What's playing in the Joyful Business studio office?

One of my own intentions I have on an Intention Alive card (part of the Joyful Business Guide system) is  "I love creating in my studio office!"  Since we moved into a new home this summer and now I have my own private space...I've set my intention that my office is creative, comfortable, spacious, light, delightfully professional, organized (this is a stretch), supports success and is inspiring!  Just changing the name from my home office to "my studio office" gives it some creative energy and pronounces it as a different kind of space.  I am collecting ideas, pictures, words, paint chips...I'm in the early process of gathering what it will look like when I dive in.

So...on this Friday night - I'm checking in with some of my favorite bloggers...new postings over at Escape from Cubicle Nation (Pam is 4 days away from child #3 so we may not hear from her for a while), Journal Revolution (talk about studio office material!), and of course, Beverly over at Embrace Your Gifts and Soar (how do you keep having so much fun in your office?!)!

While I'm roaming and reading on the net...what's playing in the Joyful Business Studio Office? (that's a mouthful - may have to work with it...any suggestions):

Rob Dickinson  Check out Rob's MySpace site and you can listen to 3 of my favorites off his latest album, Fresh Wine for Horses:  My Name is Love, Oceans, Intelligent People.  Rob used to be with The Catherine Wheel(which meant nothing to me, but my music lover of a husband is a fan). Anyway, hubby found out that this fellow Brit was playing last Friday night at a local restaurant down in town Atlanta.  He got creative and somehow we ended up going out to dinner for MY birthday to this restaurant so we could see/hear him sing. (sort of a backward present) Turned out I loved his guitar playing and passionate lyrics and vocals...

I just have to share another bit of music playing in my studio office, (and basement)..which is by my husband Marc.  He's a management consultant by day and groovy cellar musician by night!  Check out his latest song Desire on his My Space space.

Enjoy....

Laura

Join Us For A Joyful Business Journey

Join us on a seven month mastermind journey which will change your business forever!

This is the 4th teleclass program led by Laura West, CPCC, PCC and Gerina Gaffney, CPCC, AICI, CIP. If you are ready for greater success, more clarity and focus for what to do in your day, and you have a desire to enjoy the journey - then this is the class you have been looking for!  (see photo of a reunion of our first class!)

You'll be working with the law of attraction in your business on a daily basis and you'll savor the joy as you manifest more synchronicities, opportunities and successes in your business!

In this program:

You'll be with a mastermind community of like-spirited women business owners who all share a passion for creating meaningful and amazing success in their businesses!

You'll create with vision, practice the power of intention, and use attraction tools as you are planning and creating your business

You'll learn how to clearly use your gifts, strengths, passions and values and integrate them as you brand your business

We'll use the Joyful Business Guide™ system as you create your own personal inspiration plan (yes, you can finally say you have a business plan!) Use these fun, impactful, creative tools to help you harness the law of attraction in your life and business.

This program will tranform your relationship to your business and success!

Our past participants have created amazing vision stories which have changed the paths of their businesses forever! They have gained clarity about their ideal clients which has led tomore clients, more publicity, and more opportunities! One participant manifested her ideal dream house - even after being entrenched in the same home for 30 years! They have gained inspiration and motivation from having clarity about what's next in their business! The photo above shows a reunion of some of the participants of our very first class! See some of the testimonials here:

www.JoyfulBusinessJourney.com

Our next teleclass program starts November 8

Join before October 5 for the early bird discount!

More information at

www.JoyfulBusinessJourney.com

If you are ready to change your business forever - come join us!

Laura

Savor this one: Personal Development List of bloggers

Cafe Entrepreneur is thrilled to be a part of Priscilla Palmer's list of Personal Development blogs.  Priscilla tagged me earlier in the week to let me know she added us to the list.  Thanks so much!

I want to share this list with you all too. It's a weath of resources for your personal development in every area of your life. Check it out at Personal Development List.

It's also a bit like a big box of chocolates!  When you first open it there's so many choices.  Just take your time and savor a couple of bites. Take your time and check out a couple of blogs at a time.  I find that when I have some time on a Saturday afternoon and I'm just playing around on the computer this is a great list to explore.  It's also good to keep in those times of "energetic emergencies"....when you are feeling down, overwhelmed or blue...I have no doubt you could click on on of these blogs and find the perfect perspective to shift your thoughts.

