Sneak Preview: The Joyful Business Guide

Have you ever considered creating a product to sell online for your business? I've had lots of business owners who want support and knowledge, and yet they aren't in a place where they can afford individual coaching. And since I only take a limited number of clients, sometimes there isn't room on my calendar for more indivudal work. This is where a product comes in.

As you've heard me and many others say...with a product you can be making sales while you sleep. It gives your clients options and it gives you options as well.

Well, I've been working on a new product and I'm really excited to give you a little peek!!  I am really jazzed about it. It's called the Joyful Business Guide system. This is for all those business owners who want a business plan but really have zero desire to create a traditional spreadsheet-filled boring plan.  This is colorful, creative, easy, simple and very inspirational!  Sounds like a heck of a lot more fun, doesn't it? 

One of my mottos is that if it's fun then you are more likely to do it!  And that's half the battle for a business owner in getting into aligned action.

The Joyful Business Guide system is essentially a program of how I use Law of Attraction in my business, how I tap into the creative flow, manage my energy, and keep focused on what it is I want to create in my business and life. It's about how I want the experience of my life to be (which is typically easy, creative and fun!).

Here is a sneak preview of the cover as it is evolving. (Please note: it's not final. It's just to share the process with you)

For the first time ever, I have pulled together all of my practices for creating your dream business and life. My life is evidence of being in the flow of abundance and love, and just feeling so blessed everyday that I get to do this type of work with amazing people!

Here's another peek at the "system". Because I need to constantly be inspired, I took the book cover  and cut it up and pasted it onto various products that will be included in the system: binder, inspirational companion guide, deck of cards, a portable business guide, CD's.  The final version all won't look like this at all but I sure do get inspired to keep taking steps when I look up at my bulletin board and see this photo!!

As I have created this system, which has taken about 6 months so far, I have stretched my capabilities again and again, grown my confidence in my capacity of authentic business practices, and intensified my clarity and my conviction about what my gifts are and how they can truly make a difference in the world. (More about how a Joyful Business Guide can change the world in a future blog)

As you are creating what's next for you in your business, here are some wisdom nuggets from my journey so far. I hope they will be of some help to you as you move forward with your creative projects:

1. Baby Steps!  Itty, bitty, baby steps. Break down your actions into these "micromovements" as SARK likes to call them. Don't worry about all the steps - they will come. When I start thinking about "how am I going to do THAT" and it's several steps down the road - I just let go. Do what's in front of you and then listen to what is next.

2.  Have champions - this is really important!  Get a coach, enroll your husband, co-create with colleagues and friends so that you have full permission to celebrate each step along the way (not just the finished product). I have all of these different types of champions!  I have a small group of friends who have seen all of my creation all the way through - and they are all over the US and Canada!  I email them each time I get another piece finished, I ask for feedback on graphic ideas, or I celebrate and revel in how each step leads perfectly to the next step. (Thank you Thea, Teresa, Marcy, Michele, Sherean, Andrea, and of course, Marc!)

3. Have faith in yourself and the universe around you.  Look at what is in front of you. What is right in front of you to do? The energy you will gain from doing this action will give you energy and ideas for the next action. Have faith that as you take a step, the next step will be illuminated. The universe will provide the next resource, person, money, time, idea, or question which needs to be answered.

4. Bring in the big guns as far as self care!  This takes on many forms. I  get tight shoulders and neck muscles when I'm on the computer for long periods of time so the chiropractor and massages have became a must! Walks to get fresh air. I started taking responsiblity for my body and making sure I was feeding it well, taking supplements, and I even found a wonderful medical intuitive who pointed me in the direction of additional supplements for energy and healing upset stomaches (which I'm prone to when I'm stressed and/or extremely excited!).  I also encourage you to find help in busting limiting beliefs. Depending on my need, I use self-exercises of EFT, Heart of the Beast, and exercises from Abraham-Hicks.  I also work with reiki and energy workers. And, I highly recommend the Miracle Project - both to launch a project and to receive clearings on blocked energy.

The Joyful Business Guide is set for a pre-launch on March 15. If you would like to be notified of the details, visit our web page and complete the quick sign up form so we can keep you informed.

