Does Your Money Sign Say “Do Not Disturb”?

You’re set and ready to grow your small business: you’ve packaged your product and service offerings, your marketing strategies are rolling out, and you’re excited about the transformation you’re going to help your clients achieve.

And yet, you feel stuck. The money isn’t coming fast enough. You don’t even want to admit this, because “it’s not about the money” – so you hesitate to acknowledge how frustrated you really are. What in the world is wrong here?

It’s possible that your “money sign” – or the money vibration you’re putting out in the world – might be saying “Do Not Disturb.”

I compare this to being in a hotel room. You say, “I’m starving!” and order room service – but then you put out your “Do Not Disturb” sign. No wonder the things you want – the right clients, satisfying work, and yes, MONEY – aren’t rolling in the door!

You’re caught in the “yes but no.”

Money is an area that challenges many small business owners, especially women. You may feel that it’s wrong to mention money, as if it’s taboo. You might avoid talking about how much you make, perhaps you hide purchases or even lie to yourself about how much you’ve spent.

Somehow, you’ve forgotten the most important money principle:

Receiving money is a signal that you are being of service to the world.

In fact, receiving more money is a signal that you are being of more service! I often remind my coaching clients that whether you are reaching more people or charging more for your services, receiving money is another type of energetic exchange demonstrating that you are sharing your gifts in the world. Any mindset that has you believe that receiving money is wrong, bad or you are being too big… only holds you small and has you keep your gifts to yourself. Remember that the world works on the idea of creative expansion. Open up and allow in the flow!

Is it possible you’ve hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door of your small business? What areas of your business may be sending these signals to potential clients? Is it easy to work with you? Are you excited about what you offer, but hesitate to charge enough to support a growing and sustainable business? What do your customers ask for that you don’t currently offer? Where is your courage to package your passion. 

En-JOY!

Laura

If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog please feel free to do as long as you include our credit information: Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business, http:/www.joyfulbusiness.com I would also appreciate it if you'd send us a copy for our media files. ©Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Laura West is an award-winning online entrepreneur and president of The Center for Joyful Business. If you are ready to shift your marketing and mindset for more success with joy and ease, get your free report: Business Attraction Success Kit

40 Days/40 Nights with the Magical Morelli’s

Wow!  This is a remarkable week – filled with all sorts of programs from some of my colleagues that I can’t wait to tell you about.  I usually don’t promote other people’s programs as much but I truly feel like you’d be missing out if I didn’t share this one!

I have discovered Kristin & David Morelli’s – I call them the Magical Morelli’s because they make me smile. The are all about energy and prosperity.  In fact they have an amazing radio show called Everything is Energy.  This week they are having a preview call about their Quantum Leap Wealth and Energy program. 

Now I’m not big on any ‘ole “wealth program” but this couple is all about the energy of money and wealth. It’s so in alignement with the message of Joyful Business that you’ll want to try to be on the call.

Click here to join the call on Wed, April 22 at 8pm est.  (I’ll be there! )  They will be previewing their energy program called 40 Days/40 Nights and I’ll tell you that I’ve already joined it!

Here is a video to get a feel of their style and personality. They are very fun, very real and love what they talk about.

Grab your spot by clicking here!

En-JOY!
Laura

Does This Limiting Belief Resonate With You?

Over 450 heart-centered entrepreneurs signed up to learn about shifting their resistance to marketing and limiting beliefs about marketing - that tells me a lot!

Yesterday I led a teleclass with a delightful and talented colleague, Stacey Mayo, also known as the Dream Queen. We had a packed house on the call! We received emails afterward with joyful business owners sharing how "unjoyful" marketing can be for them and how excited they are to be shifting their limiting beliefs.

I know this happens for many of you as a heart-centered entrepreneur! Every time I stretch into a new level of growth in my business I have to make sure my own energy is aligned with my authentic marketing efforts or they'll fall flat and I'll get frustrated.