If you like what you see add it to your blog list. I use bloglines for my favorite blogs. I can go to my bloglines account and see what's new from my favorite bloggers.

En-joy!!!

Laura

Signs of Growing Pains

One thing I have noticed this week is that there are signs my business is evolving to this next level of success - complete with it's own growing pains. I've noticed how many times I have had to say NO this week (rather "no thanks"). It's been fascinating as I much prefer to say yes. 

As your business grows you have to start saying "NO more frequently and YES more fully!" 

Saying no thanks so much this week has inspired me to look around and come up with a list of "5 Signs of Growing Pains".

Here they are...and I'm sure you can come up with some more of your own...

1. You have to come up with a policy for returns.  A great sign which means people are buying! Why is this a growing pain? Because people will test you, ask you in different ways if it applies to them, etc...and you have to decide as CEO of your business. It's up to you!

2. You get a lot of people who want you to link to their website and they aren't what you want to feature to your clients - so you have to say "No Thanks". A great sign which means that people are noticing you and you look like you've got "something good going on!"  And they just want a piece.  You also have to protect your client base. They trust you.

3. Everybody wants to talk to you.   When you start growing you start getting all sorts of inquires about talking, chatting, and meeting. It could consume your whole day.  Those who favor networking would say "hooray"! Those of us with a limited minutes before the bus comes screeching up the cul-de-sac say "Enough - send it to me in writing!"

4. You have to start scheduling appointments and lunches a month out. A friend of mine complained that scheduling a lunch date with me was like scheduling a dentist appointment because you have to schedule a month out. Well, she's right. I've noticed the same goes with all my successful gal friends - they are booked!  You have to get comfortable saying...I can't get with you until a couple of weeks. This one was hard for me. I was brought up on the mantra that you have to respond to people quickly.  Fast. Fast. Fast was the name of the game. What I've learned is that if I'm honest and up front then people will make up their own mind without getting too upset.  (It can actually make you look very attractive by being so un-obtainable! Not that you would do this one on purpose...)

5. You have to turn clients down. Yikes! What is this? Turn good clients down?  Yes. A growth pain is that you'll attract more clients than you can handle.  You'll have to get a plan - create a waiting list or set up a referral system to other trusted business owners. I received an email from a client one day and she said "Help! I keep having clients call and I'm having to turn them down because I'm full. What do I do? I feel so bad." I said "Congratulations! and sent her a list of 5 ways to create groups, products and referral programs. You can still help them but maybe just not with one-to-one services. (I'll have to find that email and share it with you!)

These can all be really great signs of tremendous growth in your business - the reason they can be a growth pain is because of the pain we have as we stretch into a new habit. We might not be used to having a policy, saying no, or saying I can't do it now - you'll have to wait. Just like when you first started your business and every time you did something new it took a while to get the hang of it and get comfortable- it just takes practice and before you know it you'll laugh at these "little growth pains" as they have faded and morphed into new and improved and bigger stretch marks!

Cheers to your growing pains!

Laura

Product Photography - more blog links and postings

As a Fairy Godmother over at the StartupPrincess blog, I posted a short article on "5 Strategies for Using Your Product Photos".  It's getting some great attention including a listing in the Coffee Break section over at <b> bold interactive. 

Thanks!

PS:  I love the idea of being a Fairy Godmother!  With two boys I don't get a chance to revel in pink too much!! It's great permission to play with other women entrepreneurs!

Laura

New Way to do "To Do" Lists

Does this look familiar to you?

This has been my constant companion for years - even during (especially during) my corporate days. As a business owner, as much as I love my business, I still found that I have a long list of "to do's". These long yellow lists always remind me that my work will never, ever be done. In many ways, it's comfortable.  I can breathe easy for a moment that I've captured the ideas and tasks and none will escape my attention! (well, that's what I think - whether I actually do all these is another matter) What typically happens is that the relief of capturing the tasks and ideas quickly turned into shallow breathing, feelings of overwhelm and "I'm doomed before I even begin"! Not a very good way of drumming up "joy energy"!