In the flow,

Laura

 

How To Create Your Own Creative Bagel Time!

OK, you've asked for it, here it is...the nitty, gritty details about....Creative Bagel Time!

You've probably heard me talk about this. Each morning I head out to a cafe somewhere nearby and start my day with a bit of reflection time, which I call Creative Bagel Time (cbt for short). It has become a life changing and business enhancing structure for me.

I've been surprised at how many people want to know the details...what do I do, what do I bring, what do I wear, ...do I really eat bagels everyday?

So, here goes, I'm spilling it all!  And use these ideas to create your ritual - doing it the way that will truly inspire you!

First of all, put it in your schedule. Pick a day of the week and for one month plan (as in write it in your planner/palm/berry) to start out your morning at a cafe. Start with one day each week.

Ok, now what to wear? I have to admit I dress for myself. I call it "Creative Casual".  I might dress up a little funky and fun or wear my heeled boots! Another day I'm in jeans and a fun coral colored suede jacket! (working with an Image Consultant was a life saver for morning no-brainers in selecting clothes I love and look good in! Check out www.AICI.org for a consultant in your area!)  I also check in with my energy and my plans for the day and dress accordingly. Do I need a boost in my energy? If yes, I don't slouch into a sweatshirt - I give my energy a flourish in my clothes or accessories!

I know for some home based entrepreneurs you might be saying...so what's the point of working at home if I have to get dressed? I have to tell you - I dress to feel good!  And it shows! I meet lots of people everywhere I go - I'm dressed as though I'm engaged in life and that's attracting to people.

Ok, now that we have that taken care of the next step is to pack your bag. Which bag?  A bag that  can hold a host of inspiration! I  bought this fun bag at Swoozies, a store here in Atlanta.  Again, the point is to make YOU smile. So whatever type of bag makes you smile.

What to put into the inspirational bag?  Well, it's like you are packing for a mini-retreat.  I always pack more than I need since I don't know what I'll be in the mood for once I get there.

Some suggestions:

Books - whichever book you are reading - something inspirational, creative or relaxing. Just to read a few pages as you get started. After all, you are going to a cafe to soak up energy too. My favorites at the moment: The Scarcity Trance by Victoria Castle, Living Artfully by Sandra Magsman; True Balance by Sonia Choquette; Wisdom's Choice by Kathleen Shapiro - I bring one just depending on my mood.

Magazines - Bring your favorite and browse through for inspiration. A few of my favorites: Motto, O, Body and Soul, Time, and Fast Company.

Journal - One that makes you smile. Find a type of journal which you enjoy writing in. I personally prefer 5x8 spiral bound - no lines. They are a bit hard to find with no lines. So, I settle for a Moleskin (thanks Hemingway) on occasions when I'm in a more formal mood, and inexpensive spiral bound for everyday.  I want my journals to lie flat - there's nothing worse than not really being able to write on the pages of a journal because it won't open all the way. By the way, here is a reason to get out those beautiful journals people have given you - YES you can write in them! That's what god created them for...to capture your inner self. (PS: you can even be messy and no one will care!) (More about what to write coming up...)

Pens, Felt-tip Markers - I love markers! I love the way they write so smoothly. Lots of colors  depending on my mood. They just flow on the paper so easily - I swear it helps the ideas to just tumble out when your pen flows. I love to have colors to make my journal or ideas come to life. I'm not an artist but using different colors makes me feel creative (and that's half the battle -yes?) I keep a little zipper pouch full of markers ready-to-go!

Ezines, web stuff - I print things off during the day and save it in a pile for my CBT (creative bagel time). I write all over other ezines about my own thoughts and ideas, different perspectives, circle websites to check out, etc..

Laptop - sometimes.  I'll bring it along when I know I want to write a specific piece and need to be out of my office for the flow to happen. Everyone is a little different here. I find that I like to go out and get inspired and come back and write.  There is something really special about starting the day writing by hand - it's such a visceral experience.

Large notebook with blank paper - This is for my heart maps - brainstorming - when I have an idea flash and I just have to swirl and twirl it out....