On the call we talked about the 5 Most Common Limiting Beliefs that will have you play small in  your marketing.  They get a hold of you and you ...don't make the call, hesitate on standing out and being different, and stay in confusion - this limits your results - i.e. low visibility, few clients and not nearly enough income!

Would you like to know the Most Common Limiting Beliefs? See if they sound familiar...

1. "I'm not good enough"
2. "I'm afraid to focus my marketing on one ideal client because I might leave someone out"
3. "It's not perfect yet" (meaning you won't launch your product, service, website, etc...because you're waiting on "perfect")
4. "What will other people think?"
5. "Marketing is too hard/confusing"
6. Bonus! "I don't have the money to spend on marketing"

If any of these limiting beliefs resonate with you, or you are feeling frustrated because you're not getting the results from your marketing that you desire or are yearning to attract more and better paying clients, you will want to join us for our upcoming 3-part teleseminar series. This class starts next week so don't delay.

"Own Your BIG SELF"

Align with Your Greatness so You Can
Make A Bigger Impact, Attract More Clients
and Charge More Money

We will be working on shifting these beliefs and stepping into your big authentic self!

Registrations started pouring in while we were on the free preview call but you can still get in on the program and SAVE if you register by this Friday! www.joyfulbusiness.com/bigself

Remember decisiveness pays off when it comes to your business! You can't decide to "Own Your Big Self" and then back off. You've heard me say ..."If you have scatter energy the universe delivers scattered results". Now is the time to step in...

We are so excited with the caliber of great entrepreneurs that will be joining us. Go here to learn all the details and register: www.joyfulbusiness.com/bigself

We look forward to hearing you in class and supporting you in Owning Your Big Self!

En-JOY!

Laura

Kathleen Ann of Australia interviews Laura West - Business Attraction in Action

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Kathleen Ann of Power Up Your Marketing, and from Sydney, Australia.  Kathleen is a real attraction marketing fan and a generous spirit!

Here is a copy of our interview for your listening pleasure.  The topic - one of my favorites - Business Attraction in Action!

Listen Now:

You can also checkout Kathleen Ann and her resources at her website for Power Up Your Marketing!

En-JOY!

Laura

Are You Dressing with Intention?

A good friend of mine, Evana Maggiore, author of Fashion Feng Shui, talks about women entrepreneurs dressing with intention.  She suggests that you need to know your  "essential energy" - your authentic natural style - and then identify what is your "intentional energy" - what is the intention you want to communicate, .

This came to mind recently when it snowed in Atlanta. Yes snowed - for ONE whole day we made snowmen!  I was all snuggled inside reading my People magazine -oops! Yes, I confess I really enjoy my "who's who" and "who's wearing what!"  I was reading the issue with Michelle Obama and it struck me that while most of the country was having a winter snow storm there she was on the cover in a beautiful pink summer-like dress. Isn't it still winter in Washington, I thought?   We're talking "no-sleeves"  tank style. (I know you men are like...what is the relevant point here? Bear with me...) 

It really struck me that she was setting "intentional energy"...she was dressing for spring and summer...lighter times.....the time of hope, renewal, new possibilities and enjoyment!  I have no doubt that this was very intentional on her part or the Obama marketing department - can you just hear them chatting about this? "What should Michelle wear for her cover photo to set the message of hope and prosperity? Oh, you know they have this conversation!")

It's really smart marketing if you ask me. I felt it. I wanted it to be spring and all that magical possibility energy that goes with it.

And if you want to read more about Intentional Energy - read my story about my Magic Wealth Bag! ;)

You can also read my related note - more about Michelle & Oprah.

En-JOY!
Laura

PS: Although I suppose it could just be peri-menopause! Or...showing off her great biceps!

Embrace Your Authentic Marketing Style to Double Your Income & Impact!

Specially Designed For Heart-Centered Entrepreneurs:
Coaches, Consultants, Authors, Speakers and Healers

For the first time – these two attraction mavens , Stacey Mayo, Center for Balanced Living, and Laura West, Center for Joyful Business, collaborate to bring you a special Free Teleclass!