Over the years I finally evolved my daily strategies from the long yellow list to other type of tools that work for me a little better for me.

Now I use a combination of mind maps, sticky notes and index cards.

When I have several thoughts about a project I want to do I will start up a mind map to capture all the random ideas. I like the circular flow of the mind maps -it allows me to keep adding and adding in a contained way. Unlike the traditional yellow list that keeps going and going and going in a linear fashion.

When I have random ideas that don't fit in with a project then I write it on an index card. I have a stack of "ideas". That way I don't loose it - it's safe from my ever busy brain and I can breathe easy.

My biggest life savor are Daily Giggle Goals. They help me focus each day on what is important and help  me to remember to follow my energy.  I look over my mind maps or index cards and think about "What 3 things would I like to do today that would have me feel ever so delighted at the end of the day?"

This is a different way of deciding what to do. It's not tackling the "shoulds" or the "A" priorities from yesterday. This is about lining up your energy - right here, right now. This helps me to line up my energy around what is exciting for me that day or what will bring me joy after I do it (like making that dentist appointment). Then I keep it on my desk as a reminder during the day. Whenever I'm done with a call or come into my office from a break (like after doing a load of laundry or watching the humming birds for a few moments) then I can look at my Daily Giggle Goals and say...ah yes...that's what I want to do next.  It feels really, really good to check off the three things on my list. I actually feel successful!! (as opposed to the long yellow list which never is completely checked off!)

You'll notice on my Daily Giggle Goals cards I also have an area for the universe. Each day I write down 3 things I would love help with from the universe. It's usually things like...help me with writing flow, add some fun and play into my day, or show me the money!  I'm amazed at how the universe works...it's always here to provide for my well-being (just shows up differently than I expect sometimes!). It really is a great reminder that the universe is set up for your well-being. It's not out to get you or beat you down. If you ask for good stuff and pay attention, the good stuff shows up! Working with the universe like this on a daily basis is a great way to build up your faith and trust!

If you like these Daily Giggle Goal cards I've included them in my Joyful Business Guide system.  These are just one of the daily tools you get to help you run your business with greater ease, focus and joy!

For more information:  Click here to check out the Joyful Business Guide

Here's to wishing you lots of giggles of success today!

Laura

Top Ten Tips for Being A Joyful Entrepreneur

I wrote this article a year or two ago and it's still a popular favorite.  (I thought I would share it again plus it gives me a chance to use this fun photo - finally! Yep that's a file cabinet in the woods along the Chattahoochee river! One of our favorite spots to go kayaking from.)

Top Ten Tips for Being A Joyful Entrepreneur

A JOYFUL entrepreneur? I know it's more popular to think of entrepreneurs as "haggard," working hard and hustling to make their mark. But you can have a successful business with ease. It can, and should, be fun.

We define a "Joyful Entrepreneur" as one who enjoys and takes ownership of his/her business (whether he owns it or is working for someone else), one who utilizes her strengths and passions and creates a life she loves.

Top Ten Tips for Joyful Entrepreneurship (whether you are a Joyful Entrepreneur or strive to be one)

1. Create a really juicy and compelling vision. A goal by itself is flat and lifeless without a vision. Spend time making that goal come alive by imagining what it will be like when you have accomplished your goals. Make it compelling, real, fun, and personal to you and your life. This is what gets you excited about taking action to make a goal happen!

For example, I am writing a digital workbook called, "Package Your Passion – Expand Your Business with Workshops and Teleclasses." If I focus on the goal of getting it done, and then I think of where is the time going to come from to write this, what kind of technology should I use... I end up getting bogged down in the "hows" and don't make any progress.

On the flip side, if I think about how good it will feel to have an eBook completed - I feel excited. I imagine myself being thrilled to have a way of offering value to people who want to tap into my coaching and marketing expertise. The thought of recurring revenue feels really good and effortless, too (as opposed to coaching 40 – 50 clients). The thought of more revenue makes me think of how many more people I will be able to reach with my message, and I feel like I'm making a contribution in the world that feels really authentic. Can you see and feel how more alive that sounds? I'm ready to stop writing this newsletter and get to work on the book!