Where to go? Any local bakery, cafe, restaurant. Again, check in with your energy and your needs. Do you want delicious coffee? Chai Tea? Maybe you want a full breakfast? Some cafes are lighter, darker, happier, calmer, busy and the food fare is very different depending on your taste for the day...check out an earlier posting about selecting a cafe.

Sometimes, I pick up a newspaper, USA Today, Wall St. Journal or one of my favorite monthly issues  of Skirt. I'm amazed at the inspiration and ideas I find in these papers that will kick start my journaling.

Now - what to write?

You can write anything of course, but to point you in a few directions:

Synchronicities - this is a favorite of mine. I write them everyday. My world (and yours) is full of amazing things that happen. Phone calls, chance meetings, surprising websites, emails that contain exactly the right information you were looking for.  I write down when things go "surprisingly easy" since I love to notice that and let it happen more often! This "practice" can be life-shifting!  When you start noticing, tracking, writing down evidence that the universe is conspiring for your well-being - you will truly start to believe it. It will erase any doubts and support you in being more confident!

Gratitude - another form of appreciation is to write a gratitude list. Just notice all the things you are grateful for in this moment....warm beds, sunny husbands, cooperative children, laughs, hot coffee, French Toast Bagels, ...your heart has an electromagnetic field 50 times greater than your brain.....gratitude and appreciate expand that loving energy.....imagine as you are writing that you are spreading love all around the cafe to everyone who comes in....now that's a way to start a day!

Follow Julia Cameron's advice from The Artist's Way. She recommends writing Morning Pages - 3 pages nonstop. I swear by this advice. Always, always by the end of the 2nd page I will tap into my inner wisdom and some brilliant thought,or an idea or aha will surface.  Even if I struggle at the beginning to write something, as long as I keep going, my 3rd page will have some juicy insight or idea!

Write all the terrible things that have happened over the last couple of days. Yep!  (Thanks George J. for this insight!) You will probably notice that most things aren't that bad and it's just your expectation that they should happen sooner or in a certain way that made everything so darn frustrating!

Heart Maps - this is my version of free flowing, no-rule mind map. I take a top o-mind topic - maybe it's a topic for my blog or an ezine, maybe it's a program idea....it could be ideas for a birthday party or summer camp planning for your kids. Put a topic in the middle of the page (maybe even turn your journal sideways!!). Draw lines out like spokes on a bicycle (it's ok to be squiggly and messy!) and then put one thought or step about the center topic. For example, if I'm thinking about the CD recordings I'm doing. I'll put that in the middle (inside a quickly drawn heart) and then draw spokes out to different topics related to this.... Who to interview? Editing? Write a recording agreement - Getting them transcribed - Pulling the Juice from each one., etc......Then I just write bullets underneath each topic of what I know or what I need to know. Play with ideas for your own ezine, blog or program. You don't have to write things in order, the idea is to get you out of your linear "in-the-box" thinking and just let your thoughts free-flow. You will be surprised at what you know.

Lastly, I end with my Giggle Goals for the day and of course Giggle Goals for the Universe (see my previous posting for more info).

Do I do all this every single day? Not usually. I definitely notice and write synchronicites and my Giggle goals....the rest all depend on my mood and energy.

What's the benefit? My energy is up. I am inspired. I'm grounded. I'm focused on what's important to me in the day. I usually have kickstarted my creativity with one of these activities - which is a must for any business owner. I'm filled with the energy of people enaged in life around me, sometimes I have great ideas spun out into real possibilities, so I'm full of enthusiasm to get them going. Minimal - I'm just relaxed and happy that I got out and I don't feel so alone as a SOLO-preneur!

Enjoy and let me know how it goes!  I would love to hear your stories about your CBT experierences.

Laura

The Secret revealed on Oprah!

You may have heard "The Secret" already! It seems to be everywhere~ (hmm, the secret is certainly being spread around!)

In case you missed Oprah last week or Larry King back in December, or if you just can't get enough - I would love to share with you a little more about it.