March 18, 1 pm Eastern

Embrace Your Authentic Marketing Style
And Double Your Income & Impact!

 

• Does your soul cringe when you think about marketing the way some of the well-known experts do?
• Perhaps you are working hard on your marketing, doing what others seem to be doing, but not seeing the results that you think you should?
• Maybe you are hiding out, reluctant to let people see your real passion?
• Or you have ideas about what to do but feel stuck and you can’t explain why?

Watch your business soar to new levels of success when you learn to embrace your Authentic Marketing Style. Having the courage to show up with authenticity and daring to be remarkable will allow you to get the results you deserve while making a bigger impact in the world.

Wednesday, March 18
1:00 pm est

Join us for this free teleclass!

Register Here!

Yes, we'll record it and you'll want to know we are giving away bonus' for being on the live call!  I hope you can join us!

En-JOY! 
Laura

Joyful Business Podcast #23: Becoming the Complete Entreprenuer

Don't miss another episode - subscribe today and be the first to know when a new podcast comes out  - Join our "Creating Your Joyful Business" newsletter - http://www.joyfulbusiness.com/subscribe.html

Here is the latest episode of the Joyful Business Podcast featuring interviews with some of the most talented and joyful entrepreneurs on the Internet. Each interview is full of nuggets of wisdom about how being joyful and mindful in your business brings you the success you deserve. You'll find tips, stories, and real life ideas for keeping the joy, passion and creativity alive.

Join us every two weeks in Cafe Entrepreneur for a new interview.

In episode #23, we talk to "Street-Smarts" Marketer, Kathleen Gage, who is the CEO and founder of Turning Point, Inc. and Maxwell Publishing, as well as a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and an internationally recognized Internet marketing and publicity expert for speakers, trainers and authors. She enjoys working with spiritually minded entrepreneurs who want to learn how to package their expertise and knowledge into money making products and service, while using their spirituality to enhance their business and to complete their lives.

Through Kathleen's success, she has found that as long as she makes living in a state of gratitude the cornerstone of everything she does, then things will work out better on the whole - no matter what the circumstances are around her. She has taken time to work on gratitude daily through small spiritual rituals, and suggests ways we can do this as well.  As we take the time to work on this aspect of our lives, we will find that we feel more complete, and we will be able to enjoy our work, our business, and our lives more completely!

Listen Now: 

If you enjoy this Joyful Business Podcast then you'll love our bi-weekly newsletter, Creating Your Joyful Business, filled with resources and how-to's for creating a financially successful business while honoring your lifestyle, your relationships and your creative expression!  Subscribe at: www.JoyfulBusiness.com  and receive your Free Business Attraction Success Kit!

Enjoy!

Laura

Joyful Business Sightings - Pat Altvater

I created the Joyful Business Guide™ system to help creative entrepreneurs bring together the power of law of attraction with smart marketing strategies.  I love sharing stories from Guide owners about their experiences and thought you'd love to hear about it too!  

From:  Pat Altvater, Transformations Institute   

"Hi Laura - I LOVE my Joyful Business Guide. The Daily Giggle Goals cards are my favorite and they WORK! Just the other day I wrote a "Universe goal" that said people looking for speakers would contact me and sure enough the next day I got a call out of the blue from a woman that owns a speakers bureau who found me through the National Speakers Association. How's that for fast?

Loving it, Pat"

En-JOY!

Laura

Ready for a Creative Business Retreat with me?

I spent last week in Boston - "enjoying" the winter weather and visiting with two of my platinum clients - creative business owners .  It's tough for me as I only have "southern winter" clothes.  Not quite waterproof, slip-proof and protective enough...but it worked out.

Here is a photo of me in the snow at our retreat center.  I like to find beautiful and inspiring spaces.  This time the retreat was at a cute farmhouse.  (mental note: add into my vision story that all retreats are in WARM, beautiful and inspiring spaces)

I get asked alot about what goes on during these day long Creative Business Retreats.  What do you do all day? 

These Creative Business Retreat Days are part of a year long Magic & Miracles Platinum Program.  It's for business owners who are ready to go beyond their current level in a much bigger way. 