2. Your home is the foundation for business growth. If your home environment - your house, your relationships, bill paying, chores - are in chaos or are dysfunctional, then it's constantly in the back of your mind, sucking away your creativity and energy.

Decide now to take care of those things to provide a clear foundation for your mind. What can you do take care of it? Automate bill paying, get a maid (in my case, I found a housekeeper who will actually take care of the house and cook us a home-cooked meal twice a week. I can’t tell you how freeing that makes me feel!) Ask a friend to come over and help you organize your junk drawers or clear clutter. Taking the time to take care of your home and life will free your mind to focus on things other than what's not working or draining your energy.

3. Work from your Strengths. Know what you are good at and what you enjoy doing and then PLAN that into your business. Don't plan to send out a weekly ezine if you hate to write. This is the key to building a sustainable business and enjoying life - build on what you enjoy, and the rest comes naturally.

4. Get help before you need it. It's easier to get to the next level of success in your business and enjoyment in your life if you have help. The issue isn't about whether or not you can do a particular task. It's about whether that's the best place for you to spend your time. The question becomes...Does this increase my energy? Am I excited to do this particular thing? Or, does it feel like a "have to"? Look for ways to redesign those activities - let go of it, delegate, trade services, or hire someone to help.

Spend time thinking about the ideal partner for the help you need. Don't wait until it's crisis mode and you're forced to make quick decisions. If you can tell your business is going through a growth spurt or getting ready to grow, think about what will help make this growth successful. Think about getting help from an assistant (real or virtual) to handle the small administrative duties, someone to update your website, or market your business. This takes pressure and time off of you, freeing you to keep the growth going and spending time with your new clients and ideas.

5. Know your Process. What are the steps you take your clients through to achieve success? It probably comes so naturally to you that you don't even realize that it's a process. Start noticing the steps. This becomes your unique process. It's a lot easier to sell a process than it is to sell coaching or consulting. People want to know the road map - what to expect from a relationship with you - and they want to have confidence that you know what you're doing. Being able to articulate your process for achieving results does just that!

6. Package your program. Get creative about your services. Don't just offer your services like everyone else in your field. Spend some time thinking about how you can creatively package your services. Maybe you offer a variety of packages vs. one price. For example, if you are a coach - offer 3 levels of time or even offer a bulk package. I offer a HeartStorming Package for successful entrepreneurs who just need a chunk of time to brainstorm how to market their service business authentically. It's 3 hours of time over 3 months - however they want to use the time is up to them.

7. Just Take Action. Getting into action is a sure way to get feedback and move you out of a funk (we all have those!) or help you move from indecision. As soon as you take a step, you'll quickly gain some clarity - you'll discover that you like where you're heading, that it feels right, that maybe you need help, or even that it's not what you really want (so you can let go of the idea).

8. Focus Your Energy. Many entrepreneurs are great business people because they have so many ideas! It can be a gift or a curse! Just because you have an idea doesn't mean you have to do it. Pick and choose. Do what you do well and what you love to do, and let go of the rest (or at least say…"No, not now.") I recently took a hiatus from writing for a local newspaper. I love the people and the mission of the paper, but it was causing me stress because I didn't have the time to really commit to writing an article each month on a deadline. I chose to devote my time to writing for my ezine and products. It's empowering to choose!

9. Enroll Others in Your Vision. Share your vision with your spouse, partner, friends, family, and other colleagues. Consider starting a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who can share, validate and brainstorm for each other. It's powerful to share what's going on in your business and your life. You'll receive validation, ideas, inspiration, and most of all, the support from those who believe in what you're up to.

10. Excel and Enjoy. Get a coach - Your business will grow faster if you have someone who is devoted to your success. You'll enjoy life and your business more if you build it on a solid knowledge of yourself - what makes you tick, what drives you, what are your typical obstacles and what works to get you over the hurdles, what are your passions, etc. A coach will help you navigate the waters of your personal growth journey to build a business that is successful wrapped in a life you love!