"The Secret" is a DVD about the Law of Attraction.  It's a philosophy, a way of thinking, being and doing. Rhonda Byrne is the Australian who explores this captivating and empowering universal law in the program she created called "The Secret". It's a high-quality production and it gives you a lot to think about. She also interviews well known practitioners of the Law of Attraction principles such as Dr. Michael Beckwith (who I believe speaks from his soul every time he opens his mouth!), Jack Canfield, James Ray and Lisa Nichols. 

It is a great introduction and reminder of the basic principles to live by. In the simplest version - "Like attracts like". That is....what you think about, believe in and guides you in your action, is what you will attract more of in your life and business. 

Last week these folks were all featured on Oprah. I was so excited (as were many coaches around the world), not only to hear these folks, but also because we all know - if Oprah talks about something on her show then the world pays attention! Oprah shares how she has been using these principles for years.

I will warn you that the DVD does really play up that this is finally being revealed and has been buried for centuries....ok, all that is a little much for my taste, and I still like the principles and it's a great way to reinforce this way of thinking and believing and acting.  I'm all for structures (like books, movies, cards, games, websites, and ezines) that reinforce this universal principle.  I know many of you were raised like me - many of us grew up being immersed in a philosophy where you believe that only other people deserve and will achieve great success and prosperity, and only others will be able to live a life of their dreams.  Well, that's a tease about why my business is called "joyful" - it's a structure to remind me that what I think about all the time is what I attract!

Back to Oprah and friends....and The Secret!  A special gift for you - I took notes!  I want to share my notes with you so you can get the juice of the program! Here you go!

Notes about The Secret on Oprah (along with my own comments):

• What you think about all the time - what you think about deep in the core of your being is what you attract into your life and business. "It's like you are placing an order with the Universe!"
• We may say we want something, or act in a certain way, but our unconscious fears, worries and stress keep it at bay.  You can shift things in your life by simply bringing it to your awareness.  (note from Laura: this means track those synchroncities, write in your gratitude journal - what you focus on is what you will let out in yourself and attract in your life. These simple techniques will help you heighten your awareness.)
• The intention of "The Secret" creators:  To bring joy into the lives of all who touch it! (Laura: don't you love that!! I agree wholeheartedly with that intention!)
• Focus on what you want, not on what you don't want!  Ex:  Instead of focusing on "being out of debt" - focus on "Creating Financial Freedom".  If you are obsessing about "getting out of debt" then the universe serves you up more opportunities to 'get out of debt".  If you take action toward getting out of debt and then let go worrying about it and instead switch your awareness and focus to "Creating Financial Freedom" you are aligning your thoughts, feelings and awareness to that happening. (Laura: I made this switch about 1 year ago. I realized that I was focused on "It's never enough" when it came to money.  And yet, I always seem to have enough money. I finally realized that I was doing this by tracking how many times I woke up at 3am worrying about money!  The thing was I had enough. I finally realized and accepted that I do have enough and it might come in other ways than me making $1million at my business. By letting in and accepting other ways of prosperity coming to me, I starting allowing more prosperity to come to me.)

Steps for Law of Attraction:

• Visualize what you really want -(Laura: think about it, marinate in it, create Vision Boards, talk about it, keep it alive!)
• Feel it - as though it has already happened - (Laura:  What does it feel like to have achieved this thing you want to do, or to be this person you want to be?  There is a piece inside you - even if it's a little teeny, weeny piece inside you, that knows what it feels like. Let that grow.)
• Allow it in - (Laura: This sounds so easy! And it's actually the hardest part for many of us.  We are all full of limiting beliefs, self sabotaging habits that pull us away from what we want. They close off the tap to the faucet of abundance.  Look for programs, books, teachers, coaches who can help you expose the limiting beliefs so you can allow your natural well-being and abundance to flow to you. It's kind of like ordering room service and then putting a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door!)

And the 4th step: 

• Take Inspired Action - (Laura: In the video they don't play this step up very much. It sounds a bit like visualize and feel it and you will receive it. The thing is we have to decide to pull our chair up to the buffet the universe has created for us and pick up the knife and fork to eat! You have to take action. On Oprah, the speakers all talked about being quiet, having time to listen to the universe/spirit/inner wisdom/intuition - then take action that is aligned and inspired.)