As part of the program you get a day devoted to your business.  It's tailor made to your needs and where you are in your business.  We usually include:

• Getting clear about your vision and claiming it!
• Getting super focused on your "opportunity niche",
• Setting intentions for the year and specific goals for the next 90 days,
• Brainstorming and designing packages for your services,
• Identifying your free gift opportunities,
• Creating an outline for information products,
• Creating a plan for building your list and increasing your visibility & credibilty,
• Picking my brain and expertise for resources, systems and support,
• Getting clear about the steps for the next 90 days
• Laughing, creating, designing, probably a little crying, and a whole lot of dreaming!

Ready to really make your business "holistically" joyful?  ie: financially, meaningful, enjoyable, and easier!

Curious about who is an ideal Platinum client - believe it or not - it's creative business owners like you...they have said "it's time" and made a commitment to themselves and quite frankly, to the universe, claiming that they are stepping into the CEO role!  It's very powerful! Here's photos of two Platinum clients - top above, Laurie Mandato, President of Imaging Joy.  She is works with speakers, coaches, authors who are stepping into the spotlight of public speaking and want feel fantastic in their appearance and style.  And, below right, is Ginger Burr, President of Total Image Consultants.  She is a veteran Image Consultant, and among her offerings has these amazingly fun Girlfriend Parties.  She is also known as one of the "Most Fascinating Vegans" by VegNews magazine for her work with dressing and living as a vegan. 

These are creative women putting their passion into the world and wanting to honor it by making it more successful, easier, and keeping the joy alive!

If this resonates with you and you'd like more information - Send me an email telling me a bit about yourself and request our Platinum Package.  We will send you more information and an application. 

I am imagining our WARM creative retreat right now! :)

En-Joy!

Laura

Are you an Intelligent Optimist?

I love this month's cover story in Ode magazine, "In Praise of Intelligent Optimists".  So much better of a name than being called "pollyanna", don't you think! This article really speaks to us as small business owners and in particular our entrepreneurial energy and skills.

The feature article talks about how the world has fallen into a dark state...as well all hear constantly and see results daily...and yet it's times like this when we need optimism.  It's easy to be an optimist when things are going fine but it's a real mark of character when you can be optimistic during tough times.

More from the article: "Optimism isn't about denying reality; it's about creating a better reality than you're facing...The Intelligent Optimist knows a half-empty glass is also half full. And she knows more can be gained by focusing on what she has than by focusing on what she's missing. You learn to become optimistic by concentrating on things that give you a sense of satisfaction and you remain an optimist by feeding those things to make them grow.   Intelligent Optimists know that for every problem there is (at least the beginning of) a solution andd that the search for that solution can be inspirational in itself."

Ode goes on highlight their first ever list of 25 Intelligent Optimists featuring individuals around the world who are doing their best to bring positive change to their communities, their countries and the world.

What I get about this view is that optimism is a choice.  It's not about denying reality - in fact, there is power in being able to confront the real issues of what's going on around the world or even in your own bank account.  What I see is that my clients are paying even more attention to their business.  This is when your entrepreneurial creativity really gets fired up.  You look for ways to create solutions - you hae to be more ingenius when the flow of abundance shifts. (notice I didn't say dried up...it hasn't dried up...just shifted) 

This is a time to listen to your business - what is it telling you? It will point to places that are broken and need your attention. It will whisper areas of abundance just waiting to be picked.  Really hear your clients and customers - they will tell you what they want now in their circumstances...sometimes they want more access to you, sometimes they want it packaged differently...listen.....you will see it, hear it, feel it...the solutions are right in front of you.

You do have to slow down to hear the whispers.....

In my Joyful Business Guide system we get you to focus on JoyFlow Sightings.  This seems like a perculiar activity for marketing system but let me tell you...looking for the joy that is flowing in your business at this very moment will do more to shift your energy, help you tap into your creativity and get you into inspired action than anything else!  Check it out at Joyful Business Guide...

En-Joy!

Laura