with tasks you don’t enjoy, your energy drops... your frustration increases and the FLOW of everything good basically comes to a halt. On the other hand, when you do those things that bring you joy, you experience MORE joy, more love, more fulfillment, and more light as you feel more connected, more peaceful and more on purpose. Get the idea? It’s a snowball effect. Now, you may be asking yourself, can delegating really help you experience all this? And the answer is yes!
It’s easy to get started. Simply write down a list of everything you do and categorize your “to do” list according to these four categories: 1) don’t like doing; 2) love to do; 3) can be done later; and, 4) not worth doing at all. Once you have your list organized, start with the “delegate” list and identify at least three items you can hand off to someone else. And, use your newly found time to focus on the second category... things you LOVE to do! Then, notice how this shift helps to eliminate some of that “weight” you’ve been feeling in your business.
Using these two strategies (taking an inventory and delegating what you don’t enjoy) are two critical factors that’ll help you step into the abundant flow in your business. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how implementing these simple strategies will help you feel lighter in your business, more joyful in your life and more easily able to attract more of what you want. Once the energetic weight is gone, the good just keeps on coming!
© 2008 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, best-selling author of The Freedom Formula, helps small business owners put soul in their business and money in the bank. If you want to discover how to integrate more spirit into YOUR business, then you’ll want to get my F-R-E-E_ CD, “The Top 3 Ways to Tap Into the Biggest Trend in Business Ever.” You can request this special CD by visiting www.FreeedomFormulaExperience.com.
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