• Create rituals that will keep your vision alive! Parts of your mind do not know the difference between imagination and reality. Create a story board collage showing pictures, words, colors, people - that represent your vision. (Laura: I've held several visioning workshops and do this myself and with clients. It's very powerful! I had a chiropractic client who said to me that she just found her vision board that we did with her office 3 years ago - everything came true!!  You hear this story a lot around vision boards.)
• Let go of old wounds, old stories. Forgive others. Forgive yourself.  Don't let the past dictate your future. (Laura: Again, Simple to say. You can do it and you have to commit to doing it.)
• Lisa Nichols to a woman in the audience:  "Claim your birthright as a woman, as a mother, and as a person!" (Laura: I just love that woman!)
• A great saying to practice when something happens you don't like:  "Thank you for giving me that experience. What is the lesson I need to learn here?" (Laura: This is one of the reasons I highly endorse journaling on a daily basis. It's the only way I can consistently spin out situations and see what I need to learn.)
• Until I fall in love with myself things in my life (and business) won't shift. "I am the first example of how to love me!" (Laura: Very powerful. Easy for us to forget - especially for many women, as we are brought up to give first. I love the idea of teaching others how to love us!)
• We are constantly releasing our gifts, talents and capacities from inside ourselves. As we grow we continue to release.
• Energy goes where the attention flows!
• Are you ready to claim what you really want?!
• Today I choose to give myself the best life ever!

I hope you enjoyed the notes and find them useful!

With love and gratitude,

Laura

Joyful Business Sighting!

The Center for Joyful Business went on the road!  To Mississippi!

I led a group of amazing women entrepreneurs in a workshop to create their own Joyful Business Guide - a heart-based business guide.  It was an truly transforming experience.  They let go of their  old ideas of traditional plans and what owning a business means. They each developed and shared a vision story of their business and life that brought each of us to tears as we shared our most inner dreams of what we want and who we want to be while it's all happening. These women are so talented and generous and now are they ever commited to their businesses!

More to come as the Joyful Business Guide launches soon, meanwhile....

Read a couple of comments from the participants in the workshop

From Stacy Wills, Magic Mom and Her Mandalas, www.Mandalasbyswills.com  (Be sure to go to Stacy's website and check out her beautiful mandalas - she has original works, prints and gorgeous notecards!)

"I cannot say enough good things about you and the Creating Your Joyful Business Guide Workshop! The entire workshop experience was totally empowering, inspiring and affirming.

Not only do you have a very special gift for helping women dream bigger dreams for themselves and their businesses, but you gave us terrifically useful tools and fun, creative, bite-sized steps we can easily put into practice to help make those dreams come true.

Participating in your workshop has increased my excitement and expectancy about the future of my business. The synchronicity I experienced before and during the workshop was truly amazing - total confirmation that I was indeed in the right place at the right time with the right people!

Thank you laura for creating and presenting such a fantastic, life-changing workshop - I can and will recommend it to others wholeheartedly!

From Carol Baker, Ducks In A Row personal organizer:

"What I love most was the shift I got during the workshop! It hit me that one huge missing piece which is why I stayed confused, was my lack of commitment that this is a real business. Now I am commited to shaping this business into its potential. I really get how this is a life enhancing business for my clients, me and my family!"

Watch for more coming about products, workshops and teleclasses to create your heart-based business guide and claiming success in your business - your way!

Laura

First Sale of Book!

As you may have read in previous blog postings, I am thrilled to be a part of the new book, The Spirit  of Women Entrepreneurs!

If you love reading this blog then you'll enjoy my chapter, "Does Your Business Plan Make You Smile?"

Big thanks to my mastermind partner, Thea Sheldon, for so lovingly sending me a check and being the first purchaser! What's doublely joyful is about this is that Thea had just opened  her offcial business checking account. (You know how so many of us use personal accounts in those first few years!) I was the first person to recieve one of her "big girl checks"!  I just love how we celebrate with each other!

It was also wonderful to wake up after publishing my last ezine and see my first online sale of the book!  Now I know what they mean when they say "Make money while you sleep!"  That does feel good!

To read more about the book or purchase your own copy click here: The Spirit of Women Entrepreneurs.

Cheers to your "first sales" celebrations!

Laura